Morro Bay Life • December 2020

DECEMBER 2020 • MORROBAYLIFENEWS.COM

hope

this holiday season

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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‘NUTCRACKER BALLET’ GOES DIGITAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

2 • December 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Happy Holidays

Publishers

Hayley & Nicholas Mattson hayley@13starsmedia.com

Through Print

making communities better

MANAGING EDITOR Brian Williams

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Community Writer Connor Allen

Hayley & Nicholas Mattson

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CONTRIBUTORS Barbie Butz Dr. Gary Barker James J. Brescia, Ed.D Neil Ferrell Sarah Santana Valentina Petrova Contact Us 805.466.2585

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HOPE

If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope. Let it be hope that better things are always ahead. Let it be hope that you can get through even the toughest of times. Let it be hope that you are stronger than any challenge that comes your way.

Let it be hope that you are exactly where you are meant to be right now, and that you are on the path to where you are meant to go… because during these times hope will be the very thing that carries you through.

~Nikki Banas

bay life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication , but assumes no responsibility for errors , changes or omissions . morro bay life is a product of 13 stars media .

A

s we welcome December and reflect upon the year, we are filled with deep gratitude and love. 2020 has presented us with multiple challenges and opportunities. It has allowed us to find strength within and stand firm on our faith to trudge forward, yet we still are not out of the crisis. We have learned so much from this year and about each other, good or indifferent.

We pull strength from our fellow business owners and entrepreneurs. From our team and local everyday heroes that all continue to show up even when life is uncertain. We all have a personal journey, one we get to call our own, and how we decide to live it is only up to us and us alone. No one can hold you back, and if you feel the urge to quit, keep moving forward, keep pressing on.

That is the incredible thing about being a human on planet earth spinning through space at 1,000 miles per hour.

When you feel like things are spinning out of control, remember they are spinning under control. None of us are alone,

and if you feel you are, reach out to us or those in our stories; we are here and want to help. We have seen our communities pull together through this crisis, which inspired our theme for the December issue of Morro Bay Life, Hope, this Holiday Season.

Our community is Resilient; we have seen that. We can be extremely divided, too; our hope is as we move forward out of this contentious year, we can remember what is truly important. Treat one another with respect, kindness, and love. Remember that no one is responsible for you but you. Be a good human, and please be sure to laugh, smile, and sing!

Happiest of Holidays to you and yours.

All our love, the Mattson Family This month’s edition of Morro Bay Life is brought to you by all the local advertisers that fill our pages; thanks to them, we are able to bring you your local Hometown Community News.

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Morro Bay Life • December 2020 • 3

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Shop Local Even though it may feel a bit different this year, the holiday season is in full swing. It’s a time for reflection, hope, joy – and of course, shopping!

While many of us have grown accustomed to ordering online because it is convenient during the pandemic, we wanted to remind everyone that there is something special about shopping small and local. The holidays give us an opportunity to not only say thank you and show our love for family and friends, but also to our local business community. These are the people who make our community a wonderful place to live, work and play.

The Chamber will be hosting a series of reimagined “walks and talks” where we go to local businesses to “show and tell.” We’ll be doing Facebook live events weekly, with the videos available for replay for those who want to catch a glimpse into some of our local shops.

When you shop local, approx. 48% of the cost of your purchase goes back into the local economy.

When you shop at a chain store, only 14% stays local.

– American Independent Business Alliance

Annual Community Awards Calling all community members!! One of the most enjoyable things we do on behalf of our members and in service to our community, is to honor the best among us. In 2021, we look forward to announcing recipients of these various awards, but we need your help to do so!

Please go to https://www.morrochamber.org/annual-community-awards to learn more about the nomination categories and fill out a form to nominate a person or business. Submissions are due by Monday, December 7, 2020. Thank you!

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The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is putting a spotlight on local businesses who are working hard and adapting to the ever-changing environment. Spotlight Businesses are nominated and selected by fellow business owners in Morro Bay as a standout business with exceptional ownership.

Business spotlights recognize Chamber member businesses that provide a consistent, positive customer experience, are actively engaged in the community and demonstrate resilience during challenging times. Please help us in congratulating this month’s Spotlight Businesses by saying “congrats!” when you have the opportunity, or shopping, dining or staying at their establishments.

Jim and Karen Lewan shifted their Aloha Shirt Shop business online and have been able to maintain a profitable business without reopening the retail store during COVID. They’ve done this without reducing hours for any of their employees!

Anderson Inn Like most hoteliers in the region, Mollie, Rodger and Jeff Anderson at the Anderson Inn have had to adjust with the unpredictable changes in tourism and state regulations regarding hotel capacity during the pandemic. Though they saw over 300 room cancellations at the onset of the pandemic in the spring, they’ve been able to keep their family business open since the late 60’s thriving on the waterfront.

Art Center of Morro Bay Patricia Newton and the Art Center of Morro Bay are thankful they had set aside reserves for an unforeseeable event – and the pandemic has proven to be such an event!

Previously, art event weekends were a main source of fundraising for the Center, but with no in-person events the Center has had to shift strategies and they’ve continued to stay open and engaged with the community.

AGP Video Nancy Castle and AGP Video has adapted their business model to remain relevant during COVID. They have transitioned their business from facilitating live, in-person video streams, to doing training for businesses and public agencies on how best to use video conferencing. They continue to provide a service that is critical to the functioning of and public participation in governmental affairs.

4 • December 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

ARTS & CULTURE

Paso Robles Chamber Ballet Joining Other Companies to Present ‘Nutcracker Ballet’ Video from compilation project will help North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation

By BRIAN WILLIAMS of Morro Bay Life SAN LUIS COUNTY — The annual “Nutcracker Ballet” will go on but will be different as with most events in 2020.

North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation (NCDPAF) produces the annual “Nutcracker Ballet.” Instead of having live performances on stage in front of a packed theater, a selected scene will be filmed as a part of a regional video production and available for purchase this year.

NCDPAF’s stage has been dark through most of 2020 due to COVID-19 protocols that do not allow for large gatherings.

Because live theater is on hold this year, the Paso Robles Chamber Ballet (PRCB), NCDPAF’s pre-professional ballet company, was invited to participate in a film production called “The Nutshell,” directed by Nathan Cottam with Mannakin Theater and Dance in the Bay Area. This compilation project will be filmed and edited together with Companies from all over the world.

“We were disappointed that due to COVID19 guidelines, we were not able to be on stage in person for much of this year, especially our traditional production of ‘The Nutcracker Ballet.’”

NCDPAF officials stated. “We are so excited

to have the opportunity to participate in the video and hope you will enjoy it. Thank you to the community for all of your support during this challenging year.”

PRCB dancers will be filmed performing the “Waltz of the Flowers” scene as their film project component. Filming will take place on location at the beautiful Tooth and Nail Winery.

Cheryle Armstrong, owner of Class Act Dance and Performing Arts Studio and Paso Robles Chamber Ballet Founder and Artistic Director, is directing the project. The piece is choreographed by Class Act Dance ballet instructor Molly McKiernan.

“The Nutcracker Ballet” is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” written

by E.T.A. Hoffman. Although what is seen on the stage today is different in detail from the original story, the basic plot remains the same: the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.

The “Waltz of the Flowers” is a popular piece from the second act of “The Nutcracker.” The Prince escorts Clara to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy greets them. The Prince tells her about their daring battle with the Army of Mice and she rewards them with a celebration of dances — The Spanish Dance; The Arabian Dance; The Russian Dance; The

CONSERVATIONISM

SLO Beaver Brigade Sets the Stage for Academic Research

North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation Chamber Ballet will be part of a virtual production of the ‘Nutcracker Ballet.’ Photo courtesy of NCDPAF Chinese Dance; The Mirliton Dance; and The Waltz of Flowers.

This would have been the 24th year of the North County “Nutcracker Ballet” production.

Traditionally there are six local shows that all sell out and help fund future productions.

NCDPAF was started in 1994 with a mission to expose the public to the richness and diversity of the performing arts while developing pride, self-confidence, discipline and responsibility in the performers. Much of the work of the Foundation is centered on its performing companies.

Each company has performing groups within them made up of dancers with similar expertise.

Class Act Dance was the recipient of one of several generous grants presented by the City of Paso Robles to help support local businesses during these challenging times.

“The studio is very grateful for the financial support to help keep their doors open and provide excellent dance training in the North County,” Foundation officials stated.

Visit ncdpaf.org for details, including how to donate in support the arts.

SCIENCE

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 Astronauts Historic Second Launch to ISS in 2020

STAFF REPORT

STAFF REPORT

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Beaver Believers easily find each other in a national network of land managers, academic researchers, and community volunteers who value the role of beavers in our river ecosystems.

SLO Beaver Brigade is the catalyst that initiated a public discussion in San Luis Obispo County on the merits of beaver-made hydrologic conservation. The group formed in 2020 with a philosophy of collaboration, reverence for nature and biodiversity, and community service with a mission to raise awareness around beavers in SLO county and to educate communities on the benefits beavers provide — fire-resistance, drought-resistance, flood-resistance, and maintenance of riparian habitat for a host of other plant, animal, insect, and aquatic species.

Emily Fairfax, Ph.D., connected with SLO Beaver Brigade in May 2020, when she contacted founder Audrey Taub, and arranged a visit to our local beaver habitat. As an Assistant Professor at California State University Channel Islands, much of Dr. Fairfax’s previous beaver research in this area depended upon satellite imagery.

In Atascadero, she found well-developed beaver sites for ‘on-the-ground’ research and a willing team to monitor the area regularly. In return, she offered to support the Beaver Brigade’s educational efforts by leading beaver walks-talks along the Salinas River that Taub organized for the public.

For the past six months, locals have been delighted by the opportunity to hear positive news about this mistakenly maligned water engineering species from a well-known and respected scientist in the field of beaver research. Meanwhile, San Luis Obispo non-profit Biodiversity First! developed a university-funded grant opportunity for Dr. Fairfax and her students to study beaver complexes in the Upper Salinas River through 2021.

The 2020 Biodiversity First! Research Grant: “Beavers, Climate Change, and Ecosystem Resilience” will result in the first peer-reviewed study of beaver habitat in San Luis Obispo County and will be shared online and at academic conferences in 2021 and beyond.

The Brigade has inspired two new regional activist citizen groups that adopted the same moniker, Santa Barbara Beaver Brigade and Ojai Beaver Brigade. SLO Brigade members Kate Montgomery and Fred Frank organized major clean-ups of abandoned homeless camps along the Salinas River with volunteers who removed tons of litter from the riverbank.

The Beaver Brigade is always working on other creative public education projects and spreading beaver awareness on social media. Taub and Cal Poly senior Cooper Lienhart continue to volunteer with fieldwork for Dr. Fairfax and are available to give talks about beavers to local schools, in person or via Zoom.

Biodiversity First! is a sponsor for the Beaver Brigade’s educational activities. Ecologistics is SLO Beaver Brigade’s fiscal sponsor. Donations can be made at slobeaverbrigade.com. For more details, email Audrey Taub at slobeaverbrigade@gmail.com, visit online emilyfairfaxscience.com, and @slobeaverbrigade on Instagram.

NASA- On Nov. 15, an international crew of astronauts successfully launched the first NASA-certified commercial human spacecraft system in history. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission lifted off at 7:27 p.m. EST from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled the Crew Dragon spacecraft with NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker, and Soichi Noguchi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA), into orbit to begin a six-month science mission aboard the space station.

“NASA is delivering on its commitment to the American people and our international partners to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective missions to the International Space Station using American private industry,” said

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “This is an important mission for NASA, SpaceX, and our partners at JAXA, and we look forward to watching this crew arrive at the station to carry on our partnership for all of humanity.”

The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Resilience, successfully docked to the International Space Station (ISS) at 11:01 p.m. PST Monday, Nov. 16.

“I could not be more proud of the work we’ve done here today,” said Gwynne Shotwell, president and CEO of SpaceX. “Falcon 9 looked great, Dragon was dropped off into a beautiful orbit about 12 minutes into the mission, and we’ll get more data as we go.”

The astronauts named the Crew Dragon spacecraft Resilience, highlighting the teams’ dedication to the mission, having displayed and demonstrated that there is no limit to what we can achieve when we work together.

They named it in honor of their fami-

NASA’s Space X Crew-1 makes historic launch to International Space Station on Nov. 15. Photo courtesy of NASA lies, colleagues, and fellow citizens.

“It is an honor to have our Japanese astronaut launch on this Crew-1 Dragon as the first astronaut of the International Partner participating in the ISS program,” said Hiroshi Sasaki, JAXA vice president. “We look forward to having him conduct lots of science and demonstrate the technology, for here on Earth and for the future. I would also like to thank NASA and SpaceX for their tremendous effort to make this happen.”

LOCAL HERO

Victor J. Glover, Jr., Commander, U.S. Navy, NASA Astronaut, and Cal Poly Alumn STAFF REPORT NASA and SpaceX set a second record for 2020 this last Sunday, and one of the astronauts has local ties.

Victor J. Glover, Jr., a Cal Poly graduate and California native, was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the United States Senate. He is currently serving as pilot and second-in-command on the Crew-1 SpaceX Crew Dragon, Resilience.

It is the first post-certification mission of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft – the second crewed flight for that vehicle – and a long-duration

mission aboard the International Space Station. Glover will also serve as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 64.

Glover holds a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering, a Master of Science in Flight Test Engineering, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science. Glover is a Naval Aviator and was a test pilot in the F/A‐18 Hornet, Super Hornet, and EA‐18G Growler. He and his VICTOR J. GLOVER JR. family have been stationed in many locations in the United States and Glover is married to the former Japan, and he has deployed in combat Dionna Odom of Berkeley, CA, and and peacetime. they have four children.

Morro Bay Life • December 2020 • 5

Making Communities Better Through Print™

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6 • December 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

BUSINESS

Mitchells Bring Human Bean Drive-Thru Coffee to Morro Bay and the Central Coast

By CONNOR ALLEN of Morro Bay Life SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Coffee lovers in the North County have begun to rejoice as the popular drive-thru coffee chain, The Human Bean, is now open to those looking for their morning caffeine fix in a quick, efficient manner at 7835 El Camino Real in Atascadero.

The Human Bean celebrated its grand opening on Friday, Nov. 20, which was the first of seven locations. Three will be on the Central Coast, that owners Patt and Vikki Mitchell will open in the next year or two. They gave away free drinks and prizes via raffle drawings.

While this is the first time that owner Patt Mitchell has operated a coffee shop, he is an expert in quality products and has been a vital part of the growing coffee industry for years with his former company, California Natural Products.

Patt grew up in Manteca and spent his time as a young man working as a farmer. Following high school, Patt graduated from Fresno State and continued farming until he started his own company in 1980.

Focusing on delivering quality, natural food products, California Natural Products ended up partnering and providing some of the largest brands with their top products.

“The company made food ingredients for all the major companies. Including soups, teas,

coffees; we made all the chai tea for Starbucks,” Patt shared. “We were making about 500 different products there and supplying hundreds of companies. At the time, we had 400 employees, and the company was 350,000 square feet of buildings.”

However, three years ago, after a lifetime of working behind the scenes as a middle man, Patt sold his company and is now ready to step into the spotlight and reap the delightful benefits that come in the form of smiles while handing a coffee to someone in need.

After years of working in the factory setting, it’s the personal connection and relationships with customers and the community that has driven Patt and his wife Vikki into opening a coffee business. Still, it is the charm of the Central Coast that brought the couple here.

“We looked around for quite some time in numerous areas, and we were just drawn to this area. We have had a second home here for years,” Vikki said.

The new Human Bean owners recently bought a ranch in Templeton and are anxiously awaiting the completion of their new home.

Patt announced that the next Human Bean opening will be in Morro Bay on Dec. 1, at 839 Morro Bay Rd., followed by a location in Templeton near Trader Joe’s. Mitchell will also open a drive-thru in Lompoc as well as three in the Clovis and Fresno areas.

The Human Bean started in the Pacific

Patt and Vikki Mitchell open a new The Human Bean drive-thru in Atascadero in November and are opening a location in Morro Bay on Dec. 1.

Photo by Nicholas Mattson Northwest in 1998 with a commitment to developing the best coffee in Southern Oregon and has grown into the national leader in drivethru specialty coffee. The company began franchising in 2002 and now has over 150 locations in 19 states.

“We ran across the Human Bean about three or four years ago, and we really like what they stood for,” Patt said. “Really high-quality products, good service, the whole concept behind this

IMPROVEMENTS

Work Starts on Coast Guard Expansion

is that you develop a real personal relationship with your customer base. We really like that because you get to see the end product and the customer enjoying what you just prepared.”

The Human Bean will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving up 400+ drinks. You can download the Human Bean Rewards app by visiting https://thehumanbean.com/hb-app/ and earn $2 off your first purchase and many more benefits.

VOLUNTEERING SEASON

By NEIL FARRELL For Morro Bay Life MORRO BAY — Work has finally begun on a major upgrade to Coast Guard Station Morro Bay, with the Coast Guard fencing off two parking lots in the 1200 block of Embarcadero during construction.

The Coast Guard, over the last several years, has been trying to improve its headquarters building, looking at various configurations and schemes to build living quarters for the crew, improve its response times for search and rescue missions, and to bring the station up to modern standards.

It would also shake a rather dubious distinction of being perhaps the only all-male Coast Guard Station in the U.S. The project will add an 806 square foot, 2-story addition on the east side of headquarters, located at 1279 Embarcadero near the North T-pier.

But the fairly simple-sounding job of adding sleeping quarters is, of course, complicated.

With work beginning in the parking lot in late November, it will entail major underground work to relocate utilities servicing the building. The cost estimates on the job stand at roughly $1.4 million, much of which will be spent moving the utilities.

The construction also has fenced-in the parking lot in front of the power plant’s intake building for a lay-down area to store building materials, supplies, and equipment.

The Harbor Patrol has begun parking its trucks in the street to ensure a quick response to emergency calls and as a foil to people using a left-turn lane into the site.

The Coast Guard did have ten dedicated parking spaces in the lot behind its building, but the new addition will take up five of them.

The Coast Guard’s project will also bring a change to the Harbor Office, as the main entrance will be shifted back to the east side of the building, opening into the parking lot and away from the west side.

The east entrance is handicap accessible, whereas the other side has a step-up porch

Salvation Army Bell-Ringers Needed for Kettle Campaign Work has begun on the expansion of Coast Guard Station Morro Bay’s HQ, with the addition of crew sleeping quarters. Photos by Neil Farrell to the door. The offices inside will have to be moved around to move the reception area to the other side of the building.

The crew quarters will finally accommodate the expanded crew that came with expanded duties under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the aftermath of the Sep. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S., and the switch from a station with two, 87-foot cutters — the Pt. Winslow and Pt. Heyer — and surf rescue boats, to a search and rescue detachment with two 47-foot motor lifeboats.

According to a previous report, when the motor lifeboats were brought in, the size of the crew doubled. And the station’s mission was changed as well to include patrolling a safety zone offshore from the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.

The federal government has gotten off cheap since the 3,500 s.f., 3-story stationhouse was built in 1990 with a $1 a year rent for 49 years that doesn’t expire until 2039.

As part of the expansion, the Coast Guard will pay the Harbor Fund a 1-time fee of $75,000, but it will keep the bargain-sale rent of $1 a year. The Harbor Department had hoped to cut a deal with the Coast Guard on either a joint project or to allow them to take over the BN USCG HQ Proposed copy site immediately adjacent to the USCG HQ.

This computer rendition shows the expanded USCG Station Morro Bay’s headquarters with new crew quarters added on.

The idea was to rent it to them at fair market value, and that would have raised enough money to pay the debt on a new Harbor Office to be built on two small vacant lease sites adjacent to Crill’s Salt Water Taffy shop. But the Coast Guard didn’t want to give up its $1 a year rent, and so the Harbor Department will continue for now in its old office building until a new funding source is found.

STAFF REPORT COUNTY — The Salvation Army is looking for volunteer bell-ringers for locations around San Luis Obispo County during the holiday season, now through Dec. 24.

Volunteers are not required to solicit donations or come in close contact with members of the public — just ring the bell. Donation kettles are outside in the fresh air, so all that’s needed is a face mask and a pair of smiling eyes to greet passersby.

Shifts are typically two hours, and all donations go to help families and individuals in San Luis Obispo County.

To volunteer for a time and location, call 805-295-1111 (San Luis Obispo) or 909-2282402 (Morro Bay).

The annual Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s most important fundraising event of the year. And this year, demand is exceptionally high because of the serious economic impact of the pandemic. The organization is being called on to assist even more families in need.

Capt. Elaine Mansoor of the Salvation Army noted that volunteering as bell-ringers can be a great holiday project for service organizations or even a group of friends.

“If a group is interested in volunteering, we would love to have them adopt a site for a day,” she said.

Morro Bay Life • December 2020 • 7

Making Communities Better Through Print™

BUSINESS

our business 3 Ways to HelpSince Lovedour Onesbeginning, During Uncertain Times Maximize your generosity in the current environment with these gifting strategies has been people and their

Wfinancial well-being. It’s evident in

SARAH SANTANA COLUMNIST

orld events can strike dif­ferent chords for different people, even within our own families.

If you find yourself wanting to help your loved one through economic uncertainty, you’re not alone. CNBC’s Millionaire Study, a recurring survey, found that 22% of mil­lionaires had provided assistance to their adult children since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 21% had given help to other family members.

It goes the other way, too. Among millennials, the oldest of whom are approaching 40, 19% provided some level of support to a parent even before the pandemic, CNBC reported. In total, about 13% of Americans provide financial assistance to a parent.

Luckily, recent changes to tax laws surrounding gifts, in conjunction with historically low-interest rates, make it easier now than almost ever to help your family members in the short term – and set them up for the long term – once the economic volatility settles. The fol­lowing strategies may help you meet your goals.

good times, with decisions focused on the long term, and crucial when

1. SIMPLY CASH Few solutions can quell an immediate financial hardship like the U.S. Mint’s finest. Since 2018, individuals have been permitted to give a person up to $15,000 annually without accruing a tax liability. These annual limits generally apply to single gifter-giftee pairs, so if you are married, your spouse could give an additional $15,000 and remain below the annual exclusion limit. Further, if you want to share your generosity with the recipient’s spouse, partner, child, or other trusted relation, you could gift them $15,000 as well.

Giving over $15,000 per recipient won’t necessarily bring you new tax liabilities, at least not now. You will be expected to file the gift form with your tax return, and it will count against your lifetime gift limit, currently $11,580,000 for an individual and double that for a mar­ried couple, which has implications when it comes to your estate. Tax laws change, of course, and this life­time limit is set to expire by the end of 2025, so consult your financial advisor and tax professional to run through scenarios that might be more advantageous in the current climate.

circumstances become difficult. That continued emphasis on people –

2. A LOAN BETWEEN FRIENDS (OR FAMILY ) While you may want to loan your family member what they need and have them pay it back when it’s convenient for them, the IRS is a bit more rigid when it comes to transactions that could look like gifts, so it’s best to have the appro­priate documentation in place.

Now may be an opportune time to issue a loan to a family member without feeling the point of the tax­man’s sharpest pencil (and his rules regarding below-market loans). The reason? The minimum interest rate, known as the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR), is historically low. In July 2020, the short-term AFR hit 0.18%, which applies to loans with a term shorter than three years. For mid-term loans – which will be paid back between three and nine years – the rate was 0.45%, and for long-term loans with a repayment schedule longer than nine years, the rate was 1.17%, lower than what you’d expect to see from a commercial lender.

Just make sure the loan is a bona fide creditor-debtor agreement with payment schedules, record-keeping, a promissory note, and, optionally, a collateral agreement, Forbes maga­zine recommends. Consult with your attorney to draw up the documents and oversee the process.

our clients, communities, advisors and associates – gives us purpose, strength and a way forward.

Today. And

3. TRANSFERRING WITH EQUITIES If market volatility has taken a bite out of your investments but not your lifestyle, there’s another way to offer your family members a long-term opportunity, especially if they’ve had to dig into their retirement support.

During volatile market periods, there could be moments when your good stocks face the same kind of down­ward pressure as all the others. On the bright side, though they may have higher value later, they could serve as an undervalued gift. This means the annual gift exclusion limit of $15,000 and a lifetime limit of $11,580,000 could go a lot further than it did at the hottest point in the market.

For example, say Bradley bought XYZ for $20/share a few years ago. In December, it was priced at $50/share but hovers around $35 now. If Bradley gifts his adult daughter Mary those

potentially undervalued shares, he can remove the current value from his estate, and Mary will get time to, hopefully, benefit from the stock’s future growth.* Gift recipients rarely need to worry about paying gift taxes, but they may need to pay income taxes depending on the change in value of a gifted equity when they sell. Many times it makes sense to gift appreciated assets instead to avoid rules around dual basis. The IRS also has par­ticular rules around gifting to those in negligible tax brackets (like minors or children in college), which could trigger the so-called kiddie tax. Because this area can get a little complicated, it’s best to consult a tax professional and your financial advisor first.

We Have Moved!

FAMILY MONEY MATTERS Even with a number of practical options, as the adage states: The mixing of money and family should be treated with care. But open com­munication, well-defined limits and expectations, and third-party advice can help slacken the natural tension of the situation. Here are some tips from professionals: Sarah N. Santana • Know what you can give. Though it might feel worth it to delay your own retirement to help President SWM & Financial Advisor RJFS your family member, for example, know that you may be giving up years when your health, 1181 Main St. Morro Bay CA 93442 wealth, and time are at their peak. // C 805.550.5791 • Be clear. Setting terms, goals, and timelines upfront clearsTup805.225.1919 confu­sion, and creates expectations. For some types of financial assistance, like sarah.santana@raymondjames.com an intra-family loan, these terms will be in writing – butsantanawealthmanagement.com have a plan if things don’t work out as expected. For less-structured assis­tance, like cash, it will be up to both sides to prevent future resentment.

• Bring in a professional. When it comes to decisions like these, it’s always best to have a cool-headed, objective third party to help out. Consult your financial advisor, tax through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. professional, and/or attorney to get things started. *This is a hypothetical example for illustration purposes only and does not represent an actual investment.

Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these mat­ters with the appropriate professional.

Financial

Confidence begins with working with an Advisor you can trust.

At Santana Wealth Management we understand your financial goals are as unique as you are.

That’s why we provide personalized advice no matter where you’re at in life. You can depend on our investment management expertise and care to build you a plan that helps you achieve your goals. Let’s connect today. Visit us at SANTANAWEALTHMANAGEMENT.COM

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O: (805)538-5068 // C: (805)550-5791 // F:(805)538-5069 sarah.santana@raymondjames.com santanawealthmanagement.com 2020 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by any financial institution insurance, the FDIC/NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the financial institution, are not guaranteed by the financial institution, and are subject to risk, including the possible loss of principal. Santana Wealth Management is not registered broker/dealers and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

8 • December 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

GOVERNMENT

DECISION 2020

SLO County Clerk-Recorder Certifies Presidential General Election County shattered its all-time turnout percentage at 88.35%

STAFF REPORT SAN LUIS OBISPO — The Official Canvass for the Presidential General Election was completed and the election was certified by the County Clerk-Recorder on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

The official canvass procedures include counting all vote-by-mail and provisional ballots turned in at the polls, balancing the number of voters who signed the voter service center rosters to the number of ballots cast, completing a 1% manual tally to ensure the voting machines counted correctly.

“The 2020 Presidential General Election is one for the ages,” said SLO County Clerk-Recorder Tommy Gong. “With unprecedented circumstances due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, all voters in California were sent vote-by-mail ballots and fundamental changes were made to precinct operations to maintain a safe voting environment across the state. Many other counties throughout the state suffered devastating wildfires and public safety power shutdowns. With much political unrest throughout the nation, this election was among the most divisive and the most closely watched in the modern election era. Yet counties, large and small, performed admirably despite the challenges they faced.

I give all the credit to my staff members, fellow county departments for their assistance, consultants, and numerous election workers for making this election exceedingly successful.”

A record-breaking number of registered voters at 184,050, along with an unprecedented number of ballots cast at 162,615, the most ever in San Luis Obispo, the County shattered its all-time turnout percentage at 88.35%, smashing the previous record of 83.14% set in 2008.

Currently, this puts San Luis Obispo among the top five counties with the highest voting percentage. San Luis Obispo landed in the top 12 counties during the 2012 and 2016 Presidential Elections.

“I believe the additional efforts made to voter outreach and education helped move the needle on voter turnout,” Gong said.

Significantly shifted was the number of SLO County voters voting by mail compared to those voting in person — 152,741 voted by mail (93.93% of voters), the highest number of VBM ballots ever cast in any election, while 9,874 voted in person (6.07% of voters).

The final official results are posted at www. slovote.com. The final precinct by precinct

SLO County Supervisors Approve $25K Campaign Donation Cap

By BRIAN WILLIAMS of Morro Bay Life

results will be posted to this website in the coming days.

OFFICIAL RESULTS Incumbent Morro Bay Mayor John Headding retained the seat with 50.83% of the vote; challenger John Weiss came in a close second with 49.17% a difference of 114 votes.

Incumbent Robert “Red” Davis and challenger Laurel Barton won the two City Council seats with 27.57% and 26.74% of the votes.

Betty Winholtz was third with 23.29%, followed by Richard E.T. Sadowski with 22.40% of the vote.

The Atascadero Unified School District School Board has three seats open, and all three incumbents, Mary Kay Mills with 26.47%, Terri Switzer with 25.98%, and Corrine Kuhnle with 24.81%, will continue on the board. Newcomer Vy Pierce came in at 22.75%.

As for the measures, Measure E-20, Morro Bay 1% Sales Tax passed with 58.55%.

OTHER NOTABLE NORTH COUNTY RACES • U.S. Representative, 24th District — Incumbent Democrat Salud Carbajal (58.7%) led Republican Andy Caldwell (41.3%), based on results from the California Secretary of State website.

• State Senator, 17th District — Democrat John Laird (64.7%) was leading Republican Vicki Nohrden (35.3%), based on the California Secretary of State website results.

• State Assembly, 35th District — Incumbent Republican Jordan Cunningham (55.1%) was leading Democrat Dawn Addis (44.9%), based on the California Secretary of State website results.

• U.S. President and Vice President — Democrat Joe Biden and Kamala Harris received 55.29% percent from SLO County voters while President Donald Trump and Mike Pence had 42.22%.

You can read the full Election Summary Report at slocounty.ca.gov.

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Hundreds of people voiced their objections to a proposed $25,000 campaign donation cap to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors on Friday, Nov. 20.

Still, the board approved the cap, 3-1, with Second District Supervisor Bruce Gibson dissenting. This is the first time SLO County has had a cap on campaign contributions. It applies only to County races, such as elections for supervisors, sheriff, and district attorney.

The ordinance will apply to campaign contributions from both individuals and organizations. Independent expenditure committees would be exempt due to a Supreme Court ruling.

During the nearly three-hour meeting, Gibson and many others who provided written and verbal public comment wanted the limits to be below the state’s current limit of $4,700 per contributor in an election. The California Fair Political Practices Commission can adjust this amount.

Gibson said they “received over 700 opinions on this matter” and only one person, who was not a resident of the County, spoke in favor of the cap.

“We’ve heard 700 to one. I have never seen public comment on, 14 years on this board, I have never seen public comment go 700 to one against us doing this. I think the will of the population of the County of San Luis Obispo County is clear.”

Objectors said the $25,000 cap opens the door to big-money politics.

“The proposed cap of $25,000 for direct contributions for candidates of public office is absurd,” said county resident Linda Reynolds. Nothing like being blatant and upfront and allowing politicians to be bought by a few special interests. This proposed large limit of $25,000 per donor is the perfect example of opening the door to pay to play for a few money donors who want to buy influence.”

According to Assembly Bill 571, if counties and cities do not have local campaign finance rules in place by Jan. 1, 2021, they

default to the limits established for state office candidates.

Having local control was key to First District Supervisor John Peschong, who proposed the ordinance in October.

“I believe, and ultimately I do not want Sacramento and the Governor’s office and the Legislature to tell people in San Luis Obispo County what to do in this particular instance,” Peschong said.

Peschong said a number of counties set higher caps than SLO — Fresno County’s was $30,000, Tulare County’s was $40,000 and Madera County set no limits.

People said Supervisor Peschong should not be voting on the ordinance. Peschong owns Meridian Pacific, a political consulting firm that has worked on local candidate campaigns.

Peschong said there was no conflict of interest because he has not worked for county candidates since he took office in 2017.

The vote also shifts campaign finance enforcement responsibility to the SLO County District Attorney’s Office, instead of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Enforcement would go to the FPPC when there were conflicts of interest.

“I think our District Attorney is a person with so much integrity who I have complete confidence in his ability to act in an unbiased way anytime he is called upon to serve,” said Fifth District Supervisor Debbie Arnold.

The three supervisors who voted yes, all said campaign contributions were needed for incumbents and challengers to get their message out to voters. They wondered where the concern from the community was in prior years when there was not a cap.

“And now, all of a sudden, when we’ve never had a limit, and we are putting a limit on it when there never has been one before people are saying we are raising the limit,” said Fourth District Supervisor Lynn Compton. “No, we’re not; there has never been a limit. When we go to put a limit on it, then that becomes problematic.”

The next SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting is Dec. 8. For more details, visit slocounty.ca.gov/.

COMMUNITY

‘Your Own Backyard’ Podcast Releases Long-Awaited 8th Episode on Kristin Smart Case

By HAYLEY MATTSON of Morro Bay Life SAN LUIS OBISPO — In late September 2019, Chris Lambert, a Santa Maria native, started looking into the disappearance of Kristin Smart. Lambert, not a reporter by trade, developed a documentary that reignited renewed interest in Smart’s case by the thousands.

Smart vanished over the Memorial Day weekend in May 1996. The 19-year-old Cal Poly freshman from Stockton attended a college party in San Luis Obispo and never made it home.

Lambert’s podcast “Your Own Backyard” takes listeners on a personal journey through the

intricate details of Smart’s disappearance and all of the events that transpired after. The podcast highlights the questions that remained when the media stopped reporting.

In Episode 07, Lambert left the audience with a cliff hanger when he came across two vehicles that were linked to the case. Soon after, on Feb. 5, The San Luis Obispo Sheriff ’s Department reported that two warrants were served; “Due to the high-profile nature of the investigation into the disappearance and whereabouts of Kristin Smart and to avoid the dissemination of misinformation, the Sheriff ’s Office is announcing this morning it has served

search warrants for specific items of evidence inside four separate locations in California and Washington.

Two of those locations are in San Luis Obispo County, one location is in Los Angeles County, and one location is in Washington State.”

Then on Apr. 22, a new search warrant was served at the San Pedro home of Smart’s former classmate Paul Flores who, according to the SLO County Sheriff, “continues to be a person of interest in the disappearance of Kristin Smart.”

The last search warrant came as another page in a renewed effort to close the 24-year old case.

Now, after seven months, Lambert has released the longawaited follow-up.

You can find “Your Own Backyard” here, on your favorite podcast source. To get involved and stay up to date with new information, go to kristinsmart. org or join the Facebook group “Find Kristin Smart.”

Editor’s Note: The statute of limitations, in this case, has expired on everything except for murder; anyone who comes forward with any information will not be charged with any crime.

Contact San Luis Obispo Sherriff ’s office at (805)7814500 or Anonymous Tip Line at (800)549-7867.

Morro Bay Life • December 2020 • 9

Making Communities Better Through Print™

CITY COUNCIL

Dr. Penny E. Borenstein Named San Luis Obispo County Physician of the Year STAFF REPORT SAN LUIS OBISPO – The Central Coast Medical Association awarded Penny E. Borenstein, MD, MPH, as the 2020 Physician of the Year for San Luis Obispo County. The award is for a physician who has gone above and beyond, and due to the challenges of the current pandemic, Dr. Borenstein was the obvious honoree for 2020.

Dr. Borenstein received her medical degree from SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse in New York, followed by a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. For nearly 20 years, she worked in a variety of roles in Maryland, including Public Health Physician with the Bureau of Immunization, Executive Director of Baltimore HealthCare Access, and Health Officer with Howard County Health Department. In 2008, she moved across the county and joined the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department as Health Officer/Public Health Director.

Dr. Borenstein received her Physician of the Year award at a virtual celebration, which included congratulatory messages from community leaders. Wade Horton, San Luis Obispo County Administrative Officer, said, “Our community is fortunate to have such a practical, smart, and compassionate Health Officer leading us through this pandemic.” Others spoke about their admiration of Dr. Borenstein, along with her dedication, datadriven approach, and kind demeanor. Dr. Rene’ Bravo shared how she is a “calming influence on the community.” Dr. Borenstein has worked tirelessly during the pandemic, and everyone expressed their appreciation for having her in our community.

Upon receiving her award, Dr. Borenstein said she was humbled and honored by the recognition. She shared her appre-

ciation of the “incredible, hard-working, smart, and capable people at the Public Health Department,” and she also thanked physicians in the community for all of their hard work during these challenging times.

CCMA would like to thank those who helped honor Dr. Penny Borenstein, including Jeff Armstrong; Rene’ Bravo, MD; James Brescia, Ed.D.; Tom Hale, MD; Wade Horton; Mark Lisa; Jim Malone, MD; Christy Mulkerin, MD, CCHP; Liz Pozzebon; Anne Robin, LMFT; and Wendy Wendt.

A recording of the celebration for Dr. Penny Borenstein can be viewed at www.CCMAHealth.org.

Central Coast Medical Association The mission of the Central Coast Medical Association to promote the science and art of medicine, the care and well-being of patients, the protection of the public health, the betterment of the medical profession, and to achieve health equity and justice. The 600-physician member organization includes medical doctors of all specialties throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. For more information, visit www.CCMAHealth.org.

GOVERNMENT

Dawn Ortiz-Legg to Succeed Adam Hill on County Board of Supervisors STAFF REPORT SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of San Luis Obispo County Planning Commissioner Dawn Ortiz-Legg to the District 3 seat on the County’s Board of Supervisors.

Ortiz-Legg will fill the seat left vacant following the death of Supervisor Adam Hill in August. County Clerk-Recorder Tommy Gong must swear her in. No date for the swearing-in has been set yet.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Dawn Ortiz-Legg in the past, in various capacities,” said Lynn Compton, County Board Chair and District 4 Supervisor. “I look forward to continuing that relationship in her new role, and have already called and congrat-

ulated her.”

Ortiz-Legg has a background in public affairs, regulatory compliance, and project management. Since 2010, she has supported a portfolio of utility-scale solar projects in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Kern counties.

Ortiz-Legg holds a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University, and a master’s degree in international public policy from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

She has served on various community organizations, including the SLO County Economic Vitality Corporation, the SLO International Film Festival, Rabobank Customer Advisory Group, and the SLO County Council of Governments Citizen’s Transportation Committee.

10 • December 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

STOP THE SURGE

State Issues Limited Stay-at-Home Order to Slow Spread of COVID-19 STAFF REPORT SACRAMENTO — In light of an unprecedented, rapid rise in COVID-19 cases across Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced Thursday, Nov. 19, a limited stayat-home order generally requiring that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in counties in the Purple Tier.

San Luis Obispo County is in the Purple Tier.

The order took effect at 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and will remain in effect until 5 a.m.

Dec. 21. This is the same as the March stay-athome order but applied only between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and only in Purple Tier counties seeing the highest rates of positive cases and hospitalizations.

“The virus is spreading at a pace we haven’t seen since the start of this pandemic and the next several days and weeks will be critical to

stop the surge. We are sounding the alarm,” said Gov. Newsom. “It is crucial that we act to decrease transmission and slow hospitalizations before the death count surges. We’ve done it before and we must do it again.”

This limited stay-at-home order is designed to reduce opportunities for disease transmission. Activities conducted from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. are often non-essential and more likely related to social activities and gatherings that have a higher likelihood of leading to reduced inhibition and reduced likelihood for adherence to safety measures like wearing a face covering and maintaining physical distance.

“We know from our stay at home order this spring, which flattened the curve in California, that reducing the movement and mixing of individuals dramatically decreases COVID-19 spread, hospitalizations, and deaths,” said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “We may need to take more stringent actions if we are unable to flatten the curve quickly. Taking these hard, temporary

actions now could help prevent future shutdowns.”

“We are asking Californians to change their personal behaviors to stop the surge. We must be strong together and make tough decisions to stay socially connected but physically distanced during this critical time. Letting our guard down could put thousands of lives in danger and cripple our health care system,” said Dr. Erica Pan, the state’s acting Public Health Officer. “It is especially important that we band together to protect those most vulnerable around us as well as essential workers who are continuing their critical work amidst this next wave of widespread community transmission across the state. Together we prevented a public health crisis in the spring and together, we can do it again.”

COVID-19 case rates increased by approximately 50 percent in California during the first week of November. As a result, Gov. Newsom and California’s public health officials have announced a list of measures to protect Califor-

PUBLIC HEALTH

Dr. Borenstein: Planning for ‘First Phase’ of COVID-19 Vaccination Underway

By BRIAN WILLIAMS of Morro Bay Life SAN LUIS OBISPO — San Luis Obispo County Public Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said planning was underway for the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination in the County.

During the County’s weekly COVID-19 briefing, Borenstein said that two vaccines were on the horizon and that the County was reaching out to stakeholders for input on dissemination.

“We have started to dialogue with our hospital partners,” said Borenstein on Wednesday, Nov. 18. “It is likely our hospital workers will be our first recipients of the small amount of vaccine that we may receive as early as next month.”

Moderna and Pfizer are planning to submit “very soon” for FDA approval for emergency-use authorization.

“Both vaccines appear to be very effective, but it will take quite some time for us to get a volume of vaccine that will serve our entire population,” said Borenstein on Wednesday, Nov. 18. “In the meantime, we are beginning to work with what that first phase of vaccination will look like in our County.”

The County is obtaining the appropriate deep freezers, Borenstein said. The County has enrolled and is encouraging hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities to register in the state system that is accepting providers to sign-up for receipt of vaccinations.

Borenstein made it clear that initially, there will not be enough vaccine. The County is planning to have “a broader stakeholder group related to the important decision making that is going to be necessary about how we triage what will be insufficient amounts of vaccine,” she said.

Not everyone will want the vaccine, but Borenstein said the County and providers still need to prepare to administer the vaccine. Borenstein did not provide any specific details on the vaccine or vaccination process.

“And in that, we will not have enough at the get-go; we are going to be doing this important work with our stakeholders helping to determine what a prioritization scheme looks like in our County. So, stay tuned on that,” she said.

PURPLE TIER Borenstein provided an update on the County’s COVID19 numbers as she does each week and, for anyone still not aware, restated that San Luis Obispo was moved back into the Purple Tier on Monday, Nov. 16.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that COVID-19 cases were surging at all-time highs across the state, and as a result, he preemptively moved nearly 30 counties, including SLO, back to Purple. SLO’s COVID-19 numbers were soaring enough to send it back without the governor’s action.

“I want to note that since Monday, sorry over the last two weeks, we have had over 700 cases and on average 65 a day,” Borenstein said.

Borenstein noted that part of the state’s Blueprint for a

Safer Economy allows the governor to step in and act more aggressively.

“It’s for these reasons that the governor announced on Monday that there were going to be some changes to the implementation of the Blueprint metrics,” Borenstein said.

Borenstein said the County’s hospitalizations continue to be relatively low, with 10 in the hospital and one in intensive care.

In the Purple Tier, restaurants, houses of worship, winery tasting rooms and fitness centers can operate only outdoors.

Retail stores will be limited to 25% capacity, among other restrictions.

Schools that are open to in-person learning will be able to continue that way. But no additional schools can open to having students in classrooms. Barbershops and hair salons can still operate indoors, with restrictions.

The majority of the new SLO cases have been in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo city and Cal Poly campus residents.

CAL POLY Borenstein addressed the Cal Poly bashing she was hearing.

“It is absolutely true that Cal Poly continues to see high numbers amongst their student body and those numbers are part of the reason that we are regressing, but we have actually run the numbers and found that even without the Cal Poly cases we would be reverting to Purple because our case rates are that high,” she said.

Borenstein said hundreds and hundreds of Cal Poly students are quarantining. The County and Cal Poly administration were encouraging any students not on quarantine to return home and finish the quarter with distance learning, if possible.

“We want to begin to evacuate in a sense the campus as soon as possible,” Borenstein said. “By this Friday [Nov. 20], with the exception of those students who need to complete their isolation period or for those students who are in family situations where they don’t have somewhere to go to, for the most part, the campus is going to be closed as of this Friday.”

Borenstein believes the County can get back to the Red Tier if people follow the COVID-19 guidelines and mandates — wear a face covering and social distance.

She encouraged people to celebrate like a BOSS when gathering.

“I want to introduce a new term for you. We want you to celebrate like a BOSS,” Borenstein said. “Keep your social gatherings B - brief, O - outside, S - small, and S - symptom-free.”

COVID-19 UPDATE On Thursday, Nov. 19, SLO County reported 86 new COVID-19 cases bringing the overall total to 5,486. There were 12 new cases in Paso Robles and seven apiece in Atascadero and Templeton. The City of SLO had 55 new cases.

Twelve people are currently hospitalized, with one in intensive care. The County reported its 35th COVID-19 death, a person in their 80s who was vulnerable to severe illness because of underlying conditions.

nians and the state’s health care system, which could experience an unprecedented surge if cases continue their steep climb.

On Monday, Nov. 23, the state pulled an emergency brake in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, putting more than 94 percent of California’s population in the most restrictive tier. The state will reassess data continuously and move more counties back into a more restrictive tier, if necessary.

California is also strengthening its face-covering guidance to require individuals to wear a mask whenever outside their home, with limited exceptions.

In late November, the state issued a travel advisory, along with Oregon and Washington, urging people entering the state or returning home from travel outside the state to self-quarantine to slow the spread of the virus. The travel advisory advises against non-essential out-ofstate travel, asks people to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country, and encourages residents to stay local.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

SLO County Regional Airport Issues Holiday Travel Safety Advisory STAFF REPORT SAN LUIS OBISPO — The Thanksgiving holiday traditionally marks the beginning of a busy air travel season. While pandemic restrictions are in effect across the country, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is an essential service provider and remains open and operational. For those who choose to travel during this holiday season, please keep in mind the following: • If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, please do not travel. Adhere to county and state regulations and stay isolated.

• Follow health guidelines. All visitors must wear a mask or face covering when at the airport. Maintain social distance of six feet or more, and wash your hands frequently with soap.

• Greet passengers on the curb. When picking up someone from the airport, please pick them up on the curb and do not meet them in the terminal. If in-terminal assistance is required, send in only one member of your party.

• Understand the security process. When going through the security checkpoint, come prepared to follow the 3-1-1 rule for your liquids and gels: 3 ounces of liquid in a 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person. Preparing your liquids ahead of time helps prevent crowding in the security line.

• Enhanced health and safety measures are in place. The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is working to provide a safe and convenient travel experience. It has installed several features to minimize person-to-person contact, including social distance markers, plexiglass windows, and restricted seating. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the terminal. Per the current COVID-19 restrictions, the café is providing only grab-and-go items. The airport has added outdoor tables and seating, and snacks may be enjoyed outside.

More information about the airport’s commitment to health and safety can be found here. Details about the County of San Luis Obispo’s current COVID-19 restrictions and guidance are available at readyslo.org.

Morro Bay Life • December 2020 • 11

Making Communities Better Through Print™

EDUCATION

Future Trends Post-COVID JIM J. BRESCIA, Ed.D County Superintendent of Schools

C

areer Technical Education (CTE) stakeholders across the county are considering what education might look like during and post-COVID. Will schools and postsecondary institutions return to full in-person or utilize a blended approach with online and in-person learning?

I have been attending a series of webinars hosted by the Association for Career and Technical Education to discuss key considerations, guiding questions, and emerging best practices.

Most business, government, and educational advisors predict that the pandemic will have a lasting impact on the future of work in several key manners. Business, government, and academic leaders are advised to evaluate the impact these trends will have on oper-

ations, workflow, and strategic goals. We should identify which changes require immediate action and assess to what degree these trends change pre-COVID strategic goals and plans. One immediate change the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education faced was the SLO Partners Summer/Fall Advanced Manufacturing Boot Camp.

The Advanced Manufacturing Boot Camp adapted to the COVID environment by integrating online instruction, physically distancing the hands-on portion of the instruction, requiring mask-wearing for all students and instructors, health assessments, and other accommodations.

The flexibility, patience, and kindness demonstrated by the instructors, students, and program administrators allowed the program to move forward. The Bootcamp was noticeably different from previous offerings. However, the instruction moved on, the students completed the program, and many were offered employment during the pandemic. The SLO Partners stakeholders understand the importance of increased remote working, expanded data collection related to trends, contingent worker adaptation, changes in employer/trainee roles, and the need for “Future Careers Locally Grown.”

A late summer Gartner Research poll indicated that 82% of company leaders plan to integrate some remote or distance work as businesses more fully execute reopening. Several executives are evaluating more permanent working arrangements to meet employee expectations and build more resilient business operations. Organizations are instituting extensive safety measures, limiting face-to-face meetings, eliminating non-essential travel, and leveraging technology for communications.

The Gartner Research poll indicated that many businesses are using technology more frequently to monitor employees with virtual time clocks, computer usage, employee communications, and project completion software packages. Some of the employers indicated productivity increases with remote work policies. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education has maintained operations continuously during the pandemic, with nearly half of our employees working remotely.

Remote work product has been completed on time and at a saving to the taxpayer because of reduced or eliminated travel-related expenses.

Workplace adaptations have been implemented by many employers as schedules changed, in-person hours varied, and

MILESTONE

LIFE INTELLIGENCE

Cuesta College Celebrates Class of 2020

Updates and Upgrades

STAFF REPORT SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cuesta College will celebrate the Class of 2020 with a drivethrough commencement ceremony from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, at the San Luis Obispo campus. The ceremony, initially scheduled for May, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am so proud of the graduating Class of 2020 and look forward to celebrating all their achievements,” said Superintendent-President Dr. Jill Stearns. “Our graduates leave Cuesta College with an incredible story, proving their ability to pivot, their determination, and ability to succeed.”

The ceremony will honor the accomplishments of 1,040 graduating students with their associate degrees, certificates, GED, and ESL certificates from Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020. Of this year’s graduating class, 520 students came from local high schools. A record-breaking 294 of these students are Cuesta College Promise Scholarship recipients, which provides two fee-free years of college.

Awarded this year are a total of 464 associate of arts degrees, 236 associate of sciences degrees, and 591 associate of transfer degrees. Cuesta College offers 46 associate degrees, 78 certificates, 54 noncredit certificates, and 36 associate degrees of transfer, providing students with a clear pathway into the California State University system.

The graduating class is made up of students with the age range of 17 to 72. Of the graduates, 311 earned honors or high honors by achieving a grade point average

Smart for your wallet - Smart for the environment

GREEN-SMART CONSTRUCTION

VALENTINA PETROVA COLUMNIST

Y

our technology needs regular upgrades.

To prevent an interruption of service and slow processing power, your phone updates automatically while you sleep at night.

Your Tesla upgrades while parked in the garage, and your computer sends you notifications to “restart now.” But what about your personal software? How often do you update and upgrade your thinking?

If you see yourself, your relationships, your work, and your world through your mind’s lens, and if you want optimal performance as a human being - living, working, and loving, you need regular updates and upgrades too. While it may be in our best interest to be mentally nimble and up to date, we often chose otherwise.

When it comes to learning, we all agree; it’s a good thing. But we frequently disagree about what we need to learn. We stick to what we’ve learned as if nothing ever changes. Things get personal quickly.

What others think we should learn – like managing finances, choosing better friends, wearing masks, relying on reputable sources of information, time management, etc., may already be going against what we’ve already learned. Meaning, we have days, months, and a lifetime invested in what we already know. The longer we subscribe to

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a viewpoint, the more time we have into building a habit, the longer we stick with a bad relationship or an unsatisfying job, the higher the “sunk-cost” and the more defensive we feel about how we are and our choices.

At the same time, we associate what we know and how we see things with who we are. We feel that giving up on something we know and having defended in the past becomes almost impossible without redefining who we are. It’s easier to surround ourselves with “like-minded” people than to challenge and upgrade our assumptions, factsheets, skill sets, ideas, and beliefs.

We know from psychology is that people are more motivated by loss than they are by what they could gain. To upgrade and update your thinking may mean that you lose a set of friends, fall out of favor with relatives, have to leave a relationship, the boss may reconsider a likely promotion, or people stop supporting your business. The fear of loss obscures the potential gain of changing how and what we think, and from there, how and what we choose.

What’s familiar is easier. But when your map of the world no longer matches the world, you’ll get lost. There will be an interruption of service in the form of conflict and crisis. If you choose to sample a new thought, consider facts, science, and logic, you may experience the discomfort of change, but also the freedom from conforming and the need to defend your identity. As your mindset adopts upgrades and updates, your life will sync with reality, and you will see opportunities, make new friends, and deepen relationships in places and ways you would have never been able to consider before.

Change will be fun if you let it.

Valentina Petrova is an independent opinion columnist for Morro Bay Life. You can reach her at valentinapetrovaconsulting.com. r

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of 3.5 or higher, including 16 who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. A total of 19 veterans earned degrees this year, representing the Air Force, Army, Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard.

The drive-through commencement caravan will begin at the Hollister Road entrance to the campus and be directed to Parking Lot 5, where participants will be cheered on by the campus community.

Graduates will exit their vehicles at the end of the route, walk across the stage, and take a photo. The event will be streamed live on the Cuesta College website at bit.ly/streamgrad and Facebook.

For students without a vehicle, transportation will be arranged for you to participate.

Contact Will Wooster at 805-546-3100 x2328 for more information.

Masks and physical distancing of at least six feet are required during the ceremony.

Students are asked not to come to campus if they are ill, experiencing symptoms, or may have been exposed to the coronavirus.

For more information on Cuesta College COVID-19 policies and guidelines, visit the resource webpage at cuesta.edu/covid-19.

Participating graduates are asked to register at bit.ly/cougarcaravan2020 by Dec. 14.

Regalia, class rings, and other items must be ordered by Nov. 22 online at bit.ly/2JQPETR.

the need for remote access to information increased. Receptionists, assistants, and some customer service employee’s work practices have changed, and roles shifted. Employers are adapting to create some overlap in services, flexibility in work hours, access to training opportunities, and restructuring to meet customer demand. Sales, public meetings, instruction of students, cleaning of buildings, and preparation of meals have all changed because of COVID. Leaders that have remained flexible are experiencing higher levels of success in meeting operational budgets and workplace demands.

The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education established SLO Partners in 2014 to address college and career readiness among the county’s student population. SLO Partners’ mission is to engage business partners and educators in aligning workforce needs with career and college pathways and provide work experience opportunities to ensure that students have the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the workplace and businesses have the skilled workers required for a sound growing economy. SLO Partners is committed to collaborating with local businesses and education to ensure pathways for opportunity and skilled local talent.

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12 • December 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

TASTE OF AMERICANA

The Flavors of Christmas BARBIE BUTZ COLUMNIST

T

here has always been a debate when it comes to the time of day that holiday meals should be served. There is really no hard-fast rule, but in our family, we tried for 3 p.m. to start our gathering, with dinner served by 4 p.m. Of course, we were as flexible as the turkey allowed!

Because everything else in 2020 has brought change to our lives, I think serving a brunch will be in order this year. We’ll up the time for serving to 11 a.m. since the suggested hours for brunch are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can trickle in starting at 10 a.m., allowing late sleepers a little more time to get ready.

Brunch often includes an alcoholic drink, and here’s a recipe to add to your menu, followed by one for a non-alcoholic punch.

• • • • • • •

Champagne Cranberry Orange Starter Ingredients: 1 orange 1 lemon ¼ cup cranberry-flavored liqueur or cognac ¼ cup orange-flavored liqueur or Triple Sec 1 bottle (750 ml) pink champagne or sparkling white wine, well chilled Fresh cranberries (optional) Citrus strips for garnish Plan the rest of your menu around your meat; whether you choose turkey, ham, or chicken, you will want a variety of hot rolls, a couple of side dishes, along with a relish platter and cranberry sauce, of course. Jackie O’mara, a friend of mine here in North County, sent me this recipe for a sauce that could pass as a salad by adding a half cup of thinly sliced celery.

Sandy’s Port Wine Cranberry Sauce / Salad Ingredients: • 1 ½ cups boiling water • 1 (6 ounce) pkg. raspberry jello • 2 cans whole cranberry sauce (I like Ocean Spray) • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained • ½ cup celery, thinly sliced (optional) • 1 cup sour cream • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened • ¾ cup port wine • ½ cup crushed walnuts (optional) Directions: Dissolve jello in boiling water, add port wine, cranberry sauce, undrained pineapple, and celery, if using; mix well. Refrigerate until set. Mix softened cream cheese and sour cream—spread mixture over top of jello. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts.

This next recipe could replace a potato dish since it contains herb stuffing. However, you might include a simple casserole of scalloped potatoes for those who are not stuffing eaters or use the red potatoes with artichokes recipe included here.

Non-Alcoholic Cranberry Punch Directions: Pour 3 cups well-chilled club soda into 2/3 cup (6 oz.) cranberry cocktail concentrate, thawed. Makes 3 ½ cups (6 servings).

Herb Bread Stuffing and Squash Casserole Ingredients: • 3 lbs. Yellow squash, chopped • ½ cup (1 stick) buttered • 1 large yellow onion, chopped • 2 medium carrots, grated • 2 (10-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup (I use Campbell’s) • 8 ounces sour cream • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 (8-ounce) package herb bread stuffing Directions: Cook squash in a small amount of water until tender; drain. Spoon squash into a bowl. Melt butter in the saucepan. Add onion and carrots. Sauté until tender. Remove from heat. Add squash and mash. Stir in soup and sour cream.

Season with salt and pepper. Add half of the herb stuffing, mixing well. Sprinkle some of the remaining stuffing in a buttered baking dish. Add squash mixture. Top with remaining stuffing.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. (Serves 6 to 8)

Next, these bourbon apricot and sweet potato hand pies will fill the bill for dessert.

• • • • • • • • • •

Bourbon Apricot & Sweet Potato Hand Pies Ingredients: 1 cup dried apricots, chopped ¼ cup bourbon 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound) ½ cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling on top 2 tablespoons unsalted buttered1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg ½ teaspoon cardamom1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Pastry dough 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Happy Holiday Cooking!

Cheers!

Directions: Remove only the colored peel from orange and lemon in long strips with a citrus peeler. Refrigerate orange and lemon for another use. Combine peels and cranberry-and orange-flavored liqueurs in a glass pitcher. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 6 hours. Just before serving, tilt pitcher to one side and slowly pour in champagne. Leave peels in the pitcher for added flavor. Place a cranberry in the bottom of each champagne glass. Garnish with a citrus strip if desired.

Red Potatoes with Artichokes & Feta Cheese Ingredients: • 2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered • 2 (14-ounce) cans artichoke hearts, drained, cut into halves • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 small jar diced pimiento, well-drained • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon pepper • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled Directions: Combine the potatoes, artichoke hearts, thyme, garlic, pimiento, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl and toss to mix well. Spoon into an oiled 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake at 425 degrees for 55 minutes. Spoon into a serving dish. Add the feta cheese and toss to mix well. Serves 6 To round out your menu, add a dish of fresh green beans cooked until tender and seasoned with fresh lemon juice mixed with melted butter and Spice Island’s Beau Monde seasoning, which I use on everything. Or, serve roasted brussel sprouts. Either of those vegetables will add “something green” to the menu.

Directions: Place apricots with bourbon and soak for 1 hour until fruit is soft and most of the liquid absorbed—Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wrap sweet potatoes in foil. Bake until soft, 45 to 55 minutes. Remove foil, allow potatoes to cool. Remove skin.

Reduce oven to 375 degrees. Place potatoes with apricots and bourbon, sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt. Mash with a potato masher to the consistency of mashed potatoes.

Roll out dough to 1/4”. Cut eight 4 to 5-inch rounds. Place about 2 tablespoons filling on the right side of each round, leaving a ½-inch border. Combine cream and egg and stir. Brush borders of rounds and fold left side of dough over the filling, so edges meet. Crimp edges with a fork to seal. Cut small vents in the top of hand pies.

Place on a baking sheet covered with parchment. Brush tops with egg wash. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Rotate sheet until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Morro Bay Life • December 2020 • 13

14 • December 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

A HOLIDAY BLESSING

Having Hope and Joy this Holiday Season

By DR. GARY M. BARKER For Morro Bay Life

T

he winter months of November, December, and January are times that we as Americans celebrate a season of thanksgiving and joy. As one nation under God, we can positively look forward to God’s blessing as we praise Him by giving thanks during Christmas, Hanukkah, and in the New Year. We all have gone thru difficult times because of the coronavirus pandemic, yet I believe we still have much to be thankful and joyful for this holiday season.

As Americans, we have freedoms that are unique to our nation. We are richly blessed with material prosperity. During the holi-

days, we enjoy having an abundance of food to eat. However, we need to be mindful not to forget about all of these benefits and blessings during times of hardship. We have so many extra things that we enjoy that are far beyond our essential needs. Let’s be careful and avoid being unthankful and discontent when, in reality, we have so much.

As I have grown older, I have come to realize what is the most important thing in life. It is our relationship with God, family, and friends.

During the holiday season, we have the great joy of spending quality time with family and friends. I have some wonderful memories of years past seeing our loved ones as we celebrate.

My wife and I again will be with both sides of our families this Christmas. What a bless-

ing it is for parents and grandparents to see and visit with children, siblings, and grandchildren. These reunions will bring a lot of joy and happiness.

This is why I believe that relationships with people are the most important thing to develop in life. I sincerely believe as a clergyman and Rotarian that hope and love will sustain us.

Our hope is based on our reliance and trust in God. At Christmas and Hanukkah, we acknowledge God for His past and present blessings and His miraculous answers to prayer.

God doesn’t automatically bless any particular political movement but does bless people who do righteous, loving, and truthful deeds.

Our future hope as Americans will ultimately depend upon our desire to trust in

God and behave and conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to Him. God will bless us when we love each other rather than hating one another, when we forgive one another instead of seeking revenge, when we are truthful instead of being liars when we treat others fairly and beneficially as we would like to be treated. Practicing these behaviors with God’s enablement is our only hope for healing the serious and harmful division we are experiencing as a nation.

Our dependence on God is our only hope for healing and unity in our nation. May each of you have a blessed and Merry Christmas, a joyful Hanukkah, and a bright New Year.

May the joy and happiness of this holiday season be passed on to everyone we know.

WINTER SOLSTICE, YULETIDE

Traditional Symbols of Celebrations Held on the Darkest Day of the Year A Special to Morro Bay Life

F

ire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year. The winter solstice is the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight, and it marks the start of astronomical winter. After the winter solstice, days start becoming longer and nights shorter as spring approaches.

This year, Winter Solstice falls on Monday, December 21, and in the northern hemisphere, the date marks the 24 hours with the fewest daylight hours of the year.

Winter Solstice is considered a turning point in the year in many cultures. The day is held sacred and known as celebrating the new solar year’s birth, also called Yuletide.

Yuletide refers to the time around the Christmas season, usually from around December 21 until January 1, and dates back centuries. It was originally a way to commemorate the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Though Yuletide’s rituals have changed dramatically over the years, some Yuletide traditions remain and have contributed to modern-

day celebrations of the festive season.

Decorating an evergreen tree was a common Yuletide custom in ancient times, as was giving gifts to friends and loved ones. The Yule Log is another centuries-old tradition meant to symbolize the passing of an old year into a new one, with the promise of hope and happiness. The oak log is usually decorated with evergreen branches, sprigs of holly, bare birch branches, and trailing ivy vines. A more delicious alternative is the classic French Bûche de Noël, a decadent chocolate cake baked in the shape of a Yule Log and shared with family and friends at a Yuletide gathering.

This holiday season, we find peace and love in celebrating together and showing kindness to one another.

“May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night, that each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken, and true brings faith to your soul and well-being to you. Rejoice in the darkness, in the silence, find rest, and may the days that follow be abundantly blessed.”

Native American Solstice Blessing by Stephanie Laird

A Special to Morro Bay Life

The Little White Envelope “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.

A true Christmas Story by Nancy W. Gavin, December 2015 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 innercity 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.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids – all kids. He so enjoyed coaching little league football, baseball, and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came.

That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed a small, white envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me.

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.

Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us.”

May we always remember what a blessing each day is with our loved ones. Take a moment to be present, to share love, and be a good human. You may not know whose life you will impact when you do.

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Morro Bay Life • December 2020 • 15

16 • December 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Connection, Communication & Commitment Wishing everyone a healthy, peaceful, happy holiday season.

We have a choice to be kind, be tolerant, and thoughtful of everyone’s unique situation and point of view.

With love and consideration, we will get through this together.

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