The Grover Beach Community Library will hold their annual Community Appreciation Day on Wednesday, May at 5 p.m., at the library, 240 N 9th Street. The highlight of the event include presenting the Mary Lee Clark Award recognizing a person, persons, organization, agency or entity that has significantly contributed to the goals, enhancement, promotion, success and continued growth of the library. According to Nan Fowler, the president of the Library Board of Directors, the library was the brainchild of Mary Lee Clark who convinced her husband, Cliff Clark, to give up space in his law office for the library. Fowler said, “We invite you to attend, share some snacks and Champagne with us, see our cozy little library and meet this year’s award recipient”.
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The Grover Beach Parks, Recreation & Beautification Commission will present a Water Conservation & Drought Tolerant Landscaping workshop, featuring Tami Reece, UCCE Master Gardener. The presentation will provide tips and strategies to help you conserve, capture and use water wisely for your home and yard. This free event takes place at the Ramona Garden Park Center, 993 Ramona Avenue on Saturday, May 2. There will also be a free prize drawing of items related to water conservation. Anyone wishing to attend is requested to RSVP to the Grover Beach Parks & Recreation Department, so that sufficient materials can be made available. For more information, please contact the Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (805) 473-4580.
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Kentucky isn’t Too Far: Ready for the Derby? The folks over at CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer program-serving children in need, are trying something new to raise funds.The San Luis Obispo organization is hosting a live streamed viewing of the Kentucky Derby, “A Day at the Races,” May 2, from 1 p.m. – 4 pm at Loma Grande Ranch, 2455 Corbett Canyon Rd, in SLO.
It’s their first time trying this scale of daytime fundraiser and guest will get the virtual experience of partying at the track with real-time updates and viewing a large screen inside the barn at Loma Grande Ranch. Employees from the Sidecar in Downtown SLO will be manning the bar where mint juleps, whiskeys, beer, wine, and sweet tea will be served. “Southern fare will be passed and lawn games will be played to the tune of a live jazz band.” A hat contest and horse betting will round out the afternoon with fabulous prizes including a cruise to the Bahamas! Tickets are $50 and $75 for VIP.
The CASA of San Luis Obispo County mission is to protect children abused and neglected by other guardians and to be their voice in a uncertain legal system.
Most of these children have been removed from their homes, are living in foster care, often separated from their siblings and experience lives of instability and uncertainty. According to the organization, there are currently 450 children in SLO County under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Dependency Court. CASA represents 30 percent of them. Their end goal is to have an advocate for every child entering the system. For more information go online to: www.slocasa.org. On Twitter or Instagram check out: #slocasaderby.
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San Luis Coastal Adult School offers Aikido Class starting May 5 – Enroll now. Classes take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., May 5 to August 6.
Aikido, a martial art for modern times, starts May 5 at the San Luis Coastal Adult School. The class is designed for Beginners through Black Belts. Beginners learn Basic Aikido techniques for redirecting attacks into throws or pins. Experienced students add complexity and speed, and learn more new techniques. Classes will be instructed by Mary Tesoro Sensei, a 5th degree black belt and co-founder/chief instructor of Aikido of San Luis Obispo since1987. Enroll by calling the SLO Coastal Adult School at 549-1222.
You can learn more, see a map, or link to Online Enrollment at aikidosanluisobispo.com
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Morro Bay Friends of the Library is resuming free Wellness Wednesdays Programs from 10 a.m.–noon Wednesday, May 13 in the library programing room. Betsy Bettencourt, a state certified massage therapist and Reiki practitioner and teacher, will speak on “The Healing Benefits of Massage Therapy and Reiki Energy Balancing.” You can learn how massage can help one alleviate stress, as well as gain a sense of peace, relaxation and a healing of the body, mind and soul. For more information contact Karen at 225-3131 or see: www.morrobaybookdiscussiongroup.org.
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New to Medicare? An upcoming seminar on better understanding the system is set for 10 a.m. Friday, May 8 at the Paso Robles Public Library, 1000 Spring St. Sponsored by the library, Paso Robles senior Center, CAPSLO Adult Day Center anmd HICAP, the free seminar will include a comprehensive introduction to Medicare including what it covers, supplemental insurance, Part D prescription coverage, Medicare and employer group health plans and retiree health plan considerations. For more information about the “New to Medicare” presentation and to reserve a seat at this seminar, contact the local HICAP office at 1-800-434-0222, (805) 928-5663, email to: , or register online at www.centralcoastseniors.org.
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Wanna be a happy camper? The Avila/Pismo Beach KOA Campground is offering camping on Saturday, May 9 for just $10 as part of Kampgrounds of America’s Annual KOA Care Camps Big Weekend to benefit KOA Care Camps for children with cancer. Avila/Pismo Beach KOA Campground is located at 7075 Ontario Rd., in Avila Valley (rural SLO). Campers who stay as paying guests on Friday, May 8 will get a night of camping for $10, the company said in a news release. The entire $10 fee will benefit KOA Care Camps. See: www.koa.com/campgrounds/avila. Wanna get out of town that weekend? See: www.KOA.com and click on the “Big Weekend” button for a complete list of KOA Campgrounds across the country taking part in the promotion. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is celebrating its 53rd Anniversary in 2015. KOA is the world’s largest network of family-friendly campgrounds with 485 locations in North America.KOA was born on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Billings, Mont., in 1962
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The Five Cities-Pismo Beach Branch of the American Association of University Women is collecting used books for its 20th Annual Book Sale set for May 16. Donations of gently-used books are needed. Proceeds from the book sale help fund scholarships for local students. To donate books, call Linda at 929-6958.
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Arroyo Grande Community Hospital is holding its 8th Annual Comedy Night fundraiser at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Loriana Ranch. Comedian and guitarist Mark Eddie will perform. Sponsors include: AG/MRMC Medical Executive Committee, Alan Roinestad Const., The Gillespie Family, NKT Commercial, and Robin and Stephanie Ventura. With theme “Around the World,” tastes of local treats from AGCH Café, Café Andreini, California Fresh Market, Comfort Market, Jaffa Café, Mason Bar, Me-n-Ed’s Pizzeria, Optimist Club of Arroyo Grande, Old Juan’s Cantina, Pacific Coast Produce, Palo Mesa Pizza, Seaside Café, Shell Beach Brewhouse, Splash Café, Ventana Grill, and Vons in Grover Beach. To register for the event see: www.supportarroyogrande.org or call Karen Ross at 994-5484.
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The Paso Robles Cabernet And Bordeaux Collective (see: www.pasoroblescab.com) will hold its annual CABs of Distinction Grand Tasting with more than 75 different Cabernet and red Bordeaux wines to taste from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at River Oaks Hot Springs in Paso Robles. Early admission VIP tickets are $90 a person but you’ll get early access to the winemakers, and the wine (1 p.m. entry). General admission is $65 and doors open at 2 p.m. Designated drivers can get in for $35. For tickets, see: www.pasoroblescab.com/events. Fine wines and gourmet food will be on tap.
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The Cayucos Historical Society is teaming with the Cass House for “Cayucos Heritage Weekend,” set for May 15 and 16. The Historical Society is hosting a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 15 for its new exhibit, “James Cass, Founder of Cayucos,” at the Cayucos History Museum, 41 S. Ocean Ave., inside the Cayucos Visitor Center. For more information on the exhibit, call (805) 235-8552. On Saturday, May 16 from 1-4 p.m., there will be a tour of the grounds and the rooms of the Cass House located at the corner of Cayucos Drive and Ocean Avenue. A complimentary shuttle service for the tour will be provided from the Cayucos Post Office at 97 Ash Ave.
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The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, SLO Regional Rideshare, The Bike Shop, The Rock 97.3, and Lolo’s are hosting a celebratory bike breakfast on May 15 for Bike to Work Day, from 7-9 a.m. at Morro Bay City Park on Harbor Street. Commuters, visitors, and community members are invited to enjoy a free breakfast, giveaways, live radio, bike safety checks, and tickets for a chance to win a free bike at Rideshare’s Bike Month Blowout on June 4. See: rideshare.org/bike-month.
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The Lifelong Learners of the Central Coast is offering seven new classes in May. They include: “A Day with Mozart, Prokofiev, & Revueltas” on May 2; “Learn How to Use PowerPoint for Effective Presentations” on May 5; “An Introduction to HeartMath & the Art of Appreciation” on May 13; “How to Avoid Brain Drain As You Age” on May 15 and 29; “A Little Theatre Adventure-Music Man” on May 16; “Tour of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant” on May 21; and “Keeping Bees for Fun & Pollination” on May 27. Courses are open to the public and cost very little. For more information see: www.lifelearnerscc.org and register for classes or become a member at $25 a year.
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Get a closer look at San Luis Obispo County schools and the unique programs available to students by watching, “Your Students, Your Schools,” a new television show hosted by County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Brescia. It can be seen on Charter Channels 19 and 2, and online on YouTube. Sponsored by the County Office of Education, the ongoing series features a different school each month, and is one of many educational television programs available to local parents, students, and community members. The first episode features the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy, a unique 4th-8th grade school. The show highlights the correlation between the arts and core subjects; including the confidence and self-esteem that is built through this kind of curriculum. Watch for Dr. Brescia teaching and performing a song in Italian with members of the choir. The episode, featuring the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy, will air through April. Check out this episode and others at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVZWCaLL6Xw. The YouTube channel name is “San Luis Obispo County Office of Education.” The shows also will air on Charter Cable Channels 19 and 2. In the photo are: Fine Arts Academy students with , County Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Brescia. Submitted photo
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SLO Skiers, a local non-profit sport and social club, is having its next monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at the Elks’ Club Lodge at 222 Elks Ln., in San Luis Obispo. Meetings are free and membership is $40 a year and is open to all adults. Sports activities and social events are held all year long. See the website at: www.sloskiers.org or phone 528-3194 for more information.
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Art Central Gallery, 1329 Monterey St., SLO presents, “Small Artists, Big Ideas,” a show featuring works by young artists in celebration of Children’s Day in the Plaza, set for Friday, May 1 during Art After Dark. A reception is set for 6-8 p.m. May 1, free and open to the public, and the show will run through June 2. See: www.artcentralslo.wordpress.com for more information.
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The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers present a Mother’s Day Victorian Tea, set for noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at the Point San Luis Lighthouse in Avila Beach. Cost is $50 a person, and tickets available online at: www.sanluislighthouse.org or call 1-855-533-7843. Seating is limited so order early. The Victorian Tea features exquisite teas, delightful edibles, Alapay Cellars wines, live music, and a keepsake corsage for all moms. The noon and 2 p.m. teas will be in the Events Hall and will feature Midori Feldman on Harp, and the 1 and 3 p.m. seatings will be in the Horn House with music by Bob Liepman on Cello.
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The Child Development Resource Center of the Central Coast is hosting a family-friendly benefit barbecue set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at the Center, 1720 Bishop St., San Luis Obispo. Lunch tickets are $10 and include a quarter barbecue chicken, rice, beans and salad. Families are encouraged to bring their children to enjoy kid-friendly activities and crafts. Get advanced tickets online at: www.childresnsresource.org or by calling (805) 544-0801. All proceeds benefit the Center and the families who rely on its support, child-care programs and therapy services. For more than 40 years, the CDRC has provided early child development, bilingual childcare and preschool education, and services to strengthen families and prevent child abuse or neglect in SLO County.
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The San Luis Obispo Blues baseball team is holding a “Summer Solstice Art Show Fundraiser,” a silent auction benefit exclusively featuring local artists at the team’s June 21 game at Sinsheimer Stadium in SLO. There will also be a wine and cheese reception 
before the game from noon until the opening pitch for those participating in the fundraiser. The auction will continue until the end of the 8th when winners are announced. The proceeds will be split between Blues baseball and the artists. Need not be present to win. “It’s a pleasure to be able to combine some of the unbelievable, local art talent in the community with some of the nation’s best collegiate baseball talent,” commented Blues General Manager, Adam Stowe. “We’re looking forward to bringing a little more culture to the ballpark and helping these resident artists to get more public exposure.” Tickets for the event are on sale now. Full season ticket plans, as well as mini plans and group rates are also now on sale at: www.bluesbaseball.com. The Blues’ season starts Friday, May 22.
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The Morro Bay Community Foundation has launched a new website and everyone is encouraged to log on and check it out. The website was made possible by a donation from Spark Inbound and is at: morrobaycommunityfoundation.org. The Foundation raises money to provide scholarships to local children so they can participate in the City’s recreation activities and sports leagues. The Foundation has provided over $270,000 in support to local families since 1992.
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Cal Poly’s Center for Sustainability in the College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences will host a 2-day “Resilient Food Systems Conference” Friday-Saturday, May 8-9 in the Multi-Use Activity Center in the ASI Recreation Center on campus. Keynote speaker on Friday will be Karen Ross, California’s secretary of agriculture, joined by former Secretary A.G. Kawamura and other leading policy makers, producers, authors and academics, who will share innovative advances in food-system development from multiple perspectives. Saturday’s speakers include Paula Daniels, founder of the L.A. Food Policy Council, Luis Sierra of the California Center for Cooperative Development, Adam Kesselman from the Center for Ecoliteracy, and others working to strengthen regional food systems. The conference is free and open to the public, however, registration is requested. Tickets are required for Friday’s luncheon and for the Saturday afternoon reception. Detailed agenda information, exhibitor and sponsor forms, and registration links are available at: www.cfs.calpoly.edu/conferences. The conference was made possible by funding from the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust.
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The Morro Bay National Estuary Program will continue it’s 20th Anniversary celebration with a special screening of a series of interviews with local folks who were instrumental in getting the estuary onto the federal list and setting up the NEP, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at the Los Osos Library. This Bay Story Videos Viewing Party and Q&A will feature heartfelt interviews captured by local filmmakers Simo Nylander and Tom Wilmer. NEP staff and Wimer will answer questions from the audience after the screening, about the film and the NEP’s work to protect the National Estuary. Free. The Los Osos Library is at 2075 Palisades Ave. Find out more about the NEP and 20th anniversary events at: www.mbnep.org. If you have questions, contact Rachel Pass, communications and outreach coordinator at: or call 772- 3834.
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The Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave., has several free special events planned for May and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. It starts with a tradition, Derby Day, at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Come down and watch the most exciting 2 minutes in sports the Kentucky Derby. Faux mint juleps will be served and you can cheer for your favorite horse.
For Asian-Pacific American Heritage month, Naomi Shibata author of “Bend with the Wind,” will discuss her family’s history on the Central Coast at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6.
Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. is Read Together Night. The group will read “The Matchmaker,” by Thornton Wilder. No auditions, all voices welcome.
On Friday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. musicians Stanley Stern and Marti Lindholm will show why Walt Disney’s changes to compositions worked so well, even though he couldn’t read music or play an instrument. Following is a screening of classic Disney film (call 528-1862 for the film).
Thursday May 14 at 6:30 p.m. is a viewing party for “Bay Stories,” interviews with people who helped to establish the Morro Bay National Estuary, part of the National Estuary Program’s 20th Anniversary. Q&A with the director, Tom Wilmer, follows.
Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. watch the film adaptation of “The Incredible Journey” from the best-selling novel by Sheila Burnford. The story is about a team of animals trekking across the wilderness searching for their homes. Rated G and free popcorn courtesy of Friends of Los Osos Library.
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Los Osos Middle School is hosting the Second Annual “Tough Two Obstacle Course” to test 2-person teams with mental and physical obstacles, all for charity and fun, set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6. Register now, $20 for students and $25 adults and all participants get an official Tough Two T-shirt. P.E. chairman Cole Nagler said last year’s event had 600 participants and was so successful they’re back again with a new and tougher course that wends its way throughout the campus. The Tough Two course includes over 20 obstacles, including messy crawls, dirty walls and some challenges that can only be overcome with teamwork. Nagler said, “This year we’ve added five new obstacles and we hope to double the number of participants from last year.” Proceeds benefit the LOMS PTA. See: www.toughtwo.com for information.
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Forever Stoked in Morro Bay is hosting its annual Spring Art Show from noon-9 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at its world headquarters, 1164 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. You’ll see amazing art work from Ken Christensen, Charlie Clingman, Paul Dollins, Jordan Haughey, Chris Pedersen, Peter Pierce, R.T. Myers, Sam Bernal, among others. Jon Milsap and Jeff Bright will perform live. They’ll have original artworks, limited edition prints, gift items and Forever Stoked’s cool apparel and hand-made accessories.