JIM AND CORINE ELLSWORTH

Mary Foppiano

Avila Beach Civic Association

A view from the beach …

Well, my friends, as you know, we lived through a very bad weather weekend in the middle of December when, of course, Santa’s Doggie Parade was scheduled. I am sorry to say that, even though we really need the rain, it sure picked a bad time to drop on us since I had to cancel the parade.

On a good note, I am happy to tell you that we will be hosting our first-ever Cupid Paws Parade on Saturday, February 4, and want everyone to know that red costumes for Christmas or Valentine’s Day would be totally appropriate! Registration and check-in will be held in front of the Old Custom House from 10-10:45 a.m., and the parade will begin at 11 a.m. I won’t be announcing any of the special attractions that are being planned at this time, but it will be great. Petco Arroyo Grande once again donated doggie treat bags for each participant!

Please check out our website at avilabeachcc.com for more information and your registration form. See you at the parade!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Jim and Corine Ellsworth and the historic Ellsworth Market

By MARY FOPPIANO For Avila Beach Life

You never know where you will find really interesting facts about our beautiful community. This month, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jim and Corine Ellsworth to discuss their generosity of giving back to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Little did I know that they have such a rich personal history.

Jim was born in San Luis Obispo but moved to the Bay Area when he was very young. He married Cathy and had two children, Tim and Jamie. Cathy worked at the same law firm in San Jose as Corine, and the two couples became very good friends. Unfortunately, Cathy died when the children were 7 and 8 years old, which devastated her family and Corine as well. Corine lost contact with Jim and his family and eventually divorced her husband, Mike. After about three years, Corine decided to call Jim to see how he and the children were doing. They had dinner to catch up…and have been together for 35 years!

Corine has spent her entire career in the legal field and is currently the foreperson for the San Luis Obispo County Civil Grand Jury. She is perfect for this position since she has a great understanding of the oversight responsibility of the 19-member Civil Grand Jury over the county processes. A grand jury examines all aspects of local government, ensuring that the county is being governed honestly and efficiently and that county monies are being handled judiciously. You can learn more about the Civil Grand Jury at slo.courts.ca.gov.

Jim was a maintenance mechanic at the Permanente Cement Company until he retired at age 52. Since he is not one to sit on his hands, he needed an outlet for his many talents after finishing a number of projects around their home in Avila Beach. Luckily for the Point San Luis Lighthouse, he began to volunteer for the restoration of the facilities with Walt Musso, and, 17 years later, he is the president of the Lighthouse’s Board of Directors and still working around the Lighthouse.

Caption

Jim and Corine Ellsworth were good friends who went out for dinner to catch up 35 years ago, and have been together ever since. Contributed Photo A flyer is shown for Ellsworth’s Market, which Jim Ellsworth’s father and uncle used to own.

Not to be left out of the fun, Corine has also been volunteering at the Lighthouse for 17 years in the kitchen, and Wild Cherry Canyon parking for events and concerts…and both have been tour guides for a number of years.

When I asked Jim what he loves about living in Avila Beach and being at the Lighthouse, he said, “what’s not to love about the view and the weather and the people and everything that is so beautiful here!”

Now, you are probably wondering why I have attached so many historical pictures to today’s column, and the reason is something that many long-time residents already know: Jim’s dad Burton and Uncle Edwin sold Les’s Market on Church Street to start Ellsworth Market on Broad/Lincoln in San Luis Obispo. They had the best meat market in the state, and Uncle Ed actually was a hunter and brought some of his meats to the market. Eventually, they sold the market, and today it is the Lincoln Street Market, at which I had lunch today and was able to photograph all of these pictures. The food is still terrific, as the many Cal Poly students that form lines each day can attest!

An Easter crowd poses in front of a van for Ellsworth’s Market, which still operates as the Lincoln Street Market.

FURRY SPOTLIGHT

Rocco is the Pet of the Month!

By MARY FOPPIANO

Rocco was dumped at an airport enclosure in East Bakersfield and rescued by Dara Alford’s son-in-law and daughter. Dara puppysat him for two weeks in April, and they fell deeply, deeply in love, so Dara and Skip had no choice but to adopt the adorable 2-1/2-year-old and bring him to Indian Hill. One evening in July, Rocco was small game hunting out front, and BAAAMM!!!

He was struck by a rattlesnake. His Dad rushed him to Atascadero Pet Emergency, who were waiting for him with anti-venom. He healed up and no longer hunts by that tree! From East Bakersfield to Avila Beach…Rocco is one grateful Jackwawa (Jack Russell Chihuahua mix)!