The Central Coast celebrates Women's History Month with a series of diverse and educational events 

March marks the beginning of Women’s History Month. Though it seems inane to just have one month dedicated to women’s history (same goes for Black History Month), the occasion does offer some fantastic opportunities to enlighten and educate. Throughout this month, the SLO County Libraries will be doing just that with a series of events centered on the lives of inspiring women.

During the first week of March, Atascadero Library presents History Comes Alive, which will feature living representations of 17 accomplished women. Members of the local American Association of University Women will be playing a diverse cast that includes the likes of Amelia Earhart, Betty Friedan, Sonia Sotomayor, and the first female self-made millionaire, Madame C.J. Walker.

On March 21, the San Luis Obispo branch hosts filmmaker Kelly Candaele who will discuss and introduce his documentary A League of Their Own. The film follows the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that came to prominence in the 1940s and inspired the 1992 feature film starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis. Additional screenings of the documentary will take place at the Atascadero and Cayucos branches.

For a full list of Women’s History Month events, visit slolibrary.org.

In the 1940s, women didn’t just turn to baseball. In 1943, the United States Army Air Force created a revolutionary program—the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Throughout the rest of World War II, more than 1,000 women served as pilots. Now, their story can be seen in Nipomo High School’s production of the award-winning play Decision Height.

Written by Meredith Dayna Levy, the play follows a team of WASPs and their various struggles, friendships, and successes throughout the war. In 2013, it won Best Script at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Decision Height features an all-female cast with a strong message of empowerment and perseverance.

From director Wendy-Marie Martin, “It’s inspiring to see these young, passionate actresses delving into research about the time period and what it meant to be a woman in the military.” During the rehearsal process, the cast met with one of the pilots who is now nearing 100 years old. Decision Height tells her story and the story of so many women who came to aid during tough times.

Decision Height will play at Nipomo High School March 13 to 28. Tickets are $8 for students/seniors and $10 for general admission. They can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1228571.