Life Morro
August 2015
Bay
Everything Morro Bay
Avo Marg Fest seeking volunteers
Inside ... Fish fry Today’s farriers Morro Creek trail Pickleball tournament Paint SLO County MB time capsule
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By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life
Lights of Hope
Photo contributed by Shay Bell
The Morro Bay Avocado Margarita Festival draws thousands of people each year .
By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life
Photos by Nicholas Mattson
photo by Ruth Ann Angus
Lights of Hope Luminaria Ceremony at Morro Rock Beach
Do you have a family member or friends who are battling cancer or perhaps someone who has survived it or been lost to it? Have you been a caregiver for someone with cancer or know someone who has been? This is your chance to honor them and help raise funds to continue research to put an end to this devastating disease. Join us for the American cancer Society’s “Lights of Hope” on Saturday, August 15th at Morro Rock Beach from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On this evening as the skies darken a soft glow will emanate from Please turn to Page 2
Heavyweights clash in Bash at the Beach
Lineman competition takes to the sand in Morro Bay
By Nicholas Mattson Of Morro Bay Life
An estimated 1,300 varsity football players descended on the Morro Bay coast on Friday and Saturday for the fifth annual Bash at the Beach, hosted by Morro Bay High School. Two big events pitted CIF divisional champions, league champions, and hopefuls against each other on the turf and the sand for the 7-on-7 passing tournament, and the lineman challenge. “It went real smooth,” event coordinator Rob Teixeira said. “The competition was improved, with better teams from around the area. It was our biggest and most competitive tournament yet.” On Friday, it was all up in the air, as the
One man’s generosity By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life
PRSrt std U.s. postage paid Permit no. 19 PASO ROBLES, CA
tested, which Todd also performed. Then he went into the Resource Office and asked if there was someone who needed a vehicle but couldn’t afford one. Sharon O’Leary, Bonnie Allen and Bonnie Jones knew just the person – Bruce Shane. On June 30 Allen took Shane down to the DMV with funds from Saint Timothy’s Church to register the car. Then it was back to Morro Bay where a small group assembled around a bright red Jeep Grand Cherokee as Bill Todd turned over the keys to Bruce. Now Todd is looking for more vehicles so he can fix them up and give them to someone who has no transportation. He hopes to do this every six months. So Todd is looking for a vehicle – if you have one you would like to donate contact him at Todd’s Garage 972 Quintana - 7721985 or if you know of someone in need contact Sharon O’Leary at the Morro Bay Resource Connection Office at 225-1991.
******EcrWsseddm****** Postal Customer MORRO BAY, CA 93442
For a senior citizen to have to walk all over town just to get groceries or attend church services can be tough, and having to go out of town becomes impossible. Bruce Shane, who lives in North Morro Bay, walked everywhere but it was getting to be difficult for him. The folks at the Morro Bay Resource Connection Office knew about Bruce and wished for a way to help. Then one day an angel in the guise of Bill Todd, of Todd’s Garage, came into their office with great news. “I came across a car in Los Osos that was for sale about five months ago,” Todd said, “and the people only wanted $500 for it. I thought I could buy it, fix it up, and donate it to someone who didn’t have a car.” Todd took the car back to his shop and started working on it. It needed certain parts like a new battery, and the bumper needed repair. A good tune-up and cleanup got the vehicle ready to be smog
Please turn to Page 5
Monthly publication dedicated to covering everything in Morro Bay, CA.
Photo by Ruth Ann Angus
Bruce Shane, Bill Todd of Todd’s Garage, and Sharon O’Leary of the Morro Bay Resource Connection Office pose by Shane’s Jeep Grand Cherokee car.
teams began the passing tournament — getting arms and legs loosened up in day one of the event. Joining the plethora of teams at MBHS were defending PAC 8 League tri-champion Atascadero and Paso Robles, Templeton, perennial CIF challenger Bakersfield Drillers, the controversial Tulare Union High School Redskins, and fellow PAC 8 tri-champion Arroyo Grande Eagles, among many others. The on-field lineman competition consisted of 20-yard shuttle, 185-pound bench press, farmer’s walk, hand-over-hand sled pull, and vertical jump. And when they transferred to the beach, it was a medicine-ball shot put, double-
Lend a helping hand and enjoy the fruits of your labor by volunteering at the Avocado & Margarita Festival in Morro Bay, taking place Sept. 12 and 13. The 8th annual event fills up fast with volunteers who jump at the chance for complementary attendance and being a part of the fun back stage. Kyle Beal Wommack, Production & Logistics Manager for the festival, said the Avocado Margarita Festival is currently sold out of vendor space but they do still have openings for volunteers and tickets to sell. Currently, the festival is accepting requests to volunteer on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers at the festival are required to work a four-hour shift on either the Sept. 12 between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or the Sept. 13 between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Volunteers do a myriad of items such as taking tickets, assisting with special contests, selling merchandise, getting volunteers checked in and out, etc.,” Wommack said. The perks that come with volunteering include access to the event without a ticket, a chance to see, hear and taste wonderful things at the festival and help the community. Volunteers may sign up online by visiting avomargfest.com “Volunteers not only receive free admission, but an uber cool pit crew shirt,” Wommack said. All of the traditions associated with the event will be honored and volunteers get to be a part of these traditions directly. The event boasts giveaways every hour that are avocado related, a daily sombrero contest, live music, a variety of food and craft vendors and a little bit of margarita and beer. To learn more about the event or how to volunteer, visit www.avomargfest. com.
2 - Morro Bay Life - August 2015
Ahoy! It’s fish fry time Come support Rotary and CCWF By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life
Enjoy a community Fish Fry in Morro Bay, from Noon to 5 p.m. on Aug. 29. The Central Coast Women for Fisheries will host the event in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Morro Bay to raise funds for their respective causes. The event will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, located at 962 Piney Way in Morro Bay. Tickets are $10 per meal and are available for purchase by contacting any Morro Bay Rotarian or stopping by Coast Electronics off Quintana and Kennedy Way and at Edward Jones, located at 501 Harbor Street in Morro Bay. There will also be a very limited amount of tickets available at the door. Morro Bay Rotary president Carol Furtado said, “The proceeds from the fish fry will be used for high school student scholarships and community projects completed by the Rotary Club of Morro Bay. You will want to savor the local rock cod, caught by Rotarians, rice pilaf and fresh coleslaw prepared for dine- in or take-out.” The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. With that in mind, the club has joined forces with the CCWF to help support its endeavor to place a full-sized statue dedicated to fishermen’s families. So far CCEF have raised more than $70,000 for the sculpture project with an additional $32,000 needed for completion. A portion of the funds raised at the fish fry will support this project and enable its completion. All donations are welcome and can be made in advance for those who can’t attend by visiting womenforfish.org. For more information, call MB Rotary president Carol Furtado at 319-3108.
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Photos Contributed by Morro Bay Rotary Club president Carol Furtado
This fishing boat, owned by a Morro Bay Rotarian, will bring a fresh catch to the community fish fry, slated for Aug. 29.
Lights of Hope
Continued from page 1
hundreds of luminaria bags lighting the beach’s perimeter. You can decorate your luminaria bag and art supplies will be on hand to accomplish this. Suggestions are to bring a photo of the person you are honoring to glue onto your luminaria. Don’t forget your furry friends either. Many people have lost pets to cancer and this is a wonderful way to remember them and donate to eliminate what was the cause of their suffering. A short ceremony will be held at dusk and then everyone is welcomed to join us
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for a short walk with family and friends around the perimeter of the luminarias. Can’t make it to the ceremony? You can still participate. Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop is holding a Luminaria Party on Saturday, August 1st from noon to 6 p.m. at 307 Morro Bay Blvd. A luminaria decorating station will be available. If you miss this event, you can still pick up a luminaria form at Grandma’s up until the date of the event. Grandma is also offering a one dollar donation for every waffle sold during the month of August so come on
in and enjoy a delicious waffle, get your name posted on their bulletin board, and help the American Cancer Society’s mission to find a cure for cancer. For more information contact Natalie Riloquio at 805-473-1748 or email at Natalie.riloquio@cancer.org . Lights of Hope is part of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life – see www. relayforlife.org/barkmorrobayca for information and to donate a luminaria.
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Morro Bay Life - August 2015 - 3
Today’s farriers Forging and shoeing gone mobile By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life
The term “farrier” has shifted in meaning over time, from “horse doctor”to “one who shoes horses.” Travis Baker, owner and operator of Travis Baker Farrier Services, has moved to Morro Bay and will be providing a resource that can be traced back to the early Crusades. Only 100 years ago people who shoe (or shod) horses started calling themselves “farriers”. Farriers traditionally worked in armories, smelting shops, blacksmith’s shops and were the earliest horse doctors. Today’s farriers are mobile, expected to demonstrate a high level of skill at a number of jobs that are usually the specialties of other occupations. A good farrier has to be a forger and a welder, a toolmaker and a shoemaker. Baker is as mobile as they come and has a handcrafted farrier rig built by Georgia Farrier Supply with all the tools he needs in one neat little package on wheels. He’s joined on jobs by his apprentice Casey Whitaker, who has been working with Baker for almost two years, learning all he can. Baker said that he and Casey shared a similar experience getting into the business of shoeing horses. Baker owned horses growing up and was, “Cowboyin’ up there”, in Oregon to work. He explained that part of the job description was that the group had to keep shoes on all the horses that they worked with. “I started shoeing them and I would do one or two feet a day, “ he said. “I started to like it, and I was going to Cal Poly at the time. So I came back here to go to school and I met with a local farrier who took me on as an apprentice. I eventually started to gather my own clients and I have been doing it for over 10 years now and get to help my friend Casey here learn the trade.” After Baker graduated from Cal Poly in 2008 he decided to stick around in the area and he and his wife now live in Morro Bay. He is able to provide services all over San Luis Obispo County with plans to offer his services to Morro Bay, as it is his new home base. He said that with the good shoeing clientele that he has accumulated he travels all over. “Today we will start here at Cal Poly, go to South San Luis and then over to Arroyo Grande where we actually have a vet prescription to go shoe,” Baker said. Baker is working on finishing up his Certified Farrier requirements (CF). This requires that he pass a live shoeing, shoe display and the written portion of the test. He has passed the first two sections so far. When he has completed the third he will be able to move on to become a Certified Journeyed Farrier. “So far I have passed the live shoeing, the shoe display all I have left is to finish the written portion of the test and I will be moving on to become a CJF,” he said. The American Farriers Association hosts all types of events and tests as well at an annual convention. Baker has been able to benefit from going to these tests, attending a shoeing convention in Overland Park, Kansas in January of this year. “We try to change shoes between six and eight weeks,” he said, adding that the schedule can change from horse to horse. “Some of our athletes will shoe at five weeks. These are the horses being shown, in training some of those we do at five weeks to allow for optimum hoof length.” There are methods for shoeing a horse in the type of nail and shoe used. This will vary from hoof to hoof, Baker said. The general nail he uses is a slim blade nail, but this is variable depending upon the thickness of the hoof wall. “If we are working with a thicker-walled horse we may use a stronger nail or a thinnerwalled horse we will use a smaller nail,” he said. “We just want to maintain the integrity of the foot. Depending on the foot is how we determine what nail of shoe package we choose to use. We make a lot of our own shoes and custom fit them to the horse.” Baker has everything he needs in his portable rig. He has a portable forge and every hammer, chisel and hoof scraper known to man. Baker is also partnered with veterinarians in the area to help provide clients full service and is able to make any shoe needed to help heal injury. Working quickly and accurately with the help of his apprentice, Baker has found his passion. Baker shoes for the Cal Poly Rodeo team, local horse owners, athletes from jumpers to barrel riders and even shoes his own horses Wimpey and Baby Huey. You can reach Travis Bakers Farrier Services by calling (209) 712-6119 or by visiting facebook.com/pages/Travis-Baker-Farrier-Service.
Photos by Allyson Oken
The first step in the process is to give the horse the equivalent of a manicure. The hooves are cleaned out with hoof knifes, the old shoe is removed and the nail is filed.
Photos by Allyson Oken
After he shapes the shoe, Baker hammers the nail slots in the proper locations and the shoe is ready to go.
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4 - Morro Bay Life - August 2015
Cyclists, walkers, hikers and boarders Morro Creek multi-use trail and bridge opened July 4
By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life
The Morro Creek Multi-Use Trail and Bridge is open as of Saturday, July 4. Hundreds of cyclists decked out in red, white and blue for the annual bike parade rode over the bridge as the ribbon was cut. This project is the culmination of a cooperative effort between the community of Morro Bay, City of Morro Bay Public Works, the San Luis Obispo County of Governments and the Morro Bay Citizens Bike Committee. The intent of the project was to provide pedestrians and cyclists a route to travel between the waterfront and north Morro Bay. Geiska Velasquez wrote all of the grants and worked for SLOCOG as the Coastal Planner and for the last year and a half she has been working with the city to make sure this project was delivered. “I actually cried when they set the bridge it was very important to me,” she said. “Christine Johnson, John Diodati, Noah Smukler and myself got together and said we need a bike plan. This project rose to the top and we made it happen.” SLOCOG contributed most of the funding for the project and the city spent just under $300,000. The total cost for the project was about $1.8 million. City Council Member Noah Smukler said that the site was a dirt track only a few months ago when constructions began and the city could not be happier with the result. “It is so exciting to see this go from dirt road to a destination point opening up a whole new opportunity for exploration in Morro Bay,” he said. “The bridge is also emergency vehicle accessible and features LED lighting at night that is very affordable and energy efficiency. It is the link people have been telling me we have needed and have fantasized about since they were in high school here 40 years ago.” This will be a safe passage for all Morro Bay High School students and Smukler said the City has plans for more work ahead, laying the groundwork to construct the
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Photos By Allyson Oken
Hundreds of Morro Bay residents come out to the 4th of July Bike Parade each year. This year was extra special with the opening of the new pedestrian bridge.
class one connector to Cayucos to create an amazing bike network in the Estero Bay region. Mayor of Morro Bay Jamie Irons was the final speaker that day and he said, “This is a project to be proud of and we could not have done this without the efforts of our community partners.” To learn more about developments of the Cayucos class one connector, visit morro-bay.ca.us.
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Morro Bay Life - August 2015 - 5
Tournament of champions
Morro Bay Pickleball unsanctioned pro tourney Aug. 19 By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life
Who knew pickleball would go from a retiree’s fun time filler to a professional sport? Morro Bay Pickleball does and they are hosting four pro pickle-ballers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug.19, at Del Mar Park in north Morro Bay. The Morro Bay Senior Center Incorporated and several local businesses offering gift certificates for raffles items support this unsanctioned tournament, where spectators and pickle-ballers are welcome to come and enjoy the fun of the sport. According to Kathy Thomas, founder of the Morro Bat Pickleball Club, there will be a demonstration of pickleball at the top level by the four guests. They will also offer clinics between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for those who want to learn more about the game. As this is a non-sanctioned tournament, it will be open to the first 128 players to sign up. Thomas explained that “player brackets” are based on the ages of the team members. Thomas said two women and two men; all national champions will be featured at Photos Contributed by Muncie the tournament and will be a sight to see Beginners at the Morro Bay Pickleball Club are gearing up to play at an Aug. 19 unsanctioned tournament. The tournament will feature during the first big event. four professional pickle-ballers out showing off their skills and teaching others. “A few months ago a couple of pickleball champions were coming this way and they In addition to this experience, sanctioned tournaments.” Spectators should bring their own chairs, contacted various USAPA Ambassadors players that are part of the Morro Bay Morro Bay Pickleball Club is a nonprofit as courtside seating will be available for on the Central Coast to see if they could Pickleball Club will be able to learn and organization, so to raise some funds for some of the demo events. As the event come by and see our courts and meet the be assessed by the professionals. Thomas the club there will also be raffles, sports gets nearer, Thomas plans to have a list of players,” Thomas said. “We struck up a explained that several local players have challenges to test skill levels, and a chance times for the various events posted on the friendship with one of them that has been asked to be rated “…meaning they get a to play with and against the champions. club website. For more information or to ongoing and when I approached him about numeric number indicating their level of “We want everyone who has an interest register to play, visit morrobaypickleball. participating in an all-day Pickleball in play based on the International Federation in Pickleball, even if they have never tumblr.com. the Park event, he was enthusiastic, found of Pickleball standards, and people are played, to come and join us,” Thomas three others to join him, and suddenly we invited to watch their games,” Thomas said. “The event is free, but donations are had clinics and demos in the works.” said. “Ratings are important for playing in gratefully accepted.”
Bash at the beach
Continued from page 1
medicine ball 40-yard dash, tractor-tire flip relay, the barrel-roll, and a stamina-testing obstacle course. After a day of running obstacle courses, moving heavy objects from here to there, and back again, and other challenges of strength and endurance, the Paso Robles Bearcats placed highest on the results of the lineman challenge for all North County teams. The Greyhounds left a lot to the imagination, however, because they pulled out of the beachside segment of the lineman challenge, so their scores were not counted. The Templeton Eagles showed some high energy, as well as some fun-loving sportsmanship during the beachside battles. That is just nice to get those big guys out there running,” THS head coach Dan Loney said. “We were looking for kids to go out and compete. It is a good way for us to start evaluating.” Overall, Loney was paying most of his attention on the Eagles’ offense, which lost some key players, and has rising stars stepping in to fill spots. “I thought our kids did fairly well,” Loney said, “and we had some surprises. I was very impressed.” Last season, Loney played an unconventional substitution pattern with two quality quarterbacks, but Gunnar Griffin graduated, and the younger of the two, Jordan Bernal, steps up to take the solo role as the go-to passer. “I knew going in that we were going to have a quarterback that could throw it,” Loney said about Bernal, “so he got a lot of reps.” “We go into those for a couple of reasons,” Loney said. “We are not going to throw any trick passes out there … we are going to throw our four or five passing routes and run those into the ground.” After two days of exertion, the metrics were counted, and a pair of Central Valley teams took the top nods. The Bakersfield Drillers won the 7-on-7 competition, with
Selma coming in second. Sanger topped the charts in the lineman competition, and Arroyo Grande came in second. “It was long, successful, and we are already planning for next year,” Teixeira said. “We are just going to look to get better teams.” A lot of hard work went into preparing and running the event, and a slim crew were glad to hear it was appreciated. “We heard a lot of good things from people,” Teixeira said, “and it is nice to hear things like that. We ran it on a skeleton crew. Corie Erskine did a lot, and Walter Unks, and Sean Gabriel ran the linemen challenge.” For more information on the event, or to sign up for next year’s event, go to bashatthebeach.com.
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6 - Morro Bay Life - August 2015
Embarcadero Inn changes hands
A view of the Embarcadero Inn on the waterfront in Morro Bay.
Paint SLO County 2015
MBAA hosts after two-year break Aug. 13
Photos By Ruth Ann Angus
By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life
A waterfront location would seem like an ideal setting for a motel and apparently that is what Harold Biaggini thought when on impulse he bought the land that the Embarcadero Inn sits on today. Biaggini passed away last year at 90 years of age, but his widow, Karen tells the humorous story of how Harold came to purchase this waterfront acreage. “You know,” Karen said smiling, “Harold liked to take a drink now and then. One day he was in San Luis Obispo doing just that when he saw a couple he knew from Morro Bay walking down the street. He asked them what they were doing and they told him they were going to a real estate agent to list some waterfront acreage they owned. Harold asked where it was located. Receiving the answer he exclaimed, ‘I’ll buy it,’ and he took them to a nearby escrow office and then and there, opened escrow.” Drinking that day paid off for Biaggini, although the Inn didn’t come into being for more than 10 years. Biaggini knew he wanted to build a hotel there, but he had to wait for permits to be issued. He hired architect Don West to design and build the 33-room Inn and son, Ed, took over running the place. Unfortunately Ed passed away in 2007 and his wife, Jonni, became involved with the property. “This is one of the hotels built with the idea of maximizing the view,” she said. The view from the balconies of all of the rooms, except for two, takes in the waterfront, the bay, the sand spit and Morro Rock. People can relax on their balconies and watch boats sailing by as well as view and listen to birds calling and sea lions barking. At one time there was an on-site manager living in a set of rooms complete with a full kitchen, dining room, living room, two bedrooms, and two private balconies. This has since become the Family Suite and is very popular. Another suite of rooms is located at the south end of the top floor and it includes an expansive main room with fireplace and a large bedroom. The Biagginis have supported all community events especially the yearly Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival. In accordance with that they named the breakfast suite on the third floor, the Birdfeeder. A full breakfast is offered in this spacious room and there is an outside deck with seating and tables. With supplied binoculars it makes for a perfect spot to watch the sunset or spy that elusive life list bird. “The rooms have been renovated a couple of times,” Karen explained, “the last time in 2008. The spa room was redone then. There were two tubs then but no restroom. We put in a large stainless steel tub and added an ADA restroom.” Current renovations have taken place during this past year with bedding, drapes, and wallpaper being changed but all that may change once again as the Inn was recently purchased by John and Joan Solu. As the era for the Biagginis comes to an end, it will be interesting to watch what will happen next. The Solu’s are well known for purchasing some of the older and historical lodgings in town and doing full renovations and Joan Solu is sure to put her special interior design touch on the Embarcadero Inn.
Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop at “The Gathering Place” Grandma’s once again honors the American Cancer Society’s Prevention & Education efforts.
Photos By Contributed by Morro Bay Art Association
Artist, educator, writer and member of Plein Air Art Anita Hampton will be the jury for the Morro Bay Art Association’s juried show Paint SLO County 2015, set to take place Aug. 13 through Oct. 5.
By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life
The Morro Bay Art Association juried show is slated for Aug. 13 through Oct. 5. Paint SLO County 2015 was hosted two years ago with great success. The MBAA gallery is open seven days a week from noon to 4 p.m. so all will have a chance to see the show. This year, prodigious artist, teacher and member of Plein Air Art, Anita Hampton will be choosing the art to be displayed and decide which works of art are deserving of an award. Ann Brown, director of the Art Center Morro Bay Gallery, said that this is the one-juried art show hosted by the MBAA yearly with a rotating theme. This year the group will be revisiting the theme Paint SLO County. “This year we will be fortunate to have Anita Hampton and we are hoping to receive a nice sampling form our community of artist that features the best views and individual vision, each artist captures in their art of our beautiful county,” Brown said. Media used for the art show will include and are limited too oils, acrylics, pastels, and watercolors. Work must be original, completed within the past 2 years and exhibited for sale. Artists submitting may have a maximum of three entries per artist, with an entrance fee of $15 per piece for MBAA Members and $20 per piece for non-members. Take-in and Jury day will be Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With a pick-up time for non-selected work on same day from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be an artist reception and awards presentation on Sunday, Aug. 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with awards estimated at more than $1,500 in cash and merchandise donated by local supporter and business owners. “We have been very lucky to have the support of the community to give awards,” Brown said. “From Doran’s, Windows on the Water, ASAP, Art Central and Anita also raffled off a picture and the proceeds from that will go to prize money. We are just very thankful to be able to offer such a nice sum for prizes as well as gift certificates.” The Art Center Morro Bay is the gallery where all the art will be shown and is located at 835 Main Street in Morro Bay. To join MBAA, find out about up-coming shows or to join classes to build a portfolio, visit artcentermorrobay.com.
Saturday, August 1, 2015 - Noon - 6:00 p.m.
American Cancer Society’s Luminaria Fundraising Party Create your own luminaria in preparation for the Morro Bay Beach Celebration scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2015 where they will light up the beach! Gems, feathers, coloring pens, and the Luminaria Bag will be provided. LIVE MUSIC by Lenny Blue & Friends!
W donate $1 for every breakfast We’ll or dessert waffle purchased during the month of August. Come in and complete a donation plaque in YOUR loved one’s honor…we donate the dollar and d decorate our walls with your memory or message of hope!
LIVE entertainment Saturdays during the Morro Bay Farmer’s Market 3-5 p.m. 307 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay • (805) 704-YUMM (9866)
Fresh Vegan Cuisine Featuring Local & Organic Ingredients
Gluten & Soy Free Options Available! 415 Morro Bay Blvd, Morro Bay, CA 93442 • (805) 771-8344 sunshinehealthfoods-shinecafe.com
Morro Bay Life - August 2015 - 7
Tot tbid tourism – how does it all work? By RUTH ANN ANGUS
meetings and separate voting for each entity. The TBID board approves the amount of the assessment dollars that will be used each year and the Tourism Bureau board reviews this separately and votes to approve it and plan how to use the funds. In addition to the TBID assessment, this year there is a new county Tourism Marketing District assessment of one percent for Morro Bay to be included in the Visit San Luis Obispo County sales and marketing efforts. Currently, the city still levies the TOT as before, however these funds now do go towards city services, such as police, fire, maintenance, etc. The city of Morro Bay also acts as a pass-through to the Tourism Bureau for the three percent TBID assessment funds. Beginning this fiscal year, the city is charging a two percent administrative fee for acting in this pass-through function. No resident of the city of Morro Bay pays or is taxed one cent of any of these charges. All of the funds are carried by visitors staying in Morro Bay. No general funds of the City of Morro Bay are allocated to either the TBID or the Morro Bay Tourism Bureau. The Visitor’s Center belongs to the City of Morro Bay and funds to run come it come out of the general fund. In the past, the city contracted with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce to run the Visitor’s Center. When the Morro Bay Tourism Bureau was established the board of directors approached the city to have the opportunity to contract to run the Visitor’s Center with the intention of having all the visitor services under one umbrella. They placed a bid to the city asking for $100,000 to accomplish this, taking in what it takes to run the Center, with rent, staffing, utilities, and supplies. The Tourism Bureau was awarded the contract at that amount again for fiscal year 2014-2015. Accounting and reporting are done separate from the Tourism Bureau accounting and reporting. That’s how it all works!
For Morro Bay Life
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Graphic supplied by Morro Bay Tourism Bureaus
Chart showing how the TBID, TOT and TMD function together
Tourism is the heart and soul of Morro Bay so marketing is essential to attract visitors. Yet, most of us have no clue how all the various components that make up the tourism package work. For instance, what is the TOT and who does it benefit? Who funds and runs the Visitor’s Center? Exactly what is the TBID and what do they do? To begin with let’s explain the acronyms, TBID and TOT. The TBID is the Tourism Business Improvement District and is governed by its board of directors, and the TOT is the Transient Occupancy Tax collected by the City of Morro Bay. The TOT, sometimes referred to as a bed tax, began in Morro Bay as a tax levied by the city against hotel and motel businesses, campgrounds and RV parks as a percentage of the rate of a guest’s room per night. Most cities that assess a TOT use the funds to pay for city services. In Morro Bay, it was used for marketing purposes to publicize the City of Morro Bay. Each year the city would estimate how much the TOT might amount to for that fiscal year with that being allocated to an advertising agency for marketing to areas throughout the country and internationally to bring people to Morro Bay. The problem with this was there was no way to really know the actual end amount necessary for ads and promotions and there was no real financial reporting occurring back to the city. Often more was spent than was collected. The TBID was formed and incorporated by hotel and motel owners in May of 2009, not to tax, but to self-assess each hotel/motel business three percent of the cost of a room per night with the intention that these funds be used for marketing. Campgrounds and RV parks were not included in the TBID. The idea behind this was to have better control over the marketing process and include the responsibility of accountability and reporting. The city acted as a pass-through of these funds to the advertising agency. The TBID assessment is not a tax. In 2012 the TBID board of directors established the non-profit Morro Bay Tourism Bureau to be a destination marketing organization that took on the accountability as to how the assessment is used. The Tourism Bureau reports to the stakeholders (hotel and motel owners) and the city on its activities to prove that it is creating results. The Tourism Bureau has a six-person board of directors and these individuals are the same people that sit on the TBID’s board of directors. However, they hold separate
As an investor, you’re well aware cord of earnings growth. If you invest in that, over the short term, the financial fixed-income vehicles, pick those that markets always move up and down. are considered “investment grade.” During your working years, you may • Don’t make emotional decisions. feel that you have time to overcome this At various times during your retirement, volatility. And you’d be basing these you will, in all likelihood, witness some feelings on actual evidence: the longer sharp drops in the market. Try to avoid the investment period, the greater the overreacting to these downturns, which tendency of the markets to “smooth out” will probably just be normal market their performance. But what happens “corrections.” If you can keep your emowhen you retire? Won’t you be more tions out of investing, you will be less susceptible to market movements? likely to make moves such as selling You may not be as vulnerable as quality investments merely because their you might think. In the first place, giv- price is temporarily down. en our growing awareness of healthier • Don’t try to “time” the market. You lifestyles, you could easily spend two, or may be tempted to “take advantage” of even three, decades in retirement — so volatility by looking for opportunities to your investment time frame isn’t neces- “buy low and sell high.” In theory, this is sarily going to be that compressed. a fine idea — but, unfortunately, no one Nonetheless, it’s still true that time can really predict market highs or lows. may well be a more important consid- You’ll probably be better off by coneration to you during your retirement sistently investing the same amount of years, so you may want to be particu- money into the same investments. Over larly vigilant about taking steps to help time, this method of investing may result smooth out the effects of market vol- in lower per-share costs. However, as is atility. Toward that end, here are a few the case with diversification, this type suggestions: of “systematic” investing won’t guaran• Allocate your investments among tee a profit or protect against loss, and a variety of asset classes. Of course, you’ll need to be willing to keep investproper asset allocation is a good invest- ing when share prices are declining. ment move at any age, but when you’re It’s probably natural to get someretired, you want to be especially careful what more apprehensive about market that you don’t “over-concentrate” your volatility during your retirement years. investment dollars among just a few But taking the steps described above can assets. Spreading your money among a help you navigate the sometimes-choprange of vehicles — stocks, bonds, cer- py waters of the financial world. tificates of deposit, government securities and so on —can help you avoid takThis article was written by Edward ing the full brunt of a downturn that may Jones for use by your local Edward primarily hit just one type of investment. Jones Financial Advisor. (Keep in mind, though, that while diverEdward Jones, its employees and fisification can help reduce the effects of nancial advisors are not estate planners volatility, it can’t assure a profit or pro- and cannot provide tax or legal advice. tect against loss.) • Choose investments that have Jennifer Redman, demonstrated solid performance across Financial Advisor many market cycles. As you’ve probably Edward Jones heard, “past performance is no guarantee 1085 Kennedy Way of future results,” and this is true. None- Morro Bay, CA 93442 theless, you can help improve your outlook by owning quality investments. So Phone (805) 772-7938 when investing n stocks, choose those jennifer.redman@edwardjones.com. that have actual earnings and a track re-
8 - Morro Bay Life - August 2015
Eat your veggies By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life
Photo submitted by Jenny B. Jones
Jenny Brantlee Jones of Morro Bay poses next to her Tower Garden.
Congratulations to Business of the Month: Dutchman’s Seafood House
Paul Van Beurden, owner/operator comes from a long line of family owned restaurants – since 1964! “We here at Dutchman’s strive to bring you the freshest seafood possible sourced from our hardworking local fishermen that we know and support. We strive to use seafood caught using sustainable fishing methods whenever possible. We also strive to buy local produce and use local vendors. We own and operate our own dock ensuring the freshest and superior fish for our customers.” Thank you for being supporting our local economy, Paul! Check out their menu and hours at www.dutchmansseafoodhouse.com.
We are proud to unveil our beautiful Business Forum: We are on break this Summer and will resume on September new website: www.morrochamber.org 17th. Stay tuned for exciting topics and new format! The NEW Morro Bay Avocado & Chamber Mixer: Join us at Grandma’s Margarita Festival website is up and Frozen Yogurt! Thursday August 20th 5:30 running. Please check it out and get your to 7:30. Grandma’s is located at 307 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay, CA 805/704tickets today. 9866 Visit www.avomargfest.com . Please visit!
Renewing Members: Subsea Tours and Kayaks Pacific Wildlife Care Envoy Mortgage Company Franklin Real Estate Ed Crye & Son Fraternal order of Eagles Morro Bay Stand Up PaddleboardingMary Robinson Culligan Urgent Care of Morro Bay Ephe Mer (Homemade Beachwear) Hinson’s Tire Beads by the Bay Keller Williams Aloha Shirt Company Hearst Castle Theater
Bay Osos Brokers Bruce and Joeana Carpenter Cayucos Vacation Rentals Bayshore Realty Cypress Morro Bay RV & Mobile Home Park Bay Pines Travel Trailer Park Breakers Motel Carla’s Kitchen Dutchman’s Seafood House Blue Sail Inn Best Western Tradewinds PG&E Catch the Wind Sailing Harbor Gun Shop Chablis Cruises Eco Rotary Achievement House Don’s Barbershop
Giovanni’s Fish Market Morro Bay Aquarium Carousel Taffy Beach Bungalow Inn & Suites Rock Kayak Old West Kettle Korn Don Maruska Morro Bay Foursquare Church
New Members
Morro Bay Standup Paddleboarding éphé mer custom made beachwear Awakening interfaith spiritual center Envoy Mortgage Company
When you renew or begin your membership, we announce it on facebook – www.facebook.com/morro.chamber. We have reached up to 4500 people with our posts.
I am a big believer in a balanced diet consisting of items from the five major food groups on the food pyramid. It calls for five servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables. Now vegetables have never been my favorite foods, especially broccoli, no matter that it is good for one’s immune system or might even possess the cure for cancer. I tolerate it along with peas, green beans, spinach, cauliflower, carrots, and Brussels sprouts because I know that in order to be even relatively healthy, I must eat my vegetables. My vegetarian friends invite me to eat at restaurants that serve all manner of green items and it leaves me wondering whether they think because my last name is the name of a cow that I like to graze. Not so! I think nothing of consuming the grilled, broiled, or roasted cuts of my bovine cousins of the same name. However, I must admit that after altering my eating patterns recently and limiting the beefies, breads, and baked goods, and increasing raw snap peas, carrots, cauliflower, and, yes, broccoli along with leafy greens, I’ve dropped a number of unwanted pounds and feel a whole lot more alive. Thus it was that I became interested in obtaining good, clean, fresh veggies, preferably straight from someone’s garden. At the same time my Eco-Rotary club invited Jenny Brantlee Jones to present a program on nutrition and she brought with her the Tower Garden, the latest way for people to grow some vegetables even if they have no yard or little outdoor space. “We all need nutritious food for protein, calcium and phyto-nutrients,” Jones said, “and leafy greens are one of the best ways to get them.” She grows lettuces, spinach, kale, broccoli, beans, and more in a garden that stands about five or six feet high and contains no soil. The Tower is a vertical aeroponic growing system and is perfect for city dwellers as it can be placed on terraces, decks, patios, rooftops, and balconies in the sun. “It takes 20 gallons of water the first time it is filled,” Jones said, “and this then recirculates in the system.” A specially formulated plant food is added and the Tower Garden can grow vegetables, herbs, fruits, or flowers in less time than it takes in soil. “We’re told to eat our vegetables and fruits by doctors,” Jones said, “and then for every one time we are told this, we are urged one hundred times over on TV to eat Carl’s Jr. or Kentucky Fried Chicken or a Big Mac. Now it is a matter of taking your health into your own hands.” Do we even know where our food is coming from? Do we know how it was grown? Whose hands have been on it? What kind of soil was it grown in? What pesticides or fertilizers were used? How long ago was it picked? How far was it driven? And with drought in mind, how much water was used for it to be grown? The organic foods movement has taken off in recent years but for vegans, who eat no meat products, even this type of produce is not the best as growers often use organic fertilizers such as fish or turkey emulsion. “We got away from the Victory Garden or the small family farm,” Jones commented, “and corporate farming took over everything by the 1950s. We’ve gone off course and the cancer rate has risen, heart disease is rampant as well as auto immune problems. Some of these may be caused by our indulgence in processed foods. If we want to eat more good produce we need to be growing our own food where we are in control.” Jones hosts a vegan potluck once a month at her home and anyone is welcome. She also hosts a support group for people who desire to become more plant based. It meets every Tuesday at 5:30 P.M. for one hour at the Parklet on Main Street. The Tower is certainly an interesting and innovative way to grow green vegetables, but whatever we decide to do, one thing is certain, we need to be sure to eat our veggies for good health. Learn more about the Tower Garden at www.JennyB.TowerGarden.com and the potluck and food group at heyjenny@gmail.com or call her at 805-234-7279.
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Morro Bay Life - August 2015 - 9
History preserved for generations to come MB50th and MBHS hosted successful time capsule burial
By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life
At 3 p.m., July 17 the Morro Bay 50th Celebration Committee and the Morro Bay Historical Society buried a time capsule to be unearthed for the city’s centennial anniversary. The capsule contained a collection of digitized materials including photos, audio and video, all depicting or describing life in Morro Bay today. Morro Bay city officials including Mayor Jamie Irons came out to enjoy this historic moment and monument to Morro Bay. “A big thanks to Joan Solu who is the chair for the 50th and hosted such wonderful activities going off without a hitch,” Irons said. “And here we are a year later, planting this time peace in the ground. That is really cool. Thanks to the historical society and the city crew who are helping to facilitate the burial.” Roger Castle of MBHS was elated as he took the time capsule in hand and began to secure the top with glue for burial. As the capsule went into the ground everyone in attendance clapped and cheered. City maintenance staff member Walter Rosa drove up to the City Park with a big dump truck, allowing staff members Dillon Pruitt and Josh Whitcomb to begin to bury the capsule. After the capsule was covered in earth, Rosa placed a rock very similar to the shape of Morro Rock atop the mound. This will be fitted with a plaque and will not be disturbed until June 30, 2064. Photos By Allyson Oken
RIGHT: Member of the community, city staff, Morro Bay 50th and Morro Bay Historical Society were all proud to be preserving their town’s history for future generations in commemoration of the city’s 50th anniversary. Below: City maintenance staff, Dillon Pruitt and Josh Whitcomb came out to preserve history with MB50th and MBHS burying the time capsule.
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10 - Morro Bay Life - August 2015
ONGOING EVENTS
Farmers Market The Morro Bay weekly Saturday farmers market is open to the public beginning at 3 to 6 p.m. There will be all kinds of wonderful artisan wares and produce for purchase. The event is located in downtown Morro Bay at Main and Harbor Street. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467. Farmers Market 2 The Morro Bay weekly Thursday farmers market is open to the public beginning at 3 to 5 p.m. There will be all kinds of wonderful artisan wares and produce for purchase. The event is located at Spencer’s Market, located at 2650 Main Street in Morro Bay. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-8103. Live Music Thursdays at STAX Come listen to cool music at STAX with a glass of wine and tasty treats from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, to book a band and see what is happening for the month of events visit, staxwine.com or e-mail staxwine@yahoo.com. Spooner Ranch House Tour Days The Central Coast State Parks Association and their Executive Director, Mary Golden have raised over $200,000 to fund restoration of the historic Spooner Ranch House. Now open, Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with plans for expansion. To learn more and to set up a private event, make a donation and meet with a docent contact Mary Golden at, mgolden@ccspa.info or visit, ccspa.info. Art Classes with Manseau Enjoy Diana Manseau at her Monday Acrylics class and Thursday, Mixed-Media Drawing class, through Morro Bay Recreation and Parks Department. Acrylics put brush to paper from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday and all can mix-up their media from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday. All for the cost of $45 per month with $5 discounts offered to Morro Bay residents and for drop-ins the cost is $12 per class. To sign up for classes in advance and to see a full list of options for adult education and youth programing, visit morrobay.ca.us or stop by MBRPD, located at 1001 Kennedy Way. For inquiries call Heather SalyerFrith 772-6278. The Morro Bay Senior Citizens, Inc. The Morro Bay Senior Citizens, Inc. is looking for a few new volunteers! If you like assisting people, the Morro Bay Senior Center may be the perfect location to volunteer! Volunteers at the Morro Bay Senior Center meet and greet people daily, provide information regarding various senior services within our community, checkout medical equipment, and more! It is a fun and friendly atmosphere, a great place to spend a few hours once a week. Interested volunteers should contact the Senior Center at 772-4421. Free Dance at Chessboard Morro Bay Bellydance troupe Benat Serat invites you to join them for a free family- friendly dance performance at the Giant Chessboard on the Embarcadero. This 45 minute show will begin at 2 pm. It will feature original dances set to current music as well as traditional middle eastern rhythms. Beginning Belly dance classes are Tuesdays at 7 pm through the Morro Bay Community Center, and Sundays at Wilwand Tea Co. & Healing Arts upstairs studio in Atascadero. To learn more visit benatserat.wordpress.com Morro Bay Embarcadero Art Walk On the second Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m. Art Galleries and Shops located in the Marina Square Complex on the waterfront side of the Embarcadero. Spend an enjoyable evening along the waterfront free! Converse with many talented local artists about their fine art, jewelry, crafts and more! Have a work of art, signed by the artist! Listen to local guitarist, Mike Swanberg. Enjoy refreshments provided by participating galleries and shops. Marina Square Complex, 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442 contact Marina Square Complex 772-1068. Zumba Come laugh and move to the Cha-Cha and Salsa, Cumbia and Soca, Merengue and Reggaeton, and SO MANY MOVE world rhythms. Mondays & Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.$5 a class drop-in. Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. Bellfit® Bellyfit® combines moves and music from Bhangra, Bollywood, and African and Belly Dance with Pilates and Yoga to give participants an Fusion Fitness experiences that leaves them feeling energized and focused, all within 1-hour. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.$5 a class drop-in. Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. Country Western Line Dancing with Jan Blakely Join Jan this summer as he leads the fun, no partner needed class through several popular line dances. July 8 through August 26, Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. Troupe Benat Serat Belly Dance Classes Learn to move with rhythm, grace, and expression. Beginners: Tuesdays Intermediates & Performance Group: Thursdays 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. $20 a month for each class or $7 a drop-in for each class Morro Bay Residents Receive a $5 discount on the Monthly Fee! Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way.
Community Calendar Cuesta Aikido Aikido redirects an attack into a take-down or throw to neutralize it without injury to the attacker. It provides a principled approach to protect oneself that provides physically healthy activity and skill the benefit normal daily living. Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. $37a month, Morro Bay residents receive a $5 discount or $7 a class drop-ins. Located at Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. Private Tennis Lessons with Tennis Pro Stephanie Wagner Coach Wagner’s lessons are for all ages and all skill levels. Lessons take place mostly at Monte Young Tennis Courts, however, when scheduling your lessons with Coach Wagner, a specific time and location will be determined. Contact the Recreation Department at 772-6278 to schedule your lessons today! Preschool Story Time Held Tuesday mornings 10:30-11:15 until June 29. in the Morro Bay Library children’s area. Join us for engaging stories and songs. Located at Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor Street in Morro Bay. E-Devise workshops Offered Thursday mornings 8:30-10:00 a.m. in the Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St. Bring your questions about your electronic devise. Nook, Kindle, iPad, laptop. Please call for an appointment, 772-6394. North Coast Writer’s NCW meet every third Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, June 20, July 18, August 15. In the program room at the Morro Bay Library located at 625 Harbor Street. Join us for discussion, encouragement, advice, and the occasional guest speaker. Coffee is provided. Free Summer Meals for kids and teens! Morro Bay Library, 625 Harbor St. provided and sponsored by the SLO Food Bank, Lovin’ Lunchbox, and Must! Charities. June 16 – July 23, 12:00-1:00pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Lunch provided on the patio. ONLY at Morro Bay Library – Tuesday’s Kids can read a book to a canine friend, Wednesday’s Play table top games with parents & friends, and Thursday’s- Watch a short movie with lunch. Morro Bay Art Center Oil Painting Class Every Monday the Morro Bay Art Center is hosting Jason Mayr’s oil painting class for anyone to enjoy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This class will be available every Monday for the year 2015. To learn more anyone can isit, artcentermorrobay.com.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 Summer Street Fair
The Morro Bay Merchants Association is hosting music, dancing, kiddie entertainment, food and gifts for their annual summer street fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy this free event located on Morro Bay Blvd and Main Streets. For more information, visit morro-bay.net
Morro Bay Art Center Creativity Day Everyday is creativity day at the Morro Bay Art Center. Now on Wednesday’s it’s official from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all can let the creative juices flow. To learn more anyone can visit, artcentermorrobay.com. Otter Rock Karaoke With Bobby Santacruz Come out and let that star in you shine at Bobby Santacruz Karaoke night from 8 p.m. to midnight every Wednesday in August on the 5, 12, 19 and 26. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe. com. AUGUST 4, 11, 18 & 25 Ruby Dragon Presents Join Michael Singer for an eight-week exploratory journey into heart and share a group reading, practice the principles set out in this rich book, and have guided meditations to bring these teachings together. Please purchase book prior to class either online, at Coalesce Bookstore, or at unity5cities.org.
Otter Rock Live Music
The Morro Bay Women’s Connection will host their annual clothing exchange from Noon to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 13 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring clothing, purses, shoes, jewelry, etc. you never wear. Take home something you love. Debra Harris shares how she discovered that her happy place included more than a beach chair and the latest fashion magazine. Rock Harbor, 1475 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. $5 includes meal and program. First time guests are free. To make reservations contact Rita by calling 534-1739 or e-mailing morrobaywc@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Paint the County Art Center Morro Bay Show
Paint the County is a juried open show featuring artwork that depicts life in San Luis Obispo County that participants are recognized for at an awards presentation. The gallery is open daily Noon to 4 p.m. with an opening reception hosted on Sunday, August 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This show closes on October 5 so don’t miss out. Visit artcentermorrobay.com for more information.
Otter Rock Live Music
Loren Radis, singer songwriter is playing at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.
ASTROLOGY IN THE AFTERNOON Monthly Astrology Exploration is hosted every third Wednesday from Noon -1:00 p.m. with a suggested donation $10. Join Catherine Kincaid, M.S., L.M.F.T. Aug. 19. This monthly astrology class is open to all with an interest in the interconnections of the individual with the cosmos. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.
METAPHYSICAL DISCUSSION GROUP For those who think, feel, and dream outside of “the box” on the first Tuesday of the month from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. for the cost of $5 per person, $3 with student I.D. Meet with Kendelyn Lane Aug. 4. This is an opportunity to meet with other progressive and inquisitive minds. For more information, visit rubydragon.info. MEDICINE WHEEL WISDOM An inner journey to the sacred center Aug 22 and 29, Sept. 5 and 12, closing ceremony and initiation on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. each day for the cost of $333. All must register by August 13 at Teressena’s home with Teressena Bakens. The Medicine Wheel is more than an indigenous tradition. For more information, visit rubydragon.info. ANGEL HEALING CIRCLE On the second and fourth Wednesday, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. for the cost of $20 each enjoy class with Mary Hiestand, ATP Aug. 12 and 26. The Angel Healing Circle
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Otter Rock Live Music
Easy in Ska Band is playing at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 8:30 to 12:30 a.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Otter Rock Live Music
Gillie Wheesels is playing at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 7 to10 p.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
MBWC ANNUAL CLOTHING EXCHANGE
at Ruby Dragon is a peaceful time designed to help you relax, meditate, and connect to your Angels. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.
TAROT TUESDAYS Calling all Empresses, Magicians, Lovers, and Seekers on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 2:00-4:00 p.m. for the cost of $20. A fun afternoon of interactive tarot play! Relax with a cup of tea. Bring your favorite deck. Enhance your intuitive reading skills, learn new spreads, practice reading with each other. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 Matt Niño a local teen is playing for the first time at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.
AUG
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 CRYSTAL SKULL MEDITATION
Experience the light, love, healing and peace of the crystal skull, Opheleah from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a suggested love offering of $10 with Teressena Bakens. This is an open meditation with the crystal skull, Opheleah, who is here to assist humanity in opening the heart and expanding consciousness. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Coalesce Bookstore Live Music
Kicking off at 7 p.m. for the cost of $22 enjoy a concert featuring Grammy Award winning guitarist, Ed Gerhard. This is an amazingly intimate setting to see live music and an event no one should miss. For more information, call 772-1816 or 441-5478.
SOUND HEALING VORTEX
Enjoy a synergy of sound and energy healing from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. for the cost of $20 with Lori Lewis, Intuitive Sound and Energy Healer. Come prepared to relax, receive and enjoy. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Estero Bay United Methodist Church Annual Yard Sale Everyone is invited to the Estero Bay United Methodist Church Annual Yard Sale from 8 a.m. -2 p.m. at 3000 Hemlock Avenue, Morro Bay. New and gently used clothing for all ages, household items, books, furniture, collectibles and more will be available for purchase. Homemade baked goods and coffee will be available at
Photos by Nicholas Mattson
the sale. Call the church office for more information 7726466.
AUGUST FAERIE HAPPENING
Faerie Houses & Fae Furniture Round 3 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. for the cost of $20 per person or family pair limited to 20 people with Tobey White Heart Crockett, PhD URL to longer description of class at inspirationconsultation. com. Enjoy an exploration and sharing of the World of the Faeries for Children of all Ages. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
Coalesce Bookstore Listening Circle Workshop
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. join the Listening Circle Workshop with Zette Harbour. A major part of effective communication is the ability to listen. For more information, call before attending, 772-1816 or 441-5478.
SERPENT GODDESS
Celebrating the serpentine energy of the sacred feminine from Noon - 5:00 p.m. for the cost of $88. All must register by August 20 to join Teressena Bakens in an empowering day to explore the energy, wisdom, and strength of the Serpent Goddess. This primordial energy that resides within us is an infinite source of feminine wisdom, sexuality, creativity, and energy. For more information, visit rubydragon.info.
SATUDAY, AUGUST 29 FULL MOON CIRCLE
At 6:30 p.m. for free at Morro Rock, on the beach with Teressena Bakens celebrate the Full Moon. Open to men, women and children. Feel free to bring a rattle or drum if you like. Bring a lawn chair if you do not wish to stand for the entire ceremony. Please respect and honor the ceremony by being on time do not interrupt the ceremony once we have started. For more information, call before attending, 772-1816 or 441-5478.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Otter Rock Live Music
Emily Zisman and Ryan Avery are playing at Morro Bays’ Otter Rock Cafe from 7 to10 p.m. Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get your groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit otterrockcafe.com.
Morro Bay Life - August 2015 - 11
The flower lady Morro Bay Historical has new digs
The Board of Directors announces opening of a downtown office Submitted Article
Photos by Ruth Ann Angus
Lara Rapcinski stands by her flowers at her shop at 868 Napa Avenue.
By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life
Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day may be the only time you think about a flower bouquet but for Lara Rapcinski, owner of Harbor Florals and Velvet Bloom Event, flowers are always on her mind. Rapcinski kind of fell into the flower business while studying for her business degree when a class project required her to write a business plan. “I was trying to think of something that was quick and easy and I knew some gals who did bud vases for tables in restaurants. I had to interview three people who had that service and chose Paul Van Beurden of the Dutchman. He had just lost the person doing that service and asked me if I would do it. So I figured, sure.” Rapcinski found out soon that she had a knack for it thus launching her into the flower business. With the bud vase business starting up, Rapcinski researched where to purchase flowers and found local and out-of-thearea growers. One thing led to another and soon she had a shop in North Morro Bay. “At the time I was also volunteering for Second Hand Rose, a volunteer group that makes flower bouquets for seniors at the local care facility, and one of the ladies sons was getting married and she asked me to do the wedding,” Rapcinski said. Weddings being a much larger project, Rapcinski wisely took intensive schooling learning how to properly wire flowers and everything else necessary for floral decorations. She launched this part of her business under the name Velvet Bloom Event. “Working with clients and making their vision come true is what motivates me,” she said, “and for weddings I do as little or as much as they want me to do.” Rapcinski relocated her shop to her present location on Napa and Harbor near the post office. She now specializes in weddings and coordinates all of the planning for the event should the client desire that. This requires not just the floral decorations, but the choice of venue,
securing the catering, the officiator, the photographer, and everything else that goes along with a full wedding plan. “Most people start to do their own planning,” she explained, “and then realize it is a lot to do and then ask me to coordinate the event.” Oddly enough, June is not the busiest month for weddings. “I am busy most in the fall,” she said, “but basically I start with weddings in April and go through November.” Many flower growers have gone out of business so it is always a challenge for her to access flowers. She buys locally as much as possible. Naturally it’s important for the flowers to be fresh but Rapcinski can access any type of flower a customer may want even if they come from out of the area. Cut flowers can last long if properly cared for. “Keeping the water clean is really important,” she explained, “and it needs to be changed completely at least every other day. Then cut the stems of the flowers at an angle and place them into clean water.” Not doing this is probably why many cut flowers don’t last. “The stems develop bacteria on them left in unchanged water,” she said, “and it is the stem that takes up the water.” She also advises not to place cut flowers in direct sun or in hot places. Rapcinski is also the coordinator of Second Hand Rose where volunteers take flowers to Casa de Flores and Bayside Care once a week. She supplies flowers that are just slightly beyond her use and other flowers are donated by the RAMS and Spencer’s Market. Flowers are arranged at Casa de Flores with vases that are kept there for that purpose. Then volunteers go to every room and offer the bouquets to the residents. “We are always looking for volunteers,” she said, “so anyone interested can call me at 772-0770.” For more information go to www. harborfloral.net
July 1 Morro Bay Historical Society signed a three-year lease for a small office at 595 Harbor Street in the Chamber of Commerce office. The building also houses 97.3 The ROCK, Morro Bay’s own public radio station and several other small startup businesses. The location will bring MBHS more contact with the public, the business community, and the City. Included in the arrangement is ample and comfortable space for board and committee meetings. “We can offer small events there such as a starting place for guided walking tours,” MBHS spokes person wrote. “We also plan to use the climate-controlled space for storage of our historical collections and to work on cataloging them.” MBHS will be having an open house for everyone in August. In the meantime they have developed a list of items they will need to make the space a functional home for the Society. “If you can donate any of the items listed below please let us know,” MBHS wrote. For more information call your favorite board director, leave us a message at 805399-2772, or send us an email at mailto: morrobayhistorical@gmail.com
THINGS NEEDED:
1) Large set or sets of adjustable shelves 2) Small desk with at least one standard size file drawer 3) Wood or the type you might see in a store-room or warehouse 4) 4-drawer file cabinet with roller type drawer supports 5) 2-drawer file cabinet 6) 2 or 4 drawer flat document file - for large documents and maps. 7) Desktop or Laptop Computer: Must run software below or come with similar licensed software, standard 2014 or later office software (Windows, Word, Excel, etc., Photo Shop Elements 13. 8) Al-in-One printer scanner (HP Preferred) 9) Misc. Accessories: Stapler, Desk Accessories, Mail and Literature holders etc.
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fun, games, movies & light dinner for ages 3-11
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12 - Morro Bay Life - August 2015
A Twenty Year Celebration
Photos by Ruth Ann Angus
Salt Marsh Estuary at Morro Bay.
By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life
Photo submitted by Morro Bay National Estuary Program
Volunteers doing eelgrass monitoring.
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hearing evaluation Better hearing with a human touch 1052 Main Street, Suite B, Morro Bay, CA 93442
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It is hard to believe that 20 years have flown by with the Morro Bay National Estuary Program. In reality it is a longer time span for those of us who came together to hopefully preserve the natural treasure we have here in our own backyard. In 1989 Friends of the Estuary and the Bay Foundation were formed and along with the Morro Bay Task Force worked together to spearhead efforts to preserve the bay. These groups were made of up residents from across the county. We knew that changes to the bay and estuary were inevitable, but we could see that human influence was speeding up those changes. Many informative and educational programs were held offering insight into the natural history of the area and the elements that form the ecosystem. Some of us had never heard terms like nutrients and sedimentation rates before. We didn’t understand what a watershed was or why a meander is important in a stream. Our scientific and technical knowledge was limited, but we held in our hearts a love for this location and its wildlife. Our work paid off and in 1995 the Morro Bay National Estuary Program was formed. We were also included as a California State Estuary. We were ecstatic with these accomplishments, but our delight is tempered even today knowing that more work needs to be done as we face the unknowns associated with climate change. Twenty years is a time for remembering, reminiscing, and celebrating. You are invited to join us by donating your time to keep Morro Bay clean and healthy. Give a Day to the Bay These events are taking place now through Oct. 31 and you may choose to join with a series of volunteer organizations to benefit the estuary and watershed. Come out with Morro Bay in Bloom to pull weeds and clean up trash from Centennial Parkway on Aug. 8, Sept. 12, and Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers can contact Walter Heath at morrobayinbloom@gmail.com or 772-4685. Participate in Coastal Cleanup Day, an international event that focuses on cleaning beaches and waterways around the world. Join with ECO-SLO, the local event organizer, on September 19th by signing up at: http:/theecoslo.ivolunteer.com/ccd_2015. The Morro Bay National Estuary Program will host a site on the sandspit. An underwater clean up with Depth Perceptions Diving Services will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Divers come on out and help – prizes will be given by drawing! RSVP in person at Depth Perceptions or contact Chuck Rawlinson at cmdiver@ aol.com or at 595-3631. Last year’s dive clean-up had 72 people join in and they pulled over 250 items from the water, including a laptop computer, a 14-foot aluminum skiff, 10 tires, and two pump motors! Eco-Rotary Club of Morro Bay invites you to join with them to spruce up Bayshore Bluffs Park on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. The group is in charge of tidying up this small city park every month. We will pull weeds, pick up trash, and plant new plants, and then enjoy a celebratory picnic. Contact Trina Dougherty at tkdough@gmail.com . Clean the beach near Morro Rock with the Surfriders on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. No RSVP required, just come out and join us. More information at: https://slo. surfrider.org/events/beach-clen-ups/ . Estuary Update On Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Morro Bay Community Center Jen Nix, Restoration Projects Manager will discuss the health of eelgrass in the bay. Ann Kitajima, Volunteer Monitoring Program Manager will talk about water quality and bacteria in the bay and watershed. Morro Bay National Estuary Program’s 20th Anniversary Party Come to the party at Windows on the Water on Sept. 26 from noon to 3 p.m. to celebrate with us. Open house at the Nature Center and Estuary Program offices. There will be recognition of founders, good food, activities, and information about the program as it stands today.