Compiled by Camas Frank~
San Francisco-based “automotive buyer intelligence” firm Autolist.com released its 2016 Most Affordable Areas Analysis and ranked San Luis Obispo the #152 most affordable place to buy a car in California. The study drew on over 72 million vehicles and 4.5 billion unique data points across vehicles of all makes and models nationwide, showed that used vehicles in San Luis Obispo were on average $324 more than the California average. The most affordable place in the state was San Bruno with cars going for $1,075 below their state average rate. Still looking for a deal in SLO? The top 5 most affordable models in the county were: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, $1,626 below the state average; Ford F-250 Super Duty, $1,542 below the state average; Dodge Challenger, $1,511 below the state average; Jeep Patriot, $1,395 below the state average; and the Chevrolet Suburban, $1,360 below the state average. Those vehicles being the “gas guzzler” variety, there’s a reason alone supposition to be made as to why that market’s suppressed.
U.S. News and World Report have named French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC), a “Best Hospital” for high performance of congestive heart failure. “We commend our health care teams for earning these prestigious recognitions providing the quality care that our communities have come to expect and deserve from our award-winning hospitals,” Alan Iftiniuk, CEO of French was quoted as saying. U.S. News analysis of hospitals includes data across multiple clinical specialties, procedures and conditions. Scores are based on a variety of patient outcome and care-related factors, such as patient safety and nurse staffing. “U.S. News evaluates nearly 5,000 hospitals nationwide,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “A hospital that emerged from our analysis as one of the best has much to be proud of.” For additional information on the U.S. News & World Report Hospitals Rankings, visit: health.usnews.com/best-hospitals.
Collaboration Business Consulting sent congratulations to three of its current and past clients on the “Inc. 5000 2016 list”, an annual compendium of the fastest-growing companies in America. Collaboration prides itself on providing superior business growth strategy consulting to inspire, educate and empower local businesses. Out of the 24 Central Coast businesses included in this year’s Inc. 5000 list, three are Collaboration clients including: Hathway – launched in 2008; A.M. Sun Solar – solar energy powerhouse located in Atascadero; and Rincon Consultants, locally based Meathead Movers was also included on the lists. Meathead Movers has grown 103 percent in the last three years. They ranked at number #3234 overall.
Dignity Health Hospice is seeking volunteers from throughout the Central Coast to help provide, “compassionate and supportive end-of-life care to patients and their loved ones.” Dignity Health Hospice is a team a hospice volunteer team allowing participants the opportunity to, “make an important difference in the lives of our patients and their loved ones.” Hospice volunteers are needed in Lompoc, Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, and the Atascadero area. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and are needed for office support, and especially in-home companionship. Some basic functions include socialization, music enjoyment, arts-and-crafts, massage therapy, and pet therapy. Volunteers are also sought to simply sit with and be a compassionate presence for the patients and their loved ones. Volunteer training is provided, and is flexible to accommodate different schedules. For information call: 739.3830 ext. 2061.
September 29 the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County’s (CFSLOCO) Women’s Legacy Fund (WLF) will hold its 14th annual luncheon with what they say is the largest grant award total to date. The fund addresses issues affecting local women and girls and has distributed more than $192,000 in grants since 2004. This year’s bring that total to more than $247,000. For the next three years, the Women’s Legacy Fund will provide grants to local programs that “empower girls with the skills, knowledge and support to overcome gender inequity.” This year, a total of $55,000 will be given to the following local organizations: Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County – $15,000 and the Boys & Girls Club of North SLO County – $40,000 (dispersed over three years).Tickets to the luncheon are available until September 15th for $50 each or a table of eight for $400, and may be purchased online at www.wlfslo.org. For more information about the Women’s Legacy Fund, contact The Community Foundation at 543-2323 or visit www.wlfslo.org.
April Lewallen has been named chief operations officer for the San Luis Obispo County YMCA. Lewallen’s 18-year career with the YMCA organization began in Tucson, AZ and included stops in Phoenix, service trips to the Philippines and most recently, California’s Central Valley, where she served as CEO for the YMCA of San Joaquin County. In her new position as COO, Lewallen will oversee the Y’s youth programs (preschool, after school, day camps and sports), fitness memberships, risk management, and health and wellness programs. “The new COO position reflects our commitment to quality oversight as well our desire to grow a sustainable and thriving YMCA for the families of our county. Ms. Lewallen is a seasoned ‘Y’ operations professional, and we are thrilled to have SLO County be her new home,” said Monica Grant, CEO of the San Luis Obispo County YMCA.
The SLO County AARP Foundation Tax-Wise Program is facing unprecedented demand for their free tax preparation and filing services for SLO County seniors and low to moderate income residents. The organization is putting out a call for more volunteers as the program expects a 15 to 20 percent increase in 2017. That would be above and beyond the 3,600 returns they managed in 2016. For information on local programs go online to:www.ccfreetax.org/about.html.
U-Haul Company of California has added Michael’s Upholstery as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Atascadero community. Michael’s Upholstery at 8155 El Camino Real will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, support rental items, boxes and in-store pick-up for boxes. Hours of operation for U-Haul rentals are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. After-hours drop-off is available. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling 464-3035 or visiting: www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Atascadero-CA-93422/020068.
The SLO Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member, truHealth Specific Chiropractic, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. “We help health-conscious, active individuals with a history of health challenges and/or unresolved injuries develop an improved and profound feeling of well-being. We specialize in providing a specialized application of chiropractic called Upper Cervical Care, which focuses on dysfunctions in the base of the skull and uppermost vertebrae of the neck. This area can have a significant effect on the nervous system and thus affect one’s overall well-being.” For more information, visit truhealthstudio.com.
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