News Briefs 1-12-2023

Written by Sullivan

January 13, 2023

Morro Bay Makes Charming List

The website Travel Awaits named Morro Bay as one of the “20 Charming Small Towns To Visit In 2023.” The list covers areas across the United States.

The website had this to say about our bit of paradise. “The views in oceanside Morro Bay are dominated by the town’s namesake Morro Rock, a unique volcanic rock formation that sets Morro Bay apart from other California beach towns. The rock can be seen from most points in the town, and when you visit Morro Bay, you’ll certainly want to spend all your time outdoors enjoying the pleasant weather and plentiful seaside activities. The calm waters of the bay are perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding and offer opportunities to view sea otters and migratory birds. Morro Bay is also known for its restaurant scene and a collection of quaint beach shops. The town is situated in proximity to two state parks, a state beach, and is also a short drive from the beautiful Paso Robles wine region.”

To see the full list, go to https://bit.ly/3GDlRZQ. 

King Tides Project

Take and share king tides photos via the California Coastal Commission’s King Tides Project. The next King Tides are January 21-22, 2023. Use your smart phone or digital camera to participate in the project by taking and uploading photos of through the King Tides photo upload form at coastal.ca.gov/kingtides/participate.html. Photos will be displayed on an interactive map. (If you’d like to share a video clip of king tides, email kingtides@coastal.ca.gov for instructions.)

Be sure to take extra precaution when you walk on slippery areas or near big waves, and always be conscious of your surroundings and the weather conditions. Don’t turn your back on the ocean! Be aware that shore birds may be taking refuge in areas above the tide line – don’t flush them out in the process of getting your shot.

Some of the most powerful images are taken in areas that are subject to flooding and erosion, and of places where high water levels can be gauged against familiar landmarks (such as cliffs, rocks, roads, buildings, bridge supports, sea walls, staircases, and piers).

In addition to uploading photos, you can also share them on social media using #kingtides. 

SLO COVID Testing Sight Moves

The COVID-19 community testing site in San Luis Obispo reopened at a new location in the Acacia Creek Business Park at 3450 Broad Street, Suite 111. It replaces the site that previously operated at the SLO Vets Hall.

County Health Officer, Dr. Penny Borenstein, said, “I’m grateful to our community’s veterans for so graciously sharing their wonderful space for more than two years. I’m also grateful that demand for testing has decreased to a level where it is possible to meet the need in a different location and return this space to its original use. We remain ready to respond if needs change.”

There are also COVID-19 testing sites in Grover Beach (1336 Ramona Avenue, Suite A) and Paso Robles (800 Pine Street. 

Patients who test positive for COVID-19 can get “Test to Treat” services at the testing sites and take home a course of the Paxlovid antiviral medication if indicated. In addition to COVID-19 testing, the sites also have rapid testing for influenza. 

For those who have health insurance, information will be collected when registering for an appointment and no co-pay is required. There is no charge for those without insurance. 

The County of San Luis Obispo and State of California are contracting with OptumServe to provide this service. Appointments are encouraged, see: slopublichealth.org/testing to make an appointment.

For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, see: slopublichealth.org/COVID19. Public health phone support is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. call (805) 781-5500 Mondays-Fridays.

Most pharmacies in the county are also still doing COVID-19 testing by appointment.

PG&E Encourages Free Safety Inspections

With colder weather months in full swing, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds customers to call to schedule a free in-home safety inspection of their gas appliances. During the visit, PG&E will also relight pilot lights for customers who have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during warmer months.

Inspections help ensure that gas appliances, including water heaters, furnaces and ovens, are operating safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning within the home. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous due to the fact that it can’t be seen, smelled or heard. According to the Center for Disease Control, every year in the U.S. at least 430 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning and approximately 50,000 people will be sent to the hospital. 

To schedule an inspection, call the customer helpline at 1-800-743-5000.

If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, you should get out immediately and call 911. If a PG&E customer ever smells the distinctive “rotten egg” odor of natural gas in or around their home or business they should immediately evacuate and then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Send your news, community and business briefs to Editor@EsteroBayNews.com. Be sure to include the who, what, why, where and when information along with a contact person.

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