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Spring is a season of hope, new beginnings, and renewal. And as we welcome the arrival of spring, it's a time for us to embrace all the beauty and wonder that this season brings. In Morro Bay, we are lucky to be surrounded by the stunning beauty of nature, from the vibrant colors of blooming flowers to the chirping of birds in the morning. And with Easter and other celebrations around the corner, there's even more reason to celebrate and enjoy the joys of spring.
However, this year's spring is a little different from what we're used to. The abundance of rain in our area has brought muchneeded relief to our drought-stricken region, and while it may not feel like spring due to all the rain, we can look forward to a very green season. The reservoir levels in the area are closely monitored to ensure that we have enough water for our needs, and it's a great sight to see them full after years of drought.
This month we are thrilled to feature Erika Crawford, the CEO of the Morro Bay Chamber, who has been instrumental in supporting not only local businesses but also the community as a whole. As we enter the season of spring, it's essential to show our support for
the backbone of our town - our local businesses and community. On that note, we are excited to announce that our Second Annual Best of Morro Bay Readers' Poll is still open! With over 100 categories of local businesses, organizations, events, and attractions waiting for your votes, this is your chance to acknowledge and show your appreciation for those who have earned it. Cast your ballot for the best of the best, and bring some love to your favorite local businesses and attractions.
Visit morrobaylifenews.com/READERSPOLL or scan the QR code in the ad below to access the voting form directly.
As we welcome the joys of spring and the Easter season, let us embrace the beauty and wonder that this time of year brings. We wish you a delightful season filled with hope, joy, and renewal. Happy Spring!
We hope you enjoy this issue of Morro Bay Life
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."
- Coretta Scott King
For more information contact Lynsey Hansen,
Putting a Spotlight on Businesses
The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is putting a spotlight on local businesses! Spotlight Businesses are nominated and selected by fellow business owners in Morro Bay as a standout business with exceptional
Business spotlights recognize Chamber member businesses that provide a consistent, positive customer experience, are actively engaged in the community and demonstrate
Please help us CONGRATULATE these businesses on their spotlight award by visiting their establishments, purchasing their products or services, and leaving good reviews online.
Find your shopping ideas by following us on Facebook, Instagram or our website morrochamber.org.
The company was able to isolate the pipeline, “out of an abundance of caution,” Paul said, “and is mitigating potential service disruptions to customers by temporarily connecting the pipeline to other natural gas infrastructure.”
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
Arecent storm unearthed a natural gas pipeline in Cayucos running parallel to the beach, prompting an emergency response from maintenance crews.
According to Brittany Paul, a spokeswoman with Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), “At approximately 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, SoCalGas crews responded to reports of an exposed natural gas pipeline near Morro Strand State Beach in Cayucos.”
She said a maintenance crew discovered that a 6-inch gas pipeline “that has become exposed due to heavy rainfall and soil erosion. The pipeline is not damaged and there are no reports of customer outages.”
That pipeline is buried under the bluff of Studio Drive and delivers gas to customers up the coast. The exposed area is near the 24th Street Beach Access.
With repair crews working on the issue, a large crane was brought in, placed on standby and remained there the whole day after the storm. Paul said they ended up not needing the crane, as the pipeline wasn’t damaged.
SoCalGas issued an alert to its North Coast customers: “Customers in Cayucos, Cambria, and San Simeon are encouraged to conserve natural gas usage to prevent service disruptions.”
The company issued several tips on how to conserve gas:
• Lower furnace thermostats by 5 to 8 degrees if health permits;
• Wash and rinse clothes in cold water; Reduce the temperature on water heaters or set it at 120 degrees
• Take shorter hot showers.
If readers experience a natural gas service disruption, they should contact SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. And don’t try to restore gas service to your home if it gets interrupted.
As for the pipeline, Paul said, the company “will assess the pipeline, including the length of the exposure, and make modifications when weather conditions improve, the area around the pipeline becomes safe to work in, and approvals have been secured from permitting agencies.”
The gas line was one of several issues that hit Cayucos with that March 10-12 storm. The Whale Rock Reservoir poured over the spillway for the first time in nearly two decades.
The reservoir, which was completed in 1961 and is used as a drinking water
source for the members of the Whale Rock Commission, reached capacity March 10 and began pouring a river over the spillway, as runoff swelled the earthen dam reservoir. It is now completely full to its 38,967-acre feet of water at some 216 feet deep. Whale Rock collects water from a 20.3-square-mile watershed.
It was originally built to dam up Old Creek, which empties into the reservoir on the eastern side. Old Creek emerges again below the dam running out to the beach, and also carries the spillway water away. In wet winters like this, Old Creek can break through to the ocean, which presents a degree of safety concerns for people walking the beach.
Caltrans is in the midst right now of replacing the northbound Highway 1 bridge over Old Creek, a multimillion dollar replacement project that’s had to deal with the series of storms that have hit the area since the beginning of last November but have been heaviest since early January.
Also, a hillside below the dam and above the town cemetery sustained a rockslide, leaving a scar in the otherwise plush green hill. The rock fall reportedly didn’t cause damage.
On March 10, an evacuation alert was issued for people living downstream of the dam in the pre-storm preparations heading into the weekend of March 10-12.
Whale Rock isn’t the only local body of water to reach capacity. Santa Margarita Lake (the Salinas Dam) is also spilling over into the Salinas River and Lake Lopez too was having
water released downstream to Arroyo Grande Creek.
Whale Rock spilling over hasn’t happened since the winter of 200405, and its only done it 12 times since 1961, according to the Whale Rock Commission website.
The reservoir and the Whale Rock pipeline facilities are operated by the Whale Rock Commission — comprised of the City of SLO, Camp San Luis, and CMC — with the city overseeing a three-man crew. Whale Rock also pipes water to a treat -
ment plant located on a frontage road between the cemetery and Hwy 1. That reverse osmosis plant produces drinking water for Cayucos and is run by the county.
The Whale Rock crew maintains 13 miles of fenceline, 1,400 acres of open space, the dam structure and monitoring instrumentation, two pumping stations, and 18 miles of 30-inch diameter reinforced pipeline that ultimately delivers water to a City of SLO water treatment plant located off Highway 1 west of Cal Poly.
Tuesday, March 14, Highway 41/Morro Road has been closed due to fallen trees and a mudslide. Currently, the road closure affects both directions of the highway from Los Altos to San Gabriel Roads, which resides predominantly close to Atascadero, closest to Highway 101.
Roughly a 3-mile stretch, the highway
was expected to reopen last weekend (March 25-26) if weather and clearing of the trees and mud permitted. According to CalTrans District 5, crews removed an estimated 6,000 yards of dirt from the slide and needed to cut and remove another 10,000 yards of slope. Aside from trees and mud, rocks and boulders needed to be moved and the hillside stabilized.
Fortunately, there are alternative routes that could be utilized in the meantime. Drivers were able to use Highway 46 to connect to Highway 101 and Highway 1. As of March 23, Caltrans has not released a reopening date.
The Morro Bay City Council was expected to appoint an interim city manager at its
Feb. 28 meeting, just in time for the existing city manager’s departure for the private nonprofit sector.
City Manager Scott Collins, whose last day in Morro Bay was March 3, announced the hiring of Greg Carpenter to fill in for him while the City Council works through a hiring process that’s already begun with the hiring of a consultant to walk the city through the hiring process. Carpenter was slated to start work after the council approved his contract at its Feb. 28 meeting.
Mayor Carla Wixom is pleased Carpenter agreed to step in.
“We are thankful that Mr. Carpenter will be able to serve the
community as interim city manager, while we work with a recruiter to search for the next city manager,” Wixom said. “I believe Mr. Carpenter will be a good fit for the interim position, as he understands our region and has previously served as a city manager for a coastal California community.”
Carpenter comes to Morro Bay after serving as the interim city manager in Paso Robles since 2021, after that city's search for a new full-time manager took longer than expected.
Carpenter “brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the City of Morro Bay,” Collins said in a news release, “having served
as a City Manager and Director of Planning and Building Safety for the City of El Segundo [in Los Angeles County]. Prior to that, he served as Zoning Administrator and Planning Bureau Manager for the City of Long Beach. Most recently, he served as the Interim City Manager for Paso Robles.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve,” Carpenter said, “during this interim period while the City Council selects the next permanent city manager for Morro Bay. I’m looking forward to working with the council, city staff, and the community to continue the projects and efforts that are underway, and set the stage for a smooth transition
for the new city manager.”
Carpenter said his door will be open.
“Please feel free to reach out and contact me with any comments, concerns, or questions,” he said. “I look forward to hearing from you.”
Carpenter attended Cal State Long Beach, earning a Bachelor of Arts in geography and a Master’s degree in public administration.
Carpenter’s hiring comes after the City Council agreed to contract with head-hunter firm, Mosiac, to conduct the recruitment and screening of applicants. How long they will take has not been announced, as such recruitments can take several months, depending on the size of the pool of applicants.
ans Memorial Hall to discuss the City's goals and work plan. This forum provides an opportunity for the community to share their input on what they believe should be the City's top priorities. The City Council is committed to ensuring that the goals and work plan are aligned with the needs and desires of Morro Bay's residents and businesses.
input is vital in ensuring that the City's goals are reflective of the community's values and priorities. The Council invites all community members to attend the event or participate online through the City's Polco tool. The Polco tool is a user-friendly platform that allows community members to share their opinions and ideas on City goals.
nity to provide their input. The Council will consider all feedback provided during the community forum and through the Polco tool and emails.
The City's existing goals can be viewed on its website.
MORRO BAY — The Morro Bay City Council is hosting
The City Council understands the importance of community involvement in setting goals and making decisions that impact the City. The Council believes that community
Community members were able to participate in the Polco poll until Thursday, March 30. The City Council encouraged community members to take advantage of this opportu -
Community members can review the existing goals to get an idea of the City's current priorities. The City Council is looking forward to hearing from the community and working together to create a better future for Morro Bay.
The man convicted of murdering 19-yearold Cal Poly student Kristin Smart in 1996 has been sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.
On Friday, March 10, Monterey County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jennifer O’Keefe sentenced Paul Flores, 46, to serve 25 years to life in state prison after a jury convicted him last October of Kristin’s murder. As part of his sentencing, Paul will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Kristin Smart was a Cal Poly freshman when she was reported missing in May 1996. She was last seen walking away from an off-campus party on Crandall Way with Paul. A 25-year investigation ensued, resulting in the 2021 arrest of Paul and his father, Ruben Flores, 81. In October 2022, Ruben was found not guilty of accessory after the fact. Ruben was accused of helping his son hide Kristin’s remains. However, Paul was found guilty and convicted.
“Our criminal and victim justice system has finally delivered justice for Kristin Smart, for the Smart family, and for our San Luis Obispo County community,” said District Attorney Dan Dow on the day of Paul’s conviction. “We thank the Smart family and our community for the tremendous trust and patience they placed in the investigation and prosecution of this terrible
crime. We recognize the jury for their focused attention to the evidence and the Sheriff’s Office for their tireless effort in building this case. Today [March 10], justice delayed is not justice denied.”
Prior to Paul’s final sentencing, the court heard a motion from his defense lawyer Robert Sanger to seek a new trial, dismissal of charges, and acquittal. According to reports, Sanger argued that witnesses were not truthful in their testimonies.
Both motions were denied by Judge O’Keefe.
While the morning’s motions were not filmed like the rest of the trial, Judge O’Keefe approved one pool camera to record the sentencing. KSBY News operated as the pool camera.
SLO County Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle referred to Paul as a “true psychopath,” requesting him to receive the maximum sentencing. A video of Kristin throughout her life was shown, followed by impact statements from her family.
Kristin’s father, Stan Smart, began by describing the strain her murder left on his remaining children and his marriage.
“He and his family have continued to hide her remains and deny our family the opportunity to bring her home for an appropriate funeral,” said Stan referring to Paul and his family. “They have no remorse for taking our daughter’s life.”
Stan was followed by Kristin’s brother, Matt; Matt’s wife, Lisa; Kristin’s cousin, Eric; her childhood friend, Ann-Marie; and Kristin’s sister, Lindsey, and her husband. Her mother, Denise, spoke last.
Following the impact statements, Judge O’Keefe spoke directly to Paul telling him, “You have been a cancer to society.”
In a press release following the sentencing, the SLO County District Attorney’s Office described the sentencing as a “result of a tremendous collaborative effort of more than a dozen local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies over the span of 25 years, but most importantly, the perseverance of the Smart family.”
The case was prosecuted by SLO County Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle along with Assistant Chief Investigator for the SLO County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation James “J.T.” Camp, and Senior Detective with the SLO County Sheriff’s Office Clint Cole.
“After nearly 27 years of unspeakable anguish, the Smart family has finally seen their daughter’s killer sentenced. Their strength and determination serve as an inspiration to us all,” said Peuvrelle in the same press release. “The prosecution team is grateful for the support of the entire San Luis Obispo community during the case. The community stood together, never gave up, and supported us to see that justice was done. We hope that victims everywhere know that there are people in the Justice System who will stand up to make sure their voices are heard.”
The District Attorney’s office thanked the Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni and her team for providing physical and
technical support throughout the trial, which was held at the Salinas Valley Courthouse in Monterey County. The trial was moved to Salinas after San Luis Obispo County Judge Craig van Rooyen ruled the father and son would not receive a fair trial in SLO County.
SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson released a statement regarding Paul’s sentencing, “I agree with the sentence of 25-years-to-life handed down today against Paul Flores for the murder of Kristin Smart. It was a long time coming, but it is a decision that is right and just. Our thoughts right now are with the Smart family. Today is not about us and what we did, but about them and what they do now. How they move forward. We want to remind the community this case is not over yet. And it won’t be over until Kristin has been returned to her family.”
The trial began on July 18, just over a year after the father and son’s arrest. Throughout the trial, jurors heard from witnesses, including former Cal Poly students who were with Kristin and Paul at the party on Crandall Way the night she went missing.
Two Jane Does from Los Angeles County testified in the trial, accusing Paul of raping them. Their testimonies have been deemed an integral part in the prosecution’s case against Paul. While Kristin’s remains have not been found, she was legally declared dead in 2002. Her remains have yet to be located despite now 26 years of searching.
Starting on April 10, The Monday Club will be accepting books at its clubhouse in San Luis Obispo. Donations may be dropped off on the second and fourth Mondays of the months of April, May, and June, from 2 to 5 p.m., at 1815 Monterey Street.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The Monday Clubhouse Conservancy announces its third year of collecting books for San Luis Obispo County’s youngest readers, from infancy to age 12.
To help promote equity and access, The Monday Club gladly accepts both new and gently used books. They invite members of the community to clean out their bookshelves — or shop for a few new books — to pass on the joy of reading and the gift of literacy. Volunteers will be on hand to receive the books and to assist in unloading, as necessary. Books in Spanish and other languages are most welcome.
In addition to the book drive, as supporters of the County Office of Education’s Raise a Reader program (RAR), The Monday Club provides RAR with funds to buy books for their successful book bag initiative. This well-loved project gives children in Pre-K through kindergarten classroom access to bags filled with books, which they take home, read, and then exchange for another bag. Since 2015, The Monday Club has donated $5,000 a year to assist with the program.
From its inception three years ago, The Monday Club has also distributed 7,000 books to children in underserved communities from Paso Robles to Oceano and include printed
bilingual reading tips for families in each book. This year’s book drive is a continuation of that program, the better to reach young readers of all ages.
The Monday Club is a 501(c) 3 Public Benefit Charitable Foundation whose mission includes providing community and educational activities and preserving and restoring the historic landmark known as The Monday Club of San Luis Obispo, a jewel in the architectural crown of the city, designed by Heart Castle’s Julia Morgan.
Drop-off dates: April 10 and 17, May 8 and 22, June 12 and 26
For more information, visit themondayclubslo.org/RAR
During the closed session on Tuesday, March 21, the board unanimously accepted Horton’s resignation with a 5-0 vote.
“We can’t thank Mr. Horton enough for his honorable and committed dedication to the County of San Luis Obispo,” said John Peschong, the Board of Supervisors Chairman.
“He is a true public servant that has made a real difference in the County throughout his tenure.”
who will serve as the interim CAO during the transition period.
By HAYLEY MATTSON for Morro Bay Life
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — San Luis Obispo County Administrative Officer (CAO) Wade Horton has resigned from his position, County Counsel Rita Neal announced following a Board of Supervisors closed session on Tuesday. Horton’s resignation comes amid a request for his performance evaluation, which was initiated by a member of the SLO County Board of Supervisors several weeks ago. County officials have not disclosed which supervisor requested the review.
Although the board agenda refers to an “annual performance evaluation” of Horton, this was the first performance review scheduled since he was appointed as head of the county in 2017.
Horton began working for the county’s Administrative Office as the County Administrator in 2017. Prior to that, he served as the County’s Public Works Director and the Deputy Director of Utilities/Water for the City of San Luis Obispo.
The specific reason behind Horton’s resignation has not been disclosed. In a statement, Horton expressed gratitude for his time serving the county, “It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Board, organization, and residents of San Luis Obispo County for the last 8 years,” he said. “I am proud of all we have accomplished together.”
Officials have announced that the County will soon begin a nationwide search for a new County Administrative Officer to fill the vacant position. In the meantime, it remains unclear
As the search for Horton’s replacement commences, the county will undoubtedly seek a candidate with strong leadership skills and a background in public administration. The new CAO will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the county, implementing policies set forth by the Board of Supervisors, and ensuring that the needs of the county’s residents are met.
Horton’s departure signifies the end of a significant chapter for San Luis Obispo County, particularly given his crucial role as the County Emergency Services Director throughout the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.
While the specific reasons for his resignation are yet to be known, the influence Horton had on the county throughout his tenure, particularly during extraordinary times, will undoubtedly be remembered.
As San Luis Obispo County moves forward, both its leaders and residents will certainly be attentive to the individual who will take on the role of the new County Administrative Officer, as well as the trajectory they will set for the county in the upcoming years.
Multiple
By HAYLEY MATTSON & CAMILLE DEVAUL for Morro Bay LifeApowerful storm system has been pummeling the Central Coast once again with heavy winds and rainfall throughout the week. According to the latest figures at the time of printing, Paso Robles has received 26.38 inches of rain this season, with Atascadero recording slightly more at 27.89 inches.
The authorities are closely monitoring the reservoir levels in the area. At the time of printing, Salinas has reported 107.6 inches of water in its reservoir, with Lake Nacimiento presently holding 85.0 inches of water, while San Anto-
On Thursday, March 23, Lake Lopez reservoir reached its 50,000 acre-feet of water capacity and spilled over for the first time in 25 years. The lake's received over 98 inches of rain this season, leading the remarkable sight that people flocked to see. The spillover was anticipated as the lake went from 24 percent capacity at the beginning of January to full capacity in less than three months.
Lopez Lake, located near Arroyo Grande, was at 92.2 percent capacity as of Friday, March 17, according to SLO County Public Works data. This is a significant increase from its 22 percent capacity in December and 24 percent capacity at the beginning of January. Multiple atmospheric river storms in January and March have brought it close to spilling for the first time in more than two decades.
The last time the reservoir spilled was in 1998. In its more than five decades of operation, the lake has spilled a total of 18 times. As of Friday
feet, according to Public Works data.
Established in 1968, the reservoir can store a maximum of 49,388 acre-feet of water. In addition to providing water to residents of the Five Cities area of SLO County, Lopez Lake is also used for recreational activities such as boating, camping, fishing, and mountain biking.
Leading up to the spillover, SLO County Public Works has been monitoring the spillway, which will direct overflowing water into Arroyo Grande Creek, to ensure it remains in good condition through regular maintenance and inspections.
Oceano, located near the Arroyo Grande Creek Levee, has already been at risk of flooding during this winter's extreme storms. Officials issued evacuation warnings and, in some cases, orders as water levels rose in the area. The most
capacity this winter. In March, Whale Rock Reservoir near Cayucos spilled for the first time in 18 years. The last time Whale Rock was close to capacity was in May 2019, when it reached 90 percent. However, by the afternoon of March 11, the reservoir reached 111 percent capacity.
Santa Margarita Lake has also been overflowing into the Salinas River since Jan. 9. As of March 24, it was at 105 percent of capacity. These reservoirs reaching capacity highlight the substantial impact of this winter's storms on the region.
As the storm system continues, county officials and emergency services remain vigilant to address any potential flooding and ensure public safety. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and follow any guidance or evacuation orders issued by local author-
County officials prepare for nationwide search to find a suitable replacementOfficer Wade Horton
San
County reservoirs reach capacity as a result of multiple storms
Ask anyone in San Luis Obispo County if they remember California’s Superbloom of 2019, and chances are their answer will be an excited “yes.” Who could forget? California’s last Superbloom made national (and even global) news as wildflower mania gripped the state.
Some of the best wildflower viewings can be found right here in our own backyard. Santa Margarita is an officially designated Gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument, situated off Highway 58, about an hour out of town. An amazing place to explore on its own at any time, the Carrizo Plain is the star of many photos taken during superbloom years with its Easter egg-colored hills acting as a backdrop to Soda Lake and wide expanses of colorful fields of flowers.
Photos of hillsides, meadows, and open spaces covered with spectacular displays of nature’s most brilliant colors filled the media with the blooming flowers so prolific that the spectacle could even be seen from outer space via satellite images. Already there’s been trouble in paradise as swarms of flower-frenzied fans in some earlier blooming areas have already been “banned” due to bad behavior. So to avoid any problems, here is what you can do for maximum enjoyment and to help ensure these special areas of beauty will remain for future generations.
First of all, it’s important to note that the superbloom phenomenon occurs thanks to trillions of tiny seeds of mostly annual plants, whose life cycles are completed within one year or season, as opposed to a perennial, which in the right conditions can continue its life for multiple years.
Some of the best spots for a superbloom can be found where the landscape conditions are naturally hot, dry and generally inhospitable to sustain many perennials without supplemental watering (think of a rocky hillside, a desert or a sparse and arid grassland). The very nature of such locations actually have helped to preserve the wild and sporadic beauty that we have come to seek out when the blooms demand attention as these places are often deemed too desolate, dry, and difficult for human habitation, with many referred to otherwise as “barren wastelands.”
With great unpredictability, a year will come along when the rains continue to fall, keeping the soil perfectly moist and with environmental conditions just right, staying relatively cool as spring approaches and not too hot too soon, the soil begins to stir with awakening seeds, finally breaking out of their long slumber of dormancy. The wait time for perfect conditions could be one, five, or 10 years or longer, with studies in controlled situations showing that seeds are perfect little time capsules that can even stay viable for up to 70 years or longer, waiting for conditions to be right for growth.
You’ve probably heard it before, but please be respectful of the plants, keeping to the paths and designated parking areas. Many times we witness (or have taken) the careless footsteps or actions of those who don’t understand the fragility of these landscapes. When cars are parked “just a little off the road,” when people walk off a path or even next to each other stepping on “just a few plants” or even picking “just a few flowers,” or worse, “what could be the problem?”
During a superbloom, there looks to be such an abundance that these “small actions” can’t possibly do any harm, but this sadly isn’t true. The usually thin soils actually can become compacted or destroyed under the weight of tires and footsteps, which over the years cause ever-widening barren trails and dead zones next to roads, and each crushed plant or picked flower results in the loss of tens to hundreds of seeds for future generations of flowers.
For best viewing, grab a wildflower ID book, and look for as many different plants or colors as you can find. The biodiversity during a superbloom is amazing. If you can revisit an area, it’s possible 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, as 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-popular orange of California Poppies and finally ending with the pinks of Farewell to Spring.
Avoid weekends and holidays, if possible, to avoid the crowds, bring water and be sure to fill up on gas in advance since most wildflower areas have no services available, and sunny days are best as some flowers, such as poppies, can be closed on cloudy days.
Be sure to fuel up on gas and food from 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. If you’re short on time this is the place to go. Remember to leave no trace and please pack out any trash.
Can’t get the superbloom out of your brain? You can learn more 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 and share the joy with your friends and family.
Setting an example for female-held positions in the business industry is inspiring for others. Erica Crawford is an example of that as the CEO/president of the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Born on a Navy base in Portsmouth, Virginia, and then moving to Quincy, Massachusetts, where she and her sister were raised by their single mom, a critical care/trauma nurse and Navy commander, and grandparents in a two-and-a-half-bedroom home in which her mother and grandfather grew up.
As a volleyball player in high school, Crawford was recruited to play at Columbia University as a student with financial aid. Through college, she met friends from California, which brought her to explore cities like Santa Cruz and Los Angeles. She remembered stopping “in SLO on a solo road trip from San Francisco to LA when I was 21 and the place always stuck in my mind.” She would find herself as a mainstay in the county 12 years later.
After college, Crawford “took advantage of a work-visa program for new college grads and went to the UK for six months.” She got a job at a bagel shop in Brighton, which is where she got her “first exposure to entrepreneurship.” The owner “introduced me to putting everything you have into a vision and doing everything you could to make sure that vision became the way you earned your living and provided jobs,” she remembered.
Upon returning to the U.S., Crawford moved to Brooklyn and got a job at a new “hipster” Mexican restaurant. She worked her way from being a server to manager at 23 years old. After three years, “we were exploring spaces in the borough to open a second location with me as a sweat equity partner,” she said. Crawford said they opened up a craft beer and performance art venue when she was 27.
Crawford then took a job at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tribeca with a “young and driven” Iron Chef. It is also where she got her first taste of the wine industry, which drove her to earn certification as a sommelier. While working at a Long Island winery she realized that she wanted to make wine, and so she “picked San Luis Obispo as a place to land and give it a shot.”
In 2012, Crawford “landed a job at one of the top wineries on the Central Coast, and rediscovered my love of running businesses.” When she came upon an opening at the Morro Bay Chamber, “I jumped at the opportunity to work in a city so driven by entrepreneurship and small business.” The move and desire for the position was fueled somewhat by the fact that “Morro Bay was my favorite city to spend time in all of the county,” Crawford said. The salty air, seagulls, old cars, and harbor remind her of Boston.
Upon meeting the hiring committee of small business owners and community leaders, she wanted to “explore the opportunity to run the Morro Bay Chamber.” After an enduring interview process, Crawford landed the job in December of 2015. After six days on the job, she made her first public remarks at an annual awards and installation dinner. Soon after, she attended a three-year Western Association of Chamber Executives training program to understand how to connect with business owners “to discuss their views on economic vitality and what it really felt like to be a business owner/operator in Morro Bay,” she added.
At the Chamber, Crawford likes the variety and opportunity to work with different businesses and community leaders. Since the board and committee changes every year, they are constantly getting to know people in the community to understand their vision, goals, and history here, so they can
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connect them with others who may see similar or entirely different things. She finds that “everyone who is interested in issues related to economic vitality, workforce development, and stewardship of the authenticity” emulate Morro Bay’s veracity. Crawford finds that everyone feels “welcome to engage in the creation of solutions to shared challenges” and that sustains her joy for her job.
Crawford hopes the Chamber is recognized as a resource for reliable and fact-based information. With a small business owner background, she understands how reputation and crucial decision-making influences success. She said, “the business I run is focused on service and advocacy.” She is “doing my very best to ensure that accuracy, inclusivity, and timeliness drives our work.”
Crawford takes notice of her appreciation for those she works with. “I’m very proud of and grateful for my two full-time staff members and the members of the Chamber’s Board of Direc-
tors and committees, past and present, who share that drive and push me to improve every day,” she said.
As someone who has gotten to know the area through work and fun, what does Crawford like most about Morro Bay? She likes that it’s “a full-service city with so much natural beauty.” According to her, it has everything. “Groceries? Check. A gift for my nephew? Check. A fun hang with my girlfriends? Check. A walk to an epic beach or a gorgeous hilltop? Fresh seafood, locally sourced meat from a butcher, vegan food, a yoga class or a massage? Check! It’s all here in Morro Bay.”
Crawford truly enjoys where she lives and works. “I feel really special to be a full-time resident and employed by a Morro Bay-based business for over seven years,” she added. Being grateful in the moment you're in chauffeurs that happiness, and Crawford seems to embrace that.
for Morro Bay Life
Spring is finally here. All the green grass, leaves, and foliage outside remind us that we really need to be adding more green stuff to our diets, too. After all the amazing rain we have received, it’s going to be a truly gorgeous Spring here. It’s beautiful weather to come out and visit the markets and load up on nutritious produce.
This month there should be plenty to choose from at the Farmer’s Markets for all your meals. Many of our favorite Spring fruits are starting to appear. Look for beautiful strawberries, cherries, and rhubarb coming in. Most citrus is going to be more difficult to find this time of year, so make sure to enjoy the last tastes of fresh mandarins, blood oranges, kumquats, and kiwis while you can find them. Peas, celery root, broccoli, asparagus, artichokes, and sweet onions are tasting excellent right now.
With Easter around the corner, make sure to find your favorite eggs at the market. We’re so thankful our flock is over their winter break, and we have plenty of eggs with the gorgeous orange yolks from all the green grass. Many of our local
farms keep laying hens so they can feed them all the veggie scraps. Your local chickens are all very spoiled and are going to have delicious and super nutrient-rich eggs, so skip the store and find some locally grown eggs. Pick up some purple cabbage, beets (red and yellow), and spinach to make all natural dyes for beautiful Easter eggs. Check with your local butchers and farmers to get locally raised meats for your weeknight meals and Easter dinner. We love everything The Morro Bay Butcher is up to with his meats and ready to eat food. Ben of Ben’s Meats makes some of the tastiest sausages to have any night of the week or to add into this week’s quiche recipe. He’s at Morro Bay market every Saturday afternoon.
Vintage Cheese and Stepladder Creamery have a variety of tasty, locally produced cheeses. The Vreamery has amazing dairy alternatives as well. They usually have samples available at the markets, so pick your favorites to add into this Spring Quiche Recipe.
Quiche makes an excellent Easter breakfast, but if you are looking for something more kid-friendly, try egg in a basket. Use a cookie cutter to make a cutout in a slice of bread, butter it generously on both sides, put it in a hot skillet, and crack an egg into the cutout. Cook to your preference, and sprinkle a little shredded cheese around the egg to make it look more like a nest. These are especially tasty with some freshly made sourdough and avocado from the market.
Because we are celebrating an abundance of eggs, quiche is the perfect recipe for this month. Quiche is not only easy but is a crowd-pleaser. You can add and substitute most ingredients, and it will still taste great. This is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can easily be refrigerated and enjoyed as leftovers.
Farmer’s Market Spring Quiche Recipe
Ingredients:
• ½ pound ground pork, bacon, or sausage
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets (can sub for asparagus)
• 1 small onion or 1 leek, finely chopped
• 3 cups chopped fresh mustard greens (or spinach)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese, divided
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Remove cooked sausage and add broccoli and onion; cook and stir until broccoli is crisp-tender. You may need to add a little olive
APR 1 - 3
NEEDLING EXHIBIT
ART CENTRAL, 1329 MONTEREY ST. SAN LUIS OBISPO
Sun. Noon-4pm, Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm, and Sat. 10am-5pm
“Needling” exhibit features the cutting edge Fiber Group.
APR 1 - 3
TIDAL WAVE EXHIBIT
ART CENTER MORRO BAY, 835 MAIN ST. MORRO BAY
Noon-4pm
The exhibit showcases artists who capture the exhilarating sensation of the sea through a wide array of ocean themed artworks, offered in a wide variety of media including the sculptures of Anne Grannis.
APR 1 - 3
CRITICAL ENCOUNTERS EXHIBIT BY NIXON BORAH
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART, 1010 BROAD ST. SAN LUIS OBISPO
11am-5pm
Beginning with monoprints and photography from the 1980s, this exhibition follows the lineage of Nixson Borah’s practice towards his recent digital composites.
APR 1 & EVERY SATURDAY
SLOMA DOCENT TOURS
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART, 1010 BROAD ST. SAN LUIS OBISPO
11am-Noon
Gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on view with SLOMA’s docent tours. Join trained guides for interactive and engaging tours of SLOMA’s current exhibitions.
APR 5, 12, 19, & 26
LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAYS AT
PIADINA
PIADINA, 877 PALM ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO
6-9:00pm
Join Piadina outside in the courtyard on Wednesdays. Born and raised in Arroyo Grande, Dustin is a newly emerging local talent - a one-man band, singer-songwriter whose style ranges from blues to new country, rock to folk.
APR 7 - MAY 1
FLOWERS AND FLUTTERBYS EXHIBIT
ART CENTRAL, 1329 MONTEREY ST. SAN LUIS OBISPO
Sun. Noon-4pm, Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm, and Sat. 10am-5pm
“Flowers and Flutterbys” exhibit showcases various art mediums of critters and carnations.
APR 7
FIRST FRIDAY’S CONCERTS
oil if you didn’t have a lot from the sausage. Stir in greens and garlic; cook and stir 4-5 minutes longer or until greens are wilted.
Unroll crust into a 9-in. pie plate, flute edge. Fill with broccoli mixture and sausage. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, milk, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Swiss cheese; pour over vegetables. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
Notes:
You can really get creative and add in or sub any other veggie you like. Mushrooms are great to add in also, and we have some amazing local mushroom growers at farmer’s markets. If you want to make a vegetarian quiche, just omit the sausage. Use ¼ cup of olive oil at the beginning to cook up the onions and broccoli.
Omit the crust for gluten-free options. Quiche tastes delicious even without the crust or you can make a crust out of potatoes. Just use a bag of frozen hashbrowns and add seasonings and a little olive oil. Spread it out in your pie plate and bake 20 min at 400 degrees before adding the fillings and baking again.
If you have a lot of extra filling you can make a second quiche or just pour the mixture into muffin tins and bake until cooked through. These make a great grab and go breakfast on busy mornings or tasty and nutritious snacks.
CITY HALL, 6500 PALMA AVE., ATASCADERO
5:30-7:30pm
This Friday will showcase the Stellar Band. The public is encouraged to bring a low-back chair to relax and enjoy the music.
APR 8
SECOND SATURDAY’S AT SLOMA
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART, 1010 BROAD ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO
11am-1pm
SLOMA’s Second Saturdays program encourages intergenerational learning and creative expression for children of all ages. Families are invited to SLOMA’s lawn to learn about the visual arts together using unique activity kits and create an art project inspired by current exhibitions.
APR 8
CAYUCOS EASTER DOG PARADE
Cayucos Pier
Noon
Details: For all dog-lovers who support the Mutt Mitt Project throughout Cayucos, the parade benefits the Cayucos Lioness Club who supply the Mutt Mitts for all beach accesses, beaches and downtown Cayucos. The event is free but welcomes donations of $1 per dog and $1 per person.
APR 15
ATASCADERO CITYWIDE YARD SALE
8am-2pm
Enjoy the Annual Citywide Yard Sale and shop for treasures and bargains at 150+ yard sales all over town! For shopping information, go to atascaderoyardsale.com,
APR 22
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
LAGUNA LAKE PARK, 504 MADONNA ROAD, SAN LUIS OBISPO
11am-4pm
Community members, families and friends are invited to come out for a day of environmental education, music and fun.
APR 28-30
MORRO BAY KITE FESTIVAL
101 COLEMAN DR., MORRO BAY
Daily (visit morrobaykitefestival.org for possible times)
Discover one of the most fun events on the Central Coast at the Morro Bay Kite Festival. Hosted on the beach just north of Morro Rock find kites of every size and color soaring in the abundant wind. Local nonprofit, Central Coast Funds for Children, will be giving away 500 free kites for kids to decorate and fly. There will be a candy drop on April 30 at 1pm and 3pm.
The wall made its first stop of 2023 at the Madonna Meadows last month
By CAMILLE DEVAUL for Morro Bay Life—
The “Wall That Heals” made its way to the Madonna Meadows in San Luis Obispo last month as the wall’s first stop on its 2023 tour.
From March 16-19, the wall displayed the names of 58,281 men and women who lost their lives serving their country in the Vietnam War. The wall stands as a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. 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 Morro Bay Life the county was approached to host the wall again about 18 months 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 Boyd, 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 Boyd, 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 heartstrings — [the] first time in Washington I cried my eyes out,” said Dykhouse of seeing the wall again and of his 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, Dykhouse 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.
“These guys were good young men. They died doing what their country asked them to do,” said Dykhouse 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 Dykhouse, 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.”
Dykhouse 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 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 Dykhouse, who added that made him feel proud of their services.
Boyd 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, Boyd’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 Boyd.
Veterans can find more information on the County’s Veteran’s Services here slocounty. ca.gov/Departments/Veterans-Services.aspx
The National Association of Realtors latest sales data shows existing home sales rose in February for the first monthly gain in 12 months and the largest increase since July 2020.
While still down year over year, this is a sharp reversal after several months of continuous decline. Pending Home Sales, an indicator of the next few months also shows increases in sales volume across the US, which is good news.
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Should you be interested in purchasing a home, I am happy to send you an updated list of available homes.
