Artists sought for fall juried art show

The Cambria Center for the Arts invites community artists to participate in the Fall Juried Art Exhibit featuring juror Frank Eber. Submissions take place online September 1-5. 

See the website for more details. http://www.cambriaarts.org

The show, September 8 through November 5, will feature two- and three-dimensional art at the gallery. Art will be displayed in the CCA Virtual Gallery Online and in our physical Gallery.

There will be an opening reception and talk by Mr. Eber about his selection process and why he chose the awarded entries on Sept 9, from 4:30-6 pm. All are invited to attend, enjoy refreshments, and mingle with the artists.

About the juror:

Frank Eber grew up in Europe and worked as a professional illustrator and portrait artist. He was later mentored by Italian master painter Renato Castro, and his direct, loose style of painting was influenced by the old world master. 

He describes his paintings as a personal response to the subject, to interpret what gives it life and to capture the energy within. Eber is an award winning artist and Signature member of the American Impressionist Society (AIS), the American Watercolor Society (AWS) in New York, the National Watercolor Society (NWS) and an artist member of the California Art Club.

Cambria resident stays on as interim county leader

San Luis Obispo County Supervisors last week approved a year-long contract for Interim County Administrative Office (CAO) John Nilon.

Nilon took over the county leadership after the departure of Former CAO Wade Horton who left in April. When Nilon was appointed in May, Supervisors approved a three-month agreement with him, with options to extend his contract on a month-to-month basis thereafter. 

The latest action extends his contract through May 1st, 2024, with automatic renewals every thirty days unless modified by mutual agreement of the county and Mr. Nilon.

Nilon retired as CAO of Kern County in 2016 after a 32-year career there. He led five county departments before serving 8 years as CAO. After his retirement, he has lived full-time with his wife in Cambria and served that community with roles on the North Coast Advisory Council Board of Directors and the Cambria Community Healthcare District.

“I’m honored to continue my service to the residents of San Luis Obispo County and to work alongside the talented team of employees that make up the County of San Luis Obispo’s workforce.” Said Nilon.

The County does plan to partner with a consulting firm to begin nationwide recruitment in early 2024 to fill the CAO role on a more permanent basis.

Cambria skate park closer to funding

Cambria Community Service District (CSD) has taken a significant step towards building a skate park in Cambria. 

The CSD voted on May 25th to apply for a funding grant through the California Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which would match the existing funds raised for the project. If awarded, the grant is expected to be announced in 2024, bringing the total funding for skate park construction to $1.2 million. 

The skate park's construction has been in the works for several years, with efforts from Skate Cambria and community members. The park aims to promote outdoor play and benefit the mental, physical, and social health of Cambria's youth. The grant would also provide the opportunity to secure the park as a public space under National Parks Service protection.

Moonstone boardwalk improvements to cause some traffic delays

The State of California is improving the popular Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, and that work will cause some road closures during construction on Thursday, May 11.

Boardwalk improvements include demolishing the existing bridge on Wednesday, May 10 – no road closures on that day – and installing beams and beginning work on the new bridge the following day, Thursday, May 11. Bridge construction is expected to be complete by Friday, May 12.

To ensure public safety, there will be temporary road closures along Moonstone Drive between Leffingwell Landing day use and the Windrush Inn in the morning hours.

The northbound lane may be temporarily closed while lifting bridge beams by crane from the transport carrier.

The southbound lane and shoulder will be closed for a portion of the day and will include traffic control to allow southbound and northbound traffic to use the northbound lane.

There are no residences or businesses in the closure portion of the street. Drivers can use Highway 1 to avoid potential delays.

Replacement of the existing bridge is part of the Moonstone Boardwalk Accessibility Improvements project. The boardwalk upgrade will meet accessible trail standards between the north end of the boardwalk at Leffingwell Creek to the Santa Rosa Creek Day-Use area.

Renowned landscape artist to conduct workshop in Cambria May 24-26

Welcome to the Coast Morning Report. I'm Justin Stoner, a Realtor with Central Coast Sotheby's Real Estate in Cambria.

This week I spoke with Guido Frick, a German-born artist coming to Cambria to give a workshop to local artists May 24-26.

Guido is known for his plein air work, and I asked him what drew him to that style.

International Plein Air Painter Guido Frick, will be teaching a Plein Air Workshop in Cambria on May 24th, 25th, and 26th, of 2023. Class meets 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Tuition is $580. Maximum 10 students.

Guido will teach how to paint a floral still life and a seascape with rocks. He will also demonstrate trees, sky holes, reflections, and how to paint boats. Demonstration and painting time is six hours per day, with an hour for lunch.

Guido studied with the famous artist Sergei Bongart. Guido teaches throughout Europe and the western states here in the USA.

This is an exciting and fun opportunity to learn from a masterful artist! Locations and supply list will be emailed upon registration.

To sign up, please go to Guido’s workshop page on his website at:

www.guidofrickfineart.com

Controlled burn starts today in Cambria

Vegetation pile burns start today under the supervision of Cal Fire in partnership with the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District throughout Cambria. 

This move is part of a hazardous fuel reduction project initiated by Cal Fire and the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council over the past several years, which involved the removal of overgrown vegetation and flammable invasive plants.

As a result of the project, approximately 150 piles of cut vegetation now require burning. Cal Fire has planned to conduct the burning operations through the spring of 2023, as weather and conditions permit. 

Central Coast Sotheby's International Realty welcomes Justin Stoner to the team

Central Coast Sotheby's International Realty welcomes Justin Stoner to their team. Justin is the creator and editor of the Coast Morning Report. 

Justin has spent the last 20 years helping REALTORS® in the Central Valley and along the Central Coast market great homes to eager buyers. Now a licensed REALTOR® himself, Justin is using that marketing expertise to help his clients accomplish their real estate goals and dreams.

Justin's active lifestyle of walking, running and cycling has taken him through all of the best neighborhoods in Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Avila, Oceano and more. His firsthand knowledge and insights will benefit residents looking to buy or sell a home. And with his Central Valley connections, he has a ready pool of interested buyers anxious to escape the summer heat and winter fog to enjoy the best that the Central Coast has to offer.

Central Coast Sotheby's welcomes Loralee Gorman to the team

Central Coast Sotheby's International Realty is pleased to announce 16-year veteran Realtor® Loralee Gorman has joined their team.

Loralee was born and raised in sunny San Diego before moving to Santa Monica in her 20s. She came from a big family of five children, with her being the youngest. She now has five children of her own who have all grown up and started families of their own, including two who are in the military.

Returning to her passion for beach towns, Loralee has been a committed agent for 16 years now and is excited to begin her new adventure on the Central Coast with Central Coast Sotheby's International Realty.

Her clients value her tenacity when it comes to finding them a home or selling theirs. Real estate runs in the family, as her mother was also a Realtor® and she got to preview many homes and watch them be built from the ground up as a child.

Loralee enjoys horses and dogs, and even plans to bring her pot belly pig with her to the Central Coast. She's excited for this new chapter in her life and plans to retire here. If you're looking for a Realtor® who is passionate about what she does, Loralee is your person.

Moonstone boardwalk repairs begin

The California Department of Parks and Recreation said that repairs on the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk at Hearst San Simeon State Park began last Thursday. 

The construction will make the 2,243-foot-long boardwalk ADA accessible through flatter re-routes, ADA parking spaces, and more compliant boardwalk surfaces and ramps.

According to the state Parks and Recreation Department, the project will also include several resource-related improvements such as emergent wetland and native plant protection and re-routes, as well as boardwalk relocation away from retreating bluffs.

Governor appoints Cambria psychiatrist as medical director of Coalinga State Hospital

Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Cambria resident Jeffrey Billett as the Medical Director of Coalinga State Hospital in the Department of State Hospitals.

Billett is no stranger to the field of psychiatry, having served as a Psychiatrist in the Clinical Operations Advisory Council at the Department of State Hospitals since 2019. He's also been running his own private practice as a psychiatrist for more than 30 years.

Billett held a few other positions in the state hospital system. He served as a Staff Psychiatrist at Atascadero State Hospital in 2018-2019, and held various roles at Patton State Hospital from 2017-2018, including Staff Psychiatrist, Senior Psychiatrist and Acting Medical Director.

Cambria Center for the Arts shows international artist

'Finding the Light' featuring internationally shown artist Liz Hampton-Derivan of Morro Bay is on display at the Cambria Center for the Arts until April 30.

Hampton-Derivan is known for her "delightful and unexpected imagery includes mixed media, photography, hot and cold wax, paints and pastels," according to the arts center.

Hampton-Derivan is an artist originally from Atlanta, Georgia, now living in Morro Bay. She has been a photographer for 35+ years. 

In 2009, she began working more with mixed media, experimenting with photography, computer manipulated imagery, encaustic (hot wax medium), and sometimes, her own handmade paper. She enjoys contemporary photo-technology combined with “getting dirty” in her mixed media studio. 

Rogue wave hits shoreline Cambria home, injuring resident

Last week, a strong wave pounded a house near Cambria, causing damage and wounding a resident inside.

It occurred on Sherwood Drive at around 10 in the morning.

Source: Cambria Fire Department

A "very large rogue wave," according to the Cambria Fire Department, smashed the house's ocean-facing windows.

Firefighters report water damage throughout the residence, where a resident was knocked over and had minor injuries but declined medical transport.

Flu, Covid vax clinic in Cambria set for Tuesday

A flu and Covid-19 vaccination clinic will be hosted Tuesday in Cambria by the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department. 

The Cambria clinic will be at the Santa Rosa Catholic Church, 1174 Main Street.

• Tuesday, December 6, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Updated COVID-19 boosters and flu shots for ages 5+, plus primary series for ages 5+

The clinic is the last of four in recent days hosted by the county to address increased demand for protection against the seasonal flu and ongoing Covid-19 infections.

“We’ve been thrilled with the strong turnout at our mobile clinics around SLO County and are happy to keep the momentum going with more opportunities to get vaccinated ahead of a possible winter surge of flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer.

Pop-up clinics offer extended hours and no appointments are needed—just walk in. There are no requirements related to residency, income, insurance, or immigration status. Medical professionals are always on-hand to answer questions. This year’s flu shot and the new, updated COVID-19 booster both appear to be a good match for the strains circulating right now.

Cambria man sentenced for kidnap and rape

Jesus Barajasvaldovinos (33) of Cambria has been sentenced to 28 years to life in state prison for his conviction of kidnap, rape by force, and other sex crimes.

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Cambria resident Jesus Barajasvaldovinos (DOB 09/14/1989) has been sentenced to 28 years to life in state prison for his conviction of kidnap for rape, forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, and forcible digital penetration all with the allegation that the victim was moved to a place that substantially increased the risk of harm. 

 He is also required to register as a sex offender for life. The conviction came after Barajasvaldovinos entered a plea of guilty to all charges.

The crimes occurred in Cambria in the late afternoon of June 27, 2021. The survivor was walking along the Santa Rosa Creek Trail adjacent to Highway 1 when she was accosted, pulled off of the trail into a wooded area, and assaulted.

Four days left for online, holiday auction benefitting University Women Cambria

There's only four days left for the online holiday auction put on by the University Women of Cambria, providing scholarships to local students.

The auction includes a variety of items in an easy bid-style auction. Some of the items include:

• $100 gift certificate to the Sea Chest Oyster Bar
• Adventure experiences, such as deep sea fishing trip, a golf outing in Scottsdale, a NASCAR event, and more.
• Handmade holiday decorations, ornaments, and desserts
• Decorative dishes and decor
• A pet exam at a veterinary clinic
• Water color paintings
• Photography sessions, and much more

University Women of Cambria (UWC) is a community organization dedicated to raising money for scholarships to help our local students attend college. UWC believes that Scholarships are critical to providing access to education, resources, and networks, especially in our local area where students do not have the many opportunities offered in larger cities. Supporting our local students not only impacts their lives but is an investment in the health of our community

As the cost of higher education has skyrocketed over 1200% since 1980 many students need financial assistance so that they do not start their adult lives with crippling debt. By taking some of the financial pressure off of students and families, we enable greater success in college, helping deserving students who want to graduate with a degree and give back to society.

Students have reported that the most important piece of financial support comes from the scholarship received from UWC because it represented the backing of their community. Instilling a greater sense of belonging, encouragement, and motivation to make it through the challenges of academic life.

You can help us in our mission by becoming a member, a sponsor, or by bidding on items in our Handmade and Local Holiday Online Auction: http://universitywomencambria.betterworld.org/auctions/handmade-holiday

Cambria Scarecrow Festival finishes successful 14th year

Months of hardwork by dozens of dedicated volunteers produced another highly successful Cambria Scarecrow Festival, bringing thousands of visitors to the area.

Named by USA Today as one of the top 10 fall festivals, the homegrown festival just celebrated its 14th year. Paulla Ufferheide, president of the organization, said she's proud of what they have accomplished.

"I believe every single year the quality of our scarecrows just seems to go up and up. I think it was a really great festival and we look forward to trying to top it next year," she said.

While it's easy to measure the success by the many accolades, smiles and online pictures on social media, Uffeheide said the organization is tracking even more significant benefits for the community. 

"We measure it in a few different ways. One, we measure it in the bed tax. So if, we've got good occupancy of the hotels and motels, that's one of our measurements," she said. "We also measure it in the surveys that we have people go online. And then also sales tax." 

Ufferheide said sales tax receipts during the festival are an indication that visitors are doing business in local shops.

"So if all of the sales tax and the bed tax occupancy is high, then I know we've done our job," she said. "Businesses have said that before the Scarecrow Festival that October was their worst month for sales. Now many have said it's become their best month, so that's pretty amazing."

Ufferheide said it's too early to speculate about next year's festival, but she did say that while no new scarecrows are likely to be added, the ones in the festival now continue to get better and better. 

To learn more about the Cambria Scarecrow Festival, visit https://cambriascarecrows.com/

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Conservation study includes off-shore fishing activity near Cambria

An ocean conservation organization conducted a study using radar along the Central Coast, including near Cambria, to monitor fishing activity near zones meant to protect marine life.

The study found that boaters often cluster along the edges of marine protected areas (MPAs) off the coast of California. These new findings suggest that fishers are aware of the MPA boundaries and cluster just outside them to potentially benefit from better fishing opportunities by "fishing the line."

The study, recently published in PLOS ONE, used the ProtectedSeas Marine Monitor (M2) autonomous data collection tool to continuously monitor vessel activity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a year in the vicinity of five state-managed MPAs near San Diego, Santa Barbara and Cambria. The M2 systems, which combine marine radar with custom software, were deployed to record the movement of boats on the water, allowing researchers to measure boat activity continuously in and around MPAs for the first time.

Cambria area leads North Coast home sales in June

Homebuyers found more of what they were looking for in the Cambria area in June than in other North Coast locations, according to statistics from the California Association of Realtors.

The association reported 24 home sales in the Cambria area, compared to 16 in Los Osos and 17 in Morro Bay. In all three locations, homebuyers preferred 3 bedroom homes the most, accounting for most sales. 

Thieves hit Cambria jewelry store

After a bracelet was stolen from a jewelry store in Cambria, three people are being investigated for grand theft.

According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, the theft took place on Friday, July 22 at around 4 p.m.

One man and two women, all adults, walked into the jewelry store. The two women are accused of stealing a gold bracelet with jewels while the male distracted the jewelry store employee.

Three persons are being sought by deputies on suspicion of grand theft. In these images from the Sheriff's Office, a man and two women are suspected of stealing a gold bracelet from a jewelry store.

The employee at the jewelry business identified the bracelet as being made of 14-karat yellow gold and studded with sapphires and rubies.

Courtesy: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office

SLO County declines to file charges against Lompoc fire chief

Prosecutors in San Luis Obispo County have declined to file charges against the Lompoc fire chief accused of domestic violence in Cambria.

A spokesman for the District Attorney's Office said that officials in San Luis Obispo County decided on Tuesday not to file criminal charges against Lompoc Fire Department chief Alicia Welch after an alleged domestic violence incident in Cambria last month.