Morro Bay Chamber’s Breakfast on the Bay Returns
The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is kicking off 2026 with its first Breakfast on the Bay on Wednesday, February 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Morro Bay Community Center.
“This engaging morning event will center on the theme ‘The Road Ahead,’ bringing together local business owners, community members, and civic leaders to connect and learn about what lies ahead for Morro Bay,” the Chamber said.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Chamber’s new Chief Executive Officer, Tina Clark, and welcome John Craig, Morro Bay’s new city manager, as they share their visions and priorities for the year ahead.”
The program will also feature an update from Michael Wambolt of Visit Morro Bay, who will discuss Highway 1 reopening promotion efforts and what they mean for the community. “Breakfast on the Bay brings the business community together each month for timely updates, meaningful connections, and thoughtful discussion,” said Chamber CEO Tina Clark. “We encourage our members and the broader community to join us, connect with one another, and stay informed with what’s happening in Morro Bay.”
Tickets are at bit.ly/3O1SFSf
For more information, visit bit.ly/4ceKxb5 or call (805) 772-4467.
Frank Lanzone to Retire from KCBX
Photo courtesy of KCBX
After 45 years of leading KCBX Public Radio, President and General Manager Frank Lanzone announced he will retire. He will continue to serve as executive director of the Live Oak Music Festival.
Lanzone first came to KCBX as general manager in April 1980. Since then, he successfully guided KCBX through many significant transitional periods related to ebbs and flows in federal funding, right up through the present-day elimination of federal funding for public media and the closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
During his first year at KCBX, Lanzone increased (and achieved) the fundraising pledge drive goals and continued to cultivate successful, long-standing fundraising events, including a series of big band concerts, an annual public auction at Mission Plaza, an art auction in a private home, and a KCBX afternoon wine tasting, which grew into a four-day event that became known as the KCBX Central Coast Wine Classic, running from 1985 through 2003. In 1989, Lanzone and a small team of dedicated volunteers hosted the first Live Oak Music Festival.
In 1981, Lanzone and Steve Urbani, KCBX co-founder and board chair, oversaw the installation of five translators to serve Cambria, Cayucos, Avila Beach, Shell Beach, Santa Ynez, and Santa Barbara, expanding the reach of KCBX programming to the surrounding communities. Lanzone also grew the station significantly by establishing the KCBX Newsroom in 2014.
“Since joining KCBX in 1980, Frank has built upon our humble beginnings and made the station a strong, successful community asset,” said Steve Urbani in a news release. “His ability to establish a news department is a tribute to his management and fiscal abilities. Even more, Frank has become one of my very best friends.”
It could be said that Lanzone was destined for career in radio, judging by his interests in technology that were evident as early as age 5 and evolved into a passion when he found the radio and TV broadcast station at the College of San Mateo. “During my college years, I watched my classmates all head for commercial jobs in San Francisco, but I never left public radio,” said Lanzone. “In fact, my first job in public radio in 1970 – the same year NPR was incorporated – was made possible by the very first CPB grant available to stations. Today, the satisfaction of being part of an amazing team of people is as strong as it was 45 years ago.”
As Lanzone winds down his work at KCBX Central Coast Public Radio, Assistant General Manager Chris McBride steps into the role of president and general manager and continue to guide KCBX through this next phase, with her sights set on the next 50 years and beyond.
Poly’s VITA Tax Assistance Program Underway for 2026
January marks the beginning of the 2025 tax filing season. Tax filing for businesses and individuals started Jan. 27 with a deadline of April 15. Trained Cal Poly accounting students will offer free tax help on campus through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program on Saturdays from through March 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Third floor of the Orfalea College of Business Building (Building 003, next to the Alex G. Spanos Stadium on California Boulevard) on campus.)
The first Cal Poly VITA clinic took place in 1972 and continued off and on through 1992 when it then became an annual event. Since 2005, Orfalea College of Business students have prepared nearly 10,000 returns, assisting about 950 San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County residents each year. Student volunteers staff on-campus VITA clinics and in Santa Maria, working with the United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County. Each student is IRS-certified to prepare returns using basic forms, such as 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 540, 540A, 540EZ, and some supporting forms. Orfalea College of Business faculty and volunteer CPAs review and file the returns.
This year’s VITA program is led by faculty members Trisha Daughtrey and Steven Danowitz. The service will also be offered at two off-campus locations in Oceano and Santa Maria from Feb. 7 through March 14.
For more information, to download forms, or to make an appointment, go to orfalea.calpoly.edu/volunteer-income-tax-assistance
Tickets on Sell for State of Downtown SLO
Downtown SLO will hold the 2026 State of Downtown on March 2, marking the return of the event formerly known as the Annual Breakfast, after a four-year hiatus.
The State of Downtown will be hosted at La Esquina Taqueria, 1051 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, where attendees can enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and food while connecting with fellow business and civic leaders.
At the event, Downtown SLO will share highlights from their 2025 Annual Report, showcasing the impact of the organization over the past year, along with upcoming downtown activations and visions for the months ahead.
The event is open to all interested in engaging in meaningful collaboration to explore growth opportunities and solutions to support a thriving downtown San Luis Obispo.
Individual tickets are on sale now at DowntownSLO.com/StateofDowntown. They are $70 for Downtown SLO members and $85 for non-members.
Bachelor Pet at Woods
Looking to take home someone to love this Valentine’s Day. From February 11 to 15, Woods Humane Society will host a “Bachelor Pet” adoption event, reducing adoption fees for adult dogs and cats to just $14 (plus license fees for adult dogs). This special Valentine’s season event brings adoption fees down from the shelter’s typical range of $65 for senior cats to $150 for adult dogs.
Inspired by popular reality dating shows, the Bachelor Pet aims to draw attention to the many local dog and cat “contestants” who are waiting at Woods to find their matches.
“We have so many dogs and cats who are eager to bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love to a special person this Valentine’s Day season and beyond,” said Woods’ CEO Emily L’Heureux. “We hope this fun take on reality TV inspires the public to open their hearts to animals in need in the shelter, and that the reduced fees remove barriers to adopting.”
Woods currently has 55 adult pets available, ranging from 5 months to 10 years of age, including a diverse mix of breeds from Alaskan Malamute to Pekingese, and everything in between. All adoptable animals have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, licensed, and treated for parasites. Adoptions also include a voluntary 30 days of pet insurance and a free wellness exam at a local vet clinic.
Woods Humane Society is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 and at 2300 Ramona Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422, and is open to the public daily from 12-5 p.m., with adoption hours from 12-4 p.m. For more information about Woods, visit www.WoodsHumane.org or call (805) 543-9316.
Creston Classic Rodeo Donates $25,000
The Creston Classic Rodeo (CCR), a local non-profit organization dedicated to benefiting the Creston community, donated $25,000 to two community organizations following the successful conclusion of the 29th annual Creston Classic Rodeo.
This year, CCR donated $15,000 to Creston Activity Town Center Helping Hands Fund (C.A.T.C.H.), which operates the Creston Community Center. The center, located in Creston’s former firehouse, has been transformed into a welcoming community hub serving Crestonians of all ages.
An additional $10,000 was donated to the Creston Community Association’s Pool Fund, which helps operate and maintain the Creston Pool keeping it open and free for local children and families.
“These donations are what the Creston Classic Rodeo is all about,” said Tom Bordonaro, president of the Creston Classic Rodeo. “We are incredibly proud to be able to give back to our community, support these vital local organizations, and continue providing a cherished hometown event that brings people together year after year.
“None of this would be possible without the tremendous support of our sponsors, volunteers, and the entire community. We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributes their time, energy, and resources. Their support is the reason the Creston Classic Rodeo continues to succeed and to give back in meaningful ways.”
The Creston Classic Rodeo has become a longstanding local tradition, combining rodeo entertainment with a strong commitment to community involvement. Proceeds from the annual event are reinvested directly into Creston, supporting programs and facilities that enhance quality of life for residents.
“The support from the Creston Classic Rodeo makes a real difference,” said Sheila Lyon with C.A.T.C.H. “These funds help us continue improving the Creston Community Center and expanding the programs and services that bring our community together. We are extremely grateful for CCR’s ongoing commitment to Creston.”
Mark your calendars: the 30th annual Creston Classic Rodeo is scheduled for September 11 and 12, 2026. For more information, visit CrestonClassicRodeo.org.
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