San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation (SLOCCF) recently received notification that it has met the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability. The notice comes from the Community Foundations National Standards Board, a national accreditation organization based in Arlington, Va. 

“This is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal for community foundations,” said Diane Miller, manager of Community Foundations National Standards Board. “It says that San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to operational quality, integrity and accountability.” 

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations' program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. Not all community foundations are eligible to apply for this certification, and not all applicants pass the review. The program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.

Paso Robles locals and owners of We Olive, the market-leading brand for Extra Virgin Olive Oil, recently announced We Olive's participation as title sponsor for the 8th annual Paso Robles Olive Festival.

As lead sponsors of the festival and strong advocates of California olive growers, We Olive is working vigorously to shed light on the olive industry by bringing enhanced visibility to the festival, Paso Robles and the well over 50 participating California olive growers - as well as the fact that olives are becoming a dominant commercial crop in San Luis Obispo County. 

"We are passionate about raising the level of awareness about the health benefits and superior quality of California's high quality, artisan olive oils," said We Olive owner Frank Mercurio.  "And we are even more thrilled to be a part of the festival as we feel this is an incredible opportunity to promote California's growing olive industry." 

As the premier West Coast Olive Festival, the hugely successful event that attracts over 7,000 people annually, will take place at the Paso Robles Downtown City Park on Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a Social Mixer held Aug. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sculpterra Winery featuring gourmet olive-inspired hors d'euvres, local wines and winners of the Olive Oil Tasting Competition. 

The Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention (SARP) Center of San Luis Obispo County recently kicked off its 5th Annual Fundraising Campaign with an ambitious goal of $15,000 to support the agency’s counseling and crisis services programming.

“We believe that every survivor has the right to healing and recovery through therapy,” said Kristy McCray, the SARP Center's executive director.

The SARP Center provides crisis intervention services and clinical counseling to men, women and teens who are survivors of sexual assault, as well as their family and friends. Services include a 24-hour crisis line, accompaniment to medical exams and law enforcement interviews, as well as individual and group therapy.

Research indicates that without the help of counseling services, survivors are 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs; one-third of survivors suffer from Major Depressive Disorder; and one-third of women who are raped contemplate suicide. The SARP Center offers vital counseling and crisis intervention services to restore survivors to a level of functioning that pre-dates the assault.

With its fascinating legacy, beautiful vistas and surrounding marine wildlife, the Point San Luis Lighthouse is the ideal destination for couples on romantic getaways, history buffs, or families bent on adventure.  And with the generous, family-friendly accommodations just minutes away, a visit to “the Point” has never been so comfortable.

Point San Luis is easily accessible by nearby San Luis Obispo Airport (SBP), with views of the surrounding vineyards that produce some of the world’s most sought-after wines. 

With a rental car, guests can tour the wineries of Edna Valley, where producers like Chamisal Vineyards, Kynsi Winery, and Sextant Winery open their doors seven days a week for tastings.  With delectable picnic lunches available at the historic Old Edna town site gourmet deli, visitors can enjoy the picturesque countryside while eating lunch among the vines.

Luxurious accommodations await at the oceanfront Avila Lighthouse Suites in Avila Beach, just a 10-minute drive west. Kids will love the spacious heated pool, life-sized checker board, putting green, and ping pong tables on the family deck, while adults can shed their cares during a massage or body treatment at the on-site Spa Central Coast Avila Beach. 

Pacific Eye has grown even stronger now that Steven W. Dixon, M.D., has merged his practice with Pacific Eye.

The merger happened Aug. 1, but Dixon will continue to see patients in his current Lompoc, Calif. office. And many Pacific Eye doctors will begin to offer their services in Lompoc. Dixon’s standards for excellence in medical and surgical eye care will enhance Pacific Eye's service to patients on the Central Coast, the ophthalmology practice said.

“Through the years, Dr. Dixon has distinguished himself as a doctor with high clinical and ethical standards,” said Pacific Eye Managing Partner Ahmad Amir, M.D. “The addition of Dr. Dixon and the Lompoc office will help us better serve patients on the Central Coast.” 

Mindbody, the largest online software provider in the health and wellness industry, and SpaFinder, Inc., the largest global spa resource, have launched an expanded online booking feature at SpaFinder.com.

Now, visitors to the website can search and then book from over 40,000 classes and 60,000 appointments each day directly with the 13,000-plus wellness facilities using Mindbody’s business management software.

The Mindbody-SpaFinder collaboration began in February 2011 when the two companies agreed to display Mindbody’s inventory of fitness, yoga, Pilates and martial arts studios on SpaFinder.com.

Since April, consumers looking for wellness services and activities on SpaFinder.com have enjoyed the ability to search tens of thousands of spas and fitness studios, the largest online inventory of wellness businesses in the world. Now, these consumers can also book their desired service or activity directly with these businesses through SpaFinder.com.

The San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum is the recent recipient of a $25,000 gift from the Edna Piantanida Trust, in memory of Paul Piantanida, who ran the auto repair business on the site where the museum stands today.

The Paintanida family has a long history with the Children’s Museum. Edna’s husband, Paul, owned the machine shop at the corner of Nipomo and Monterey streets. Paul’s Garage opened in 1948 and eventually served as the original Children’s Museum, from 1990 to 2004.

Paintanida was a well-loved and respected member of the San Luis Obispo community. As a child, he helped support his family through the Great Depression. As an adult, he founded and ran two successful companies, served in World War II, and mentored Cal Poly students.

More than 100 Central Coast businesses are generously showing their support for Court Appointed Special Advocates' (CASA) 9th annual special fundraising event, Rendezvous at the Country Club, to support abused and neglected children of San Luis Obispo County.

Local products and services will make up a big part of the theme, entertainment, and auction items for the event, which will be held on Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo Country Club. Cost is $100 to attend.

"The amount of support that we receive from local businesses every year for our Rendezvous event is remarkable," said Teresa Tardiff, executive director of CASA of SLO County. "From premium wines to spa days to golf packages, the support from Central Coast businesses plays a big role in the fundraising success. Each year, funds raised from Rendezvous typically make up one-quarter of our annual budget."

Local businesses are also volunteering time and making donations to support Rendezvous. Ali Carscaden, Sommelier and Owner of 15 degrees C Wine Shop and Bar in Templeton, CA will be attending the event to volunteer her time and expertise. 

San Luis Obispo County’s most prestigious wine industry honor was announced last week by the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance in partnership with the Independent Grape Growers of Paso Robles, the Central Coast Vineyard Team, the San Luis Obispo Vintners Association and past award recipients.

The 2011 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Person of the Year Award honoree is Stacie Jacob, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance executive director.

Jacob officially received the honor during the California Mid-State Fair’s Cattlemen and Farmers’ Day, at an awards ceremony focused on recognizing San Luis Obispo County’s Cattlemen, Cattle Women, Farmers, Vintners, and other leaders in San Luis Obispo County agriculture. Special commendations, proclamations and resolutions were presented by local dignitaries and elected officials to all honorees. 

“This award ceremony truly brings together the agricultural industry of San Luis Obispo County to honor its leaders,” said Paul Hoover, a member of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Board of Directors and owner of Still Waters Vineyards. “Programs instituted during Stacie’s tenure as executive director have raised the profile of the Paso Robles AVA not only locally, but nationally and internationally.”