Takin’ Care of Business 10-10-2024

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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.

October 17, 2024

City Manager Says Brand Awareness Success

Hot on the heels of celebrating the City of Morro Bay’s 60th anniversary of incorporation, recent branding efforts have been beneficial. 

A brand awareness study, commissioned by Visit Morro Bay to assess how the city compares to other popular regional destinations, was conducted by Heart and Mind Strategies. 

“This study surveyed over 1,200 participants across key markets like the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County,” said City Manager Yvonne Kimball. “The findings were promising. Morro Bay performed very well in the region, with 93% of our ads generating a positive response, 92% of travelers viewing us as a favorable destination in the region, and 45% expressing interest in visiting within the next year. These insights will help us refine our marketing strategies and target key opportunity markets.”

Additionally, the board approved grant funding for the upcoming Maritime Family Fun event and the Chamber of Commerce’s Shop, Sip, and Stroll events.  

“Both events are sure to enhance our community offerings,” Kimball said.

Water+Ink Ribbon Cutting 

The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce held a a ribbon cutting for Water+Ink Studios in owner Kim’s freshly revamped studio space as she prepared for the SLO County Arts Open Studio Art Tour coming up October 12-13 and October 19-20. 

Readers can check out the studio during the tour or can find her artwork around at: Under the Sea Gallery, HarborWalk Inn, Morro Made, San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, Miner’s Ace Hardware – Morro Bay and Los Osos, Cayucos Collective, The Natural Toolbox (Pismo) or on Kim’s website at www.waterplusink.com. 

Photographed are: Jon Elliott, Carocha, Amber Martin, Ryan Blevins, Margo Benson Hammer, Ray Riordan, Cherise Hansson, Kim Winberry, Ian Winberry, Jack Winberry, Dina Lundquist, and Dave Sozinho

South Bay Community Center Wine Raffle

The South Bay Community Center is holding a wine raffle fundraiser. All proceeds go to support ongoing costs of running the SBCC. 

The winner will receive a big selection of wines worth more than $500. The drawing will be held at Oktoberfest on October 27, but the winner need not be present. 

Tickets are $10 each or five tickets for $40. They can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3Y9JdyJ.

CHP Celebrates 50 Years of Women in Department

Women who broke barriers and joined the California Highway Patrol in 1974 were recently celebrated. The 50-year landmark recognized the first women to join the CHP Academy.  

The CHP brass and Gov. Gavin Newsom were on hand Sept. 30 to commemorate the anniversary.

“On Sept. 30, 1974,” reads a news release from CHP, “a group of 40 women reported to the CHP Academy as part of the Women Traffic Officer Program [WTOP], launched as a trial to evaluate women’s fitness and capability as CHP officers. Of those women, 27 completed Academy training and were sworn in as CHP officers on Jan. 16, 1975.”

Gov. Newsom said, “On this important anniversary, we recognize the trailblazing women who first entered the CHP 50-years ago and the many women who have come after to make important contributions that help keep California safe.

“These officers pushed against sexism and stereotypes to prove that women can not only serve and excel in law enforcement but also play an important role in making our communities stronger and safer.”

Since that day, “women have served in every aspect of the CHP, from riding motorcycles and flying aircraft to taking on detective roles.”

The ultimate accomplishment came on Nov. 17, 2020, when Gov. Newsom appointed Amanda L. Ray as the 16th Commissioner of the CHP, and the first woman to lead the Department of more than 11,000 members.

Before the WTOP started, women were only able to hold non-officer jobs in the department, such as secretarial positions and dispatch.

Current CHP Commissioner, Sean Duryee, said, “Law enforcement is not a ‘male’ or ‘female’ profession. It is a profession of service and sacrifice. The members of this inaugural class served their communities with dedication, laying the groundwork for future generations. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.”

To mark the anniversary, several of the women in that inaugural academy class attended the ceremonies held in Sacramento and shared stories of their experiences patrolling California’s highways and byways.

Every Cup Counts Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Oct. 18

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, The Human Bean brings back their annual Coffee for a Cure event, taking place on Friday, October 18 at all participating locations across the country including the three in San Luis Obispo County in Morro Bay, Templeton, and Atascadero. This year marks the 19th anniversary of the drive-thru coffee company’s special day dedicated to raising money to support breast cancer patients and research.

On October 18, 100% of proceeds made on that day at the local locations will be donated to Dignity Health’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital Medical Center, a vital resource for local cancer patients and their families. Funds will directly impact the lives of those affected by breast cancer, providing them with essential support and resources locally.

“We are incredibly proud to take part in this unique event as everyone knows someone touched by breast cancer,” said Vikki Mitchell, owner, The Human Bean Central California. “This event is an important way we can show our commitment to giving back to the Central Coast communities we serve. We encourage everyone to join us and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or one of our specialty beverages while making a difference in the fight against breast cancer.”

To celebrate the occasion, The Human Bean will offer three special pink Secret Menu drinks: the Raspberry Breve, Cherry Blossom Latte, and Coral Reef Energy Drink. 

Sachs Chiropractic Changes Name

Sachs Chiropractic, formerly known as SLO Wellness Center has changed their name to LivewellSLO Chiropractic + Wellness.

“It is time to have a name that embodies what we strive for in ourselves, our patients and our community,” said Dr. Sandy Sachs. “We all strive for a life well lived.  SLO reminds us that we have to pause, be intentional, hone our instincts to find the magic combination to help us individually and collectively to live well.”

LivewellSLO Chiropractic + Wellness offers chiropractic, massage, and counseling services. They are located at 2231 Bayview Heights, Los, Osos, and 1428 Phillips Lane, 300, San Luis Obispo. 

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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