Small Business Saturday in Morro Bay
Customers came from as far as Bakersfield to join locals in supporting Small Business Saturday in Morro Bay. The streets and shops were bustling with customers who picked up gifts while enjoying, cookies, cider, and other goodies.
Photo by Theresa-Marie Wilson
A-Leave Antiques and Giftery Re-Opening
Robin and Linda Balagno, the new owners of A-Leave Antiques and Giftery (AAG) that relocated to what was the well-known Kite Store in Morro Bay, are keeping the history going with surrey bikes rentals and large inventory of kites as a part of their store at 1108 Front St. A re-opening is schedule for Dec. 20.
The Balagnos had to relocate due to the sale of their past location across the street from Foster Freeze. In October of 2024, they opened with a wide selection of merchandise from vintage and antiques merchandise with a selection of new merchandise and souvenirs. They also have a large selection of flags, spinners, and beach merchandise.
Due to construction in the beginning of the summer of 2025, A-Leave Antiques and Giftery had to move out temporarily for a construction project giving the corner of Beach and Front Street a total upgrade and a brand-new look.
They have planned a re-opening party in January 2026. Shop at A-leave Antiques and Giftery where they “A-LEAVE your stress by having a fun shopping experience.”
League of Women Voters Seeks Legislative Analysts
The California League of Women Voters is looking for volunteers to be Legislative Analysts. Are you fascinated by the nuts and bolts of government? Would you like to know more about how the League of Women Voters decides to support or oppose a bill or ballot measure?
The League of Women Voters of California wants to expand its advocacy team and is looking for volunteers from local Leagues to review bills in the California Legislature and ballot measures headed to voters and help to determine when the League should take action.
Volunteers review and analyze bills, draft letters of support or opposition, and follow the legislation as it moves through the process. They receive training, work with experienced mentors, and can choose how many bills they want to take on. Most of the work takes place between March and August.
Find out more and apply to be a Legislative Analyst for the League at https://bit.ly/3KyErHg.
Ceramics Business to Help Save Monarch Butterflies
Photo courtesy of Amy Loschiavo
The thousands of monarch butterflies that arrive each winter at Grover Beach’s Monarch Butterfly Grove have inspired more than just awe in local ceramicist Amy Loschiavo — they’ve sparked a business with a mission.
Through her newly launched AL Fine Art & Design, Loschiavo is connecting her love of the Central Coast’s natural beauty to the protection of monarchs across their entire migration route. Her inaugural fundraising initiative, The Butterfly Project, donates a portion of proceeds from handcrafted ceramic butterfly earrings to the Monarch Butterfly Fund, which protects the overwintering sites in Mexico where Western monarchs complete their long journey.
“It has been disappointing seeing the number of monarch butterflies continue to dwindle each year in Grover Beach,” said Loschiavo. “I decided my art could be part of a remarkable comeback story.”
Working from her ceramics’ studio in downtown San Luis Obispo, Loschiavo creates each piece by hand, offering functional ceramics through quality craftsmanship, natural textures, and timeless design.
“There’s something incredibly personal about using handmade objects in your everyday life,” Loschiavo said. “I want people to experience the beauty and authenticity of ceramics that are made slowly, with care, and with intention.”
AL Fine Art & Design features elegant tableware, paintings and prints, and one-of-a-kind ceramic jewelry that brings the essence of nature into everyday life. Loschiavo’s work is available in select retail locations such as Hands Gallery, Neighbors General, Harmony House, and through her online shop at alfineartanddesign.com. It can even be seen on the tables of Mistura, a local restaurant.
In addition to her shop collections, Amy offers custom commissions for individuals and businesses—from personalized gifts and wedding sets to custom dinnerware for restaurants and office decor for local businesses.
Beyond The Butterfly Project, Amy welcomes opportunities to partner with local and national nonprofits to create unique, art-driven campaigns that raise awareness and funds for causes that matter.
“Handmade work can do more than bring beauty into people’s lives—it can spark real change,” Loschiavo said.
PG&E Offers Free In-Home Gas Safety Checks
To help customers prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the cold months ahead, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering free in-home gas safety checks. During the checks, PG&E also will re-light pilot lights for customers who have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during warmer months.
Free safety checks help ensure that gas appliances, including water heaters, furnaces and ovens, are operating safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning within the home. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it can’t be seen, smelled or heard.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. Since the start of 2025, PG&E has responded to more than 6,000 incidents where the presence of carbon monoxide is suspected.
“This complimentary safety program is a great way for customers to prepare for increased use of their natural gas appliances this winter,” said Jeff Janvier, PG&E gas operations lead. “A team member will inspect all gas appliances to ensure proper functionality and perform pilot re-lights. Scheduling a free gas safety check is a benefit PG&E proudly provides our customers to ensure their safety and comfort.”
Before the colder winter months when natural gas appliances typically see the most use, PG&E encourages customers to schedule an inspection by visiting www.pge.com/pilotlights. Scheduling your appointment online is free and easy and will help you avoid hold times on the customer service line. Customers can also call 800-743-5000 to schedule appointments.
Helpful Winter Gas Safety Tips
• Install carbon monoxide detectors to warn when concentration levels are high.
• All California single-family homes are required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
• Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor, near sleeping areas and common areas.
• These devices should be tested twice a year, and batteries replaced if necessary.
• Check the expiration date – most carbon monoxide detectors have a shelf life of five to seven years.
• Consider installing methane detectors in enclosed spaces where gas appliances are being operated as an additional line of protection.
• Never use products inside the home that generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, such as generators, outdoor grills, or propane heaters.
• Never use cooking devices such as ovens or stoves for home heating purposes.
• When using the fireplace to stay warm, make sure the flue is open so venting can occur safely through the chimney.
• Make sure water heaters and other natural gas appliances have proper ventilation.
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.
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.
