Avila Beach Life • May 2023

Foundation: Avila Beach

Community

May celebrations and initiatives, including Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and May Day as well as Art Preservation and Beach Cleaning programs

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ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Embracing Sunshine: A Season of Celebration, Family, and Community

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we can feel the anticipation and excitement in the air. Summer is just around the corner, and the beach is preparing to welcome families and friends from far and wide for days filled with laughter, adventure, and relaxation.

With school set to conclude in just one month, it’s the perfect time to start making plans for those warm, carefree days. Whether it’s a family vacation or a simple day trip to the beach, there’s no better way to create cherished memories than by spending quality time with loved ones.

As we are now in the month of May, we’d like to extend our warmest wishes to all the amazing mothers out there. Happy Mother’s Day! Being a mom is a truly special experience, and witnessing our children grow and navigate the complexities of life is both a privilege and a joy.

This month, we also honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country on Memorial Day. We are eternally grateful for their service and the freedom they have protected. Let us come together as a community to pay tribute to these heroes and their families.

Speaking of special occasions, my husband and I are thrilled to be celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary on May 5. We were fortunate enough to be married on the beautiful beach in Avila, surrounded by the warm embrace of our cherished friends and family. Over the years, we have come to deeply appreciate the people and the bonds we’ve formed here in the

community and along the Central Coast.

In this issue, we’ve carefully curated a selection of articles and stories that reflect the spirit of summer, family, and community. We hope you’ll find inspiration, joy, and maybe even a few new ideas to make this season the best one yet.

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and for allowing us the opportunity to share our lives with you through these pages. We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Avila Beach Life.

“Summer is the time when memories are woven from the golden threads of laughter, love, and sun-soaked moments, creating a tapestry of cherished experiences that warm our hearts throughout the year.”

Rick Cohen avila beach foundation

Greetings, Fellow Avilones. It’s time to gear up for the month of May, with two notable and one not so notable date on the calendar. First, of course, is the one we all know better than to forget — Mother’s Day on May 14. Get your shopping done early before all the best greetings cards, candy, flowers or whatever you want to gift are still in stock. Later this month, we celebrate Memorial Day on May 29, a three-day weekend that also signals the opening of the floodgates for visitors who each summer commandeer our beloved Avila Beach.

Lesser known and enjoyed in America is “May Day,” a public holiday celebrated on May 1 in many different cultures around the world. It is a day of unity, togetherness, and rebirth; a day for everyone to come together and celebrate life as we know it. All in all, lots of fun in store this month.

One of the really neat things about this time

Foundation News and Views

of year is the re-positioning of the Avila Beach Lifeguard Towers, featuring the touted public art murals created and installed by local artist icon Colleen Gnos back in 2017. Over the years, these murals have generated lots of positive responses and, unfortunately, some unwanted attention from people who enjoy defacing public structures. Yes, I am referring to the graffiti outlaws who, on two occasions, left their marks on the towers. Fortunately, Colleen and her team have been able to repair the damage both times. Most recently, she removed the markings and applied a coat of anti-graffiti varnish that should last 15 years, and enable about 160 acetone treatments of graffiti removal without affecting the original artwork. While the lifeguard towers and murals are now owned by the Port San Luis Harbor District, the project was spearheaded by the Avila Beach Community Foundation. In shifting ownership to PSLHD, the “Foundation” agreed to help with ongoing maintenance of the murals by raising funds to help pay for cleaning every two months and graffiti removal as needed. A special Avila Beach Public Art Preservation Fund was formed for this purpose. If you would like to donate to this fund for a contribution in any amount, we will gladly give you one of our limited-edition Proud Avilone license plate frames. Dona-

tions can be sent to PO Box 297, Avila Beach. For those of you who spend time along the beach boardwalk and overlooks, you may have noticed a crew of adults doing some sweeping up of sand and debris several mornings each week between May and September. The crew comes from an agency known as PathPoint, a nonprofit organization that offers a wide variety of services to help individuals with developmental disabilities overcome barriers to employment, to place them in jobs, and to provide them with the training and support they need to keep jobs.

While gaining these valuable work/life skills, client/employees are entitled to wages equal to California’s minimum wage regulations. You might be surprised at the amount of sand that finds its way from the beach, up the stairs, and onto the walkways and gutters. Likewise, debris such as cigarette butts, bottle caps and can pull tabs. All this produces potentially dangerous and harmful conditions, so removal is good for the environment and good for the public. The “Foundation” contracts with PathPoint each year to provide this service, thanks to the generosity of our project funding partners, SLO County Supervisor Dawn

Ortiz-Legg, Chevron, and PG&E.

As a special treat for those of you who missed out on the “Foundation’s” History of Front Street presentation, or for even those who did attend and want another look, you’re in luck! If you visit the home page of our website, you will see an introduction and link to the several dozen old-time photos shown by Pete Kelley at the March event. Front Street is depicted from many different angles and during various periods of time. One of the common threads over Avila’s history is that the beach was always popular and crowded. For your visit back in time, go to avilabeachfoundation.org.

Last but not least is one more reminder that the Avila Beach Farmers’ Market launches its season this coming Friday, May 5. That also marks the first date you can grab a free ride on the Avila Beach Trolley if you want to avoid crowded parking conditions. You should be able to find the Trolley route and schedule by visiting the SLORTA website. That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. Have a great month, and we’ll see you at the beach.

Wossamata U and the Coming Recession

In an old Rocky and Bullwinkle episode, Bullwinkle is recruited to play for Wossamata U.* The school is going downhill so, on the advice of coach “Rocky Kanute,” the board decides to “fire a few English teachers” and “get the best football team money can buy.” The show progresses into an eventual clash with Boris Badanov and Natasha Nogoodnik, which just shows how little has changed in over 50 years.

We now find ourselves in conflict with the Russians and the Chinese, people are worried about the US keeping it’s “global reserve currency,” and what seems to be an entrenched inflation situation whereby today’s (April 12th) report^ of 5.0% looks good only in relation to the previous 12 months of readings. On top of this, the recent data^* including the ISM report, the yield curve, falling house prices, and reduced credit from banks are all recessionary indicators. In other words, shades of 1973 all over again. Historical data shows that 2/3rds of the stock market’s drawdowns have occurred during, not before, the recession, and 8 of the last 10 recessions saw drawdowns of 20% and more*^. So, what to do?

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*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr-4B6RbG08

^https://global-premium.econoday.com/byshoweventfull.aspx?fid=559228&cust=global-premium&year=2023&lid=0&prev=/byweek.asp#top

^*https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/hartnetts-dirty-dozen-doom-12-charts-coming-recession

*^Source: B of A Global Research

^^Buffered accounts may provide up to 20% protection from index declines while also allowing for 100% participation in the index chosen. Please refer to a product prospectus for specific information on costs, crediting methods and buffer protections.

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A View From the Beach

Hi All, it was a lot of fun to host our first Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo Night since the pandemic began three years ago. We had a sell-out crowd for dinner and everyone had fun playing bingo … especially since we had lots of prizes for all age groups. Our marinara sauce was prepared by Robin Weed-Brown using Sharon Suits’ recipe, the bread was donated by Bimbo Bakery, and the pasta was donated by Trader Joe’s in Arroyo Grande. Sinor-LaVallee donated wine for the Avila Beach Community Foundation’s History Presentation by Pete Kelley, and we were fortunate to have some left over for our dinner.

We had wonderful volunteers who included our Master Chef Raul Cavazos, Board Vice President; Bingo Caller Dr.

Norma Rosales with Jeri LaMarca as her assistant; bartenders Maureen and Brian Somodi; and the following terrific community and board members: Andrea Brown; Jan Clarke; Jocelyn Williams; Robin WeedBrown, Board President; Tom Payne, Board Member; Cheryl Stepaniak; Jim LaMarca, Board Treasurer; Joe Abiera, Mary Matakovich, Board Member; and Associate Director Marina Searcy.

I would also like to thank our local business members for giving us lots of information about their businesses that we were able to distribute at the Indian Hill Welcome Party for New Residents.

Next month, I will give you more information regarding our upcoming 4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Doggie Parade. The

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

breakfast will be held in the Community Center and Healing Garden from 8 to 11 a.m. with the Doggie Parade on the Avila Promenade starting at 11 a.m. with registration/check-in from 10 to 11 a.m. We will need volunteers for both events, so please get in touch with me at (805) 627-1997 or avilabeachcc@gmail.com.

The Free Little Library, located outside of the Post Office by the Community Center’s Healing Garden, needs books to keep it going and interesting for members of our community. Please drop off any books you have that are in good condition at the Civic Association in the afternoon or call to make an appointment when it is more convenient for you. People check the library most days, so your books would be most welcomed.

PG&E Public Policy and External Affairs, Eric Daniels

By MARY FOPPIANO For Avila

Ihave known Eric Daniels, PG&E Public Policy and External Affairs, since he started at PG&E on December 18, 2012. I am sure you are surprised that I would remember the exact date that he started there, but Eric came to the Community Center to help us spread decomposed granite in our Healing Garden on his first day of work. Perhaps this work ethic can be attributed to his family history. He is a member of the 6th generation of a cattle ranching family from the Lonoke area of eastern Monterey County.

Eric majored in American Government and History, focusing on pre-Soviet Russian Romanoff Dynasty at Sacramento State University. He worked for Assemblymember Eric Seastrand until he died in 1990 and then for his wife Andrea, who went on to Congress and was later the Executive Director of the California Space Authority (CSA). He left Sacramento and became a lobbyist for the CSA for 15 years with his main interest in access to and services from space.

The CSA was a nonprofit corporation representing the commercial, civil, and national defense/homeland security interests of California’s diverse space enterprise community

in four domains: Industry, Government, Academia, and Workforce. CSA was also a participating member in the coalition for Space Exploration. It officially ceased operations on June 10, 2011.

Some of the issues that Eric worked on were transitioning Vandenberg Air Force Base into a location for commercial space launch, rebuilding the engine launch test stands at Edwards Air Force Base, and helping local airports reposition themselves into space launch sites, such as Mojave Airport. Airports such as the one in Paso Robles are now considering the change for themselves. He was also involved in international consulting, linking American aerospace companies with European

industry members at European trade shows.

At PG&E for the past 10 years, Eric leads their public relations, external affairs activities, and strategy activities on the Central Coast, including local government advocacy for the company in San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. He partners with cities and counties, community-based organizations, and environmental and business organizations to enhance customer loyalty, environmental leadership, and community engagement for the purposes of enabling infrastructure development and generating corporate goodwill.

I discussed our power outage on January 10 with Eric to better

understand why the power was off for two days. He said that the lines along Avila Beach Drive are for cable and telephone with no electricity and thus no fire ignition risk. The electric power lines are along the Bob Jones Trail, and it took two days to make repairs to the downed line because of flood waters and dense debris buildup.

Some of the methods that PG&E are using to manage and reduce ignition risk are:

1. Comprehensive Monitoring and Data Collection programs, i.e., wildfire cameras and asset inspections, designed to provide insight into changing environmental hazards.

2. Operational Mitigations, i.e., Enhanced Power Line Safety Program (EPSS), Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and Downed Conductor Detection that, provide on-going risk reduction and influence how they manage the environment around the electric grid.

3. System Resilience mitigations i.e., 10,000-mile distribution undergrounding program and transmission line removal work to reduce ignition risk in high fire-threat areas where PSPS events have been most prevalent.

4. Engaging with customers and communities to address issues

related to wildfire preparation, ongoing safety work, other public safety/preparedness issues.

I asked Eric about the future of Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP). It was expected that renewable generating sources would supply sufficient energy to customers by the time DCPP was slated to close in 2025. But, the growth of renewables, including wind and solar power sources, have not materialized as predicted. Consequently, California has asked PG&E to continue operations at DCPP for another five years, and PG&E is working towards that goal. At the same time, PG&E is working to complete the necessary permitting processes for the ultimate decommissioning of the plant so that once closure does come, transitions from operations to decommissioning can be more seamless and less disruptive to the community and the local economy.

As you can see, Eric has a big job to keep all of us informed of the many PG&E issues facing our community. He provides monthly updates to the Avila Valley Advisory Council (AVAC), and I am happy to announce that Eric has agreed to be one of my judges for our upcoming 4th of July Doggie Parade. Either tune in to AVAC or come to the Doggie Parade if you want to meet him.

Domino is the Pet of the Month!

By MARY FOPPIANO

Domino lives with his mom, Tiffany Thompson, on First Street across from the Libertine Brewery. He is a two-year-old black and white tuxedo cat. The friendliest cat most people have ever met, Domino enjoys going outside and greeting every guest he can who vacations in the vicinity. He has even been known to sneak

over to the Avila La Fonda Hotel lobby every now and then to scope out the area for treats. Domino has been mentioned in local AirBNB reviews and even requested as entertainment/ companion for traveling families. If you see Domino when you are walking around Avila Beach, be sure to let him know that you are happy to see him!

Mary Foppiano

Avila Beach Civic Association

Beach Life

FURRY SPOTLIGHT

Daniels keeps the Avila Valley Advisory Council informed with monthly updates.

Contributed Photo

While we’re enjoying a cool and, at last, sunny spring at Point San Luis, we look forward to late June when we kick off our Summer Concert series, the light station’s major fundraiser for 2023. Tickets are available now at My805Tix for a series of performances, including:

• Upside SKA — June 24

• Carbon City Lights — July 8

• Dave Becker Quartet — July 22

• Dante Marsh & The Vibesetters — August 12

• Jill Knight Band — August 26

• B & The Hive — September 9

• Mother Corn Shuckers — September 23

• MiniNova — October 14

Ticket options are:

• $40 — Includes round-trip transportation from Wild Cherry Canyon on Avila Beach Drive via SLO Safe Ride vans

• $25 — Admission to the concert via water transportation you provide (via

Upcoming Events

at Point San Luis

kayak or SUP)

• $500 — VIP table for eight, including two bottles of wine

• $280 — one ticket for all eight concerts, including round-trip transportation from Wild Cherry Canyon on Avila Beach Drive via SLO Safe Ride vans

Concert sponsorship opportunities are available for all of these events, with each level of sponsorship offering its own special benefits. Anyone interested in learning more about these sponsorships is encouraged to email sanluislighthouse@gmail.com or call 805-540-5771 for information.

Those interested in volunteering at the concerts should also call or email. Volunteers are needed for set-up and tear-down of the concert area; ticketing; food and beverage preparation and service; parking lot attending; and gift shop staffing.

Author’s note: “The Lighthouse at Point San Luis,” published by the United States Lighthouse Society, is now available on Amazon and at pointsanluislighthouse.org. All proceeds benefit the United States Lighthouse Society and the Point San Luis Light Station, two nonprofits dedicated to preserving lighthouse history.

NATURE

How to Enjoy California’s Superblooms Responsibly

harmful to the wildlife.

Support Local Businesses

By SIMONE

California’s superblooms are a magnificent natural phenomenon that have captivated the world with their stunning colors and fragrances. The wildflower season draws crowds from all over the world, with visitors flocking to see the blooming fields of colorful flowers. However, the increasing popularity of superblooms has led to overcrowding and environmental damage. To ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of these natural wonders, it is essential to follow some simple guidelines for responsible enjoyment.

Respect the Fragility of the Landscape

Wildflowers grow in some of the harshest environments, such as rocky hillsides, arid grasslands, and deserts. These locations are often too inhospitable for many perennials, making them havens for annual plants whose life cycles are completed within a year. When visiting superbloom areas, stick to designated paths and parking areas. Refrain from walking off the path, stepping on plants, or picking flowers. Although the abundance of flowers may make it seem like these actions have no significant impact, each crushed plant or picked flower results in the loss of tens to hundreds of seeds for future generations of flowers. The usually thin soils can become

compacted or destroyed under the weight of tires and footsteps, leading to ever-widening barren trails and dead zones next to roads.

Enjoy the Biodiversity

A superbloom is a haven of biodiversity, with a kaleidoscope of colors and varieties of wildflowers. Grab a wildflower ID book, and look for as many different plants or colors as you can find. Revisit an area to witness the progression of colors through the brief season, as an area can change from blue or pink. From the early season blooms of Baby Blue Eyes or Shooting Stars to the multitudes of yellows seen in Goldfields, Tidy Tips, or Fiddlenecks; whites from Popcorn Flowers or Blow Wives; purples, pinks, and blues from various Lupines, Owls-Clover, Thistle Sage, or Phacelia; and of course, the ever-popu-

lar orange of California Poppies and finally ending with the pinks of Farewell to Spring.

Choose the Best Time to Visit

To avoid overcrowding, visit superbloom areas during the weekdays and early mornings. Avoid weekends and holidays, if possible, to avoid the crowds. Bring water and fill up on gas in advance since most wildflower areas have no services available. Sunny days are best as some flowers, such as poppies, can be closed on cloudy days.

Pack out Your Trash

Remember to leave no trace and pack out any trash. It is important to keep the wildflower areas clean and free of litter. The delicate balance of the ecosystem can be upset by any trash left behind, which can also be

Support the local businesses in the area by purchasing gas and food before heading out. Stop at one of the local restaurants or pick up some snacks or sandwiches from the Margarita Market in Santa Margarita before heading out, as there are no services once you leave town. Along the way, you will be treated to many colorful patches of blooms, especially if you make a stop at Shell Creek Road to your left, marked by a windmill and meandering creek about 20 to 30 minutes from town.

Learn More About Superblooms

Learn more about superblooms by visiting the Goodwin Education Center while out at Carrizo Plain. Go to the Bloom! California website at bloomcalifornia.org to learn all about why and how to plant, maintain and grow your own California native garden, and join or donate to a local organization that helps to educate and preserve these special places.

California’s superblooms are a testament to the resilience of nature and the beauty that can be found in even the harshest of environments. Every year, visitors come from all over the world to witness this incredible display of color and fragrance, but it is our responsibility to ensure that we do so in a way that protects the environment and the delicate ecosystem that supports these wildflowers.

So, the next time you plan a visit to see a superbloom, remember to be respectful of the landscape, enjoy the biodiversity, choose the best time to visit, pack out your trash, and support local businesses. By doing so, you can ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of California’s wildflowers, just as we have.

kathy mastako

Board Of Directors

Point San Luis Lighthouse Keeper

A summer 2022 concert overlooks San Luis Bay at Point San Luis.

Photo courtesy of Point San Luis light station archives.

The Superbloom is in full color at multiple Central Coast locations. Photo by Carl Ford

SMITH and HAYLEY MATTSON

Respect the fragility of the landscape and its plants, stay on designated paths, and avoid crowded weekends and holidays

Bob Jones Pathway Progress

By BETTY HARTIG

The original vision for the Bob Jones Pathway was for a trail from San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach. Initial plans for this “City to Sea” trail began in the 1980s. Construction of the first segment of the Class 1 path from Ontario Road to Avila Beach was in 1993. Nearly twenty years later, the city of San Luis Obispo built a section from Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road. During this period, San Luis Obispo County Parks collaborated with the community to develop the third segment of the Bob Jones Trail. In 2021 the Bob Jones Pathway, the most popular trail within San Luis Obispo County Parks system, received $18.25 million in state grant funds for the trail expansion. The Active Transportation Program Grant (ATP) money will be used to finalize design, obtain easements, and buildout of the trail between Ontario Road to the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo.

The 4.5-mile multiuse trail will be an addition joining the existing popular 2.5-mile

pathway. Trail enthusiasts eagerly stand by for updates.

A great deal was considered with the configuration of this pathway. The construction documents are about 65 percent completed. Safe crossings and avoidance of the north and southbound on-and-off-ramps on Highway 101 were calculated. Hydrological studies and flood analysis are included in the delineation of the pathway to mitigate flooding impacts. Currently, appraisals are being put together for the easements needed for the trail. Like most projects, there are steps that take time to accomplish. Tasks that have been completed are the environmental documents, which include the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Most of the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates have been finished.

The grant funds are designated for allocation by June 2023; however, a 20-month extension will be considered at the June 2023 California Transportation Commission meeting to push out the allotment

MAY Calendar of Events

MAY 5 AND EVERY 1ST FRIDAY

FIRST FRIDAYS AT SLOMA

SLOMA, 1010 BROAD STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO

5-8pm

Visit SLOMA on the first Friday of each month for exhibition openings, music, and wines provided by regional winery partners. Admission is free and open to the public. For information, visit sloma.org.

MAY 7 AND EVERY 1ST SUNDAY THROUGH DECEMBER 3

ART IN THE PARK

DINOSAUR CAVES PARK, SHELL BEACH

10am-4pm

Over 100 local artists and craftsmen sell and display their work, including paintings, sculpture, pottery, glass, textiles, jewelry, wood and metal furniture, and more. The event also features live music and hands-on children’s activities. For information, visit artintheparkshellbeach.com.

MAY 6

“WILDFLOWER WALK” BY DOCENT

FISCALINI RANCH PRESERVE, CAMBRIA

10am-Noon

Come learn about the wildflowers on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Free. To register, visit fiscaliniranchpreserve.org/explore/ docent-walks.

MAY 7

SPRING CAYUCOS ANTIQUE

STREET FAIRE

OCEAN AVENUE, DOWNTOWN CAYUCOS

7am-3pm

Hosted twice yearly in the spring and fall, enjoy shopping for antiques, collectibles, and vintage items. Rain or shine.

date to April 2025 with the expected project completion in the fall of 2028. Trail supporters will have to wait several years before they can walk or ride down the pathway. It is indeed something to look forward to. Voicing support of this trail for its importance to residents and visitors is something we can do. This San Luis Obispo County pathway will be an eco-friendly transportation and recreation route many can take advantage of.

The approximately 7-mile pathway will provide numerous benefits besides getting from one place to the other without the use of fuel. The project also gives improved fire prevention and protection for the area. The most common source of fires for this corridor is Highway 101. The passageway will serve as a fire break between Highway 101 and the hills to the east. It will also improve emergency responder access and create local resident emergency evacuation routes.

Thousands and thousands of individuals are on the Bob Jones Pathway yearly. Imagine how many more people will embrace

the trail with the newly developed route. The popularity of the trail is partially due to being a low impact path, with an immediate emersion into nature, as well as an asphalt surface that allows people of varied abilities to access the trail. The versatile trail is predominately vehicle free with minimal trail interruptions. That atmosphere continues with the additional miles that will be created. During the onset of COVID, the trail was critical. County residents needed a safe and comfortable form of recreation. Venues were limited. The open-air atmosphere allowed the public to get outdoors. The Bob Jones trail was the answer for keeping our sanity. In the future the trail will not only provide healthy exercise opportunities but also provide a northsouth link for work, school, and community destination options.

The Bob Jones Trail extension is a win-win situation for the entire County. Now, we must patiently wait for its completion. A note of thanks to Shaun Cooper, Senior Park Planner, San Luis Obispo County Parks & Recreation.

SUBMIT UPCOMING EVENTS TO: office@13starsmedia.com

MAY 14

MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT

DINOSAUR CAVES PARK, SHELL BEACH

The park welcomes music on Mother’s Day featuring Damon Castillo Band.

MAY 20

“USE ALL OF YOUR SENSES TO DISCOVER THE WONDER OF THE FISCALINI RANCH FOREST”

DOCENT WALK

FISCALINI RANCH PRESERVE, CAMBRIA

10am-12:30pm

Learn how to use your five senses as you explore the wonders of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Forest with your naturalist leader. Free. To register, visit fiscaliniranchpreserve. org/explore/docent-walks.

MAY 27

“LOOKING FOR MAMA & CALF”

DOCENT WALK

FISCALINI RANCH PRESERVE, CAMBRIA

10am-Noon

Join this gentle walk to enjoy the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve’s beautiful coast and its diverse ecology. Expect to see a variety of marine mammals, including mother and calf grey whales, as they make the longest migration of any marine mammal. Free. To register, visit fiscaliniranchpreserve.org/explore/docent-walks.

MAY 27-29

ART IN THE PARK MORRO BAY BLVD. AND HARBOR STREET, MORRO BAY 10am-5pm

The Morro Bay Art Association is once again hosting its triannual Art in the Park Festival on Memorial Day. The proceeds help fund children’s art classes, provide scholarships and other programs throughout the year. For more information, visit morrobayartinthepark.com.

The 4.5-mile trail will be an addition to the existing 2.5-mile pathway going between Ontario Road to the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo. Contributed Photos

For Avila Beach Life

Vietnam War Veterans Remember Those Lost at ‘Wall That Heals’

first time seeing the original in Washington, D.C.

The “Wall That Heals” made its debut in 1996. It stands 375 feet long and 7.5 feet high. In its 27 years of touring, the wall has been on display in more than 700 U.S. communities, according to vvmf.org.

Like many veterans who were visiting the wall, Rodney had a list of people to find and visit on the wall. He was looking for his roommate from flight school, a high school classmate, a neighbor, and some men from his company that were killed in Vietnam.

By CAMILLE DeVAUL For

In 1982, a 200-foot-long wall was built with the names of over 58,000 servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country during the Vietnam War. Since then, the wall has stood in silence as a memorial for survivors to come and remember their fallen brothers, sisters, fathers, sons, and daughters.

In March, a replica of the famed Washington D.C. memorial, the “Wall That Heals,” made its way to the Madonna Meadows in San Luis Obispo as the wall’s first stop on its 2023 tour.

The wall displayed the same names of 58,281 men and women who lost their lives serving their country in the Vietnam War. The wall was last at the Madonna Meadows five years ago, and the location is the first ever where the wall has returned for a second visit.

SLO County Veteran Services Officer

Morgan Boyd told Paso Robles Press Magazine / Atascadero News Magazine the county was approached to host the wall again over a year ago. After completing the vigorous application process, the county was given the green light in December 2022 to host the wall.

“There’s a lot of things that we had to pull together quickly and we were able to do that with the support of the community,” said Morgan, who hosts the event alongside the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum.

There were over 60 sponsors for the wall, including the SLO County Board of Supervisors, Madonna Inn, and the Legacy Wellness Center located in Nipomo. On Tuesday, March 14, the wall was escorted from Camp Roberts in San Miguel to the Madonna Inn. Despite the wet weather, over 100 people showed up to escort the wall.

“To them they are escorting their fallen brothers on the wall, so it is like a memorial service for them,” said Morgan, who passed out special momentos to those who participated in the transport.

The wet weather created a muddy setting for the wall after set-up. It was common to overhear veterans who served in Vietnam to crack a few jokes saying, “looks like they brought the Vietnam mud along with it.”

Wednesday, March 29, marked the 50th

anniversary of the removal of American combat troops from Vietnam. Templeton resident Rodney Dykhouse served as an Army helicopter pilot flying Hueys from 1970 to 1971, and came to see the wall at Madonna Meadows.

“[It] tugs at the heart strings — [the] first

time in Washington I cried my eyes out,” said Rodney of seeing the wall again and of his

“These guys were good young men. They died doing what their country asked them to do,” said Rodney while he searched the wall. Volunteers and a resource center at the wall in Madonna were crucial for those finding names on the wall. Photos and remembrances of each service member on the wall can be found on vvmf.org/wall-of-faces as well as their exact location on the wall.

The Vietnam War is most commonly and briefly described as a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia with the purpose of preventing the spread of communism. But the war and its purpose were strongly debated within the U.S.

“The American government screwed it up,” said Rodney, who went on to tell us what he wished people knew about the Vietnam War. “They never went in there with a plan to win. They went in there with a plan to try to neutralize the North and hopefully give the South enough time to grow up and take care of themselves, but that’s not the way to win a war.”

Rodney is the third generation of his family to serve in the U.S. military. His grandfather served in the trenches of World War I, his father was a World War II veteran who went across the Omaha Beach during the Battle of the Bulge, and then one of his sons served as an Airborne Ranger.

“We have kept America free for four generations,” said Rodney, who added that made him feel proud of their services.

Morgan was impressed at the community’s support of the wall coming back to San Luis Obispo County.

The SLO County Veterans Resource Center connects veterans to their accredited benefits. Last year, Morgan’s office was able to bring in $9.668 million to local veterans and are responsible for over 800 million annually — all with a nine-person team.

“We pride ourselves in being efficient and good at helping the veterans navigate their benefits,” added Morgan.

Veterans can find more information on the County’s Veteran’s Services here slocounty. ca.gov/Departments/Veterans-Services.aspx

A replica of the famous Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., known as the “Wall That Heals,” made its way back to Madonna Meadows in San Luis Obispo County for its first stop on the 2023 tour

Avila Beach Life

Three Vietnam Veterans visiting the ‘Wall That Heals’ in April at the Madonna Meadows.

A wreath sits in front of the “Wall That Heals,” which made an appearance at Madonna Meadows in San Luis Obispo from March 16-19.

Ron Mullison at the “Wall That Heals” display searches names on the wall. Photos by Camille DeVaul