SLO Chamber Hosts Largest Business Trade Show
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Expo at the Expo trade show from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21. This is the largest business trade show on the Central Coast, giving local businesses the opportunity to connect with each other and potential customers by bringing together more than 100 local exhibitors and 2,000 attendees.
Exhibitors go all out in decorating their booth and showing up with creative costumes. Saddle up for business success and join in this year’s Country Western theme.
It all takes place at the Alex Madonna Expo Center, 120 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo.
Entry is free with a business card. For more information, call (805) 786-2777 or visit www.slochamber.org.
Acclaimed Screenwriter returns to Close Writers’ Conference
Acclaimed screenwriter, director, and producer, Rob Edwards, will deliver the closing keynote at the 41st Annual Cuesta College Central Coast Writers’ Conference (CCWC.
Edwards, known for Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” and “Treasure Planet” (both Academy Award-nominated), and Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” will share career insights with his signature humor. He is also an Emmy-winning writer/producer with credits including “Full House,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “In Living Color.”
“We are elated to have Rob Edwards return to the conference as our Closing Keynote Speaker,” said Meagan Friberg, event director. “He has a great sense of humor and having him share about his successful writing career in Hollywood will be an invaluable addition to this year’s conference.”
Edwards enjoys visiting the Central Coast and is looking forward to returning to CCWC for a third time to share his passion for teaching. He will also be leading a master class on screenwriting.
“I love teaching,” said Edwards. “My mom was a teacher, so she always says, learn how to do something well and then teach other people how to do it.”
This month, Edwards’ screenwriting credits grew by two with the release of “The King of Kings” (top opening for an animated faith-based film) and “Sneaks” (animated film with Anthony Mackie, Chloe Bailey, Martin Lawrence, and Lawrence Fishburne). Edwards also co-directed “Sneaks.” He has a novel in progress, as well.
CCWC will also feature Brooke Warner, publisher, author and motivational writing coach, as the Opening Keynote Speaker, and 40-plus presenters across numerous genres. In addition, master classes and pitch/critique sessions will be available for a separate fee, and a teen program has been added to the schedule.
Registration details are at: CentralCoastWritersConference.com. Scholarships are available on a limited basis. The Central Coast Writers’ Conference is brought to you by Cuesta Community College, Kindle Direct Publishing, and the Rotary Passport Club of the Central Coast.
Free Microchips for Pets
In honor of National Chip Your Pet Month, and with the help of 24PetWatch microchip registry, Woods Humane Society announces three, free microchip clinics to help members of the public protect their pets if they ever become lost. The free clinics are by-appointment only and will be held at Woods North County on Friday, May 16 from 2-4 p.m. and at Woods SLO Wednesday, May 21, from 2-4 p.m.
Microchips, which normally cost $20 at Woods Humane Society, are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted just under the skin. Each chip contains a unique code that can be scanned easily by a veterinarian or an animal shelter employee to look up the pet owner’s contact information in an online national database like 24PetWatch.
“Time and time again, we have seen animals labeled as ‘strays’ come into the shelter only to learn with a quick scan that they have a loving family looking for them,” said Woods CEO Emily L’Heureux in a new release. “Microchips are tiny, harmless, and inexpensive, but they make a huge impact. They enable us to reunite pets with grateful families and keep owned animals out of the shelter so that we can reserve that space for animals who are truly without a home. All Woods animals are microchipped before being adopted, and we highly recommend all pet owners take this step for the sake of their own pets, and for those in need of shelter.”
The American Humane Association estimates that 10 million pets are lost in the United States each year, and only 15 percent of lost dogs and 2 percent of lost cats in shelters without ID tags or microchips are reunited with their owners. Pets with microchips are 20 times more likely to be reunited with their owners.
In advance of summer adventures and 4th of July fireworks, especially, Woods Humane Society says it is crucial that pet owners protect their pets by microchipping and making sure their microchip registration is up to date with current contact information.
Local pet owners can find more information or make an appointment to get their pets microchipped for free at either Woods location by visiting woodshumanesociety.org/microchip. Woods Humane Society is located at 875 Oklahoma Ave., San Luis Obispo, and at 2300 Ramona Rd., Atascadero.
Submit Your Nomination for 2025 Butterfly Ball Awards
The Central Coast State Parks Association is taking nominations for two distinguished honors to be presented at 6th Annual Butterfly Ball. These awards celebrate individuals whose dedication to conservation, education, and environmental stewardship has left a lasting impact on our region and beyond.
John Laird Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious award honors individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to advancing the conservation of California’s natural and cultural resources, parks, and open spaces. Their work represents a legacy of service, advocacy, and enduring commitment to the natural world.
Young Leaders in Conservation
This award recognizes emerging environmental changemakers under the age of 30 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and impact in the fields of conservation and environmental education in San Luis Obispo County. These rising leaders embody the future of sustainability through innovation and action.
Submit your nomination today at bit.ly/42Z3Vmp.
S.B. Botanical Garden Accepting Playhouse Designs
Through July 8, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is accepting new design concepts for its next generation of Casitas natural playhouses. First introduced in 2019, this program provides young guests (and those young at heart) with immersive, nature-inspired play experiences in its “Backcountry” that encourage exploration, creativity, and a connection to the natural world.
“We are looking for imaginative, nature-based playhouse designs that delight our visitors while fostering an appreciation for California’s native plants,” said Scot Pipkin, the Garden’s director of education. “Selected Casitas will employ thoughtful design, incorporate sustainable materials, and integrate seamlessly with the Garden grounds.”
The design competition is open to designers, artists, architects, and creative minds from across the country. Up to three selected designers will be notified on July 20 and receive a $5,000 stipend to support construction. Final installations will be unveiled at the Garden’s annual fall family night held on Saturday, October 25 and remain in the Garden for guests to enjoy for up to two years.
Designs Reviewed Using Following Criteria:
• Balance creativity and imagination in design with well-thought, realistic ideas
• Use of natural, sustainable materials
• Engagement for children aged 5 to 13
• Alignment with the Garden’s mission of native plant conservation
• Durability and adaptability to withstand weather and high usage for up to 2 years
Collaborations between individuals and teams are encouraged. The selected Casitas will replace existing playhouses in the Backcountry, continuing the tradition of evolving, interactive nature play at the Garden.
Competition Timeline
• July 8 Submission Window Closes at 5 p.m. PST
• July 29 Winning Designs Announced
• Oct 13 Construction Begins
• Oct 25 Opening Weekend
For more details about the current Casitas installations and to view past winning designs, visit bit.ly/42DKa4K.
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.
