Dang ~ Shell beach Garage sale

Obama For My Mamma ~ "Obama Songa"

Best in Shell 2008

The 5th annual Best in Shell neighborhood god show was again a success! Thank you Shell Beach for hosting another great show. This year was unique in that we changed the venue to the amphitheater at Dinosaur Caves Park. This worked out to be quite conducive for a show of this type. We had a total of 57 dogs enter. These brave canines came in all Shapes and sizes from a giant doberman, "Zorro" to a little tea cup poodle, "Sophie". The categories ranged from costumes, extreme tricks, pure breeds, pups and seniors, big dogs, small dogs. and too cute for tricks. As the host/MC, I absolutely git a kick out of all the participants. Both the dogs and owners are incredible. For example Sam Cotton brought his dog "Rider" who is a legitimate dog show winner in the world of real dog shows. Though we are a real dog show of sorts we like to consider ourselves to be "The karaoke of dog shows" somewhat like the real thing but not quite. Other great moments were Craig Cummings and "Cookies and Cream" who came out dressed for Marti Gras and through beads into the crowd. However, the winner of that category "Costumes" was claimed by "Shadow and Sparky" Jewel who dressed as little red riding hood and the big bad wolf. Further recognition was given to dogs "Annie" and "Ted" who have successfully competed in all five Best in Shell Dog shows! As for the winner, "Maverick", an 85 pound Basset hound (as seen in the photo in this posting), handled by Emily Whitehead took the title. It was a tough decision, especially because this year there was a dog in the show who could read! But that is the beauty of the Best in Shell...anything can happen!

Special thanks to our sponsors for their raffle and cash donations. Through this event, we were able to raise $800 for the Shell Beach improvement group! What a way for locals to give back to their community. Over the course of the following weeks, pictures of the show will be available on my website at Claytonc.com on the home page under the Photo gallery heading - see albums. Thanks again to my amazing crew who helped put this on and to all who contributed to its success!

Best in Shell 2008

It's that time of year again for the canine companions of Shell Beach to put on their game face and prepare for the 5th annual BEST IN SHELL amateur neighborhood dog show. What is the Best in Shell Dog show? It is a fundraiser hosted by Realtor Clayton Connolly and his wife Jessica with the help of Shell Beach dogs to raise money for a charitable cause. Past recipients have been Easter Seals, Second chance at love (with the dogs of hurricane Katrina), George Lyon a local young man battling cancer and local real estate agent and pet store owner Stephanie Pipan diagnosed with Crones disease. This year's beneficiary is SBIG (The Shell Beach Improvement Group).
The show itself is truly one of a kind. Essentially, any dog with a willing heart registers them self in a prospective category. No formal training or pedigree is necessary. There is something for everyone. This year's categories include - costumes, too cute for tricks, pups and seniors, and pure breds (to name a few). Each dog gets an opportunity to walk in front of the judges and perform a trick or simply sit and be showered with applause from the cheering crowed. The winner of each category goes on to the final heat to be crowned the Best in Shell. Those in attendance can expect a day of fun, laughs and joyful recognition of man's best friend in their contribution to a charitable cause. Throughout the show, fans can purchase raffle tickets with great prizes donated by sponsors such as the Old Vienna Restaurant, Del's Pizzeria, The Steaming Bean, Jasi and the Seaside Café. For more information on donating or to register for the event, contact Clayton Connolly at Claytonc.com or 805-709-6089. See you there!

Shell Beach A.M.

This is a photo of the Steaming Bean and the Palomar Inn at about 6:30 this morning.

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I went to San Diego for a few days last week and checked out the various beach communities there.  It was warm and beautiful.  There was a lot of action, many people and no where to park.  After driving for 6 hours and returning to Shell Beach, it gave me a heightened sense of appreciation for our community.  Here we are, a little sleepy beach town in the middle of wine country, far away from smog, noise and excessive stop lights.  This town truly is a gem.  

Classic Shell Beach Ocean Front

When I first moved to Shell Beach I was drawn to the charm of the community, the kindness of the people, and of course the majestic ocean. I vividly remember sitting at the park at the end of Morro and as I joyfully took in the natural ambiance, my eyes were captivated by an amazing beach home sitting right in front of the water. Over time I learned that I wasn't the only one guilty of dreaming about living here for the rest of my life.

This home at 1780 Ocean Blv is truly amazing. Originally built in the late 40's it has since been remodeled and today for the first time in over a decade is up for sale offering a prized opportunity in the Shell Beach Real estate market. What makes this residence truly unique is that it rests on two lots with Ocean Blv addresses. This means that the opportunities are numerous. A buyer could be perfectly happy purchasing the existing home and enjoying a many sunsets from the front porch. For those a bit more possibility oriented, there are approved plans for not one but two Ocean front homes, one on each lot. Of course the existing home would need to be taken down so that the property may be prepped for construction but the finished product would be breath taking. I have studied the plans for these two world class homes equipped with modern amenities and roof decks. All aspects have been taken into careful consideration to maximize the potential of this real estate. For example, plans include a common driveway in the back of the home as not to block any of the view possibilities. Also the plans score high on the Slo County Green Building scale. Additionally the interior of the two lots is for sale exclusively.

So, first it is my desire to purchase this home for my own family. If any one reading wishes to live communally with me, I will be happy to cook and clean for you in exchange for my name on the title deed. Unfortunately I don't see this possibility as very likely.

The more likely option is your purchase of this Shell Beach Ocean Front Jewel. I have the privilege of representing the seller as the Real Estate agent. I would love to discuss the options and terms of purchase with anyone qualified to take advantage of this unique opportunity. For more info and pricing specific to this listing please check out http://www.1780ocean.com/.

Art in the Park

Residents and visitors alike have become accustomed to Shell Beaches "Art in the Park". This colorful event takes place the first Sunday of every month during the summer and fall months at Dinosaur Caves Park in Shell Beach. From the freeway looking down, the site is definitely noteworthy slashed with a myriad of tents, tables and displays. It is enough to make anyone want to investigate. This year I have had the opportunity to participate as a vendor. My family is part of a socially proactive business called Acholi Beads. We partner with a co-op of refugee women in Uganda and in order to sustain them out of poverty, we create a market for their paper beads here in America. Anyway, that's what we sell there at art in the park. From a vendors perspective, there couldn't be a more beautiful location, nicer people or cooler vibe. I recommend anyone to come share in the Art in the Park experience and walk away with a handmade piece of art or at least some tri tip nachos.


Hippies in the Park

Glass in the Park
Beads in the Park

People in the park.

Car art in the park

African art in the park.