Behavioral Health Holiday Guide
The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department produced the 2025 Behavioral Health Holiday Guide to equip individuals and families with practical tools to maintain emotional well-being throughout the holidays.
While cities have strung up their lights and get-togethers have started, the holiday season may not always be merry and bright for some. Many people naturally struggle during this time of year due to a variety of reasons like demands from families, friends, or end of year work deadlines. Coupled with stressors from finances, travel, and overbooked calendars, many may find it hard to feel “festive.”
Behavioral Health’s annual Holiday Guide aims to support the entire community during the holiday season by addressing key health related topics such as:
• Recognizing and managing holiday stress.
• Coping with loss and grief.
• Tips to conquer seasonal depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
• Helpful strategies to stay sober during the holidays.
• Practical tips for celebrating the season safely and substance free.
• Safe storage to prevent medication and substance poisoning in your house.
The guide also provides a list of current Behavioral Health clinics, local and national Crisis Hotlines, and community food, shelter, toy, and health resources in San Luis Obispo County.
The guide is available in English and Spanish online at www.slocounty.gov/BHResources. Community members needing extra assistance for them or their loved ones may call the Behavioral Health Access Line at 1-800-838-1381.
Violet Sage Walker Named to Time 100
Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC) Chairwoman Violet Sage Walker has been named to the Time 100 Climate list, recognizing the world’s most influential leaders driving climate action.
“Violet Sage Walker spent more than a decade working with her father, Chief Fred Collins, to create the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary,” the magazine reads. “In 2015, after learning that these coastal waters were slated for oil exploration and seismic testing, Walker’s family became the first Indigenous applicants for a marine sanctuary, one that would protect more than 4,500 square miles of ocean waters, sea floor, and coastline. After Collins died in 2021, Walker led the charge. Ultimately, after years of campaigning and overcoming a series of bureaucratic hurdles, she succeeded: the sanctuary was designated by the Biden Administration in November 2024, which makes extractive behavior like oil exploration prohibited in the area.”
Safety Warning E-Bike Batteries
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent safety warning, advising consumers to immediately stop using lithium-ion batteries for Rad Power Bikes e-bike models RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304.
“These batteries should be removed from the e-bike and disposed of through approved hazardous waste disposal channels,” the warning states. “Refer to Rad Power Bikes’ safety information and instructions on proper removal of the affected batteries.”
Updates will be provided on the IWMA website. Best Buy stores are currently accepting these batteries at no cost. Residents may bring affected batteries to the following Household Hazardous Waste Facilities at no cost; • Nipomo Hazardous Waste Facility – Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Cold Canyon Landfill, San Luis Obispo – Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; • Morro Bay Hazardous Waste Facility – Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Chicago Grade Landfill – Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m ; and Paso Landfill – Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Additional disposal options may be added as the CPSC continues working with regional partners. For the latest information, go to the IWMA website and review the full CPSC warning and Rad Power Bikes’ safety guidance.
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