Photo by Mike Baird:     Surf Girls

Photo by Kevin Cole: Harmony Outhouse

Photo by Chuck Abbe: Morro Bay in B&W

Photo by Cleve Nash:        Cedar Waxwing

Photo by Earthly Images: Montana de Oro

Photo by Maggie Smith: Three Cormorants - Double-crested, Brandt, and Pelagic

Best Friends by Malcolm Riordan, DVM

Can your cat get Nepeta cataria from you? Yes—and the main symptom is you laughing at your cat. Read More

Body, Mind, Spirit by Nancy Ballinger

The popular and often quoted prayer of St. Francis is probably the clearest statement of the "what, why, and how" of truly serving others. It reminds us that acting for the welfare of those around us provides an opportunity to move beyond the self-seeking and self-will we all suffer from at times.  It tells us that in helping others, we receive more than we can ever possibly give and are born to a new way of being—living consciously in harmony with Life's purpose.   Read More

Double Vision by By Shana Ogren

I volunteer to please myself.  Don't get me wrong—I like helping people.  But that's not why I volunteer.  The knowledge that I can help somebody does not motivate me. I volunteer so I can help myself.  I am a selfish volunteer.  When I'm helping other people, I'm actually using them.   Read More

Exploring the Coast

You're slipping silently through the waters of the back bay in your kayak. Suddenly the surface of the water breaks, a small rounded head appears. Two large dark eyes peer at you intently. Nostrils resting right at the water line flare open and shut and with a whoosh, the head disappears into the depths. You've had your first encounter with a harbor seal. Read More

Get Involved

California State Parks is looking for a few actors and actresses interested in portraying the ranching and/or Native American history of Montana de Oro State Park. . Read More

Far Horizons

Riding a bike can leave you breathless. Well, maybe not breathless, but gasping for air. Bicycles today have multiple speeds. Some novice riders use only one gear and struggle as if shifting required an engineering degree. A few adults put on a comedy act when they ride. Their seat's so low so their knees almost reach their chest. Often the bike's too small so riding a straight line is nearly impossible. Read More

Let's Go Green by Lawson Schaller

Bioneers are looking out over a vast new frontier, a frontier of challenges, and a frontier of opportunities.   From world class scientists to ordinary citizens, Bioneers are mustering up the gumption to make meaningful change for our World.  Bioneers is the name of a group founded 20 years ago by Kenny Ausubel and Nina Simons.  Bioneers are courageous and industrious souls striking out to improve the world.  Some may feel ‘improve' is a little on the light side.  A heavier opinion may weigh in as…we need to make a huge change from the path we are on in order to save the world.  These needed changes are not only environmental in scope but also social.  Read More

Medical Myth Busting by Dr. Steven Sainsbury

When it comes to society's vices, we frequently delude ourselves into believing that things are not quite as bad as they appear. Tobacco is no exception, as smokers imagine that their addictions are no worse than a predilection for chocolate. If only it were true. Here are a few of the cherished myths about tobacco. Read More

Surfing Out Of The Box by Paul Finley

This month we had the awesome privilege of receiving a wonderful gift, the birth of our third daughter. With the all encompassing reminders of new life and the responsibility of having something fragile to care for and nurture, it seems like a fitting moment to look at our obligations as surfers and ocean goers of the Central Coast, and to look at ways we can do our part in being mindful and environmentally responsive. Read More

Photo by Chuck Abbe: Back Tomorrow

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Peregrine Falcon image on banner by Cleve Nash