We are beyond excited to welcome back all of our old-time favor ite holiday events that have been dormant for the last two years. Living in a small town such as ours, we love and cherish our commu nity events. Getting out and seeing one another, catching up with old friends and colleagues, taking the time to be present and slow down long enough to make memories while enjoying the coldest time of the year.
As an annual tradition, our family cuts down a tree the day after Thanksgiving and hangs our lights on the house before the Thanksgiving weekend is over, all while “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Rein deer” play on repeat. These are the days I will forever cherish. Our boys are now ten and eight and absolutely love the holidays as most kids do; however, we have started several holiday traditions to focus on the memories, family, and the time we all have together. We take time and recognize Winter Solstice and celebrate the changing of the seasons. Nic and the boys make Ginger Bead Houses from scratch with the ingredients collected from our elf on the shelf no. 0599 (the
name the boys gave him) brought with him to share with us from the North Pole.
Traditions such as these are the fabric of our family and have been created with the intention of being able to pass on for generations to come. As a child, I did not have many traditions to carry on, so it was essential to both Nic and me to create that for our kids.
Living in a community such as ours allows us to do that as well; attending the tree lighting and parades, walking around the lake, and driving around to see all the twinkling lights are a part of the tradition as well. We are grateful for a community who believes in keeping the magic alive by pulling us all in close so that even if we have a small or large family, we are all welcome.
We are grateful to all of you for keeping the spirit alive and reading our publications each month. We love our community and wish you all a very happy holiday season, no matter what you celebrate during this time of the year.
Happiest of Holidays and much love,
Hayley, Nic, and family
“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.”
– John Boswell
If you know of a business or non-profit that deserves a spotlight, please send your nomination to our Ambassador’s Committee for review by Lynsey Hansen at lynsey@morrochamber.org. For more information
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 resilience during challenging times.
Please
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
MORRO BAY — There’ll be a new mayor in town, one with a familiar face and over whelming support from voters.
Also, there will be two new councilwomen up on the dais when the newly elected members take t he oath of office in early December.
Although the County Elections Office is still counting late ballots, the mayor’s race would appear to be settled, as former Councilwoman Carla Wixom, is far ahead of two-term incum bent Mayor John Headding, in a vote that came down to vision for the future and dissatisfaction with events that have happened under Head
ding’s four-year watch.
Wixom garnered 58.38 percent (2,674 votes) of the votes to Headding’s 41.62 percent (1,906) in an election that saw turnout at a dismally low 39 percent.
On the council side, newcomers Robin “Zara” Landrum and Cyndee Edwards are the top two vote-getters in the field of five candidates. Landrum, as of the Nov. 16 report, had 1,995 votes (25.02 percent) with Edwards getting 1,753 (21.98 percent). Of the others, Sarah Robinson is a close third with 1,656 votes (20.89 percent); Casey Cordes was fourth with 1,466 votes (18.38 percent); and David Duringer brought up the rear with 1,105 votes (13.86 percent).
The Nov. 16 vote totals were changed some what from the first returns on Election Night, but while the total votes have gone up for all the candidates, the percentages changed little, and none of the races has flipped with the continu ing count.
With these numbers it would appear that the only race still being contested is Edwards’ lead over Robinson, which is just 90 votes. But in Morro Bay, where past council elections have come down to a difference of as few as 13 votes, things could change. However, Landrum’s lead is expected to hold up.
Wixom, whose lead is all but insurmount able, will be just the fourth female mayor in town history, following Rosemarie Sheetz (two terms), Cathy Novak (one term), and Janice Peters (three terms).
Landrum, Edwards, and Wixom, along with Laurel Barton and Jen Ford, will be the new lineup of the Morro Bay City Council.
Asked by MBL why she thought she won, Wixom attributed it to community concerns.
“I attribute the win, should the vote hold,
to the community concerns about the direction the current leadership is taking our community,” she said. “We are at a crossroads. Will we stay a beachside community or will we become an industrial city? Many in the community I spoke with feel there has been a lack of transparency on many issues, i.e., sewer cost, wind energy battery storage, land-use issues.”
Morro Bay voters were also asked to increase their property taxes to raise revenue for main taining the city-owned harbor facilities — public launch ramp, docks, moorings and piers — but the Morro Bay Harbor Infrastructure Act (Measure B-22) was soundly rejected by voters.
B-22 would have added $120 a year — $10 a month — in taxes for residential and commercial properties. Some 2,985 voters said “No” (64.03 percent) and just 1,677 voted “Yes” (35.97 percent).
B-22’s defeat leaves the question of how the city will pay for harbor maintenance needs for the new council to solve, as the department garners all of its budget from lease payments, and fees for temporary dockage, moorings, and slips.
The Harbor Department has an estimated $10 million in repairs and maintenance needs to public harbor facilities, with no identified revenue sources.
B-22 was proposed by a group of citi zens and needed just a simple majority to be approved, but a strong anti-B-22 movement sprouted up in the weeks before the election.
Ironically, while voters rejected B-22, they apparently supported a massive school bond. Measure C-22 is a $349 million bond put forth by the San Luis Coastal Unified School District to raise money for needed upgrades at the district’s elementary and middle schools.
A study had identified over $500 million in
needed upgrades, covering things like campus security, but the measure’s citizen’s committee, the “Yes on C-22,” which led the campaign, settled on the lower $349 million amount.
It’s the second large bond measure the district has gotten approved following 2014’s Measure D at $177 million. Measure D is being used to modernize Morro Bay and SLO high schools. Indeed, the changes at MBHS are transformative, as the campus, built in 1959, now has the modern look and facilities, includ ing a full “Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math” (STEAM) laboratory, among numerous changes.
C-22 will add $49 a year in property taxes for every $100,000 in assessed property value. So for a property valued at $600,000, the added property taxes would be $294 a year.
SLOCUSD also had three board races, and saw incumbent Marilyn Rodger holding a commanding lead over Loren Leidinger, 59.55 percent to 40.45 percent for the Trustee Area 1 (TA-1) seat.
In TA-2, incumbent Rob Banfield got 56.09 percent of the votes and Jim Quesenberry got 43.91 percent. However, Quesenberry had with drawn from the election prior to the voting, and had actually endorsed Banfield.
And in TA-4, incumbent Mark Buchman has an insurmountable lead over Tony Evans, 68.53 percent to 31.47 percent.
And Morro Bay Councilwoman and Democrat Dawn Addis appears headed for a win in the Dist. 30 State Assembly seat, lead ing Republican Vicki Nohdren, 54.19 percent to 45.81 percent in SLO County voting. Addis also held leads in Monterey County and Santa Cruz, which are also part of the newly drawn 30th District.
Downslope
Property located in desirable HARBOR TRACT with some views of Morro Rock and Ocean. Soak up the sun or plant some veggies in the South facing downstairs courtyard - perfect place to hang on those windy days!
MORRO BAY — The Morro Bay Planning Commission approved a project that would remove a historic fishermen’s shack on the Embarcadero with a new home, and if all goes well, preserve the “Little Red House” as a historical treasure.
On Nov. 16, commissioners heard the application of Steve Morgan, the owner of the “Little Red House” or as some in town know it — the Richardson Family home.
The Little Red House sits on a lot adjacent to the parking lot at Tidelands Park. The two-story home is easily visible, towering over the cyclone fence that separates it from the parking lot.
It is one of several tiny structures that date back 50 years, and were built on oddball-shaped and sized lots, some of which also have tiny houses while others have boatsheds.
The 3,600-square-foot lot is cut in half by the 15-foot bluff and while other property owners there have built homes on top of the bluff, given the modern, required, 50-foot bluff top setback, the current spot where the red house sits is the only buildable portion of the property.
Officially, the red house is addressed as 101 Fig St., though the city staff report said there was no vehicle access to the lot from Fig. Historically, Nadine Richardson, who owned the red house for decades and was an artist who used the bottom floor for a studio, according to local residents who knew her well, always accessed the property from Fig Street, which dumps onto Main Street.
But the new project proposed accessing the home from the Embarcadero, which of course caused issues with the application.
Because of the irregular lot size, the applicant sought a variance from the required 20-foot frontyear setback. The plans sought a variance for a 10-foot setback and shorter driveway than required.
But one other aspect of the project caught the
commission’s attention — the desire by both the owner and the Morro Bay Historical Society to preserve the Little Red House, as an example of the early Morro Bay fishing shacks.
The red house was offered to the Maritime Museum Association, which proposed moving
it down Embarcadero to a patch of dirt on the west side of the Power Plant’s sound wall. But those plans fell through and according to one of the MMA’s board members, they declined the donation.
However, the red house’s fate is not doomed
yet — the Historical Society had expressed interest in preserving the red house. That issue became the main sticking point for commissioners, who wanted language changed in the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to allow the red house to be preserved by any conservation group, should the Historical Society’s efforts not come to fruition (see: historicalmorrobay.org for information on the Historical Society).
The idea is to move the red house and repurpose it for the Historical Society. Unfortunately, as it looks now, the two-story structure will have to be cut down to one story, the top part, because of handicap access issues.
As for the location, in front of a “bluff,” City Senior Planner Cindy Jacinth’s report said she discussed that matter with the Coastal Commission.
“Consultation on process requirements with Coastal Commission staff in July 2022 determined that upon review of the plans and geological report, they do not view this property as a coastal bluff but rather a sloped area,” she said. “While it might be a bluff in name, the intent of the bluff policies would not apply here, because it is not subject to marine erosion.”
The owner had a study done by GeoSolutions, an engineering firm out of San Luis Obispo.
“The report evaluated historic aerial photographs, pertinent geotechnical studies for the subject area, soils evaluation, seismicity hazards, reviewed landslide potential, surface and groundwater conditions, liquefaction hazards, evaluation of the stability of the coastal bluff, hazards, and prepared recommendations for site preparation,” Jacinth said. “The report concluded that as there is no direct tidal erosion at the base of the slope, the setback regarding retreat rate from ocean erosion does not apply.”
Since that conclusion jibbed with what the city and Coastal Commission had decided, the bluff top setback requirements were not applicable.
In the end, commissioners changed one sentence in the CDP to open it up to the possibility of some outside conservation group coming in to preserve the little red slice of local history.
The commission’s approval will go to the City Council for its approval of the CDP, and would be appealable to the Coastal Commission.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Coats for Kids has been helping keep families warm for 35 years, and after two years of modified giving, they will be joining the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles for the “Day of Giving” on Saturday, Dec. 10.
The mission of Coats for Kids has always been to distribute warm items such as coats, jack ets, sweaters, and sweatshirts directly to North County families, not just kids, in need.
Thirty-five years ago, in 1987, Coats for Kids began when Barbie Butz was president of the Los Niños Auxiliary of the Children’s Home Society. Members of the society were looking to begin a hands-on project to help the community. So they thought, “it’s cold out; how about coats?”
During their first year of distribution, Butz and her fellow members handed out flyers outside of another toy bank, in the pouring rain, and offered people to come down and get a warm coat. That year they distributed around 40 coats.
After a few years, the Los Niños group decided not to continue the coat drive. Butz and her husband John decided they couldn’t let that be the end of the coats. Together, they contin ued the operation and now have distributed over
3,000 coats.
“The reason I do it, is that I can’t not do it. And my husband is the same way,” said Butz. “I don’t think anyone should be cold.”
The operation continued to grow each year, from their early days of using an enclosed trailer to the Armory in Atascadero and now to the Paso
Every year, volunteers gather, sort, and distrib ute new and gently used coats of all sizes, giving warmth to families in need across the Central Coast at absolutely no cost to them. In addition, the volunteers work with multiple local busi nesses and charities to serve over 750 families.
But, operations were slowed down the last two years due to covid-19 restrictions. Dedicated to sharing the warmth in hard times, Butz and her team of volunteers put together a drive-thru for the coats.
This year, the Coats for Kids operation will return with one full distribution day with the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles for the “Day of Giving” on Saturday, Dec. 10. Gently used and clean coats, sweatshirts, jackets, and sweaters are needed for all ages.
The Rotary Club of Paso Robles has joined the Coats for Kids 2022 team and distributed collection boxes in November to some of the businesses in the Paso Robles area. They will have boxes in other North County communities to make it convenient for those who want to donate a new or gently used item.
Two North County dry cleaners, Plaza Cleaners in Atascadero and Paso Robles and Fashion Cleaners in Atascadero, are also drop-off locations for items needing cleaning or refresh ing. They clean them free of charge. Just drop them off, say “Coats for Kids,” and a committee member will pick them up.
Drop-off locations and more information on Coats for Kids can be found at coatsforkidsslocounty.org.
You can find more information on the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles here prtoybank.org
Robles Event Center.
AVILA BEACH — Port San Luis is a captivating place to visit, with beautiful views of the bay and the surrounding hills. There are diverse types of boats to observe, sea lions and seals diving and barking, otters skillfully cracking open a meal on their chest, plenty of bird activity, and of course, fishers bringing in their proud catch. It is free ocean entertain ment at its finest.
Over the last few months, there had been an abundance of activity along the breakwater. A massive 350-ton crane was moving rocks all around. The activity was visible from Grover Beach to Avila Beach. A prime location to watch the action was at the very end of the Harford Pier. By now, most Avilones are aware the breakwater was receiving much-needed maintenance and repair, but few understand the process.
The barge and crane are gone now. However, that does not mean the job has been completed. Unstable winter weather will cause a tempo rary pause in this lengthy undertaking. The effort will continue in the late spring or summer, depending on wind and ocean condi tions. Construction was delayed this year due to persistent wind, causing rougher seas, which
continued later into the season than usual. The breakwater restoration is expected to be completed before the end of October 2023.
The breakwater is of immense importance to not only the safety of the vessels in the bay but to the marine facilities and piers. Without the breakwater, swells would be significantly larger, allowing more powerful waves to slam into the beach, causing more harm to the beloved Avila Pier. Ocean waves in the winter are particu larly forceful and can cause damage to the breakwater, such as dislodging and movement of the massive boulders. Prior to the start of
the venture, there was a visible depression in the breakwater, that was an obvious indica tion that more protection was needed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsi ble for the upkeep, maintenance, and hiring the company to rectify the structure, which was awarded to Connolly Pacific. Breakwater improvements in 1992 involved 15,000 tons. Damage caused by the Paso Robles earth quake in 2004 required 30,000 tons of repair. The current job is an even larger renovation involving 60,000 tons. Alterations consist of resetting existing stone and placement of new
rocks. Boulders are strategically selected and positioned. They are not randomly stacked, but instead placed in an artistic formation for optimal shielding.
Boulders that made up the original break water came from Morro Rock in Morro Bay. In the 1890s, chunks of Morro Rock were blasted, removed, and brought to Port San Luis to build the much-needed breakwater. The process continued until about 1913. Since these Morro rocks were culturally significant to the local tribes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and tribes agreed to transport some of the removed boulders and return them offshore near Morro Rock. It is interesting to note that new stone brought in this year and next year will come from a quarry on the backside of Catalina Island.
Maneuvering the huge slabs is not the only concern of the task. Areas of sensitive eelgrass were carefully avoided or safeguarded. Eelgrass habitat is protected by federal and state law. One zonehad to be deepened to allow the barge to have proximity to the breakwater. To mitigate for any loss of eelgrass, additional plantings have been made near the project site. Biologists conscientiously determined suitable habitat. The replanted and new eelgrass will be well monitored beyond the duration of the ongoing operation.
Overall, there is much more than meets the eye to fixing the breakwater. It will be inter esting to watch the work continue. Be sure to schedule a stroll down the Harford Pier for one of the best vantage points. It is reassur ing to know that time and care are spent to maintain Avila’s historic port.
A note of thanks to Chris Munson, Facili ties Manager, Port San Luis Harbor District.
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
MORRO BAY — With Coronavirus Pandemic restrictions largely lifted, the City of Morro Bay is bringing back some fun Christ mas events, with several visits from Santa Claus scheduled.
Morro Bay’s Annual “Holiday Tree Lighting” will return at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at City Park. There will be musical performances, free hot cider, and cookies, and Santa Claus will arrive to read to the kids.
The annual event will have one notable absence — a town Christmas Tree. The City said the tree planted in City Park died and had to be removed, so this year they are making a “tree” out of the
park’s flagpole. Rain cancels.
The “Breakfast with Santa” event is also return ing but moving to a new location. The pancake breakfast is set for 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Vet’s Hall, 209 Surf Street.
Tickets are $10 a person, and you’ll be treated to a pancake breakfast with a hot cocoa bar cooked up by the Kiwanis Club and a trip through The Elf Workshop with fun activities like crafts and gift making, cookie decorating, face painting, and a gingerbread house station.
Santa Claus will also be on hand for photos with the kids.
You must pre-register for the event; see anc.apm.activecommunities.com/morrobay/ home?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true.
The deadline is Friday, Dec. 2.
The Morro Bay Rotary Club is putting on the Annual Lighted Boat Parade Saturday, Dec. 3, starting at 6:30 p.m. in Morro Bay Harbor.
There will be a free concert by the Morro Bay White Caps Band on the South T-pier starting at 5:30. There will be coffee, hot chocolate, and other goodies for sale as a Rotary Club fundraiser.
Also, Santa’s House featuring Santa Claus himself will be set up at the Giant Chessboard Park starting Friday, Dec. 2, from 6-8 p.m. Bring your little ones to sit for photos with Santa.
Santa’s House is open Dec. 3, from 4:30-7 p.m.; Dec. 4, noon-4 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10 from 4:40-7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11 from noon-4 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, Dec. 16-17 from 4:30-7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 18, noon-4.
As rainy weather and slippery boats make for a somewhat dangerous condition, the boat parade
will be postponed one week to Saturday, Dec. 10, if it rains that day.
The forecast is for about a 40 percent chance of rain Saturday night, and a decision will be made on postponing it sometime Saturday morning.
The Lighted Boat Parade is among the most popular events all year in Morro Bay and if you are planning to attend, get there early to find a good viewing spot. Most anywhere on the Embarcadero is good, as the boats parade up and down the harbor. Bring a chair to sit on and dress warmly, as it’s predicted to be in the 30s to 40s that night.
In another local tradition, the Women for Fisheries and Commercial Fishing Organiza tion will erect their festive “crab pot Christmas Trees” on the Embarcadero.
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
MORRO BAY — A chance discovery of a long lost treasure — that was hiding in plain sight — has led to the rededication of the World War II-era Morro Bay Naval Training Base and a reawakening of the town’s military history and the part it played in defeating the Japanese and freeing the world.
On what turned out to be the 81st anniver sary of the Naval Base’s original dedication, the Morro Bay Maritime Museum Association on Wednesday, Nov. 16, held a “rededication” cere mony at its facility on the Embarcadero, includ ing several local historians giving brief remarks and a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the event. Also, the U.S. Coast Guard Station Morro Bay’s color guard was on hand in dress blue uniforms to aid in the ceremony.
Local military historian Erik Brun, journalist Tom Wilmer, Stuart McDowell, author of the book “The Sinking of the SS Montebello,” and Rear Admiral John Waggle (USN, Ret.) gave brief remarks on the town’s military history and how the event came to pass.
Wilmer explained that he was researching a book and was sent reams of information about the old Navy training base, and among the files was a reference to the dedication plaque.
He said he asked friends he knew who’d been in the area a long time, and no one knew where this plaque was. Then one day at the Morro Bay Vets Hall, he discovered it at the base of the building’s flagpole.
“It was hiding in plain sight,” he said.
That led to Wilmer enlisting Councilwoman Jen Ford’s help in getting the city crew to move the dedication monument down to the Mari time Museum.
Ford “bird-dogged this through the city for us,” he said.
Brun, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, spoke of his work documenting local wartime history,
including several exhibition panels detailing both Morro Bay’s and Camp San Luis Obispo’s roles during the war. He has numerous panels on display at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Museum, located in the Vets Hall on Grand Avenue.
Brun then read a letter from local historian Joe Dunlop, who wrote “When Morro Bay Went to War,” a book about Morro Bay’s history during wartime. Dunlop was unable to attend the event.
Dunlop wrote that it was fitting “that this piece of stone be returned to where it was dedi cated.” By that, he meant the grounds of the former Navy base, which the Maritime Museum and the Morro Bay Power Plant sit upon.
Dunlop wrote that 50,000 men trained here for an amphibious assault on Japan.
“May they and the base they trained at never be forgotten,” he wrote.
Waggle, who lives in Morro Bay, talked about
the extensive contribution that SLO County gave to the war effort, including amphibious training/artillery range sites in Los Osos, as well as training facilities like Morro Bay, Monterey, Treasure Island, and Eureka.
McDowell explained that in December 1941, the oiler S.S. Montebello had loaded 3.2 million gallons of crude oil at the Union Oil Terminal in Avila Beach (Port San Luis), and was headed to Canada when the Japanese sub, I21, got her in its sights.
One torpedo struck an empty oil compart ment on the ship and she started taking on water. The Montebello’s crew had actually spot ted the sub after it fired a torpedo at the oil tanker S.S. Dohenny but failed to sink her.
The Montebello tried to outrun the sub, but could only do about 11 knots and the sub, one of Japan’s newest and fastest, could make 25 knots and soon came within torpedo range.
The blast knocked out the Montebello’s elec trical systems, its rudder and radio communica tions, he said, but she didn’t go down right away.
“Thirty-six sailors could have been lost,” Waggle said. “Happily, it didn’t happen.”
He commented that one of the tugboats that came to the rescue that night was the Alma, which is on permanent display at the Mari time Museum. It’s one of the museum’s prized exhibits.
He also commended the citizens of Cambria that came out that night and helped rescue the men off one of the Montebello’s three lifeboats that got caught in the surf at the old Sibley Ranch.
The rededication was one of numerous events the Maritime Museum Association (MMA) has done in the past couple of years, after Scott Mather became president of the board, attract ing numerous other folks into the association.
Among the regular events he’s organized is a monthly barbecue inviting local people with deep ties to the harbor and the town’s mari time history. Among them are boat captains and fishermen, who swap stories and share in their collective knowledge.
The MMA is in the process of applying for a permit from the city to greatly expand the museum’s footprint and bring in a Quonset hut that was part of the original Navy base to be an exhibit hall. The hut was moved off the base when it closed after the war and is being donated by the owner. The permit application has been deemed complete but has not yet gone to the Planning Commission.
The Ugly Sweater Wine Walk is part of a monthlong California Christmas brought to you by the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce. In combination with the wine walk from 3-6:30pm, local businesses will be staying open to allow guests to do their shopping.
PISMO BEACH
Throughout the day
Hosted by AmpSurf, there will be a learn-tosurf clinic and opening ceremonies on Dec. 3, contest heats will run Dec. 4th-11th, and the closing will happen right after the last heats finish on Dec. 11.
ATASCADERO
5-8pm
Decorated local homes, guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to show off their homes and storefronts, and for families to enjoy a safe and fun activity driving through town to check out all the wonderful outdoor lights this season.
THE GARDEN
SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN, 3450 DAIRY CREEK ROAD IN SAN LUIS OBISPO
9am-5pm
Free admission day full of activities for whole family to make a day of nature and exploration.
HOLIDAY HARMONY PISMO BEACH PIER PLAZA
5:30-7:30pm
Annual Holiday Harmony event will include tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus, 2 snow zones, and activities for kids. The first 250 children in the Santa Line will receive goody bags compliments of Pismo Beach Recreation. This event is free to all and food and beverages will be available for purchase.
720 AEROVISTA PARK, SUITE C, SLO
11am-2pm
While shopping, enjoy holiday food, drinks and music. The market will feature home decor, baked goods, jewelry, luxury clothing, and more from local vendors. Kid-friendly activities will also be available.
SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN, 3450 DAIRY CREEK ROAD IN SAN LUIS OBISPO 10-11am
All ages are welcome for story time in the garden. For more information, contact Millie at (805) 5411400x302 or millie@slobg.org.
SUNKEN GARDENS, DOWNTOWN ATASCADERO 5:30-8pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving via an antique Model-A fire truck to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus” performed by the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy. You will then be invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole entrance.
EMBARCADERO, IN MORRO BAY
6:30-8pm
Presented by the Rotary Club, the fishing, leisure and yachting community take to the water with decorated boats with dazzling lights and holiday cheer. Participating boats compete for prizes and celebrate the holiday wonder along the Embarcadero. Parade will go on rain or shine.
SUNKEN GARDENS, IN DOWNTOWN ATASCADERO TIME: 5-9PM 5-9pm
With over 75 tons of snow, this year’s snowthemed event includes Joe’s Little Train, two Euro bungee jumps, an obstacle course, gladiator joust, bounce houses, face painting, caricature artist, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.
SANTA’S HOUSE, CORNER OF EMBARCADERO AND FRONT ST.
Welcoming families on Fridays and Saturdays from 4-8pm and Sundays from 12-4pm the first threeweekends of December. Friday, Dec. 3., Santa will be at the Tree Lighting at City Park and will come to his house at 6pm.
DINOSAUR CAVES IN SHELL BEACH
10am-4pm
Recurring on the 1st Sunday of the month, over 100 local artists and craftsmen sell and display their work, including paintings, sculpture, pottery, glass, textiles, jewelry, wood and metal furniture, and more. The event also features live music, hands-on children’s activities.
SANTA’S DOGGIE PARADE AVILA BEACH PROMENADE
11am-12pm
Participants must register and be checked in between 10:30-10:45am to receive a contest identification number for the costume contest. Check-in at the registration table in front of Custom House.
BEAR PLUNGE AVILA BEACH PIER
12pm
The 11th annual Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge
POLAR BEAR DIP CAYUCOS PIER
12pm
Take the plunge at their 43rd Annual
2. Slice a small piece off the top and bottom of the squash so it can sit upright, then slice the acorn squash in half width-wise (not through the stem). This will result in a pretty, scalloped edge. Scrape out the seeds.
3. Place the squash halves on the baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Turn upside down (seed side down) and roast for 25 minutes or until the squash is fork tender.
By BEEWENCH FARM for Morro Bay Life
Even in December, our farmers are producing an abundance of amaz ing food. You can find all the produce needed for this recipe, and more, at any farmers market. You might need to just visit the store for the Parmesan cheese or check out Vintage Cheese Company or The Vreamery at the Morro Bay markets for a delicious Parmesan substitution. Mushrooms from Morro Bay Mushrooms are an excellent addition to this recipe as well.
Our farmers markets should have micro greens to top any dish, squash, radishes, green beans, carrots, Swiss chard, lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, baby squash blossoms, garlic, beets, peppers, kale, and beautiful pomegranates. You can also pick up amaz ing pies and fresh bread to go with your family dinners. We love Julia’s Juices, and I highly recommend stopping at her booth to get a delicious health boost this time of year.
December is also time for tamales. Tamales are a family favorite this time of year and are a tradition for many families here in our community. If you are like me and not a tamale-making pro, check out the amazing tamales from Viva Mexico
Foods. They serve up fresh tamales at the Morro Bay markets every Thursday and Saturday! Enjoy them hot and fresh or save them for a delicious dinner and get some chips and salsa to go with them.
Our BeeWench Farm stand has sausage or ground pork and Italian seasoning pack ets from the Spice of Life to make this delicious recipe. This is the best time of year to cook up some whole chickens and make stock and broth to keep you warm and healthy, too.
You need just 10 ingredients to make this delicious Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash! Perfectly roasted squash is filled with sausage, farm fresh vegetables, and topped with Parmesan. It’s a nourishing meal that’s quick enough for weeknights and a beautiful dish for company.
2 medium acorn squash
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing onto the squash
1 yellow onion, small diced
1 red bell pepper, small diced
2 stalks celery, small diced
1-2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (or half a teaspoon dried)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cups torn curly kale
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
1. Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Meanwhile, make the filling. Over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery and sauté until onion is softened and turning translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in the chopped fresh thyme, then add the minced garlic and sausage. Continue to sauté for another 8 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked.
6. Place the torn kale on top of the sausage mixture and cover the skillet to steam for 1-2 minutes. Stir and re-cover to continue steaming the kale, if necessary. Once the kale is wilted, stir in half the parmesan cheese, and remove the pan from heat.
7. Once the squash is done roasting, remove them from the oven and turn the heat up to broil. Flip the squash bowl side up and divide the fill ing evenly among them (pile it high, they’ll be overfull), then sprinkle on the remaining the parmesan cheese.
8. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, making sure not to over-brown the squash. Notes: To serve 6, use 3 acorn squash and divide the filling among 6 halves. Follow the remainder of recipe as written. You can also use ground meat of your choice instead of sausage and flavor it with your choice of seasonings.
Shortest and darkest day of the year considered a turning point in many cultures
By HAYLEY MATTSON of Morro Bay LifeDuring this time of year, there are so many holiday traditions that bring family and friends together. Holiday shopping, festive events filled with snow, Santa Claus and reindeer, lights, candles, and cheer; however, one symbolic and richly traditional day will come and go, and most people will miss it.
Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Cultures around the world have long held feasts and celebrated holidays around the winter solstice. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year.
Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important astronomical occurrence and celebrated the subsequent “return” of the Sun in a variety of different ways. In addition, old solstice traditions have influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Christmas and Hanukkah.
There is no better time of the year to feel and show your love than the holiday season. Though many people relate the month of December with Christmas, there’s so much more to be said about the month. From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to showing selfless acts of love, this season is all about spreading joy and cheer during the coldest time of the year.
This year, Winter Solstice falls on Wednes day, December 21, and in the northern hemi sphere, 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 celebrates the new solar year’s birth, also known as Yuletide.
Yuletide refers to the time around the Christmas season, traditionally recognized from December 21 until January 1, and dates back centuries. Though Yuletide’s rituals have changed dramatically over the years, some Yule tide 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 alter native 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.
Children and adults alike around the world find so much joy in the magic this season brings. No matter what you celebrate, may we find peace and love in celebrating together and showing kindness to one another.
May we remember that this season also brings with it the cold and isolation and prompt us to reach out and share our many blessings with others. It is important that we recognize that and know that the dark winter days bring the warmth of spring that heals and rejuvenates our souls and that the holi day season is so much more than gifts found under the tree.
Nothing quite says Christmas more than cutting down your own Christmas tree with some hot cocoa or cider in hand to keep you warm. For 60 years, the Hidden Springs Chrismas Tree Farm in Atascadero has been provid ing nostalgic memories for families near and far.
Hidden Springs Christmas Tree Farm has a life full of history. It began when Minnesotan Fred Frank moved to Atascadero in 1920 and met and married Kansas native Wanda Wiley. During that time, Fred became one of the first citizens to work at the Atascadero fire department and then second fire chief in 1929. Then in 1938, Fred and Wanda purchased the main tree farm property. While building their house, they farmed wheat and raised cattle, chickens, and rabbits.
At the convincing of their son Fred Jr., who went to Humboldt State for forestry, they turned part of their property into a Christmas tree farm. Then in the late 1950s, they planted the first tree crop, mainly Monterey Pines, on three acres and opened for their first tree season in 1962.
According to Fred’s granddaughter and farm manager, Auraly Dobbs, “The tree farm has stayed in the family and is now run by the third and fourth generations, and the fifth was born this year.”
Her father, Fred Jr., now 86, is still very much involved fixing equipment and chopping wood when needed.
Since the farm’s incarnation of three acres, it has expanded to 10 acres with now seven tree varieties.
Auraly says that “Customers no longer drive down the driveway to Fred’s house and honk the horn for a saw.”
There are more employees to help, tree service, and amenities like hot cocoa and popcorn.
“But one thing that hasn’t changed since the beginning is Grandpa Fred’s apple cider recipe, which we still offer free to our customers!” She exclaims.
The 10 acres of farmland is spread over four lots.
Auraly says that “each lot has a slightly differ ent micro-climate, and therefore, different varieties grow better in different lots.”
And while they have seven tree varieties, they are “always experimenting to see what different vari eties grow well.”
The only problem, she adds, “is it takes five to eight years to know how they turn out.”
Besides experimenting on the farm, even though the Christmas season comes and goes, the family works year-round. A sellable tree usually takes five
to seven years to grow, but some may even take 10 to 15 years. The time manifests into a long-term process.
“Christmas trees are an agricultural crop — we plant in the late winter or early spring; usually two times the amount we sold the season prior, pruning in the spring, mowing throughout the year, maintaining and managing watering during the summer months, and pruning again in the fall,” Auraly says.
Then as soon as the selling season is over, they prepare for the next one. So even though every thing leads up to their selling months in November and December, it is a long haul to ensure the crop meets the demand.
That being said, they “count every sellable Christ mas tree on the farm to predict how many trees we can tag for sale,” and “some years we have more trees for sale and some years fewer,” she adds. Once the tagging is complete, “it’s full steam ahead!”
The farm is now run by Auraly and her husband
Craig, who is the primary farmer, along with the help of their children Olivia and Andrew, as well as their significant others. The successful tree farm is full of uniqueness, implies Auraly.
She finds that even though not every tree can be perfect, they “have turned those imperfections into our misfit and rescue trees,” to which she adds that “customers have come to love this tradition, and we love that these trees get a second chance of sorts and a home for the holidays.”
Auraly and Craig love the “wooded oasis” of the farm but also thoroughly enjoy every November and December when they see the “joy that this place brings to others, and that really makes all the hard work worth it.”
Olivia relishes in the customers’ appreciation for the farm and how “they love the beauty of the place and ask about the redwoods which my grandpa planted over 60 years ago.”
She understands that the customers have senti ments towards the farm just like she does.
“They talk about coming to the farm when they were children, and now they bring their own kids and families out,” Olivia marvels.
To celebrate their glorious 60-year-old tree farm and business, there will be no cake for the farm, Auraly notes, but rather there will be a few give aways. They are also working on a historical picture display, and there will be interactive displays for children and specific merchandise for their 60th.
As for the future, Auraly says that “while we don’t want to give away all of the potential happenings, we can share that we want to make the farm acces sible throughout the year rather than just during the Christmas season — so maybe some sort of event for each season.”
The Dobbs family and Fred Frank Jr. want to continue the Christmas season memories and expe riences with their customers and potentially more.
Hidden Springs Tree Farm is located at 3202 Monterey Road, Atascadero. Visit them online at hiddenspringschristmastreefarm.com.
