As we were finalizing this issue, we received some exciting news—Morro Bay High School has made history! For what is believed to be the first time ever, the Pirates have two CIF Champion wrestlers. This is an incredible accomplishment for the school, the athletes, and the community that has supported them along the way.
Shea Dawson, a senior, dominated the competition at the CIF Central Section Div. III Championship, held at Morro Bay High School on Feb. 14-15. Dawson went undefeated, finishing 4-0 to claim the 138-pound weight class title. Meanwhile, Chelsea Catalan triumphed in the 135-pound weight class at the CIF Sectionals, held in Bakersfield. Competing in Division II, Catalan secured first place, and she won’t be heading to the Masters Meet alone—her teammates Ashliegh and Ahlexis Terry both placed second in their respective weight classes (130s and 145s), earning their place in the next stage of competition. Abby Tuller, who placed high enough to be an alternate in the 140s, may also get her shot if another competitor is unable to wrestle.
It’s been an amazing season for the Morro Bay High wrestling teams, and we wish them the best of luck at the Masters Meet, which will take place at Selland Arena. The dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship these athletes have shown are truly commendable.
And if that wasn’t enough to celebrate, Morro Bay High School’s Mock Trial team has also brought home a county championship! After months of preparation, the team emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Templeton High School, following a strong semifinal performance against San Luis Obispo High. Now, they set their sights on the state championship in Los Angeles, taking place March 13-16.
This year’s case, People v. Gold, involves a politically motivated kidnapping and a dispute over short-term rentals in a small mountain town. Since September, the team has been competing against schools from the Bay Area and Santa Barbara, showcasing their legal skills and teamwork. The team, consisting of 25 students ranging from freshmen to seniors, is guided by an impressive group of coaches, including attorneys Christine Dietrick, Dan Clement, Hon. Mike Barton, McKenzie Taffe, Curtis Bradley, and MBHS teacher Josh Waldman.
Their achievements are made even more meaningful by the memory of Coach Gary Ottoson, who dedicated years to this program before his passing in December 2024. His legacy continues through the students he inspired.
In addition to securing first place, several team members
received individual honors: Senior Mazzlyn Paulson won the Courtroom Artist award, junior Maggie Appel was recognized as Best Defense Attorney, senior Orion Rea earned the Best Defense Witness award, and senior international exchange student Cecilia Petacci took home the Best Pre-Trial Attorney award. Those who wish to support the team on their journey to state can contribute to their fundraising efforts at tinyurl.com/MBHSmock.
If you’re looking for something artistic to enjoy, don’t miss the Morro Bay Art Association’s annual “For the Birds” exhibit, celebrating the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival. The exhibit runs through the end of March, offering a chance to experience local creativity inspired by nature.
We love sharing these incredible stories from our community. If you have a story idea or would like to contribute, reach out to us at editor@13stars.media—we’d love to hear from you!
Hayley Mattson editor@13starsmedia.com
Through Print making communities better
Planners to review new RV park
Planning Commission to weigh in on project near Morro Creek
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
Morro Bay could soon have a new RV park, provided the proposal can hurdle several steps in the extensive planning process.
The City Planning Commission on Feb. 18 was slated to hear a proposal for an eightspace RV park located at the end of Errol Street off Main Street. Errol is the side street that has Taco Bell on one corner. The vacant lot, which covers some 16,532 square feet, is sandwiched between the Silver City Resort’s east and west sides. One of the city’s few industrial uses, Mission Linen Supply, is also located on Errol Street.
The property backs up to Morro Creek, a sensitive habitat area that will be protected with a wide setback. The actual address of the property is 460 Errol St.
The property is zoned “Visitor Serving Commercial,” according to the report from Planning Manager Kim Fowler, and since it sits within the appeal jurisdiction of the Coastal Commission, the Planning Commission’s vote isn’t likely to be the last word on it.
The application was made by Rio Grande Recreational Vehicles Park and Charles and
Eloise Champi of Hanford. The property owner is listed as Onan Champi, also of Hanford.
The property sits surrounded by other RV parks and complies with applicable zoning requirements.
It’s a pretty simple project calling for eight RV spaces, nine parking spaces, and one “onsite cargo container,” plus perimeter fencing and landscaping, according to Fowler’s report.
According to the report, the project needs a coastal development permit and a conditional use permit. Also, because of its location, next to the creek, the Planning Commission won’t be the final word.
“The final determination by the Planning Commission on these concurrently processed applications may be appealed by the applicant, owner, or by any other person aggrieved by a decision, motion, or resolution from which the action is taken,” Fowler’s report said.
And because it needs a CDP, anyone who is aggrieved by the decision can appeal to the Coastal Commission “because it is located within 100 feet of an ESHA,” Fowler’s report said. However, given that the project includes a required setback from the creek, that shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
“The site does not have any value as habitat for endangered,
rare or threatened species,” according to the report.
There is one potential stumbling block, however: The property sits in a known archaeological area.
“Morro Bay is located in the Central Coast archaeological region and historically occupied by the Obispeno Chumash and Salinan tribes,” the report said. “Since most archaeological and paleontological resources are not uncovered or readily seen until grading or construction occurs, it is difficult to site developments appropriately based on the location of archaeological/cultural resources.”
It is also very near the Highway 41 corridor, which in the past has been uncovered to be a rich area with Native American artifacts. Indeed, in the 1990s, when Caltrans conducted an improvement project on the highway, it uncovered a trove of artifacts. Also, when the old Shell gas station on the corner of Main and Highway 41 was removed, a great number of Native American items were uncovered.
The applicants will have to have surveys done.
“A Cultural Resources Study was prepared by Applied Earthworks in December 2023. This confidential study (not included as an attachment in this staff report but currently on file with the Commu -
nity Development Department) included a pedestrian survey and field inspection, as well as records review and Native American communication,” the report said. “The study confirmed the presence of surface deposits within the project area and recommended cultural resource monitoring during cleanup and ground disturbance.”
The property is also prone to flooding.
“The 2022 and 2023 winter storms that affected San Luis Obispo County also overwhelmed the property with woody debris, sediment, and trash,” the report said.
Those floods, which were caused by excessive rain overwhelming the creek’s carrying capacity, washed over a large area around Main Street and Highway 41. That flooding included the former Wee Shack restaurant at Main and Errol streets, which had to close and has not reopened. Several other businesses and residences along Main Street were also flooded.
The city admitted that it caused much of what habitat degradation exists there now.
“This storm also resulted in a compromised PG&E power pole and associated overhead power line that was realigned,” Fowler’s report said. “City contractors also used the
property for access to debris fields on adjacent properties, as well as debris stockpiling. This post flood activity tracked heavy equipment through the riparian habitat, causing degradation, sediment and debris deposits.”
The area, which is just downstream from the confluence of Morro and Little Morro creeks, is smack dab in the middle of the area that often floods with heavy rains.
The property also has several mature trees, mostly willows, and the development is designed to work
around those trees.
As an RV park — and assuming it doesn’t end up as a mobile home park instead — it will have to collect the city’s Transient Occupancy Taxes, which are set at 10% of the cost of a room/space night. If the park ends up with some folks living year-round there, the TOT payments end after 30 days.
It would also be the first new RV park in town since the mid-2010s when Morro Strand RV Park 2 on Atascadero Road was put in next door to Flippo’s.
ABy NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
contract has been awarded to upgrade the audio-visual systems at Morro Bay Veterans Memorial Building, also known as the Vets Hall, where the citys official meetings are held and broadcast on cable TV and the internet. The City Council, back in December, went out for bids on a project
Inc., of San Luis Obispo, was that lone bidder and despite the lack of competitive bidding, the council decided to award the contract anyway.
But it wasn’t unanimous as Mayor Carla Wixom, and Councilmembers Bill Luffee and Cyndee Edwards voted for the contract and Councilmembers Jeff Eckles and Zara Landrum dissented it.
The initial contract was for a maximum of $293,000 out of a budget of over $519,000 available.
However, BGA’s original bid was changed even before it went to the City Council for approval. In an addendum item to the agenda, Public Works Director Greg Kwolek informed
cost proposal from $22,600 to $15,000,” Kwolek said. “This would also reduce the agreement not-to-exceed amount by $7,600.”
So, the contract’s new “not-to-exceed” amount was dropped to $285,000.
The city has been saving up money for this work for some time, and had accumulated some $291,000 out of general fund allocations plus another $227,000 from its PEG Access fund, which is paid by cable TV subscribers.
PEG stands for “Public, Educational, and Government,” the three areas of access under the cable TV franchise contacts.
PEG Access is the way the city was able to even start broadcasting its meetings live on Charter Cable TV (Ch. 20) back in the mid-1990s.
The city has consistently run its so-called “Brown Act” meetings on that channel ever since, and now the meetings are streamed as well on the internet (slo-span.org), under the production of AGP Video, which has had the contract for Morro Bay’s meetings since the beginning.
Under the contract, BGA will draft three “design options” that will come back to the
City Council in April to choose a final one. From there, the company will get to work on buying necessary equipment and installation. They will also be required to train the staff on how to use it and provide tech support.
But readers shouldn’t think that because the AV job came in well under the available budget, this isn’t the only work that’s supposed to come out of that money.
“Beyond audio and visual upgrades, further building improvements such as heating system, security, and ADA improvements for the Vets Hall Building will also be funded from this project budget,” Kwolek’s report said.
Morro Bay is out for bids now for the design and installation of a new audio-visual system for the Vets Hall, so events like the swearing-in of new Councilmembers (from left) Jeff Eckles, Mayor Carla Wixom and Bill Luffee, can continue to be broadcast on cable TV and the internet.
This satellite image shows the location of a proposed RV park on Errol Street, off the 1600 block of Main Street. At the bottom in blue, is the Little Morro Creek channel, and at the top, from left, is Errol Street. Image courtesy of City of Morro Bay
Toro Creek Park moves closer to reality with latest land acquisition
Land Conservancy of SLO County secures 750 acres for future public park, with plans for recreation and conservation
MORRO BAY — The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County (LCSLO) recently completed a transaction to conserve scenic coastal hills overlooking Morro Bay for future public enjoyment as a new San Luis Obispo County park.
On February 6, LCSLO acquired approximately 750 acres of coastal hills stretching from Del Mar Park in Morro Bay up through the Alva Paul Canyon on behalf of San Luis Obispo County, the new landowner. The transaction was Phase II of a three-phase plan to acquire land to create Toro Creek Park, managed by the San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation Department.
The $5.5 million purchase of Phase II was funded through a combination of state grants from
the Wildlife Conservation Board ($3.5 million) and the California State Coastal Conservancy ($1.5 million), as well as private donations ($500,000).
The private contributions were raised by LCSLO and its conservation partners at the Cayucos Land Conservancy and the Morro Bay Open Space Alliance.
This most recent transaction builds upon Phase I which conserved close to 300 acres of hills and beach between Morro Bay and Cayucos, including the area fondly known as “Dog Beach.”
LCSLO and the County of San Luis Obispo continue to work collaboratively on planning and negotiations for Phase III with a goal of complet ing the land acquisition by 2030. The Phase III property purchase would allow use for additional open space and recreation, as well as low-cost
coastal accommodations in the form of tent and RV camping, a goal of both the County and the State of California.
San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Shaun Cooper stated, “This acquisition of Phase II is an important step
The land was part of a former marine terminal used for petroleum storage and transportation with buffer property used for grazing.
Land Conservancy Deputy Director Daniel Bohlman reflected on the 10 years it has taken to attain this latest goal: “Around 2015, as Chevron
The view of a shoreline next to Highway 1 in Morro Bay is shown from land recently acquired near Del Mar Park by the Land Conservancy of SLO County. The land is planned to become Toro Creek Park. Contributed Photo
San Luis Obispo County News Briefs
MORRO BAY
Revetment and seawalls inspection and assessment final report now available to the public
The final revetment and seawall inspection and assessment report is now complete and available to the public. The report, which was prepared by Richard Brady & Associates under the direction of the Public Works Department, will be presented to the Harbor Advisory Board, Public Works Advisory Board, and City Council this spring.
Methods of inspection used to develop the assessment include visual, Echosound, LiDAR, geotechnical, and ground penetrating radar. The report details vulnerabilities in the infrastructure as well as recommended actions and next steps. The City plans to use the report as a basis for requesting grant funding for future revetment and seawall repair projects.
March art listings at the Gallery at Marina Square
The Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay, is excited to feature four talented artists throughout March, showcasing a variety of artistic styles and mediums. This month’s exhibits highlight the creative works of Grant Kreinberg in photography, Teresa Ferguson in photography, Ron Dieb in knife painting, and Thomas Mackenzie Brown in ceramics. Each artist brings a unique perspective and approach, making this exhibition an exciting visual experience.
Kreinberg, featured in Upper Gallery I, is a Northern California-based photographer with a background in civil engineering. His passion for photography has led him to explore and capture the world through a distinctive lens. His work primarily focuses on nature, outdoor scenery, and abstract compositions, reflecting his keen eye and imaginative perspective. Upper Gallery II will showcase the photography of Ferguson, a Central Coast artist whose journey began in painting before transitioning to the camera. Her work beautifully captures the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and human experiences of the region, bringing the natural world to life through her lens.
In the Lower Gallery, Dieb’s knife painting in oil presents an expressive exploration of color and texture. Utilizing thick applications of paint with knives and brushes, Dieb’s work conveys energy, movement, and vibrancy, inviting viewers into a world of bold artistic expression. Meanwhile, the Craft Atelier Space will feature the ceramics of Brown, a specialist in crystalline glazes. With years of technical expertise and artistic innovation, Brown’s ceramic pieces showcase rich textures and striking colors, elevating the traditional craft to new heights.
The exhibition runs from March 1 through 30, with a special Opening Reception on Saturday, March 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. The gallery, located at 601 Embarcadero, Suite 10, Morro Bay, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (805) 772-1068
Morro Bay Art Association hosts free pastel demonstration with Greg Trombly
The Morro Bay Art Association invites the public to a free pastel painting demonstration by artist Greg Trombly on Monday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Art Center Morro Bay,
835 Main St., Morro Bay.
Trombly will showcase various pastel techniques, emphasizing basic drawing, observation skills, composition, color, and value. Attendees are encouraged to interact with the artist and explore the magic of pastels in an engaging and educational setting.
Additionally, Trombly will be teaching a pastel painting workshop on March 19 to 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Art Center Morro Bay. If space is available, workshop signups will be offered during the free demonstration. For more details on the demonstration and workshop, visit artcentermorrobay.org
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Charles Paddock Zoo welcomes new Mexican spider monkeys
The Charles Paddock Zoo has welcomed three young Mexican spider monkeys, joining longtime resident Izzy, a 45-year-old spider monkey. The new arrivals, all under a year old, came from another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo.
Mexican spider monkeys are an endangered species native to Mexico and Central America, facing threats from habitat loss and the pet trade. Their new habitat at the zoo recently received upgrades, with MGP Paintings sponsoring the renovation.
The Charles Paddock Zoo focuses on animals from biodiversity hotspots, which make up just 2.5 percent of Earth’s land surface but support nearly half of all unique bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. The zoo is home toover 300 animals, including red pandas, meerkats, a Malayan tiger, and more.
The zoo is open daily at Atascadero Lake Park. For more details, visit charlespaddockzoo. org
Spring
season adult basketball team registration now open
The City of Atascadero is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Adult Basketball Spring Season. The league will run from March 23 through June 1 at the Colony Park Community Center, featuring seven regular season games followed by an end-of-season tournament. Games will take place on Sundays, with some holidays excluded. The league is open to coed teams, and registration is team-based only, requiring a minimum of eight players and a maximum of 12 players per team. A mandatory team manager’s meeting is scheduled for March 17, with the time to be determined.
The team registration fee is $489, with an additional $5 per non-resident player. Teams with eight or more non-resident players will have an added 10 percent fee ($48.90). All registrations and payments must be submitted in person at the Colony Park Community Center, located at 5599 Traffic Way, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The registration deadline is March 3, so gather your team and secure your spot for an exciting season of basketball competition.
Adult Social Kickball spring season team registrations now open
The City of Atascadero is excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Adult Social Kickball League is now open. Games will be held
on Wednesday evenings at the Paloma Creek softball fields, with the season running from April 9through May 28. Teams will play for eight weeks, with each game lasting seven innings or one hour, whichever comes first. The league is coed, and registration is team-based only, requiring a minimum of 11 players and a maximum of 18 players per team. A mandatory team manager’s meeting will take place the week before the season starts, with the date and time to be determined.
The team registration fee is $436, with an additional $5 per non-resident player. If a team has eight or more non-resident players, an extra 10 percent fee ($43.60) will apply. Registration and payments must be submitted in person at the Colony Park Community Center, located at 5599 Traffic Way, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The registration deadline is March 20, so gather your team, relive your childhood, and get ready for a fun season of kickball.
Flo Rida to headline California Mid-State Fair concert
The California Mid-State Fair is excited to announce that global hip-hop sensation Flo Rida will perform on Wednesday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. An opening act will be announced at a later time. The concert will take place in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series.
Tickets for this show will go on sale Friday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. on the fair’s official website. The ticket prices are $50, $65, and $90. New this year: The California Mid-State Fair has partnered with Ticketmaster. Fans can now use their Ticketmaster accounts to purchase tickets.
Visit MidStateFair.com, click “Buy Tickets,” and you will be directed to the purchasing page.
Flo Rida has dominated the global music scene with anthems such as “Low,” “Right Round,” “Whistle,” “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones,” “Sugar,” and “My House.” Known for his high-energy performances, infectious beats, and ability to get the crowd on their feet, Flo Rida promises an unforgettable night of music and excitement. With three No. 1 hits and eleven Top 10 singles, his career continues to thrive, making him one of the most recognizable names in hip-hop and pop music.
Atascadero and SLO County begin clean energy service with Central Coast Community Energy
The City of Atascadero and unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County have officially begun receiving clean energy service through Central Coast Community Energy (3CE). With this transition, residents and businesses in Atascadero and SLO County join 33 other local government partners in accessing locally controlled, renewable energy.
“By joining together with 3CE, Atascadero and unincorporated San Luis Obispo County are strengthening their voice in shaping the region’s energy future,” said Catherine Stedman, CCO of 3CE. “This partnership empowers residents and businesses with greater local control, expands access to clean energy solutions, and drives investment in programs that support long-term economic and environmental benefits. By working together, we can maximize our
impact and ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for the Central Coast.”
3CE procures renewable electricity, while PG&E continues to manage infrastructure, power delivery, and billing. As one of 25 community choice energy agencies in California, 3CE provides local governments and residents with a more active role in energy decisions.
“Atascadero is pleased to partner with 3CE to enhance our city’s energy portfolio and offer more services to our community,” said City Manager Jim Lewis. “This collaboration supports our efforts to improve essential services while providing consumer choice, potential savings, and investment in energy infrastructure for our residential and commercial communities.”
Residents and businesses can now access rebates and incentives for a variety of clean energy projects, including all-electric affordable housing, electric vehicles and EV chargers, electric school, farmworker, and transit buses, electric agricultural equipment, and home electrification with battery storage.
For more information, visit 3CEnergy.org
Tickets on sale now for Habitat for Humanity SLO County’s annual Build With Us fundraiser
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) invites the community to an evening of impact at its annual Build With Us fundraising event, where every ticket sold and every sponsorship secured helps build homes, communities, and hope in SLO County.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the beautiful Edna Valley Ranch, Build With Us is more than just a fundraiser — it’s an inspiring event that transforms lives and makes homeownership a reality. Guests will enjoy live music by the Ryan Delmore Band, dinner by Trumpet Vine Catering, exciting silent and live auctions, a wine pull, and an inspiring program. The event will be emceed by Neil Herbert, former KSBY news anchor.
Funds raised through this event directly support Habitat SLO’s critical programs, including home preservation, aging-in-place initiatives for seniors, new construction, and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Individual tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at habitatslo.org
Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg appointed
to
California Air Resources Board
The County of San Luis Obispo and SLO County Air Pollution Control District announced that Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg has been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This appointment underscores her leadership in environmental policy and commitment to practical and sustainable energy solutions.
Supervisor Ortiz-Legg currently serves as the Chair of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, Chair of the Latino Caucus of California Counties and serves on the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District Board. Since taking office as Third District Supervisor in 2020, she has championed initiatives focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and air quality improvements. Her extensive
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Morro Bay farmer searches for love on national TV
Matt Warren joins Fox’s ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’ in a quest for romance and rural charm
By CAMILLE DEVAUL for Morro Bay Life
One Morro Bay farmer is looking for love and you can watch his journey unfold on television. Fox’s hit dating competition series “Farmer Wants a Wife” is back for a third season, premiering Thursday, March 20 (9 to 10 p.m. ET/PT). Hosted by actor and author Kimberly Williams-Paisley, the show follows four new rural romantics searching for love in the countryside.
As the world’s most successful dating series, “Farmer Wants a Wife” has been produced in 34 countries, leading to 226 marriages and 56v5 children — with more on the way. Season 2 saw love bloom for farmers Mitchell Kolinsky and Nathan Smothers, who remain happily coupled with Sydney Errera and Taylor BeDell, respectively. Now, four new farmers — Morro Bay’s own Matt Warren, along with Jay Woods, John Sansone, and Colton Hendricks — are ready to open their hearts and farms to hopeful city dwellers looking for a new kind of love story. Warren, 30, is a first-generation avocado and exotic fruit farmer. Warren’s natural gift for fruit farming makes it look like he’s been doing it his whole life, but it wasn’t until in the last few years when his sister-in-law’s parents tragically passed away, that he traded in his real estate house-flipping hammer for a harvesting hoe. Warren dove deeply into the agriculture industry and has worked alongside his brother and sister-in-law ever since. While he enjoys the loving nickname “Uncle Matt” from his nine nieces and nephews, he’s more than ready for
experience in energy policy, including her tenure as a Right of Way Agent at Pacific Gas and Electric Company and as a Project Manager & Public Affairs Liaison at First Solar, uniquely positions her to contribute to CARB’s mission of reducing air pollution and combating climate change.
“I am honored to join the California Air Resources Board and contribute to the state’s ambitious air quality goals,” said Supervisor Ortiz-Legg. “As we transition to a clean energy future, it is crucial to ensure that all communities, including those in San Luis Obispo County, benefit from common sense policies that promote sustainability and economic growth while protecting our most vulnerable populations.”
This is the first time that a local elected official has sat on the California Air Resources Board. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and air pollution control in California, setting and enforcing emissions standards to improve public health and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Supervisor Ortiz-Legg’s expertise in climate policy and community engagement will bring a valuable perspective to the board as it continues to implement groundbreaking initiatives to protect California’s air quality and advance environmental equity.
This appointment requires Senate confirmation and does not include compensation.
Applications now open for Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant
The California Mid-State Fair is now accepting online applications for the 2025 Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant. Eligible contestants must be 18-24 years old (or a graduating senior) as of July 16, be a San Luis Obispo County resident, and have never been married. Contestants will compete in five categories: Interview, Fair/Pageant Proposal, Talent, Evening Gown, and Final Question. Those crowned Queen or Princess will represent the fair daily, introduc-
own little one to call
“Dad.” Warren is looking for someone active and family-oriented who can keep up with the fun of the fruit-farming lifestyle.
Also on the show are Woods, the hometown hero who lost his football career to injury and put everything he had into rebuilding the legacy of his grandfather’s farm in Alabama; Sansone an urban cowboy and high-flying St. Louis law student who dreams of living in the tradition of
ing performers, meeting dignitaries, and engaging with fairgoers.
Scholarship prizes include $2,500 for the Queen, $1,000 for the 1st Runner-Up Princess, and $500 for the 2nd Runner-Up Princess. Additional awards include Miss Congeniality ($250), Best in Interview ($100), and Best in Talent ($100).
The Pageant will take place on Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. on the Frontier Stage. Admission is free, with paid entry to the fair.
A no-obligation orientation meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the Paso Robles Event Center Administration Office.
Applications are due by Friday, April 18, at 11:59 p.m. and can be submitted online at com under the Applications p
Online registration now open for CMSF
Home Wine & Brew Competitions
Home winemakers and brewers can now regis ter for two highly anticipated competitions at the California Mid-State Fair.
The Central Coast Home Winemaking Competition will take place in May, featuring wines crafted in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Monterey counties. Wines will be judged in six categories: white, rosé/blanc, red, dessert, fruit (non-grape), and sparkling. A panel of local judges will evaluate entries based on appearance, aromatics, and taste. This event is supported by Baker Wine & Grape Analysis, ETS Laboratories, and The Vintner’s Vault.
his family’s farm in rural Missouri; and Colton Hendricks, a third-generation Arkansas cattle rancher, recently divorced and a single dad to his 2-year-old son, looking for a second chance at love.
Season 3 will bring new twists, deeper connections, and a fresh set of challenges for the farmers and their potential partners. This year, the journey will take contestants on romantic and eye-opening adventures, including a
speed dating event in Alabama, a country ball in Tennessee, and an overnight camping mixer in Texas.
For the first time, final daters will bring their families back to the farms, giving loved ones a firsthand look at country living. As city girls adapt to the realities of farm life, only the strongest connections will stand the test of time.
Fans of “Farmer Wants a Wife” can watch anytime on Hulu, Fox.com, Tubi, and On Demand.
The Central Coast Home Brewing Competition will also be held in May, spotlighting beer, cider, and perry made in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Entries will be assessed on aroma, appearance, and flavor.
Competitions are judged by industry professionals, experienced makers, and longtime evaluators, providing valuable feedback to participants
The Home Winemaking Competition registration closes on April 18, while the Home Brewing Competition registration remains open until May 2.
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your craft! Register online at MidStateFair.com
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Matt Warren of Morro Bay is one of four farmers looking for love on Season 3 of the Fox dating competition series “Farmer Wants a Wife.” Photo provided by Fox
How the County Jail became a model for reform BEHIND The BADGE
When it comes to improvements at the County Jail, I can think of no better way to phrase it than we’ve come a long way. Recently, the Sheriff’s Office announced that it entered into a Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to address allegations regarding conditions at the jail. From the outset of the DOJ investigation, the Sheriff’s Office worked collaboratively to resolve any identified deficiencies, underscoring its commitment to transparency and reform. This Settlement Agreement not only resolves past allegations but also highlights the remark-
able progress the jail has made in recent years, earning recognition as a leader in jail services both statewide and nationally.
In 2019, the Sheriff’s Office made significant strides to overhaul the jail’s healthcare system.
A comprehensive contract was established with Wellpath, a respected private provider specializing in correctional healthcare, to deliver physical, mental health, and dental services to inmates. To ensure these services met the highest standards, I appointed a full-time Chief Medical Officer to oversee the contract.
The results have been transformative. By creating a dedicated behavioral health unit, the jail addressed the needs of inmates with mental health challenges more effectively. This was part of a broader goal to improve healthcare outcomes and achieve national accreditation, a benchmark of excellence in correctional healthcare.
Later in 2019, the National Stepping Up Initiative recognized San Luis Obispo County as an Innovator County for its groundbreaking efforts to reduce the number of individuals with mental illness in jails. This recognition underscored the county’s commitment to improving outcomes for a vulnerable population often underserved in the criminal justice system.
One of the standout programs driving this
success is the Behavioral Health Incentive Program, introduced to encourage positive behavior and social integration among inmates with severe mental illness. The program rewards inmates for maintaining proper hygiene, cleaning their cells, participating in programs, attending medical and mental health appointments, and engaging in positive interactions. Rewards include simple but impactful items such as candy bars, hygiene products, and sketch pads.
This innovative approach has led to significant improvements in inmate behavior. Jail assaults have decreased, and the use of isolation cells has been greatly reduced. These changes not only benefit inmates but also enhance the safety and working conditions for correctional deputies by reducing tension and conflict.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) honored the jail with its prestigious Challenge Award for the Behavioral Health Incentive Program. Along with that, we also reorganized the housing placement of inmates, trained staff for specialized positions, and contracted with the California Department of State Hospitals to implement a Jail Based Competency Treatment Program (JBCT), which is designed to provide care, treatment, and services to assist patients in
becoming competent to stand trial. As a result, CSAC has also designated us as an Innovator County, which means other counties from all over come to our facility to see how a successful program like ours might be implemented in their county.
Additionally, in 2022, the jail achieved accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), a significant milestone that confirms the facility meets rigorous standards for correctional healthcare. The NCCHC’s evaluation process involved an in-depth assessment of areas such as patient care, health promotion, disease prevention, governance, and personnel training. This accreditation places the jail among an elite group of facilities nationwide committed to providing high-quality care.
The Settlement Agreement with the DOJ reflects not only the progress made but also the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing dedication to maintaining these improvements. It serves as a reminder that meaningful reform is possible when accountability, innovation, and collaboration guide the process. The jail’s journey from scrutiny to recognition illustrates that progress is not just about resolving deficiencies but about creating a system that promotes dignity, safety, and hope for those in its care.
School budgets: Watching the sausage get made
When teaching an introductory school finance class to aspiring administrators, I ask, “What is a budget?”
Some of the more comical responses I received included: “A wallet diet,” “A list of things you want to purchase,” “A document that proves you are not as rich as you thought,” My favorite is “A way to convince yourself you have the money.” Joking aside, budgets are vital because they act as a framework for allocating the funds to provide
services. As County Superintendent of Schools, one of my primary duties in the State Constitution is to maintain responsibility for the fiscal oversight of each school district in the county. Otto Von Bismarck said, “If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.” The same can be said about public budgets that are often messy, unappetizing, and complex.
The best explanation I have heard is that a budget is a process rather than a product. Recall the sausage making? One colleague describes the budget as a combination of phases: the development of the Governor’s Budget, the Legislature’s enactment of a budget, and the executive branch’s administration of the funds. Each phase contains all the ramifications and influences of political interactions, relationships with federal and local governments, public input, natural events, legal issues, the economy, initiatives, and legislation. In short, the state budget is a complex, multi-faceted, and ever-changing process.
Our California State Constitution requires that the governor submit a balanced budget to the Legislature by January 10. One interesting requirement is that if the proposed expenditures
for the budget year exceed estimated revenues, the governor must recommend the sources for the additional funding. As the chief financial advisor to the governor, the director of finance directs the effort to prepare the Governor’s Budget. Under the governor’s policy direction, the director of finance issues instructions and guidelines for budget preparation to agencies and departments.
Even though terms such as “zero-based budgeting,” “management by objectives,” and “total quality management” are used by the administration, the process is essentially incremental budgeting with some lobbying added for good measure. The current departmental level of funding is considered a base amount to be adjusted up or down by change proposals. According to the Department of Finance, the general goal is to resolve budget issues at the lowest level possible. Departments should clear their proposals through agency-level
of finance, and the most sensitive issues are ultimately presented to the governor for a decision.
Once the decisions are finalized, the Department of Finance coordinates printing the Governor’s Budget Summary, containing goals and objectives for the following year. The State Constitution also requires that the Governor’s Budget be accompanied by a budget bill itemizing recommended expenditures introduced into each house of the Legislature, to be passed by June 15. This year, education continues to be one of the most significant items in the California State Budget. A modest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is budgeted; teacher recruitment & professional development are planned; and funding for special education, support for mental health, school nutrition, school facilities, career and technical education, early childhood education, and several other related areas are all
IAN PARKINSON SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF
Fresh flavors and pizza for spring Farm Stand
We’re so excited to welcome spring this month! It’s finally warming up a bit and many farmers and home gardeners are starting seeds and prepping their gardens for summer vegetables. On our farm, we are excited that the chickens have started laying eggs like crazy again and there’s lots of green grass for everyone to enjoy.
This Spring Greens Pizza recipe has a lot of delicious ingredients, but when I make this, there are lots of substitutes for my family. I like it as is, but my husband doesn’t like asparagus or eggs on pizza, so he adds more mushrooms and pepperoni. My kids are not fans of anything green, so the only green they get on this is the basil vinaigrette and cheese. If you don’t make the basil vinaigrette, use regular pesto or pizza sauce. It will still be delicious, nutritious, and a lot of fun!
In-season ingredients to look for at the markets this month are:
Fruits
Kiwi
Lemons
Mandarins
Vegetables
Artichokes
Asparagus
Broccoli
Brussel Sprouts
Carrots
Chard
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Peas
Spinach
Winter Squash
Spring Greens Pizza
Ingredients
Fresh pizza dough or other crust
• ⅓ cup basil vinaigrette or pesto
• 1 cup mozzarella shredded or fresh mozzarella sliced
• ½ cup fresh peas, blanched
• ½ bunch of asparagus sliced lengthwise and chopped 1” pieces, blanched
• Mushrooms 2 eggs
• 4 ounces prosciutto
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Fresh Basil torn into pieces
Instructions
1. Pre-heat oven to 475 degrees F.
2. Shape the dough into 2 medium-ish pizzas while on a clean floured surface. Let the dough sit for 5 minutes and then re-form to right size. Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured baking sheet, or pizza peel.
3. Spread the basil vinaigrette over the top of each pizza. Top with the mozzarella, scatter the peas and asparagus on top of the cheese. Transfer to an oven and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove the pizza and add the egg on top of each pizza and transfer them back into the oven to continue to cook until the egg white is set and the yolk stillrunny.
4. Remove from the oven, Add the prosciutto on top and garnish with basil.
Pizza Dough
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups of flour (300 g)
• 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
• ¾ teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup (200 grams) lukewarm tap water
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions and shape each into a ball. Place on a heavily floured
Saxum’s Next Outreach — Wind-blown Cayucos Ridge Vineyard
Ridge to visit his vineyard planted in 2018.
“I’ve had my eye on this particular spot — knew what I wanted — for 15-plus years,” said Justin Smith of his newest vineyard in Cayucos. He smiled: “I’d drive and sneak around, didn’t have permission from owners, to steal chantrelles.”
The mushroom pincher is also the renowned winemaker and owner of the storied Saxum Vineyards, home to Paso’s original cult wines, tucked in the Willow Creek District. Consistently gathering 100-point scores from wine critics, Saxum’s bold and structured Rhône-centric blends are available by allocation only with a long wait list.
With his new spot, Smith has added a sibling to Saxum’s portfolio, wines from Cayucos Ridge, located in the San Luis Obispo (SLO) Coast AVA.
On a clear January afternoon, Smith drove me to
As he turned onto Old Creek Road, he recalled that he was drawn to the area’s calcareous shale and marine deposits.
“It’s in this one little spot and there’s all this open land,” he enthused. “I always thought there’s a potential for growing grapes here.”
That untapped spot is the 160-acre ranch that Smith acquired in 2017. It is perched at 1,700 feet elevation along the ridge line of the Santa Lucia Mountain range.
As he drove along the Old Creek Road, flanked by a forest of oak, bay, madrone and maple trees, the Paso Robles native expounded on the area’s historical background. A wagon trail once came through here from Cambria to Templeton. There was a way station and a spring for passing travelers and their horses. In this virgin, never-logged land, a road was eventually built.
“They put in an oil pipeline which runs through the properties of Tablas Creek and Halter Ranch vineyards up to San Ardo,” said Smith.
Smith kept his eye on the property, so when it came on the market, “I jumped on it,” he said. The 600-acre property was divided into four parcels, three of which were for sale. However, the fourth parcel, the one Smith wanted was not. Smith was persistent, though, and finally made an offer the seller couldn’t resist.
From the gated entry at 1,300 feet elevation,
a one-mile drive brought us to the hilltop with a spectacular coastline below us. The Instagrammable spot offered a sweeping view from Morro Rock and Edna Valley’s Santa Lucia range to Cambria.
Pointing to the 12-acre own-rooted Syrah vineyard planted to Estrella clone, Smith continued: “One side of the vineyard is tapered toward Cayucos and the other side into Templeton. We are in the middle of the Templeton Gap. You can imagine the wind going in both ways. It’s pretty extreme.”
Extreme is the keyword for vineyards planted on a wind-blown hilltop 4.5 miles from the ocean.
“When we first planted we didn’t know what it was going to be,” Smith recalled. The unpredictable 60-miles-per-hour wind can blow in anytime of the day (or night).
While fierce wind is a challenging factor, the upside is milder temperatures and substantial rainfall.
In this cool climate, slow fruit ripening allows for more hang time and the alcohol level is lower than the wines from Willow Creek. Although not certified, Smith and his vineyard team follow organic and regenerative practices, among them no till or pesticides.
Back in the Willow Creek District, we found ourselves at the deep end of the Saxum winery cave backed by a dramatic wall of exposed fractured rock.
We were ready to savor 2021 vintages of Cayucos
Ridge 100% Syrah from SLO Coast AVA alongside two of Saxum’s Syrah-driven wines from Willow Creek District AVA.
“There’s not a night or day difference,” Smith commented on the distance between the two vineyards. “One is more spice-driven and the other more fruit-forward.”
Indeed, distinctive savory notes and black pepper embrace the powerfully structured Cayucos Ridge Syrah, influenced by the aromas of the surrounding chaparral. Commenting on the inky-dark color, Smith mused: “We’ve never seen anything like it. It was so black when we harvested it.”
From Willow Creek AVA’s prized James Berry vineyard planted in 1990 and sought after by many local winemakers, we tasted two Syrah-dominant wines. Bottled as 82% Syrah, Bone Rock showed more structure with a hint of spice, while Broken Stones, with 54% Syrah, was more red fruit-froward, with a touch more new oak. Varieties such as Mataro, Graciano, Grenache and Petite Sirah are typical companions in Saxum blends.
Saxum’s 2024 annual production is targeted at 8,000 cases. “In 2023, it was 11,000 cases, but we want it to be more like 8,000,” Smith noted. “We’ve dropped some of our purchased fruit. Moving forward, we’ll be one hundred percent estate.”
Saxum’s estate vineyards now have extended from Willow Creek District and SLO Coast to the recent addition of York Mountain.
SLO County Wine Country raises a glass to pets in need at 17th Annual Wine 4 Paws
More than 75 wineries to donate 10 percent of sales to Woods Humane Society on April 26-27
Wine 4 Paws, the 17th annual, weekend-long wine country fundraiser for the dogs and cats at Woods Humane Society, returns to SLO County on April 26 and 27. More than 75 wine, cider, olive oil, dining, and other businesses throughout the county will donate 10 percent of their proceeds from the weekend to support dogs and cats in need.
The event, which has raised more than $700,000 for homeless pets at Woods Humane Society since it began in 2009, commences with the annual Hayseed & Housdon Kick-Off Party on Friday, April 25, at Cal Coast Beer in Paso Robles. The full weekend’s lineup includes wine tasting, special wine sales, and unique ticketed events such as paint your pet parties, wine-paired dinners, vineyard dog walks, wine-blending seminars, and more.
Woods Humane Society CEO Emily L’Heureux said Wine 4 Paws is a crucial fundraiser for
the 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter.
“We are seeing crisis-level numbers of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens in need of shelter across the state as the costs of providing shelter continue to rise,” she said. “On top of that, spring is baby season, which means Woods is also providinground-the-clock services for unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. Wine 4 Paws is essential to help us respond to these demands and save the lives of up to 3,000 pets in 2025.”
“With so many animals in need this year, I can’t wait to see how much impact our county’s many wine and pet enthusiasts can have in one fun weekend,” says Wine 4 Paws organizer Sarah Tomasetti. “Come enjoy all that the Central Coast has to offer while helping Woods Humane Society continue to care for homeless animals in our community who await loving homes.”
Wine 4 Paws event details and participating businesses can be found at Wine4Paws.com
Woods Humane Society is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, and at 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, and is open to the public daily from 12 to 5 p.m., with adoption hours from 12 to 4 p.m. For more information about Woods, visit WoodsHumane.org or call (805) 543-9316.
Justin Smith at Cayucos Ridge Vineyards in San Luis Obispo (SLO) Coast AVA. Photo by Mira Honeycutt
Cayucos
Calendar of Events MARCH
THROUGH MARCH 31
“FOR THE BIRDS” EXHIBIT
12-4 p.m.
The Morro Bay Art Association is presenting it’s annual “For the Birds” exhibit in celebration of the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival.
MARCH 17
ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
MARCH 15
BLACKSMITHING BATTLE AND CHILI COOKOFF
Templeton Museum
301 Main St. Templeton
8am-5pm
Templeton Historical Museum hosts its first annual Blacksmithing Battle & Chili Cookoff, featuring blacksmith competitions, metal art, chili tasting, auctions, and prizes. Proceeds benefit the museum.
MARCH 21-23
25TH ANNUAL CITY WIDE YARD SALE
Morro Bay, Multiple Locations
8am-2pm
The 2025 Morro Bay City-Wide Yard Sale runs March 21-23,
rain or shine. Sign-ups begin January 1 via email or phone. Provide your name, address, participation days, and sale item descriptions. Sale maps available March 17.
MARCH 22
6TH ANNUAL CENTRAL COAST CRAFT BEER FEST
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero 12-4pm
Enjoy unlimited samples from 55+ craft breweries, wineries, cideries, and more, plus food trucks, live entertainment, vendors, and lawn games. Shuttle services available.
APRIL 2
ATASCADERO FARMERS MARKET 8TH ANNIVERSARY
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero 3-5:30pm
Get fresh and locally grown produce every Wednesday at the Atascadero’s Farmers Market in the beautiful Sunken Gardens.
APRIL 19
PARTY FOR THE PLANET
Charles Paddock Zoo 10am-3pm
The Annual “Party for the Planet” Earth Day Celebration is a fun way for children of all ages to experience interactive adventures, hands-on activities, exhibits by sustainabilityconscious businesses, plus a variety of educational demonstrations. Party for the Planet activities are included with General Admission.
APRIL 25-27
MORRO BAY KITE FESTIVAL
101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay
The Morro Bay Kite Festival is a free family event featuring colorful kites near Morro Rock. Free parking available at designated lots.
APRIL 26
CITYWIDE YARD SALE
Atascadero 8am-2pm
For more information on how you can participate or for shopping information, go to atascaderoyardsale.com
APRIL 26-27
WINE 4 PAWS WEEKEND
North County
Support homeless pets by shopping or tasting at 80+ SLO County businesses April 26-27, with 10 percent of sales benefiting Woods Humane Society!
Every Home has a Story
This isn’t just a narrative about selling a house It’s a process, it’s about letting go of memories and stepping into the next chapter. For my clients, this cherished home had been part of their family for decades.
Lisa Mia assisted us with the sale of a home that had been in our family for more than forty years. This house was not just a vacation rental to our families-it was a unique, cherished home filled with memories of childhood, family gatherings, laughter and the kind of serenity you only find in a place this special. Letting go of it was not an easy decision, but Lisa made the entire process so much more manageable.
From the moment we reached out, she was professional, compassionate, and always communicative. She understood the personal challenges our families had with the sale, and handled every detail with care and respect. Throughout the process, Lisa struck the perfect balance between being empathetic and offering sound advice that ultimately led to a smooth and profitable sale. After all was said and done, we were most thankful to her for not only getting us a fair price for the home, but also for finding us the perfect buyers—ones that truly appreciated the space and character of the home as we did for so many years.
If you’re looking for an agent who cares about both the emotional and financial aspects of selling a home, and puts 110% into everything, I highly recommend Lisa Mia. Thank you, Lisa, for helping our families move forward while ensuring that our beloved home found its next chapter!"
