Photo by Kevin Cole:        Big, Bad & Ugly Surf Contest 2009

Photo by Dennis Young:        Morro Rock

Photo by Malcolm Riordan:        USCG Surf Boats

Receive a reminder to visit the Journal when the next issue or update is available. Send email to Update with "Update" in the subject line, or

Do you Tweet? We do Follow us on Twitter.

Peregrine Falcon image on banner by Cleve Nash

Art Talk by Jayne Behman

A "juried" art show infers that a hired professional, or panel, has selected the collection for exhibition. The judge is charged to compile a body of work that will inspire the viewers. Like an umpire, the judge determines from hundreds of entries "what's out and what's safe." The key to a triumphant looking display is its cohesiveness.

There are no set guidelines that qualify a person to be a judge de' art, although training and credentials play an important role. Choosing a celebrated judge may not insure a distinguished exhibition, but the presumption is otherwise. This belief is the attraction for nationwide artists to answer the Call for Entries. More entries equates to more money.  Read More

Genie's Pocket by Jeanie Greensfelder

A Journey

At first, all feels foreign—
pushing a keypad to enter,
fluorescent lights that buzz,
a recorded elevator voice,
our third floor ocean view,
magpies and two-toned crows,
euros and commuter trains,
hunting and gathering
at a Eurospar and Select store.    Read More

Great Shots by Jerry Kirkhart & Steve Corey

Our photo editors bring you some of their favorite coastal images for the month. This month's featured photographers include Jerry Kirkhart, Ashala Tylor, Anita Ritenour, Howard Ignatious, Sandy Harris, James Crawford, Devra Cooper, Elizabeth Haslam, Cleve Nash, Beth Sargent, Carol DiNolfo, Pam Link, Don Quintana, Michael Peterson, Nan Calora, Bill Bouton, Linda Tanner, Teddy Llovet, Steve Corey, Dawn Beattie, and Mike Baird. See More

Observations of a Country Squire by George Zidbeck

Throughout the 1980s, it'd be a rare week when native ground dwellers absented themselves from our San Luis Obispo County acreage. One morning, I spotted thirty-three deer. Additionally, one day I counted over sixty wild turkeys walking along our roadway. And for many years great flyways of wild pigeons plucked acorns from the oaks around our home. Such abundance no longer occurs.

But, more than gross numbers, the behavior of this or that individual sticks out. For example, even though many years have elapsed, I easily recall one deer's assertiveness when approached by any canine. Read More

Photo by Howard Ignatius: Valencia Peak