Central Coast october 2020

Family

Inside
Education ......................... 2

library voice ................... 4

Fun & games .................. 8

Family life ...................... 10

local history .................. 12

wordmonger .................. 14

calendar ......................... 17

local resources ............ 21

Election Info .................. 22

Distance Learning / Library School Help / Election 2020 / Founding Atascadero

Free! Central Coast Family

Education
resting flat on the floor.
3. monITor ThE monITor

Distance In this new learning milieu, you

can help by monitoring your
children’s levels of interest and

Learning engagement in adapting to

their new schedule and at-home
materials. The simplest way to

at do this? Observation. Look at

your child’s eyes to see if they’re
following along with the screen.

Home Check if they’re taking notes

TEN TIPS FOR ONLINE EDUCATION
With COVID-19 causing wide-
spread school closures, children
across the country are being given
alternate resources, some online,
to study outside of the classroom.
Temporary solutions that are being
devised for remote education
range from online classroom tools
like Google Classroom, to Zoom Consider limiting your children’s
and podcasts by teachers.
Central Coast Family (805) 528-0440
or zoning out. Ask questions at
the end of a lesson. While this
may require taking an hour off
by Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra
from work or stepping out for
an early lunch, it’s important to
confirm that your children are
While parents are adjusting to this schoolwork is done satisfactorily,
indeed learning. If you find that
new scenario, it’s also important so that it can receive their
your child is not engaging with
to help kids stay focused on undivided attention. Apps,
the lessons, don’t be afraid to
learning and avoid overuse of games, and messaging features
contact the school district or
games, social media, and videos. are fun, but they can also prove
teachers to better explore the
With that in mind, here are ten distracting. It may not be an
issue. Sometimes, easily remedied
tips for families adjusting to the option for everybody, but ideally,
technical problems such as bad
new reality of learning at home. try to give your kids a dedicated
audio, poor connection, or an
device, such as a school laptop for
1. DIgITal QUaranTInE unhelpful camera angle can make
maximum online learning.
all the difference.
cell phones and tablets until their 2. mAKE sPACE FOR lEARNiNG 4. DIgITal rEcEss
Your children will achieve their Make sure that your children take
best work in a quiet, comfortable, plenty of breaks in order to get
and dedicated space devoted
physical activity and time away
TM

to learning. Ideally, this will be a from screens. Set alarms similar

Our goal is to connect Central Coast families with the resources they need to thrive! different set-up than where they to those they would encounter
normally play games or watch at school and encourage them to
EDITor assocIaTE EDITors television. get up, get some fresh air, go for a
Patrice Horspool Claire & Jack Vogel
ccfamilyed@gmail.com ccfamilyae@gmail.com
Keep in mind that children will be walk or bike ride, or have a snack
in this space for hours each day. so that they are not sedentary for
Watch out for any orthopedic the entire day.
PhOtOGRAPhy aDvErTIsIng issues that may arise related to 5. FacETImE
Stanley Horspool CC F Inquiries: comfort and posture.
ccfamilyph@gmail.com ccfamilyad@gmail.com In-person interaction is ideal for
For the correct seated posture kids, but until it’s safe for them
for children, the important thing to return to school, encourage
GRAPhiC DEsiGN DIsTrIBUTIon managEr is to not let them slouch or hunch your children to video chat or
Out of the Blue ™
Eric Woodards
their backs. Encourage them to
FEaTUrE & conTrIBUTIng wrITErs maintain a straight back, and to
Jennifer Best, John J. Cannell, Guy Crabb, Kerrin Edmonds, lean on the backrest. They should
Stanley W. Horspool, Karyn Lutes, Rebecca Juretic, CS Perryess not be leaning over excessively or
have a rounded neck while they
Central Coast Family is published monthly with a readership over 40,000 throughout
™
are seated at a desk.
San Luis Obispo County and North Santa Barbara County.
Most of seated study time should
Find us online: www.centralcoastfamily.com
be spent following a 90-90-90
www.facebook.com/CentralCoastFamily guideline, with the spine straight
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to the thighs, which rest flat on
Family. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect views of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject or edit submissions for any reason.
a seat. Knees would be at a right
Material published herein may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. © CCF 2020
angle to the thighs with feet

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 2


text message rather than simply
scrolling through social media.
You don’t want your children to
feel socially isolated, but at the
same time, you want to protect
them from becoming wholly
reliant upon their devices. Sit your
children down for face-to-face
conversations about screen time.
In order to give them agency,
discuss how much time they think
is reasonable to spend online and
make a “contract,” committing to
goals for on-screen vs. off-screen
hours.
6. KEEP it OlD sChOOl
Overuse of screen time can have
adverse impacts on young brains,
so it’s essential in these special
circumstances to be extra careful
when it comes to the littlest ones.
As much as possible, parents
should encourage print and book
reading. If available, request
textbooks from your child’s school
along with other print materials
in order to offset the amount of
online learning they will be doing.
Education
their plans and help them develop
a written schedule not only for
the day, but for the week as a
whole. Help them prioritize and THE VILLAGE SALON
learn to create goals, tasks, and
deadlines, just like adults do when
they go to work. Tasks that may Stay Well
AND LOOK GREAT
not have been difficult for them
while attending school in person
can become more challenging
when learning from home, so it’s We are safely open!
important to reinforce boundaries
and offer incentives for healthy
behaviors. To avoid disruption,
Call Toni & Toni: (805) 489-5100
some after-school activities may
be offered via online video apps,
facebook.com/Village-Salon
Facetime, or Skype.
115 East Branch Street in Arroyo Grande
9. ThIs Is no vacaTIon
Even though staying home from
school might feel like a holiday,
remind your kids that they’re not
on vacation. Assignments, grades,
requirements, and tests like state
exams, SATs, and ACTs aren’t
going away just because classes
have moved online.
10. Don’T ForgET To havE FUn

Studies show that remote Plan off-screen activities for the

education can be challenging whole family. Between school
for all ages, but especially young and work obligations, it’s rare for
kids, so do whatever you can parents and children to have this
and always err on the side of much time together, so turn it into
caution. Stimulate self-expression an opportunity for bonding. Write
by having discussions with secret predictions for a TV show
your children about what they that the whole family watches.
are doing, and also encourage Organize a tournament, family
creative writing and imaginative card games, charades, or chess,
story telling. or get outside for a hike or walk
together after school. Follow your
7. wE’rE all In ThIs TogEThEr community’s guidelines for safe
behavior and events, of course,
Remember that you’re not alone
but make sure you still find time
in this journey. Check in with other
for fun with your kids.
parents to see what they’ve found
effective or to ask if they need Without a doubt, this will be a
help. Share your concerns and challenging time for parents,
useful hints. If you need contact teachers, and children alike.
information for other parents or Studies show that screen time
resources, reach out to the PTA or can have both positive and
your child’s school. It is important adverse impacts on kids, and the
that we all work together as a shift to online education will only
community for the good of our increase your child’s time with
children and families. their devices.
8. PlAN yOUR WORK AND WORK
yOUR PlAN Reprinted with permission. ©www.childrenand
screens.com.
Good planning can relieve stress Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra is the President of
for both students and parents. Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media
and Child Development. She can be reached at
Check in with your children about info@childrenandscreens.com.

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 3

library voice
Check It Out:
October Happenings
by Rebecca Juretic

sUmmER READiNG WRAP-UP at the Library Grant from the

California State Library.
We had a fantastic 2020 Online
Summer Reading Program and hisPANiC hERitAGE mONth
would like to thank the 1,617
kids, teens, and adults who Hispanic Heritage Month runs
participated! Together, you through October 15th and we
earned 354 badges by taking part have online programs and
in our original online programs, entertainment to celebrate!
such as classes, science programs,For fans of Super Stolie, we
and music concerts. These online are premiering new original
programs were made possible programs on YouTube, Instagram,
by the Foundation for San Luis and Facebook. Each show
Obispo County Public Libraries. includes stories, music, and a
fun interactive look into Latinx
Here are a few more statistics to culture. Be sure to check them
sum up this year’s program: out!

Our participants read 515,673 sPOOKy sCiENCE!

minutes, greatly exceeding our
reading goal. Starting in October, we will be
We gave out 47 prizes for all age hosting monthly interactive
groups, which included 15 bikes Science Online programs on Zoom
provided by the San Luis Obispo for school-aged children. Each
County Sheriff’s Office. session features a science-based
story and interactive experiment.
55 schools and 17 towns were Registration is required.
a part of this year’s Summer
Reading Program. The October 2nd event is at 10:30
We gave out over 8,000 crafts, am and has a Halloween theme:
maker kits, art supplies, books, The Mummy at Mystery Mansion.
and activities to local children We follow Frankie and Casey
through lunch distribution sites in as they visit their uncle for his
Oceano, Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, annual Halloween party, only to
Atascadero, and Shandon. This find out that a creepy Mummy Some say the house is haunted, themed “Dragons: return of
was funded through a Lunch has been scaring everyone away! but Frankie and Casey have a the ice sorceress” and will be
different idea. Join them on their on november 6th at 10:30 am. A
adventure to unravel the mystery long time ago, in a faraway world,
of the mummy! Along the way, two brave villagers go on a daring
you’ll explore some spooky and journey to save the kingdom from
exciting science concepts about the evil Ice Sorceress.
blackouts, mummification, and
more! When things don’t go as planned,
however, they need to look to
To register, go to: slolibrary. themselves (and to science!) for
org. Click on “Events” then find the answer. Don’t miss this fun
the event on our calendar. A fantasy adventure exploring the
Zoom link will be emailed to each science of dry ice!
participant prior to the program.
Rebecca Juretic is a freelance writer and Public
Dragons anD IcE Relations Consultant for the San Luis Obispo
County Libraries. Rebecca can be reached at:
The November Program will be juretic@sbcglobal.net.

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 4

 Brainfuse
On demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning. View how easy, intuitive and engaging
Brainfuse HelpNow eLearning is for all ages and levels.

G o t o : w w w. s l o l i b r a r y. o r g / i n d ex . p h p / k i d s

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 5

wellness
It’s hot out there and the soaring
temperatures can be dangerous. The
American Red Cross has steps people
can follow to help stay safe when it’s
hot outside.
NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN
YOUR VEHICLE.
The inside temperature of a car can
very quickly reach 120 degrees. Check on family, friends, and
Other heat safety steps include:
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t have air conditioning,
Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. go to public spaces during the
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Central Coast Family
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-
colored clothing. Avoid dark colors
thaty absorb the sun’s rays.
Slow down, stay indoors. Avoid
strenuous exercise during the hottest
part of the day. Postpone outdoor
activities.
Use a buddy system when working in
excessive heat. Take frequent breaks
if working outdoors.
neighbors without AC, who spend
much time alone, or who are more
likely to be affected by heat.
warmest part of the day.
• October 2020
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Excessive heat
can lead to sunburn, heat cramps,
heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
If someone has heat cramps in the
legs or abdomen, get them to a
cooler place, have them rest, lightly
stretch the affected muscle, and
replenish their fluids with a half a
glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water
every 15 minutes.
If someone is exhibiting signs of
heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale
or flushed skin, heavy sweating,
headache, nausea, dizziness,
weakness exhaustion), move them
to a cooler place, remove or loosen
tight clothing and spray them with
water or apply cool, wet cloths or
towels to the skin. Fan the person.
If they are conscious, give small
amounts of cool water to drink.
Make sure the person drinks slowly.
Watch for changes in condition. If
they refuse water, vomit, or begin to
lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.
HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING
Signs include hot, red skin, which
may be dry or moist; changes
in consciousness; vomiting and
high body temperature. Call 9-1-1
immediately if someone shows
any signs of heat stroke. Move the
person to a cooler place. Quickly
cool the person’s body by immersing
them up to their neck in cold water if
possible. Otherwise, douse or spray
the person with cold water, or cover
the person with cold, wet towels or
bags of ice.
DON’T FORGET YOUR PETS. Check
on animals frequently to ensure
that they are not suffering from
the heat. Make sure they have
plenty of shade and cool water.
Animals can suffer heat stroke,
a common problem for pets in
warmer weather. Some signs of heat
stroke in your pet are:
Heavy panting and inability to calm The American Red Cross (ARC) Central
down, even when lying down. California Region provides services to the
Brick red gum color
Fast pulse rate
Inability to get up
• www.centralcoastfamily.com
If you suspect that your pet may
have heat stroke, take their
temperature rectally. If their
temperature is above 105 degrees,
cool the animal down. The easiest
way to do this is by using the
water hose. Stop cooling the animal
when their temperature reaches
103 degrees. Bring your pet to a
veterinarian as soon as possible, as
heat stroke can lead to severe organ
dysfunction and damage.
Take the Red Cross Cat and
Dog First Aid online course at
redcross.org/catdogfirstaid. This
course provides pet owners and
caregivers with step-by-step
tips for what to do if a pet is choking,
has a wound, needs CPR or other
care.
LEARN MORE SAFETY TIPS
The Red Cross has several more
resources for people to learn
how to treat heat emergencies,
including:
Online and in-person training
courses (www.redcross.org/
takeaclass),
A free First Aid App and Pet First Aid
App (www.redcrossorg/apps),
A First Aid Skill for Amazon Alexa-
enabled devices.
About the American Red Cross Central
California Region: The American Red
Cross shelters, feeds and provides
emotional support to victims of disasters;
teaches many lifesaving skills; provides
international humanitarian aid; and
supports military members and their
families. The Red Cross is a charitable
organization — not a government agency
— and depends on volunteers and the
generosity of the American public to
perform its mission.
ten counties across Central California that
is home to more than 4 million people.
For more information, please visit www.
redcross.org.
• Page 6
Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 7
Fun & games Jack’s Jokes
What is a witch’s favorite school subject? Spelling!

Find 7 Differences Between These Pictures When is it bad luck to meet a black cat? When you’re a mouse!

Who wins a skeleton beauty contest? No body!

Halloween Word Search

sudoku begins with some of the grid cells filled with numbers. The object is to fill
the other empty cells with numbers between 1 and 9 (1 number only in each cell).
A number should appear only once in each row, column, and region.

S1 8
6 4 5 3 9
3
U2 7 6
D 74 1 2 8
5 1 7
O 7 6 8 1
K 3 7 2
9 1 2 6 8 3
U 1 4
Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 8
 Visit ReadySLO.org
for COVID-19 updates
for San Luis Obispo
County
Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 9
Family life
nce upon
a time
change Exhausted and overwhelmed from sleepless nights?
Face to Face, Phone, & Email Consultations
www.meetyouindreamland.com
. Local group classes

contact@meetyouindreamland.com (805) 296-2149

by Kerrin Edmonds
slowly shifting your child’s nap more adjustment time. Switch
times and bedtimes. Start with 15 cold turkey! This rule also goes
november 1st is the big day! The have a little one that normally or 30 minute increments. If your for those who don’t get around
first Sunday in November means wakes at 6:00 am, they will now child normally takes a nap at 1:00 to readjusting a child’s schedule
that we change from Daylight be waking at 5:00 am! That is no pm, two or three days before the (I have done this many times
Saving Time back to Standard fun. time change, put him down at 1:15 myself). It might take a few days,
Time. It’s time to fall back (adjust
So, what can parents do to ease or 1:30 pm. If your child normally but your child will adjust!
clocks from 1:59 am to 1:00 am), their child’s transition to a new goes to bed at 7:00 pm, make
On Sunday evening, try your best
and enjoy more daylight in the sleep schedule? “Fall back” tends bedtime 7:15 or 7:30 pm. Then, by
to help your child make it to their
morning. to be a little tougher to manage the time Sunday comes around, it
normal bedtime. If he is utterly
than “spring forward,” but it will won’t be a huge change.
Before you had children, the time exhausted, it’s okay to let him fall
all come together. Your child will probably wake asleep 15-20 minutes early. Use
change wasn’t that big of a deal.
In fact, you probably loved the A couple of days before the time early on that Sunday morning, so your best judgment.
extra hour of sleep. But, if you change, you may want to start try and keep her in dim lighting Please remember that every child
for the first hour after waking, to
help her body clock reset. is different. Some kids take the
time change in stride, and others
We all have a circadian rhythm or take a few days to fully adjust.
body clock. The word circadian Just be patient, and it will all fall
means approximately 24 hours. back into place.
Our bodies go through a series
of changes each day at certain If you have a toddler, a sleep clock
times, including hormone (such as My Tot Clock) with time-
releases, temperature and heart set colored lights can be very
rate fluctuations, etc. We also helpful in letting her know when
have “sleepy awake” and “alert it is okay to get up for the day.
awake” stages. That is why Human bodies love routine, so if
parents concentrate on the timing you are consistent, your child’s
of naps and bedtime. When a internal sleep clock will ease
baby naps in tune with his body through the transition. Happy
clock, it allows him to fall asleep fall!
easier and benefit from a better
quality of sleep. A SAFETY REMINDER

Circadian rhythm is first and San Luis Obispo Fire Department

foremost set by light, and encourages people to replace the
secondarily set by routine batteries in their home smoke
activities during the day, such as detectors when they change
eating. If you do not adjust your their clocks because Daylight
child’s clock, the rhythms of the Saving Time changes provide a
sun and your daily activities (such convenient reminder.
as meals) will eventually reset her
A working smoke detector more
clock. than doubles your family’s chance
Before November 1st, do what of surviving a home fire.
you can to ease your child into
the new schedule. But as soon
as the time change has occurred Kerrin Edmonds is a Certified Infant & Child
Sleep Consultant, and the Founder of Meet you
and you change those clocks, no in Dreamland.

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 10


Fall is a magical time of year, especially
October 31st. Kids love carving
pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns and
dressing in costumes to go trick-or-
treating. Store windows are full of
ghosts, witches and ghouls, and scary
movies proliferate on television.
The tradition of Halloween originated
from an old Celtic spirit festival,
which marked the beginning of
the Celtic New Year. In ancient
days, this holiday was known as
“Samhain,” named after the Celtic
Lord of the Dead. Families honored
their ancestors’ spirits by offering
gifts to Samhain. It was also a night
when ghosts and demons returned
to the earth to make mischief. The
Celts donned masks and dressed in
costumes to disguise themselves and
trick the spirits. Traditional Celtic
customs included pumpkin carving
and trick-or-treating.
The early Roman Catholic Church
named the holiday “Halloween,”
which means “All Hallows’ Eve” – the
night before “All Saints’ Day.” The
name comes from the old English
word “hallow” (meaning holy or
sacred) and the contraction of
“evening” to “e’en.”
Today, Halloween carries on some of
the same traditions of long ago when
kids decorated pumpkins, carved
Jack-O-Lanterns, bobbed for apples,
and wore costumes to trick-or-treat.
Following is more about some of the
traditions and legends surrounding
the Halloween celebration.
In old Ireland, people believed in
ghosts. Irish farmers went to the
homes of rich people and asked for
food. If they offered no food, the
farmers played tricks on them, often
under the guise of ghostly mischief.
In the past, wealthy families would
give “soul cakes,” which were a
type of pastry. Today, the threat of
“trick or treat” has become a friendly
request for candy as kids dress up
and visit neighborhoods.
Central Coast Family
by Steven Smith
Originally, the purpose for wearing a
costume was to disguise oneself as
a formidable spirit to ward off other
harmful spirits. While scary costumes
used to be the norm, today children
dress up in all sorts of costumes. The
Halloween Program Sourcebook has
great ideas for kid’s costumes and
instructions on how to make them.
If you’re on a budget, you can
make a number of costumes from
a white bed sheet. For more
ideas, check sites like: familyfun.
go.com/halloween/halloween-
kids-costumes, familycrafts.about.
com/cs/halloweentheme/a/091399.
html, or www.dltk-holidays.com/
halloween.html.
The Jack-O-Lantern originated from
an Irish tale about a man named
Stingy Jack, who was so bad he
could not go to Heaven. In hell, he
played too many tricks. Since Jack
had nowhere to go, he was forced to
wander through eternity. He owned
a lantern, so the locals named him
Jack-O-Lantern. In Ireland, people
hollowed out turnips, carved scary
faces into them, and set candles
inside to scare away Stingy Jack.
When the Irish came to America,
they started using pumpkins.
Colors, symbols, and creatures,
as well as traditions, legends,
and rituals all play a role in today’s
Halloween. In ancient times, black
stood for death and night, and
orange stood for harvest and the fire
used to keep demons away.
Creatures associated with Halloween
include: witches; skeletons; ghosts;
goblins (known in France as mysterious
household spirits who like children and
wine); werewolves, and vampires.
The most famous vampire is Count
Dracula, modeled after Vlad the
III, Prince of Wallachia, from the
Transylvania region of 15th century
Romania. He was known for impaling
enemies on stakes, which earned him
the nickname Vlad the Impaler.
• October 2020
Family life
Several animals are symbols of
Halloween, such as bats, black cats,
owls, and spiders. The bat is a good
luck omen in China and symbolizes
a long and happy life. But in olden
times, people thought that the dead
came back in the form of a bat, and
that bats indicated a presence of
ghosts or spirits. Bats are nocturnal
(only fly at night). When they sleep
in the day, they drape their wings
around their bodies like a cloak.
The black cat is synonymous with
a witch flying on a broomstick.
Some people believed that cats
were liaisons between witches and
the devil, and that witches could
transform themselves into a black
cat. Since cats can see in the dark
and move silently, they seem to be a
perfect creature for mystery. Owls,
another nocturnal creature, have
been associated with death. The
mournful “who who” sound of the
owl can be scary on a moonless night.
Long ago, people believed owls
could swoop down on Halloween
night and eat the souls of the dying.
Spiders are universally frightening,
so it is no wonder that they have a
connection to Halloween. Spiders
were thought to have supernatural
powers. One reason that spiders
might be viewed as diabolical is that
they have an ability to create a strong
web of beautiful geometric designs
to catch their prey.
Get into the Halloween spirit by
reading books.
Fantastic read-aloud books for
younger children include:
• Zen Ghosts by Jon J. Muth
• Scared Silly by James Howe
• Trick or Treat by Bill Martin
Some fun craft books for children:
• Witches, Pumpkins, and Grinning
Ghosts: Spooky Fun by Marion
• www.centralcoastfamily.com
Haslam
• All New Crafts for Halloween by
Kathy Ross
• Fun-to-Make Crafts for Halloween
edited by Tom Daning
Good books for reading:
• The story of the Halloween Symbols
by Edna Barth
• The Story of Halloween by Carol
Greene
Adults might like:
• Halloween: 101 Frightfully Fun Ideas
by Better Homes and Gardens
Books (Ideas for decorating
pumpkins, goodies, decorations,
clever costumes, parties, spooky
masks, how tos and instructions,
step-by-step directions on how to
do things)
• The Big Book of Halloween by
Laura Dover Doran
• You can Carve Fantastic Jack-O-
Lanterns by Rhonda Massingham
Hart
• Scary Scenes for Halloween by Jill
Williams Grover
• Matthew Mead’s Monster Book of
Halloween by Matthew Mead.
There are also many scary movies for
older children and adults.
• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
• Dracula
• Frankenstein
• The Mummy
• The Goonies (funnier than scary)
This Halloween, if you are home or
out and about, keep a watchful eye
for Stingy Jack and his retinue of
ghouls. Enjoy a safe and happy family
celebration!
Steven Smith is a resident of San Luis
Obispo and a graduate of CSU Long Beach
with a degree in Creative Writing. Steven
is a painter/muralist and freelance writer. His
art can be viewed at www.myspace.com/
sloartiststevensmith. Contact Steven at:
sloartiststevensmith@yahoo.com.
• Page 11
local history
Founding of Atascadero
by Guy Crabb
Construction of the Rotunda Building at 6500 Palma Avenue in Atascadero 1914-1918
The founder of Atascadero, E.G.
Lewis, completed his autobiography
while sitting in McNeil Island Federal
Prison in 1928. How do you like that
for a great hook? Believe me, you’re
going to want to read the rest of this
article. Over years of research for
three historical books on downtown
San Luis Obispo, I have made it a
point to collect as many documents,
books, and other types of artifacts
as I could. Several years ago, I was
perusing the shelves of Leon’s Used
Book Store (I really miss Leon’s). Of
course, my favorite section was local
history. Often I would find books at
Leon’s that I had never seen before.
On these treasure hunts, every once
in a while I would find a treasure.
One day, I chanced upon a very thin
booklet. I pulled it out to find the
autobiography of E.G. Lewis, the
founder of Atascadero.
The entire booklet is just 30 pages
with only 11 of those pages being
written by Mr. Lewis. I have read
lots of information on some of our
county founders, but this booklet
was fascinating. Edward Gardiner
Lewis was born in Connecticut, the
son of an Episcopal clergyman. He
attended private schools, a military
academy, and then attended Trinity
College in Connecticut at the age of
19. After 3 years, he quit college to go
into business and became a general
salesman for a watch company.
Lewis was married at Biltmore in 1890
to Mabel Wellington. He then moved
to Nashville, Tennessee, and started a
business dealing in wholesale drugs.
Lewis also began a publication, “The
Women’s Magazine,” in 1901. At
one point, he claimed to have the
largest circulation of any publication
Central Coast Family
in the world. I wonder if Mr. Lewis
was aware of another publisher
named William R. Hearst. Everything
sounds so wonderful, doesn’t it? He
soon purchased the “St. Louis Daily”
newspaper and bought up large
tracts of vacant land just outside
of St. Louis. Lewis laid out a model
of the city and also built what he
claimed was the largest and finest
publishing facility in the world. He
was fast becoming a very influential
person.
Failing to get parcels post and a
postal bank system adopted by
Congress, Lewis organized a bank
called the People’s United States
Mail Bank (in competition with the
U. S. Post Office) with $5,000,000
he had acquired from investors. In
1904, he began to have a conflict with
the U.S. Postal Service. The Postal
Service felt that his publications were
being mailed at an incorrect postage
cost, and eventually denied him use
of the Postal Service for distribution.
The battle raged for 7 years, during
which time Lewis was indicted by the
Postal Inspectors 14 times. He was in
and out of court fighting this battle
against the Federal government
until 1910, when he found himself
penniless.
Lewis was not only ruined financially,
but his health also began to fail
him. He decided to go to California
along with 3,500 mid-western and
eastern families who had agreed
to follow him to make their homes
in a new community. The new city
would be especially adapted to the
automobile, with small orchard
estates, residential sections, schools
and businesses. In 1913, he purchased
• October 2020
Monterey Street is getting a makeover.
Buildings are being renovated and the
parking lots are being dug up.
Buy your copy of Monterey/Marsh Sts
100 Year Book. Remember the past, as
the future is right around the corner.
Enjoy Your Memories!
Get an autographed copy at:
w w w. s l o 1 0 0 ye a r s . co m
Also available at Barnes and Noble, Crushed Grape, Antiques of Monterey,
History Center, Apple Farm, and Boo Boo Records. GUY CRABB PUBLISHING
the Atascadero Rancho in San Luis in his oil and mining ventures, as
Obispo County for approximately well. With the sudden end of the
$1,000,000 acquired from various war and the world-wide depression
investors in St. Louis. Lewis indicates that followed, Lewis found himself
in his autobiography that when he heavily in debt. By 1922, his personal
arrived in California in 1913, he had indebtedness had accumulated to
only $2,000, all of it being borrowed about $8,500,000. Whoa!
money. Uh oh… are you getting a
bad feeling about this too? Let me Ultimately, in the summer of 1927,
continue. two U.S. indictments were brought
against Lewis for conspiracy to use
The forests were completely cleared the mail to defraud. In the first jury
from the Rancho property, 3,000 trial, he was found guilty. In the
acres of orchards were planted, 100 second trial, Lewis acted as his own
miles of fine roads and streets were attorney due to lack of funds. On
constructed, and approximately May 1, 1928, he arrived at McNeil
$1,000,000 was spent on churches Island Federal Prison. He died at the
and schools. $3,000,000 was spent age of 65.
on the building of private homes.
All of this money was invested by After reading this, I leave it to my
Lewis’ followers. Then in 1914, World readers to decide whether E.G. Lewis
War I broke out. He suddenly found was a fraud or a friend, which actually
that workers on private projects is the title of his autobiography…
became scarce, and the cost of “E.G. Lewis—Fraud or Friend?” Isn’t
labor and materials doubled. Soon the history of our county shocking
construction and development came sometimes?
to a standstill, yet the bills continued
to mount up in the hundreds of
thousands of dollars until once again
Lewis was heavily in debt. He then
decided to go into the mining and oil
business.
Lewis had borrowed several million
dollars on his own personal notes
and bought a large number of mines
and oil fields in Montana. He also
acquired 16,000 acres of leases in
oil fields in Wyoming, but soon after
abandoned them on advice from
“eminent geologists.” Next, after
finding oil and mining a failure, Lewis
contracted with the government
to make enormous amounts of
dehydrated vegetables for the army.
He then built the largest dehydrating
plant in the world (according to him)
in Atascadero. Soon the war ended,
and the government cancelled all
of their contracts for dehydrated Guy Crabb retired after teaching for over
products with Lewis, which once 32 years, most recently at Charles E. Teach
Elementary School in San Luis Obispo. He was
again caused him to go broke. His selected as San Luis Coastal Unified School
great plant was a total loss and he District Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007.
continued to incur heavy losses Reach him at crabbx5@charter.net.
• www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 12
 drowningpreventionfoundation.com

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 13

Education

Facewear II is a word with unknown origin,

and showed up in English in 1966, demon as the divine principle of verbs (meaning to unnerve)
The verb smile showed up introduced by American teens. or inward oracle, over time, the until 1935.
in English about 1300, from Interestingly, zit’s synonym, grandmothers of our modern
Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or pimple, also has no confirmed word demon were translated to Spirit showed up in English in
possibly Middle Low German. linguistic source, though it’s words like idols, fiends, devils and the 1200s, meaning animating
It eclipsed smearcian, the Old been around singe 1400. Some hellknights, How different would principle in man and animals. It
English word for smile, forcing etymologists have suggested our world be today if demon had came from the Latin word spiritus,
smearcian’s unfortunate progeny pimple may have come from maintained its Socratic flavor, and meaning soul, courage, vigor, or
to become the unpleasant word, pipligende, an Old English word had been equated with that still breath, from the verb spirare,
smirk. Smile didn’t enter the meaning to have shingles. small voice within? which meant to breathe, to blow,
realm of nounliness until 1560, or to play the flute.
and all along it has meant exactly Demons If it gives you a chuckle, may you
the same thing. devilish and angelic hear some still small voices at By the 1300s, spirit also referred
your door the evening of October to supernatural beings, by 1610 it
Frown has been an English As All Hallow’s Eve comes closer… 31st. If you’d rather embrace picked up the meaning volatile
word since the early 1500s, and your inner curmudgeon, may the substance, by the 1670s it began to
came from the Old French word The word devil, has always little devils walk right past your mean strong alcoholic liquor, and
frognier, to frown, scowl, snort, referred to something bad – or place to spread their brand of joy by the 1690s spirit also meant the
or turn one’s nose up. It appears at least something dangerous. elsewhere. essential principle of something.
to have entered French from the Deofol was an Old English word
Gaulish word for nostril, frogna. meaning evil spirit, false god, or Ghostly Etymologies The Scots gave us the word
Frown became a noun in the diabolical person. It came from wraith. Its roots may be in the
1580s. Late Latin’s diabolus, a term used Old Norse word vorðr, meaning
both in Christianity and Judaism to It seems that this is the proper guardian, or the Gaelic word
Blush also entered the language mean Satan, accuser or slanderer. season to consider some ghostly arrach, meaning apparition or
as a verb, appearing in the mid- By 1600, English speakers had etymologies. spirit. Even as I type, intrepid
1300s, from the Old English word added the meaning clever rogue, and dedicated etymologists are
blyscan, to glow, blush, or become as in “you devil, you.” By 1835 in Ghost was spelled gast in Old duking it out over wraith’s true
red. Blush is related to a Germanic American English the word devil English, and meant soul, spirit, life, origin.
word for torch, a Danish word for also referred to sand spouts and breath, angel or demon (yes, both
blaze, and a Proto-Indo-European dust storms. good and bad spirits). It made it to
English through various Germanic My thanks to sources: the OED, Etymonline.
word meaning to shine, flash or com, and Wordnik.
burn, which is the grandmother of Demon, on the other hand, went languages, all beginning with
the word bleach. In the mid 1300s, from good to bad over time. the Proto-Indo-European root
the noun form of blush meant a Demon entered English as early gheis-, to be excited, amazed or
look or glance. This understanding as 1200. It came from the Latin frightened.
of the word shows up today in word daemon, meaning spirit.
the phrase, at first blush. It wasn’t
The Latin came from the Greek, Spook showed up in the language
until the 1590s that these two daimon, which meant deity, divine in 1801 from the Dutch word,
noun meanings of blush started power, lesser god, guiding spirit, spooc, meaning spook or ghost.
competing, with the redness in tutelary deity, or souls of the dead. Its sister words include: from
the face meaning quickly eclipsing Daimon also had an intriguing Danish, spØg, meaning joke, from
the look or glance meaning. By secondary meaning: one’s genius, German, spuk, meaning ghost or
1818, the noun blush became lot, or fortune. The Greek and apparition, from Swedish spoc,
something one could apply Latin meanings are a far cry from meaning scarecrow. It may have
manually to one’s face. demon’s negative meaning today. relatives in Lithuanian, Lettish, and
This “demonizing” of the word Prussian, where the root words in CS Perryess writes for teens, narrates audio
Reader S.K. Figler asked about demon occurred about the time of question meant respectively to books, and ponders the wonder of words in a
foggy little town on California’s central coast.
the origin of zit (along with some the establishment of Christianity. shine, dragon or witch, and spark. Find more at http://csperryess.blogspot.com,
arguably less judicious terms). Zit Though Socrates wrote of his Spook didn’t move into the world or reach him at csperryess@gmail.com.

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 14

 Harvest Land
Free Family Fun! SAT, October 31
4:00 - 9:00 pm
Drive Through 1480 Santa Ysabel Ave
Lighted Halloween Los Osos, CA 93402
Displays!

Visit us at:
www.elmorro.org

Safe fun for all ages (no scary displays), including

free candy, giveaways, hot dogs and chips!
This event is free to everyone.
Enjoy a wonderful family evening to ring in the fall season!
Call 528-0391 with questions Donations Accepted

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 15

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 16
October 2020 Free Ongoing Events
SUNDAY
27
FARMERS MARKET:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club
3:00-6:00pm Grover Bch Ramona Pk
October is:
Adopt-a-Shelter-Animal Month
Computer Learning Month
Family History Month
National Apple Month Flower: Calendula/Marigold
National Clock Month
National Roller Skating Month
Polish American History Month
National Stamp Collecting Month
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
28
FARMERS MARKET:
29
FARMERS MARKET:
30
FARMERS MARKETS:
1
FARMERS MARKETS:
2 3
BINGO VETS HALL MB - 1st FRI 5:00pm FARMERS MARKETS:
2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG FARMERS MARKETS: 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:00-6:00pm Pismo Beach Pier 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB,
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT,
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI
10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30
AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
Birthstone: Opal LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
SLO CO GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
WORLD 1st SAT 12:30am IOOF Hall SLO
VEGETARIAN
DAY
TECHIES DAY
FUll moon
NAME YOUR LOOK AT LEAVES DAY
CAR DAY

4
FARMERS MARKET:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club
3:00-6:00pm Grover Bch Ramona Pk
5
FARMERS MARKET:
6
FARMERS MARKET:
7
FARMERS MARKETS:
8
FARMERS MARKETS:
9
FARMERS MARKETS:
10
FARMERS MARKETS:
2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:00-6:00pm Pismo Beach Pier 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB,
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG

NATIONAL NATIONAL
GOLF DAY THOMAS EDISON COSTUME
SHOWS 1ST SWAP DAY
MOTION PICTURE
(in 1889)
WORLD ELEANOR
TEACHER DAY 1ST TELEPHONE CALL ROOSEVELT’S
CARD (in 1876) BIRTHDAY
CHILD HEALTH DAY MAKING DAY (Born in 1884)

11
FARMERS MARKET:
12
FARMERS MARKET:
13
FARERS MARKET:
14
FARMERS MARKETS:
15
FARMERS MARKETS:
16
FARMERS MARKETS:
17
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
3:00-6:00pm Grover Bch Ramona Pk LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:00-6:00pm Pismo Beach Pier 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB,
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
COLUMBUS BOSS’S DAY
TAKE YOUR DAY NATIONAL SWEETEST DAY
TEDDY BEAR
TO WORK DAY FACE YOUR WORLD FOOD DAY
INDIGENOUS FEARS DAY BLACK POETRY DAY
PEOPLE’S DAY (honoring Jupiter Hammon, 1st
DICTIONARY DAY African-American published poet)
FARMER’S DAY BALD &
FREE DAY nEw moon
NATIONAL
GROUCH DAY

18
FARMERS MARKET:
19
FARMERS MARKET:
20
FARMERS MARKET:
21
FARMERS MARKETS:
22
FARMERS MARKETS:
23
FARMERS MARKETS:
24
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
3:00-6:00pm Grover Bch Ramona Pk LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:00-6:00pm Pismo Beach Pier 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
3:30-4:15pm AG LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB,
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
THOMAS EDISON 10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
ALASKA DAY SHOWS ELECTRIC LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
LIGHT (in 1879)

UNITED NATIONS DAY

BABBLING DAY

GARBANZO
BEAN DAY
NATIONAL NUT DAY
MICKEY MANTLE’S
BIRTHDAY NATIONAL STUTTERING
(Born in 1931) AWARENESS DAY

25
FARMERS MARKET:
26
FARMERS MARKET:
27
FARMERS MARKET:
28
FARMERS MARKETS:
29
FARMERS MARKETS:
30
FARMERS MARKETS:
31
FARMERS MARKETS:
11:30-2:30pm Nipomo: Monarch Club 2-4:30pm Los Osos: 2nd & Santa Maria 3:00-6:00 pm in Paso Robles City Park 8:30-11am AG Spencers Market 3:00-6:00pm Old Porte Fisheries AG 9:00am-12:30pm Paso Robles Wal Mart 8:00-10:30am SLO Promenade
3:00-6:00pm Grover Bch Ramona Pk LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:10 SLO 12:30-4:30pm Santa Maria Town Ctr 2:30-5:00pm Spencers Morro Bay 2:30-5:30pm Cambria Main St Vets Hall 9:00am-12:30pm Templeton City Park
3:00-6:00pm AT Sunken Gardens 6:00-9:00pm Downtown SLO LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 LO 9:00am-1:00pm Paso Downtown Park
DOC BURNSTEIN’S READING LAB 3:00-6:00pm Pismo Beach Pier 9:00am-1:00pm Shell Bch Dinosaur Caves
3:30-4:15pm AG \ LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:00 MB,
MOTHER-IN-LAW’S LIBRARY STORYTIME: 10:30 AT, 10:10 SLO, 10:15 CAM,10:30 AT, 10:30 12:00-2:30pm AG Village Gazebo
10:30 AG, 11:00 NI AG,10:30 LO, 11:00 CAY, 11:30 SMG 2:30-6:00pm Morro Bay 800 Main St
DAY
LIBRARY STORYTIME: 11:00 AG
NAVY DAY
PABLO PICASSO’S
BIRTHDAY (Born in 1881)
NATIONAL
JOHN ADAM’S
HALLOWEEN
ORGANIZATION DAY
THEODORE BIRTHDAY (Born in 1735)
ROOSEVELT’S
BIRTHDAY
INTERNATIONAL RED (Born in 1858) NATIONAL
CROSS ORGANIZED CANDY CORN DAY
(In 1863) STATUE OF LIBERTY’S FUll moon
BIRTHDAY
(gift from France in 1886)

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 17

safety
Coronavirus in Babies & Kids
by Aaron Milstone, M.D., M.H.S.
With all of the sobering news about
the new coronavirus and COVID-19,
the disease the virus causes, worried
moms and dads can generally feel
better about one detail: At present,
the disease seems to be much milder
in babies and children. However,
it’s important to understand recent
reports about pediatric inflammatory
multisystem syndrome, or PIMS,
a very rare condition that might
be related to exposure to the
coronavirus.
Generally, COVID-19 symptoms are
milder in children than in adults. In a
recent study published in Pediatrics
of COVID-19, 90% of those who
tested positive for the disease had
mild symptoms, or none at all.
Fever and cough are common
COVID-19 symptoms among both
adults and children; shortness of
Central Coast Family
breath is more likely to be seen in
adults. Children can have pneumonia,
with or without obvious symptoms.
They can also experience sore throat,
excessive fatigue or diarrhea.
However, serious illness in children
with COVID-19 is possible, and
parents should stay alert if their child
is diagnosed with, or shows signs
of, the disease. In the study, 10%
of infants with a positive COVID-19
test became critically ill. Severe
illness rates were lower in older
children, but there were rare cases of
children in each age group requiring
hospitalization, and one 14-year-old
who died.
It’s important to follow guidelines
if you think your child is sick with
COVID-19. Caretakers should
trust their instincts and contact
a pediatrician if a child seems ill,
• October 2020
especially with cough or fever. when parents set an example by
washing their own hands well and
Doctors in the U.S. and the U.K. frequently.
have noted that a small number
of children between ages 2 and 15 If your child refuses to wash their
have experienced a condition called hands, it may help to motivate them
pediatric inflammatory multisystem with a small reward, such as a sticker.
syndrome, or PIMS. Some, but not In any case, recognize all efforts in
all, of the children with PIMS had washing their hands.
tests showing they had exposure
to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus If soap and water are not available,
that causes COVID-19. Doctors are the next best option is approved
urgently trying to determine if and hand sanitizer containing at least 60%
how PIMS and COVID-19 are related. alcohol.
Other Prevention Tips for Families
PIMS can cause inflammation of the
blood vessels throughout the body.
Cough and sneeze with care.
The inflammation can limit blood
Encourage everyone in the family
flow, damaging the heart and other
to cough and sneeze into tissues,
organs. PIMS has features in common
instead of hands. Throw away used
with toxic shock syndrome and
tissues and wash hands after each
Kawasaki disease. Certain symptoms
time.
may mean an inflammatory problem.
Look out for: abdominal (belly) pain,
Keep hands off faces. Parents should
vomiting and diarrhea, a red rash,
remind children to avoid touching
red, cracked lips, red eyes, high fever,
their face as much as possible. It can
swollen glands on one or both sides
help if kids carry a toy that will keep
of neck, and swollen hands or feet.
their hands busy, but parents should
wash those toys regularly.
PIMS, like Kawasaki disease, is very
rare. But if your child has these
symptoms, call your doctor. PIMS may Keep things clean. Wipe down toys
be treated with a plasma transfusion and surfaces your child touches
to reduce the inflammation and regularly, especially when traveling
protect the heart and other organs or when near a person who is sick.
from possibly lasting damage. Clean surfaces at home and store
cleaners in cabinets that are either
Immediately contact urgent care too high for your child to reach or
if you notice these symptoms in a are secured with childproof cabinet
child: difficulty breathing or catching locks.
breath, inability to keep down
liquids, new confusion or inability to Address anxiety and stress. Talking
awaken, or bluish lips. things over as a family can help
identify specific fears and clarify
Children are exposed to COVID-19 facts. It also helps for families to
when virus contacts their eyes, discuss a plan in case someone gets
nose, mouth or lungs. The best way sick, or if something else happens
to prevent children from getting that interrupts the normal routine.
COVID-19 is to avoid exposure; avoid
people outside of your isolation pod. Children will look to you when
deciding how to feel about COVID-19.
Teach kids to wash their hands If you feel calm and prepared, they
regularly, with soap and warm water, are likely to feel similarly.
for at least 20 seconds. Help them
keep track of time by singing the ABC
Aaron Milstone is an Associate Hospital
song, which takes about 20 seconds Epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital
to finish. Kids should wash their and professor of pediatrics at the Johns
hands after using the bathroom, Hopkins University School of Medicine.
sneezing, coughing, or blowing their
nose, before eating (even snacks), Reprinted with permission. © 2020
and immediately after coming inside The Johns Hopkins University, www.
from outdoors. It is most influential hopkinsmedicine.org/health.
• www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 18
 Aikido (The Art of Peace) is a perfect martial art for children, because it builds a strong sense
of inner strength, focus, and self-confidence.

Children practice in a friendly, supportive, coed atmosphere. Specially qualified instructors

use games, techniques, and tumbling exercises to teach children how to defend
themselves without hurting others.

Unlike traditional combative arts, Aikido teaches children how not to fight, and helps them
learn to deal with difficult and stressful situations in a relaxed, assertive manner.

Visit our school, watch a class, and decide if Aikido would benefit your child!

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 19

Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com • Page 20

2nd FRI every month at 3:00 pm: PAWS TO
READ at Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades
Ave. Come share your stories with an adoring
listener. Cost: free. Contact: 528-1862.
Feeling hopeless, desperate, or alone?
Every WED 3:00-4:00 pm: PAWS TO READ at
Concerned for someone you care about?
Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades Ave. Read to
a dog who loves to listen to children. Cost:
free. Contact: 528-1862.
Every SUN 12:00-4:00 pm: Family Funday at
Bang the Drum Brewery, 950 Orcutt Rd, San
Suicide Prevention Luis Obispo. Enjoy the patio to play family-
Mental Health and friendly games and drums! Cost: free. Food
Emotional Support and craft beer available for sale. Contact:
Free bangthedrumbrewery.com or 242-8372.
Confidential
24 hours of every day
Every FRI 6:00 am-4:00 pm: Early Bird Flea
Market at Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S
A program of Transitions Mental Health Association
Thornburg St. Browse vendors with antiques,
fruits, vegetables, new and used items, and
2nd & 4th SAT every month 12:00-4:00 more! Cost: free. Contact: 258-1765.
pm: Railway Historical Museum at Santa
Every FRI 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Zen Doodle
Maria Transit Center, 400 E Boone St, Santa
Adult Coloring Book Group at Art Center
Maria. This bimonthly opening features
Morro Bay, 835 Main St. Relax and unwind
a locomotive, boxcar, caboose, railroad
with the new adult coloring books. Cost: free.
artifacts, interpretive exhibits, vintage rolling
Contact: artcentermorrobay.org or 772-2504.
stock, and a diorama to explore. Cost: free.
Contact: 714-4927. Every MON 2:00-5:00 pm: Historic Tour of
Architecture at Monday Club, 1815 Monterey
Every TUE & THU: Youth Aikido Classes at
St, SLO. Cost: free. Contact: themondayclub
Budo Ryu, 3536 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo.
slo.wildapricot.org or 541-0594.
Kids have fun, stay fit, make friends, gain life
skills, and learn to deal with bullies without Every THU at 10:15 am: Tiny Tunes Music &
becoming one. Aiki-Mites (age 4-6) class Movement at Music Motive, 3440 S Higuera
is 3:00 pm TUE. Aiki-Kids (age 7-12) TUE & St #130, SLO. This parent participation
THU at 4:00 pm. Pre-registration only. Cost: program for ages 1-5 includes activities based
$50-75/mo. Contact: 544-8866 or www. on music psychology and child development.
aikidosanluisobispo.com. Cost: $80 per mo. Contact: 543-0377.
Every WED 10:00-11:00 am: Growing With 2nd FRI every month at 1:00 pm: Book Group
Baby Class at 1230 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo. at Cayucos Library, 310 B St. Join other
Pediatric nurse practitioner and lactation readers to discuss whatever you’re reading
consultant Andrea Herron answers questions and to discover, ponder, and share insights
about feeding, crying, and sleep for babies about what others are reading. Cost: free.
0-10 months. Dads are always welcome! Call Contact: 995-3846.
to reserve a spot. Contact: 543-6988. Every THU 6:30-9:30 pm: SLO Chess Club
Every TUE 7:00-9:00 pm & SAT 2:00-4:00 pm: meets at Carl’s Jr on Santa Rosa St, 1 block
Basic Safety Class at SLO MakerSpace, 81 S W of Foothill, across from Cal-Poly. All ages.
Higuera St, Ste 160 & 180, San Luis Obispo. Get Cost: free. Contact: 441-7210 or slochess.com.
acquainted with the space and equipment Every SAT 10:00 am-2:00 pm: SLO Chess
before using the facility. See website for
Club meets at the big board on Morro Bay
dates and classes. Cost: free for Members
Embarcadero at west end of Morro Bay Blvd
and all SLO County Library cardholders.
(down the stairs). Cost: free. Contact: 441-
Contact: 439-2727 or slomakerspace.com. 7210 or slochess.com.
Every THU 10:00-11:00 am: La Leche League
3rd WED of every month at 6:30 pm:
Mother Support Meetings in North Co, SLO,
Prepared & Natural Childbirth Classes at Twin
AG and SM. Breastfeeding and parenting
Cities Community Hospital, 1220 Las Tablas
support and information offered. Cost: free.
Rd, Templeton. This six-series class includes
Contact: 242-2294 or Facebook.com/lllofslo. lecture, hands-on demos, and technique
MON-THU 8:30-11:30 am: Walk-In Legal Clinic practice. Cost: free. Contact: 434-4654.
in 3rd Floor Atrium of Courthouse Annex,
2nd THU of every month at 6:30 pm:
1035 Palm St, San Luis Obispo and Paso
Breastfeeding Basics at Twin Cities
Robles Courthouse, 901 Park St, Rm 112. Get
Community Hospital, 1100 Las Tablas Rd,
help with divorce, child and spousal support, Templeton. Learn about practical aspects
domestic violence, guardianship, civil
of feeding your newborn from a Lactation
harassment, and name or gender change.
Consultant. Cost: free. Contact: 239-4443.
Every TUE & THU at 1:30 pm: Divorce & Child
Every THU-FRI 12:00-5:00 pm & SAT 11:00
Support Workshops at SLO Court Support am-5:00 pm: Exploration Station Interactive
Services, 1120 Mill St, Ste A, San Luis Obispo Science Center welcomes families at 867
and Paso Robles Courthouse, 901 Park St, Ramona Ave, Grover Beach. Cost: $2-3.
Paso Robles. Help for divorce, child support, Contact: 473-1421 or explorationstation.org.
custody and visitation orders. Overview of
legal process followed by form prep and 2nd THU of every month 6:00-7:00 pm: Grief
questions. Cost: free. Contact: 788-3418. Support Group at Central Coast Hospice, 253
Granada Dr, Ste D, San Luis Obispo. Free for
1st & 3rd SAT every month at 2:00 pm: FAMILY
anyone suffering the loss of a loved one who
MOVIE at Los Osos Library, 2075 Palisades is in need of support. Contact: 540-6020.
Ave. Enjoy popcorn and a G/PG movie. Call for
2nd SAT of every month FEB-NOV at 9:00
title. Cost: free. Contact: 528-1862.
Central Coast Family • October 2020 • www.centralcoastfamily.com
local resources
am: Santa Maria Parks & Rec Dept offers free
docent-led nature walks in Los Flores Ranch,
6271 Dominion Rd, Santa Maria. Cost: free.
Contact: 925-0951.
2nd MON every month 6:30-8:00 pm:
Caregiver Support Group at Cayucos
Community Church, Ocean Ave & S 3rd St.
Free support for caregivers helping with
long-term illness, memory loss, dementia,
and Alzheimer’s. Contact: 458-7484.
Every MON 10:00 am-2:00 pm: Remain
Independent Despite Vision Loss at Santa
Maria Terrace, 1405 E Main St. New ways of
doing daily tasks are taught by the Braille
Institute, such as home management,
traveling, and using talking library books.
Contact: 462-1225.
2nd & 4th MON every month at 6:30 pm: MOPS
(Mothers of Preschoolers) meet at Pacific
Christian Church, 3435 Santa Maria Way,
Santa Maria. Childcare is provided. Contact:
934-3491 or www.pacificchristian.net.
Every TUE 3:00-6:00 pm & FRI 3:00-5:30 pm:
Teen Wellness Program at Arroyo Grande
EOC Health Services Clinic, 1152 E Grand
Ave. Health services, including reproductive
health, in a safe environment to screen,
assess, and provide intervention. Appts
preferred. Contact: 489-4026.
1st WED every month at 9:00 am: Senior
Health Screening at First United Methodist
Church, 275 N Halcyon Rd, Arroyo Grande.
Free and low-cost services for ages 50
and older: blood pressure, pulse, weight,
cholesterol, screening for anemia and
diabetes, nutritional counseling, and medical
referrals. Contact: 481-2692 or 788-0827.
1st WED every month at 12:00 pm: Disabled
American Veterans luncheon at Veterans
Memorial Bldg, 313 W Tunnell St, Santa Maria.
Contact: 345-0402.
Every WED 5:30-7:00 pm: Widowed Support
Group at New Life Church, 990 James Way,
Rm 14, Pismo Beach. Offered by Hospice of
SLO Co. Contact: 544-2266 or hospiceslo.org.
Every TUE at 7:00 pm: Al-Anon Family
Support Group at Luis OASIS Senior Center,
420 Soares Ave, Orcutt. Contact: 937-9750.
3rd WED every month at 7:00 pm: How to
Survive Divorce seminar at SLO Women’s
Community Center, 1124 Nipomo St #D, SLO.
Tips for handling family law issues. Cost: $10.
Contact: 544-9313 to register.
RISE offers: weekly drop-In support groups
for sexual assault survivors; 24 hour crisis
line; advocacy; peer counseling; prevention,
empowerment and education. Contact: 545-
8888 or www.sarpcenter.org.
Every SAT 11:00 am-3:00 pm: ADOPT A PET at
Petco, 2051 Theater Dr, in Paso Robles. Cats
from NCHS and dogs from Short n’ Sweet
Dog Rescue. Contact: 466-5403.
Every MON 2:00-4:00 pm & WED 3:00-5:00 pm:
Jacks’ Adaptive Toy Lending Library-Jack’s
Helping Hand at Central Coast Gymnastics, 21
Zaca Lane, #100, San Luis Obispo. Traditional
and adaptive toys for children with all types
of disabilities to check out. In-home appts
available. Cost: free! Contact: 547-1914 or
www.jackshelpinghand.org.
Every TUE 2:00-5:00 pm & FRI 4:00-7:00 pm:
Jacks’ Adaptive Toy Lending Library - Jack’s
Helping Hand at Pat’s Place in Nipomo
Recreation Community Rm, 671 W Tefft St,
Ste 2, Nipomo. Toys for kids with all types
of disabilities to check out. In-home appts
avail. Cost-free! Contact: 547-1914 or www.
jackshelpinghand.org.
Every TUE 5:30-6:30 pm: Citizenship Classes
at SLO County Library, 995 Palm St, SLO.
All classes are bilingual, with all materials
covered in 8 classes. No registration required.
Cost: free. Contact: slolibrary.org or 781-4187.
Every FRI at 7:00 pm: Senior Ballroom
Dancing at Madonna Inn. Look left of the
bandstand for sign: Dancers. Dance, chat and
listen to good music. No fees; no dues; just
fun! Contact: 489-5481 or dg17@juno.com.
Literacy Council for San Luis Obispo County
has an ongoing and urgent need for volunteer
tutors and offers free training in SLO. Contact:
541-4219 or www.sloliteracy.org.
1st THU every month at 6:15 pm: Commission
on the Status of Women meets at Coast
National Bank, 500 Marsh St, SLO. This
advisory group to SLO County Board of
Supervisors identifies issues of concern to
women not the focus of other advocacy or
advisory organizations. Contact: 788-3406.
Morro Bay Museum of Natural History
Adventures With Nature & Mind Walks
schedule is at: ccnha.org/naturewalks.html.
Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens
offers free services: Senior Connection to
connect callers with local resources; one on
one Medicare help, referrals for long term
care, and help with billing and appeals; Vial
of Life kits with medical info for emergency
responders; a Senior Resource Directory for
SLO and SB counties, and more. Contact: 925-
9554 or www.centralcoastseniors.org.
Hospice of SLO County provides free grief
counseling, individual and family support,
counseling, crisis intervention, and wellness
education to those with a life-limiting illness,
their families, and the bereaved in SLO and
Paso. Contact: 544-2266.
Volunteer as a Good Neighbor! Make a
difference in the life of an older or disabled
adult. Training is monthly at Wilshire
Community Services, 285 South St, Ste J, SLO.
Contact: 547-7025 x 17.
Volunteer at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art!
Stop by at 1010 Broad St (Mission Plaza) or
email volunteer@sloma.org for information
about multiple volunteer opportunities.
San Luis Obispo Senior Center offers health
screening, legal services, meals, exercise,
bridge, and bingo at 1445 Santa Rosa St.
Contact: 781-7306.
Central Coast Astronomical Society sponsors
a Dark Sky Star Party every month at sunset.
CCAS sponsors guest speakers and public
education programs. Find the CCAS event
calendar, location and weather condition
updates, and local resources at: www.
centralcoastastronomy.org.
San Luis Coastal Adult School’s Parent
Participation Program offers Core Parenting
and Enrichment classes at centers in San Luis
Obispo, Morro Bay, and Los Osos. Parent and
child activity classes, individual peer support,
and education for parents and caregivers.
Contact: 549-1222 or parentparticipation.org.
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