On October 19th, a contingent of members from SLO Buddhist Church and Guadalupe Buddhist Church (GBC) traveled to Salinas to participate in Coast District’s Nembutsu Family Conference, a gathering of members from seven temples/churches for a day of listening to the dharma and having fun. The event was planned by SLOBC and GBC but held at the Buddhist Temple of Salinas whose members provided valuable assistance. Thanks to John Hayashi and driver Steve, four SLOBC members were able to travel in a limousine.

The temple will be closed from November 3-7 for fumigation. Repairs for termite and dry rot damage were completed several weeks ago and now the temple must be tented and fumigated. Regarding our temple and the rest of the buildings on our property, we were notified very recently that our insurance policies would not be renewed. Our insurance broker is working with us to find new carriers but cautioned that property damage coverage will increase dramatically due to the effects of recent wildfires in the state.

Good news from the Buddhist Churches of America: the Dharma Forward Campaign recently exceeded its goal of raising $15 million by the end of this year. However, contributions are still welcomed until the end of the year.

On Sunday, November 9th, we will be celebrating a combined Eitaikyo service and Keirokai. The planning committee for our Keirokai has been creatively preparing for a fun time to be had by all, even for our members who are over 75 years old. We do have two centenarians: Suzy Bauman (96) and Shizuko Kumabe (100 in January 2026).

Finally, SLOBC is having its General Membership meeting on Sunday, December 14th following our Sunday Dharma service. A slate of nominees for Board of Directors will be voted on, and kickoff will be established for our 100th Anniversary in February 2027. I hope to see many of you on November 9th.

Gassho,
Gary Hongo