Revetment and Seawalls Inspection and Assessment Final Report Now Available to the Public
The final revetment and seawall inspection and assessment report is now complete and available to the public. The report, which was prepared by Richard Brady & Associates under the direction of the Public Works Department, will be presented to the Harbor Advisory Board, Public Works Advisory Board, and City Council this spring.
Methods of inspection used to develop the assessment include visual, Echosound, LiDAR, geotechnical, and ground penetrating radar. The report details vulnerabilities in the infrastructure as well as recommended actions and next steps. The City plans to use the report as a basis for requesting grant funding for future revetment and seawall repair projects.
March art listings at the Gallery at Marina Square
The Gallery at Marina Square in Morro Bay, is excited to feature four talented artists throughout March, showcasing a variety of artistic styles and mediums. This month’s exhibits highlight the creative works of Grant Kreinberg in photography, Teresa Ferguson in photography, Ron Dieb in knife painting, and Thomas Mackenzie Brown in ceramics. Each artist brings a unique perspective and approach, making this exhibition an exciting visual experience.
Kreinberg, featured in Upper Gallery I, is a Northern California-based photographer with a background in civil engineering. His passion for photography has led him to explore and capture the world through a distinctive lens. His work primarily focuses on nature, outdoor scenery, and abstract compositions, reflecting his keen eye and imaginative perspective. Upper Gallery II will showcase the photography of Ferguson, a Central Coast artist whose journey began in painting before transitioning to the camera. Her work beautifully captures the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and human experiences of the region, bringing the natural world to life through her lens.
In the Lower Gallery, Dieb’s knife painting in oil presents an expressive exploration of color and texture. Utilizing thick applications of paint with knives and brushes, Dieb’s work conveys energy, movement, and vibrancy, inviting viewers into a world of bold artistic expression. Meanwhile, the Craft Atelier Space will feature the ceramics of Brown, a specialist in crystalline glazes. With years of technical expertise and artistic innovation, Brown’s ceramic pieces showcase rich textures and striking colors, elevating the traditional craft to new heights.
The exhibition runs from March 1 through 30, with a special Opening Reception on Saturday, March 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. The gallery, located at 601 Embarcadero, Suite 10, Morro Bay, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (805) 772-1068
Morro Bay Art Association hosts free pastel demonstration with Greg Trombly
The Morro Bay Art Association invites the public to a free pastel painting demonstration by artist Greg Trombly on Monday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St., Morro Bay.
Trombly will showcase various pastel techniques, emphasizing basic drawing, observation skills, composition, color, and value. Attendees are encouraged to interact with the artist and explore the magic of pastels in an engaging and educational setting.
Additionally, Trombly will be teaching a pastel painting workshop on March 19 to 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Art Center Morro Bay. If space is available, workshop signups will be offered during the free demonstration.
For more details on the demonstration and workshop, visit artcentermorrobay.org
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Charles Paddock Zoo welcomes new Mexican spider monkeys
The Charles Paddock Zoo has welcomed three young Mexican spider monkeys, joining longtime resident Izzy, a 45-year-old spider monkey. The new arrivals, all under a year old, came from another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo.
Mexican spider monkeys are an endangered species native to Mexico and Central America, facing threats from habitat loss and the pet trade. Their new habitat at the zoo recently received upgrades, with MGP Paintings sponsoring the renovation.
The Charles Paddock Zoo focuses on animals from biodiversity hotspots, which make up just 2.5 percent of Earth’s land surface but support nearly half of all unique bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. The zoo is home to over 300 animals, including red pandas, meerkats, a Malayan tiger, and more.
The zoo is open daily at Atascadero Lake Park. For more details, visit charlespaddockzoo.org
Spring season adult basketball team registration now open
The City of Atascadero is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Adult Basketball Spring Season. The league will run from March 23 through June 1 at the Colony Park Community Center, featuring seven regular season games followed by an end-of-season tournament. Games will take place on Sundays, with some holidays excluded. The league is open to coed teams, and registration is team-based only, requiring a minimum of eight players and a maximum of 12 players per team. A mandatory team manager’s meeting is scheduled for March 17, with the time to be determined.
The team registration fee is $489, with an additional $5 per non-resident player. Teams with eight or more non-resident players will have an added 10 percent fee ($48.90). All registrations and payments must be submitted in person at the Colony Park Community Center, located at 5599 Traffic Way, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The registration deadline is March 3, so gather your team and secure your spot for an exciting season of basketball competition.
Adult Social Kickball spring season team registrations now open
The City of Atascadero is excited to announce that registration for the 2025 Adult Social Kickball League is now open. Games will be held on Wednesday evenings at the Paloma Creek softball fields, with the season running from April 9 through May 28. Teams will play for eight weeks, with each game lasting seven innings or one hour, whichever comes first. The league is coed, and registration is team-based only, requiring a minimum of 11 players and a maximum of 18 players per team. A mandatory team manager’s meeting will take place the week before the season starts, with the date and time to be determined.
The team registration fee is $436, with an additional $5 per non-resident player. If a team has eight or more non-resident players, an extra 10 percent fee ($43.60) will apply. Registration and payments must be submitted in person at the Colony Park Community Center, located at 5599 Traffic Way, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The registration deadline is March 20, so gather your team, relive your childhood, and get ready for a fun season of kickball.
Flo Rida to headline California Mid-State Fair concert
The California Mid-State Fair is excited to announce that global hip-hop sensation Flo Rida will perform on Wednesday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. An opening act will be announced at a later time. The concert will take place in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center and is part of the Michelob Ultra Concert Series.
Tickets for this show will go on sale Friday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. on the fair’s official website. The ticket prices are $50, $65, and $90. New this year: The California Mid-State Fair has partnered with Ticketmaster. Fans can now use their Ticketmaster accounts to purchase tickets.
Visit MidStateFair.com, click “Buy Tickets,” and you will be directed to the purchasing page.
Flo Rida has dominated the global music scene with anthems such as “Low,” “Right Round,” “Whistle,” “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones,” “Sugar,” and “My House.” Known for his high-energy performances, infectious beats, and ability to get the crowd on their feet, Flo Rida promises an unforgettable night of music and excitement. With three No. 1 hits and eleven Top 10 singles, his career continues to thrive, making him one of the most recognizable names in hip-hop and pop music.
Atascadero and SLO County begin clean energy service with Central Coast Community Energy
The City of Atascadero and unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County have officially begun receiving clean energy service through Central Coast Community Energy (3CE). With this transition, residents and businesses in Atascadero and SLO County join 33 other local government partners in accessing locally controlled, renewable energy.
“By joining together with 3CE, Atascadero and unincorporated San Luis Obispo County are strengthening their voice in shaping the region’s energy future,” said Catherine Stedman, CCO of 3CE. “This partnership empowers residents and businesses with greater local control, expands access to clean energy solutions, and drives investment in programs that support long-term economic and environmental benefits. By working together, we can maximize our impact and ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for the Central Coast.”
3CE procures renewable electricity, while PG&E continues to manage infrastructure, power delivery, and billing. As one of 25 community choice energy agencies in California, 3CE provides local governments and residents with a more active role in energy decisions.
“Atascadero is pleased to partner with 3CE to enhance our city’s energy portfolio and offer more services to our community,” said City Manager Jim Lewis. “This collaboration supports our efforts to improve essential services while providing consumer choice, potential savings, and investment in energy infrastructure for our residential and commercial communities.”
Residents and businesses can now access rebates and incentives for a variety of clean energy projects, including all-electric affordable housing, electric vehicles and EV chargers, electric school, farmworker, and transit buses, electric agricultural equipment, and home electrification with battery storage.
For more information, visit 3CEnergy.org
Tickets on sale now for Habitat for Humanity SLO County’s annual Build With Us fundraiser
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) invites the community to an evening of impact at its annual Build With Us fundraising event, where every ticket sold and every sponsorship secured helps build homes, communities, and hope in SLO County.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the beautiful Edna Valley Ranch, Build With Us is more than just a fundraiser — it’s an inspiring event that transforms lives and makes homeownership a reality. Guests will enjoy live music by the Ryan Delmore Band, dinner by Trumpet Vine Catering, exciting silent and live auctions, a wine pull, and an inspiring program. The event will be emceed by Neil Herbert, former KSBY news anchor.
Funds raised through this event directly support Habitat SLO’s critical programs, including home preservation, aging-in-place initiatives for seniors, new construction, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Individual tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at habitatslo.org
Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg appointed to California Air Resources Board
The County of San Luis Obispo and SLO County Air Pollution Control District announced that Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg has been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This appointment underscores her leadership in environmental policy and commitment to practical and sustainable energy solutions.
Supervisor Ortiz-Legg currently serves as the Chair of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, Chair of the Latino Caucus of California Counties and serves on the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District Board. Since taking office as Third District Supervisor in 2020, she has championed initiatives focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and air quality improvements. Her extensive experience in energy policy, including her tenure as a Right of Way Agent at Pacific Gas and Electric Company and as a Project Manager & Public Affairs Liaison at First Solar, uniquely positions her to contribute to CARB’s mission of reducing air pollution and combating climate change.
“I am honored to join the California Air Resources Board and contribute to the state’s ambitious air quality goals,” said Supervisor Ortiz-Legg. “As we transition to a clean energy future, it is crucial to ensure that all communities, including those in San Luis Obispo County, benefit from common sense policies that promote sustainability and economic growth while protecting our most vulnerable populations.”
This is the first time that a local elected official has sat on the California Air Resources Board. CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and air pollution control in California, setting and enforcing emissions standards to improve public health and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Supervisor Ortiz-Legg’s expertise in climate policy and community engagement will bring a valuable perspective to the board as it continues to implement groundbreaking initiatives to protect California’s air quality and advance environmental equity.
This appointment requires Senate confirmation and does not include compensation.
Applications now open for Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant
The California Mid-State Fair is now accepting online applications for the 2025 Miss California Mid-State Fair Scholarship Pageant. Eligible contestants must be 18-24 years old (or a graduating senior) as of July 16, be a San Luis Obispo County resident, and have never been married.
Contestants will compete in five categories: Interview, Fair/Pageant Proposal, Talent, Evening Gown, and Final Question. Those crowned Queen or Princess will represent the fair daily, introducing performers, meeting dignitaries, and engaging with fairgoers.
Scholarship prizes include $2,500 for the Queen, $1,000 for the 1st Runner-Up Princess, and $500 for the 2nd Runner-Up Princess. Additional awards include Miss Congeniality ($250), Best in Interview ($100), and Best in Talent ($100).
The Pageant will take place on Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. on the Frontier Stage. Admission is free, with paid entry to the fair.
A no-obligation orientation meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the Paso Robles Event Center Administration Office. Applications are due by Friday, April 18, at 11:59 p.m. and can be submitted online at MidStateFair.com under the Applications page.
Online registration now open for CMSF Home Wine & Brew Competitions
Home winemakers and brewers can now register for two highly anticipated competitions at the California Mid-State Fair.
The Central Coast Home Winemaking Competition will take place in May, featuring wines crafted in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Monterey counties. Wines will be judged in six categories: white, rosé/blanc, red, dessert, fruit (non-grape), and sparkling. A panel of local judges will evaluate entries based on appearance, aromatics, and taste. This event is supported by Baker Wine & Grape Analysis, ETS Laboratories, and The Vintner’s Vault.
The Central Coast Home Brewing Competition will also be held in May, spotlighting beer, cider, and perry made in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Entries will be assessed on aroma, appearance, and flavor.
Competitions are judged by industry professionals, experienced makers, and longtime evaluators, providing valuable feedback to participants.
The Home Winemaking Competition registration closes on April 18, while the Home Brewing Competition registration remains open until May 2.
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your craft! Register online at MidStateFair.com
