Central Coast CA 2023-24

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Toma Restaurant & Bar

Sunny eatery featuring Italian cuisine & a sizable wine list in a compact space with harbor vistas.

324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Phone: (805) 962-0777 | Web: tomarestaurant.com

Laili Restaurant

Lamb, seafood & veggie dishes get a contemporary twist at this elegant Mediterranean & Afghan spot.

101 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Phone: (831) 423-4545 | Web: lailirestaurant.com

Zookers Restaurant

Californian fare includes seafood, steak & locally sourced produce in a warm, casual space.

5404 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013

Phone: (805) 684-8893 | www.zookersrestaurant.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Oyster Loft

Refined seafood, raw-bar fare, steaks & drinks served in beachfront digs with a patio & ocean views.

101 Pomeroy Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA

Celias Garden

Quaint cafe serving breakfast & lunch fare in a relaxed space with a garden patio.

1188 Los Osos Valley Rd # C, Los Osos, CA

Sushi Teri

Local outpost of a small casual chain serving Japanese cuisine & a wide variety of signature rolls.

970 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA

Oswald Restaurant

Happening spot for creative

American entrees in a modern setting with optional fixed-price menus.

121 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA

The Spot

Venerable counter serve with outdoor seating dishing up burgers, shakes & fast-food staples.

389 Linden Ave, Carpinteria, CA

The Lark Santa Barbara

Urbane eatery in a former fish market offers New American fare in wood-lined quarters & patio.

131 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA

La Casita Restaurant

Long-running Mexican eatery serving breakfast & classic entrees in a relaxed, traditional space.

2008 9th St, Los Osos, CA

Giuseppe’s Cucina

Quaint Italian restaurant serving familiar fare, including pizza from a wood-burning oven.

891 Price St, Pismo Beach, CA

Sylvester’s Burgers

Outpost of a small chain known for its distinctive burgers, including elk & buffalo varieties.

1099 Santa Ynez Avenue, Los Osos, CA

Delgado’s

Old-school, family-run fixture with a patio serving Mexican plates & creative cocktails.

4401 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA

JUL 15

37th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival

Step back in time and transport yourself to the enchanting world of the Elizabethan era at the 37th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival! This unforgettable experience will take place on July 15 & 16 at the picturesque Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo. Learn more at ccrenfaire.com.

Jul 28-30

Blue Note Jazz Festival

The festival returns to Napa with three stages featuring established, eclectic, and cutting-edge artists who reflect a deep appreciation for jazz. The lineup appeals to a cross-generational audience and includes Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton, Digable Planets, Ari Lennox, Big Freedia, and Cordae. Details at sfstation.com.

Aug 12-13

Apple Fair

Enjoy live music on two stages, all things Gravenstein in our new “Apple Alley,” fabulous local food, art & crafts vendors, activities for kids, farm animals and demonstrations, craft ciders, iconic microbrews, premium wines, and VIP Lounge. Music headliners include Poor Man’s Whiskey, Rainbow Girls, and The Sam Chase and The Untraditional. Awarded Bohemian’s “Best Festival” for 2023 and the first-ever Green Resolution for events by Sonoma County Zero Waste, the Fair is proud to be 95% zero waste. Visit tickettailor.com for tickets.

AUG 31

Monterey County Fair

The annual Monterey County Fair is always fun for all, with livestock exhibition, entertainment, live music, amusement and delicious food! Learn more at montereycountyfair.com

SEP 22

Monterey Jazz Festival

The Monterey Jazz Festival is the longest continuously-running jazz festival in the world and is held annually on the 20-acre, oak-studded Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey, Calif. Since 1958, the nonprofit Monterey Jazz Festival has been committed to celebrating America’s creativity and cultural heritage by presenting legendary jazz musicians, composers, and young rising stars. Learn more at montereyjazzfestival.org.

Oct 5-8

Redwood Coast Music Festival

Featuring 4 days of live music at iconic venues, dance floors PLUS special sets and band combinations you won’t see or hear anywhere else! Full line up and details at rcmfest.org.

OCT 21

Ride Santa Barbara 100

At Ride Santa Barbara, the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you celebrate your achievements with fellow riders, friends, and family. Indulge in delicious food, live music, and a sense of accomplishment that will stay with you long after the ride. Learn more at ridesb100.com.

NOV 24

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Learn more at santacruz.org.

DEC 1

Holiday Harmony

Please join the City of Pismo Beach at the Pier for their annual Holiday Harmony event for an evening of family friendly entertainment! This

year’s event will include our tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus, 2 snow zones, and activities for the kids. The first 250 children in the Santa Line will receive goody bags compliments of Pismo Beach Recreation. This event is free to all and begins at 5:30PM. Food & beverages will be available for purchase, please leave pets at home. Learn more at experiencepismobeach.com.

FEB 24 2024

43rd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off

Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 43rd Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston and Manhattan Clam Chowder, and you can help pick a winner each day. Rain or Shine! Tasting kit proceeds benefit Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation. Learn more at beachboardwalk.com.

APR 27 2024

Boardwalk PRIDE

Show your PRIDE and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with free live entertainment, giveaways and info booths. Enjoy rides and games plus fun photo ops and exclusive merchandise available throughout the park. Learn more at beachboardwalk.com.

JUN (TBD) 2024

Pridefest

Spend the day celebrating Pride as a community! Enjoy vendors, resource and information booths, music, dance, and drag, food & drinks, Art & Soul’s creative kids’ section, and more. Bring your flags, bring your Pride, bring your friends and family! Come drink and dance with your favorite Central Coast Queens. Learn more at slopride.com.

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

1 2 3 4 5

SILVERSEA OCEANIA REGENT SEVEN SEAS SEABOURN

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

TRANZ CENTRAL COAST

Tranz Central Coast (TCC) uses outreach and advocacy to help transgender and other gender-diverse people live authentic, productive and happy lives in a safe and affirming community. Web: www.tranzcentralcoast.org

EQUALITY CALIFORNIA

Equality California brings the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. Web: eqca.org

GALA PRIDE AND DIVERSITY CENTER

The Gala Pride & Diversity Center advocates for the Central Coast’s LGBTQ+ community and prioritizes the individuals of the Central Coast in their everyday lives from helping someone new to the area to find connections to helping a person find support services. Web: galacc.org

PACIFIC PRIDE FOUNDATION

Pacific Pride Foundation proudly provides services to the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ communities of Santa Barbara County. All of our programs are free or low-cost. Web: pacificpridefoundation.org

SANTA BARBARA GAY MEN’S CHORUS

We are a non-auditioned ensemble so anyone and everyone is welcome to join! Our rehearsals will be Monday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at the First United Methodist Church located at the corner of Garden and Anapamu. Web: www.sbgmc.org

THE DIVERSITY CENTER OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Each year, The Diversity Center reaches approximately 10,000 individuals through our onsite programs, outreach and education events, our work with school-based Gay/Straight Alliances, and our Triangle Speakers program. We fulfill our mission to inspire and support every member of the LGBTQ+ community with a culture of wellbeing. Web: www.diversitycenter.org