Libraries Closed April 22-23
All Black Gold Cooperative Library System libraries, including County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries, will be closed Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, for a catalog operating system update.
Online browsing, accounts, and holds will be unavailable Thursday, April 21, through Monday, April 25. All Black Gold libraries will be offline during this time. EBooks, audiobooks, and other downloadable items will still be available.
While the update won’t change the overall look of the catalog, it will change patron library account passwords. Patrons can reset their passwords at any time online or ask for assistance from library staff.
County of SLO Public Libraries will leave the Black Gold Cooperative July 1. Patrons who have a library card that begins with 22063 will not need a new card to use County of SLO Public Libraries. Patrons who have cards that begin with a different prefix are invited to sign up for a SLO Libraries card at any time.
Dig Safely
April is National Safe Digging Month and PG&E reminds people to practice safety. Underground utility lines can be shallow, sometimes only a few inches below the surface, due to erosion, previous digging projects, shifting or settling of the ground and uneven surfaces. And damaging an underground utility line is dangerous and can leave customers responsible for repair costs averaging $3,500 and up. Calling 811 is free and easy, and professional utility workers will respond within two business days to mark the location of underground utility lines for your project site.
During 2021, 811 was not called in advance in 89 percent of incidents when homeowners damaged an underground utility line while digging.
Safe digging tips
• Mark project area in white: Identify the digging location by drawing a box around the area using white paint, white stakes, white flags, white chalk or even white baking flour.
• Call 811 or submit an online request a minimum of two working days before digging: Be prepared to provide the address and general location of the project, project start date and type of digging activity. PG&E and other utilities will identify underground facilities in the area for free. Requests can be submitted a maximum of 14 days prior to the start of the project.
• Dig safely: Use hand tools when digging within 24 inches of the outside edge of underground lines. Leave utility flags, stakes or paint marks in place until the project is finished. Backfill and compact the soil.
• Be aware of signs of a natural gas leak: Smell for a “rotten egg” odor, listen for hissing, whistling or roaring sounds and look for dirt spraying into the air, bubbling in a pond or creek and dead/dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area.
Poly in Student Research Competition
Ten student research projects from Cal Poly have been selected to represent the university at the annual California State University (CSU) systemwide competition April 29-30.
The delegates were chosen from 39 projects involving 57 Cal Poly undergraduate students, graduate students and recent alumni. Cal Poly’s Academic Senate Grants Review Committee Selected the 10 projects to move forward at the university’s internal competition.
San Francisco State University will host the 36th annual CSU Student Research Competition in a virtual format. The systemwide competition will showcase the innovative research and creative activities of undergraduate and graduate students and Students will present their work through a prerecorded video and participate in a live virtual Q&A with a jury and an audience. Students will compete by discipline category and, where feasible, by undergraduate/graduate level.
“I’m excited that these students and recent alums will have the opportunity to participate at the systemwide event and share their important research with the faculty, staff and students from across the CSU,” said Jane Lehr, director of Cal Poly’s Office of Student Research. “Each year, our students consistently show the strength of their research, scholarship and creative activity. They are excellent representatives for Cal Poly.
“Cal Poly student research answers real-world questions and contributes to solutions to problems that face the Central Coast, California, the U.S. and the world.”
Get Vaccinated for Free in Cambria
Readers can get free vaccines at the Cambria Community Healthcare District, 2535 Main Street, on Friday, April 22 from 4 – 7 p.m.
Free flu and COVID-19 shots are available for ages 5 and up. Pfizer vaccines are first, second, and booster doses for ages 12 and up and first and second doses for ages 5-11. Moderna are first, second, and booster doses for ages 18 and up.
For second and booster doses, bring your vaccine record card (if possible). Every dose of COVID-19 vaccine gets a free stainless steel water bottle! Kids ages 5-11 have the choice of a stuffed animal instead. This is a while supplies last event. No appointment or insurance are necessary.
For more information, reach out to MobileVaccine@co.slo.ca.us or call (805) 781-5500.
Addis Earns Endorsements From Superintendents
San Luis Obispo County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Brescia and Santa Cruz Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Faris Sabbah, announced their endorsement of Dawn Addis for State Assembly.
“As a classroom teacher, mom, and local city councilmember it is a true honor to have the endorsements of top education leaders,” Addis said in a statement. “I look forward to working for California’s children and families.”
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