Compiled by Camas Frank
Union Pacific Railroad Foundation awarded a grant of $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters in support of the agency’s youth mentoring programs. Francisco Castillo, director of public affairs at the railroad said, “Union Pacific has a long-standing commitment to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve and where our employees live and work. We are proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County and extend our best wishes for continued success.”
Local Latina and Latino high school students recently benefited from a $20,000 donation from Pacific Gas & Electric to Cuesta College. Some $5,000 went towards the college’s Edúcate — Sí Se Puede Conference. The annual conference took place on March 18 and drew approximately 300 county high school seniors. Students heard from Hispanic motivational speakers and learned about higher education opportunities. PG&E representatives presented the funding, which provides critical assistance to students, employees and the local community. Four Cuesta programs are directly benefiting from the $20,000 grant: academic peer tutors, the Edúcate – Sí Se Puede Conference, athletics and SkillsUSA.
The SLO Chamber welcomed Tina Swithin, LLC with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Swithin is author of the “Divorcing a Narcissist” book series and a family court advocate. She works as a coach and consultant for people around the world who find themselves involved in high-conflict custody battles with people who have personality disordered such as narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder. For more information, see: tinaswithin.com.
The City of SLO’s Parks and Recreation Department received an Award of Excellence from the California Park & Recreation Society for the #PixOnPeaks Campaign. SLO’s recognition in the marketing and communications category was honored at the 68th Annual California Parks & Recreation Society Conference & Expo, held in Long Beach in March. #PixOnPeaks is an Instagram social media campaign geared at making the public aware of many of the City of SLO’s lesser known open spaces and trails. Everyone who completes the seven #PixOnPeaks challenge trails receives a free “I Hiked Them All” T-shirt, as well as a $20 gift card toward the SLO Marathon or Half Marathon.
Caltrans has launched its own employee Bike Share Program, making bicycles available for its staff as a transit option. The bikes were funded through a grant from Kaiser Permanente and will be used for traveling to meetings where a vehicle might otherwise be used. A related video is online at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtuCFguN2Lg.
The Paso Robles Pickleball Club is getting ready to host a non-sanctioned annual tournament on May 14-15, open to all participants across the U.S. Enhancing the wine theme in a, “first-ever [event] in pickleball tournament history, the ‘Official Winery,’ Calcareous Vineyard will host a private tasting and specially prepared three-course sit-down dinner with wine pairings in their mountain-top tasting room Saturday night.” La Quinta Inn & Suites in Paso Robles is offering discounted rooms to registered players, their families and friends. For registration questions or comments: Dave Bones at [email protected] or 591-7051.
As SLO Brew prepares to open the doors of its new location on Higuera Street, owners announced the hiring of Thomas Fundaro as SLO Brew’s new executive chef. Bringing with him over 20 years of restaurant and catering experience, Fundaro will be spearheading SLO Brew’s new “gastropub” concept on Higuera and will also be overseeing food operations at the SLO Brew Rock tasting room under construction on Aerovista Place. “Being the Executive Chef at the new SLO Brew is a great opportunity to create an interesting but approachable menu that caters to the fun group atmosphere that has always been part of the SLO Brew ethos,” said Fundaro. “I’m looking forward to utilizing local produce from regional farmers to create dishes that will proudly represent San Luis Obispo’s unique gastropub cuisine.” The new SLO Brew is slated to open in “spring 2016.”
French Hospital Medical Center has again been designated by Anthem Blue Cross as a “Blue Distinction Center+” for cardiac care excellence. French received the honor as part of the Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care Program. To receive the designation, a hospital must demonstrate expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary interventions episodes of care. A hospital must also have earned national accreditation at the facility level. For more information about the Blue Distinction Center+ Program see: www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.
The SLO Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Partners in Equestrian Therapy or P.E.T., a unique riding program located in Atascadero, for children and adults with special needs. The P.E.T. program provides students the opportunity to increase physical skills, confidence and self-esteem through therapeutic horseback riding. The non-profit is accepting volunteers; no riding experience is necessary. For more information, see: petslo.com.
Since 2007, the Bike Valet Service at the SLO Farmer’s Market has been a free weekly service subsidized by Bike SLO County’s general fund. Due to significant staffing, equipment, and volunteer recruitment costs associated with program, Bike SLO County always intended to find grant funding to help with long term sustainability. With approximately 50 markets each year operating from 5:30-9 p.m. costs add up quickly. They now have new grant funding from Coastal Community Builders. The development company is paying to ensure that Bike Valet at the market will continue to be offered the public.
With Tax Day a painful memory for some, the online data watchdog WalletHub released its latest analysis of the U.S. tax landscape, an in-depth look at the states with the Best & Worst Taxpayer Return on Investment in 2016. California did pitifully by most measures, but not as bad as some. There’s always been a saying when these lists come out nationally, “Thank God for Mississippi.” Taxpayer ROI in California via WalletHub: 45th overall ROI; 41st in Total Taxes per Capita (Population aged 18-older); 34th for education; 12th for health; 22nd for safety; 34th for economy; and 48th for infrastructure and pollution. WalletHub used 20 metrics to compare the quality and efficiency of state-government services, taking into account the drastically different rates at which citizens are taxed in each state.
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