MORRO BAY
Artist Ken Christensen hosts live oil painting demo at Morro Bay Art Center
The Morro Bay Art Center invites the community to an inspiring Oil Painting Live Demonstration by renowned artist Ken Christensen on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Ken Christensen, a celebrated painter, writer, and world traveler, brings his vibrant style influenced by Impressionism and his group “The New Fauves” to this free event. Known for his bold oil paintings, watercolors, block prints, and pastels, Ken will create a small oil painting inspired by a field sketch during the demonstration.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness an accomplished artist at work and explore his creative process.
Santa at Circle Inn Dec. 20
Santa Claus will make an appearance in Downtown Morro Bay on Friday, Dec. 20 as part of a series of Holiday special events hosted by merchants
Local businesses, Gaia’s Garden, Ugly Mug Ceramics, Grandma’s Mercantile, Savory Smoke and Legend’s Tavern, are hosting Santa Claus from 6–8 p.m. at the historic Circle Inn Building, 875 Main St.
The merchants are also going to be open late — until 8 p.m. — on Fridays, Dec. 6 and 13 for holiday shoppers to visit.
Bring the kids to see Santa Claus and maybe find a special gift for a special person.
Art Center Morro Bay Hosts 9th Annual “For the Birds” Exhibit
Art Center Morro Bay presents its 9th annual For the Birds exhibit, a celebration of wildlife art held in conjunction with the Morro Bay Annual Bird Festival. Running from Jan. 9 to Feb. 17, 2025, this exhibit showcases artistic works that honor the diverse bird species and ecosystems of California’s Central Coast.
Visitors can explore art that highlights the beauty of birds, their habitats, and the importance of environmental conservation. The exhibit coincides with the Bird Festival, which draws birding enthusiasts from across the country to experience the region’s rich biodiversity.
The exhibit will be held at Art Center Morro Bay, located at 835 Main Street, Morro Bay. An artists’ reception is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. For more information, contact (805) 772-2504 or visit their website at artcentermorrobay.org.
City of Morro Bay is accepting applications for various advisory bodies
The City of Morro Bay is accepting applications to fill current and upcoming 2025 Advisory Body vacancies. Application and eligibility information is available on the City Clerk’s Advisory Body webpage or by contacting the City Clerk’s office. The deadline for application submission is Friday, Dec. 20, by 5 p.m. For more information, visit morrobayca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19725/Annual-Recruitment-Flyer_24-25
City announces Franklin Riley Park Maintenance Project
The Public Works Department, in collaboration with the Morro Bay Historical Society announced the Franklin Riley Park Maintenance Project aimed at revitalizing and updating the park for the benefit of all community members.
In 2023 the City was awarded a Habitat Conservation Fund Grant (HCF) through the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990, which provides funds to the State of California for local agencies to enhance and restore public recreation spaces.
Park renovations will include updating the trail surface and realignment, providing more stability and walking clearance from vegetative debris. Three existing benches will be replaced along with the addition of a new bench, a bike rack, two historical and informational panels, as well as a small boulder installation representing the Morro Rock.
The City has partnered with California Conservation Corps (CCC) members from the Los Padres Center for the trail installation. Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Nov. 12, until Nov. 21, with a pause for the holidays and commence again on Dec. 2. Weather permitting, they estimate a completion date by Dec. 5.
Questions may be directed to the City Maintenance Division Manager, Carlos Mendoza, at 805-771-1803.
morrobayca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19709/Press-Release-Franklin-Riley-Park-Maintenance-Project
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Symphony of the Vines presents Brass Quintet Chamber Music Concert
Celebrate the holiday season with Symphony of the Vines’ Off the Vine Chamber Music Series. The performance, titled “Brass Quintet,” will feature a delightful blend of classical and holiday music performed by a professional brass ensemble.
The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, located at 8005 San Gabriel Road, Atascadero. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $15 for students, with free admission for K-12 students accompanied by a paid adult.
Symphony of the Vines, founded in 2010, is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of northern San Luis Obispo County. The ensemble provides exceptional performances, fosters young talent through its Student Spotlight program, and engages the community with educational outreach.
For ticket details, visit symphonyofthevines.org or my805tix.com.
Atascadero man sentenced to prison for sexual assault of two victims
Nathan Daniel Abate, 36, was sentenced on Thursday, Nov. 21, to eight years and eight months in state prison for the sexual assault of two victims between 2009 and 2012. The sentence was handed down by Superior Court Judge Michael S. Frye after a jury found Abate guilty of three counts of sexual assault.
On Oct. 18, Abate was convicted of rape by force or violence, rape of an intoxicated victim, and oral copulation of a person under the age of 18. The crimes involved a pattern of abuse in which Abate provided alcohol to young women before assaulting them. The jury found aggravating factors, including that the victims were vulnerable, and that Abate violated a position of trust.
District Attorney Dan Dow praised the verdict, stating that it demonstrates the commitment to seeking justice for sexual assault survivors. “We will tirelessly seek accountability and justice no matter when the crime occurred,” he said.
This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, San Luis Obispo Police Department, and District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, with prosecution led by Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich. Victim support services were provided by Victim Advocate Kevin Murphy and Courthouse Dog “Edgar.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, assistance is available through local law enforcement and victim organizations such as Lumina Alliance and the San Luis Obispo County Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center.
Santa Maria man convicted of rape causing pregnancy to a minor
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow announced on Wednesday, Nov. 21, that Juan Sanchezflores (DOB 09/07/1980) was sentenced to serve 25 years to life in state prison for rape of a minor that resulted in pregnancy.
Juan Sanchezflores (44) of Santa Maria has been sentenced to serve 25 years to life in state prison for his conviction of rape by means of force or violence and inflicting great bodily injury on a 16-year-old victim. Sanchezflores is now required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
“Predators are not welcome here. Any person who commits a violent crime such as this will be vigorously prosecuted by this office,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.“My heart goes out to this survivor, and I am grateful for her courage to seek assistance from the criminal and victim justice system. I hope that this case serves to encourage all other survivors to report knowing that they will be heard and advocated for in San Luis Obispo County.”
The lengthy sentence is the result of Sanchezflores’ plea of guilty to rape by force or violence and his admission that he personally inflicted great bodily injury. The great bodily injury enhancement to the sentence is based on the young survivor becoming pregnant because of the crime.
The assault occurred about May 2019 on a rural property near Lopez Lake, when the victim was 16 years old. The young survivor is referred to as Confidential Victim in court documents to maintain her confidentiality and privacy as a survivor of sexual assault.
The case was investigated by San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Detectives Patricia Montalvo and Wade Knowles with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kristin Barnard of our Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit. Victim Advocate Divina Diaz assisted the victim through the justice process.
Sheriff’s Office arrests food delivery driver for alleged sexual assault in Nipomo
On Nov. 19, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sexual assault from a Nipomo woman. She alleged that the incident occurred during a delivery by a driver for an app-based food service.
Sheriff’s Detectives responded to the victim’s home, but the suspect had already left the scene. Through their investigation, the suspect was identified as 54-year-old Robert Becker, Jr.
Becker was located and arrested on Nov. 20, in Nipomo. He faces charges of assault with intent to commit rape and failure to register as a sex offender.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information about this incident or similar occurrences to contact Sheriff’s Detectives at (805) 781-4500.
No further details are available at this time.
Senior Veteran Welcome Home Event in San Luis Obispo
The County of San Luis Obispo’s Veterans Services Office invites senior veterans, their families, and the community to a “Senior Veteran Welcome Home Event” on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will occur at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall at 801 Grand Ave, in San Luis Obispo.
This special event aims to celebrate and honor our senior veterans for their service while connecting them with local resources and support. The program will include opportunities to network, explore resources, and share stories in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“Our senior veterans have laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Morgan Boyd, San Luis Obispo County Veterans Services Officer. “This event is our way of expressing gratitude and ensuring they feel the unwavering support of our community.
Registration is not required but is highly recommended to help us plan for the event and for those who require transportation.
Please register online at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwXObtk11yfTgo8TzSYVdhO4FQDrmMMH5LEqxSbOzycW7WeA/viewform
If you experience issues accessing a computer or need help, please contact Kendra Scott at (805) 903-3234 or via email at KEScott@co.slo.ca.us
Atascadero Fire receives grant for wildfire prevention and preparedness
Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services has been awarded a crucial grant from the California Fire Foundation to bolster wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts in the community.
The grant has enabled the department to acquire Mystery Ranch Wildland line packs, replacing outdated equipment with advanced, state-of-the-art gear. These packs enhance firefighter safety and effectiveness, meeting the demands of modern wildfire operations while protecting both the local community and supporting statewide firefighting efforts.
“This funding partnership is critical for equipping our Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services firefighters with the latest, most reliable firefighting gear. This modern equipment enhances firefighter safety while they work on the fire line, protecting our community and supporting statewide efforts during wildfire events,” said Battalion Chief Dave Van Son. “We are so very thankful to the California Fire Foundation for this invaluable grant. It will be hugely beneficial to our community.”
“The need to address wildfire prevention and preparedness is an integral part of living in California,” said Rick Martinez, executive director of the California Fire Foundation. “These grants support important projects focusing on keeping Californians, our state’s communities, and our first responders safe.”
Since 2018, California Fire Foundation grants have served communities at heightened wildfire risk, directly addressing the state’s toughest disaster-risk needs. For more information on California Fire Foundation grants visit cafirefoundation.org/grants.
Bronze tiger sculpture relocated at Charles Paddock Zoo
The Charles Paddock Zoo announced the relocation of its iconic bronze tiger sculpture as part of a renovation of the Caribbean flamingo habitat. The 1,700-pound, hollow bronze sculpture now resides near the Thelma Vetter Red Panda Experience, enhancing the Zoo’s Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot area.
The move is part of the zoo’s effort to expand space for its breeding flock of 39 flamingos, allowing more room for nesting. “Removing the tiger will provide this group more room for nesting,” said Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield. The tiger sculpture also creates a new photo opportunity for visitors, perfectly situated in its new location.
A special thanks goes to Lucas Porter Construction for efficiently relocating the sculpture, which was last moved seven years ago for cleaning by Genesis Bronze of Paso Robles.
The Charles Paddock Zoo, located at Atascadero Lake Park, highlights species from biodiversity hotspots, which cover just 2.5 percent of Earth’s land yet house nearly half of its unique wildlife. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo is committed to conservation and is home to over 300 animals, including red pandas, meerkats, a Malayan tiger, and more.
Learn more about the Charles Paddock Zoo at charlespaddockzoo.org
Donations to Woods Humane Society double during Giving Tuesday match challenge
Woods Humane Society announced that donations made during its Giving Tuesday Match Challenge will be doubled, thanks to a generous $20,000 matching grant from The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation. The campaign runs through Dec. 3, and aims to transform the lives of twice as many homeless dogs and cats.
“Giving Tuesday is the national day of charitable giving and it kicks off our most crucial season of fundraising for the animals in our care,” said Woods Humane Society CEO Emily L’Heureux. “We are so grateful for the support of The John and Frank Sparacio Charitable Foundation for the opportunity to challenge our community of animal-loving supporters to meet this $20,000 match so that we can help two times as many dogs and cats in need.”
Woods Humane Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides shelter, medical care, and adoption services for up to 3,000 animals annually, relying entirely on charitable support. Contributions can be made online at WoodsHumane.org, by mail, or in person at their San Luis Obispo and Atascadero locations.
Friday Night Live program invites community to Dash, Dance, and Prance at the Reindeer Run 5K
The San Luis Obispo County Friday Night Live (FNL) Partnership program invites all community members to attend their annual Reindeer Run 5K.
Festivities will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 7 at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo. The fun run 5K race is open to all ages of the community, and spectators are welcome. Proceeds from the event fund scholarships for SLO County High School seniors who are currently active in Friday Night Live at their school.
“Receiving a scholarship from FNL helped make my entry into college smoother and inspired me to carry over all the skills and knowledge I had gained into my college experience,” stated a past scholarship recipient. “Being in FNL made me feel capable of making an impact on my campus and in my community. It brought me a sense of belonging among my peers who also wanted to be a part of something bigger, along with wonderful friendships, and important knowledge about drug/alcohol abuse, mental health awareness, traffic safety, and more.”
“Our program is meant to provide a fun, safe and accepting space for students to not only build meaningful relationships with peers and trusted adults but to become empowered leaders by building their skills and understanding in leadership advocacy, mental health, and effects of substance misuse,” says Katherine Gross, Friday Night Live coordinator.
Runners can get their tickets now for $25 per person; prices increase to $30 per person the day of. Children 5 years and under can attend at no cost. All registrations include a Reindeer Run T-shirt, running bib, and breakfast. Attendees are encouraged to dress in favorite holiday attire and take part in a costume contest. Online registration is available until noon on Friday, Dec. 6. For more information and to register visit slofnl.com/reindeer-run.
Public Notice: 2025 Action Plan notice of funding availability
The County of San Luis Obispo is now accepting proposals for the 2025 Action Plan, including applications for CDBG, ESG, HOME, PLHA, and Title 29 funds.
The Department of Social Services Homeless Services Division is excited to announce the Notice of Funding Availability for the 2025 Action Plan is now available at slocounty.gov/HomelessServicesGrants. Information regarding specific activities and the qualifying applicant for each grant is available on the website.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually allocates the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) to meet community development needs. These funds can be used to address the needs of low- and moderate-income individuals by creating, preserving and maintaining diverse housing or shelter opportunities, reducing the number of individuals or families experiencing homelessness, building affordable housing, stabilizing and revitalizing neighborhoods, and increasing economic opportunities.
State Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) can be used for housing-related projects and programs that assist in addressing unmet housing needs. County General Funds may be used for homelessness-related programs and emergency shelters. Title 29 affordable housing funds are eligible for affordable housing projects in designated areas within the county.
Eligible applicants for funds include private nonprofits, private for-profit entities (economic development activities only), governmental agencies (such as a public housing authority or a park district), and units of general local government (such as a city participating in the urban county). Applicants should refer to the website slocounty.gov/HomelessServicesGrants for specific information on eligible projects.
Behavioral Health Department unveils lifesaving NaloxBox program to address opioid crisis
San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department today announced the launch of its NaloxBox program, a proactive initiative aimed at reducing opioid overdose fatalities by providing community members with easy access to life-saving medication. NaloxBoxes are self-contained, publicly accessible units that house essential tools for emergency overdose response, including naloxone nasal spray (Narcan), CPR face shields, gloves, and usage instructions.
“With the opioid crisis affecting our community deeply, we’re committed to expanding access to life-saving interventions,” said Behavioral Health Department Director Star Graber, PhD, LMFT. “By making naloxone available in these NaloxBoxes, we’re empowering community members to take immediate action and potentially save lives.”
The initiative was rolled out across the county this October, with 23 NaloxBoxes now available in key locations, including public parks, libraries, and county health centers. Each box contains two doses of naloxone and is designed to provide essential assistance while emergency responders are on their way. Naloxone, an opioid reversal medication, acts much like an AED but for opioid emergencies rather than cardiac events.
“The NaloxBox program is a critical resource for our community,” said SLO Opioid Safety Coalition Coordinator Jenn Rhoads. “Last year alone, we lost 116 members of our community to overdoses. Having these resources accessible throughout the county means that anyone can step in and provide potentially life-saving assistance.”
Funding for the NaloxBox program comes from SLO County’s Opioid Settlement Funds and the California Department of Health Care Services Naloxone Distribution Project. The program aligns with California laws, including the 9-1-1 Good Samaritan Law and the Overdose Treatment Act, which protect those who administer naloxone in good faith from legal repercussions.
To learn more about the NaloxBox program, find a full list of locations, or access personal naloxone kits, visit slocounty.ca.gov/NaloxBox.
