Kayaking Morro Bay Page 8
Life Morro
MARCH 2014
Nibble Nook Page 5
Bay
EVERYTHING MORRO BAY
State of the Bay
By Ruth Ann Angus For Morro Bay Life
Attendees of one of the kickoff events for Project Surf Camp pose for a photo on Feb. 22. contributed Ellerose Photography
Reach beyond fear to fun Project Surf Camp, special needs education at its best
Allyson Oken
Of Morro Bay Life
F
or the last seven years, special educator John Taylor and his team of surfing and special education gurus have been providing surf lessons to children with a variety of physical and mental disabilities through Project Surf Camp in Morro Bay. This non-profit provides children that may otherwise not interact or be aware of what is going on around them the chance to light up with the tactile sensation of the water, the cold feeling of the wetsuit and learn to surf. The goal is to build self-confidence and social skills, improve physical fitness, develop healthy outlets for stress reduction and foster independence. It is obvious that these kids are benefiting from this type of interaction. For Taylor and as a specialneeds educator and surfer, this program was a natural progression for his career to take. “Ultimately it is tying my pervious career, my current career and my passion together,” said Taylor. “It is a super great way to spend a summer and the people that I have surrounded myself with, that are part of this, are my closest friends and we just have a really great time doing this. It is pretty much self-sufficient now. These guys know what it going on so I can sit back and watch the
These ladies are coming in from a long ride with this little camper who had just as much fun digging in the sand with her sister as she did surfing. Photo by Allyson Oken/Morro Bay Life
magic happen.” Taylor is qualified to provide these services to the community. With his master’s degree in recreation therapy from Indian University, undergraduate in recreation administration and a special education teaching credential, he was able to take this idea and run with it. He also worked as a rehab therapist for about six years and that is when he decided that he wanted to be a special education
teacher. So Taylor went back to school at Cal Poly and got a teaching credential. As a teacher he had summers off so he became a pretty avid surfer in that time and developed this idea. “I was once a team rider for the Morro Bay Surf Company. Not that I am a fantastic surfer, it is just that I have one leg and Please turn to Page 3
Out with the old and in with the new MORRO BAY — Spring is in the air and the smell of wild flowers permeates the streets of Morro Bay, inspiring artists to create “Spring Patterns.” This is the theme for the art exhibit that opened Feb. 27 and will run until April 10 at the Art Center Morro Bay. The show will feature four local
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have a new exhibit or artist featured and all art is available for sale. It is a great way for local artists to get a start producing and selling art.” Meyer will also be showing some of her wonderful oil paintings at the Spring Patterns art showcase. She described her creative process as an ongoing adventure. “I’m, for the most part, an oil painter and enjoy doing a lot of sea turtle paintings, birds, landscapes and seascapes,” said Meyer. “For me, art is an ongoing process,
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artists. Linda Meyer is an Art Center Morro Bay member, volunteer and artist. She said the exhibit would bring viewers the feeling that spring is all around. “The show is called ‘Spring Patterns’ to emphasize the theme of the exhibit,” said Meyer. “So people should be welcomed into the studio by spring’s bright colors, landscapes and seascapes, floral patterns, creatures that come out of hibernation in spring and much more. To enter a work of art you have to be a member of the Art Center Morro Bay. Every six weeks, we
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Monthly publication dedicated to covering everything in Morro Bay, CA.
Art Center Morro Bay opens ‘Spring Patterns’
Are you concerned about the water quality in the bay? Are you interested in finding out how conditions are? Then you want to attend the Morro Bay National Estuary Program’s “State of the Bay” in April. A variety of events will take place throughout the month, and they will be informative, and most of all, fun. Since its inception in 1995 the Morro Bay National Estuary Program has studied the quality of the water in the bay with special monitoring projects, developed methods to improve the habitat in the watershed, and educated and informed the public about these things. The Estuary Program is one of 28 National Estuary Programs in the country and is one of the smallest. Compare Morro Bay to San Francisco Bay and you will understand how special it is to have a designated National Estuary Program in place in Morro Bay. National Estuary programs receive funding and support from the Environmental Protection Agency and are involved with safeguarding and improving the coastal waterways of our country. Morro Bay is not only a National Estuary, but is also a designated State Estuary. Although the charter calls for both restoration and protection, the Morro Bay National Estuary Program has no governmental regulation authority, but fosters collaboration with local government, environmental organizations and citizens. In other words, the estuary program does not levy fines or arrest people for actions that harm the bay, but works with local governments and the public to enable better understanding of water-quality issues and implement collaborative solutions. Good water quality is a necessity if birds and wildlife are to thrive. The waters of Morro Bay support oyster farming which is a highly regulated farming industry. If bacteria levels are too high, the health department requires that the farms shut down and no oysters can be marketed until such time that the waters are clear again. Because oysters are filter feeders, high bacteria levels can
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Art Center Continued from page 1
there are so many avenues to go down and I love to explore — it’s an adventure.” There will be three other participating artist exhibited at the show. They are Lee Messenger, Lani Briceland and Marlene McQueen. Each artist will join patrons for the opening reception on Sunday, March 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. Their work includes oil, fabric, pastel and acrylic and will be shown in the Main Gallery with members work shown in the Russell Gallery. The exhibit will also be open for viewing seven days a week from noon to 4 p.m. located at 835 Main St., Morro Bay. This group of artists also provides a plethora of services and events throughout the year. They host Arts in the Park, an annual juried art exhibit, and feature a new artist or group of artists every six weeks. Other services include classes, demos, children’s classes and student scholarships. Meyer said that one of the main goals of the organization to inspire more artists to join the group. They are also reaching out to the local schools that have cut much of their arts education and offering their services as a substitute. “We would like to encourage new members, especially youth in the area,” said Meyer. “We hope to do this through the great classes we provide, our scholarships and outreach to local schools. We really want to get more people interested in the arts locally, because we have such a thriving population of them in Morro Bay and Los Osos. It is truly amazing to see the variety that exists in our small, but mighty community of artists.” The next exhibit will open April 10 and is titled “Slashes of Light.” To learn more about this exhibit, the artists, how to join the group and upcoming events, visit www. artcentermorrobay.com.
Life Morro
Bay
P Jeremy Burke
E
Ruth Ann Angus, Allyson Oken and Jeff Poirier
A S
Carmen Burton carmen@atascaderonews.com Steve Fairchild steve@atascaderonews.com
Art Center Morro Bay opened its doors Feb. 27 to bring in the spring with a new exhibit — ‘Spring Patterns.’ Contributed Photos
Majestically lapping through the open water in constant exploration the turtle flies. Art by Linda Meyer. Contributed Photos
As winter ends with the warmth of spring under the light of the moon, the vibrancy of spring bursts fourth in the form of flowers under pinpricked holes in a colorless sky. Art by Lee Messenger. Contributed Photos
C C ﹒ ﹒ ﹒
Above: In a sparse rocky trainee, the oak tree stands alone rocketing out of the ground in a gnarled spire of greens grays and browns. Art by Lani Briceland. Contributed Photos Right: Oceans and fountains of flowers, the scent of Gardena in the air, heaven in a flower. Art by Marlene McQueen. Contributed Photos
D - Mike Lyon Morro Bay Life is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without wri en consent from the publisher. Morro Bay Life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Morro Bay Life is a division of the News Media Corporation.
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With two volunteers cheering, this veteran camper caught a wave and rode it into shore. Photos by Allyson Oken/Morro Bay Life
Surf Camp
Continued from page 1
According to Taylor, it is just something that has grown over the last seven years. The founders even had their children volunteering. “It is really neat,” said Taylor. “We all pulled in our children to volunteer so it is very much a family affair. We always talk about Project Surf Camp being a big family, so we have an extended family of about 500-plus.” This summer camp runs from July to August and each are about four hours long. They are all single-day camps with there own individual identity providing a unique experience. Project Surf Camp will be holding open registration for those that wish to participate. To sign-up and see a full schedule, visit www.projectsurfcamp. com or call Taylor at 235-1157. PSC will be also hosting a 5K run on May 3 — “Run or Dye.” The group is seeking 100 volunteers to help coordinate
One of the first students of the day was up on a wave in the blink of an eye. Photos by Allyson Oken/Morro Bay Life
the community event that will be held at El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo. To learn about volunteering, to register to run or for more information, visit www. runordye.com. Taylor said that the most rewarding thing about this is getting to talk to the families. Many of the volunteers don’t have the chance to see the joy this camp brings to the parents of these children. “One of the things I get to do that the volunteers may not have a chance to do is I get to sit back and talk to the families,” said
Taylor. “They are like, ‘oh my goodness this is amazing.’ So it is pretty neat to not only see the campers and the joy that they are having, but I get to come out and watch the families and the parents’ eyes fill with tears of joy. It is super cool.” The camp fills up fast and they can always use volunteers with experience surfing and or working with kids who have special needs. For more information, visit www.projectsurfcamp.org. Donations are always accepted as well to keep the group in boards, on the water and catching waves.
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that tends to draw a lot of attention in the water,” Taylor explained. “I would come be a teacher for one of their summer camps and I was chatting with one of the owners and he said, ‘Have you ever thought about having a surf camp for special-needs kids?’ I thought wow what a great idea, so I dabbled in it for a few years and realized that there was a huge need and that it was something that we could actually provide. Caleb, William and I were the ones who got things started right off the bat. So I said, ‘hey lets get serious with this.’ So I formed a 501-C3 non-profit.” Taylor said that because he surrounded himself with amazing people, one thing led to another and their first summer they had 125 campers come out. Then last year, they more than doubled the number of campers — hosting 280 campers and had between 450 and 500 volunteers. The organization also gets repeat volunteers and campers.
1964 Ford police car to be unveiled
Allyson Oken
Of Morro Bay Life
MORRO BAY — Emergency vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be on patrol during the April 12 during the 4th annual Morro Bay Emergency Vehicle Show. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the public can take an up-close look of the vehicles. Retired U.S. Marshall Mike Del Puppo has been involved in the event planning for the past four years. He said that this year’s event is going to be extra special as it coincides with the anniversary of Morro Bay’s inception. “Our event this year will be running in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Morro Bay,” said Del Puppo. “To celebrate this momentous occasion, we will be unveiling for the first time a replica of a 1964 Ford police car that has been restored to its original condition. This is a wonderful family event and we normally have about 85 participants. It is really neat, we get agencies from Northern and Southern California, Red Cross, Cal Fire, LAPD SWAT and even the Nevada Highway Patrol.” All of the local agencies participate each year, as do many collectors of vintage emergency vehicles. There will also be a chance for children to climb on some of these vehicles and to ask questions of the brave men and women who operate them.
The downtown area is blocked off for show, giving visitors the freedom to meander around the Embarcadero, see the sights and take in the smell of the ocean. This is a great family event for locals and out-of-towners to enjoy and to learn about Morro Bay, its history and traditions. According to Del Puppo there may even be a chance to see the Harbor Patrol’s new boat. “The Harbor Patrol will also have their new patrol boat on display for people to look over as long as it is delivered in time,” Del Puppo said. “Other participants will be Fish and Wildlife and we will also have a vehicle extraction demonstration and a drug-sniffing dog demonstration. In addition to all of this, there will be many antique and new emergency vehicles on display. I own a few of the antiques that will be on display. This is our fourth year putting on this event and it is going to be even better this year. It is a great day to come out and enjoy this community event and check out the progression of emergency vehicles over time — it’s very interesting to see.” This show is a non-profit fundraiser and all proceeds will benefit Morro Bay’s Neighborhood Watch and the Morro Bay Community Foundation. Anyone can register a vehicle into the Please turn to Page 8
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4 - Morro Bay Life - March 2014
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The Morro Bay National Estuary Program has studied the quality of the water in the bay with special monitoring projects, developed methods to improve the habitat in the watershed, and educated and informed the public. The Estuary Program is one of 28 National Estuary Programs in the country and is one of the smallest.
State of the Bay
Continued from page 1
contaminate them and make them unsafe to eat. When harvested properly, Morro Bay oysters are a safe and delicious source of local seafood. Migratory water birds visit Morro Bay annually, among them are a small goose called Brant. These birds feed almost exclusively on a water plant called eelgrass. Morro Bay is one of the last places along the West Coast where there is enough eelgrass for Brant. Every year, thousands of them spend the winter months here for a period of time. The estuary program monitors the growth of eelgrass and in recent years has seen a significant decline of the plant. So far studies have not identified the cause for the decline; it is likely a combination of many things working against the eelgrass. To stem the tide of the loss, the estuary program leads an Eelgrass Recovery Program. A key component of this program is to organize an annual community planting effort where healthy sprouts of the plant are harvested from the bay and replanted in areas where eelgrass used to grow, but has disappeared. Many local people and organizations come together to help with this cause. Storm water runoff from the land is a primary problem. Sediment and pollutants wash down the creeks from the watershed which goes back miles through towns and on to agricultural and grazing lands. Morro Bay National Estuary Program works with landowners, ranchers, farmers and local town governments to implement innovative solutions to storm water pollution issues.
“The results of our work are varied,” commented Kathryn Winfrey, Communications and Development Coordinator, “and where measurements are taken it shows that some areas are doing very well and others are doing poorly. Frankly what happens in the watershed is just as important as what is happening in the bay.” You can learn more and have some fun times at the upcoming State of the Bay. Beginning on Thursday, April 3, join with Lexie Bell, Assistant Director of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, and hike up Black Hill to see a panoramic view of the bay and watershed. Bell will tell you all about the geography of the region and what restoration projects are underway. On Saturday, April 5, a Bay Health and Science presentation will be given at the Morro Bay Community Center from 1-4 p.m. The report represents the results of five years of research data on water quality, sedimentation, eelgrass monitoring, bird populations and more. There will also be family events at Tidelands Park on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on the same day, at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens, from 1-2 p.m., Mike Di Milo of the Integrated Waste Management Authority will present, “What Happens to all that Stuff — A Look at Recycling and Waste.” The Morro Bay Guerrilla Gardening Club will participate in events also, and teach the how and why of composting. Three bay boat tours will be available,
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A key component of the Eelgrass Recover Program is to organize an annual community planting effort where healthy sprouts of the plant are harvested from the bay and replanted in areas where eelgrass used to grow, but has disappeared. Many local people and organizations come together to help with this cause.
two with Lost Isle Cruises on April 15 and 17, where the tour will bring people out to the oyster farm and one with Sub Sea Tours, entitled “Estuary 101” on Saturday, April 19. There is a fee for these tours and reservations are required. Call 7719337 for Lost Isle Cruises and 772-3834 (Estuary Program office) for the tour with Sub Sea Tours. Go over to Los Osos on Sunday, April 23, for a Bay Friendly Gardening presentation about drought-resistant and water-friendly plants at Sage Ecological Landscapes and Nursery. A sure to be fun event is “Dog Fest 2014: Dogs for Clean Water” on Saturday, April 26, at Del Mar Park. Bring a dog along and get a few minutes at the open microphone to tell the world about your talented and wonderful dog! The Morro Bay Police Department K-9 unit will do a demonstration and the Mutt Mitt program will be explained. Damaris Hanson, Morro Bay City Engineer, will be present with information on the city’s storm water management and how important it is to keep dog waste out of the drains.
Visit the Natural History Museum and participate in a “Discover Creek Insects Up Close,” a microscope workshop on April 26 and 27, and enjoy an Earth Day Fair and Music Festival at El Chorro Regional Park. “The event is for the public to discover and explore the estuary,” Winfrey said, “and it is for all ages. Most presentations will not be technical although some technical information will be given. We hope to raise awareness and let people see how everything we do affects the bay.” Winfrey suggests that people go to the Morro Bay National Estuary Program website and take the Clean Water Pledge. Discounts from waterfront establishments such as Central Coast Stand Up Paddling, Bay Cruises Electric Boats, Lost Isle Cruises, Sub Sea Tours and Captain Stew’s Boat Tour are available. Go to www. mbnep.org to access the pledge and obtain the pledge card. Volunteers are needed to help with the State of the Bay events and anyone interested can call Kathryn Winfrey at 7723834.
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Morro Bay Life - March 2014 - 5
‘Good food fast’ at the Nibble Nook
By Ruth Ann Angus For Morro Bay Life
The Nibble Nook has been a favorite of locals for the past 35 years and is poised for another 35. Owned and run by Amber Dawn for the last eight years, this casual dining place is nestled in the Cookie Crock/Auto Zone shopping plaza on Quintana Road. You won’t just nibble when you go there though because you will be confronted with a mouth-watering menu of finely prepared, fresh food. “We cook our own roast beef,” Amber commented, “and have 21 homemade soups.” Seven soups are offered daily and are rotated so that you will always find a different selection. Anything left over from the roast beef is put into the beef barley soup. “Dog owners are also welcome to come in and get the beef scraps,” she said. Folks who dine here regularly have their favorites and are adamant that their choices are the best. Some people say it is the pizza. Others say, no, it’s the sandwiches, and still others swear that the best foods at Nibble Nook are the soups. “We do make our own pizza dough every day,” Amber said, “and also the sauce. And we use real meats not filler!” It’s this dedication to freshness that makes the Nibble Nook special. “People are going back to whole fresh foods, “Amber said, “instead of fast food. I like to say that we offer good food fast.” You have your choice of extra toppings for your pizza and there are many to choose from including a Hawaiian pizza and a vegetarian pizza, in small, medium or large. The variety of sandwiches on the menu includes turkey, ham, pastrami, roast beef, tuna, salami, meatball, and more. “We added to the menu a BLT, a Philly steak sandwich, and we have a veggie sandwich too,” Amber commented. If you like barbecue, there are barbecue beef, ham and pastrami. The submarine has ham, salami, and cheddar cheese on a French roll with Italian dressing. Or you might try the High Sierra, a combination of turkey, ham, roast beef, Swiss and cheddar cheese. Sandwiches can be ordered half or whole. Other combinations include soup and a sandwich or soup and a salad. For those who want a lighter lunch, Nibble Nook has a full fresh salad bar for you to
build your own salad. This eatery is reminiscent of the oldfashioned diner that used to be so popular during the ’50s where you could always get a good home-cooked meal. It certainly has nothing in common with drive-thru fast food establishments. Amber said she wasn’t exactly sure what she was getting into when she first took over the restaurant, but she had some experience from helping out at her grandmother’s restaurant in the Central Valley. “Grandma ran a restaurant for 50 years in our little farming town and people would drive up on their tractors to come there,” Amber said. Raised on a farm in Easton, Amber says the family still owns it and she misses it. Her grandfather, Archie Badertscher, had his photo in Life magazine for a pictorial on farming, showing him milking a cow and shooting the milk into the mouths of two little cats named Blackie and Brownie. It is a classic photo and it hangs in the Nibble Nook now. “My family came to Morro Bay every weekend,” Amber said, “and we had a little house here.” She was raising three children on her own in Fresno when one day she decided they all needed a better life and she asked the family if she could move to the place in Morro Bay. “I’ve never regretted it,” she said. Nowadays, her daughter Nicole raises her own family here, but also comes and helps her mom in the restaurant, as does her son who works nearby. Amber has started some refurbishing of the Nibble Nook, putting in new seats, a new carpet and some finishing work on the walls. One thing that needs no improvement is the food. So if you haven’t been there in a while, or if you are new in town or just visiting, be sure to come over and enjoy some of the “good food fast” at the Nibble Nook.
Above Top: For the past eight years, the Nibble Nook has been run by owner and chef Amber Dawn. Bbove Bottom: The Nibble Nook offers a wide range of freshly prepared food, including 21 homemade soups. Photos by Ruth Ann Angus.
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Mar. 16
Mar. 29
Mick Moloney and Athena Tergis in concert Mick Moloney and Athena Tergis will be in concert at St. Benedict’s Church, located at 2220 Snowy Egret Lane in Los Osos. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m. No tickets are required, but there is a suggested donation of $20 at the door. For more information, call 232-3503.
Farmer’s Market The Morro Bay weekly farmer’s market is open to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. It is located in downtown Moro Bay at Main and Harbor streets. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467.
Mar. 22 Farmer’s Market The Morro Bay weekly farmer’s market is open to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. It is located in downtown Moro Bay at Main and Harbor streets. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467. Otter Rock Cafe Live Music The Ammies take the stage at 8:30 p.m. This event is for ages 21 and over and there may be a cover charge. The Otter Rock Cafe is located at 885 Embarcadero, in Moro Bay. For more information, call 772-1420.
Mar. 1
Mar. 8
Farmer’s Market The Morro Bay weekly farmer’s market is open to the public beginning at 3 to 6 p.m. It is located in downtown Morro Bay at Main and Harbor streets. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467.
Farmer’s Market The Morro Bay weekly farmer’s market is open to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. It is located in downtown Moro Bay at Main and Harbor streets. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467.
Brown Bag Movie Night Pack your dinner and join the Friends of the Los Osos Library for a film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” (PG-13) at the Los Osos Library. This is a free event with popcorn courtesy of the Friends of the Los Osos Library. It begins at 5:45 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. The library is located at 2075 Palisades Ave., in Los Osos. For more information, call 528-1862.
Otter Rock Cafe Live Music Alex Spike will grace the stage at 8 p.m. This event is for ages 21 and over and there may be a cover charge. The Otter Rock Cafe is located at 885 Embarcadero, Moro Bay. For more information, call 772-1420.
Mar. 2 Spring Pattern art show The Morro Bay Art Association will be hosting an opening reception from 2 to 4p.m. The public can meet the featured artists — Marlene McQueen, Linda Meyer-Delcid, Lani Briceland and Leonore Messenger. The show closes on April 7. Located at the Art Center Gallery, 835 Main St., in Morro Bay. Open from noon to 4 p.m. daily. For more information, call 772-2504.
Mar. 6 Moro Bay Forum A business forum is presented by the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce. It begins at 9 a.m. Located at the Embarcadero Grill, 801Embarcadero Rd., in Morro Bay. For more information, call 772-4467. Book of The Year The Los Osos Library will host a book discussion of “Orange is the New Black.” This book is Cuesta College’s 2014 Book of the Year. This free event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 2075 Palisades Ave., in Los Osos. For more information, call 528-1862.
Swedish band Väsen at Red Barn The musicians of the Swedish folk supergroup Väsen will play at the Red Barn, located at 2180 Palisades Ave. in Los Osos. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., potluck supper starting at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. No tickets are required, but there is a suggested donation of $20 at the door. For more information, call 776-3172.
Mar. 15 Farmer’s Market The Morro Bay weekly farmer’s market is open to the public from 3 to 6 p.m. It is located in downtown Moro Bay at Main and Harbor streets. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467. Otter Rock Cafe Live Music Root 66 will take the stage at 8 p.m. This event is for ages 21 and over and there may be a cover charge. The Otter Rock Cafe is located at 885 Embarcadero, in Moro Bay. For more information, call 772-1420. Family Movie Los Osos Library will screen a film adaptation of, Walter Farley’s “Black Stallion.” This family event is free. This film is rated G. Popcorn will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of Los Osos Library beginning at 2 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Located at 2075 Palisades Ave., in Los Osos. For more information, call 528-1862.
Harbor Departments as they present the 4th Annual Emergency Vehicle Show in partnership with Morro Bay’s 50-year anniversary. This year’s show will feature current and restored fire trucks, police vehicles, tow trucks, security vehicles, ambulances, military vehicles and other related public service vehicles. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at 255 Morro Bay Blvd. For more information, call Mike Del Puppo at 559-281-0902.
Apr. 5 Annual Morro Bay Citywide Yard Sale Join the Morro Bay Community for the annual citywide yard sale. Participating residents are advised to begin selling at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. The event will be held April 6 and 7 and is hosted by Morro Bay Beautiful. Sellers that wish to participate and be listed on the yard sale Treasure Map should go to the Morro bay Chamber at 695 Harbor St. or call 772-4467. Bay Health and Science Presentations The State of the Bay report is a sciencebased assessment of the health of Morro Bay and the Morro Bay watershed. The report presents the results of five years of data and research on water quality, sedimentation, bird populations, eelgrass monitoring and many other aspects of bay health. The meeting will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Morro Bay Community Center located at 595 Harbor St., in Morro Bay. For more information, visit www.mbnep.org.
Apr. 12
Family Event Spend the day with us and try your hand at knot tying, fish prints, and compass reading. This free event for all ages provides activities and entertainment focused on sea life, wildlife, and other characteristics unique to the Morro Bay estuary. Local organizations and food vendors will cook up delectable and sustainable caught cuisine. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tidelands Park located at 300-394 Embarcadero, Morro Bay. For more information, visit www.mbnep.org.
Apr. 15 On-Water Tour of Estuary and Aquaculture Come aboard the Lost Isle Tiki Boat for a tour of the Morro Bay Estuary and local aquaculture installations. Learn about the two different methods of aquaculture employed in the Morro Bay Estuary. Each guest receives one beer or glass of wine, and one oyster to practice shucking. Thomas Pauley, captain, will lead the tour. Space is limited to 23 passengers. Reservations are required. Cost is $25 per person, payable to Bay Cruisers. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Lost Isle Tiki at 771-9337.
4th Annual Emergency Vehicle Show Join the Morro Bay Police, Fire, and
To submit your events to the local Morro Bay Community Calendar email them to aoken@atascaderonews.com
Morro-BayLife.com
Morro Bay Life - March 2014 - 7
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8 - Morro Bay Life - March 2014
Morro-BayLife.com
Kayaking and paddleboarding are key components to the Morro Bay tourism industry, with Kayaking is a great activity for families in Morro Bay, where local wildlife like harbor seals adventurers taking to the water to explore the bay and check out famous Morro Rock. Photo serves as a fun-filled attraction. Photo by Jeff Poirier/Morro Bay Life by Jeff Poirier/Morro Bay Life
Kayaks attract to Morro Bay Tourism industry allows for active living
Jeff Poirier
Of Morro Bay Life
MORRO BAY — The Central Coast of California is chock-full of hidden gems — from the expansive wine country of Paso Robles to the surprisingly hopping nightlife of San Luis Obispo — that get passed over by travelers between the state’s major metropolitan areas. But perhaps the best kept secret on the Central Coast is the beautiful seaside city of Morro Bay, which has a population just over 10,000 while delivering the attraction and entertainment of an international destination. Morro Bay relies heavily on tourism to drive its local economy, and one of the biggest draws to the area is its excess of water-bound fun. When Morro Bay first comes into sight while speeding down Pacific Coast
Highway, the initial impression revolves around its unfettered natural beauty. Morro Bay features 15 miles of protected waters in its Estuary and Bird Sanctuary, as well as 2,300 acres of mudflats, tidal wetlands and open water that dozens of endangered or threatened wildlife species call home. And, of course, there’s the local fixture of Morro Rock, a volcanic plug that stands nearly 600 feet tall. With so much to see in and around the city’s waters, there’s no better way to explore Morro Bay than by kayak or paddleboard. A quick drive down the Embarcadero reveals numerous places to rent your watercraft, each providing different services for you to enjoy Morro Bay while staying healthy and active. Kayaking in particular is great for a day out with the family, while paddleboarding
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can provide a new challenge for an individual or group of friends. According to Kayak Horizons employee David Thoresen, the allure of gliding across the bay is a major reason why tourists flock to Morro Bay. “During the summer, we have a lot of tourism that really marks what’s going on in the bay,” said Thoresen. “On an average day, around 40 to 50 people would be a good day. We’ve had it where all of the kayaks are out [with] a max of 70 people.” Once you’re on the water in the bay, there’s plenty to choose from for the first stop on the journey. Paddling out to the floating docks is popular, where harbor seals and sea lions spend their time sunbathing and splashing about. Along the way, it’s common to encounter a friendly sea otter or spot a hungry heron hunting for lunch.
Or maybe you’d prefer an adventurous excursion to the sandspit across the water by Morro Rock, where kayakers are often seen pulling ashore and exploring the coast on foot. There’s no shortage of places to go once you get past the pain of paddling, and there’s no beachfront more breathtaking than that of Morro Bay. Whether it’s a solo trip to the shore or a day out with the whole family, climbing aboard a kayak is the best way to get out and experience the natural wonder of the sea while living an active and adventurous lifestyle. Kayak Horizons — one of the many options for rentals in Morro Bay — is located at 551 Embarcadero between the Aquarium and Yacht Club. For more information regarding rates and services offered, call 772-6444 or visit www.kayakhorizons.com.
A big stock antique police car is just one of the vehicles that will be at the 4th annual Emergency Vehicle Show on April 12. Contributed Photo
Car Show
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event by submitting an application by the deadline of April 1. There is no charge for emergency agencies to enter, though for civilians there is an entrance fee of $25. To find out more about this event, visit,
www.morrobay.org or call Del Puppo at 559-281-0902. To register, contact Cmdr. Millard at bmillard@morro-bay.ca.us.