Big, Bad & Ugly Surf Contest 2009
by Kevin Cole

Morro Rock by Dennis Young

USCG Surf Boats by Malcolm Riordan

Great Blue Heron by Nan Carder

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Peregrine Falcon Image on Banner by Cleve Nash

Atascadero Writers Group

I've been so scared these past few weeks. I'm so confused I find it difficult to explain, even to you my dear friend. Honestly, ever since Michael was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I've been driving myself crazy wanting to believe it's only a heavy case of dementia. That kinda makes it more bearable, you know? But I don't think its really working because I wake up in the middle of the night thinking he isn't breathing. So I poke him in the middle of his back until he grunts.He stops snoring and I think he's gone. His snoring has become nocturnal music for me. I forget about the fact that I could go first and then I think about that and don't sleep for the next three hours. I'm driving myself crazy. Read More

Frustrated Local Writer by Rose Marie Zurkan

We were in Toronto to evaluate some of the restaurants in the area. We'd flown up the day before  —  Ed, a tall, quiet young man with sandy hair long enough to flop into his eyes, and Sally, in her 30's, pretty, and plump. Bruce had a crush on her.

"I come from Omaha," Ed told us. "Someday I'd like to move back. Permanently. My dad's a doctor, so's my two brothers. They're adopted. My parents thought they'd never have children. Then I came along. I had a great childhood, you can imagine. Lollipop Land all the way. Read More

Genie's Pocket by Jeanie Greensfelder

Cruise Stop, Trapani, Sicily

Bicycles ply cobblestone streets —
no helmets here, no stop signs.
A woman beats her rug
on her balcony railing.
Across from her
an old man sits and watches.
At the corner, two men argue,
their hands shaking like maracas.  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 Howard Ignatius, Mimi Ditchie, Ken Bondy, Mike Baird, Bill Bouton, Cat Evans, Jerry Kirkhart, Steve Udell, Michael Johnston, Elizabeth Haslam, Lace Anderson, Cheryl Strahl, Don Quintana, Steve Corey, Brad Shram, Fred Moore, James Crawford, Sylvia Sanchez, Bob Canepa, Dave Lawrence, Marlin Harms, Beth Sargent, Ashala Tylor, Alice Cahill, Ronnie Goyette, Anita Ritenour, Linda Tanner, Don Henderson, and Dagmar Collins. See More

Mostly Music by Dawn Starr

Meet Adam Levine! Not the front man for Maroon 5, but the local guitarist, composer, and arranger who lives and performs on the Central Coast.  Read More

One Poet's Perspective by Jane Elsdon

Sometime in the crystalline sunlight of March, spring begins to hum in our ears. So does freedom. Exploration. Kick-back times ahead.  Read More

Opera SLO by Kathryn Bumpass

In March, Opera San Luis Obispo presents the ensemble Café Musique in what is described as "our most elegant Salon Series offering yet." Held at the Vina Robles winery, the salon features a "bubbles and cheese prelude" with full dinner to follow, each course paired with appropriate wines. Guests will have an opportunity to socialize with the musicians during dessert. Read More

Shutterbugs, Featuring Sylvia Sanchez

Photography, to me, is a passion, a second job, an excuse to go outside, an opportunity to meet others, and a wonderful way to feed my need for creativity. I am constantly seeing the beauty that's all around us. A romantic at heart, photography helps fuel this passion.  Read More

Slo Coast Cooking by Elise Griffith

When my family first moved to California's beautiful Central Coast a decade ago, it would've been impossible to imagine a box of cold cereal selling for more than $5.00 or a gallon of milk costing as much as a gallon of gasoline. Fortunately, all residents have a bounty of fresh options for breakfast on busy (or lazy) mornings with a little preplanning. Homemade convenience for any meal is tailored to your preferred tastes. It's both environmentally responsible, and very budget-friendly. Watch for sales; don't be afraid to buy in bulk for best savings—even if you're single. Read More

Valencia Peak Panorama by Howard Ignatius