Central Coast Journal • December 2021

people FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN

history CHRISTMAS AT POINT SAN LUIS

wildlife OFFSHORE WIND FARMS

DECEMBER 2021 Prsrt Std US Postage PAID Permit 19 13Stars Paso Robles CA ECRWSS

Local Postal Customer

CENTRALCOASTJOURNAL.COM

Tom Julie Meinhold EMBARK ON A NEW CHAPTER

REAL ESTATE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & WORLDWIDE RELOCATION

805.543.2172

21 Santa Rosa Street, #100 San Luis Obispo

805.904.6616

www.farrellsmyth.com

110 E. Branch Street Arroyo Grande

4 | centralcoastjournal.com

Central Coast Journal | December 2021

December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

centralcoastjournal.com | 5

C O NTE NTS DECEMBER 2021

16

FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN ON THE COVER

18

MEINHOLDS EMBARK ON A NEW CHAPTER

20

CHRISTMAS AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

8

10 12 14 15 16

Something Worth Reading Publisher’s Letter

Round Town

Behind the Badge | SLO County Sheriff’s Office Pismo’s Mayor’s Corner | Third Time’s the Charm Paso’s Mayor’s Corner | To Paso Robles… and beyond!

The Art Scene | Musical Arts and the Holiday Season Community | For the Love of Children

Feature 18 ON THE COVER | CCJ’s Legacy Continues

SLOcally Sourced

30 30

Last Word

20 22 24 25 27 29

History | Christmas at the Lighthouse Through the Years Environment | Comments Being Taken on Offshore Wind Farms Education | The December Dilemma: Religion and Our Schools Finance | A Gift That Lasts A Lifetime Events | Mark Your Calendars with Events in SLO County Outdoors | Deer Crossing, A Merry Sight The Little White Envelope | A Special to CCJ Directory | CCJ is Proudly Brought to You by these Advertisers

On the Cover

Now former Central Coast Journal publishers Tom and Julie Meinhold prepare for the next chapter of their lives as they announce sale of the publication. Photo by Rick Evans 6 | centralcoastjournal.com

Central Coast Journal | December 2021

Certified Represented Both Buyer & Seller

Home Staging & Estate Liquidation Specialist!

Stunning views prevail from every room in this unique West Templeton property. Situated on an oak studded parcel, this 2900 +/- sf home is located just minutes from Downtown Templeton, Trader Joes, Local Flavor Cuisine, and Hwy 101. The expansive floorplan includes a fully equipped Chef’s kitchen, inviting formal dining room complete with freestanding wood stove and views overlooking the pool, custom designed book nook, Step-Down living room with picture windows, fireplace and sunroom.

Enjoy the lower living area that can be fully designed as your home office, home gym, or entertaining.

You’ll appreciate the expansive, newly renovated deck surrounding the pool with additional amenities including power, solar heating, a gorgeous copper wet bar and powder room. The property is fenced for horses and has its own tack room - perfect to satisfy your equestrian enthusiast. The property also includes a detached large shop with concrete floors and power.

3260 Ridge Road, Templeton 93465

Represented Seller

8110 Settlers Place, Paso Robles 93446 Welcome to your very own oasis nestled in the Paso Robles Wine Country. This privately gated 4 bed/ 3 bath, 2056+/- sf home nicely situated on 2 acres is tastefully remodeled to suit even the most discerning of clients. As you walk through the entry, you are welcomed with stylish travertine floors, a beautifully remodeled kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a colossal kitchen island complete with a wine fridge and extra storage- ideal for the entertaining enthusiast. The garage has been transformed into an inclusive bedroom/full kitchen area with its own private entrance for guests, or other options. The master bedroom provides a full walk-in closet and sliding glass door to enjoy the cool air on summer nights. The opportunities are endless, make this your horse sanctuary or enjoy your own Spanish varietals of Arbosana and Arbequina organic olive oil producing orchard. The acreage includes its own wine grapevines, is fully fenced and cross fenced for horses or 4H- animals, and sports a 30 x 40 Metal Shop towards the rear of the property. The shop comes fully prepared for projects and toys with concrete floors, a large roll-up door, and ample power. The property also runs on solar to offset those power bills.

With only a 5-minute drive to Tobin James Cellars and minutes to renowned vineyards and world-class golfing, this is a property you do not want to miss.

Represented Both Buyer & Seller

1736 Kings Dr, Paso Robles 93446

Represented Seller

Represented Buyer

620 Brookhill Drive, Paso Robles 93446 Great location in Sierra Bonita Village right across from Turtle Creek Park! Two bedroom, two bath Cavalier model. Two car garage with concrete driveway. Nice living & dining area and additional room that could be used for an office or family room.

New carpet. Clean and ready to move into! Covered patio area, low maintenance yard.

Represented Seller 1738 Kings Dr, Paso Robles 93446 Both of these well-maintained two bedroom, two bath homes with preferred Cavalier floor plan are located in the desirable 55+ Sierra Bonita community. Features include step-in shower, spacious bedrooms, large living area, home office area, and two-car garage. Enjoy low maintenance landscape, spacious patio area, room for gardening, and mature shade trees! All within minutes from the Starbucks shopping center, Paso Robles Golf Course, Paso Robles Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Center, dog park, and Sherwood Park!

Learn more at Sierrabonitavillage.com!

942 Brookhill Drive, Paso Robles 93446 Lovingly maintained, 2 bedroom, 1 bath located in a desirable adult (55+) community known as Sierra Bonita Village. Home is directly across from Turtle Creek Park which includes walking path & mature trees. Upgrades include wood flooring, custom interior paint, and low-maintenance landscape. The backyard has a terraced garden, and enclosed patio off the dining room. Short distance to Senior Center, Veterans Memorial Building, dog park & Paso Robles golf course.

Something Worth Reading

FROM THE PUBLISHER

N

ic and I would like to thank Tom and Julie Meinhold for the opportunity to continue the legacy of Central Coast Journal.

Their commitment to sharing the good stories of the amazing individuals who live on the Central Coast has made the publication successful and a true value to all those who live here.

nic & hayley mattson

layout design editor

assistant editor melissa guerra

assistant content editor

ad design

camille devaul

jen rodman

ad consultants dana mcgraw jamie self

office administraor

cami martin | office@13starsmedia.com

contributing writers betty hartig ed waage ian parkinson james brescia, ed.d. kathy mastako

Nic and I grew up here on the Central Coast, him being a native of San Luis Obispo County and myself moving here just prior to High School, where the two of us met. After traveling apart for many years, we reunited in 2009 and started our journey together.

neil farrell rick castillo sarah santana steve martin susan stewart

OUR NEXT ISSUE:

(page 16). Camille DeVaul reminds us how the Journal began and what is next for the Meinhold’s after turning over the publication (page 18), and Betty Hartig of Avila Beach lets us know we even though we do Currently, we are the proud owners of not have reindeer on the Central Coast, several local monthly publications that we do have black-tailed deer who call our showcase the incredible humans that live, community home (page 29). work, play, and volunteer here. We also own two local weekly newspapers that we Since the Journal did not publish in Noacquired in 2019 just before the pandemic vember, we included the Mayor’s corner that we feel honored to continue to print for November and December and two inas the historical newspapers of record for spiring hero profiles brought to us by First both Paso Robles and Atascadero.

Five, San Luis Obispo.

Finally, as 2021 comes to an end, and we look to a brighter 2022, we wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season full of love and joy. We are blessed to live in one of the most incredible places on earth and look forward to continue sharing all the beautiful stories of your friends, family, and neighbors going forward for years to come.

We are thrilled to bring you stories that will warm your heart in our first issue. SuWe hope you enjoy this month’s issue of san Stewart shares with us Dr. Marylud Central Coast Journal.  Baldwin’s journey of adoption and being a foster parent in “For the Love of Children” Hayley & Nic 8 | centralcoastjournal.com

owners

hayley mattson

michael a. michaud

When Steve Owens started the publication over 27 years ago, he saw the greatness in our communities and the value of sharing those stories with everyone along the Central Coast.

That is what motivated Tom and Julie to take the helm in December 2017 and what drives us to continue that same legacy.

Over the years, we have learned a lot and grown; however, the one thing that has stayed constant through it all is our deep love of community, which is why we knew right away that CCJ would fit right into our family of publications and why we are honored to serve you all in this role as the new owners and publisher.

publisher, editor-in-chief

winter holidays

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Celebrating Cultural Diversity

HPA S I M L A B OUR GLO

CHA

12th Annual

San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival A [mostly] VIRTUAL EVENT January 9th - 30th, 2022 www.slojff.com

Spirit of San Luis Open for Dining and Take Out

Come for the view Stay for the food

Located at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport• (805) 549-9466 December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

centralcoastjournal.com | 9

Round Town

Law Enforcement

BEHIND THE BADGE:

SLO County Sheriff’s Office

by Ian Parkinson, SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF

T

he calendar has turned to December. To quote a line from a song, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the season for giving. And in some cases, taking. What I mean by that is we seem to get an increase in the number of thefts this time of year. Thefts of packages from cars. Stolen items from front porches. It steals the holiday spirit from what should be a joyous time. But I want to tell you about one case recently that involved taking but also giving back.

It all started when the Sheriff’s Office received a report recently of vandalism and theft from the Santa Margarita Ranch in North County. A Deputy responded and discovered the thief made off with some interesting items. Multiple pieces of a steam locomotive train made of solid bronze were stolen. There was a question on a lot of people’s minds when they first heard about this theft. Were these pieces part of the famous train cars that run on the ranch and were acquired from Disneyland?

Turns out, no. But they were valuable in their own right. It seems these train pieces were extremely rare, with only eight sets of them made. One set is in New York, the other seven are in California, including the one set that was taken from Santa Margarita Ranch. The value of the train pieces was estimated at $10,000. In addition, two generators, drones, and other equipment were taken with an estimated value of approximately $20,000. Altogether, that’s $30,000 in stolen goods. Not an insignificant amount.

Deputies from our North Station, along with members of our Rural Crimes Unit, began working on the investigation. They obtained evidence which led Deputies to a suspect in rural Paso Robles. About a week later, they served a search warrant at the home of the suspect. And while Deputies found items at the home which were believed to be stolen, none were related to this case. It was quite a disappointment. But not for long. In a trash can at the house, thrown away and apparently forgotten, Deputies found receipts for recycling centers in Santa Maria and Nevada. So, Deputies contacted those recycling centers, and guess what they found? That’s right, most of the train parts, approximately 800 pounds of bronze, were discovered at the Santa Maria recycling center. Several other stolen items were discovered at the recycling center in Nevada. Deputies got to the recycling centers just in time. Some of the parts were scheduled to be recycled soon. A suspect was arrested and taken to county jail. In all, approximately $20,000 in stolen property was recovered and returned to the rightful owners.

Stories like this don’t typically make it into the media. Usually, it’s the big investigations that get all the coverage. But I wanted to share this story with you because I wanted to showcase the great work our Deputies do, day in and day out, to protect you and your property. A good story to end the year. And a great way for me to wrap up another year of informing you about all the many happenings at the Sheriff’s Office. And with that, let me just add as a personal note, from everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office, may your holidays be safe and filled with peace, health, and much happiness. 

10 | centralcoastjournal.com

$10,000 in rare train parts were stolen from the Santa Margarita Ranch and later recovered in Santa Maria and Nevada recycling centers. Contributed photos

Central Coast Journal | December 2021

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Round Town

Mayor’s Corner • November

PISMO BEACH:

Third Time’s the Charm

by Ed Waage, MAYOR PISMO BEACH

T

he third time is the charm. After two previous tries, Pismo Beach residents voted to incorporate the city by a vote of 245 to 216. On April 25, 1946, the County officially established the City of Pismo Beach, and this year marks the 75th Anniversary of cityhood, our Diamond Jubilee.

To celebrate, we combined the Jubilee as part of our annual Clam Festival with an elegant dinner on the pier, a look back at our history, and a toast followed by spectacular fireworks.

The story of our city’s founding starts when John Price purchased Rancho El Pismo in 1850. He raised horses and cattle, and later, in 1875, he built a hotel some distance from the beach.

The hotel was not successful, so in 1884 he moved it to the beach. He then had the future town surveyed and mapped out. A year later, the Pismo Beach Company subdivided the property again. Shell Beach was developed separately and was eventually annexed into the city.

Tourism has been a part of Pismo Beach ever since John Price built his hotel. A new El Pizmo Inn was built around 1900 and became so popular that tent cities were built to handle the overflow. First, they came by railroad, and later, when State Highway 2 was built (which later became Highway 101), people came by motor vehicles.

When William Randolph Hearst completed his now-named Hearst Our famous pier has its roots in a wharf built by the Meherin Castle, Hollywood elite passed through Pismo Beach on their way brothers in 1881 to reduce the cost of goods shipped to the area. The to the castle. wharf was successful but was later destroyed by a storm. A new pier was constructed in 1924 and survived until large portions were deNow, tourism accounts for well over half of our revenue. Hotels stroyed by a storm in 1983. The pier was rebuilt to its current size a provide most of that revenue to the city in the form of Transient Occucouple of years later and rebuilt entirely in 2019. The pier plaza was pancy Tax or bed tax. During the pandemic, our revenue plummeted added later to become a focal point to visitors with its iconic seven- at the beginning, but once things opened up, people came here in foot-tall PISMO BEACH letters. large numbers, and revenue climbed.

Pismo Clams were once abundant on the beach, but for an unknown reason, they almost disappeared. The city helped finance a research study by Cal Poly Professor Ben Rutenberg and his students to undertake a study of the clams, and he has found they are making a comeback. They are still too small to harvest, but the signs are encouraging. (Some people illegally take undersized clams, and we and California Fish and Wildlife will prosecute with stiff fines.)

Bugs Bunny even made an appearance in Pismo Beach (having burrowed here) and proclaiming, “Here we are Pismo Beach, and all the clams we can eat.” Maybe Bugs will make a return appearance when our clams are back. I personally will welcome him, but we shall see.

We are using that revenue to fix up the city. Notably, we completed the pier and pier plaza along with the Shell Beach Streetscape project.

We have now programmed a substantial road paving project along with city park playground beautification improvements. We are also building a new public safety complex on Bello Street with a new fire station and a large police station.

We are also moving forward with Central Coast Blue, a water recycling project in cooperation with the cities of Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande. A recent federal grant will help defray the costs, and we are hopeful that additional federal and state grants will be forthcoming.

The current drought reminds us that we need to do more to ensure we will have enough water.

Our annual Clam Festival celebrates our clamming legacy. We start with a parade followed by various events, including a clam chowder We have come a long way since John Price envisioned a city on his cookoff. The competition is stiff in the chowder contest. The winners rancho. There are many more challenges we face, but the visionary earn bragging rights for the next year. founder has helped lead the way forward.  12 | centralcoastjournal.com

Central Coast Journal | December 2021

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Round Town

Mayor’s Corner • December

PASO ROBLES:

To Paso Robles…and Beyond!

by Steve Martin, MAYOR PASO ROBLES

I

n the 1970s, the City of Paso Robles acquired the Paso Robles Airport, a former military facility with a 6,000-foot main runway, equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, near the intersection of Highways 101 and 46 and more than 320 clear days (VFR weather) per year. For more than four decades, the City has maintained and improved the airport utilizing millions of dollars of grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration in anticipation of the day when this “diamond in the rough” would have the opportunity to really shine. Today, it is home to a thriving general aviation community, the CalFIRE air attack base, California Highway Patrol helicopter operations, the impressive Estrella Warbirds Museum, and the Woodland Auto Display.

Cal Poly’s CUBE-Sat program, created at the college, would likely be one of the first beneficiaries of an operational Paso Robles Spaceport. A CUBE-Sat is a small communications satellite, small enough to be held in one’s arms. When inserted into low-earth orbit, it can provide a wide array of services. The challenge is getting these devices into space. According to Cal Poly spokesmen, the waiting list for a vertical launch can delay projects for years. A Paso Robles Spaceport would reduce that delay and associated costs substantially. New businesses drawn to the spaceport would also offer employment opportunities for Cal Poly engineering graduates who now must relocate out of the area to find employment.

Over the last six months, the Paso Robles Airport Commission has discussed this issue on three separate occasions, and the Paso Robles City Council has given the go-ahead to prepare a spaceport application with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). I have formed a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to assist with this process. I have reached out to our colleges, broadband companies as well as state and federal representatives with positive results. Just as important, companies around the world have reached out to us, supporting our efforts and eager to utilize our spaceport.

REACH (Regional Economic Action Coalition) is an organization dedicated to transforming “the quality of life on the Central Coast through an unprecedented regional pursuit of inclusive economic prosperity.” One focus of this organization centers on the space program emerging at the Vandenberg Space Force Base, a vertical launch military installation where rocket ships blast front the ground on pillars of smoke and flame. The emerging commercial space industry, however, will soon challenge the capacity of existing launch facilities to accommodate non-military missions, which are designed to improve The specific components of a Paso Robles Spaceport will be outlined data-gathering, broadband connectivity, and many other 21st Century during the process to achieve this designation. The existing facility will services and technologies. be analyzed to determine the best fit for space-related businesses and other operations. The result will be an upgraded, fully-utilized airfield, In order to support and align with the regional economic devel- compatible with general aviation and the local community, poised to opment efforts of REACH and other organizations to create new jobs accommodate and reap the benefits of the emerging commercial space and services in northern San Luis Obispo County, I have proposed industry. the development of a spaceport at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport.

The studies and application required to create the Paso Robles SpaceA Paso Robles Spaceport would not be a missile base. There would port will take about a year. If successful, the Paso Robles spaceport will be no vertical launches of rockets. There would be regular, horizontal complement and support REACH’s regional economic development take-offs and landings of specialized aircraft designed to fly to the edge efforts, create new, high-paying jobs for our citizens and promote the of space and back again. These operations would peacefully co-exist development of a new tech corridor. It will be the single most significant with general aviation activities, open up a world of possibilities for change in the economic landscape of our county since the successful attracting aerospace-oriented companies and develop greatly expand- advent of the wine/tourism industry, and it will be Paso Robles’ oppored broadband capacity for the City and the entire region. tunity to polish up its diamond-in-the-rough and really make it shine. 

14 | centralcoastjournal.com

Central Coast Journal | December 2021

The Art Scene

COUNCIL:

Musical Arts & the Holiday Season

by Rick Castillo, SLO COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL

H

ere at the SLO County Arts Council, we have been thinking a righteous babe, who in the face of adversity and loss continues to lot about the musical arts lately, and since we’re in the thick sing her heart out!” of the holiday season, we thought we would share some of the traditional and not-so-traditional holiday music that’s been playing in Rick Castello (he/him): the earbuds and homes of our board members lately: “In my household, we’re big fans of comedy Christmas songs, and it’s not Christmas for us until we’ve listened to “Christmas Dragnet” by Stan Allen Root (he/him): Freberg & Daws Butler, or “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl I would like to nominate some of my favorite examples, in this or- Ravenscroft. We also can’t get “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” der: “Handel’s Messiah, a Soulful Celebration” on Reprise Records. “A by Gayla Peevy out of our heads and find ourselves unintentionally Twisted Christmas” by Bob Rivers and “Verve Remixed.” The first and singing or humming it often. All three are great reminders to lighten third are great reimagined classics; Twisted Christmas is an irreverent up and enjoy a bit of wonder in this time of year. interpretation of carols, such as “Walking around in Women’s Underwear” to the tune of Winter WonFor non-comedy holiday music, I’m a huge fan derland, or “Didn’t I get this Last Year” to the tune of Billie Holiday’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me of Do you Hear What I Hear...

Warm,” it’s more of a winter song than a holiday song, and listening to it makes me want to curl up Reese Galido (she/they): by a fire with a spiked coffee. I’ve also got to agree “The super sappy “That’s What I Want for Christwith Katy on Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby”; it’s just SO mas” by Nancy Wilson. It simultaneously features GOOD and torchy.” one of my all-time favorite lady jazz vocalists and is gently anti-capitalistic in a cozy way.”

Neal Breton (he/him): “I’ve never been a fan of Christmas. Coming from Katy McGrath (she/her): divorced parents that lived on opposite coasts... I “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt—It’s so cute and think my mom might have loved Christmas, but it bratty, plus the vocal bass line boops; I can’t resist it. was a lonely time for her, and the thought of that plus all of the retail jobs I had absolutely hammered “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah any spirit out of me. I’m rambling here, but for a Carey—I know. I know. But it’s so catchy! Plus, my reason—they have informed my favorite picks. family has a tradition of watching “Love Actually” every year at Christmas, and this plays in the cutest My mom liked the more traditional Johnny scene with Sam and Joanna, and he plays his heart Mathis Christmas album but also really loved the out and points his little finger...swoon!

Vandals Christmas album “Oi To The World.” I play both of these albums around the holidays in her If you don’t want to perpetuate the AIWFC basichonor. ness, I will also offer “Santa’s Got a Sweet Tooth” by The Dip–Funk groove at its finest. I dare you to sit Our two favorites are “Walking In A Winter Wonstill. Bonus: it doesn’t sound like Christmas music. derland” by Johnny Mathis and “Hang Myself From the Tree” by the Vandals.”

“Hard Candy Christmas” by Dolly Parton—Dolly is a goddess, and anything she touches is gold. The So there you have it...some holiday cheer and chorus rhymes words in the middle of sentences tunes for your ears, from our board of the SLO and has 70s harmonies. Perfection.”

County Arts Council to you.

Dara Rosenwasser (she/her): “I’m going to spin this towards the 1994 SNL tune... Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukah Song,” I mean, come on.

I’ve also always been fond of Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” What a

December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

Whatever holidays you choose to celebrate, if you celebrate at all, may you have great music to listen to and people you care about to listen to it with.  Reach the Writer info@centralcoastjournal.com centralcoastjournal.com | 15

Round Town

Community

DR. MARYLUD BALDWIN:

For the Love of Children

by Susan Stewart

I

nspired by Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck, who was a fierce and early advocate of international adoption, Marylud Baldwin has spent the better part of her adult life as a foster parent. Of the 33 children she has fostered over four decades, eight of those became her own children through formal adoption.

In 1982, she was hired by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as a professor in the Education Department. At that point, Marylud was ABD (all but dissertation), so the college gave her six months to complete it. In what would become one of the hardest years of her life, Marylud taught full time, raised her two small children, and completed the dissertation.

She would remain at Cal Poly for 22 years, retiring in 2004. Among her “I always knew I wanted to adopt,” Marylud shared. “But as a single many achievements in Special Education, Marylud started the Severely parent, it wasn’t possible [in the 1960s] except by first becoming a Handicapped Program there. foster parent.”

In 2010, Marylud was honored in Sacramento when then-AssemRaised in Garrison, a small town in New York State, with an older blyman Sam Blakeslee named her Woman of the Year for the 33rd sister and a younger brother, Marylud got her unusual first name from Assembly District. “Marylud is a truly inspiring woman,” he said. “She a southern tradition. In the South, she explained, people are often given has opened her heart and home to give children hope, a family, and two first names, and in her case, it was Mary Ludwell, with Baldwin a future.” Marylud is also an active member and former president of being her surname. And that morphed into Marylud, a name that stuck. the local Foster Parent Association and serves on the California State Her mother was a teacher who later became the school librarian; her Foster Parent Association, Inc. father was a sales manager for Westinghouse in New York City.

Few people can claim as much experience as a foster parent as MaryKnowing early on that she wanted to become a teacher, Marylud lud Baldwin. A life of fostering carries crushing disappointments as attended Wilson College in Pennsylvania, where she earned her BA well as unexpected rewards. For Marylud, there are two outstanding in English and a teaching credential. She went on to Virginia Com- challenges: The first is finding a balance between helping too much or monwealth University, where she obtained an MA in Education. She not enough. With the goal of reuniting babies with their birth parents, would eventually earn her Ph.D. in Special Education, citing her student a foster parent’s role is to help the birth parents as much as possible teaching days as the impetus for that. without being intrusive.

“As a student teacher, I was told I was spending too much time with “And that struggle for balance extends to my own life as well,” she special needs kids,” Marylud explained. adds.

So while she started out as a teacher in a “regular” classroom, she Marylud’s husband, Marshall Granger, is principal percussionist became a Special Education teacher (now known as a Resource Teacher) with the SLO Symphony (among other gigs). He is not as involved as in the San Francisco Unified School District. Her Ph.D. was earned in Marylud is in the nurturing of the foster children. a joint doctoral program run by San Francisco State College and UC Berkeley.

“He’s very supportive of me,” she says, “But we have a mantra: he does music, and I do fostering.”

Marylud Baldwin has spent the better part of her adult life as a foster parent.

Of the 33 children she has fostered over four decades, eight of those became her own children through formal adoption.

16 | centralcoastjournal.com

With the most common reason for babies entering the foster care system being drug and alcohol exposure, both pre and post-natally, the goal is to rehabilitate the parents and return the children to a healthy home.

Which brings us to the second biggest challenge: saying goodbye. For Marylud, grief and loss are commonplace emotions. Every time a child leaves her care, she has a goodbye party for them, including a cake and a picture book made for the parents. The most common duration for a foster placement is six months, but sometimes there are delays, and the placement can go on for up to two years. Sometimes, too, the Central Coast Journal | December 2021

children go home … and then come back to foster care. Every situation is unique, but they all require a period of time for the foster family to adjust to the loss.

The rewards, however, far outweigh the challenges (in Marylud’s experience anyway). Among the many happy moments and surprising successes over the years, a couple of examples stand out. In one case, Marylud fostered an infant who was eventually allowed to return to his family of origin. Not his birth parents this time, but to members of his extended family who badly wanted to adopt but had previously been denied due to outdated laws. The couple, who happened to be a same-sex couple, were ecstatic to welcome their son, and Marylud was delighted he would rejoin his own family.

Another time, Marylud was happy to discover that the mother who’d lost her first child to the system because of her addictions was now clean and sober. She was happy to foster the woman’s second child and see that she was now capable of being a good mother. One of her greatest rewards, whenever she returns a child to its parents or to its new adoptive parents, is “knowing I have done everything I could to prepare them and then seeing how beautifully they adjust.” She also loves to teach babies how to swim!

Marylud’s own love of the water has led to one of her favorite pastimes: Paddling and racing with a competitive outrigger canoe club known as Pale Kai. She is proudly the oldest member of the current team and can be found most weekends with her team out at Avila Beach.

Today, Marylud continues to foster and is, in fact, getting ready to welcome a new infant to her home at the time of this writing. To that end, she is a “cuddler” at Sierra Vista Hospital. Until COVID-19 hit, this program teaches volunteers to hold and cuddle babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. Since many parents can’t be there 24/7, the volunteers do not change or feed the infants but sit and hold them while hospital staff performs other needed duties. Marylud is allowed to cuddle one of them, as the baby will soon be going home with her.

Asked what she would change about the current foster care system, Marylud said she’d like to see an increase in the partnership among all involved: parents, courts, social workers, administrators.

“We need to see those relationships strengthened,” she said. “And we need to provide more support to foster families, more resources for them. Things like therapy for the children, and for the parents, too.”

What she’d like most, though, is to see the foster care program disappear altogether, to solve the underlying issues that cause children to suffer in the first place. For the moment, that underlying issue is predominantly substance abuse, a problem not likely to go away any time soon.

In the meantime, Dr. Marylud Baldwin hopes more people will open their homes and their hearts to children in need.

“I seldom meet anyone who ever says they’re sorry they did,” she says. “It’s so worthwhile … it teaches compassion, it increases our understanding of others.”

To find out more, call the Department of Social Services in San Luis Obispo at (805)781-1705.  Reach the Writer info@centralcoastjournal.com December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

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On The Cover

CCJ’S LEGACY CONTINUES:

Meinholds Embark on a New Chapter

by Camille DeVaul

C

alifornia natives and long-time residents of San Luis Obispo throughout the county take turns writing a column to share what is Tom and Julie Meinhold joined the publishing business in 2018 happening in their cities. after working with Steve Owens, founder of Central Coast Journal (CCJ), formally known as Journal Plus.

“People love the magazine—it’s all good news,” Tom shared, “it’s a real connection piece for the Central Coast; it brings everyone together.”

“Julie and I want to thank Steve Owens for giving us this wonderful opportunity to continue the great treasure he created 24 years ago for The message of bringing people together is brought forth by CCJ’s the Central Coast readers,” Tom shared in his first publisher’s letter writers, who focus on the county’s history and the unique stories of in January 2018. the locals.

Central Coast Journal is a community magazine written for and by “You never know what’s going to come your way,” Julie explained, the local people of the Central Coast. The pages are filled with people, “and that is what made it so enjoyable.” community foundations, and businesses that make a difference. That is what drove Tom and Julie to take the helm and continue the legacy Over the years, each issue has highlighted a San Luis Obispo (SLO) that Steve created.

County resident on the cover. Past cover stories include SLO High School alum Captain Wesley Reid, Madonna Inn, auto decor artist Ben However, Tom reiterates that the Journal’s mission statement, “That Harvey, and videographer Dane Hodgson. Each one is among the list of all our readers will grow to love the Central Coast and its people just a community members who have made the Central Coast a better place, little more after reading Central Coast Journal each month,” is the core and Tom and Julie are a part of that list. belief of why they took over the magazine in the first place.

In October, the couple decided it was time to take a step back from “We took great pride in having just the right mix of people and places, CCJ and look for a new owner to carry on the legacy. business and leisure, past and present, health and fitness,” Tom said.

“We have made it our mission to bring inspiring stories and the kind For the past 31 years, Tom has followed his passion for photography. of local ‘good-news’ the community had relied on for over 25 years,” In fact, it was his work as a photographer that led him and Julie to the Tom shared, “throughout the pandemic that was even more important.” magazine. So when Steve was ready to “wind down,” Tom and Julie jumped on the opportunity.

Over the last 20 months, the Meinhold’s had to “pivot” as most businesses did during the pandemic and found creative ways to connect “I am going to be winding down in 2018,” Steve said in his last pub- and share the community stories even during the lockdown. lisher’s letter in December 2017. “Tom and Julie Meinhold will be picking up the slack. Tom and Julie have been working with me and the Journal “The community embraced us, and our advertisers were loyal to for several years, and we plan to make this a seamless transition.” the publication and wanted to see it continue, so we stayed true to our mission and each month focused on the good,” Tom noted.

The two acquired CCJ in December 2017 when it was named San Luis Obispo County Journal Plus Magazine. Their first issue was in They never missed an issue until the decision was made in October January 2018 and, and in 2019, they officially changed the name to 2021 not to publish November and find a new owner.

Central Coast Journal.

That is when they reached out to Nic and Hayley Mattson, owners of Together, Tom and Julie improved the Journal’s online presence. 13 Stars Media based in Atascadero. Instantly, Tom and Julie felt they They also implemented the mayor’s column. Each month, the mayors had made the right decision.

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Central Coast Journal | December 2021

The Mattson’s publish Paso Robles Magazine, Atascadero News Magazine, Morro Bay Life, Avila Beach Life, and the two local weekly newspapers in North County, Paso Robles Press and the Atascadero News, all under the umbrella of 13 Stars Media.

“The initial phone conversation with Tom was short and to the point,” Hayley shared, “I was very familiar with the publication and very excited to have the opportunity to bring the Journal into our media family.”

Within hours of the first conversation, a meeting was set for the two couples to meet for lunch at the Spirit of San Luis, and the rest is now history.

“I don’t think it could have worked out any better—I know under their leadership the magazine is going to grow, and that is going to be awesome to see,” Tom said.

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Julie’s fondest memories of the magazine were, “Having people stop and tell you how wonderful the magazine is. How much they love each month reading about local people who have done amazing things. If we didn’t publish stuff like that, nobody would know.”

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Tom agreed, saying, “There’s plenty of great stories and positive stories to write about if you go look for them.”

As the Journal’s legacy continues, the community can count on the same feel-good stories that have carried CCJ over the past 28 plus years.

OAST FAMILY Focusing on the mission of CCJ and bringing that into the fold of the 13 Stars mission, “Making Communities Better Thorugh Print,” Nic and Hayley are excited to have CCJ as a part of their media family.

“We see the value of local media and believe we live in one of the most unique places in the world with some incredible humans,” Hayley explained. “We love sharing local stories, being involved in the community, and supporting talented local professionals, and CCJ allows us to now focus on the ‘other side of the hill,’ and for that, we are truly grateful to Tom and Julie for stewarding the publication to where it is today.”

The Meinhold’s are ready for the next chapter in their lives, focusing on their son, who attends San Luis Obispo High school, visiting their other kids, and traveling. However, they both are invested in the success of the Journal and look forward to staying connected and involved in the community so they won’t be going too far.

Tom is looking forward to returning to his life’s passion for photography and will continue some photography work for CCJ going forward.

“It has been an honor to serve our great community. It is with both joy and sadness that Julie and I announce the sale of Central Coast Journal to a great husband and wife team—Nic and Hayley Mattson. They will take great care of CCJ, and I will stay on to provide the photography you all know and love,” Tom shared in a farewell letter.

He continued, “In speaking with Nic and Hayley, they quickly earned our confidence in the knowledge of the community, the business, and the service that print magazines provide the community. We look forward to working with them and seeing what they do to make CCJ even better. It has been a true honor. Julie and I will miss working with you all in service to the Central Coast.”  Reach the Writer info@centralcoastjournal.com 19 | centralcoastjournal.com

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Central Coast Journal | December 2021

Slocally Sourced

History

POINT SAN LUIS LIGHTHOUSE:

Christmas Through the Years

by Kathy Mastako

T

he holidays will may look different again this year due to the ongoing pandemic.

Mulling this over made me wonder what Christmas must have been like for the folks stationed at an isolated outpost like the Point San Luis Lighthouse. How did the keepers and their families make merry?

Old records, news articles, and oral histories give us a glimpse into Christmas festivities at the lighthouse through the years and how those who lived there celebrated the season.

Newly widowed Keeper William Smith and his four teenage children celebrated Christmas Eve 1907 in town, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Bowden on Islay Street in SLO. Bowden was a prominent local citizen—county president of the Anti-Saloon League and, in 1911, an unsuccessful mayoral candidate in the city’s first election under its new charter. The local paper described how the ceilings of the Bowden home were decorated with pepper trees and holly branches hung on wires, with mistletoe tucked into the foliage at each entrance. Presents like bananas, apples, oranges, boxes of candy, toys, and souvenirs dangled from the wires. Each guest and gift were given a number, and guests “derived much merriment” searching Antonio Silva, long-serving assistant keeper, kept Christmas in for their gift. A spur-of-the-moment orchestra provided “excellent mu- 1931 by traveling with his wife, Laura, to San Jose to visit Mrs. Silsic,” with Miss Margaret Bowden at the piano, Master Wayne Bowden va’s niece, Ida (née Gregory) Silveira. Ida was one of the dozen or on the violin, and Mrs. Malcolm Rolls on the cornet. so children raised by John and Mamie Gregory on Smith Island in Port San Luis harbor. Head Keeper Fred Saunders took his Christmas In 1925, students at the Port schoolhouse put up their tree and cele- dinner that year at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Simpson. brated Christmas, including songs and recitations by Dorothy Watters, Simpson was an agent for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company; daughter of head Keeper George Watters, and Lira and Blaine Streeter, he and his wife had their living quarters in a section of the warechildren of assistant keeper George Streeter. The students enjoyed house on Harford pier. refreshments and received gifts, and Mrs. Angela Marre, widow of rancher Luigi Marre and owner of the Hotel Marre, joined in the fun.

The students at San Luis High held their 1937 Christmas formal in the school cafeteria, transforming it into a toy shop with “mirthful Holiday celebrations for Keeper Watters and his family in 1928 murals” and a silver tree. Lucy Moorefield, the stepdaughter of head included taking in the Spanish-American War Veterans’ Christmas Keeper Bob Moorefield, designed the programs featuring Santa entertainment in SLO. Claus with a cotton mustache and beard.

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Central Coast Journal | December 2021

Queen’s Closet of Morro Bay

“Christmas was such a big deal in our extremely private life. Christmas was magical,” Lucy recalled.

“We always hoped for a big storm at Christmas. We liked the feeling of the elements swirling around outside and being snug and cozy inside…

We always celebrated with our immediate family. We never celebrated with the family in San Luis Obispo, as it was too far away and usually the weather was inclement. We just liked to have a nice quiet private affair. The other keepers had their own celebrations.”

In 1944, during World War II, servicemen stationed in the Avila vicinity were entertained during the holidays by members of the San Luis Obispo Yacht Club at their Avila clubhouse. About fourteen yacht clubbers played host to the men, with Charles Berkemeyer playing Santa Claus and distributing gifts. After the shore party, the Yacht Club members went by boat to three military ships docked offshore, bringing gifts and refreshments aboard, then continued to the lighthouse leaving gifts and refreshments there, too. Berkemeyer was no stranger to the lighthouse.

He had served for a time aboard the lighthouse service tender ship Madrona which delivered supplies to lighthouses from San Diego to Alaska.

Santa did a flyover in 1953, dropping gifts at Point San Luis.

The five Coast Guardsmen manning the light station were each dropped a package containing razor blades, cigars, cigarettes, and books. On December 22, 1953, the San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune reported: “The high-flying Santa Claus, Edward Rowe Stowe, Marshfield, Mass., has been at his self-appointed rounds for the past 17 years. Every Christmas, he flies over the lonely lighthouses and coast guard stations, showering every navigational outpost with presents…His appearance over the Avila coast guard station yesterday was a complete surprise to the men stationed there, although they knew about the project of Snow. The big [bomber patrol] swooped low over the Avila station, and on its second pass, the five packages began falling out, all dropping within a 60-foot radius. The bundles were shock-packed, and no parachutes were needed in their direct fall to earth. With no more ado, the plane soared off southward, continuing its disguise as a propeller-driven sleigh. The officer in charge of the station, John Schulz, and his aides, quickly gathered up their presents, smiling their pleasant surprise skyward toward the horizon beyond which the plane had already disappeared.”  Reach the Writer info@centralcoastjournal.com December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

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centralcoastjournal.com | 21

Slocally Sourced

Environment

BUREAU OF OCEAN ENERGY MANAGEMENT:

‘Morro Bay Wind Energy Area’

by Neil Farrell

T

he possibility of a giant offshore wind energy farm off the coast Since initiating the conversation, Trident has teamed up with Gerof San Luis Obispo County took a step forward in November man Energy company EnBW to form Castle Winds and is actively when a federal agency moved the proposal into an environ- pursuing an operating license. Castle Wind and the City of Morro mental review phase.

Bay signed a memorandum of understanding wherein the City has lent its support behind Castle’s proposal, and Castle has pledged to The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management or BOEM announced on support the City financially.

November 12 that it had begun an “Environmental Analysis” (EA) for the “Morro Bay Wind Energy Area” or WEA, a 376 square mile patch It was Castle Wind’s leadership team that approached the Navy of ocean — 240,898 acres — located some 20 miles off the coast at and worked out the current location off San Simeon for the offshore San Simeon. wind farm. Another local potential area south of Point Buchon off the Coast of Diablo Canyon was dropped after the Navy refused to An EA is part of the environmental review process under the Na- give that area up. tional Environmental Policy Act, which is the federal version of the “California Environmental Quality Act” or CEQA. Though the two Another Pacific Coast area is also being looked at off the Coast processes approach from opposite directions, they arrive at the same of Humboldt County, but that area lacks what Morro Bay has—an destination, purportedly an environmentally sound project whose easy and existing connection to the power grid and capacity on the every impact is either avoided or mitigated. existing high voltage transmission wires that enter and exit the rear of the Morro Bay Power Plant.

The November 12 announcement reads, “BOEM will now prepare an Environmental Assessment as required under the National EnviPresident Biden recently issued an executive order calling on the ronmental Policy Act, to consider potential impacts from site char- development of offshore wind on the Pacific Coast of 4.5 gigawatts acterization activities [e.g., biological, archeological, geological, and (a gigawatt is 1,000 megawatts). As an example, the Morro Bay Power geophysical surveys) and site assessment activities (e.g., installation Plant, when it was operational, had a capacity of just over 1,000 MW. of meteorological buoys] within the WEA. BOEM’s preparation of the EA will initiate a public comment period along with two virtual But that plant hasn’t been operational since 2014. The large compublic meetings.” mercial solar plants built several years ago in California Valley have taken advantage of the open capacity on the transmission wires to BOEM will take public comments now through January 11 at 11:59 send their energy into the power grid. p.m., the release said.

Biden’s order and its focus on offshore wind energy potential “Once BOEM considers all public input, the agency will publish a caused the BOEM to expand the originally designated area up to draft EA for public review and comment. The analyses contained in 399 square miles, which this most recent pronouncement shrank the EA will help BOEM determine whether to move forward with an back down to 376 square miles. area(s) for a proposed lease sale.”

“Offshore wind presents a significant opportunity for California The investigations into offshore wind energy was started by Trident and our nation as we transition to clean, renewable energy. Today’s Winds in 2016 when the company inquired into possibly developing announcement represents significant progress towards that future,” a 1,000-megawatt wind farm offshore of the Central Coast. The initial said BOEM Director Amanda Lefton. “As the process continues, BOEM area sought by Trident was offshore about 22 miles from Cayucos in is committed to environmental reviews, which are critical for a strong some 20,000 feet of water. resource management program, and to robust public engagement.”

But the Navy objected to that area as it sits in the midst of the flight training zone for Lemoore Naval Air Station. In response, BOEM asked if any other companies were interested and got several responses from U.S. and European energy companies. Now the number of interested companies numbers over a dozen, including several oil companies.

Though little has been publicly announced since the start of all this in 2016, a check of the BOEM website for the project (visit boem.gov/ renewable-energy/state-activities/morro-bay-wind-energy-area) shows the agency has been busy studying various aspects of the project, including such specific things as the “Potential Impacts of Submarine Power Cables on Crab Harvest;” to “Humpback Whale The State of California has an interest because of its ambitious Encounter with Offshore Wind Mooring Lines and Inter-Array climate change goals that are intended to lead California into a future Cables.” with totally carbon-free energy generation. Since the State no longer considers nuclear energy desirable and will be completely nuke-free Many of these individual studies, some done with research unionce Diablo Canyon closes in 2025, and there are no hydroelectric versities and others with the California Energy Commission, have projects under consideration, that means wind and solar. already been completed.

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Central Coast Journal | December 2021

Those areas of study are listed in a BOEM summary report; visit does such an area exist, and without hesitation, Sen. Laird said, “Port boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renewable-energy/Selected- Hueneme,” which is located in Ventura County at Oxnard.

BOEM-Research-Renewable-CA_2.pdf.

Though it won’t likely be part of BOEM’s EA on the project, the imAmong the numerous engineering challenges the wind farms face pacts of having to tow 600-foot tall turbines with a boat several hundred are how to effectively and safely moor floating turbines that stand 600 feet in length from Port Hueneme around Point Conception to San feet tall from the ocean surface to the tip of the 200-foot fan blades Simeon and back for maintenance is likely to have a significant impact moored in 800-1,000 feet of water. on air quality, as well as the operations and maintenance costs, which traditionally are borne by electricity ratepayers.

On its website, Castle Wind names four types of anchors they could use from giant concrete blocks and anchor chains to so-called torAnother potential issue is the Morro Bay area’s close proximity to pedo anchors — wherein a long steel tube with a point on one end the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, indeed the wind farm is dropped off the side of a workboat and, sinking quickly, embeds area under study hugs the western edges of that sanctuary, as well as itself into the seafloor. the northern edges of the proposed Chumash Heritage NMS that the federal government has also recently moved forward (visit sanctuaries.

It would be connected to the floating turbine via mooring chains, noaa.gov/chumash-heritage). which have links that weigh upwards of 350 pounds each.

BOEM plans to have its EA completed sometime in the spring and A second and perhaps more challenging obstacle is where to build tentatively plans to hold a lease auction sometime in Summer 2022. the necessary maintenance yard. A Cal Poly study into the feasibility of the wind farms noted that such an operation would need at least “Advancing both wind energy development and the sanctuary des40 acres of land for a maintenance yard, located adjacent to a deep ignation process in the area demonstrates the Biden-Harris Adminiswater port with a huge floating work quay. tration’s commitments to these important and complementary goals,” BOEM said.

President Biden, in his announcement on his executive order, touted the notion as having the potential to create thousands of good-paying Additional information on the Morro Bay WEA, union jobs. But just where will those jobs likely be created? public meetings, and how to comment can be found on BOEM’s website; visit boem.gov/MorroBayEA.  State Senator John Laird (D—17th District), in a recent interview, Reach the Writer was asked about this because nowhere in San Luis Obispo County Resources: boem.gov/MorroBayEA info@centralcoastjournal.com

December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

centralcoastjournal.com | 23

Slocally Sourced

Education

THE DECEMBER DILEMMA:

Religion and Our Schools

by James Brescia, Ed.D., COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

E

ach day, millions of families from diverse religious backgrounds entrust their children’s education to our nation’s public schools.

Employees within our public schools need to be fully informed about the constitutional and educational principles for understanding the role of religion in public education. According to religious scholars, the phrase “separation of church and state” was initially coined by Baptists striving for religious toleration in Virginia, whose official state religion was then Anglican (Episcopalian). Baptists thought government limitations against religion were illegitimate. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson championed their cause.

major principles form the United States Supreme Court’s consensus on teaching about religion in public schools: 1) The Court has indicated that the study of religion in public schools is Constitutional. 2) The inclusion of studies about religion is vital for student education about history and cultures. 3) Religions must be taught objectively and neutrally.

The framers of our constitution held that church and state are distinct in that the Federal Government should not elevate one denomination over the other. Nor can the government or the citizenry usurp divine authority by joining politics to the church. Faith should remain a personal matter, not a civil contract tainted by politics. Our founders wrote During the American holiday season, tax-funded schools often face the about the importance of religion and how freedom of religion is vital.

“December Dilemma” or end up between A portion of the First Amendment to the “a rock and a hard place.” Confusion ocU.S. Constitution states: curs during the holiday season because the issue of religious expression in pub“Congress shall make no law respecting lic schools can become more visible in the establishment of religion, or prohibitsome situations. Because of COVID-19 ing the free exercise thereof.” Within these protocols, virtual gatherings present few words are contained two compelling additional challenges about personal concepts, separated by only a comma. On and public space. Questions about the the one hand is the prohibition against use of religious icons, sacred music, and the state (i.e., government) establishing religious decorations place the matter of or supporting religious belief or practice “separation of church and state” before called the “establishment” clause. On the students, parents, faculty, staff, adminother hand, is the “free exercise” clause istration, and community members now that guarantees the religious freedom of more than ever.

American citizens, including students in public schools. Some general guidelines The preamble of the Act Establishing recommended by legal and civil liberties Religious Freedom in Virginia (1786) afadvisors will guide us in allowing these firms that “the Author of our Religion two equally essential freedoms to coexist gave us our ‘free will.’” Moreover, that He in our schools. “chose not to propagate it by coercions.”

This legislation did not diminish religious Religion is a very personal matter. Ininfluence on government because it also dividual students are free to express their First A mend ment to t he U.S. Const it ut ion provided stiff penalties for conducting religious beliefs in school if it does not business on the Sabbath. Legal experts interfere with others or the instructional and scholars contend that the Constitution does not inhibit public dis- program. Religion is too important to our history and heritage for us plays of faith. At the Constitution’s ratification, the early Republic even to keep it out of our schools when addressed within the instructional welcomed public worship. Church services were held in the U.S. Capitol program. We can study religion without promoting or supporting a and Treasury buildings every Sunday. Today in many federal facilities, particular religious viewpoint in school. there is imagery that remains unmistakably biblical. Where does this leave our government-funded and operated schools?

Finally, when a question about religion in school surfaces, it is often an ideal “teaching opportunity” to have students explore the meaning of Academics and lawyers advise that when public schools hold holiday the First Amendment to our Constitution. Controversial issues can serve celebrations, they should make every effort to accommodate diverse as excellent debate topics in our classrooms if appropriately moderated. faiths during the holiday season. Legal experts recommend accommo- The “December Dilemma” is usually handled in our schools without dations, including different customs, various songs, and varied tradi- problems. However, we need to remember that when government and tional foods at parties or other in-school events. However, assemblies religion occupy the same room, the space between “a rock and a hard dominated by religious music may raise constitutional concerns. Three place” can become very narrow. 

“Congress shall make no law

respect ing an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people

peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. ”

24 | centralcoastjournal.com

Central Coast Journal | December 2021

Finance

FINANCIAL LITERACY:

A Gift That Lasts A Lifetime

by Sarah Santana

F

inancial tradeoffs, interest rates, and the importance of having an emergency fund: Our current economic circumstances are full of teachable moments we can and should share with our children. After all, they’re probably not learning these topics in school.

Only 1 in 6 students will be required to take a personal finance course before earning a high school diploma, according to nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance.

That’s why we’re equipping you with money tips and topics to discuss with the children in your life, plus independent study materials (ahem, videos and games) that will hold kids’ attention while teaching them money management. Keep reading to get to the head of the class.

The roots of retirement Raise your hand if you want to raise a child who will hit the ground running when it comes to saving for retirement. Personal finance experts say we should let our children know that retirement is the biggest expense they’ll ever save for, and it’s important to start early. To help them understand the value of compounding, help them open a savings account (or guardian-type brokerage account) where they can experience the power of this phenomenon for themselves.

Extra credit knowledge When you’re young and don’t have much money, it’s easy to rely too much on credit and jeopardize your financial future. Help your child understand the importance of a good credit score, and explain how you keep yours up. Share stories about how you financed your first car or house, and explain in concrete terms how the interest rate affected the overall purchase price. Finally, consider adding your teen as an authorized user on your credit card and teaching them how to read a statement and pay the balance in full each month.

Being in charge of the budget Are your children constantly asking you for money? One Florida father found a way to nip that in the bud: He had his teen and preteen sign a contract stating what expenses he would pay for, then gave them a set amount of money to spend each month for clothing, cellphone bill, and extras. “My son’s hard lesson came when his friend pushed him into a pool along with his cellphone. … He learned why it’s imIn giving your child the gift of financial literacy, you’re helping set portant to build a reserve for unexpected expenses,” the father said. them up for a brighter future. Through a purposeful approach, we Giving your kids a paycheck allows them the chance to make financial can all do our part to raise the next generation of resourceful citizens. decisions – and experience the consequences firsthand.

The economics of higher ed We’ve all asked a kid, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Instead, ask what their interests are and help them explore how they might be applied in a future career. This teaches them adaptability, something of value in a changing economic landscape.

As they get closer to making a decision about whether to attend college or trade school, help them think through the costs and benefits.

Junior Achievement’s Access Your Future app can help them crunch the numbers. And if you have a child already attending college, know that timing is everything. Yale researchers have found that graduating from college in a bad economy has a lasting negative impact on wages – and many students are considering gap years and grad school because of this.

December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

Homeschool resources For teens: • Search ngpf.org/arcade for web-based games like “Money Magic,” “Payback,” “Stax” and “Credit Clash” For younger kids: • Schoolhouse Rock! vintage videos like “Budget” and “Dollars and Sense” • Cha-chingusa.org offers Money Smart Kids videos like “Do it Passionately” and “Saving for Success” Next steps • Have family or friends share stories of how they thrived during a recession or found creative ways to stretch a budget.

• Consider helping your child get started with investing; keeping in mind their investments will change calculations for college aid.

• Introduce your family members – even the younger ones – to your advisor, who can act as a teacher’s aide for financial literacy.  centralcoastjournal.com | 25

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

(Solutions on page 28)

ACROSS 1.

Creche trio

5.

The whole enchilada

8.

Outlet letters

12.

Teensy bit

13.

Irish actor Stephen

14.

Vivacity, in music

15.

At the summit of

16.

Her bed was too soft

18.

Jungle trek

20. Make happy 21. Swindles 23. Workout site 24. Spaghetti topper 28. Whirled 31.

Hosp. area

32. Small stream 34. “As I see it,” to a texter 35. Lavish affection (on) 37.

Lunar light

39. Family card game 41.

42. Regard highly 45. Morals 49. Legume used

© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

Greek letters

in Asian cuisine

51. Acknowledge 52. Wax-coated cheese 53. Baton Rouge sch.

54. Country’s McEntire 55. Actress Ward 56. Shrill bark 57. “Hey!” 26 | centralcoastjournal.com

DOWN

17.

H.S. math

38. It’s equivalent to C,

1.

“Serpico” author Peter

19.

Eldest Stark child on

in some scores

2.

“-- girl!”

“Game of Thrones”

40. Sphere

3. Blunder

22. Sailing vessel

42. Iowa city

4. Influence

24. Central

43. Ranch visitor

5.

25. Green prefix

44. Slithery

6. Meadow

26. Fall-related

46. Currier’s partner

7.

27. Relax

47.

8. Monasteries

29. Actress Thurman

48. Smack a baseball

9.

Slapstick missile

30. -- de plume

50. “-- was saying ...”

10.

“Buenos --!”

33. Make a scarf

11.

Apple center

36. Puzzle

How lovers may stroll Genie’s home

Corn castoffs

Central Coast Journal | December 2021

Calendar of

Calendar

EVENTS DECEMBER

DUE TO COVID-19 ALL EVENTS ARE TENTATIVE AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL AHEAD OR CHECK ONLINE FOR MORE DETAILS.

ALL MONTH

DEC. 1 - 16

DEC. 1 - 23

Stay up on all the events and happenings in SLO County!

SUBMIT UPCOMING EVENTS TO: office@13starsmedia.com

DEC. 6 - 19

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

GROVER BEACH HOLIDAY OF LIGHTS CONTEST

LIGHT UP SAN MIGUEL CONTEST

GROVER BEACH COOKIES & DANCE HOLIDAY CONTEST

DOWNTOWN CAYUCOS

GROVER BEACH

SAN MIGUEL

GROVER BEACH

INFO: cayucoschamber.com DETAILS: Businesses will be decorating for the holidays for that little extra sparkle and holiday cheer.

INFO: grover.org/239/Special-Events DETAILS: Show your holiday spirit by decorating your home or business or by nominate your neighbor or friends!

INFO: smfirefightersassoc.org DETAILS: People decorate their homes and businesses for the holidays. Top three decorators will receive a prize.

INFO: grover.org/239/Special-Events DETAILS: In coordination with Cal Poly E.I.M. and Munich Germany Recreation Administration Students.

DEC. 6 - 25

DEC. 8

DEC. 10

DEC. 10 - 12

“TRAIL OF LIGHTS” TOUR MAP REG. & CONTEST INFO

CHRISTMAS ANNUAL BANQUET COASTAL WINTER COMMUNITY CHURCH WONDERLAND

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS

ATASCADERO

GROVER BEACH

SUNKEN GARDENS, ATASCADERO

MORRO BAY EMBARCADERO

TIME: 5:00 - 8:00 p DETAILS: “Trail of Lights” provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to show off their homes and storefronts.

TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 p DETAILS: A wonderful evening of food and joyous fellowship in a spectacular holiday wonderland.

TIME: 5:00 - 9:00 p DETAILS: Enjoy a massive snow slide, live entertainment, food & craft vendors and shopping Downtown!

TIME: 4:30 - 7:30 p DETAILS: Morro Bay Rotary hosts free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus following safe COVID practices.

DEC. 10 - 18 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE A LIVE RADIO PLAY

DEC. 11 SLO’S REINDEER RUN

SANTA MARGARITA’S BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY STROLL

ARROYO GRANDE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

SAN LUIS OBISPO REPERTORY THEATRE MITCHELL PARK, SLO

DOWNTOWN SANTA MARGARITA

ARROYO GRANDE

TIME: Fri. & Sat. @ 7:00 p, Sat. @ 2:00 p DETAILS: Holiday movie classic comes to life in this delightful staged reading performed as a 1940s radio broadcast!

TIME: 5:00 - 8:00 p DETAILS: Support local businesses, pick up a Holiday Passport to collect stamps to be entered into a raffle!

TIME: 8:30 - 11:00 a DETAILS: Enjoy pancakes with the jolly man himself. Registration is required $10.00

TIME: 9:00 - 11:30 a DETAILS: Get in the holiday spirit with the annual Reindeer Run, hosted by SLO County’s Friday Night Live!

DEC. 11

DEC. 11 - 12

35TH ANNUAL VINE STREET VICTORIAN SHOWCASE (DRIVE THRU ONLY)

CHRISTMAS IN CAYUCOS OPEN HOUSE

SANTA’S DOGGIE PARADE

CIVIC BALLET OF SAN LUIS OBISPO: THE NUTCRACKER

VINE STREET, PASO ROBLES

DOWNTOWN CAYUCOS

AVILA BEACH PROMENADE

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, CAL POLY

TIME: 6:00 - 9:00 p DETAILS: Take a DRIVE down Vine Street and enjoy the decorations, Scrooge and Mr. & Mrs. Claus!

TIME: 5:00 - 8:00 p DETAILS: Businesses will be open for extended hours—a fun and festive Downtown Cayucos tradition.

TIME: 11:00 a DETAILS: Grab the fake antlers, silly Santa hat,s and ugly sweaters, and get your pups into the Christmas spirit!

TIME: Sat. @ 2:00 p, Sun. @ 4:00 p DETAILS: Join Mother Ginger and the SugarPlum Fairy as Clara travels to the Land of Sweets.

More Events on Page 28 

December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

centralcoastjournal.com | 27

Slocally Sourced

DEC. 12

Calendar

DEC. 17 - 19

HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET

CANVAS & CLAY PRESENTS

SLO PUBLIC MARKET

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1645 PARK ST., PASO ROBLES

DEC. 18

HOLIDAY MAGIC “THE BEST CHRISTMAS AT THE CHARLES PAGEANT EVER” PADDOCK ZOO

TIME: 12:00 - 5:00 p DETAILS: End of Maple Markets will host “Holiday Makers Market,” bringing together dozens of Makers, artisans and fabricators from all over the 805!

DEC. 20

TIME: (Dec. 17th & 18th) 6:00 p / (Dec. 19th) 2:00 p DETAILS: A free event for the whole family! Bring friends, family, and neighbors!

31ST ANNUAL SAN MIGUEL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PARADE

CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO, ATASCADERO MISSION STREET, SAN MIGUEL TIME: 10:00 a - 1:00 p DETAILS: Experience the magic of the holiday season as the zookeepers step in as Santa’s Elves to prepare gifts for the animals. Santa will be there too! Something for everyone!

DEC. 31

TIME: 6:00 p DETAILS: Photos with Santa will follow the parade. The, in true Holiday spirit, the San Miguel Firefighters Association will hand toys out to the children.

JAN. 1

HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THE MISSION PLAZA

OPERA SLO NEW YEARS EVE

CAYUCOS POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

10TH ANNUAL AVILA BEACH POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

MISSION PLAZA, SLO

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, CAL POLY

CAYUCOS

AVILA BEACH

TIME: 4:00 - 6:00 p DETAILS: Come grab a candy cane and join us for a holiday music showcase performed by the SLO Youth Symphony! Make a donation and be entered to win symphony tickets.

TIME: 7:30 p DETAILS: Ring in the New Year at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo with Opera San Luis Obispo in an epic evening of pops, opera, musical theater, and dance!

TIME: 12:00 p DETAILS: Brave enough to take the plunge? Details to be announced. Visit cayucoschamber.com for the most up-to-date information. See you in the water!

TIME: 12:00 p DETAILS: A celebration of fitness, nature, a New Year, and camaraderie.

Dessert can be a cup of coffee or something to eat at one of the local establishments after the plunge.

DECEMBER CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS

Ongoing Monthly Events

BE SURE TO CONFIRM TIMES BEFORE YOU GO . CALL AHEAD OR CHECK WEBSITES TO VERIFY.

Every Wednesday (Dec. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th)

PISMO BEACH FARMERS MARKET

AVILA BEACH FARMERS MARKET*

PISMO BEACH PIER PROMENADE

AVILA BEACH PIER PROMENADE

TIME: 4:00 - 7:00 p

TIME: 4:00 - 8:00 p

Every Thursday

Every Wednesday

DOWNTOWN SLO FARMERS MARKET

ATASCADERO FARMERS MARKET

HIGUERA STREET

ATASCADERO SUNKEN GARDENS

TIME: 6:00 - 9:00 p

TIME: 3:00 - 6:00 p

(Dec. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th)

(Dec. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th)

Every Tuesday

Every Saturday

PASO ROBLES FARMERS MARKET

TEMPLETON FARMERS MARKET

11TH & SPRING

6TH & CROCKER

TIME: 9:00 - 11:30 a

TIME: 9:00 a - 12:30 p

(Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th)

28 | centralcoastjournal.com

Every Friday

(Dec. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st)

(Dec. 4th, 11th, 18th)

Central Coast Journal | December 2021

Outdoors

BOB JONES TRAIL:

Deer Crossing, A Merry Sight

by Betty Hartig

D

asher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, and Comet are just a few of the famed reindeer that pull Santa’s present-packed sleigh. Although reindeer do not live on the Central Coast, seeing deer prancing across the Bob Jones Trail certainly recalls the 1823 poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Deer in December are indeed a merry sight.

In the abundant oak forest areas of Avila, deer can be seen throughout the year. Just what kind of deer are they? Black-tailed deer, a member of the mule deer family, appropriately named for their large mulelike-looking ears. Those ears are about three-fourths the length of their head. Their radar ears move constantly and independently, allowing them to pick up sounds that may pose danger, which coupled with their keen sense of smell keeps them alert and ready. Black-tailed mule deer range from 3 to 3.5 feet tall from their shoulder and weigh between 130 and 280 pounds. Deer are social creatures and typically stay together. In general, they are beloved iconic wildlife. People enjoy viewing their grace and glamour. Oak wooded, hilly habitat is their preferred living zone. Thus, they reside in Avila full-time as it is an excellent environment for them to thrive.

A mature buck can have a rather royal appearance with their branching set of antlers. The number of forks or points is dependent on a buck’s age, nutrition, and genetics. Antlers are shed yearly after breeding season. In the early fall, bucks go into rut. Rutting behavior is when velvet is shed from antlers. How is that accomplished? Males rub their antlers on trees or shrubs to scrape the velvet-like hair off their antlers.

During this time, it is mating season. Bucks will spar for females and become more aggressive to compete with other males for mates. Bucks are polygynous; one buck will mate with many does. The gestation period is about 200 days. Females can give birth to one, two, or three fawns. Fawns are born in late spring to mid-summer.

They are spotted at birth, a form of camouflage, which protects them from predators but lose their spots within a few months. As a built-in safety feature, fawns are scent-free for the first week. This permits the mother to not only keep her newborn safe but also gives the doe time to regain energy. Fawns are weaned in the fall, although they continue to stay with their mothers for the first year. Despite good motherly care, fawns have a high mortality rate, 45 to 70 percent. A deer’s life span is about 9 to 10 years. Mountain lions are a natural enemy of mule deer, Deer are beautifully designed not just in appearance but also in their as well as bobcats and coyotes. capabilities. They can move unheard and unseen through the forest.

Black-tailed deer can easily jump over 5 feet if they are being chased It is a privilege to view nature in Avila. The Bob Jones pathway proor threatened; 8 feet is no barrier. Along with their jumping prowess vides an easy way to see and connect with different fauna. During your comes speed. They can reach 35-40 miles per hour; however, they cannot next trail trek, be sure to listen to the sounds and look around; there maintain that speed for long periods. It is interesting to note that deer is much to discover. Perhaps you can spot a tiny critter or an over 100 bound in a motion called “stotting,” using all four hooves to push off lb. mammal, such as the black-tailed mule deer. the ground at the same time. The bounding gait temporarily gives the animal an elevated vantage point, which allows it to see a pursuing The sights are yours to enjoy!  predator. It also enables the deer to travel quickly over bushes and rocks. A characteristic of the black-tailed mule deer are seasonal coats.

In the summer, black-tailed deer are tannish brown. In the winter, they are brownish-gray in color.

How do deer communicate? For the most part, they have many means of delivering messages, which are specific to each subspecies. Blacktailed deer communicate with vocalizations and scents, not with a sway or raise of their tail, which is a common theory. Wagging their tails simply keeps bugs away. Pheromones, a chemical substance produced and released into the environment by deer, is a tool used to convey information. Pheromones are secreted from glands located on their sturdy lower legs. The released odor affects the behavior of others in their group.

A deer’s diet is diverse, but they mostly nibble on herbaceous plants and the leaves and twigs of woody shrubs. Although contrary to belief, black-tailed deer are selective feeders. They choose the most nutritious portions of vegetation to eat. Young and emerging growth are more wholesome than mature trees and flora. Human incursions impact deer foraging habits. Often fresh landscaping in nearby homes can be a delightful salad. They do like to browse! Deer also eat bark, buds, and acorns. If an opportunity arises, they will munch on cultivated crops.

December 2021 | Central Coast Journal

centralcoastjournal.com | 29

Last Word

A Special to Central Coast Journal

The Little White Envelope A True Christmas Story by Nancy W. Gavin, December 2015

“I

t's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas.

Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it – overspending and the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma – the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.

Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was on the wrestling team at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes.

As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Mike's smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year.

And that same bright smile lit up succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition – one year sending a group of mentally disabled youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The white envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children – ignoring their new toys – would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the small, white envelope never lost its allure.

The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer.

When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree. And the next morning, I found it was magically joined by three more. Unbeknownst to the others, each of our three children had for the first time placed a white envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing to take down that special envelope.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class.

Mike's spirit, like the ChristMike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one mas spirit, will always be with of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, us.” but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids – all kids. He so enjoyed coaching little league football, May we always remember baseball, and lacrosse. That's when the idea for his present came. what a blessing each day is with our loved ones. Take That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought a moment to be present, an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them to share love, and be anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed a good human. You a small, white envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike may not know whose what I had done and that this was his gift from me. life you will impact when you do. 

Farrell Smyth.....................................................2 City of Atascadero .............................................3 First 5 San Luis Obispo..................................4, 5 Diane Cassidy....................................................7 JCC Federation of SLO.......................................9 Spirit of SLO.......................................................9

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS Central Coast Journal is brought to you by Elder Placement Professionals.......................13 Senior Living Consultants...............................17 Ekmanian Tax & Accounting............................17

30 | centralcoastjournal.com

Tom Meinhold Photography..........................19 Alan’s Draperies...............................................19 Wheeler Smith Mortuary................................19

Frederick Law Firm, A Law Corp.......................19 Queen’s Closest of Morro Bay.........................21 The Tire Store...................................................21

Reverse Mortgage Specialist..........................21 San Luis Obispo County Office of Education.............................23 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.....................................31 The Running Chicken Run Walk.....................32

Central Coast Journal | December 2021