Colony Magazine #10 • April 2019

Easter Events for the Kids Shelby Sudbrink Memorial Scholarship

entrĂŠe: McPhee's Grill

with Jessica Main of Templeton Chamber of Commerce

COLONYMAGAZINE.COM

c ontents April 2019

FEATURES

20

22

WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS ARE

CARRIZO PLAINS, WHALE ROCK, SHELL CREEK, SEE CANYON, AND MONTAÑA DE ORO

24 TWO IN TOW TAKES YOU INSIDE IMMERSIVE ZOO EXPERIENCE

RED PANDA EXHIBIT OPENS AT CHARLES PADDOCK

TIPPIN’ AIN’T EASY

AZURAE SHULTZ: BORROWED & BLEU

25 LOCAL THEATRE PRODUCES ANNIE JR. APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE

DEPARTMENTS

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30

BUSINESS 38 WCJ Property Management: Carrying On a

Family Legacy TENT CITY Atascadero City Hall Report 40 What is the Colony Heritage Center?

44 Atascadero Colony: A 1915 Parliment Report 35

ROUND TOWN Colony Buzz: Freedom Festival Returns 12 Colony District: Boy Scouts Plant Flags 14 Santa Margarita: Staying Beautiful 15 Supervisor Debbie Arnold Talks Outdoors 16 Atascadero Printery Moves Ahead 18 Shelby Sudbrink Memorial Scholarship

EVENTS 26 Easter Events for the Kids 27 Paso Robles Art in the Park 27 Joy Playground Opens April 5 28 Wine 4 Paws: April 6 & 7 30 Warbirds Wings & Wheels 11 31 Education: SLO County Schools

By Dr. James J. Brescia, Ed. D. 32 entrée: McPhee’s Grill with Jessica Main 33 T-Town: Firefighters Race for the Cure 33 TAAG: Templeton Area Advisory Group 34 Hoofbeat & Calendar

SPECIAL FEATURE 19 Natural Alternative: Celebrating 24 Years!

COLONY TASTE 36 Taste of Americana: Decadent Brownie Pie

SOMETHING WORTH READING 06 Publisher’s Letter 10

4 | colonymagazine.com

TIDES 46 Amgen Tour Comes to Morro Bay 47 Tidelands Up for Bid 48 Morro Bay Volleyball Gets Beachy 49 Cruisin' Morro Bay Car Show Hits Street in May LAST WORD 50 Santa Lucia Rockhounds Gem Show

ON THE COVER 2017 Carrizo Plains Wildflower Bloom Photo by Nicholas Mattson

Colony Magazine, April 2019

www.VisitAtascadero.com (805) 461-5080

Something Worth Reading ATASCADERO • SANTA MARGARITA CRESTON • MORRO BAY

VOLUME I PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicholas Mattson PUBLISHER, OPERATIONS Hayley Mattson LEAD AD DESIGN Denise McLean

•

NUMBER 10 CONTACT US

(805) 239-1533 colonymagazine.com publisher@colonymagazine.com MAIL: P.O. Box 3996 Paso Robles, CA 93447

LAYOUT & DESIGN Travis Ruppe

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OFFICE: 1244 Pine St. Suite 204 Paso Robles, CA 93446

CONTRIBUTORS Meagan Friberg

Proud to be Local!

PREPRESS PRODUCTION Sue Dill

Colony Magazine ©2019 is a local business owned and published by local people, Nicholas & Hayley Mattson

Millie Drum

Mira Honeycutt Melissa Chavez Heather Young

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EDITORIAL DEADLINE

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Carmen Kessler carmen@pasomagazine.com John Lozano john@pasomagazine.com

5th of each month preceding publication

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Colony Magazine is published monthly and distributed FREE to every residence and business in Atascadero 93422, Morro Bay 93442, Santa Margarita 93453, and Creston 93432 zip codes. Postage paid at Paso Robles, CA 93446.

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Commentary reflects the views of the writers and does not necessarily reflect those of Colony Magazine. Colony Magazine is delivered free to 22,000 addresses in North San Luis Obispo County. Our costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue. Our Local Business section spotlights select advertisers, but all other stories are determined solely by our editors. Submit ideas, press releases, letters and photos to editor@colonymagazine.com.

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“Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

— Thomas A. Edison “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”

– Dale Carnegie

W

e hope you enjoy reading our magazine. We do our best to help connect the community with important things going on. The most important two things I hope you get from this publication is 1) that we live in a place in the world that ought to be enjoyed to the fullest in the great outdoors, and 2) that open dialogue with the purpose to invent a better world is a part of our philosophy, and we are open for business. If you have an idea that needs to be shared, we are looking forward to hearing from you.

We are in the business of business, but also in the business of information about the great efforts of our local nonprofits, people and other events happening that need support or are just plain good times that we can share together as members of this community.

From the Friends of the Atascadero Lake, to the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation, to the Printery Foundation, to Kiwanis … there are so much more and all the efforts to preserve and improve our little corner of the planet are such a sweet part of what it means to be here.

You are reading our 10th issue! In the age of technology and online shopping, we hope you realize what an amazing thing it is to have a printed publication filled with local businesses working together to make our community a great place to live. This is truly our magazine. You are free to join in by starting a conversation with us about an important person or part of history of our community.

We are all living in a place that was created with hard work and dedication. We will leave our future generations a place as well. What kind of place that is, well that is up to us.

What we know is that a small group of dedicated people can change the world, and we are fortunate to have many small groups like that around here.

Let’s change the old adage that 10 percent of the people do 90 percent of the work. Get involved in one of our local nonprofits or organizations and give at least thee days of work to make the world a better place. Would you sign up for an opportunity like that? What if there was a volunteer list you could join that would send you opportunities that you could choose from that fit your personal schedule? Would you sign up? Let me know.

We should start that together.

Every one of my strong relationships began by joining a team. Let’s get you on team.

Please enjoy this issue of Colony Magazine.

Nicholas Mattson 805-239-1533 nic@colonymagazine.com If thou wouldest win Immortality of Name, either do things worth the writing, or write things worth the reading.

— Thomas Fuller, 1727

Colony Magazine, April 2019

SAVE THE DATES! 3rd annual 4th of July

46th annual atascadero

5th annual historic

Bluegrass Freedom Festival

colony days parade & Historic Tent City Festival

Tent City after Dark Concert

Thursday, July 4 2 - 8 p.m.

ATASCADERO LAKE PARK BAND STAND

FOUR BANDS FOOD, BEER & WINE KIDS AMUSEMENTS FESTIVAL SEATING FREE ADMISSION A Colony Days Fundraiser

Saturday, Oct. 5 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

EL CAMINO REAL FROM DAVIS BODY SHOP TO SUNKEN GARDENS

PARADE & awards wiener dog races food, beer & Wine kids amusements free admission

Friday, Oct. 4 6 - 10 p.m.

HISTORIC TENT CITY IN SUNKEN GARDENS

THREE BANDS TABLE-SEATING INSIDE TENT CITY DINER, BEER & WINE $15 EARLY-BIRD A Colony Days Fundraiser

Join Colony Days!

We need 2019 Sponsors • Volunteers • Board Members to help produce Atascadero’s Premier Community Celebration!

Go to COLONYDAYS.ORG to join online, or email info@colonydays.org

3rd annual Freedom Festival coming July 4

Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players The Blue "Js" • AJ Lee & Blue Summit Toro Creek Ramblers • BanjerDan

By Nicholas Mattson

I

t is never too early to plan for the 4th of July, and in San Luis Obispo County, there is so much to choose from. Finding the right fit was crucial for the Atascadero 4th of July Bluegrass Freedom Festival.

In planning the inaugural event, the committee did not want to compete with the Templeton Fourth of July parade, or with fireworks at night, so a mid-afternoon start was just the ticket.

Living up to its name, the event will be free and open to the public again in 2019. Don’t mind the fencing … that is just a barrier for the alcohol. While Atascadero has no open container law, it is against state law to bring alcohol in or out of event fencing.

Don’t worry, there will be plenty to eat and drink inside while some of the best bluegrass in California play on an idyllic afternoon at Atascadero Lake Park.

The large shady oaks provide just the right cover from the hot July sun, and the cool grass around the Kiwanis Bandstand make for the perfect festival seating area.

The lineup will again be topped

by Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players, returning for the third year in a row. Coming back from a great show last year, The Blue “Js” will perform. They are a young group with a lot of fun energy. AJ Lee and Blue Summit will bring a strong voice and energetic sound to the stage beginning at 3 p.m. Opening the show, Toro Creek Ramblers will kick things off

Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players. Photo by Rick Evans

and BanjerDan will emcee.

This year, the festival will move an hour earlier to allow for a great afternoon with time to get to wherever you will enjoy fireworks. The day will start at 2 p.m.

There are no fireworks allowed in Atascadero, so enjoy the great festival atmosphere and celebration of Independence Day before heading off for the evening.

There will be multiple bounce houses, Americana games and contests, barbecue chicken plates, hotdogs, and other food vendors.

Atascadero Printery will once again serve the beer and wine, raising funds and awareness for the Print-

ery Foundation mission.

The whole event is a fundraiser for Atascadero Colony Days, a nonprofit that produces the annual parade and Historic Tent City Festival downtown in October.

Vendor spaces are going fast, so if you want to host a booth, go to the website to register.

Festival seating good for lowback chairs, no blankets in front of bandstand. Lots of seating, but get there early to claim your space.

Discount Meal Deal tickets now available online.

For more information or tickets go to atascaderofourthofjuly.com or colonydays.org.

Free Admission • Food • Wine • Beer • Vendors Kid Zone • Bounce House • Americana Games • Playground

3rd annual • 2-8 pm • atascadero lake Park

Snap Jackson & The Knock On Wood Players The Blue “Js” • A J Lee & Blue Summit T h e To r o C r e e k R a m b l e r s • B a n j e r D a n

Enjoy an afternoon of great music, food, and games before you head out for fireworks around the county!

Festival seating. Bring lowback chairs. No blankets by stage area. No fireworks.

Earlybird BBQ tickets & merchandise available now! atascaderofourthofjuly.com

10 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, April 2019

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Building stronger community through youth leadership Troop 51 wants to put a U.S. flag outside of every business on El Camino Real from Traffic Way to Curbaril Avenue in Atascadero on key U.S. holidays

By Sean Brown oys Scouts of America Troop 51 was first established in Atascadero in 1928. Over the years Troop 51 has gone through changes and in 2016 was rechartered with the help of Knights of Columbus, Santa Lucia Council 3648 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2814.

Dr. Sage Hider, of Primary Eye Care and Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 51, thinks most businesses are too busy to remember to put a flag out on US holidays but really want to.

"Displaying a full sized U.S. flag is a hallmark of a strong, local business,” Hider said. “It shows that they are connected with

B

their broader community and care about their country. When a business displays their patriotism on the key U.S. holidays it shows their patrons that they are engaged in their business and have respect for the flag and everything it represents. Troop 51 can help local businesses to display their patriotism on four key holidays throughout the calendar year."

Troop 51 will post a US flag on a pole in front of participating business at 7 a.m. on four key US holidays: • Veterans Day • Presidents day • Memorial Day • Independence Day - July 4

Sean Brown, Scoutmaster for Troop 51, is excited to start this new fundraising program for the Troop and Atascadero. "This is a new program that will build over time, helping local business, and our Scouts. Making it easier to go on outings, learn new skills, and do even more community service."

The purpose for raising funds for Troop 51 is to expand Scouting activities in Atascadero and to eliminate financial constraints on Scouts and their families that would restrict their involvement in the Scouting program.

It is our goal to create a process that will allow for ongoing funding to purchase equipment and supplies,

and fund outings. We would like to create a funding source that affirms in our Scouts that they work to pay for their own program and not expect to be supported by donations alone.

Troop 51 is looking for more businesses. Learn more: troop51atown@gmail.com www.troop51atown.com/flags

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The 7th annual

Lighthouse 5K Fun Run & Family Day LighthouseAtascadero.org

June 1, 2019 8 a .m. to 11 a .m.

Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery

5036 S. El Pomar, Templeton

Presenting Sponsor:

Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation

• Run or walk!

• Kids 1/2 mile & 100-yard dash • Food, vendor fair & bounce house • Register online: EventBrite.com A

SCAN ME TO

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committee

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ia t

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with you every step of the way

cs

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LIGHTHOUSE ATASCADERO A program dedicated to overcoming addiction through awareness, prevention, intervention, and education.

SMALL TOWN Big Heart

By Simone Smith

S

anta Margarita is not a city — you can clearly see that driving through on El Camino Real. We have no mayor, City Hall or paid public employees to charge with the everyday goings-on. We are in an unincorporated area within SLO County and, thanks to our wonderfully active community, are the embodiment of “small town America.. I’m not talking population-wise — you can find plenty of places around the same, more or less, in numbers. I’m talking about character. Santa Margarita is one of those close-knit communities where everyone knows everyone, welcoming new neighbors, looking out for each other's kids, finding owners of wandering pets, watching out for and caring for one another, lending a hand when needed and getting involved in community improvement projects. Santa Margarita thrives on volunteer involvement and April is full of opportunities to come together with friends, families and neighbors for some fun Spring cleaning and beautification.

Santa Margarita’s Annual Community Clean Up events all began with a suggestion, at a CSA (Community Service Area) meeting back around 2007, to beautify the town and was off and running under the leadership of three enthusiastic volunteers. What began as a simple clean up day coordinated with the help of MidState Solid Waste has grown over the years in complexity, prompting the organization of the Santa Margarita Beautiful nonprofit (now under the Santa Margarita Village Association) to fundraise, organize and promote the concepts of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.” Past projects have included weeding, planting and clean up of

COMMUNITY PRIDE IN SA N TA M A RG A RITA

the downtown, the Community Demonstration Forest and the Santa Margarita Cemetery as well as furniture painting, adding an information kiosk, planters, bike racks, benches and trash receptacles to the downtown area.

Having no city funding, this annual Community Clean Up event is truly community driven.

Each year local businesses help as sponsors to cover event costs or by donating items for raffle prizes. The County of SLO provides promotion by including event flyers in with the water bills, residents, families and friends help by volunteering to clean up, beautify and work on various projects. Visitors help by purchasing raffle tickets, supporting downtown businesses and having fun finding treasures at the yard sales. And finally, Mid-State Solid Waste helps by providing extra waste pick up from local existing customers.

Now a highlight of the year, this annual event takes place over three weeks and includes awards for Santa Margarita Beautiful Home, Business and Citizen of the Year, Raffle Prizes (including a pair of Zip-Line tickets from Margarita Adventures) and the very popular Town-Wide Yard Sale!

Santa Margarita Village Assoc. Presents: Santa Margarita Beautiful

Here in “small-town America” it’s funny to think of comments reported by some locals when people come into town asking where town hall is or when new folks to town say “you need to tell them to fix (this) or do (that)” or always the favorite “what you need to do is…”.

Well, we are “them” so join us and let’s have fun and get it done!

This year the Santa Margarita Village Association presents Santa Margarita Beautiful Clean Up 2019.

Saturday, April 13 - Volunteer for Community Clean Up Day, call (805)438-3898 to join a committee, meet at Santa Margarita Community Park to get into a group working around town or out at the Cemetery. Water and lunch will be provided.

Saturday, April 27- Town-Wide Yard Sale!

Sign up for free to be listed on the map by April 21 (the more the merrier!). Sign up online, at the kiosk or at Something Blue.

If you would like to be a sponsor, donate, nominate, volunteer or for more information, call (805) 438-3898 or visit www.santamargaritabeautiful.org

TOWN-WIDE YARD SALE 1 2 3

EVERYTHING FROM A to Z

APRIL 27, 2019 Mark your calendars!

- 8am 40+Homes, Maps available in Town Center & Online.

WIN a ZIPLINE for 2 & lots more PRIZES

Sold at many participating businesses downtown, see website.

- RAFFLE TICKETS ONLY $5.

A BIG

SUPPORT Santa Margarita

- Volunteer at the Clean Up Day April 13th.

Support our local businesses, enjoy town & our wonderful residents. Become a Sponsor.

More info: www.santamargaritabeautiful.org 14 | colonymagazine.com

Thank you to all of our

NSORS SP O

Colony Magazine, April 2019

A message from

County Supervisor Debbie Arnold

A

s spring arrives on the Central Coast, we can be thankful that a wet winter has replenished our depleted aquifers and covered the hillsides with green. The recent rainfalls were heavy enough to run water in the creeks and rivers all over the County.

Our lakes have filled up, and heavy snowpack in the mountains should keep the water flowing well into the spring months. It will be easy to forget the struggles we experienced through the drought years from 2013-2016.

During the drought, we not only found water in short supply, but we lost thousands of trees all across the county. The North County landscape is still littered with native oak trees that may never recover from the drought years. While it is wonderful to have an abundance of water this year, we need to continue to be diligent with water management even in the years of heavy rainfall. Atascadero has the advantage of the Atascadero Mutual Water Company. AMWC does a fantastic job of providing great water management for

April 2019, Colony Magazine

its shareholders, the citizens of Atascadero. Elsewhere in the county, people weren’t so lucky during the drought years. Many landowners in the unincorporated areas saw their wells struggle, and while these big rains should relieve the stress, management of the groundwater and the ability to store enough surface water will be critical to a secure water future.

We learned a lot of lessons through the drought to help us manage water better. Permeable surfaces, water-thrifty landscapes, and areas to percolate water all help create a healthy water budget.

The county is actively working with cities to develop Groundwater Sustainability Plans to comply with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) passed by the State legislature in 2014. With six (6) identified basins in our county, there is a lot of work to do to plan for a sustainable water future. From reducing demand to creating new storage, many ideas are being discussed to ensure that our County’s water supply is sustainable far into the future.

So for now, let’s enjoy this beautiful wet spring! But rest assured, the Water Division of your County Public Works Department will stay focused, so that the next time we have a short rainfall year, we will be ready.

For more information on the SGMA Groundwater Sustainable Plans, please visit www.slocountywater.org.

It’s an honor to represent the 5th District.

- Debbie Arnold, 5th District County Supervisor

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colonymagazine.com | 15

New Printery Founders boost rehab efforts

Many hands make light work in monolithic effort to preserve history

T

he Atascadero Printery Foundation continues its monolithic march toward its mission to “Reclaim, rehabilitate, and repurpose the Atascadero Printery Building as a multi-purpose, community-use facility” and with an alignment with Atascadero Performing Arts Center Committee, part of the repurposing will be to facilitate a grand center for the arts and printing museum.

Before getting to the repurposing part of the mission, there is a great deal of rehabilitation going on at the Printery. Each month, there is a scheduled work day led

by Jim Dewing to perform any number of maintenance and repair efforts from weeds to electrical, plumbing to windows. The work

days are scheduled to allow any volunteers or interested parties to enjoy the community rehabilitation of the building, and provide hands-on assistance and education with regards to our local history.

A full house at the Murder Mystery Dinner on Valentines weekend led to influx of new Founders and funding, as well as getting in front of a new audience of would-be supporters.

Each funding effort plays a key part in the rehabilitation process, and the donations from the Murder Mystery Dinner have already been assigned to a shoring project that will secure the corners of the building and ensure the long-term stability of the oldest building of Atascadero’s historic Civic Centre.

The Atascadero Printery Foundation is the beneficiary of all net proceeds from the upcoming Tent City Marathon, scheduled for April 7. The inaugural event in 2018 brought runners from as far away as New York to come romp through our native hills.

The marathon will have a new trail this year, so watch out for runners on the early morning of April 7 and honk for support of their effort to repurpose the Printery Building.

The runners will begin and end at Sunken Gardens in Atascadero, and there will be information and access to the Printery grounds on the day of the marathon.

A potential event in the works for the Printery Foundation is an

By Nicholas Mattson “Antique Fair” similar to the Antique Road Show. This event will bring a local antique marketplace to the Printery grounds and McNamara hopes to secure a professional appraiser to provide answers to questions collectors may have about their goods.

Coming in May, the annual Founders Reception will be held to give donors a report on the progress of the building, plans, and rehabilitation efforts. Details were unavailable at press time, but will be released when available at the foundation’s website.

For more information, to volunteer, or donate, go to atascaderoprintery.org.

Heartworm Awareness Month

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Make an appointment today 16 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, April 2019

The Hope Chest Emporium

Old Ranch and Antique to Just-Made Local Goods We Carry a Unique Blend

April 2019, Colony Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 17

Honoring #12

Shelby Sudbrink Memorial Scholarship provides support in the face of loss

T

he Shelby Sudbrink Memorial Scholarship Foundation’s 3rd Annual Dinner & Auction will be on Friday May 3 at Santa Margarita Ranch.

Shelby was a Senior at Templeton High School when she was killed in a car accident

Shelby Sudbrink

in 2017. As a memorial to Shelby's life and her positive impact in the lives of others, close friends and family created the Shelby Sudbrink Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to award one scholarship per year, to a female senior athlete from Templeton High School who personifies the passion, integrity and heart that Shelby embodied in her short 17 years. Honoring Shelby’s basketball jersey number #12, the award recipient will receive $1,212.12 at the start of two academic terms per year, for up to eight terms, totaling approximately $9,700.

The first receipeint of the Shelby Scolarship was Miriam Robles, a classmate of Shelby’s.

Miriam is currently a Sophmore at Cal Poly and a Resident Advisor. She plays intramural soccer and has been involved with the Inter Hall Council. She is thinking of a Sociology major and becoming a social worker.

Last year’s winner was Julia Aurignac, who had been a Varsity Basketball teamate of

Shelby’s. During her senior year at Templeton High she was All-County and All-League in Girls’s Basketball, and President of the Templeton Chapter of the FFA. She is currently a Freshman at Baylor University majoring in Nursing.

Shelby’s parents, Michael and Emily Sudbrink, take comfort and joy in knowing that a piece of Shelby will go forward with each young woman who receives this scholarship.

It is their hope that each recepient will use the traits that they share with Shelby to bring laughter and determination and compassion to the lives of everyone they meet going forward. To them, and to all of Shelby’s family and friends, “live for Shelby” really means to let the beauty of Shelby continue to live through you.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased through www.liveforshelby.org or by mailing a check payable to SSMSF, 2000 Spring St. Paso Robles, CA 93446.

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Colony Magazine, April 2019

THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE NUTRITION CENTER

CELEBRATING

24 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

The Natural Alternative wants to celebrate YOU! Join us on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for our Annual Customer Appreciation Day. There will be a 25 percent STOREWIDE sale, sampling of our new flavored collagen, organic teas, protein shakes, CBD chocolates and drops and more!

Your favorite companies such as Vital Protein, Ancient Nutrition, Garden of Life, Barlean’s and Baceae will be serving tastes of your favorites!

We just introduced Vital Proteins due to customer requests! New products include Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Bone Broth Collagen, and Matcha Collagen. Our Collagen Creamers are keto friendly with coconut milk powder flavors of vanilla, mocha and gingerbread. The Collagen Whey Protein is available in unflavored, vanilla/coconut, cocoa/coconut, banana, cinnamon and vanilla. Vital Proteins products are all food based; no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, and are non-GMO organically sourced. Stop by for a sample!

Mike and Miho will offer samples of their amazing CBD chocolates! They will pair their organic teas with CBD chocolate turtles, truffles, peanut butter cups, bonbons and chocolate tarts! Meet them and experience their tasty treats yourself! Mike and Miho have also launched CBD drops that customers are enjoying. Try CALM, HAPPY, INFLAME, and MUSCLE REST. These popular drops are infused with organic herbs from their organic tea line.

And there’s more! Sandy, our essential oils expert, will answer questions about the amazing benefits of these oils. Through their scent, experience the uplifting, energizing or calming properties of various oils. Learn how to properly use them and blend your own personal sprays or perfumes. We carry only the highest quality essential oils, on sale at 25 percent off on Customer Appreciation Day! Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer your health-related questions. Massage therapist Barbara Bruce will give chair massage to soothe your achy muscles.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 13. The 25 to 75 percent off storewide sale only happens once a year! Some exclusions apply. Limited to stock on hand. We’ll have tons of amazing baskets to raffle and samples are given with each purchase. Our Customer Appreciation Day is our way of saying thank you to our wonderful community for supporting The Natural Alternative since 1995!

- The Natural Alternative Team Bobbi, Sandy, Nick, Moriah, Monika & Denae THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DIAGNOSIS, PRESCRIPTION, OR TREATMENT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL COUNSELING WITH A HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

April 2019

The Story of Us | 19

Where to find

WILDFLOWERS IN SLO COUNTY

Late rains will cause a later bloom this season

By Heather YoungBy Heather Young

W

ith the heavy rains the Central Coast has seen, the landscape has become very green and the wildflower season this year is expected to be epic. In 2017, we received almost 30 inches and the blooms off Shell Creek Road and Carrizo Plains were both amazing. This year will not be one to miss, and we hope you get out and enjoy. The blooms rush in, and begin to die off after a few weeks so don’t miss your chance.

According to the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants, the wildflower season is expected to be a good one, but with some challenges that could affect getting to the flowers. As of March 1, some trails, roads and highways were closed due to water erosion, rock slides and subsequent damage. The foundation posts a wildflower update every Friday on its website at theodorepayne.org. You can also call 818-768-1802 ext. 7 for updates.

SOME ETIQUETTE FOR VISITING AND PHOTOGRAPHING WILDFLOWERS: - Stay off private land - Don’t travel down closed public roads - Don’t trample the wildflowers - Don’t take nature with you, which includes picking wildflowers

At the Bureau of Land Management’s Carrizo Plain National Monument, wildflowers have not yet bloomed as of early March because parts of the Carrizo Plain were still covered in snow. The bureau is encouraging the public to leave no trace when they visit the wildflowers. That means not leaving trash or food behind.

Typically, wildflower season is from midMarch to the first week of May, but that is

20 | The Story of Us

with the area getting significant rainfall by mid-February. The county received a great deal of rain —and snow in some parts — in mid-March again year, so that could result in a late wildflower season.

Before planning a trip to Carrizo Plain National Monument, the Bureau of Land Management encourages visitors to call the automated hotline at 805-475-2035 to check conditions.

WHERE TO FIND WILDFLOWERS While there are places that usually have large amounts of wildflowers year after year, those same areas sometimes have fewer flowers.. A lot of that has to do with the rainfall that year. During heavy drought years, there were fewer abundant fields of wildflowers.

Heading to more rural areas, such as the Carrizo Plain or somewhere between there and the 101, you’ll see more. That has a lot to do with the number of people who wander among the flowers.

Some other popular places in San Luis Obispo County to see wildflowers include: - Shell Creek off Highway 58 east of Santa Margarita - Whale Rock Reservoir - See Canyon Road - Montaña de Oro State Park

April 2019

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The Story of Us | 21

BORROWED & BLEU

By Azurae SimoneShults Smith

appy Spring! With the start of a new wedding season upon us, we are starting a new chapter of this column as well!

Here on the Central Coast most of us industry professionals consider the bulk of March through November as prime wedding season.

With April already here, there will be more and more guests in town, hotel rooms filling up and tables reserved at our local restaurants.

Most brides at this point in the process have checked the major planning items off their list:

Venue • Catering • Photographer • Florist • Rentals • Cake & Dessert • Hair & Makeup • Shuttles •

The invites are in the mail, the responses are trickling in, and now it’s time to start confirming the final details of your wedding day. But here’s the catch: if you haven’t already contracted with a coordinator you might be in bad shape.

There are so many details that coordinators handle as the day takes shape. It’s difficult to take that all on by yourself — you need information and direction. One detail in particular seems to get overlooked when brides don’t work closely with a coordinator — gratuities!

I always try to educate my clients about the importance of tipping properly for all of their wedding services. Let me clear up the air on this subject.

Gratuities are a tricky and often uncomfortable subject. I hope that this information will make you feel confident in your decisions and shed some light on an often overlooked part of wedding planning.

WHO DO YOU TIP?

As a general rule of thumb, I encourage clients to tip as many of their dedicated vendors as possible. It’s important to wait until the end of the wedding or even the week after to hand off your tips, just to make sure they did a great job, much like a restaurant. You don’t tip the waitress before the meal right? Weddings are a service- and hospitality-based industry so your experience should be complete before you hand out your gratuities. If you can tip all of your vendors, that’s amazing. But if your funds are limited after planning a big wedding then

22 | The Story of Us

for your BIG DAY! Here are some recommended gratuity ranges if 15-20 percent doesn’t work for you.

Delivery & lighting crews: $20-$40 per person on the delivery team Baker: $100-$150 Bartenders: If no tip jar was allowed during the wedding then plan on tipping them $3-4/ guest. If a tip jar was allowed, then a flat rate of $100-$200 per bartender is appropriate.

Photographer & Videographer: $200-$400 each Florist: If your florist is providing a full-service installation of your floral décor, staying to organize and distribute personal flowers and then returning at the end of the event to help break everything down, then they definitely warrant a great tip. I recommend $300-$500 for your florist to share with their team.

DJ or musicians: $200-$400 is a great gesture for a DJ. Live musicians/bands sometimes have several members performing so you should consider tipping each of them $100-$150.

Photo booth attendant: $50-$100 Venue manager: $100-$150 Hair & Make up team: $150- $200/stylist Coordinator: Day-of coordinators should receive $200-$400, partial planning $400-$600, full service $600-plus.

I recommend tipping your onsite vendors first.

These are the people who worked the long hours, did the heavy lifting and interacted with your guests. Although we love our behind-thescenes vendors too, I feel the onsite vendors take priority. These vendors would include; catering staff, bartenders, photographer, videographer, florist, DJ or musicians, photo booth attendant, I always recommend placing cash or checks venue manager, hair and makeup artists and in labeled envelopes for each of your vendors. coordinator.

The next layer of vendors to tip would be your Give your coordinator instructions to distribute the envelopes at the end of the event or to baker, delivery crews and lighting teams. send them out to everyone the Monday after the wedding.

HOW MUCH No matter how you peel the apple back, tipSHOULD YOU TIP? ping is very subjective. If you follow these basic There’s a ton of confusion surrounding how much to tip and whether some vendors include recommendations you will have a much easier gratuity automatically. There are some great time deciding who and how much to tip! resources available online that you can use for reference. However, I have found that a lot of online opinions come from larger markets with much larger wedding budgets. Similar to how you tip in a restaurant, considering a 1520 percent gratuity for all of your vendors is a very nice gesture. That’s not always feasible so I HAVE A WEDDING QUESTION ? would recommend working your way through Email me at hello@cielbleuevents.com the list of onsite vendors to see how much love Azurae Shults | Ciel Bleu Event Design you can spread around. www.cielbleuevents.com

April 2019

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RED PANDA Experience

opens at CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO

By Tonya Strickland

A

fter being under construction for what felt like forever, the Thelma Vetter Red Panda Experience is now open. And thank goodness, because those little cinnamon-tufted mammals are our favorite! Red pandas are raccoon-sized animals that munch bamboo and, in the wild, live in trees in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located next to the tiger exhibit, the new area is home to three red pandas, each about 2 years old. A zoo volunteer told us they’re brothers named Yeren and Ping-Jing from the Philadelphia Zoo; and another male named Pabu, from the Denver Zoo. The trio has lots of twisty branches to climb on, all stretched across this impressively roomy new exhibit’s ground floor, providing us a nice area to watch them. Fiveyear-old Clara told me she liked the three spots to spy on the red pandas: two covered viewing towers and a bridge between them.

The kids especially loved running back and forth across that bridge like the wild banshees they are.

Follow a densely bamboo-lined walkway, and you’ll find a separate

24 | The Story of Us

mini-exhibit for the surprisingly colorful black-naped fruit dove and chipper laughing thrush bird (and I think some other types of cool birds) in a caged area.

After exiting, head north and there’s a surprise second entrance to see the red pandas from a low-level viewing area behind a glass wall. It’s a super cool spot that puts you up close with the animals. Honestly, the whole place has a great immersed-in-nature vibe with few physical barriers.

And that’s by design. The exhibit launches the zoo’s new biodiversity hotspot theme that will one day showcase the Earth’s five most biologically-rich habitats on the verge of extinction, zoo director Alan Baker said. The red panda exhibit represents the Indo-Burma hotspot from Southeast Asia.

The Chinese muntjac (looks like a small deer) and Asian brown tortoise are among the other animals who join the red pandas in this hotspot. Menderu, the zoo’s

existing Malayan tiger, is also part of the hotspot but he stays in his old exhibit.

Except… he’s super curious about his new red panda neighbors and it’s hilarious to watch.

We even saw him creepin’ a peek of them from the top of his exhibit wall.

The zoo, located at 9100 Morro Road in Atascadero, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and beginning April 1, the hours extend daily to 5 p.m.

April 2019

Applause Children’s Theater gets $1,000

grant from KSBY Nonprofit will put on production of Annie in May

By Heather Young

pplause Children’s Theater, a nonprofit located in Paso Robles, was one of five Central Coast organizations to receive grants from KSBY and its partners — Halpin Leadership Industries, The Manse on Marsh and Idler’s Home — in its annual Your Favorite Charity contest. A total of 76 nominations were received —the most ever — and the nominations were paired down to 21 by a panel of judges. From those 21 organizations, the public had a period of time to vote for their favorite nonprofits.

At the beginning of March, KSBY announced the awardees: Grand prize winner of $10,000: Family Care Network Winners of $1,000 each: Applause Children’s Theater, Royal Family Kids Camp of Santa

April 2019

Barbara, Pacific Wildlife Care and Jack’s Helping Hand. “We were really excited [getting the award and] being a young nonprofit,” Applause Children’s Theater founder and director Vikki Mullin said, adding that the award will go toward the organization’s next production, which will take place in May. Mullin started the nonprofit in 2016 and the first show, Wizard

Photos courtesy of Vikki Mullin

Vicky holding the $1,000 check from KSBY

of Oz, took place in 2017. The show in 2018 was Peter Pan and this year’s is Annie Jr. “The premise of [Applause Children’s Theater] is that all children are stars,” Mullen said.

“All children that register for auditions are automatically cast in the play. Auditions are for me to cast the leads.” The children who are a part of the theater are in the first grade through high school.

“My goal is to have them on stage as much as possible,” Mullin said, adding that she double casts the leads, so that more children are able to learn what it means to be a lead actor. She splits the number of show that the actor is the lead.

While there were 58 kids in the first production, the 2018 and 2019 productions have 80 children.

The upcoming production of Annie Jr. will take place Friday, May 3 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 4 and 11 at 1 and 6 p.m. at Flamson Middle Schools. Tickets are $15 each. Mullin said the organization is looking for more sponsors

The two actresses playing Annie in “Annie Jr.” are Emma Vogelpohl and Alyssa Wesley

for Annie Jr. “It’s couldn’t be done without the support of the community,” she said. Tickets are available on EventBrite.com and search for “Applause Children’s Theater.”

For more about Applause Children’s Theater and the summer camp will put on in the summer, go to ApplauseChildrensTheater.com.

The Story of Us | 25

Easter Events

in the NORTH COUNTY

By Heather Young are welcome and there is no age limit. Bring one dozen filled eggs pring is coming and so is for the hunt that begins at noon.

Easter, which falls on Sunday, April 21. Through April ATASCADERO UNITED METHODIST there are Easter egg hunts and other activities open to the community.

EGG HUNT Atascadero United Methodist While there used to be more largescale, city-sponsored events, those Church, 11605 El Camino Real, have given way to more smaller, will host its annual Easter egg organization- and business-spon- hunt between its two traditional Easter services on Sunday, April sored events.

Check out some of the events 21. Children in the fifth grade and that will happen in the North younger will meet in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m. The hunt will start County this year: promptly at 9:45 a.m. The eggs are found quickly, so be sure to arrive FAMILY FUN EASTER EGG DYING early. The littlest hunters will get a The Atascadero Agricultural head start before the older children Hall, 5035 Palma Ave., Atascade- are let into the yard. For more inro, will host a family fun Easter formation, visit atascaderoumc.org egg dying event on Saturday, or call 805-466-2566.

April 20 from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $5 per person at the door.

PASO ROBLES Each family should bring their MEET THE EASTER own hard-boiled eggs. The hall will BUNNY supply natural plant dyes and storeMeet the Easter Bunny in the bought dyes, as well as crayons. holiday house at the Paso Robles All of the proceeds will go to the Downtown City Park on Saturagricultural hall. day, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the whole family for some holiday fun and don’t forget SPECIAL NEEDS EASTER EGG HUNT your camera. This event is free and The fifth annual Special Needs open to the public.

Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. EASTER EGG HUNT to 1 p.m. at Joy Park, 5599 Traffic AT CENTENNIAL Way in Atascadero. This will be the PARK first time the hunt will take place The Bridge Christian Church in Atascadero at the brand new will host an Easter egg hunt for all-inclusive playground, the first children at Centennial Park in in the county. There will be a bar- Paso Robles following a message becue, egg hunt and more. Siblings and worship starting at 9:30 a.m.

S

26 | The Story of Us

on Sunday, April 21. The egg hunt will be divided into age-appropriate sections for babies through fifth grade. There will be helpers available for younger children so they are sure to have fun searching for and finding eggs. All are invited and welcome.

EASTER EGG HUNT AT TRINITY LUTHERAN

Trinity Lutheran Church will host an Easter egg hunt for children on Sunday, April 21 at 11 a.m.

Children should bring their own baskets. An Easter sunrise service will take place at 7 a.m., followed by an Easter breakfast at 8 a.m. The traditional Easter service will take place at 10 a.m.

TEMPLETON GIANT EASTER EGG HUNT

Celebration Worship Center, 988 Vineyard Drive in Templeton, will host its annual Giant Easter Egg Hunt from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20. There will be 10,000 eggs hidden for the kids to find in three different hunts for different age groups. The free event will include food, snow cones, cotton candy, games, bounce houses, petty zoo, photos with the Easter bunny and more. New this year will be a Nerf war after the hunts.

Those who want to participate should bring their own Nerf guns and eye protection. For more information, contact Pastor Royce Spinks at 805-610-9819.

April 2019

Returns with two events in 2019

By Heather Young

T

he Paso Robles Art in the Park festival, sponsored exclusively by Castoro Cellars, will return to the Paso Robles Downtown City Park for two weekends in 2019: April 13 and 14 and Oct. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While the art festival — called Paso Robles ArtFest and put on by Studios on the Park — has been happening in the park for many years, 2018 was the first year that Steve Powers, the man behind Morro Bay Art in the Park, took over and renamed the event.

“I think it’s really good that Steve Powers took [over the art festival in Paso Robles] and made it a really good show,” said Julie Dunn, artist and co-owner of Park Street Gal-

lery in Paso Robles. “I’m on a mission to build [an art] movement [in Paso Robles]. That’s why I’m glad Steve has done what he’s done.”

Paso Robles Art in the Park saw 100 exhibitors in 2018, and Powers expects the event to grow to 150 exhibitors over time.

Powers said there will be 135 exhibitors at the April event representing independent artists and craft workers from around the county, state and country.

“A couple of years ago I was on the internet and saw that Studios on the Park that ran ArtFest [wasn’t going to do it any longer],” Powers said. “I contacted the city of Paso Robles and told them I could produce a two-day show and it would not cost them a penny.”

After getting approval from the city, Powers got to work on planning his first art festival in Paso Robles. While the Morro Bay Art in the Park events are three days

over holiday weekends — Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, the Paso Robles events will take place in April and October for the weather.

“The weather was a deciding factor in moving the event earlier,” Powers said. “Memorial Day weekend is too hot. Last year we had great weather.”

Due to the constraints of the park in Morro Bay, the Paso Robles Art in the Park event is able to have a third more vendors.

“We have expanded the event,” Powers said. “We’re taking up the entire eastern side of the event. It’s like a little village.”

He said that the Morro Bay show sees 6,000 people over the three-day event. Before the 2018 event, Powers said he expected the Paso Robles show to see 3,000 people per day. Over the two days, he said there were about 6,000 to 7,000 people.

“Paso Robles is used to just one day events in the park,” Powers said.

“This year I think we’ll be much busier on Sunday.”

Dunn represented her downtown Paso Robles gallery at the Paso Robles Art in the Park at the event in 2018 and will do so again this month. She and her business partner, Peggy Turk, take a sampling of the work in their 1320 Park Street gallery. They sell work from the booth and the gallery is also open for attendees to see more work from their artists.

“For people who enjoy going to an art festival, they should come out,” Dunn said. “A lot of the artists are local. You’re supporting locals.”

Dunn added that she likes how Powers encourages people to not only attend the art event but to also visit downtown businesses.

For more information about the show, please visit pasoroblesartinthepark.com.

April 5 in Atascadero as the only JOY PLAYGROUND Opens fully accessible playground in the county

By Heather Young

Joy Playground, located near Colony Park Community Center in Atascadero, opens April 5 at 4 p.m.

The project began in 2013 when special needs moms Sarah Sullivan and Jenelle Allen took the idea to Atascadero City Council and were met by enthusiastic support.

“Parents in wheelchairs can finally get on [a] playground with their

kids,” Parents for Joy board member Geoff Auslen said, adding that even those in wheelchairs can get on the swings. “That’s what inclusive means — it’s for everyone.”

Despite setbacks, the group will keep its promise to open the playground within a year of breaking ground, which happened May 2018.

The playground will be fenced

in so those prone to elopement are safe, and will feature ramps to allow wheelchairs to access the equipment.

“One thing about this project, unlike any other project, [is that] we have to be 100 percent right because it’s 100 percent ADA,” Auslen said.

“There’s no room for error. Everything has to be absolutely precise.”

Parents For Joy will host a

Atascadero-wide yard sale on Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

They are still raising money to cover a bridge loan they received in order to open the park. Go to gofundme.com/parentsforjoyatascadero for more information.

To learn more about the playground

or to donate, visit ParentsforJoy.org.

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The Story of Us | 27

no SLO c o

N o r t h • S a n Lu i s O b i s p o • County

• Special Events

Entertainment • Fundraisers • Community • Service • Government

WINE 4 PAWS CELEBRATING 11 YEARS RUNNING APRIL 6 & 7

By Chuck Desmond

A

fter the thankfully and deliciously-wet winter we've had, man-oh-man, it's just time to be outside and enjoy our patios and barbecues. And in the North County, there's nothing that goes better with those than our favorite wines. It's probably time to restock the depleted wine closet and get out for some tastings, plus revisit our favorite wineries as well as the new ones that have sprung up.

That, fellow wine-buffs, brings us to Wine 4 Paws.

Paso folks Sarah Tomasetti, her husband Steve and some friends were enjoying wine in their back yard with their dogs chasing around and getting in on the fun… but without the wine! Eventually, the conversation got around to figuring out that they could combine both pets and wine.

“Let's do something good for the community and have fun too.”

Win-win.

With the Tomasettis' drive, the idea of enlisting wineries to be the backbone of raising funds to support the cause became a reality. While we love our own pets, the wineries are also ga-ga over them. Tasting rooms

have cats up in window baskets with maybe one eye open and a tail moving just enough to let us know they are real; all breeds of hounds, from sloppy-deep-woofed droolers to back flipping little-guys have their tails-a-waggin'. Tasting room visitors just seem to love 'em.

To not know Wine 4 Paws, you'd have to have spent the past 10 years in a cave or ya just moved here. Y'all know it's just NorthCounty-chic to have a rescue dog or two sleepin' on the porch or a few cats curled up in the sun. It's part of what makes us Central Coastites. We also know that not every dog and cat is in an ideal situation.

However WOODS HUMANE SOCIETY helps protect homeless pets… and that doesn't come for free. Fundraisers are a primary source of curing those financial ills and Wine 4 Paws is a major helper, bringing wine enthusiasts, wineries and pet lovers together in one of the most fun ways ever… and this is the 11th straight year of doing it! Buying wine is something we're gonna do anyway, so do it during Wine 4 Paws weekend to help support this important work.

With a dozen volunteers, the April weekend event has gained

both notoriety and fundraising awareness. On average, about $40,000 is raised each year! Funds are used for food, bedding, vet services, adoption marketing, spay/ neuter services and keepin' the electricity on. In addition, WOODS recently opened the first North County low-cost spay 'n' neuter clinic for cats and dogs that any pet owner can use. See spayslocounty.org.

This year, just short of 100 wineries, plus Olivas do Oro Olive Oil Company, Earth and Fire Brewery, Milestone Tavern in San Luis Obispo, and Jeffry's Wine Country BBQ have signed on to help.

Tackitt Family Vineyards and Venteux Vineyards have specialty crafted and named wines this year just for the occasion! Everyone's support makes Wine 4 Paws a fabulous total-community-involvement fundraiser.

Hands up and sing praises, we finally have our nice weather. Load your friends into the SUV and go wine tasting. Stock up for your tritip barbecues and buy your wine this weekend. It's good for you, the local economy and fabulous help for our community's pets!

Here's how it works: The participating wineries and sponsors

donate a portion of their sales-proceeds to Wine 4 Paws during the weekend. Donation jars on wine-tasting counters collect funds that go for the cause.

Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 6, “Bark After Dark” kicks off the fundraising weekend with select downtown wineries and Jeffry's donating 10 percent of all sales!

There will be live music, food, a photo contest and wine by the glass.

Print out your own wine destination map from the website or get one at the first tasting room you visit. Help generate a donation and have your passport stamped. At the end of the weekend, turn it in and become eligible for prizes and certificates.

If you'd like to have your own Wine 4 Paws shirt, a coffee mug or a variety of dog items, log onto CafePress.com/Wine4Paws and you'll see the entire collection of souvenirs to order.

Thank you to the Tomasettis and crew for their tireless work to help those who can't help themselves! Let's drink, woof, meow and raise a paw to them!

To donate or ask a question, visit Wine4Paws.com.

March 3 — Symphony of the Vines presents "Harp Chamber Music" with Catherine Litaker on harp; Carol Houchens, flute; Michael Whitson, viola; and Hilary Clark, cello, 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Pear Valley Estate Wine, 4900 Union Rd, Paso Robles. Tickets are $15 - $30, students K-12 are free with a paid adult. symphonyofthevines.org March 29-31 — San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen's Association presents the 29th Annual Cattlemen's Western Art Show and Sale at the Paso Robles Event Center. Free show admission. BBQ lunch, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm both days for $10. Evening artist reception Friday 5 to 9 pm, $20 at the door. Featured artist Vicki Catapano.

Submit listings or corrections at nosloco.com/submit-listing

Entries subject to approval. Only paid entries can be guaranteed.

28 | The Story of Us

April 2019

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The Story of Us | 29

More Parking • More Entertainment

Warbirds, Wings & Wheels 11 Promises More Fun for the Whole Family

By Nicholas Mattson

W

hirling like the blades of a UH1D chopper, the crew at Estrella Warbirds Museum is getting the grounds ready for the biggest event of the year — the Warbirds, Wings, and Wheels 11 — coming May 11.

Event coordinator Carol Verstuyft is looking forward to another great year with new features and entertainment.

STUNTMASTERS BMX One of the new big draws will be a BMX show by StuntMasters. On the ground and in the air, BMX stars will show off what bicycle freestyle is all about, with riders hitting a 40foot impact jump ramp.

“Their purpose is to get kids off their cell phones and out of their game box to get outside doing activities,” Carol said, “and the guy heading it up is from Paso Robles.”

The StuntMasters are headed up by John Parker, a Paso Robles native who has 25 years of contest and show experience from around the world, including a decade of X Games competition, 2 MTV Sports and Music Festival wins, a Gravity Games gold medal, and a Guinness World Record.

The StuntMasters will entertain with an interactive experience to turn “positive thoughts into purposeful action.”

Alongside the BMX stunts, there is the Kid Zone with bounce houses, face painting and more for a great time for all ages.

30 | The Story of Us

CAR SHOW & SWAPMEET For the gear heads and shoppers, the swap meet opens at 7 a.m., with 100 spaces to fill — and filling fast — but with 10 acres next door now available for use by the museum, parking is not a problem.

“There is expanded car participant parking and expanded spectator parking,” Carol said.

“If Mother Nature keeps cooperating as she is right now, all of it will be road base so we can extend the parking there.”

The comfortable surface area around the museum will be filled with swap meet vendors, and a parade of vehicles in the car show. Last year, a record number of car show entries made it the biggest event on the grounds.

CACKLEFEST & CHROME Adding to the event, the Cacklefest will be back to rip and roar with six or seven frontend dragsters showing off high-octane engineering. Bring your earplugs!

Among the car show beauties, engine-building expert Bill Maropulos will bring a handmade hot rod for display, along with many locals breaking out their chrome for the first great weather in months.

FOOD & DRINK Food and drink will be on hand with Firestone Walker pouring 805 beer and vendors providing fresh grub while Monte Mills and his Lucky Horseshoe Band plays their signature old-style barn guitar and fiddle.

FRIDAY NIGHT BARN DANCE & DINNER If you just can’t wait, get there on Friday night and enjoy dinner and a dance. On May 10, treat mom to an early Mother’s Day gift.

Get your tickets online at ewarbirds.org today.

Tickets are $35 per person, $245 for a table of eight and $315 for a table of 10.

REGISTER TODAY There are still available spots for the car show and swap meet.

For the swap meet, contact John Spooner at 831-238-1278 or swapmeet@ewarbirds.org.

For car show vehicle registration, event tickets, or more information, go to ewarbirds.org.

ESTRELLA WARBIRDS MUSEUM The Estrella Warbirds Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with several buildings filled with amazing artifacts from every decade of American military.

Don’t miss the upgraded flight simulator with dozens of aircraft to choose from as you fly through time and space.

April 2019

Education and the Arts |

North County Schools Celebrate the Arts James J. Brescia Ed.D.

“ The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.”

County Superintendent of Schools

T

hroughout my career as a teacher, school administrator, college instructor, and superintendent I have been told that arts education in schools is a luxury.

I have watched arts programming reduced to make more time for standardized testing, as part of budget cuts, or sometimes because of the lack of qualified instructors.

There are decades of published research data reporting on the critical need to provide arts integration in our schools. Some of the titles include: “Teachers are using theater and dance to teach math — and it's working,” or “Arts-Based Education Will Power the Creative Economy.”

Bringing together reading and

Michelangelo

the dramatic arts, local North County Read Across America Celebrations were held recently in each of our school districts, schools, and child care centers. Several schools throughout the North County invited me to share some of my favorite books such as “Green Eggs and Ham” or “Huevos Verdes con Jamón.” One of my favorite Seuss quotes that is reflective of the arts is about inspiring inner potential.

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss is reminding students, families, teachers, and the community that we all have something unique to offer the world and we need to empower everyone’s talents. When

I enter our classrooms in the North County the dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, and community volunteers foster the untapped talents of our youth through the arts, agriculture, Skills USA, and Career & Technical Education programs.

I am pleased to report that Studios on the Park in Paso Robles, Vina Robles in Paso Robles, Opera SLO, Symphony of the Vines, and the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art are working with our office to support arts in North County schools. Over the summer space for all North County schools will be provided at Studios on the Park to display student art. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is currently sponsoring the “Awakenings” art

program featuring young artists across the county. Opera SLO is providing dozens of art outreaches to thousands of students throughout San Luis Obispo County with a focus on the North County. Symphony of the Vines provides fully sponsored student tickets to any concert in the North County. Additionally, the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education's Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, Brent Mosser is linking arts-based organizations with our schools and providing support for the arts. The people of the North County make this area such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. I am proud to serve as your county superintendent of schools and to promote the arts.

Hands-on experience and quality education. This is career and technical education at its finest.

Future Careers.

Locally Grown.

April 2019

The Story of Us | 31

featuring

McPhee’s Grill in Templeton

Story and photos by Meagan Friberg :: GUEST LIST ::

Meagan Friberg PASO Magazine Writer Nic Mattson PASO Magazine Owner & Publisher Hayley Mattson PASO Magazine Owner & Publisher :: SPECIAL GUESTS ::

Ian McPhee McPhee’s Grill Chef & Owner Jessica Main Executive Director, Templeton Chamber of Commerce

M

cPhee’s Grill is the perfect choice for our April edition of entrée! Ian McPhee and his team are celebrating their 25th Anniversary of serving locals and visitors to the Central Coast at the iconic restaurant in Templeton…and we couldn’t wait to join in the celebration!

Ian, a self-taught chef, opened McPhee’s Grill in 1994 after managing, owning, and cooking at restaurants along the Central Coast including the former Ian’s in Cambria.

Commenting on the longevity of McPhee’s, he said, “I just love being here, creating food, being with these people; this is my thing. That’s the key; because it’s not work, it’s a lifestyle.”

We asked Jessica Main, Templeton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, to spend time with us and she was thrilled…apparently McPhee’s is her favorite restaurant.

Truly, anyone who has dined at McPhee’s…and if you haven’t, get on over there right now…appreciates the restaurant motto, “dedicated to great food and great service.”

32 | The Story of Us

After being seated at a lovely table overlooking Main Street, we indulged in an amazing lunch with friends!

APPETIZERS

Our attentive server, Dian, delivered a basket of breads ready to be dipped in olive oil and red wine vinegar, a plate of fresh olives, the RU Nuts Pizza, and a platter of Chicken Shitake Mushroom Lettuce Tacos.

Like many of the menu offerings, these two choices are perfect as appetizers to share before the main course or as an individual meal.

Meagan’s Favorite: R U Nuts Pizza – pistachio pesto, basil, Italian sausage from Alle-Pia in Atascadero, mozzarella, pecorino. “Jessica and I are gluten-free diners, so it was wonderful to enjoy this pizza with a special-order crust. The four-cheese blend, including fresh mozzarella and pecorino, delivers a pop of flavor. And the sauce? Amazing!

The unique pistachio pesto with basil, garlic, olive oil, pistachios, and lemon zest is unique and simply fantastic.”

ENTREES

We sampled the Macadamia Crusted Salmon, Baby Back Ribs, Jambalaya Pasta, and Grilled Swordfish Tostada. All were delicious, and the large portion sizes had us asking for to-go boxes!

Nic’s Favorite: Macadamia Crusted Salmon – fresh salmon served with a ginger sesame vinaigrette, spicy cucumbers, and Asian slaw (cilantro, onions, two cabbages).

“I love this; it’s light, crispy outside with a perfect topping of fresh ginger.

The salmon itself, well buttery soft is about as literal and descriptive as it gets.

The ginger sesame vinaigrette provides additional flavor and sauce if you need it, but honestly for me, I can go all day with it naked as served. Delicious.”

Jessica’s Favorite: Baby Back Ribs – grass-fed pork, house-made sauce, cooked in oven and finished on oak pit barbeque. “This is my favorite dish on the menu. The barbecue sauce is the perfect amount of sweet and savory to compliment the juicy, fall-offthe-bone baby back pork rib meat. Ian serves these two ways: with the Ku Fu Asian Rib sauce on the appetizer menu, and on the lunch and dinner menu with his signature barbecue sauce, perfectly cooked crispy shoestring fries and seasonal veggies.”

Meagan’s Favorite: Grilled Swordfish Tostada – fresh swordfish, mango, chipotle & avocado salsas, citrus slaw, black beans & rice.

“I love the presentation of this dish, so fun and unique. And the flavors? It’s like a kaleidoscope of sweet, spicy, mild – this dish has it all. The fish was tender, and perfectly seasoned and grilled.

The slaw with the lemon cumin vinaigrette really packs a punch. The rice, with bits of pistachio nuts and golden raisins, is the ideal companion. I will definitely order this again.”

DESSERT

We ended our lunch with a special treat – Ian’s new, house-made Salted Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream. Yum! “We are making all of our own ice creams now,” he said, “and when you taste the creaminess, well, those other ice creams don’t stand a chance. It’s so delicious; it’s pure love!” That’s an understatement – it was everyone’s favorite!

Ian sources from many local vendors and families, and he was doing farm-to-table long before it was all the buzz. The lunch and dinner menus are filled with favorites – try the oak grilled burgers, salads, barbecued pork sandwich, 2-bone pork chop – and there are daily specials.

Ian said, “Everything on this menu, and every wine on my wine list, is something I would want to eat or drink. Period.”

“I just love what I do; I’m a lucky person,” Ian said. “I don’t think I’ll ever retire. I still love coming to this restaurant, getting in the kitchen, and being part of this wonderful adventure.”

Our special thanks to the entire team at McPhee’s Grill.

Congratulations on 25 years of dedication to great food and great service.

Here’s to 25 more!

Stop by and see see Ian and the team at McPhee’s Grilland tell them you saw their story in COLONY Magazine!

416 South Main Street • Templeton 805-434-3204 • Open daily

April 2019

Templeton Fire Department races to a cure for cancer

By Melissa Chavez

W

hen Templeton Fire Department isn’t responding to emergencies, they’re supporting the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to find a cure for cancer.

For six years, the department has partnered with more than 2,000 firefighters from 26 U.S. states and seven countries to climb Seattle’s 788-foot-high Columbia Center, the second-tallest building west of the Mississippi. The LLS Firefighter Stairclimb, held on March 10, symbolizes the perseverance of those who have fought various forms of cancers.

Templeton’s eight participating firefighters included Team Captain Brandon Wall, who serves as the California Ambassador, Phillip Goldbloom, Jeff Tomlinson, Haustin Morrison, William White, first-time climbers Kurt Mann, Marcus Smith and Brendan Thoele, plus ten firefighters from Cal Fire and three more from San Luis Obispo Fire Department.

TAAG:

The annual flower sale at Templeton’s firehouse in February brought in $15,000 and netted $8,000, all of which is donated to fund cancer research. For the event, all firefighters personally fund their own expenses, including airfare and accommodations.

In 2018, the Templeton Fire Department raised $18,788 and increased its total this year to $21,661.

“We trained for months in full gear two or three times a week,” Brandon said. “Cardio work and climbing at a steady pace are key to making it.”

Despite the mild weather, temperatures in the stairwell soared as firefighters in full structural turnout gear converged in a timed ascent of 69 flights. The act of consuming a full air bottle alone has been compared to running two miles without a break.

“It’s the largest ‘on-air’ competition,” Brandon said. “It can be hot, anywhere from 80 and 90 degrees. We got water poured down our backs just to keep cool.

Brandon’s wife, JoAnn Wall, served as bottle changer to keep everyone oxygenated.

“Not only do we benefit from the camaraderie

within our fire department, but with firefighters from throughout the world,” she said. “As a team, we climbed for North County resident Stephanie Rothbauer who is fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia.”

The firefighters also climbed in memory and honor of retired Fire Captain Mike Erb, longtime Administrative Secretary Celeste English, Fire Chaplin Richard Burch, “Team Maddy” Gonzalez and others in the community.

At age 44, this is Brandon’s sixth year in Seattle.

“I climbed for my sister-in-law, Ann Marie Woods, who got cancer and beat it,” Brandon said. “I’ll do this until I can’t do it anymore.”

To learn more, go to get.colonymedia.us/stairclimb

Toad Creek Watershed and Cannabis Contention

By Mark Diaz

Once again a large portion of the Templeton Area Advisory Group (TAAG) monthly meeting revolved around cannabis outcroppings in the township.

Citizens stepped forward to discuss the proposed Gardner/ McAllister project at 6480 A York Mountain Road. Those who commented vehemently opposed the development for a variety of reasons

that included the skunk-like smell produced by the plants and the destruction of a “designated scenic view” with tall fences and security lighting. All in all, those protesting stated that the project is not compatible with the neighborhood.

After an hour of deliberation and discussion, the council voted to 4 to 0 with Dr. Bruce Jones abstaining on the motion to reverse the previous action of recommending the Gardner/McAllister project to the San Luis

Obispo County Board of Supervisors.

Audrey Weichert from the Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District gave a presentation about the organization’s efforts to protect and inform the public about the Toad Creek Watershed. The nonprofit, located at 65 S Main St #107, Templeton, provides services and education to landowners supporting their management and stewardship of soil, water and natural resources, according to their website.

RCD created the Toad Creek Watershed Stewards Certification Program that encourages business and landowners to take a self-evaluation survey on water conservation and stormwater mitigation on their properties. The program awards good stewards with a yard sign featuring the program’s logo, recognition on RCD’s website as well as receiving educational materials to help spread the word. For more information, visit us-ltrcd.org to take the survey.

TEMPLETON Stop in to see Bianca!

Free Gift with a Blow Dry!

321 S. Main Street, Templeton Call: 805-434-1418

April 2019

The Story of Us | 33

| Hoofbeat & Trail Tales

By Bec Braitling

I

’ve been working on perfecting a few things this winter. Firstly, learning to dodge the constant barrage of powerful storms repeatedly pounding the central coast in 2019. Secondly, when I don’t manage to avoid the rain, lasting the day outside working highly spirited horses whilst changing out jackets at least 8 times. Thirdly, I’ve been reminded yet again that horses really like the rain, and despite my best efforts to provide a nice warm stall for them, inevitably I’ll come out and everyone is standing in the pouring rain anyway. It’s sure been a wet start to the year and I’m hopeful our lakes and water catchment areas are benefiting from the above average rainfall. Along with excessive amounts of rain in California come a few challenges for horse owners, particularly when it comes to maintaining good hoof health.

Everyday I arrive at the barn and pray everyone still has shoes on before I wrestle the mud out of everyone’s feet and stain my hands and clothes with any number of anti thrush products. Looking forward to sunny days ahead!

Trailer S afety

Driving along the 101 last week I was yet again reminded how dangerous trailering horses is. Some roadwork along a freeway entrance caused a near miss and resulted in one of the horses ending up in a very dangerous situation in the trailer. One of my favorite ‘must haves’ is the EquiMedic USA First Aid Kit. It’s a perfect size to store in the trailer

and is stocked full of super helpful products to assist in side of the road emergencies. Another one of my favorites are trailer cameras, there’s a few cost effective models on the market that link straight to your smartphone for quick monitoring. Don’t forget to check your tires, especially after the winter months when trailers aren’t in use as much. One investment I made over the winter was to install an air compressor on the truck, so I can deal with tire troubles a little faster when I have a trailer full of impatient horses. It’s often hard too rely on gas stations or truck stops to have the right tools so an extra long hose that reaches my trailer tires and a portable tire gauge has proven super helpful. Traveling with horses can be stressful so hitting the road well prepared is a must.

Vo l u n t e e r i n g

The equestrian community relies heavily on volunteers, from trail maintenance to running horse shows, pony club, crisis management situations such as fires and floods through to rescues and shelters. Spare time is hard to come by so if you ever have the chance to get out there and give a little time, please give it some thought. There’s plenty of organizations on the central coast needing a little extra manpower right now.

Ellen Corob ta k e s o v e r a t t h e California Dressage Society

San Luis Obispo based dressage rider Ellen Corob has recently taken over the reins as President of the California Dressage Society.

She previously served as president of the San Luis Obispo chapter of the organization in addition to running local shows and organizing the CDS Central Amateur Clinics (the up-

Named for the Anza Expedition of 1775-76, the Anza National Historic Trail extends 1200 mi. from AZ to SF, and portion of the trail goes through Atascadero-San Miguel, generally following the Salinas.

Private property rights for ingress and egress and maintenance are at issue. Watch water flow.

Wildlife: birds, beavers, rabbits, deer, coyotes, bob cats, foxes & mountain lions. The Salinas is noted for quicksand (not the sucking type portrayed in the movies, but a somewhat bottomless type).

34 | The Story of Us

coming one being held at Templeton Farms).

Ellen is an absolute powerhouse, dedicating herself to the sport as well as being an avid competitor herself. We wish Ellen the best of luck with this new role. Visit www.california -dressage.org for information on upcoming shows, clinics and how to get involved in the sport on a local level.

A p r i l Ca l e n d a r April 1-3 Sandy Collier and Barbara Schulte V6 High Performance Clinic, V6 Ranch, Parkfield. Visit v6ranch.com for entry details.

April 10-14 Spring Cowboy Academy, V6 Ranch April 6-7 Kick-Off Schooling Show, Paso Robles Horse Park, check pasorobleshorsepark.

April 11-14 Twin Rivers International Three Day Event, 8715 N River Rd., Paso Robles.

Check twinrivershorsepark.com for more info. Food available daily, spectators welcome.

Volunteers are needed and appreciated, food provided and loads of great horse entertainment.

April 12-14 CDS Adult Amateur Central Clinic with Lilo Fore at Templeton Farms, 1799 Templeton Rd, Templeton. Contact Ellen Corob 804-440-2947 for more details.

April 17-21 Paso Park Welcome Classic at the Paso Robles Horse Park. Enjoy two weeks of top hunters and jumpers on the Central Coast.

Great vendors, food and entertainment. Visit pasorobleshorsepark.com for premiums and spectator information.

April 24-28 Paso Park Spring Classic at the Paso Robles Horse Park.

April 25-28 Burbank Showcase Multi-Breed Show, visit ceashowinfo.com for information.

Los Angles Equestrian Center, Burbank.

Use caution, but don’t panic. Try to move your horse slowly to firm ground. It is best to travel with another rider with rope experience.

Follow directly in the footsteps of others. Wear both a whistle & cell phone. Tell people where you plan to ride & how long you will be out.

Atascadero Access: Wranglerette Arena (7785 Aragon) or Atascadero Mutual Water Co. (6805 Sycamore, v. ltd. parking) or Home Depot Arena (Santa Cruz exit, drive on bridge over RR track, right on Ferrocaril at

bottom of hill, rive one-quarter mile to arena on left) Maps: alltrails.com/trail/us/california/juan-bautista-de-anza-trail; or amwc.us/anza

Brought to you by Whitehorse Tack 2805 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles whitehorsetack.com

April 2019

SB-1 PAVES THE WAY

COUNTY STILL GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF WATER ISSUES

By Mark Diaz

T

he San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors received an annual presentation of the Infrastructure and Facilities Five Year Capital Improvement Plan for all districts.

2019 marked the first year that the County received a significant amount of money from SB-1. Also known as the Gas Tax, the bill is strictly reserved for building and maintaining the California roadway infrastructure.

The majority of the funds were used to repair and repave O’Donovan Road near Creston. The approximate six miles of road also received improvements to drainage and was “enhanced” near the school area, according to the report.

Other portions of the SB-1 funds were spent on Main Street in Templeton, and El Camino Real north of San Anselmo in Atascadero.

Other infrastructure projects completed were the replacement of the 75-year-old Air Park Bridge located between Pier Avenue and Mendel Drive in Oceano and the Bayridge Estates sewer line rehabilitation, which is the last collection system to be built on the new Los Osos sewer collection project. Additional information on ongoing and completed infrastructure projects can be found on the county website.

Board members continued their pursuit to find a comprehensive plan for water basin management.

Courtney Howard from Water Resources Division of the Public

Works Department and Rob Fitzroy, Deputy Director from Planning and Building, presented a feasibility study on fractured rock areas in the County. Not to be confused with fracking, these areas are where subterranean rock layers develop fissures that can and do hold water.

After the presentation, Supervisor Debbie Arnold chided the staff for not addressing the issue of groundwater and drilling first presented in 2015. Problems in the past have emerged when agricultural projects delve deeper into the earth to find water to support their needs.

This deeper drilling poses a threat of contamination to high-quality aquifers. Arnold showed a clip of a 2015 SLO BoS meeting that discussed issues arising from agricultural businesses that were drilling through the

Paso Robles aquifer into the Santa Margarita and Monterey formations as water levels dropped.

During the public comment section, multiple people spoke out against the lack of restrictions for new wells in Paso Robles, namely the Adelaide/West Side area where a plethora of vineyards has formed over the years.

The board unanimously passed a motion that instructed City staff to research the possibility of changing the County’s ministerial well permits issuance to a discretionary one and what criteria it would be based on as well as the legal restraints the County may face.

ATASCADERO CITY COUNCIL REPORT Council tackles trash, pandas and bovine flatulence

By Mark Diaz from the sale of the product, now it’s coming from tipping fees” said he Atascadero City Coun- Lara Christensen, who serves as cil approved staff to enter both city clerk and deputy city into negotiations with manager.

Christensen also stated that the North San Luis Obispo County Recycling to increase recycling City plans to assist in a public edrates referred to as “tipping fees.” ucation effort on what types of maDue to shifts in the market, recy- terials are recyclable. Approximatecling companies have been scram- ly 25 percent of all material put in bling to recoup costs. The problem recycling bins is not recyclable, restems from China, which purchas- ferred to as contamination. Items es recyclable material shipped from such as cereal boxes, wet or greasy the United States. In 2018, China cardboard and even most plastics changed the standards of accept- are no longer profitable for the able waste and turned the indus- company to process. Also, putting try on its head, making it a far less recycling into plastic bags is a big profitable business. The country no-no. Christensen said essentially, also plans on completely removing the only thing worth recycling is itself from the recycling business aluminum and glass.

Christensen presented two pricin 2020.

“Where revenue would come ing alternatives; a flat rate of ap-

T

April 2019, Colony Magazine

proximately $2.90 for all sized bins or an overall increase of $3.65 for smaller bins (32 gallons) which are the biggest culprit of contamination and a more modest increase for larger containers.

The Council discussed a new community engagement program called Talk on the Block. The board initially planned to discuss the topic after City staff had returned with recommendations, but Mayor Heather Moreno stated that she wished to push ahead with the matter.

The program intends to reach out to the public with special meetings to help dispel rumors and have a “back and forth” with residents in their neighborhoods about crucial issues.

Southern California Gas Company representative Tim Mahoney took the podium during the public comment section and spoke on methane. Mahoney explained that the company is working toward harvesting the renewable natural gas from landfills, sewer plants and dairies. SoCal Gas plans to capture the methane, clean it the same way they do for a lot of other indigenous gas, odorize it for safety and pipe it to its customers. Mahoney also said that in a few years, the company plans on using hydrogen, another highly flammable gas, in its pipeline.

“There’s a whole bunch of hip, cool things coming onboard like that,” Mahoney said, “that are scientific and really exciting.

colonymagazine.com | 35

Decadent

BROWNIE PIE TASTE OF Americana

By Barbie Butz

S

GANACHE

Ingredients: 1 cup whipping cream 8 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, chopped

pring 2019 began on March 20 and heralds the celebration of Easter on April 21 this month. I was looking for a simple, but scrumptious dessert to serve at the end of our Easter dinner, and one that I could make ahead and quickly decorate at serving time.

I was scanning through a spring 2005 issue of Taste of Home magazine and found an article titled, “Simply Scrumptious Brownies.”

The first paragraph caught my attention as I read, “Moist and chewy, fudgy or fluffy, those sensational squares we simply call ‘brownies’ accomplish a not-so-simple feat: They tickle just about everyone’s fancy.”

A short “Brownie Biography” indicated that the first known published recipe for brownies appeared in the 1897 Sears, Roebuck catalog, making those simple squares at least 122 years old! I don’t think I’ve ever attended a church supper, picnic, or potluck when someone hadn’t brought a platter of brownies.

However, the recipe I’m including here, which went along with the article, is much fancier than a square brownie and ends up looking like you spent hours putting it together! It can be dressed up with different toppings to match your celebrations.

Optional toppings: Raspberries and fresh mint leaves, drizzled caramel ice cream topping, whipped cream colored with food coloring to match the holiday, or shaved white chocolate curls.

DECADENT BROWNIE PIE

Note: For an Easter celebration, tint some whipping cream with yellow or green food coloring, being careful to keep it a pale color. Place a dollop of the whipping cream on each serving of the brownie pie just before serving. Place three pastel jelly beans on top of the whipping cream and serve.

For a buffet, decorate the brownie wedges with different toppings on the ganache and place them on a tiered tray so guests can have a choice.

Happy Easter!

Ingredients: 2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened 1-1/4 cups sugar ½ cup light corn syrup 2 eggs 1-14 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup baking cocoa ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons milk 2 cups chopped walnuts

36 | colonymagazine.com

Directions for Brownie Pie: Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.

Add corn syrup; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, cocoa and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fold in walnuts.

Spread into a greased, 10-inch springform pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 1-inch from the side of pan comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Directions for Ganache: In a saucepan, bring cream to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate until melted. Cool completely. Remove sides of springform pan. Place a wire rack over waxed paper; set brownie on rack. Pour ganache over the brownie; spread over top and let drip down the sides. Let stand until set. Cut into wedges; garnish with desired topping. Store in refrigerator. Yield: 10-12 servings.

Colony Magazine, April 2019

Keys to Success: WCJ Property Management

A

By Mark Diaz

fter 15 years of cleaning, repairing and working with properties as West Coast Janitorial, the Enriquez family decided to start their own business.

In 2004, George took over operations of WCJ when his father was deployed to Iraq. In November 2018 George along with his wife Cindy and their son Tyler took their collective knowledge and founded WCJ Property Management & Real Estate.

George said that one of the biggest keys to managing properties successfully is availability and knowledge. When things go wrong, and they often do, both the residents and property owners need a person who knows the answers to the solutions. If a pipe bursts at 3:00 a.m. and the house begins to flood, residents do not need the police or fire department, they need the person who knows where the

with a lot of emergency situations that include fires and flooding and even had to help dispose of a deer that give up its ghost in someone’s yard. He said being able to make split-second decisions that are in the best interest of the property owners is difficult, but also a vital element of good property management.

Each team member has their own expertise when it comes to the business. George is management and maintenance while Cindy retains years of experience in HOAs. Tyler is focused on Real Estate, but George proudly states that his son is a wealth of information and knowhow when it comes to maintenance. George said that he and his family strive to provide a one-stop shop for all their client’s property needs.

When asked about naming the business, George said that it is important to remember “where you came from” and since ev-

When you go to manage someone's property, you have to know their property and you have to know it well. main water shutoff valve is located.

This is why George says he makes sure he knows the ins and outs of all the properties he manages and is always just a phone call away.

“When you go to manage someone’s property,” said George, “you have to know their property and you have to know it well.”

In his 15 years of experience, George said that he has had to deal

erything started with his father, George Sr., founding West Coast Janitorial, the family thought it was only fitting to include it in the business's name.

To learn more about WCj visit their website at wcjpm.com or check out the companies video blog on youtube.com by searching WCJ Property Management.

Property Management • HOAs Vacation Rentals • Real Estate Sales WCJ Property Management & Real Estate 7425 El Camino Real, Ste. H, Atascadero, CA 93422

805-464-2252 • cindi@wcjpm.com 38 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, April 2019

Independent Independent locally-owned locally-owned businesses businesses rreecciirrccu ullaattee aa ffaarr g grreeaatteerr percentage percentage of of revenue revenue locally locally On average

48% of each purchase at local independent businesses recirculate locally* compared to around 13% of purchases at non-local businesses.

That is almost 4x as much Buying Power, and the Gift that Keeps on Giving All Year Long!

Advertise in LOCAL publications, supporting LOCAL business and KEEP YOUR MONEY LOCAL.

Keeping it local creates more local wealth and jobs.

Plus, Plus, no no other other publications publications deliver deliver uplifting, uplifting, quality, quality, and and supportive supportive content content to to everyone everyone in in the the community community ... ... period. period.

*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics

What is the COLONY HERITAGE CENTER?

By Volunteers of the Atascadero Historical Society

I

n September 1967, the Atascadero Historical Society opened its first museum in the lower rotunda of the Atascadero Administration Building. This museum was in continuous operation until the San Simeon earthquake severely damaged the building in December 2003. After the earthquake, the Society moved all displays, exhibits and archives to several locations throughout Atascadero. They remained stored until a new leadership team for the Society decided to reopen a museum.

The Society had been given a 1919 Colony era home, in 1965, that was moved from the site of the current Rabobank to its current location across from the Administration building. This house was used for community meetings and other civic events. It was decided to open a new museum in that house. After some structural repairs and a new coat of paint inside and out, the museum curator along with other Society volunteers started to design the exhibits and layout of the facility.

When the process of retrieving the assets of the museum in storage began, there were several disappointing discoveries. At least one location had a water leak that severely damaged several boxes of paper and photographic archives.

Some items placed in storage had gone missing. The overall effect was that the Society had lost a portion of the collections. With many volunteer hours, the new museum opened in 2009 at 6600 Lewis Avenue, directly across from the Administration Building and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Unfortunately, a significant portion of the Society’s collections did not fit in this new space. The new

40 | colonymagazine.com

leadership team decided to explore options to get more space to display the collections and archives.

A new vision for the Atascadero Historical Society Museum was developed.

What was finally decided upon was a Colony Period (1914-1924) neighborhood made up of original historic colony period homes.

These homes would be augmented with outbuildings, like garages, or small barns, that would reflect this period in the history of

and the associated costs. First and foremost, they needed a place to relocate the homes and build our Colony Heritage Center. To the Society’s good fortune, an estate bequeathed funds for the project.

In 2015, the funds were used to acquire almost three acres near the Atascadero Library — where an original tent city had been located. Near the time the Society announced plans to acquire the property, a contractor working on a major project on the grounds

Atascadero. This neighborhood of homes would also include a plaza with a larger-than-life statue of the founder of Atascadero, E.G. Lewis. Each home would house a different part of our collection, and the outbuildings would house bathrooms and larger exhibits, such as old horse-drawn carriages.

The Society found three or four Colony period homes slated to be demolished or that were unwanted and started looking at the actual process of moving these houses

of the Atascadero Junior High School approached.

An old log-cabin looking building built for the youth of Atascadero in the late 1920s early ’30s called “the Cabin,” needed to be demolished or moved. The terms from the School District for the Society to acquire “the Cabin,” were that the building had to move within 60 days.

Again, with a volunteer effort and cooperation of government entities, the Society was able to

move “the Cabin” through the streets of Atascadero in July of 2015. Since the Society had not had the opportunity to do any fundraising for a foundation, “the Cabin” sat at the CHC site, up in the air on cribbing.

In 2018, the Society was given a 1915 Colony home that was located on a lot where a new hotel was to be built. This time the Society had been able to raise enough funds to build a foundation for this new building as well as a foundation for “the Cabin.” Last July, the Society moved the home through the heart of Atascadero, East on Highway 41 to the Heritage site.

The Society completed the forming and pouring of the raised foundation for the house, and then began doing the same type of foundation work for the Cabin. In late August, both buildings were lowered onto the new permanent foundations. In the following weeks they anchored the houses and made them stable, with hope for the next 100 years.

Currently, the focus of the Historical Society is bringing these two buildings up to the current building codes as required by the City of Atascadero. This will include new electrical and water services for the entire site, a new slab floor for “the Cabin,” new electrical wiring for both buildings, new roofs, drywall and other finishes that were needed.

Once rehabilitated, “the CabContinued on page 42

Colony Magazine, April 2019

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available to allow the public to research documents and publications that will not be available anywhere else.

On April 27, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Society will be hosting a get acquainted fundraiser at the site where both buildings will be open to the public for the first time. The theme will be “Colony Family Fun Day” to celebrate the Colony period when new residents moved into their new

Continued from page 40

in” will become a natural history museum with displays of the oldest archives in the collection, from the pre-Spanish days of Atascadero. The Colony home will

homes, with games and events that were related to that time.

Food, beverages and tours of the structures will also be available.

The Society hopes to make this an annual event, the last Saturday in April, so please join for the first ever event.

For more information, go to atascaderocistoricalsociety.org, or email atascaderocolony museum@gmail.com.

become an archival center and will house all the photographic, print — including most of the bound Atascadero News editions — and paper-based archives of the Society. There will also be computers

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Colony Magazine, April 2019

Atascadero Colony Among t he La rgest Cities in t he Developed World of 1915, t he pla n for t he Colony of At a sca dero st ood ou t a s 'one of t he most rema rka ble'

I

n a July 1915 report to the Public Works Department of Victoria, Australia, John C. Morrell presented a study of city planning with respect to the Garden City movement, popular in Britain.

Listed among the names of the major American cities of Washington, D.C, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, Boston, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Atascadero’s original planning was called “one of the most remarkable and successful developments in the history of the world.”

Following is the Atascadero portion of the report in full, edited only for spelling corrections.

We feel it expresses an honest

Sir, I have the honour to present to you a Report from investigations made during an official visit to England, Scotland, and the United States of America on Town Planning.

The following is from pages 61-64 of J.C. Morrell's report. robably one of the most remarkable and successful developments in the history of the world, with regard to the establishment of a city and its surrounding country, Atascadero was created by the desire of one person who wished to obtain a few acres in California so that he might lay out the area of land in orchards and groves, and live month them in independence.

That was the desire of the editor of an American newspaper, the Women’s National Weekly; but, having no experience in horticulture or agriculture, guidance was necessary, together

P

44 | colonymagazine.com

The information contained in this Report is intended to show what is being done in other countries to avoid the danger, as threatened in most cities, by insanitary conditions, bad housing, and with expert advice in regard to soil, the proper planting, selection, and carve of the trees until brought to successful bearing, and, after that, with regard to marketing, preserving, canning, storage, etc.

With these thoughts, realizing that the cost of all this expert advice would be enormous if borne by one individual, it occurred to him that possibly there were thousands of other people who wanted to secure a home and live in the same manner as himself, but were deterred by the dread of isolation or rural life, with its discomforts and inconveniences, by limited knowledge of horticulture, ignorance of local conditions, markets, scientific methods, and all the

snapshot of what was planned and intended for Atascadero, absent of the promotional material circulated by E.G. Lewis and absent the cultural and social problems that plagued America through the 19th and 20th centuries. It simply speaks to the idea of what a city could imagine for itself and what benefit city planning provides to the benefit of all of its residents.

Opening, J.C. Morrell addressed the parliament and we will skip to page 61 of his report to begin the portion dedicated to the impressive planning done here in Atascadero — news of which made a name among the stars on the other side of the planet.

Enjoy.

bad town planning, and to illustrate also what may be done in Victoria for the improvement of our cities, as well as for the health and welfare of our citizens.

other attendant difficulties. So he announced through his paper his ideas in regard to the venture, and undertook to find and purchase a large property in California, ideally suited in every way for the establishment of a great community. An immense area was to be purchased wholesale in one tract; the most eminent experts engaged to take charge of every feature of the project; the property surveyed and plotted into 5 to 10 acre orchards and groves exhaustive test made of every acre to determine its peculiar chemical, bacteriological, and moisture content, and thereby determine what each acre was best adapted for. Good roads, water and drainage systems and other utilities were to be provid-

Colony Magazine, April 2019

ed; two model cities built — one a civic centre, with beautiful public institutions, and the other an industrial city, to locate the general manufacturing and industrial activities of the community. That during the period of clearing, cultivating, planting, of road construction, of building the civic centre, and industrial buildings. All these matters were to be left entirely in the hands of the commission of experts, while the purchasers were to remain at home and earn their present incomes until such time arrived when they could come and live on their properties in readiness for use and enjoyments, instead of as in the ordinary method, which takes years to overcome the preliminary work before any benefit is gained.

This plan, as announced, met with instant and nation-wide response. A limit of 10 acres was placed, and within a few weeks, more than 20,000 acres of the proposed community had been placed under option.

The plan has been carried out on the exact lines as announced.

The property was purchased on the 4th of July, 1913, and is situated

al improvements.

A part of the scheme provides that under certain conditions the tract purchasers become personally interested in the earnings of every institution, industry, natural resource, and source of income of the colony.

Two hundred miles of roads have been made specially for quick and cheap transportation. From the civic and industrial centres the main roads spread out in all direction like a fan. These are crossed by zone roads, and in the junctions so formed all packages, mail, etc., will be delivered. The children will gather there in the morning for transportation to school in the civic centre and return to the industrial centre.

Every provision has been made for parks, playgrounds, theaters, an open-air stadium, golf links, etc.

It is estimated that a population of 8,000 to 10,000 people will be resident in the colony by January, 1916. Included in the construction work are more than 200 miles of roads, 180 miles of water mains, several hundred bridges and culverts, 40 miles of sewers in the residence section the planting of

about midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County, the dimensions of the land being 10 miles long and 7 miles wide. The plan shows the estate lying in a great horseshoe bend of the mountains.

The prices fixed for the land include the clearing, cultivation, planting in the choices grades of the nursery stock and their care for two years, as well as the road formations, water supply, the civic and industrial buildings, and the gener-

1,500,000 fruit trees and the making of 5,000,000 bricks for buildings. Residential allotments are large, none being less than 75 feet frontage and from 150 to 300 feet deep. The prices of these allotments include street formation, water mains, and sewerage system.

The illustration of the civic centre shows the grouping of all the civic, social, educational, and administrative buildings as they will be when completed.

The entire commercial and mer-

April 2019, Colony Magazine

chandising industries of the colony will be housed in one great department store, 425 feet long, located on the north side of the civic centre, approached by a series of terraces rising from a sunken garden, and at the rear from a traffic way at a level.

This immense store is designed to be one of the most completely equipped modern stores. Freight cars will run direct from the railway into the basement of the building.

The main floor is a modern emporium, the top floor contains a club room, a café, etc. and the building is to be completed during 1915.

The permanent residence apartment building is a new idea. It is a fine building, fireproof throughout, equipped with every modern convenience, library, club rooms, and detached hospital. Living rooms are divided into suites. There are general rooms, sun parlors, openair sleeping porches, while surrounding the building there are 10 acres of flower gardens.

This institution is designed to provide the right of residence with every possible care and comfort, and entire independence, for life, at a fee fixed according to the age of the resident. It is to be completed and ready for occupation early in the spring of 1916.

Other buildings to be erected and forming part of the civic centre include the Art Academy and Conservatorium of Music, the Agricultural College, School of Industrial Arts and Crafts, the Opera House, and the Administration Building.

The general plan of the development of the colony was from the

civic centre outward. The first zone of orchards was a belt of 2,000 acres surrounding the civic centre.

This area was planted in 1914, the roads constructed and everything completed; then a second zone; and finally the third and outer zone is being dealt with, and the whole scheme is scheduled to be completed by 1917.

One very interesting phase of the scheme is the extension of the principal of segregation from the city to the horticultural and agricultural lands, the possibility which arose through extensive test made by the experts in the early period of development. These experts having decided to what particular purpose the land was best suited, the conditions of purchase, subsequently drawn up, stated definitely to what use the land was to be put. Consequently, there are orange-grove zones, prune zones, pales zones, walnut zones, and so on through all the possible industries, while all land unsuitable for successful production has been reserved for parks, etc.

The Garden City movement originated in England and has spread in various forms through Great Britain, Canada, and the United States of America ... clearly demonstrated the practical and economic soundness of such developments.

Australia used Atascadero as an example of city planning for “… the interests of the health and increase of our people, for the encouragement and expansion of our industries, for the development of our natural resources, and for the promotive national welfare.”

colonymagazine.com | 45

TIDES | MORRO BAY

Amgen Tour to Rock Morro Bay City Preparing for ‘Ginormous’ Event

T

he Amgen Tour of California, the largest professional cycling race in the U.S., will return to San Luis Obispo County in May and the City of Morro Bay plans to make a whole festival out of its role in the race.

Amgen 2016 started one of its seven stages in Morro Bay, with the City hosting the cycling teams, sponsors, the international media and fans at Morro Rock. The riders paraded up the Embarcadero and through downtown and down North Main Street to Yerba Buena where they entered the highway for the more than 130-mile trek to Monterey.

In 2017, Morro Bay hosted the finish of Stage 3 of the race which started in Pismo Beach and wended its way through Guadalupe, Orcutt, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo, finishing in Morro Bay after some 115 total miles.

By Neil Farrell

In both of those races, cycling superstar Peter Sagan won each stage.

In 2018, with CA 1 closed north of Ragged Point by the massive Mud Creek Landslide, Amgen skipped over SLO County entirely.

But in 2019, the 14th Annual Amgen Tour, set for May 12-18, returns with Morro Bay hosting the finish to Stage 4 on May 15 (Monterey to Morro Bay); and Pismo Beach slated to host the start of Stage 5 on the 16th at the Pismo Pier (Pismo to Ventura).

Morro Bay plans to turn the event into an all-day festival, complete with two fun rides, a vendor fair and a meet-and-greet with cycling legend Bob Roll and some of the current tour stars.

Samantha Pruitt, founder and CEO of RACESLO, a sporting event production company, was hired to organize and coordinate the tour stop in Morro Bay and she’s been busy expanding the event.

Pruitt explained that on May 15, they will host two fun rides — one of five miles for families and riders of all levels; and a 12-mile ride for more advanced riders — from 1-2 p.m. Both fun rides will start and end at the official Amgen finish line on Harbor Street.

“The idea,” she said, “is to get the local community out on their bikes.”

The events are fundraisers for two local nonprofits — Bike SLO County and the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. Pruitt said both groups are cycling advocates and have educational programs for children.

Anyone wanting to sign up for the fun rides should visit morrobay.org Vendors interested in the fair don’t have to sell cycling-related gear, Pruitt said. The vendor fair will showcase “the best that Morro Bay has to offer,” she said, urging local businesses to get involved. “The more well-rounded we make it, the better for us; so it’s not just a narrow audience, not just for cyclists.”

And after the race, at 6 p.m., fans can attend a special meet-and-greet at The Siren, located at Main and Harbor Streets, featuring Bob “Bobke” Roll, a former pro cyclist, author and TV sportscaster, along with some of the current pros.

Roll was a pro cyclist with the 7-Eleven Cycling Team for many years, switching to the Motorola Cycling Team in 1991 and then joining cycling legend Greg Lemond’s Z Team in 1992 when he also started racing mountain bikes. He competed in mountain bike racing until 1998 and is now an internationally recognized cycling sportscaster and TV celebrity.

The meet and greet at The Siren is free but you must sign up beforehand on the City’s Facebook Page.

Pruitt said they are seeking volunteer course marshals for the two fun rides. Email amgenvolunteer@morrobayca.gov if interested.

And the Tour needs about 150 volunteers course marshals as well. See: amgentourofcalifornia.com/volunteer and fill out an application to volunteer.

“It’s going to be ginormous,” Pruitt said.

BigJohnInsurance.com Home • Auto • Life • Bank • Financial Services 46 | colonymagazine.com

Colony Magazine, April 2019

TIDES | MORRO BAY

Tidelands Up for Bids

Convoluted Lease Sites Will Be Available

By Neil Farrell

T

he City of Morro Bay plans to put three water-only lease sites in the back bay up for bids and one couple who own property upland of them all, wants to regain control of them.

The tidelands lease sites, 34West, 35W and 36W, which almost never come up for bids, sit all in a row south of the public launch ramp and opposite the 200 block of Main Street. The 34W lease consists of a 4-slip dock, located below the famous Glady’s Lighthouse, a lighthouse-shaped apartment built in the early 1980s by one-time silent film actress, the late-Gladys Walton.

The other two — 35W and 36W — are off the old Cannery seafood processing plant and at one time had a 250-foot wharf.

Husband-wife team Bill Martony and Bernadette Pekarek own the Lighthouse/Glady’s Castle property (225 Main St.), as well as the Cannery next door (235 Main), which they purchased in about 2000. That Cannery property also has the former Gilbert’s Market, an old-fashioned neighborhood market and butcher shop.

So whatever happens down there, Martony-Pekarek will be inescapably involved.

Harbor Director Eric Endersby characterized all three lease sites as “convoluted” with 34W having more issues over access from shore.

With the other two, there is no access available from shore.

“We do have access to 34W,” Endersby said. “There are established covenants; easements for access, utilities, a restroom/shower and parking across the street legally established for it.”

April 2019, Colony Magazine

Norm Arnold, along with Bob Crizer of Los Osos, redeveloped the upland property adjacent to the Lighthouse, tearing down an apartment building and constructing four little townhouses.

Arnold ran into financial difficulty and “Left for Peru,” according to Martony.

Endersby said Arnold deeded over one of the new townhouses and the water lease to Crizer, to whom he owed money. That was when the easement down to the little marina was recorded, according to Endersby. The lease for the dock is what is ending soon and the City is seeking someone to take it over and continue to operate the docks, paying the City rent.

Martony, whose Lighthouse is directly upland of 34W wants it back. “We’re trying to reattach those slips back to Glady’s old property,” he said. He added that it’s a “legal gray area” over the easement. “I don’t know how anyone else can operate 34W,” Martony said.

As to the other sites, Endersby said, “The other ones are problematic. It would be difficult for people to propose anything on it because of the upland and adjacent property owners.” Martony would probably agree with that assessment.

Starting about 2004, Martony-Pekarek and the City had a big legal fight over the old dilapidated Cannery wharf, and settled out of court. The City agreed to remove the wharf and Martony agreed to pay some $41,000 of those costs, which came in at about $89,000.

Then in June 2009, local marine construction operator, Frank Loving, proposed repairing the Cannery wharf and tying his big work boats up there, accessing them by

skiff from the launch ramp.

Loving’s proposal was opposed by the neighbors, and went nowhere. Martony had counter-proposed a mariculture operation harvesting seaweed and processing it through the old Cannery.

The City Council refused his mariculture operation idea, too.

Martony said he’d still like to do it. “It’s been 10 years now,” he said, “but that’s still our proposal.”

He said that the former harbor director, with whom he clashed with over the lease sites, wanted to put in a 50-slip marina.

“We’ll make a proposal on it,” he said. “We’ll see what we can do to reattach those sites” to the Cannery property.

Endersby plans to have the RFP ready to distribute in a few weeks.

If anyone is interested, it will be available through the City’s website, go to morrobayca.gov.

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TIDES | MORRO BAY

Life's Better in the Sand

Morro Bay High Serves Up Beach Volleyball

By Neil Farrell

Riley McConnell serves.

I

Photo by Neil Farrell

t’s one of the fastest growing sports in college, and no one can doubt the popularity of Pro Beach Volleyball on TV or at the Summer Olympics.

Now sand/beach volleyball has come to Morro Bay High School.

On a recent windy Tuesday afternoon, the girls of Morro Bay’s Beach Volleyball Club Team start-

48 | colonymagazine.com

ed their practice by raking the sand in the “Pirates Pit” a 3-court sand volleyball facility the school district put in earlier this year.

Lady Pirates’ Coach Jim Glinn said, “This is a rain or shine sport; but I’d rather have a little rain than this wind.”

In a way, beach volleyball is like tennis. Coach Glinn said they have three teams of two players each and they compete against a like contingent from other schools.

“Beach volleyball is the fastest growing NCAA sport for women,” he said. But the sport has not yet been adopted for competition by the California Interscholastic Federation or CIF. So schools that have programs do so as club sports. Morro Bay also has a club surf team.

Last spring, the first year for the girls’ club team, the girls had to lug their equipment down to the actual beach and set up for practice. Coach Glinn said they played against Santa Barbara schools from the Channel League, so all their games were on the road.

After that first year, the school’s head volleyball coach, James Bueno, talked the district into building them some official courts.

The company working on the Measure D projects at the school was in need of a lot of fill dirt, Coach Glinn explained. “Coach Bueno gently coerced them to take their fill dirt from here.” What’s resulted is a 3-court facility that sits a few feet below grade and is right behind the home side bleachers of the football stadium.

Coach Bueno said “Everything you see here, Jim [Glinn] and I got donated. It’s been a dream come true.” The sand courts are the work of the girls and boys volleyball players getting it done with the

help of the school administration.

The boys will play sand volleyball starting next fall.

Coach Bueno said he started the beach volleyball club as a means to keep the players of his indoor volleyball program active in the sport. He coaches both the girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams, and the boy’s season is right now. The girls play in winter.

“I’m trying to build the indoor program,” said coach Bueno. “This keeps my volleyball girls playing volleyball. It’s a perfect fit.”

He explained that beach volleyball is a much different sport than the indoor version. “There’s only two players,” he said. “So there’s no hiding on the court. No standing your ground and waiting for the ball.” He added that both players touch the ball every time it sails over the net.

They’ve been able to put together a more localized league too.

Coach Glinn said the “Central Coast League” is Morro Bay and Nipomo, and Pioneer Valley, St. Joseph’s and Righetti high schools from Santa Maria. But Morro Bay is the only school with official courts, so it’s hosting all the matches this year. They play on

Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. To follow the team, go online to: MBladypirates.com, where they post scores and stats of their games.

Coach Glinn said beach volleyball is a more physical sport, and the players would tend to agree.

Riley McConnell, the only girl playing this year who was on the team last year, said it helps her with her indoor game. “The sand is harder to run in than indoors,” she said.

Isara Warner said, “We’re by the beach, so it makes sense to have beach volleyball and we’re the only school with courts.”

The girls lamented last season’s lugging the nets and standards down to the beach for practice. “It took us like hours to set up,” McConnell, who plans to try and play the sport in college, said.

Mai Kiyama said she plays for fun but beach volleyball is a lot of work and “really fun to watch.”

There’s also the weather — wind and sun — to factor in. Christelle Mauret said, “You have to be smart with every play.”

Coach Bueno added, “It’s fun.

And it keeps them excited about volleyball.”

Isara Warner dives for a save. Photo by Neil Farrell

Colony Magazine, April 2019

TIDES | MORRO BAY

Sun, Chill, and Shine

May 2-5, 2019

cruisin' Morro Bay car show hits streets

By Neil Farrell

T

he Annual Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show will draw classic and customized cars and trucks, and lots of hot rods too, from across the U.S. and at least one foreign country.

According to Ken Vesterfelt, unofficial spokesman and the show’s biggest cheerleader, so far they have about 300 vehicles signed up and he expects there will be about 550 by the time the show comes around Thursday-Sunday, May 2-5 in Downtown Morro Bay. “This is our 23rd year,” Vesterfelt said sitting in his office at Bayshore Realty. “We average 550 cars but back in 2006 and 2007, we had over 600 cars. It became a barbecue nightmare.” By that he was referring to the annual barbecue the organizers throw for the entrants on Saturday night during the show.

The 300 already signed up are “pretty natural for now,” said Vesterfelt. “We’ll still have entries coming in deep into April.”

The show had humble beginnings: “After a couple of years

April 2019, Colony Magazine

considering how a car show might benefit the Morro Bay business community, car enthusiasts Ron McIntosh and Steve Carnes shared the idea with business owner Dave Tope,” reads an excerpt from the show’s website.

“They agreed the unique coastal location would be a draw, and as Rotary members, looked to the Rotary Club for guidance in launching the first Cruisin’ Morro Car Show in 1997 with 125 registrants and becoming a designated 501c3 organization.”

Tope, who was the owner of Downtown saloon, Happy Jack’s (now The Siren), and McIntosh, a local builder and real estate professional who restored the historic Oceanview Garage on Main Street, have both since died.

Carnes, an architect, remains active on the board.

Today’s board members of the non-profit are: Police Chief Jody Cox, Chris Parker (president), Scott Mace, Carnes, and Vesterfelt. “Boy, Jody has just jumped right in there,” Vesterfelt said of the board’s newest member.

The show is a fundraiser for Police Explorer’s Post No. 43; Rota-

ry Club of Morro Bay; the Morro Bay High School Athletics and Auto Shop Programs; the SLO Noor Foundation; Community Foundation of Estero Bay; and Womenade.

“We’ve always tried to keep it a family fun event,” Vesterfelt said.

And it's also an event benefitting local businesses. That’s why they have never sought to lure in a lot of food vendors, believing that attendees should patronize Morro Bay’s nearly 50 restaurants. “Any food vendors have to be local companies,” he said.

This year, Vesterfelt said, he’s already gotten entrants from San Antonio, Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; Beaverton, Ore.; and even one from British Columbia, Can. “Just 10 to 12-percent of the cars are from this county,” he said.

Check-ins for entrants is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday at Oceanview Garage, 936 Main St. Also Friday, Morro Bay High is hosting an open house at the Auto Shop, 235 Atascadero Rd., from 10-3 and Bear Metal Customs, 1147 Scott St., has an open house from 2-8 p.m.

From 6-7:30 Friday is Cruise Night, when all the cars will cruise the Downtown streets in a fabulous parade of chrome, rubber and horsepower. Bring a chair and a coat against the chill.

Saturday’s Show & Shine Car Show fills Downtown from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Old Soul Speed and Custom Shop, 339 Quintana Rd., will have an open house from noon-2 p.m. Old Soul is owned

by Ben Bright, who was on the TV show Overhaulin’ with custom car builder, Chip Foose.

Sunday’s show runs from 9-1 with trophies presented at 1 at Main and Morro Bay Boulevard.

Vesterfelt said they are seeking trophy sponsors. Local residents or businesses can sponsor a regular trophy for just $30 or a special trophy for $100. And sponsors get to pick their trophy winner.

The show is famous for having unique awards. “I try and get something different every year for the trophies,” Vesterfelt said. To sponsor a trophy, call Vesterfelt at 805-235-8708. They’re also looking for volunteers to help with the barbecue on Saturday night and Cruise Night on Friday.

colonymagazine.com | 49

EXPERIENCE THE

WONDERFUL WORLD OF CRYSTALS

Santa Lucia Rockhounds host annual Rock & Gem Show April 13-14 Bring the entire family to the 28th Annual Rock & Gem Show, happening in the Estrella Building at the Paso Robles Event Center on Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hosted by the Santa Lucia Rockhounds, the 2019 theme — “World of Crystals” — celebrates, reveals, and focuses on crystals while also showcasing a variety of minerals, rocks, activities, and demonstrations.

“Crystals are just so cool, and represent different things for different people,” Show Chairman Kim Noyes said. “Our show will have elemental aspects, minerals, rocks, and more in many forms and in all shapes and sizes from jewelry stones to home décor.”

Admission to the event is just $5 for adults and is free for children under 16 and active military members. Attendees of all ages are invited to enjoy the exhibits and interact with 35-plus dealers and demonstrators featuring rocks, minerals, fossils, artisan crafted jewelry, and lapidary materials.

This year’s activities and demonstrations include: Rock Cutting and Polishing; Diamond Testing; Sphere Making; Faceting; Gold Panning; Geode-cracking and, a favorite from last year, Rock Stacking.

New for 2019, a Fluorescent Mineral Display and Rock Painting.

76 Gas Station.................................. 15 777 Motorsports.............................. 16 777 Tractor Sales............................... 15 A Beautiful Face................................ 21 American West Tire Pros................... 12 Arlyne’s Flowers................................ 21 Atascadero Greyhound Foundation.13 Atascadero Hay & Feed.................... 17 Atascadero K9................................... 43

“This is a hands-on show by design and we try to engage people in as many ways as possible,” Noyes said. “There is something for all ages, but there is a strong focus on activities and displays for kids because

Atascadero Pet Hospital................... 16 Atascadero Yard Sale........................ 51 Atown Family Med........................... 17 Avila Traffic Safety............................. 18 Awakening Ways.............................. 19 Beads by the Bay.............................. 47 Bottom Line Bookkeeping............... 43 CA Holistic Institute.......................... 21 California Mid-State Fair................... 37

50 | colonymagazine.com

they are our future and we want to pass on our knowledge to them.”

Kids will receive a free gift just for attending and are encouraged to participate in the always-popular Kid’s Treasure Hunt. The “Rock

By Meagan Friberg

Doc” returns, so be sure to bring in those mysterious rocks and minerals and finally have them identified.

Awards will also be handed out for Best of Show, President’s Choice, and People’s Choice. In addition, proceeds from the annual fundraising drawing help ensure the continuation of kids’ programming and the Santa Lucia Rockhounds’ yearly college scholarship to local high school students pursuing studies in Earth sciences.

“We keep expanding and evolving so, for those who have attended our shows in the past, come out and experience new exhibits, activities, and demonstrations,” Noyes said.

“If you’ve never attended our Rock & Gem Show, please come out and see what we’re all about.”

ABOUT THE SANTA LUCIA ROCKHOUNDS

Photos by Tina Clark

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS

CASA.................................................. 25 City of Atascadero............................. 05 Colony Days...................................... 07 Equine Experience........................... 34 Estrella Warbirds.............................. 11 Five Star Rain Gutters....................... 17 Friends of the Atascadero Lake........ 43 Glenns Rental and Repair..........23, 27

Greg Malik RE Group..................08-09 H&R Block......................................... 25 Healthy Inspirations......................... 18 Hearing Aid Specialists.................... 03 Hope Chest Emporium.................... 17 Idler's Home..................................... 52 John Donovan State Farm............... 46 K-Man Cyclery................................... 29

The Santa Lucia Rockhounds, a nonprofit organization and member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, has a mission of promoting and educating the public on the study of geology, mineralogy, and the lapidary arts.

The Rockhounds meet monthly in Templeton and, in addition to adult and kid programming, host collecting and educational field trips.

For more information, contact Kim Noyes at 805-610-0603 or visit slrockhounds.org.

Las Tablas Animal Hospital............... 18 Lube N Go......................................... 24 Mira Honeycutt - Furniture Sale....... 24 Nautical Cowboy............................... 21 North County Pilates........................ 15 Odyssey World Cafe......................... 29 Robert Fry, M.D................................. 29 Santa Margarita Beautiful................ 14 SLO County Office of Education....... 31

Solarponics....................................... 21 Spice of Life....................................... 19 Sue Hubbard.................................... 42 Tari Haberfield - Keller Williams...... 47 Templeton Beauty Salon.................. 33 The Natural Alternative..................... 19 Three Specked Hens......................... 26 Tooth & Nail Winery.......................... 02 Wyatt Wicks Finish Carpentry.......... 21

Colony Magazine, April 2019

E R U S A ’S E R T A R E T N HU

M A E DR

Over

YARD SALE S N O I T A LOC GHOUT

100 THROU

DERO A C S A AT

• Save the date to shop for treasures!

• Check the Parents for Joy Facebook page or www.ParentsforJoy.org “Events” tab for more details.

• A map of sale locations will be posted online starting April 10th!

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Support a great cause.

ay d r u t Sa th 3 1 A p r i l pm 8am to

2

WWW.IDLERSHOME.COM/APPLE-PIE-CONTEST

APPLE PIE CONTEST EST. 1984

C e l e br a t i n g

35

Ye a r s!

GRAND PRIZE KITCHENAID速 STAINLESS STEEL 5 BURNER CONVECTION RANGE WITH BAKING DRAWER

2ND PRIZE KITCHENAID STAND MIXER

3RD PRIZE

4TH - 12TH PRIZES

KITCHENAID速 FOOD PROCESSOR

KITCHENAID速 HAND MIXER

VALUE OF

VALUE OF

VALUE OF

速

VALUE OF

$2,849

$599

$59

$399

KSGB900ESS

Finals

Preliminary Rounds

ALL ENTRIES WELCOME MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH 2019 JUDGING @ 12 PM @ PASO ROBLES IDLER'S HOME

12 PM SATURDAY MAY 11TH, 2019

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH 2019

2015 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo, CA

JUDGING @ 12 PM @ SANTA MARIA IDLER'S HOME

SATURDAY MAY 4TH 2019

JUDGING @ 12 PM @ SAN LUIS OBISPO IDLER'S HOME

APPLIANCE CENTER

SLEEP CENTER

OUTDOOR LIVING

KITCHEN DESIGN

FURNITURE CENTER