Grant Funding for Diverse Businesses in SLO
Anyone who owns or wishes to start a business in San Luis Obispo can apply for grant funding from the City to reach more diverse customers.
“Focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion can benefit your bottom line while also benefiting the entire community,” said Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua, the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager. “All businesses based in San Luis Obispo can apply for this new grant funding opportunity for activities, services, programs or projects that are accessible to all and that have a focus on traditionally underserved, underrepresented or marginalized groups.”
The City of San Luis Obispo is now offering a total of $150,000 in funding through its DEI SLO Business Grant Program. Applications are due on March 31, 2023 by 5 p.m. and funds will be released to grant recipients in the fall.
Historically underserved, underrepresented, or marginalized communities are groups of people who experience the systematic process of being relegated to the lower outer edge or margin of society economically, politically, culturally, and socially. Marginalized groups were (and some continue to be) denied full participation or representation in mainstream cultural, social, political, and economic activities. Marginalized communities have typically referred to Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ+, women, low-income, and people with disabilities.
The City’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is partnering with the Office of Economic Development and Tourism to provide financial support to local businesses while also promoting the economic and social well-being of the community through programs that support diversity, create equity, and foster inclusion.
For more information, visit www.slocity.org/Diversity.
Scarecrow Festival Mixer in Cambria
Mark your calendars. The Cambria Scarecrow Festival Open House & Cambria Chamber Mixer takes place Wednesday, March 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2515 unit K Village Lane in Cambria’s Tin city.
Enjoy a behind the scenes look at where the scarecrow magic begins along with presentations and a peek into the realm of scarecrow creativity.
For more information, go to CambriaScarecrows.com or call 805-395-2399.
Maritime Museum Bench Fundraiser
The Morro Bay Maritime Museum is holding a fundraiser with the goal of installing a bench in honor of the support they received from the late Morro Bay City Councilman Robert “Red” Davis and his late wife Gail.
“In Gail’s obituary, the family asked for donations to the museum in lieu of flowers, and the response has been overwhelming,” museum representatives said in their newsletter. “So many people have given generously in Gail’s memory, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
The museum plans to purchase a bench to be placed in the new section of museum grounds as a tribute to Red and Gail’s support and passion.
To make a donation, go to morrobaymaritime.org and click the big red support button.
Cayucos Chamber Warns About Counterfeit Bills
The Cayucos Chamber of Commerce took to Facebook to warn businesses that counterfeit $100 bills are making the rounds in Cayucos and other local beach communities.
How to Spot a Counterfeit:
Color-shifting Ink – One of the first things to check is if the bill denomination on the bottom right-hand corner has color-shifting ink. Going back to 1996, all bills of $5 or more have this security feature. If you hold a new series bill (except for the new $5 bill) and tilt it back and forth, you can see that the numeral in the lower right-hand corner shifts from green to black or from gold to green.
Watermark – The watermark is a characteristic security feature of authentic banknotes. Many of the new bills use a watermark that is actually a replica of the face on the bill. On other banknotes, it is just an oval spot.
Blurry Borders, Printing, or Text: An automatic red flag for counterfeit bills is noticeably blurry borders, printing, or text on the bill. Authentic bills are made using die-cut printing plates that create impressively fine lines, so they look extremely detailed. Counterfeit printers are usually not capable of the same level of detail. Take a close look, especially at the borders, to see if there are any blurred parts in the bill. Authentic banknotes also have micro-printing, or finely printed text located in various places on the bill. If the micro-printing is unreadable, even under a magnifying glass, it is probably counterfeit.
If you have had bills handed out in your business, contact your local law enforcement.
Brewery Closes One Location — Events planned
Central Coast Brewing is closing their location at 1422 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo after 25 years. They are holding a few events to say goodbye to their building before moving on to The Hub at 1701 Monterey, their website says.
• March 17 at the old Monterey Street location from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is the last call for this location. There will be wall signing, lots of photos and memories, What The Truck will be there all day serving tacos and smoked corned beef breakfast burritos. Events also include Catch 23 re-release and a Bike Sumo grand finale at dusk. For the hearty soles, they will start the day at McCarthy’s at 6 a.m.
•March 18 at the 6 Higuera Street location from 11:30 a.m. 8 p.m. There will be bands all day, weather permitting, celebration of the 25th Anniversary Triple Central Coast IPA, beer games and a Barrel-Aged, Belgian Dark Strong tasting.
• March 19 at The Hub (new location) includes Sunday Fun-Day Beer Bike Ride starting at 10 a.m. This is a super soft opening out in the parking lot with tours of the new facility.
Are you or a neighbor Taking Care of Business? Submit your awesome local efforts for publication here. Is your business supporting our community? Maybe you’re launching a new business, or you’re making updates to your current business model, or re-opening. Or 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. Fill out our online form at EsteroBayNews.com.
