Takin’ Care of Business 1-16-2025

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Written by Theresa-Marie Wilson

Theresa-Maria Wilson has been a journalist covering the North Coast and South County area for over 20 years. She is also the founder of Cat Noir CC and is currently working on a novel.

January 19, 2025

SLO’s Misson Plaza Revitalization to Start


An aerial view of San Luis Obispo’s Misson Plaza that will under go a revitalization project by the city. Photo submitted

The City of San Luis Obispo will begin construction in Mission Plaza this January and will work with Quincon Incorporated over the next estimated nine months to revitalize the heart of Downtown SLO. 

The project site will focus on the plaza restrooms and the Murray Adobe area within the plaza, which will be fenced off during construction activity. The overall look and features of the project will preserve the historical and cultural significance of the space. 

Construction for this project is slated to begin as early as January 13 (post deadline). During the construction, commuters can expect minor traffic impacts on the corner of Broad Street and Monterey Street, with intermittent closures. Detours, including crosswalk reroutes into the plaza, will be clearly marked to maintain pedestrian safety and accessibility. 

The Plaza Project includes:

• Constructing a café kiosk with outdoor seating

• Replacing public restrooms

• Restoration to the historic Murray Adobe

Additionally, the project will feature site improvements including new paving, enhanced lighting, and updated landscaping. Construction is expected to be complete by Fall 2025.

“Mission Plaza has always been a special gathering space for our community, and this project ensures it will remain a space where memories are made, events are celebrated, and our City’s rich history is honored,” said City of San Luis Obispo Project Manager, Sandra Golonka in a news release. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and support as we work together to bring this vision to life.” 

This enhancement project reflects years of community planning and visioning, first formalized with an official concept plan in 2017. 

For more information about the Mission Plaza Enhancement Project, go to www.slocity.org/missionplaza.

Puzzle Fundraiser Helps the Community

If you like jigsaw puzzles, the Morro Bay Odd Fellows has solutions for you. The Bay-Rock Lodge, I.O.O.F. is holding a “Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange” fundraiser set for 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Odd Fellows Hall, 710 Harbor St., Morro Bay.

Cost is a $10 entry fee and they will have over 100 puzzles of varying sizes and by various manufacturers to peruse. Bring your old puzzles and take home new puzzles to assemble, and help the non-profit organization raise money for its many community programs.

Manufacturers include: Springbok, Ravensburger, Willow Creek and many more. Sizes range from 300 pieces to over 1,000.

Themes include holidays, animals, shaped puzzles, Americana, nostalgia and more.

SLO County’s First Baby

San Luis Obispo County’s first baby of 2025 is healthy baby girl named Nayeli Sarahi Diaz, according to French Hospital Medical Center.

Born at 8:19 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1, Nayeli weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long.

Nayeli’s arrival marked the culmination of a five-hour labor for her mother, Paola Herrera, a laboratory employee at French Hospital. Herrera, a resident of Oceano, said she was thrilled to welcome her daughter and introduce her to 3-year-old Isaiah, who is eager to embrace his role as a big brother.

The Stollmeyer Family Birthing Center at French Hospital Medical Center celebrated Nayeli’s arrival by presenting the family with a gift basket filled with essential items for the newborn.  Both mother and baby are healthy and doing well.

Restaurant month

The City of San Luis Obispo has launched a month-long celebration of San Luis Obispo’s diverse and delicious culinary offerings running through Friday, January 31.

Participating restaurants have put together great deals for diners, with options at every price point from prix-fixe menus to happy hour deals and discounted menu items, so there is something for everyone to enjoy, all month long.

Gather your friends, family and foodie companions, and head to one of the participating eateries today. For more information about SLO Restaurant Month and to find a list of all participating restaurants and their special menus, visit VisitSLO.com/RestaurantMonth.

Are you or a neighbor Taking Care of Business. Is your business, including non-profits, supporting our community? Maybe you’re launching a new business, or you’re making updates to your current business model, or re-opening. Perhaps you have a job opportunity, or have been doing some volunteer work, or are collaborating with another business or a non-profit. Or maybe you know someone who is. Submit your awesome local efforts for publication to EditorEBN@gmail.com.

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