Takin’ Care of Business 8-29-2024

Takin' Care of Business logo

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.

August 31, 2024

Happy Anniversary Central Coast Gondolas

The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce recently congratulated Central Coast Gondolas on their one-year anniversary, marked by a celebratory ribbon cutting. Experience Morro Bay from a unique perspective with a private gondola tour by booking your adventure with Central Coast Gondola today.

Pictured are: Judy Salamacha, Jon Elliott, Stephano Anastasia, Janette Anastasia, their daughters, Giulia, Clarissa, and Elena Anastasia, behind the eldest daughter is Elizabeth Haitt, Ray Riordam, Ron Richison (behind Ray). Dean Staver and Hannah Jones. 

Swinging it Back — Golf Style

The Morro Bay Women’s Golf Club (MBWGC) recently made a hole-in-one for the community by donating seven new complete sets of golf clubs to the Morro Bay High School Girls’ Golf Team. 

This contribution addresses a critical need for the team, ensuring that every player has access to quality equipment to hone their skills and compete at their best.

It all began when MBHS Coach Mimi Black reached out to the MBWGC for support. Upon discovering the high school team’s immediate equipment needs, the MBWGC, with Renee Punzi facilitating, proposed using their existing scholarship funds to purchase the clubs. This resonated with the board, leading to the unanimous approval.

“The Morro Bay Women’s Golf Club is not only passionate about golf but also about giving back to our community,” said Punzi. “We are thrilled to support the high school girls’ golf team in this meaningful way. It’s a joy to see our members’ contributions making a direct impact on young athletes’ lives.”

The planning and execution of this donation were meticulously carried out by dedicated members of the MBWGC. Toni Mayes and Tammy Doshier conducted thorough research to identify the best equipment options, ensuring that each set of clubs met the high standards required for competitive play. Julie Rodewald coordinated the funding logistics, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.

Beyond their support for youth sports, the MBWGC is actively engaged in various community outreach initiatives throughout the year. During the holidays, they organize food and toy drives to benefit local families in need. Each fall the MBWGC holds the Monarch Invitational Tournament and reaches out to local businesses to support Morro Bay High School Girls Golf team by sponsoring a hole or by donating products for their raffle.  All of the proceeds go into supporting the Morro Bay High School Girls Golf team. 

“As the MBHS girls’ golf team prepares for their upcoming season, they do so with renewed enthusiasm and gratitude for the support of the Morro Bay Women’s Golf Club,” said Black. “Thanks to the MBWGC’s generosity, these young athletes can focus on developing their skills and enjoying the game they love.

“In these challenging times, initiatives like the MBWGC’s donation to the Morro Bay High School girls’ golf team remind us of the power of community and the positive impact of coming together to support our youth.”  

Readers interested in contributing to MBWGC fall’s event, should reach out to reneepunzi@gmail.com.

Cal Poly Partners Plaza to Open for Fall Athletics

Cal Poly Partners Plaza, the new 14,200-square-foot tiered hospitality area in the north end zone of Alex G. Spanos Stadium, is on schedule to open for the fall soccer and football seasons.

A project of Cal Poly Partners, the plaza has three separate and distinct terraces and has an amazing field view that creates a continuous connection to the action on the field. Pair that with two uniquely different culinary and beverage venues, and one stand-alone drink concession, and the plaza brings the tailgate to the field from kick off to final whistle.

“We wanted to create something that would enhance the fan experience, complement the John Madden Football Center and continue to push the Mustang athletics programs forward with better facilities,” said Cal Poly Partners CEO Cody VanDorn. “The opportunity was there to offer fans an immersive college athletics experience that is uniquely Cal Poly, and we took it.”

Spanos Stadium is home to one of the most intimate college soccer and football experiences in the nation. With no track around the field — or pitch in soccer parlance — the fans are always close to the action.

On top of the amazing vantage point for touchdowns and goals, Cal Poly Partners Plaza will be open and available for upcoming concerts.

The plaza’s food, seating and picnic areas will be available Monday through Thursday during the academic year to provide another amazing space for Cal Poly community members to gather and eat on the west side of campus.

Offering exclusive, private hospitality spaces, customizable catering and beverage service, the plaza offers a turnkey VIP experience for company picnics and employee or corporate events.

Your Art Here

The City of San Luis Obispo’s Public Art Program is looking for artists to help transform a blank retaining wall into a lively mural located on the intersection of Elks Lane and South Higuera Street. 

On Wednesday, the City issued a Request for Proposals for the “Heart and SLO: Celebrating the Essence and Spirit of Community” mural. Design submissions will be accepted through Friday, September 27, 2024. 

SLO’s Public Art Program is looking for designs that celebrate the county’s diverse backgrounds, honor our rich history, and highlight our forward-thinking spirit. Whether it’s the stories of indigenous peoples, agricultural roots, or the innovation that drives us forward, we want this mural to tell it all. The mural will be installed as a vinyl wrap on the retaining wall at the intersection of Elks Lane and S. Higuera Street and artists will receive a $5,000 stipend for the purchase of their art. 

“San Luis Obispo is bursting with creative talent, and this is an exciting opportunity for local artists to leave their mark on our community,” said Amanda Grieshop, the City’s public art coordinator. “The Heart and SLO mural isn’t just about art—it’s about celebrating who the city is and where the city is headed. We’re eager to see proposals that capture the essence of SLO and inspire our residents and visitors alike.” 

This RFP is open to individual artists, artist teams, and community groups with a designated lead artist residing in San Luis Obispo County. Artwork must be original and adhere to specified guidelines, including the exclusion of advertising, religious or political content, and certain imagery.  

Applications will be reviewed by City staff and a selection committee (Art Jury) comprising of local artists, community members, and representatives from various organizations. 

Selection criteria include artistic excellence, originality, appropriateness of content, and the artist’s experience with similar projects.  

For more information, go to www.slocity.org/PublicArt. 

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 Editor@EsteroBayNews.com. 

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