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

Photo by Chuck Abbe: Back Tomorrow

Best Friends by Malcolm Riordan, DVM

The United States has the fattest pets in the world. This continues to emerge as the leading cause of preventable disease and death in dogs and cats.  Yet to even breathe to a pet owner that their pet is overweight, you will hit a wall of disbelief and denial, and - at the same time - an avalanche of excuses. The psychological and social pressure to ignore weight problems is daunting for the veterinarians who dare to intrude. It even seems that much of society looks at trim dogs and cats as if they are being starved. Read More

Body, Mind, Spirit by Nancy Ballinger

Rumi, the 13th century poet and mystic, wrote eloquently of the human condition and the unique and universal journey of spiritual awakening that is possible for all of us. He gives clear instruction about the process of rising above the ordinary to conquer our fears and overcome obstacles that keep us from living our dreams.  He supports us in opening to a way of knowing that brings joy and liberation.    Read More

Double Vision by By Shana Ogren

It is Yom Kippur now; the Jewish New Year.  "Shana Tova" is what we say in Hebrew to celebrate and to send greeting this week.  "A good year" is our Jewish wish.   Read More

Exploring the Coast

A gathering of blackbirds perched on the electric wires this morning.  I could hear their insistent "scree-scree" calls. I had to shut down the window during the night—a bit of chill in the air. The pickleweed in the estuary is beginning to turn a rust color. It's September 20th and fall is but a few days away. With fall come apples! Time to head to See Canyon. Read More

Far Horizons

From my observations, it appears that residents fortunate to live in the Central Coast area of California generally think of themselves as environmentally conscientious people. Many recycle, don't dump trash in the woods, drive fuel efficient cars, and when outside, believe in the mantra, "Take pictures and leave only footprints." Read More

Get Involved

The Docent group at that park has been conducting Living History, in which individuals research the lives of persons living in the late 1800s-early 1900s, dress in period costume, and give presentations - alone or in groups - to portray those characters or fictitious ones who have characteristics of actual historic figures. Our group of volunteer Living History Docents has decided to retire, but will be available to coach and advise new volunteers. To the extent possible, we use historic accounts, local histories, letters, newspaper clippings, historic photographs, and other historic archives to create as authentic an experience as possible. We hope to offer presentations at least one day a month, and two days would be better. Schedule is negotiable. Read More

Let's Go Green by Lawson Schaller

First I want to jump back to Septembers' column and remind everyone that the Central Coast Bioneers Conference is this month.  It will be at the Cal Poly campus from October 15th thru the 17th and should prove to be a wonderful event.  Much of what has been written about in this column over the last year or so is aligned in many ways with the Bioneers.  The Bioneers have much of their focus on emerging technologies and ideas, but also support and encourage community networks, alliances and common sense approaches like growing your own fruits and vegetables and helping out your neighbors.   Read More

Medical Myth Busting by Dr. Steven Sainsbury

Jon and Matt, your three-year old twins have just started daycare. They are excited to interact daily with a new group of playmates, and you welcome the brief respite for a few hours a day. However, within a week, the frosting comes off the cake as both boys develop a runny nose, slight fever, sneezing, and cough—their first "colds." Read More

Surfing Out Of The Box by Paul Finley

If you have been in the water or looked at any easily accessible break around the Central Coast lately, you will notice the we are sharing the water with a plethora of kids who are pursuing the higher education at one of our local campuses. In no way do I mock or condemn the pupils and future leaders of America in this article, but I think it is an appropriate time in the surf season to look at a couple basic or fundamental pillars of surfing etiquette. Read More

Upcoming Events

Burn Relay

As you may know, the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation is dedicated to burn prevention through education and burn survivor assistance. The Burn Relay is one of the biggest fund raising events for the foundation and helps to defray the costs of programs such as: Champ Camp; Stop Drop and Roll; Baby Blues (an anti-scald program aimed at new families); and the Young Adult Summit. The assistance you provide may be as simple as funds for fuel to get to medical appointments, help with the purchase of pressure garments or sponsor a child to Champ Camp. Read More 

Hi Mountain Condor Lookout Open House and Campout

9th Annual Open House/ Campout, Saturday, October 9th, 2010 Read More

World Championship Skatercross

This October, in Morro Bay, California where slalom was reborn in 2001, a brand new way of racing skateboards, combining street, vert and slalom skills in a head to head format will be introduced to the skateboarding world. Read More

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Peregrine Falcon image on banner by Cleve Nash