You wouldn’t think that it is fall here in the Central Coast of California with temperatures in the 90s and no rain in sight. However, we did celebrate our Fall Festival to show our appreciation of all the volunteers who supported SLOBC throughout the year. The potluck luncheon was attended by over 70 people who enjoyed all the good food and the challenging carnival games played by young and old.

“Thank You” go to Milton and Tesuo for improvements to our temple lighting. Milton has replaced fixtures and light bulbs within the temple with LED devices. Tetsuo refurbished the outdoor wood lanterns along the sloping walkway going from the parking lot to the temple’s kitchen. It was 40 years ago that he built those lights to replace what was originally installed along the
walkway.

On Sunday, October 18 , runners participating in SLO’s City to the Sea Half Marathon were treated to inspiring drumbeats by eight Ichimi Daiko players. Coming down Ontario Road from San Luis Bary Drive, the drums provided uplifting motivation for the runners on their way to the finish at Avila Beach. Some stopped for water and “relief ” while absorbing the sounds of the drums. Many thanked the performers for the “entertainment.” Ichimi Daiko players Joyce Dendo, Arturo Manriquez and Christopher Iniguez participated in the half marathon.

On November 8 , SLOBC will be honoring its keiro members (those over 75 years) in conjunction with the Monthly Memorial and Eitaikyo service. Our keiro list continues to grow as the members age but remain a part of the sangha. It is only natural to pay tribute to lives well lived - our senior members. The keirokai is a part of a celebration which features a Thanksgiving meal donated by Rev. Nakano with help from the temple’s Buddhist Women’s Association members

I recently attended Watsonville Buddhist Temple’s 120

Anniversary Celebration where 150 attendees enjoyed a day of reflection and gratitude to those who established the temple many years ago. Like many other Jodo Shinshu temples in the U.S. at the beginning of the 20th Century, the temple was the focus of the first-generation Japanese who immigrated here. This celebration was a preview to SLOBC’s Centennial Celebration next February. Our Planning Committee is going “full steam ahead” preparing for this historical even.

As the year comes to a close, we will be electing members for our Board of Directors for 2027. This will occur at the General Membership Meeting to be held on Sunday, December 13, 2026, after our Monthly Memorial Service. A potluck luncheon will follow the meeting. I hope we’ll have a good turnout for this important governance meeting.

Gassho,
Gary Hongo