Cayucos Land Conservancy Celebrates 25 Years
Cayucos Land Conservancy founders Susan Lyon and Greg Bettencourt.
Photo by Karen Bershenyi
Over 30 people recently gathered to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Cayucos Land Conservancy and the preservation of the Estero Bluffs.
Estero Bay Bluffs State Park is managed by California State Parks with continued cooperative efforts with CLC to promote access for the public’s enjoyment or education about the area.
It was a 15-year community-wide effort that resulted in the sale of the property to the Trust for Public Land and joint-management between CLC and California State Parks, a unique arrangement driven by the community’s desire for direct local input on how the property is managed.
“The organization remains dedicated to preserving the greenbelt around Cayucos, with continued acquisitions of the hillside lots and Toro Coast Preserve,” said Amber Sandoval, board member in newsletter. As those goals are realized, she envisions the organization “transitioning with more focus on stewardship and community involvement. The board is working on documenting its history and policies, ensuring that institutional knowledge is passed on and building its volunteer network and communications.”
Additional acquisitions by CLC include San Geronimo Ranch, parcels on Cayucos Hillside Lots, aka Hang Glider Hill, and recently the Chevron property between Cayucos and Morro Bay.
To find out more or to get involved, send an email to Mary Bettencourt at hello@cayucoslandconservancy.org.
Addis Visit Non-Proft Dental Office
Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) recently toured Tolosa Children’s Dental Center (TCDC), to learn about the critical need for accessible dental care for underserved youth in the county. TCDC is the only nonprofit pediatric provider in San Luis Obispo County.
For over 20 years, TCDC has delivered pediatric oral health services, treating more than 20,000 children at its offices in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and through its school-based program at Shandon Elementary School.
“The demand and need for oral health care for underserved children in San Luis Obispo County continues to rise,” said Alexandra Chamberlain, Executive Director of Tolosa Children’s Dental Center. “In 2003, we treated 500 patients and over 4,000 in 2024. With the San Luis Obispo Office now open Monday through Thursday, we anticipate adding 2,000-3,000 more appointments in 2025.”
Explore Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve After Dark
This winter, community members, with a permit, can take the opportunity to experience the magic of Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve after dark.
The City of San Luis Obispo Ranger Service division announced the return of the Winter Evening Access program at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve starting this week.
The City’s Open Space is closed to the public one hour after sunset. However, the City makes an exception for Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve during the winter months to give permitted community members the opportunity to hike Cerro San Luis in the evenings during daylight savings time.
This year, the program is in effect through March 9, 2025, after sunset until 8:30 p.m. To reduce the impact to nocturnal wildlife and keep hikers safe, the City only issues 65 free permits daily.
To get a permit please visit the Winter Evening Access program webpage at slorangers.org.
Permitted community members will be able to hike Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve and see wildlife that typically hide during daylight hours. From rodents foraging to owls hunting, from bats feeding on flying insects to raccoons seeking sustenance, the reserve comes alive at night with activity. Ranger Service encourages people to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and to refrain from feeding them.
For those with a permit to hike or bike in the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve during Winter Evening Access, here are some tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe adventure:
• Carry a flashlight and extra batteries.
• Bring water with you while hiking or cycling.
• Be familiar with the trail and carry an open space map. Digital maps can be found at slorangers.org.
• Be respectful of the nighttime wildlife; do not disturb.
• Pass quietly and listen for nocturnal sounds not normally heard during daytime hours.
• Keep open space clean. Pack out (carry out) everything you pack in.
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