Big, Bad & Ugly Surf Contest 2009
by Kevin Cole

Morro Rock by Dennis Young

USCG Surf Boats by Malcolm Riordan

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Peregrine Falcon Image on Banner by Cleve Nash

Atascadero Writers Group

Five of SLO Coast Journal's regular columnists happen to be current members of Atascadero Writers Group. They are Richard Hannibal, John Bullaro, George Zidbeck, Rose Marie Zurkan, and Jane Elsdon. Founder, editor, and publisher of the Journal, Judy Sullivan, recently made the group an offer they couldn't refuse. She invited members to submit their work on a monthly basis. Delighted by the prospect, in the midst of holidays and all, they scurried about and sent the following pieces. Read More

Frustrated Local Writer by Rose Marie Zurkan (New Writer!)

Regina stood in the bedroom doorway, arms folded. Her daughter, Marguerite, should have been through dressing by now. "Hurry up," Regina said."Why can't we take the train?" Marguerite grumbled. "I hate the bus. The fumes make me sick." "Me too," Regina acknowledged, "but it's cheap. The train costs too much." Read More

Genie's Pocket by Jeanie Greensfelder

Night Visitor

In the middle of the night,
I walk down the hall.
Ahead of me, someone
moves silently:
a ghost in a nightgown.  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 local photographers are Elizabeth Haslam, Bob Camepa, Bill Bouton, Jerry Kirkhart, Beth Sargent, Pam Link, Michelle Maani, Linda McDonald, James Crawford, Alan Vernon, Ashala Tylor, Dagmar Collins, Anita Ritenour, Mimi Ditchie, Mike Baird, Fred Moore, Don Quintana, Rob Degraff, Nan Calora, Don Henderson, Ronnie Goyette, Dave Lawrence, Teddy Llovet, Steve Corey, Alice Cahill, Sylvia Sanchez, Howard Ignatius, Linda Tanner, Marlin Harms, and Pat Brown. See More

Mostly Music by Dawn Starr (New Column)

 Listening to nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians is always a soul-stirring experience. What many San Luis Obispo county residents and visitors don't realize is that there are such regular music offerings locally. This "Mostly Music" column will appear monthly, primarily focusing on the rich, deep musical talent that is available on the Central Coast. Read More

One Poet's Perspective by Jane Elsdon

  Pauses on the path too often seem like trouble. At best a brass ring, a booby prize, or something disgusting that I just stepped in that stops me cold. Or yes, even a traffic or log jam. But when I stop to consider for a moment, I must finally admit that in my life many a miracle has unfolded from just such beginnings. What I think of as being "stuck," may well turn out to be more like being "supplied."  Read More

Opera SLO by Kathryn Bumpass

The Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo joined forces with the Opera San Luis Obispo Orchestra and the Morro High School Chorus, directed by Colleen Wall, to perform Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, December 9. The house was very nearly sold out on Saturday and completely sold out for Sunday afternoon. It was by all measures a highly successful venture. Read More

Practicing Poetic Justice by Deborah Tobola

 When he was released from prison six years ago, Leonard Flippen was looking for success stories — not just people who beat the state's 70% recidivism rate, but true role models. Leonard was looking for people who had left the prison mindset behind, bettered themselves, and contributed to their communities. Read More

Shutterbugs, Featuring Marlin Harms

Photography defines me as much as anything does. From the amount of time spent with a camera, to computer time, planning the next shoot, how friends and acquaintances know me—it's what I do. It wasn't always that way. After all, until recently I had a full-time job that wasn't photography.  Read More

Slo Coast Cooking by Elise Griffith

Since my first column at Slo Coast Journal—indeed for many years beforehand—my personal mission has been about preparing healthy meals on a budget. Would it surprise you to know we have hungry among us on our beautiful coastline? Read More

 

Valencia Peak Panorama by Howard Ignatius