estero bay newsVol #1 - Issue #24 December 19, - January 15, 2020Cambria • CayuCos • Los osos • morro bay

Your CommunityYour News

Local News,Arts & Entertainment,

Schools, Business,Environment

Rose Parade Continued on page 19

Sewer Replacement Continued on page 19

Boat ParadePage 10

Los OsosXmas

Parade Page 16

Long Life Continued on page 18

Police Blotter Page 8

By Neil FarrellBy Neil Farrell

Living to be 100-years old takes a lot of work, many blessings, and maybe a few

lucky breaks along the way.Cayucos’ Fred Smith, who will turn

100 on Jan. 23, counts among his blessings surviving the Great Depression and ser-vice in World War II; two very-long, happy marriages; dozens of family members; and a long retirement in a beautiful home with a sweeping view of the Pacific.

Yes, Fred’s got it going on, but the spry near-centenarian, started life in humble beginnings. He was born in 1920 in Rifle, Colo., in farm country near the headwaters of the Colorado River.

“My sister taught school in farm coun-try,” he recalls sitting in a big easy chair. “But I was too young to go to school.” Sister Helen was 14-years older.

The family moved to Denver and he was 9 when the Great Depression hit. “It was just survive as best you can,” Fred says. He used to mow lawns for 25 or 30-cents. “I gave it to my mother to put in the pot.”

His father was an abusive alcoholic who died young. “I was afraid of him,” Fred says. “I’d had all the alcohol I could handle.”

Sister Helen was working for Sears-Roebuck in Oakland Calif., and invited the family to move West and live with her, he says. “She was our sole support.”

A transfer to the Sears store in Bakers-field meant uprooting the family again. A city kid, he dreaded having to enroll in high school in backwater Bakersfield. “I said, ‘Who wants to go to a one-horse high school?’” But Kern County Union High School had 6,000 stu-dents, he says with astonishment. “They bused kids in from all over Kern County. They were a powerhouse in sports, had all these big farm boys.” Fred was 6-foot 2-inches tall himself.

With the family struggling, Fred says he ran into someone he knew from Denver in Bakers-field, who told him the Fox Theater was hiring.

“He said, ‘Tell ‘em you want to work, not that you are putting in an application,’ and it worked.” He got a job as an usher at 18, making 25¢ an hour. “I was tickled to death to get it,”

says Fred, who worked in Fox’s five theaters in Bakersfield, both before and after the war.

“The manager was Homer Gill,” Fred recalls, “and for some reason he took a liking to me. I was the assistant manager at those for several years. The district manager liked me because I was the same age as the staff.”

The world changed in 1941. “I turned 21 in January and Pearl Harbor was in December of ‘41.”

His older brother was just discharged after 6-years in the Navy stationed in Alaska. “It was 60-below where he was, and I knew I didn’t want anything to do with that.” Thinking he’d get ahead of the draft, he joined the Coast Guard figuring he’d pull duty on a small patrol

Lucky Breaks Add to Long LifeBy Neil Farrell

Fred and Laverne Smith of Cayucos pose for a por-trait in their Cayucos home. Fred will turn 100 on Jan.

23. The couple has been married more than 44 years. Photo by Neil Farrell

Sitting at home in your pajamas on New Year’s Day watching the floats, marching bands,

equestrian units and other performers on your television is one way to see the Rose Parade, but one Los Osos woman will be in the grandstands probably still removing bits of plant matter from her clothing. Debbie Deis will head to the Pasadena, CA the day after Christmas to work on several floats in the parade that is viewed in more than 70 million households worldwide.

“The quality of the designers they have and what gets turned out, it’s just phenomenal,” said Debbie, the owner and floral designer at D & D Floral Design. “The enthusiasm and everything is just unbelievable. The first year I was there, I was on a team, and we did all the tree work [on multiple floats]. There are people that come in and they glue in seed. There are people that come in and they do the animals and their seed-ing. We were doing the big floral displays.”

Debbie first got involved at the urging of her daughter, the late Anna Deis, who one day looked up working at the Rose Parade online, left her home in Santa Cruz and drove to Pasa-dena ready to volunteer. Her first gig was on the Kiwanis float.

“It seems like I would have never done it,” Debbie said. “I never had the guts to do it—to just look something up on the phone and decide you’re going to do it.”

This will be the sixth time Debbie has joined florists, designers and volunteers from around the world in a mad rush to get every detail in place on the floats made with mil-lions of plant products. From coconut flakes to cranberry bogs leaves to orchids and even white onions, it all has to be has to be natural— not spray painted or dyed. And, it must get done no matter how many hours it takes.

“Last year, I started working on the floats on Dec. 30th at probably nine in the morning,” Debbie said. “And, I finally walked out of the float barn at seven o’clock the next morning. I have a shirt that says ‘I’m a florist. I don’t quit when I’m tired. I quit when I’m done.’ That’s re-ally the truth in our industry. You know, you just can’t say, ‘Hey, my eight hours are up. See you later.’ If somebody spent $200,000 on a float, you can’t say it didn’t get finished so it doesn’t get judged.”

Through her involvement with profes-sional builders Fiesta Parade Floats, Debbie has

Local Returns for Sixth Year at Rose Parade

By Theresa-Marie Wilson

Los Osos resident Debbie Deis will work at the Rose Parade for the sixth year.Photo submitted

The transformation of Morro Bay High School has reached another major mile-

stone and students will get their first taste of the future when they return from Winter Break in January.

December marked the end of construction on the new student services and administration building, transforming the front entrance of the high school for the first time in over half a century.

Principal Dr. Kyle Pruitt gave an impromp-tu tour to this reporter of the new building that’s made a dramatic change to the look and feel of

the 1950s-era school.The new look includes a roundabout for

loading and unloading students, and a stylish building that Dr. Pruitt said was decided on by taking different ideas from different school buildings in the state.

“It was designed over about six years,” he says, approaching the new building from his office in the school’s 200 wing.

The building’s roofline is a curved arch that he says was supposed to resemble a wave, some-what appropriate for a school at the beach.

New MBHS Admin Building to Open

Morro Bay High Principal Kyle Pruitt stands in the lobby of the school’s new Student Services Building, slated to open when the kids return from Winter Break in January.

Building to Open Continued on page 19

“San Simeon has a population of 462 people and numerous zebras,” reads the description

on the San Simeon Community Services Dis-trict’s website.

“Although the town is small,” the story goes, “it is the home of three jewels of the Central Coast; Hearst Castle, the Elephant Seal Rookery, and the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. It is also the gateway to Big Sur.”

And now, San Simeon has another claim to fame, as the latest agency to be ordered to move its sewage treatment plant away from the coast in a response to potential coastal hazards and sea

level rise due to climate change.And while Morro Bay and Cayucos Sani-

tary District, which were the first agencies to be told to move inland back in January 2013, will each be spending a ton of money — $126 million for Morro Bay and about $25 million for the CSD — the 462 residents, numerous motels and restaurants of SSCSD could get hit with about a $15 million bill.

Contracted SSCSD General Manager, Charles Grace, president and CEO of Grace Environmental Services, said the treatment plant was first built in 1962 and came under

San Simeon Faces Costly Sewer Replacement

The San Simeon CSD’s sewer treatment plant sits just 25 feet from the beach. The Coastal Com-mission is requiring the SSCSD to start planning for building a new plant away from the coast.

Photo by Neil Farrell

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News2

Dean SullivanOwner - Publisher

dean@esterobaynews.com

Theresa-Marie WilsonEditor

editor@esterobaynews.com

Neil FarrellReporter

neil@esterobaynews.com

Joan SullivanContributor

Shari SullivanMarketing

Paul IrvingMusic Entertainment

paul@bigbigslo.com

Estero Bay News Staff

News

This is a publication of Estero Bay News LLC. Copyright 2019 all rights reserved. We are a bi-weekly publication with 10,000 copies distributed throughout Morro Bay, Los Osos and Cayucos. Our website is EsteroBayNews.com. You can reach us through emails listed above, by phone at 805.528.6011 or by snail mail at P.O. Box 6192, Los Osos, CA 93412.

Almost exactly one year ago I decided to step back into publishing. Was it nerve-wracking or scary? No, it felt like a

warm comfortable jacket that I missed wearing. The feedback I have heard from readers and advertisers has been humbling.

Thank you.It would have been impossible without the amazing folks

who work so hard to bring this paper to life. Theresa-Marie “T” bringing her warm writing style and love for this community. Neil for contributing his coverage of local politics and his witty sense of humor. My son, Ryan, who helps get the paper delivered without fail and loves it as much as anyone. Paul, the music guy, who makes sure we don’t lose sight of the wealth of music we have at our disposal. My wife, Shari, who is always there for me, and who is always willing to step in and help despite a full-time job elsewhere. And, of course, my mom Joan. At 94, she is still my biggest fan.

Our advertisers have a very special thank you from me for their support. Without them, we have no community newspaper. Please consider supporting their businesses, and be sure to let them know you appreciate their support of the Estero Bay News.

Looking forward to 2020, we’ll be continuing on as we have been, and hopefully expanding our digital efforts, perhaps getting more coverage in Cambria. Watch for the first issue of the new year to hit stands on January 16.

2020 will also be the first time my two youngest children will vote. I think we all expect it to be exciting, maybe even a little rough. Regardless whether you vote “yes” on “no” or are “for” or “against,” regardless whether this conjures images for you of local or national races, particular initiatives or policies, please remember, we are all in this together. Our strength is in the ties that connect our community and our ability to disagree with respect. I hope you will read, study, do your due diligence and research the measures. Listen to both sides, regardless which side you are on. Understand the reasons why people have

Publisher’s CommentWhat a year 2019 has been

The Morro Bay Police Department invites all citizens to par-ticipate in Project Blue Light this holiday season by placing

a single blue light in your window as an expression of support for fallen officers.

Project Blue Light began in 1988 when the surviving moth-er-in-law of a Philadelphia, PA. police officer who was killed in the line of duty wrote a letter to Concerns of Police Survivors. She stated that she would be honoring her late son-in-law, Officer Danny Gleason, by placing a blue light in her window. The project has grown steadily since, and is now a way of recognizing the law enforcement officers who serve and protect us, while remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community and have been killed in the line of duty across America.

Police Chief Jody Cox said, “I feel it is an important time for citizens to express their support for their local police officers, especially with the unprecedented number of officers who have been deliberately targeted and killed this past year. Our officers strive to build a strong police/community partnership and this is an easy, meaningful way for citizens to show their support.”

The concept is simple. Place a single blue light in your win-dow as an expression of support and in memory of fallen officers. At this time of year, ornamental light fixtures, such as candlestick replicas, are easy to find and serve this purpose well. Replace the bulb with a single blue bulb and place it in a window where it will be seen. You could replace garage lights with blue bulbs or string-up blue Christmas lights instead of plain white ones. Businesses can participate as well.

Shine your support December 1st through the 31st for your police officers. Show support for the holiday season or let it shine all year long.

M.B. Police Department Project Blue Light

Morro Bay residents who want to get involved in local gov-ernment can apply for open positions on several advisory

boards. The City is seeking to fill one seat on the Planning Commis-

sion; two on the Public Works Advisory Board; one seat on the Citizens Oversight and Finance Advisory Committee; and one seat on the Recreation and Parks Commission.

There are three seats coming open on the Tourism Business Improvement District Advisory Board — two hotelier and two vacation rental representatives are needed.

See: www.morro-bay.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/8320/Advisory-Board-Application to download an application. (It helps to include a letter of introduction as well.)

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. Turn in applications to the City Clerk at City Hall. Most positions are 4-year terms.

Email: cityclerk@morrobayca.gov or call (805) 772-6568 for information.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Jan. 14 and ap-plicants should plan to be there to be considered by the City Council.

City Needs Advisory Board Members

A split Morro Bay City Council voted to move forward to ban the sale of vaping products within the City Limits and

County Supervisors are heading down the same path, as the war on tobacco opens up on another front.

Morro Bay City Manager Scott Collins said on Dec. 12 the Council voted 3-2 — with Marlys McPherson and Robert Davis dissenting — to approve first reading of an ordinance that is intended to try and curb vaping by local teenagers by banning the sale of tobacco vaping products.

The ban would not apply to vaping products with cannabis or CBD, Collins said, as those products are regulated through the

Morro Bay, SLO County Pass Anti-Vaping Laws

By Neil Farrell

FYI, I don’t smoke. It is the only image I have of myself since I am always behind the camera. Photo Chris Gardner

other opinions and other solutions. An informed population is a mighty thing. Respect is important. We lose so much more than an election when we lose civility.

I am proud to be an American, and I am blessed to be living here, today is a good day.

Happy holidays and a prosperous and wonderful 2020.

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 3

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NewsState of California, while tobacco-vape pens and the oils used in them, have yet to be regulated by the Federal Government and are suspected of causing severe illnesses and even a few deaths across the nation.

About 15 people spoke against the ban, Collins said, includ-ing at least five business owners who would be harmed financially by the vaping ban. Sale of cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco are not banned.

Morro Bay’s Ordinance No. 627 was passed years ago made smoking illegal in public places like the beach or city streets and sidewalks but did not apply to private property.

The amendment added, “common areas of apartment and condo complexes, senior and assisted living facilities, and long-term health care facilities, except in designated smoking areas” to the list of non-smoking places.

It requires that new and renewed leases at multi-family com-plexes to prohibit smoking. Landlords must provide written notice to tenants of the law and post, “No Smoking” signs everywhere.

The vaping sales ban includes establishment of a special “to-bacco retailers license” that the City said would be charged to any business selling tobacco products to provide money for enforce-ment of the ordinance.

The ordinance will also prohibit the sale of cheap cigars. It prohibits, “the sale of single cigars that cost less than five dollars; any number of cigars fewer than the number contained in the manufacturer’s original consumer packaging designed for retail sale to a consumer; and any package of cigars containing fewer than five cigars.”

The tobacco retailer fees will kick in January 2021, with the business license renewals.

“These extended dates are provided to allow for reasonable time for adjustment by retailers, landlords and tenants to the new regulations, as well as for further administrative requirements [e.g., licenses forms and fee setting] to be completed by the City,” according to the staff report.

The ordinance was initially introduced in November and it will have to come back, probably in January, for final adoption. Collins said the effective date of the ordinance — presuming it is approved in January — was pushed back to next July 15. And the tobacco retailer license taxes will begin in January 2021.

The City identified some 19 businesses that sell tobacco products including e-cigarettes and vaping pens. Indeed, the town has two smoke shops, whose futures are in serious jeopardy from the ban.

Collins said the Council removed a section banning flavored tobacco that would have meant banning popular menthol ciga-rettes and chewing tobacco, as well.

One of the major concerns with teen vaping is the names of some of the flavors — like bubble gum — that critics claim is a lure directed at teenagers.

It should be noted that Morro Bay’s vaping sales ban won’t prohibit vaping, as vapers could patronize stores in other towns or buy them online.

In his previous report to Council, Collins said, “According to a 2017-2018 California Healthy Kids Survey of Morro Bay High School ninth [freshmen] and 11th graders [juniors] conducted in 2018, of those surveyed, 18% of ninth graders and 22% of 11th graders used vaping products at least once in the past month.”

In a previous Estero Bay News story, Morro Bay High Principal Dr. Kyle Pruitt acknowledged they have a problem with students vaping, as his staff has confiscated numerous vape pens. “We were seeing a lot of nicotine based products,” he told EBN, “and now we’re seeing less of that and more the CBD pens.”

Dr. Pruitt said when they catch a student with a vape pen they’ve asked where they got it? The kid’s buy them online, he said. What happens, he explained, is someone will buy a bunch of vape pens (including CBD and cannabis) and sell them on Snap-chat, Instagram, Amazon, and Craig’s List.

In a related matter and also on Dec. 12, County Supervisors held the first reading of an amendment to Title 8, Chapter 8.22 of the County Code, “to prohibit smoking in all public areas in the unincorporated areas of the County,” in an attempt to save every-one from second-hand smoke.

This ban would also apply to vaping and includes “all out-door public areas within unincorporated areas where members of the public are potentially subjected to involuntary inhalation of secondhand smoke. Further, the ordinance amendment expands the definition of secondhand smoke to include smoke from all nicotine and cannabis products, whether from a conventional or electronic smoking device.”

Supervisors first adopted a ban on smoking on County property back in July 2012. The County ordinance is now all encompassing.

“The amended ordinance will also expand the current pro-hibition of no smoking on County property to include all public areas, including any public or privately-owned place that is open to the general public regardless of any fee or age requirement, within the unincorporated areas of the County.

“Such places include all recreational areas, outdoor dining areas, entryways, services areas, sidewalks, and common areas of multi-unit residential complexes [e.g. play and swimming areas].”

The County believes enforcement is best done through citizen confrontations. “Smoke-free policies are often more suc-cessful by means of ‘self-enforcement,’” reads the County report. “That is, community members are encouraged to address nearby smokers directly.”

The County won’t actively enforce its own law. “County staff and enforcement officers will not spend time searching for people smoking. It is anticipated that there may be some smoking complaints received at the beginning of implementation but that over time the number of complaints will diminish.”

To avoid sparking wildfires, utility companies have begun shut-ting down power to large swaths of the state in times of high

winds and high fire danger.But while citizens have to fend for themselves for days or

even weeks, local governments have been given millions in grants to prepare for and work through so-called “Public Safety Power Shutoffs” or PSPS.

County Supervisors approved a $222,333 PSPS Resiliency Grant from the State to bolster its planning efforts to ensure the government has what it needs to keep running things like police

County Gets Power Shutoff Grant

and fire dispatch and to help people with special needs, among others.

“To mitigate the impact of utility use of PSPS on public health, safety, and commerce in affected communities,” reads a County staff report, “Gov. Newsom and the State Legislature in-cluded a $75-million one-time General Fund appropriation in the 2019 Budget Act to support state and local government efforts. This funding is particularly intended to protect public safety, vul-nerable populations and individuals, and to improve resiliency in response to utility led PSPS actions. Funding will be available to support equipment purchases and to improve local preparedness and response to PSPS events.”

Each County was to receive at least $150,000 and more

Shut Off Continued on page 4

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News4

NewsShut Off From page 3

depending on population, and SLO County’s share came to $222,000.

“As a condition of receiving funding, counties are required to collaborate with cities within their jurisdiction to support critical infrastructure and resiliency county wide, with a focus on public safety, vulnerable communities and individuals with access and functional needs.”

The County has a “PSPS Task Force,” made up of the Coun-ty Administrative Office and the Office of Emergency Services, plus the Information Technology Department, Public Works Department, Human Resources Department, Central Services Department, as well as County Counsel.

And the State grant money isn’t the sole source in SLO County, as back on Nov. 5 County Supervisors approved taking $500,000 out of reserves to jumpstart this effort.

Uses for the State grant include: buying equipment like generators, fuel storage, and other backup equipment for “essen-tial facilities” defined as fire stations, community centers, health facilities, and other facilities deemed critical for when the power is shut down.

Other uses include 1-time costs associated with identifying and equipping resource centers for the public; back-up emergency communications equipment; public education materials or sup-plies on preparedness for electric disruptions; and development/update of contingency plans that include

protecting people with access and functional needs, medical baseline and socially vulnerable

populations, transportation, emergency public information, and preservation of essential functions.

It can also be used to develop/update government “con-tinuity of operations” plans; doing risk assessments for critical infrastructure and lifelines; and writing post-event reports.

“In preparation for possible PSPS events, the Administra-tive Office is coordinating a response for County operations that encompasses all departments,” said the County report. “County departments have been working on plans to ensure the safety of the community and staff to the greatest possible extent.”

With the County’s $500,000 allocation, the PSPS Task Force came up with two priorities: “to determine where it is possible to provide network connectivity and workstations for critical staff; and to develop a comprehensive regional report-to-work plan to allow non-critical staff to report to locations near their homes to ensure the safety of County staff and to avoid congestion in the City of San Luis Obispo.”

Supervisors have thus far only approved the allocation from reserves and accepted the State grant. Actual decisions on what equipment to buy and what to say in educational handouts will be approved by the County administrative officer and reported to Supervisors in quarterly financial reports.

San Luis Obispo County is getting two grants for its Vic-tim-Witness Assistance Center and awarded money for

training advocates, to continue efforts to help people victimized by crime and natural disaster.

On Nov. 19, Supervisors accepted a $192, 000 grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Victim Services Program, on behalf of the District Attorney’s Of-fice’s “Christopher G. Money Victim Witness Assistance Center.”

County to Get Victim-Witness Grants

The money originates from the Federal “Victims of Crime Act” and comes through Cal OES to the 58 California Counties. There’s a $48,000 in-kind services local match requirement. The County’s in-kind match will consist of “providing volunteer interns, media coverage and administrative costs from contracting agencies.”

A so-called “Victim Services Steering Committee” was put together by the County and is made up of county-wide victim ser-vices providers and community-based organizations, tasked with identifying victim services gaps/needs in the County.

“The VSSC was formed and over 1,000 non-profit organi-zations offering a variety of services in San Luis Obispo County were identified,” said a staff report. The County has decided to split the grant between Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo or CAPSLO; and United Way of San Luis Obispo “to hire Victim Resource Specialists to carry out the purposes of the grant.”

The specialists will put together referral lists and work with United Way’s 2-1-1 system that connects people and families with an array of available services.

The specialist “will also be personally available to meet with agencies and their staff to inform them of the available resourc-es and/or referrals for victims of crime that are available in our county. VRS will also attend many outreach events which include the Mid State Fair, Health Fairs, Farmers Markets etc. to inform the public of the 211 Resource Guide which is available electron-ically.”

CAPSLO will hire a half-time specialist to be housed in Paso Robles and deal with the North County. United Way will hire a full-time person countywide.

The County is also trying for two, $149,000 grants that will also go to the Money Victim-Witness Center.

These are coming from the “Unserved/Underserved Victim Advocacy and Outreach Program” and again through Cal OES.

The grants will allow the D.A.’s Office to continue the em-ployment of four full-time employees working in the victim-wit-ness program through the end of 2020.

The Money Center’s purpose is to “reduce the trauma and insensitive treatment that victims and witnesses may experience following a crime by providing crisis and support services to all types of victims.”

The underserved victim program in 2010 replaced a pre-vious program dealing specifically with elder abuse. Each of the grants requires a $37,000 local match.

The County also contracted with the “National Organization for Victim Assistance” program that provides $9,500 each for two, 3-day “Basic Crisis Response” training sessions for victim-witness advocates. One training session was held Dec. 16-18 and it will happen again in May-June of 2020.

The trainings are in conjunction with a previous grant program that allowed the County to hire a “mass victimization advocate” for three years.

“In developing this grant opportunity,” reads the County report. “Cal OES recognized that ‘it is not if, but when’ such an event will occur, and that a collaborative regional effort is neces-sary for a quick and effective response. The funding requires the MVA to focus on events of mass criminal victimization but allows for the MVA to also assist in events involving natural disasters.”

Local business people have been reappointed to the Los Osos business improvement district local advisory board, making

decisions on spending tax monies on local promotions.County supervisors approved the re-appointment of Alex

Benson, Pandora Nash- Karner and Denise Robson to the Los Osos/Morro Bay Local Area Advisory Board.

That board, which covers Los Osos and rural Morro Bay, makes decisions on how to spend the local share of the County Business Improvement District (CBID) assessments, a 2-percent charge on the cost of a nights stay in a hotel, motel, B&B and vacation rental.

The 2009 County ordinance that established the CBID calls for half (1%) of the tax to be returned to the local advisory board, of which there are seven in SLO County. In addition to the LO/MB board, there are also boards in Avila, Cambria, Cayucos, San Simeon, and Nipomo/Oceano.

The new terms for the re-appointed trio are for 2 years, expiring July 1, 2021.

Though the County controls collections and budgets, the Countywide CBID board oversees the individual local boards, but

Three Re-appointed to Tourism Board

there’s some leeway in what and how the money is spent.“The County would not be establishing performance criteria

for the local areas beyond the legal contractual obligations to expend the funds for identified purposes,” reads a County staff report. “It is assumed that the CBID Advisory Board will work with the local area advisory boards to develop measures that track the impact of the use of local area funds.”

The CBID monies are supposed to be used to promote tour-ism in the unincorporated areas and can also be used to support special events that increase overnight stays.

As an example, the County recently approved spending $60,000 to promote an international vintage bicycle festival slated to return to Cambria and San Simeon next April. Some $30,000 came out of the CBID, and $10,000 each from the advisory boards in San Simeon, Cambria and Cayucos.

Morro Bay water crews repaired a significant water pipe break that temporarily disrupted service to several homes and left

one household without water for a couple of days.Public Works Director Rob Livick said the 2-inch service line

in the 2000 block of Ironwood — between Mimosa and Ironwood Court — was reported to the City at about 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1.

The fire department was the first on scene and firefighters shut down a nearby “Corp-Stop” valve that feeds water to a series of water meters leading to a small cluster of homes along a long private driveway.

Photos taken by firefighters and posted on the department’s Twitter feed show a fountain of water erupting from the ground.

Because it’s private, there is no water main line that runs up the driveway, and Livick said that’s why the lines are 2-inch as opposed to a 1-inch line that would usually service a home.

Joe Mueller, Utilities Division Manager, said his on-call crew was on scene until about 1 a.m. Monday (Dec. 2) and returned later that morning about 8:30 a.m. to fix the break, which by then was on both sides of the water meter.

It was cold and rainy at the time and Mueller said they left the water off to that one customer until Tuesday morning to give the glue used to repair the plastic PVC pipe time to set up. The customer without water was restored Tuesday about 9 a.m., he said.

Also, Mueller said when they returned Monday morning to fix the pipe, they noticed water running down the street from an-other home in the area. Mueller said that leak was on the custom-er’s side of the meter, and so that homeowner had to fix it.

Normally, the City is responsible for maintaining water pipes up to and including the meter. The pipes that run from the meter to the home are a homeowner’s responsibility.

Why’d the water pipe break? Livick said it was probably due to soil expansion. He explained that with dry and wet weather, the soil can expand and contract and stress underground pipes.

Mueller said they typically get one or two such leaks a month and didn’t consider this one particularly unusual.

As for how the City has fared so far with the recent storms, Mueller and Livick both said they hadn’t had any significant dam-age, though some of the City’s thousands of trees dropped large branches, none of them toppled.

Mueller added that the City maintenance crews had gone out and cleaned out storm drains in advance of the rains, though Mueller said they did have to go out and clear some storm drains that were getting clogged during the storms.

City Crew Deals With Line Water Break

By Neil Farrell

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 5

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“The crew did a good job cleaning the storm drains,” Mueller said. He added that the City’s sewer treatment plant handled well the usual spike in flow.

“We were just fine at the treatment facility,” he said. During heavy rainstorms the normal flow to the plant can nearly double due mainly to infiltration of cracked sewer pipes by groundwater.

The City of Morro Bay recently conducted a Community Issues Survey with its long-time public opinion research

firm—Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates (FM3)—to assess current public views on City services and priorities. The results show residents highly value the Morro Bay fire, police and recreation and parks departments and other essential services and want those services they value, maintained.

The survey found that 90% of respondents had favorable opinions of the City’s local fire department and 77% had favorable views of the City’s local police department.

“Morro Bay has our own, locally controlled police and fire departments, and our residents have told us that they prefer it this way,” said City Manager Scott Collins. “The City is currently striving to preserve our local police and fire Departments and other essential City services, in order to maintain our communi-ty’s quality of life.” Other local priorities identified by respondents included:

• Maintaining 24/7 911 emergency response• Maintaining 24/7 paramedic services• Keeping beaches, public areas and public restrooms safe and clean • Protecting Morro Bay’s financial stability • Requiring public disclosure of all spending• Keeping the harbor and waterfront clean and safe • Main-

taining City infrastructure “We appreciate the community support and recognition of

the fire department in these survey results,” said Morro Bay Fire Chief Steve Knuckles. “Most residents aren’t aware that nearly 70% of calls to the Morro Bay Fire Department are related to emergency rescue and medical emergencies, and we are work-ing to preserve our local Morro Bay Fire Department so our skilled, local firefighter-paramedics continue to respond to local life-threatening emergencies.”

For questions regarding survey methodology, contact Adam Sonenshein with FM3 Research at (310) 828-1183.

Public Safety Ranks High in Survey

The 9th annual SLO Marathon & Half event is searching for a new home. The SLO Marathon, the largest running and

fitness festival in the County, has been hosted in San Luis Obispo City since 2011. The weekend-long fitness festival includes a mar-athon, half marathon, relay races, 5K and two kids running races. Every year, a local who has made a significant contribution to the running community is acknowledged and introduced into the RaceSLO Hall of Fame. The YogaMusic Fest was added in 2018 to round out the three-day weekend. The weekend long festival with food, beverages, music and vendors is free to the public. The

SLO Marathon & Half Event Seeks New Home

event will be on hiatus for 2020 and will resume at its new Central Coast location in 2021.

“Our dedicated team of locals and I have spent the last 13 years building a thriving community around endurance sports and outdoor fitness here on the Central Coast,” said Samantha Pruitt, RaceSLO Founder and CEO. “Nationally, we have helped to put RaceSLO Town on the endurance map, showcasing the best of what San Luis Obispo has to offer in running, cycling, healthy life-style and human connection. Our tribe has selflessly created both economic and social impacts unique to our beloved hometown. My heart is heavy, not just for our company and my team but for the over 35,000 nationwide athletes, local sponsors, local vendors and suppliers, volunteers and beneficiaries who are all losing something they also hold dear. Though we have had our share of uphill obstacles, we always continued to work diligently with our community partners to overcome them. However, without a long-term commitment of venue and support from city and county stakeholders, we simply cannot continue to call San Luis Obispo our home. We’re deeply grateful for our loyal sponsors and com-munity members who continue to support us as we look towards the future and open up the invitation to one of the surrounding cities to become our new hometown location starting in 2021.”

Based on an independent study by Productive Impact LLC, the SLO Marathon & Half generated $2.44 million in economic impact every year and countywide. An average of 56% of the race’s athletes came from out of town and stayed all weekend. Additionally, for every one dollar spent by RaceSLO itself just putting on one of their local sporting events, $5.63 worth of additional economic impact was generated into San Luis Obispo County. The annual race weekend hosts anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 athlete guests and an additional 6,500 to 8,000 specta-tors. Collectively, RaceSLO’s endurance sporting event portfolio generates over $4 million for the local economy annually. The human power behind the SLO Marathon & Half fitness festival weekend includes over 1,200 local volunteers and 40 local staff members. The event is also supported by over 35 local sponsors and suppliers. Since its inception, the event has helped to raise and donate over $265,000 to local beneficiaries, including Jack’s Helping Hand, Land Conservancy of SLO, Grizzly Youth Acad-emy, Special Olympics, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Team Red, White and Blue, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team, among others.

After two years of steadily increasing traffic control and course permit costs, the race faced too many hurdles out of the organizers control. These added pain points forced the organizers to make the difficult decision to leave the City of San Luis Obispo, according to Pruitt. First, the event’s longterm race venue, the Madonna Inn, decided not to renew its contract. The City of San Luis Obispo generously offered a new venue location across town. Unfortunately, they could not commit to a specific race course and could not grant a long term/multi-year commitment to the venue or the event date, which made future planning and stability of the event impossible to manage. Finally, Visit SLO CAL, the countywide destination marketing and management organization responsible for bringing tourism to the county, granted significant monetary sponsorship funds to a non-local race brand Spartan, bringing a new competing endurance sporting event to San Luis Obispo area for Spring 2020. This new SLO CAL Presenting Sponsored running event will directly compete with RaceSLO’s annual Spring SLO Marathon & Half fitness festival weekend, as well as compete with the 5th annual Fall trail running and obstacle race they produce, the SLO ULTRA & SLO ULTRA Games.

San Luis Obispo City Manager Derek Johnson said in a writ-ten statement, “The City of San Luis Obispo has worked closely with Race SLO organizers on the SLO Marathon & Half since its inception to ensure a safe and attractive event for participants and spectators, and to maximize the event’s reach and benefits for the

community while minimizing the impacts on our residents and businesses. Our community is grateful for the positive impacts that can be attributed to the event’s success; however, we recog-nize the changing preferences from race participants and ultimate-ly the hard decision made by RaceSLO to discontinue the SLO Marathon & Half Event in the city of San Luis Obispo.”

“Our company’s mission remains true; to use endurance sports and human experiences to create social and economic impact,” said Pruitt. “The loyalty of our local business sponsors, suppliers, volunteers and athlete customers mean the world to us and for them, we will proudly forge onward and upward in a new location.”

RaceSLO’s world-class sporting events include the October SLO Ultra trail running festival, along with the SLO Ultra Games hosted annually by Visit Arroyo Grande at Lopez Lake in partner-ship with SLO County Parks. RaceSLO also produces the popular Endurance Town USA podcast and blog. The company also hosts free training runs and community events in collaboration with a variety of fitness, health and outdoor active local businesses and clubs year round.

Six Cal Poly architectural engineering (ARCE) and construc-tion management students won the inaugural iteration of the

national Timber Strong Competition. It was held in Anaheim in November as part of the National Council of Structural Engineers

Cal Poly Architectural Engineering Students

Win

Cal Poly architectural engineering (ARCE) and construction management (CM) students savor the completion of their

competition final structure that features a curved roof and an architectural protuberance on the left that added to the aes-

thetic quality of the front of the building. On the first floor, left to right, are students Dolores Herrera, fourth year ARCE; Jonathan

Lin, third year CM; John Leone, fourth year ARCE; and Anna Luehrs, fourth year ARCE. On the second floor (L-R) are team

captain Lilliann Lai, fourth year ARCE; and Audrey Luu, second year ARCE. Photo by Allen Estes

Cal Poly Win Continued on page 6

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News6

CITY OF MORRO BAY ADVISORY BODY VACANCIES

Applications are currently being accepted to fill current and upcoming 2020 vacancies

on the following Bodies:

- Planning Commission (1) - Public Works Advisory Board (2) - Citizens Oversight/Finance Advisory Committee (1) - Recreation & Parks Commission (1) - Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Advisory Board (3) • Hotelier Representative (2) • Vacation Rental Representative (1)

Applications for these positions may be obtained at City Hall, 595 Harbor Street,

or on-line at www.morrobayca.gov under the “Your Government” tab.

If you have any questions. Please call 805-772-6568 during normal business hours.

The closing date for submitting applications is Friday, January 3, 2020, at 5:00pm.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled on January 14, 2020.

Applicants should be present at the interviews to be considered by the City Council.

Association (NCSEA) annual conference. Cal Poly’s team consisted of five ARCE students, Dolores

Herrera, fourth year; team captain Lilliann Lai, fourth year; John Leone, fourth year; Anna Luehrs, fourth year; Audrey Luu, second year; and third-year construction management student Jonathan Lin.

The rules prescribed that at least one student be an under-classman — freshman or sophomore — and at least one be from a different discipline. ARCE Faculty Member Kevin Dong served as

the team’s faculty advisor. The competition required the design and construction of a

two-story timber structure. Students produce design drawings, a technical report, a poster and a structure that is constructed on site in a 90-minute timed event. The structure features a cantilevered beam on which a 150 pound weight is hung and its deflection is measured, and students must calculate the carbon footprint of the structure. After construction, students are graded on a 10-minute presentation in which all six team members must participate.

The Cal Poly ARCE team won by making some unique design and construction decisions. They used balloon framing for their construction rather than the more standard platform construction used by all of the other competitors. Their structure featured a curved roof and an architectural protuberance on the front wall that added to the aesthetic quality of the building.

“Without a doubt, our team has grown exponentially in terms of structural design and analysis confidence, handyman and handywoman prowess, and timber-construction literacy,” said team captain Lilliann Lai. “The opportunity to create problems, especially unintentionally, and learn to problem-solve them in the moment proved to be one of the most appreciated experiences throughout the process of designing and building.”

Six teams competed. Coming in second and third after Cal Poly were UCLA and the University of Kentucky. The others programs were from Sacramento State, University of Minnesota, and University of Southern Florida. The winners were announced at the NCSEA opening reception and were honored by NCSEA President Jon Schmidt.

The overall competition is sponsored by the American Wood Council, the American Plywood Association, and Simpson Strong-Tie. Cal Poly’s team was supported through generous donations provided by C.W. Howe Partners Inc. in Culver City and Lionakis in Sacramento.

“This great competition requires academic knowledge, creativity, constructability and presentation skills — and it is fun, besides,” said Allen Estes, head of Cal Poly’s Architectural Engineering Department. “I thank the industry firms that created and supported this competition and the two firms who generously sponsored our team.”

Cal Poly students assemble their competition structure using balloon framing, a building technique where both floors are created as one piece and then they are tilted up for faster

assembly. Photo by Allen Estes

Cal Poly Win From page 5

NewsAn Amber alert concerning

a 2-year-old came to a good end when a group of citi-zens confronted the suspect in Cambria.

On December 16, the Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding an Amber Alert suspect who had been spotted at the Shell gas station in the 500 block of Main Street.

“A citizen at the gas station reported the suspect had locked his keys inside the car along with the child,” said Sheriff’s spokesman Tony Cipolla. “While law enforce-ment was enroute, including deputies, state park rangers and CHP, citizens confronted the suspect and physically restrained Magana until law enforce-ment arrived. State park rangers were first on scene and appre-hended Magana.”

The child was located unharmed in the vehicle and was turned over to County Child Welfare Services.

Magana was taken into custody. The alert had been issued that morning by the San Jose Po-

lice Department stating that the suspect was driving a light green 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Law enforcement was trying to locate 24-year-old Victor Magana of Gilroy who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend and then kidnapped their daughter. He was considered armed and dangerous.

“While law enforcement is grateful for the assistance from the citizens who detained the suspect, we do not recommend approaching or confronting a person who is considered armed and dangerous,” Cipolla said. “In situations like that we advise contact-ing law enforcement with the suspect’s location and keeping a safe distance until law enforcement has the incident under control.”

Citizens Nab Suspect After Amber Alert

Controlled burns will continue on areas of Montaña de Oro and Hearst San Simeon State Parks Through

Dec. 20.About 100 acres of grassland at the “Molinari

parcel” within Hearst San Simeon State Park. The area is bounded by Highway 1, Van Gordon Creek Road and San Simeon Creek Road.and brush piles are scheduled to be burned to help reduce fire fuel and keep the grassland clear.

Brush piles will be burned east of Highway 1 and south of San Simeon Creek campground as well as piles in Montaña de Oro State Park near Camp KEEP and the environmental camp facilities.

This is a joint effort by California State Parks, in co-operation the Air Pollution Control District and CalFire.

Controlled Burns Through Dec. 20

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 7

Entertainment Paul’s Picks

Thu., Dec. 19 • 6:30pmBurning, Bad and CoolPuffers of Pismo781 Price Street, Pismo Beach

Thu., Dec. 19 • 7:30pmJonathan Scales Fourchestra The Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Fri., Dec. 20 • 7:00pmBlues Asylum Charlie’s Place981 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo

Fri., Dec. 20 • 5:30pmCarbon City LightsCASS Winery’s Barrel Room7350 Linne Rd, Paso Robles

Fri., Dec. 20 • 4:30pmComplicated AnimalsTooth & Nail Winery3090 Anderson Rd, Paso Robles

Fri., Dec. 20 • 7:30pmMoonshiner Collective Holi-day ConcertThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Fri., Dec. 20 • 7:00pmRas DannyPuffers of Pismo781 Price Street, Pismo Beach

Fri., Dec. 20 • 7:30pmSound InvestmentD’Anbino Tasting Room710 Pine Street, Paso Robles

Sat., Dec. 21 • 8:30pmBack Pages BandThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Sat., Dec. 21 • 7:00pmGipsy All StarsPuffers of Pismo781 Price Street, Pismo Beach

Sat., Dec. 21 • 5:00pmRas DannySea Pines Golf Resort1945 Solano St, Los Osos

Sat., Dec. 21 • 7:00pmRobi Duganne & Narrow Bridge BandCharlie’s Place981 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo

Sat., Dec. 21 • 3:00pmRoyal Garden Swing OrchestraBranch Street Deli203 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande

Sat., Dec. 21 • 6:00pmSolstice Sisters - Winter Sol-stice Soirée7 Sisters Brewing181 Tank Farm Rd Suite 110, San Luis Obispo

Sun., Dec. 22 • 8:00pmBone Thugs N HarmonyThe Fremont Theater1035 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo

Sun., Dec. 22 • 2:00pmFamily Holiday ConcertPerforming Arts Center1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo

Sun., Dec. 22 • 1:00pmKenny TaylorTooth & Nail Winery3090 Anderson Rd, Paso Robles

Sun., Dec. 22 • 10:00pmMichael KeeneyFrog & Peach Pub728 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo

Sun., Dec. 22 • 7:00pmPatrick PearsonMr. Rick’s404 Front St, Avila Beach

Mon., Dec. 23 • 4:00pmBeer at the Pier: Jody MulgrewLa Palapa1346 2nd Street, Baywood Park

Thu., Dec. 26 • 8:30pmLegends Rock ‘n Roll RevueThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Fri., Dec. 27 • 4:00pmCody & ToanCelia’s Garden Cafe1188 Los Osos Valley Rd # C, Los Osos

Fri., Dec. 27 • 7:30pmCon BrioThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Fri., Dec. 27 • 7:30pmJulie Beaver & the Rockin BsD’Anbino Tasting Room710 Pine Street, Paso Robles

Fri., Dec. 27 • 7:00pmThe Jump JaxCharlie’s Place981 E Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo

Fri., Dec. 27 • 4:30pmMoon Bird & Morgan MonroeTooth & Nail Winery3090 Anderson Rd, Paso Robles

Sat., Dec. 28 • 8:00pmAn Evening with Y&TSLO Brew Rock855 Aerovista Place, San Luis Obispo

Sat., Dec. 28 • 8:00pmSKA legends Let’s Go BowlingThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Sat., Dec. 28 • 7:00pmU2’s Terry Lawless!Charlie’s Place981 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo

Mon., Dec. 30 • 4:00pmBeer at the Pier: U2’s Terry LawlessLa Palapa1346 2nd Street, Baywood Park

Mon., Dec. 30 • 7:30pmOzomatliThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Tue., Dec. 31 • 6:00pmUnfinished Business NYE Embassy Suites333 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo

Tue., Dec. 31 • 7:00pmThe Jump JaxPuffers of Pismo781 Price Street, Pismo Beach

Tue., Dec. 31 • 8:30pmNew Year’s Eve Disco at the RockSLO Brew Rock855 Aerovista Place, San Luis Obispo

Tue., Dec. 31 • 7:30pmYoung Dubliners and The AviatorsThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Fri., Jan. 3 • 8:30pmO’DonnaThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Fri., Jan. 3 • 7:00pmSoleffect Charlie’s Place981 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo

Sat., Jan. 4 • 3:00pmErin and the EarthquakesThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Sat., Jan. 4 • 7:00pmSound InvestmentCharlie’s Place981 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo

Sat., Jan. 4 • 8:30pmViolin On Fire with Dirty CelloThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Mon., Jan. 6 • 4:00pmBeer at the Pier: Jon StephenLa Palapa1346 2nd Street, Baywood Park

Tue., Jan. 7 • 7:00pmKT TunstallThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Wed., Jan. 8 • 9:00pmCashmere CatThe Fremont Theater1035 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo

Fri., Jan. 10 • 7:30pmThe Mother HipsThe Siren900 Main St, Morro Bay

Fri., Jan. 10 • 7:00pmRockin’ B’s Band at Charlie’s Place SLO!Charlie’s Place981 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo

Sat., Jan. 11 • 7:00pmGrammy Winning Louie OrtegaCharlie’s Place981 E. Foothill Blvd., San Luis Obispo

Sat., Jan. 11 • 7:00pmTommy Castro & the Pain-killersSLO Vets Hall801 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo

Sat., Jan. 11 • 6:00pmThe White BuffaloAlex Madonna Expo Center100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo

Mon., Jan. 13 • 4:00pmBeer at the Pier: Vince CimoLa Palapa1346 2nd Street, Baywood Park

Wed., Jan. 15 • 8:00pmBlue Oyster CultThe Fremont Theater1035 Monterey St,San Luis Obispo

Bring the whole family out to the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly on Sunday, December 22 for a great start to the holiday season. This is a benefit concert featuring Central Coast Youth Cho-

rus, Vocal Arts Ensemble & University Organist Paul Woodring on the majestic Forbes Pipe Organ. Doors open at 2pm for festive activities in the lobby and meeting Santa! Then enjoy a concert of your favorite holiday classics and even sing along!

All proceeds will benefit the Performing Arts Center’s Outreach programs and the participating community choirs. The Holiday Concert is a unique chance to bring children, family, friends, and fellow residents together for an afternoon of joyous holiday song – be a part of this uplifting Central Coast tradition at the Performing Arts Center. Adult tickets are $18 and kids/students are $12. The event kicks off with activities in the lobby at 2:00, and the concert begins at 3:00. More info at pacslo.org. Photo: Vocal Arts Ensemble, San Luis Obispo

Ring in your new years with great music, great friends killer food and some of the best craft cocktails on the coast with the Siren family! Admission is limited to only 300 tickets and sells out

every year so get your presale price tickets NOW while you still can. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door (If there are any to sell) and come with a complimentary glass of champagne. Doors open at 7:30 PM, The Aviators hit the stage a little after 8:30pm and the Dubliners will help ring in the new year! More info and tickets at TheSirenMorroBay.com. Photo: Young Dubliners

The SLO Blues Society presents yet another great blues show at the SLO Vets Hall on Saturday, January 11. Award-winning guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Tommy Castro is

famed for his signature brand of tough, rocking rhythm and blues, thrilling fans around the world with his incendiary live performances. Ted Waterhouse’s local band Jump Jax opens the show at 7:30 and Tommy Castro and the Painkillers take the stage at 8:30. Tickets are $25 / $20 for Blues Society members. Tickets available at Boo Boo Records and Cheap Thrills in San Luis Obispo, or online at My805tix.com Photo: Tommy Castro

Family Holiday Concert at the PAC

Irish New Year’s Eve at the Siren with Young Dubliners

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers LIVE at the SLO Vets Hall

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News8

Police Blotter

Morro Bay Police Logs

Follow Cat Noir CC on Facebook for daily photos and read the blog at CatNoirCC.com.

Every Color Deserves a Forever Home

• Dec. 8: At 10:33 p.m. police skycaps picked up an apparently abandoned travel suitcase and backpack at GAFCo., in the 1100 block of Embarcadero. • Dec. 7: Police responded at high noon to the 300 block of Sequoia for a showdown with a car parked in one place for nearly a month. The car lost.• Dec. 6: At 9:15 p.m. at Main and Quintana, an officer report-edly witnessed a single car crackup. Naturally, the driver, 39, was allegedly driving wrecked and was arrested.• Dec. 6: Police responded at 6:16 p.m. to the Mobile on Morro Bay Boulevard where some fellow was accused of ordering $100 in Lotto Tickets and then not paying for them, leaving the store to cover his inevitable losses. Logs indicated police caught up to the alleged larcenous Lotto player and determined it was “a non-crim-inal act,” the Lottery itself no doubt being the real thief here. • Dec. 6: Police got a call at 12:25 p.m. of a man repeatedly hitting a woman in the Albertson’s parking lot. Officers contacted the poor woman who said it was only an argument. They couldn’t find the man and the victim was reportedly “uncooperative” and so another louse got away with it.• Dec. 4: Police contacted an apparently suspicious man at 11:21 p.m. at Beach and Front St. Logs indicated the 38-year-old wan-derer was cited and released for a bench warrant, no doubt soon to be two.• Dec. 4: At 4 p.m. in the 400 block of Quintana police came upon a suspicious man sitting in a suspected stolen car. The 65-year-old fellow was arrested for suspicion of driving spun on drugs, possessing paraphernalia and also two warrants.• Dec. 4: Someone found an automotive part in the 800 block of Piney Way. No word on whether it fell out of or off a car.• Dec. 3: Police contacted a man at 10:20 p.m. in the 800 block of Embarcadero. The 49-year-old was nicked for suspicion of the

big three — possession of meth, paraphernalia, and being high as the stacks.• Dec. 3: Another model citizen was stopped by police at 8:24 p.m. in the 300 block of MBB. Logs indicated the 30-year-old woman was allegedly UTI and possessed paraphernalia, her stash apparently already spent.• Dec. 3: Police were called at 12:17 p.m. to the 1100 block of Monterey where some porch pirate stole a package from Amazon. Logs indicated the property was recovered nearby, as the contents were apparently not what they were shopping for. Another or like-ly the same scalawag opened packages at a home in the 1200 block of Morro and stole the contents, worth some $124. Also, on that same block a woman said someone had ransacked her unlocked vehicle, stealing keys and loose change. Police may have a suspect and a task force will no doubt be formed. • Dec. 2: Someone turned in a cell phone they’d found, no doubt lost just in time for a Christmas upgrade. • Dec. 2: Police contacted a suspicious man at 10:30 p.m. at Northbound Hwy 1 at San Jacinto. Logs indicated the 41-year old was arrested for suspicion of possessing paraphernalia, meth and heroin, and being schwacked on drugs. The apparent night crawler was booked.• Dec. 2: Police conducted a probation search on a woman, 45, in the 300 block of Surf. Logs indicated she was arrested for suspicion of being high on drugs, and no doubt a no-no while on probation.• Dec. 2: It was a night for stolen cars. At 1:54 a.m. in the 500 block of Atascadero Rd., police recovered a car reported stolen out of Pismo Beach. Then at 4:12 a.m. a citizen in the 500 block of Atascadero Rd., said his or her blue, 2006 Subaru, 4-door, SUV had been stolen. Then at 4:22 a.m. a man in the 600 block of Agave reported his car was stolen out of his driveway sometime between 8 the night before and now.Logs indicated the vehicle was later found abandoned in the 1300 block of Hwy 41 (Atascadero Road) east of town. It was returned to the owner, and zat caze is sol-ved!• Dec. 1: The Harbor Patrol turned in a bicycle they found ap-parently abandoned in the Morro Rock parking lot by some newly minted pedestrian.• Dec. 1: Police responded at 9:11 a.m. to the 400 block of Surf where some sneak thief apparently tried to break into a home through a window, but was foiled in the attempted burglary.• Nov. 30: Police stopped a suspicious vehicle at 2:30 p.m. in the 900 block of Main and arrested the 67-year-old saucy gander for suspicion of driving honked and his goose is no doubt cooked.• Nov. 30: Police responded to Albertsons where they apparent-ly caught a sticky-fingered woman using the help-yourself check out aisle. She was scolded and released to ply her trade elsewhere.• Nov. 29: Police responded at 5:50 p.m. to a single-vehicle

crack-up in the 200 block of Beach. A 69-year-old fellow was ar-rested for suspicion of driving deep in his cups, no doubt straight into something too.• Nov. 29: Someone found a passport at Rite Aid and stamped the trip to the stationhouse.• Nov. 29: At 2:45 p.m. in the 1700 block of Main, police stopped two apparently suspicious people, a man age 27 and a woman 28 who both had failure to appear warrants, and so they were of course searched and police allegedly found suspected drugs and paraphernalia, which ought to make the judge real happy.• Nov. 28: Police contacted a suspicious fellow at 11 p.m. at an undisclosed location. Logs indicated the 21-year-old was popped for allegedly being pooped on drugs. • Nov. 28: A citizen on Estero reported a sexual assault that apparently occurred 2-years ago. • Nov. 27: Police responded at 8:34 p.m. to the 900 block of Main where they encountered an apparently upset fellow, 33, whom they cited for suspicion of breaking a cell phone, a hanging offense in some parts.• Nov. 26: Police responded at 11:48 p.m. to the Inn at Morro Bay where logs indicated they arrested a man, 36, for suspicion of felony domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon.• Nov. 26: Police responded to the 500 block of Anchor where a woman reported that her daughter left their residence and “has not been heard from since.”• Nov. 26: At 1:09 a.m. police contacted two men sitting in a suspicious vehicle with poorly faked tags parked down by the public boat launch. One Cambrian, 57, the apparent driver, was arrested for suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia and more than 23 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and false tags on his pickup truck. His apparent cohort, 59, also from Cambria, was arrested for suspicion of being UTI, and possessing more than $1,000 in counterfeit Hamiltons. When they got to the Parkinson Plaza, logs indicated they also allegedly found suspected drugs in the model citizen’s pockets.• Nov. 25: Police responded to the 2700 block of Alder where they took a report documenting a “sexual altercation,” that would be reported to Child Welfare Services.• Nov. 25: Police responded at 6:13 p.m. to a car crash in the 700 block of Morro Bay Blvd. Logs indicated they arrested a driver, 56, for suspicion of driving on a toot. In a related incident at 6:58 p.m. at the same location, police arrested an apparently bent fellow, 62, for suspicion of getting’ spun up in public.• Nov. 25: The natives were apparently restless at a home in the 400 block of Bernardo, as police documented a physical alterca-tion.• Nov. 25: A man in the 2300 block of Laurel called at 8:59 a.m. and said his vehicle wasn’t in the driveway and was apparently boosted overnight.

A story last issue about a proposed 200-megawatt battery storage project should have said the proj-

ect was anticipated to be completed in 2024 and not 2014 (because that’s already passed), also, the plant would operated 365-days a year (not the 356 days reported).

And in another story about two Cambria men who were arrested for drug and counterfeiting allega-tions, we reported the arrest was at 2 p.m. (Nov. 26). However, according to police media logs the arrests were at 1:09 a.m., but, according to the official police news release’s summary information it was at 2 p.m., although later in the same news release the arrest was reported as 2 a.m. (apparently, we guessed wrong in this multiple choice quiz).

Corrections

PleaseRemember

We are taking a small break to spend time

with our families.We will be back in the

office January 6th.Don’t forget to keep

sending us your events and press

release.Thanks!

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 9

Community

This just in ... a small town on the coast of California was shaken when Udderly Osos, the beloved paddle boarding

cow-bear normally pastured in Baywood Park near a surprisingly short pier, was rushed to the “vet” where she will undergo recon-structive surgery.

“Udderly/Utterly Osos is fun, playful, wiggy and kind of a representative of who we are as a unique community,” said Pando-ra Nash-Karner, president of Celebrate Los Osos the community group dedicated to improvement projects that raised funds to corral the creature in Baywood. “We have the world’s only cow-bear. People drive by, stop and get out of their cars and take selfies with her. She creates civic dialogue and has engaged citizens and visitors in conversation that can vary from understanding histor-ical and cultural backgrounds, to driving attachment to place and social cohesion.”

It took five men to moo-ve the rare “bear-vine,” and that was without her heavy, 400 plus pound concrete base. Udderly, who is approximately 7-feet long x 30-inches wide x 5-feet tall from hoof to horn, will undergo surgery at a local barn donated to the cause.

“Last year blisters began to appear,” said “The same thing used to happen on older fiberglass boats. She needs cleaning, sanding, and paint touch-up. When she is completed she will be coated with a very durable, clear coat of a special epoxy mixture to protect her from the elements.”

Udderly is expected to make a full recovery and return to her post early next year. Donations are sought to help pay for medical expenses, which are expected to run about $1,000.

“Unless blisters reoccur, she should be fine for 5 years or

Support Udderly Osos’ Medical Bills

By Theresa-Marie WilsonPhotos by Pandora Nash-Karner

Udderly Osos, the only cow-bear in existence. Photo submitted

more,” said Nash-Karner “She will have to have a scheduled bath once or twice a year to keep her looking great.”

Join the herd and send donations, specifically marked for the Cow-Bear, to the Los Osos Baywood Chamber of Commerce, 781 Los Osos Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402 or to Celebrate Los Osos, 350 Mitchell Drive, Los Osos, CA 93402. 

Should folks be ruminating about sending money, volunteers are also needed to help. If you would like to volunteer, send an email to info@CelebrateLosOsos.org or call 1-805-528-7014.

Udderly was created by father and son artists, Dave and Kyle

Doust, as part of the CowParade project, an international public art exhibit that has been featured in major world cities including Paris, Hong Kong, Athens, Moscow, Milan, London, New York, Cannes, Rio, Rome and beyond.

The local tourist bureau, Visit Los Osos Baywood, a SLO County Business Improvement District, sponsored the “cow.” CowParade SLO County, 2016-2017, showcased 101 (for High-way 101) of these life-size, 120-pound, fiberglass works of art that were auctioned off raising $250,653 that went to The Land Con-servancy and the California Mid-State Fair Heritage Foundation.

“We knew at the onset that we wanted something unique that represented Los Osos Baywood,” said Nash-Karner. “We started with a list of things we thought most people could agree with and pared that down to poppies, butterflies, the cattle/dairy industry (that used to be here) and the water element, the standup paddle board and paddle. The ideas were far more creative than the time or the budget would allow.

“Since most people are more familiar with the stories of grizzlies in our area than the history of our cattle/dairy ranchers, we thought that our cow should somehow incorpo-rate a bear.”

Lou Tornatzky, of Los Osos, is one of the volunteers helping Udderly back to health. Photo submitted

Each January, the first cultural event of the year is the San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary

on Jan. 2, 4 and 5. For a decade, the festival has played host to a variety of narrative, documentary and shorts films from around the world celebrating Jewish culture. Hosted at the Palm Theater, the festival kicks off Tuesday night, at 7 pm with a pre-festival screening of the award-winning feature documentary “Fiddler on the Roof: Miracle of Miracles.”

Fiddler is the first in-depth documentary film that chronicles the life and themes of this iconic musical. Opening in 1964, Fid-dler on the Roof held the record for the longest running musical for almost 10 years, won nine Tony Awards, and spawned five Broadway revivals. The screening will include live music and a costume contest featuring the iconic characters from the film.

Saturday, January 4, at 5 p.m., the weekend festival begins with a welcoming reception at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art on Broad Street, where filmmakers and audience members can meet one another while tasting local wines and locally sourced food before heading over to the Palm Theater for an evening cel-ebration of Jewish contributions to the Motion Picture Industry. The evening will include the powerful documentary “Hollywood-ism: Jews, Movies and the American Dream” featuring how Jewish producers helped transform the Hollywood movie industry. Profiles of studio founder Louis B Mayer and others are explored as well as a look at the films created in its golden age.

Sunday morning is just the start to an exciting day-long slate of inspiring films. The 9:30 a.m. morning presentation includes two documentaries, “Cuba’s Forgotten Jewels: A Haven in Ha-vana” explores the little known story of the Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi-occupied Europe and found a safe haven on the Caribbean island of Cuba. “Operation Wedding” is the harrowing tale of an escape attempt from the Soviet Union, by a group of young Soviet Jews who were denied exit visas. The Q&A follow-ing the screening will be a discussion about the history of Soviet Jewry in the US.

In the afternoon, the festival presents the student short film, “The Lightening Man,” by Jonathan Goetzman from Chapman University, followed by “The Samuel Project,” a marvelous nar-rative film featuring Hal Linden about a young boy who seeks to turn his grandpa’s history from the war into art.

Then it’s time to take a break, toast a glass of wine and talk about movies at the lively kibitz hour at Luna Red before savoring a fabulous dinner with the filmmakers. With a belly fully of great food, return to the Palm Theater once again for an evening of laughter with Latter Day Jew, H. Alan Scott is a gay man who is a former Mormon, converted Jew, cancer survivor, and writer-co-median finds his spiritual path and prepares for his bar mitzvah. Scott will be on hand to regale attendees with his humor and charm.

Screenings always sell out, so you’re encouraged to buy your tickets early. Sponsorship packages that include tickets to the all the events are still available. For tickets and more information, visit www.jccslo.com. Start your year off right and experience the crown jewel in the Jewish Community Calendar this January 2, 4 and 5, 2020 at the San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival.

Jewish Film Festivalin SLO

esterobaynews.comLook us up!

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News10

Community

The Quota Club of Morro Bay concluded a successful, Toys for Tots Christmas Toy

Drive, one of many charitable events and dona-tions the Club has held over the past year.

Jean Ryan, club PR person, said the mem-bers have accomplished much over their past fiscal year, from October 2018 to October 2019. Among them was cooking four community dinners for the homeless, held Mondays at the Vets Hall. They do the cooking on months with a fifth Monday.

They serve on average 90-100 people, according to an information sheet she provided Estero Bay News during their Christmas lun-cheon, Dec. 12 at Morro Bay Golf Course.

The ladies donated homemade cookies for the Maritime Museum’s grand opening, raised money to support victims of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, sending over $1,200 to the Quota Club of nearby Gridley.

They raised $400 for the Grateful Garment Project, which provides new clothing for victims of sexual assault; members regularly volunteer at The Garden House, a dementia care home in Morro Bay; and they raised $677 by selling gift cards to Sylvester’s Big, Hot & Juicy Burgers, among other endeavors.

On a more person level, Quota paid for a train ticket home for a local soldier; provided $500 in gift cards for a Chaplain’s retreat for military couples; and helped a woman service member find and rent an apartment, giving her some $850 towards that goal.

At the luncheon, President Andrea Klipfel, asked members for a moment of silence for two members who’d died recently — Evelyn Ford and Bertha Tyler.

Marlene Owen, who’s been a Quotation for 50 years, said the club started in Morro Bay

60-years ago and Quota International is over 100-years old (See: www.quota.org).

Rotary Club and Quota started as com-panion organizations, Owen recalled. “There used to be mom and pop shops in Morro Bay. The men joined Rotary and the women joined Quota.”

She said over the years the two organiza-tions have grown apart, with Quota focusing on being a service organization.

“Quota is patterned more after the Kiwanis Clubs,” she said.

They’ve lost a lot of members over the years that switched to Rotary, and they’ve had many who were in both, she said. Now they are getting some women coming back to Quota.

The local club holds regular events like Bunco games, membership mixers and lun-cheons. They have a mixer coming up in January and if readers know a Quotation they can come as a guest. New members must be sponsored to join the club, which is open to both men and women.

The mixer is Jan. 7 at the Savory Pallet (formerly the Morro Bay Wine Seller), in Marina Square, 601 Embarcadero, Ste. 5.

Among Quota International’s focuses, Owen said, is supporting public schools in the Philippines, support for and empowering wom-en, children, the hearing impaired, and those with speech difficulties.

Like many traditional, service organiza-tions, Quota locally is a group of successful people, who laugh and joke at their aches and pains in a supportive way, and seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

And with just 30 members, they accom-plish a lot in their community.

Quota Club Donates to Toys for Tots

Members of the Morro Bay Quota Club pose with the donations for their Toys for Tots Toy Drive.

Story and Photo By Neil Farrell

The 34th Annual Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade drew hundreds of revelers out Dec.

7 as a threat of rain evaporated and a dozen or so boats got into the holiday spirit on a chilly night to celebrate one of Morro Bay’s signature events.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club, with assistance from the Harbor Patrol, winners were determined by a panel of judges based on three criteria — Originality, Christmas Spirit, and Creativity.

Third place went to the motorboat, Per-sistence, that was bedecked with a giant swan towing a trio of lighted-swan skiffs.

Second place went to the Hale Kai sailboat

that had a pink, lighted seahorse on the bow and waves of lights down each side. It was the boats first parade and owner John Terwilliger, said they had a blast.

And the $500 first place prize went to the Shirley J with a Rudolph theme that featured horns of lights climbing up the outriggers, big white eyes, and a big red nose on the bow.

The event was the highlight of the weekend that also had a mini boat parade on Friday spon-sored by Embarcadero restaurants, and a Paddle Parade Sunday afternoon at Tidelands Park, a fundraiser for the community radio station, 97.3 FM.

De-Lighted by the Boat ParadePhotos by Neil Farrell

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 11

Compiled by Theresa-Marie Wilson

Community

The City of Morro Bay held the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 6 at City Park on Harbor Street, as dozens of families brought the kids out to meet Santa Claus. Photos by Neil Ferrell

Local Tree Lighting Ceremonies

The Los Osos/Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce held their 3rd Annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting & Fundraiser, Friday, Dec. 7. This year a live Cedar tree was planted at the corner of Los Osos Valley Road and Palisades Ave. in front of the Red

Barn fence by SLO County Parks.

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News12

Events and Activities

The Holiday Gift Show and Sale at the Cayucos Communi-ty Art Gallery, at the foot of the pier, runs Wednesdays-Mondays, closed Tuesdays, from 1-4 p.m. until January 29.

Check out beautiful, affordable works by local artists: paintings, sculptures, jewelry, wood carvings, blown glass, cards, photography, wearable art, and more.

Cayucos Art Association is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. In the photo are some of the varied artworks offered in the Art Association Gallery. Find the perfect gift! For more infor-mation, go to Cayucosart.org or call 805-995-2049

•••The 3rd Saturday Nature Walk in the Los Osos Elfin For-est takes place Saturday, December 21 at 9:30 a.m. To celebrate the Winter Solstice and shortest day of the year, join evolutionary biology professor Jenn Yost and cosmic evolution scholar Bob Field. The two will lead a tour of the Elfin Forest, a very special habitat in our area. They will talk about how seasonal changes and the interactions of sunlight and water affect the diversity, abundance and distribution of life. They will discuss the ocean’s influence on everything that can be seen in the Elfin Forest, and will point out a variety of plants, and plant adaptations to the local environment. This walk will be canceled in case of heavy rain. If it’s drizzling, bring an umbrella.

Walks in the Elfin Forest begin the north end (1100 block) of 15th Street off Santa Ysabel in Los Osos. Wear closed-toe

shoes, long sleeves and pants to avoid poison oak and mosquitoes. Park carefully, avoiding driveways and mailboxes, and leave pets at home. The easy paced walks last 1-1/2 to 2 hours. For more information call (805) 528-0392. 

•••Looking for some fun things to do over the holiday break? Cruise by the Los Osos Library at 2075 Palisades Ave. For more information, call 528-1862. Library Legos -Thu Dec 26 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Build Legos based on the monthly theme, or free build using your own ideas, come prepared to use your imagination.  Ages 3-12 welcome. Free.Nearly Noon Year’s Eve Party - Tue Dec 31 from 11:30 a.m. –12:15 p.m.

Not everyone can make it to Midnight!  Come welcome the New Year early.  Refreshments and noisemakers provided. Free. e-Device Training - Every Thu starting Jan 2 from 8:30 a.m.–10 a.m.

Bring in your device (phone, tablet, etc.) and Diana will do her best to help you learn to use it, and download e-books to your device.  Free.Create Your Vision Board - Sat Jan 4 from noon–2 p.m.

Create your vision board for 2020 to help motivate you for your new year.  Bring your own photos if you would like, this is not required. Free.

Meditation for the Holy Days will feature music by Kirtan Saraswati from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at Awakening in Los Osos. Experience balance and true satisfaction during this holiday season by communing deeply with the Divine through devotional chanting and meditation. Extended meditation during the holy days is a tradition begun by Paramahansa Yoganan-da. Awakening is located at 1310 Van Beurden Drive, Ste 102, Los Osos. (805-772-0306). For more information, go to www.awakeninginterfaith.org. Offered on a free-will basis with 50% of donations being given to Los Osos Cares.

•••Take a look at Cuesta’s spring 2020 schedule at cuesta.edu/admissionsaid/apply and click on the schedule box. The program brochures will be mailed out in early January, but reg-istration is open now. With the holidays just around the corner, consider the gift of education for the lifelong learners in your life.

•••Spanish nights at Morro Bay High School. Did you take Spanish in high school? Would you like to have a refresher? Through Adult Ed there is Spanish each week at Morro Bay High starting January 14. This is Spanish one, the second quarter out of three. Students will use only present tense verbs and each class is

interactive between the teacher and other students - with games, activities and conversation practice. Come meet your neighbors in a stimulating educational atmosphere.

The class is held each Tuesday evening for nine weeks from 5:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. The price is $100 for the quarter and the text, $25, and will be used this quarter and next. You can register by phone with a credit card at 805/549-1222 or online at ae.sl-cusd.org.

There are also home classes/private and group tutoring at all levels of Spanish!

For more information, contact the teacher at debbiehighfill@gmail.com.

•••A Baroque Masters Symphony Concert takes place Satur-day, January 11 at 7 p.m. at

Trinity United Methodist Church located at 490 Los Osos Valley Rd. Indulge in the greatest works by the 18th Century mas-ters performed by Symphony of the Vines. Works by J. S. Bach, Marcello, Vivaldi, Handel, Corelli, and Geminiani. The music of these baroque masters are made up of multiple threads weaving together a beautiful tapestry of sound.  It is likely that many of these works were intended to be performed with one player on a part, which is the approach we are taking with this concert.  This highlights the clarity of the polyphonic writing and the colors of the individual instruments.  The composers on this program represent the greatest masters of the era.

Baroque Masters tickets are $15 Adult, $27 Senior and $15 Students. Students K-12 are free with a paid adult thanks to a sponsorship from Jim and Carolyn BresciaTickets are available at the door or online at www.symphonyofthevines.org.     

Pianist and Cal Poly Music Professor W. Terrence Spiller will give a recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, in the Spanos The-atre on campus. He will perform works from the Austro-Hun-garian Empire. The first half will feature two sonatas by Austrian composers written during the empire’s heyday: Wolfgang Ama-deus Mozart’s Sonata in C Major, K. 330; and Franz Schubert’s Sonata in A Minor, Op. 143.

The second half will feature compositions from the empire’s Hungarian side: Franz Liszt’s “Bénédiction de Dieu dans la soli-tude” from his “Harmonies poétiques et religieuses,” and Zoltán Kodály’s “Dances of Marosszék.”

Tickets are $14 for the public, and $9 for students. Proceeds will benefit the Music Department Scholarship Fund. Event parking is sponsored by the PAC. Tickets are available at the Cal

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 13

Events and ActivitiesPoly Ticket Office between noon and 6 p.m. Monday through Sat-urday. To order by phone, call 805-SLO-4TIX (805-756-4849).

Morro Bay Art Association will present a demonstration in soft pastel by award winning artist, Greg Trombly, PhD on Jan. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St. Discover the magic of pastels, focusing on basic drawing and observation skills.

Dr. Greg Trombly holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from State University of New York at Oswego and State University of New York at Albany. In addition, he holds a PhD in the cultural foundations of education from Union Insti-tute and University, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Trombly has been an educator and administrator for the public school system and at the university level. He has continued art education by participating in workshops from acclaimed artists such as Terri Ludwig and Daniel Greene. He exhibits artwork in New York, and his artwork is held in private collections throughout the country.

This demonstration will explore color, value and composi-tion with a variety of soft pastels. Greg will apply color combina-tions that will illuminate the creation of shoreline with a sunset sky. Interaction with the artist is welcome and encouraged.

This demo is free and open to the public.Greg will also give a pastel workshop January 19 from 3 to

5 p.m. For more information about this demo or workshop, visit website at www.artcentermorrobay.org or call 805-772-2504.

•••Saturday Scientists

Don’t miss Saturday Scientists MICROBLITZ at 2 p.m. on December 21 at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History Audi-torium. Bring something small and look at it under the dissecting microscope to discover the hidden mysteries of your object. They will also provide a variety of things to look at—to surprise and amaze you.

Winter Break Programs at the Museum is a series of pro-grams designed to interest and educate students, parents, families on break from school. All will be held at the Museum of Natural History auditorium at 2 p.m. each day, and last about 1.5 hours. Museum entrance fee is $3, those under 17 are free. See descrip-tions at www/centralcoastparks.orgSun,, Dec. 22 - Secrets of Sand and Sediment Mon., Dec. 23 - Something about BonesFri., Dec. 27 - Puppets: Bucket Monster

Sat., Dec. 28 - Snakes, Lizards and Bugs Sun., Dec 29 - Drawing from Nature Mon., Dec. 30 - Scat and Tracks

The Morro Bay Friends of the Library Book Store is a great place to shop anytime the Library is open.  Busy shoppers Janice and Ian Bell and Spencer and Gracie Goddard are shown browsing a selection of like-new books, DVDs, Books on CD, music CDs and current magazines.  All are hand-selected by vol-unteers for high quality and interest. Holiday books for children and adults are currently featured along with a broad selection of materials that would make great gifts and stocking stuffers.  All items are $1.00 unless otherwise priced.  Reading-themed T-shirts are sold for $15 and colorful book bags are $10.  All are personalized from the Morro Bay Library. The Book Store brought in more than $15,000 so far this year and the funds are used to provide needed items for the Library.  Call 805-772-6394, for more information.

Being present with the light of the full moon connects us to our intuitive knowing and brings abundance & clarity to our lives. Come join us at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on Friday, January 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an evening of ritual & silent contemplation as we embrace the radiant energy of the first full moon in 2020. Join Dawn Feureberg for an empow-

ering ceremony that includes a gratitude meditation, a goddess mantra practice, and rituals to offer up your accomplishments, your regrets and your most authentic desires. Please bring a pen and journal. Dress Warm. We will be inside & outdoors, weather permitting. Ceremony is $30. Limited to 18 people. Pre-register at slobg.org or email education@slobg.org

Dawn Feuerberg has formally studied mindfulness medi-tation, goddess energy meditation, non-dual tantra meditation & shamanic rituals for the past decade.  She trained with Mark Coleman of Spirit Rock and currently studies with the highly regarded teacher of spiritual tantra philosophy, Sally Kempton. She is a yoga practitioner of 29 years, a mother, a surfer, a Spanish professor and the owner of Aurora Adventures LLC, an authentic travel company. 

Wait, there’s more. Want to learn how to grow your own Cal-ifornia Native plants? Join arborist and native plant grower, Rod-ney Thurman, to learn how to grow native plants from cuttings, and how to treat seeds to get better growth rates. Native plants can be notoriously tricky to propagate at home, so learn from a skilled professional. Join the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden on Sat-urday, January 11 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to get some hands-on experience propagating several native plant species. Come with questions.

Workshop is followed at 2:30 p.m. by a free docent-led tour of the SLO Botanical Garden. Visit slobg.org or email education@slobg.org for information. Suggested donation $5 for mem-bers/$10 non-members.

Morro Bay Art Association will present its annual, “For the Birds” exhibit to celebrate the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival, set for Jan. 9 through Feb. 17.

There’s an opening reception set for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Association’s Art Center Morro Bay, 835 Main St. Volunteers with PWC will be on hand with rescued ambassador educational birds. Free and open to the public.

The exhibit is a collection of fine art paintings and photogra-phy depicting Morro Bay’s vast array of bird species and all things bird-related.

PWC is the only wildlife rescue facility, licensed by the State Fish & Wildlife Department in San Luis Obispo County.

While they mainly take care of sick, injured and orphaned birds, the rehab facility located on the power plant property also cares for sick and injured mammals, and reptiles.

Art Center Morro Bay is open from noon to 4 p.m. daily. For more information, see the website at: www.artcentermorrobay.org.

For information on Pacific Wildlife Care see: www.pacificwildlifecare.org

Report injured, sick or orphaned wildlife by calling the hotline at (805) 543-9453.

•••The Los Osos Valley Garden Club is sponsoring a Mas-

ter Gardener talk on Gardening in Small Spaces on Thursday, January 9, 2020  at 1:pm at Daisy Hill Estates Club House, 1595 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos. Free to the public. Donations welcomed. 

•••Send your event listing at least two weeks in advance to Editor@Es-

teroBayNews.com. Make sure to include the who, what, why, where and when of the event and contact information. Please, type out in paragraph

form rather than attaching flyers.

LCan guess what this means?Go to our Facebook page

and let us know.

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News14

Just Some of Our New Menu Items at Nichols!Southwestern Salmon sliders Taco saladBroiled Santa Fe Salmon plate

Teriyaki Bowl BeignetEl Morro BBQ Pizza

3 sliders with chipotle rubbed broiled salmon, grilled onions, green chili, and

homemade salsa

Broiled chipotle rubbed salmon served with fire roasted corn-poblano pepper-onion

blend and organic quinoa/wild rice blend.

Spicy Angus beef burger with fire roasted corn-poblano pepper-onion blend on mixed

greens with shredded cheddar cheese and garnished with hand cut fresh cooked corn

chips with homemade salsa and cilantro

Organic quinoa/wild rice blend with brocco-li. Choose from chicken or bulgogi beef.

BBQ sauce, bulgogi beef, cilantro, green onion, red onion, tomato, shredded

cheddar cheese

We took a fun spin on the traditional Beignet using a Croissant dough in order to achieve a

flaky decadent treat

Take a look at our website for all our new menu itemswww.nicholspizza.com

1236 Los Osos Valley Road, Los Osos• nicholspizza.com • 805-534-0222

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 15

Business

Blue Heron Restaurant

Located at 1365 2nd Street in Baywood Park. Call to make a reservation 805. 540.2828

We offer Coastal Contemporary Seafood with fresh Farm to Table Concepts.

Happy Hour each day from 4-6 pm. Great for nightly dining and private Party functions.

Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring, “Fresh Start!” a series of weekly paid business workshops being held at the Inn at Morro Bay from mid-January through mid-February.

The workshops include a light breakfast and cost $10 each session or $50 for all for Chmaber members; and $15 each or $60 for the series for non-members. Register online at: onfo@morrochan-ber.org or call (805) 772-4467.

Jan. 15 workshop is entitled, “What Employers Need to Know for 2020” with local attorney Jane Heath; Jan. 22 is “Create Your Most Profitable Marketing Strategy” withg Melissa Forziat fo Seattle; Jan. 29 is “Social Media Nuts and Bolts,” with Travis Ford; Feb. 12 is “CalSavers Retirement Savings Program” with Beth McGill; Feb. 19 is “2020: The Year of Sexual Harassment training” with Heath; and Feb. 26 is “Meet the Press.”

Business Workshops in January-February

The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is taking nominations for its Citizen of the Year and Living Treasure Awards and the Annual Installation Dinner is now set for the end of January

with tickets available now.A list of past winners is included in the online survey, see: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MB-

Honoree?utm_source=12%2F5%2F2019&utm_campaign=eBlast&utm_medium=email. Nominators need to give the name of the person and a brief description of their public service

and why they should be honored. A person does not have to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce to be chosen.For information call the Chamber at (805) 772-4467 or see: https://my805tix.com/events/

morro-bays-night-out to order tickets. Tickets are $75 a person and include dinner and no-host bar.

MB Chamber Taking COY Nominations

Mike Minarik, owner of Morro Bay Appliance, reeled in a marlin in November while on a fishing trip in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

“I was fishing with my brothers Mark Jim and sister Marcie,” Mike said. “We were fishing for around five hours and caught five nice sized Dorados. At the last minute, before coming into the harbor with only two lines still in the water, I hooked a 125 lb. marlin! I fought it for 15 minutes and landed the fish in the boat. This had been on my bucket list for years. If I get the chance again to land one, it will be released.”

Stop by and congratulate Mike at 935 Main St. or call them at (805) 772-2755.

Reeling in the Big One

LOBP Christmas Parade - Tons of FunLos Osos residents took a trip “Through the Decades”

during the 32nd Annual Christmas Parade put on by the Chamber of Commerce. Photos by Dean Sullivan

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News16

Community

Burch Concrete Solutions • (805) 748-4289Locally Owned & Operated Since 2004

• Benches• Fire Pits• Concrete Resurfacing• Stained Concrete• Patios• Sidewalks

• Exposed Aggregate• Retaining Walls• Driveways• Foundations• Stamped Concrete

State Lic# 816944

burchconcretesolutions@yahoo.comwww.burchconcretesolutions.com

Office - (805) 528-1133 ext. 135Fax - (805) 528-5620

Peter StarlingS

1330 Van Beurden Drive Ste 101 • Los Osos

peterstarlings@yahoo.comwww.Bayososbrokers.com

Vietnam Veteran

BRE# 00692586

Over 40 years serving the Central Coast!

Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre presents its annual holiday treat for the community December 20 and 21. “It’s

a Wonderful Life,” performed as a 1940s style radio play, returns for another year of what has become a CCAT tradition, a free holiday show! It’s their way of saying thank you for a spectacular year of theatre and for all the support from our community, our volunteers, and our supporters.

Oz Barron directs the production, and he has gathered a stellar cast. Tiffany Stephens and Geoff Higgins portray Mary and George Bailey with Edgar de La Cruz as Clarence. This will mark Geoff’s CCAT debut. Tiffany was in “Sunshine Boys” and Edgar was last seen in “Harvey.” Rounding out the townsfolk and playing multiple roles are Sandy Schwarer, Rick Bruce, Christo-pher Blicha, Kasady Riley, Oz Barron and Bev Praver as the foley artist.

Performances are Friday and Saturday evening, December 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. There will also be a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m.. Tickets are absolutely free, just come and enjoy.

CCAT is located at 1350 Main St, right in the heart of Cam-bria, where it truly is a wonderful life!

It’s a Wonderful Life in Cambria

Giving at this time of year can be perplexing. This past year I’ve read several books that would make nice presents. Books

are thoughtful and manageable presents money-wise. Not that I’m bragging or anything, but I guess I am. I’ve writ-

ten seven books about local San Luis Obispo County history that are available to borrow from libraries around the County. Three of my books (“All About Baywood Park,” “Los Osos Valley” and “Castle Chronicles”) can be purchased from Volumes of Pleasure Bookstore and More in Los Osos.

“All About Baywood Park” is a synopsis of the history of Richard Otto (land developer) and Walter Redfield ( real estate subdivider) founders and settlers of the what we call Los Osos today.

“Los Osos valley” is about naming Los Osos Valley by Captain Gaspar Portola’s soldiers, the bear fight and Captain John Wilson, who bought a 32,000 acre ranch covering the area from San Luis Obispo all of Los Osos Valley and the Spooner Ranch.

“Castle Chronicles – Sketching Around Hearst Castle” includes a short history of the ranch, and my experience working for various departments. The pen and ink drawings throughout the book I did on location while working for Wilmar Tognazzini, guide supervisor.

Other books I read this past year I’d like to recommend that includes: “In Search of Alexander Hazzard” by Ken Kenyon. “Los Osos/Baywood Park” by Lynette Tornatsky and “Franciscan Frontiersmen” by Robert A. Kittle.

Merry Christmas and Happy reading in the New Year.

Books as Gifts

The Morro Bay Eagles Aerie recently donated $1,500 to the Grizzly Academy to fund two college scholarships for grad-

uating cadets. Pictured here at left is Simone Hosey representing the Grizzly Academy Foundation, the non-profit arm of the at-risk youth school based at Camp San Luis. At right is Eagles Trustee Van Griffith who said he and two other members visited the Griz-zly Academy and were so impressed they decided to throw a fund-raising pancake breakfast. Those proceeds plus some additional donations from members, funded the $750 scholarships that will be handed out at the next academy graduation.

Photo by Neil Farrell

Eagles Support Grizzlies

Tony Lindstrom of the Los Osos Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce and Golden State Water presents a check for $500

to Richard Margetson of People Helping People during the Needs N’ Wishes Holiday Fundraiser for the Homeless.

Los Osos Chamber gives to PHP

Springtime in Los Osos ValleyOil painting by Joan Sullivan 1995

Don’t miss the chance to see the beautiful display of lights at the Cambria Pines Lodge running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

through Dec. 23. This event is fun for the whole family and in-cludes a world of twinkling lights, music and vendors selling treats and gifts.

For more information and to get tickets, go to https://cam-briachristmasmarket.com/. Open rain or shine. Dress warm.

Cambria Christmas Market Ends Dec 23

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 17

Letters to the Editor

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Barbara Smith, 83, of Los Osos, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on October 27. Barbara was born

in Kingsburg, California to Joao and Maria (Santo) Simas. She was raised on the family farm just outside of Riverdale. Barbara attend-ed elementary and high school in Riverdale. She was an excellent student and athlete, competing in basketball, tennis, track and softball.

In December of 1955, she met Jack Smith of Laton, through-out the years she always said of that meeting, “He swept me off my feet.” They were married 18 days later and moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, the first of many stops during Jack’s 20-year career as a Medic in the U.S. Air Force. They raised their sons, Jack and Vince on Air Force bases in Alabama, Texas, Alaska, California and Colorado. Barbara loved her career as a homemaker and was known for her incredible cooking and baking skills. In addition to her life as a homemaker, she also worked at commissaries and base exchanges. Barbara was an avid bowler throughout the 1960s and 1970s, qualifying for the women’s pro tour on multiple occasions. In the early 1980s she was Jack’s partner at Space Age Video Arcade, the first video arcade in Los Osos, which quickly became the place to be for Los Osos youth and young at heart adults.

Barbara and Jack began playing golf in the 1970s, which led to years of traveling all over the western United States and Mexico in search of that perfect round and new friends. Those who had the pleasure of seeing Barbara’s home always commented on her beautiful succulent garden, which she was always happy to share.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Brian DiCarlo of San Luis Obispo, along with Claudia, Cheryl, Carolyn, Katie and Jainee of Central Coast Hospice for their kindness and attentive care.

Barbara was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 56 years, in 2012. She is survived by sons Jack Smith and wife Cathy, Vince Smith and girlfriend Mandy Ward of Los Osos, Grandson Dylan Smith and partner Shannan Baumann, grandson Will Gros-si and wife Mariah, granddaughter Lauren Rowe and husband Kyle, Stepdaughter Jennifer Pierson, Stepson Robert Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sisters Mary, Clementine and Lena; brothers Joe and John; and grandson, Jack Marshall Smith. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Central Coast Hospice.

ObituaryBarbara Smith

1936-2019

Many years have gone by since I called Jim Ross, electrician and a well-known resident of the Morro Bay area, and asked

for help.I now look at the house next door and remember his kind-

ness to me and my elderly neighbor, Gladys, during the Christ-mas holidays. I hurried home early one Christmas Eve to check on Gladys, a singer and pottery maker, and to finish up my last minute Christmas preparations. I opened Gladys’ door with a big, “Hello, I’m here!” I headed to the usual job of dishes in the sink needing washing and checking on other things sharing the same need. Finally, I got to the refrigerator. Opening the door to the refrigerator, I knew something was wrong, feeling the dark, warm air hitting me in the face. My mind was somewhat fragmented as I thought, “What repairman would answer or come on Christmas Eve? No one,” I thought, but I would call Jim Ross. He answered his phone and listened. I related Gladys’ situation and, and he said he would come.

Jim had to crawl under the house, and he worked almost until dark. I went back over to check on his progress, and he said that he was almost finished. I discussed Gladys’ situation with him. Mrs. Harms, the neighbor on the other side of Gladys’ house, took care of her bill paying. She was out of town for the holidays. If and when she got back, and Gladys didn’t have the money, I would see that he got paid. Jim looked me straight in the eye and said, “It’s okay, just tell her Merry Christmas.” I knew I had not made a mistake coming to live in “paradise,” as Jim Ross called living in the area.

Merry ChristmasPeg Chiladoux,

Morro Bay

The December 19 letter to the editor is a fine example of right-wing extremism gone off the political cliff. I totally respect

Mr. Presnal’s right to disagree with Governor Gavin’s Newsom priorities on the issues of transportation and the climate crisis. But to blast Newsom’s decisions as “illegal” and especially to call for his recall based on a single policy difference is precisely what’s gone so terribly wrong in this country.

Does Mr. Presnal also wish to recall (“impeach”) President Trump for bribing a foreign nation with taxpayer money for his personal political gain?

Monica Friedlander, Cambria

Many Morro Bay City Residents are aware that the City Coun-cil voted to spend $85 thousand dollars to conduct a survey

of just 300 residents regarding their opinion for the city to pursue a 1% city wide sales tax increase.

The $85,000 was just the polling costs to send out emails and some phone calls.

The city agreed in advance to spend more than $100,000 if they were to pursue the sales tax via an election.

The City posted the results of the Survey via a city Press Release from the City of Morro Bay and there are some interesting results that I noted:

1. Respondents noted in their opinion that 48% felt that the City was on the wrong track a 6 percent decrease from 2005, while only 40% felt they were on the right track.

2. Some 66% of Respondents felt there was small to Extreme-ly Serous Waste and Inefficiency in Morro Bay City Government, a 5% increase since 2005.

3. Some 68% of Respondents noted there was a “Small Problem” to “Extremely Serious Problem” regarding the amount of Morro Bay taxes that are paid.

4. The majority of Morro Bay Citizens do not support a sales tax increase, with only 47% of respondents saying they supported it.

5. And 88% of Respondents stated they required public disclosure of all public spending.

Only slightly more than a year ago, Mayor John Headding assured us in a candidate town hall that the city’s finances were stable and secure. Now suddenly, the City of Morro Bay is in financial dire straights, spending money from emergency reserves for daily expenditures.

Yet in City Council meetings, we constantly see the majority voting for increased spending in the tens and hundreds of thou-sands and millions of dollars.

Yet only Councilman Jeff Heller expresses concern for the excessive spending of this city council on the WRF; expensive consultants (like the one above to poll 300 people for $85,000 and much more).

It is no wonder that more citizens feel that the City Council is on the wrong track! Why not send out surveys for free with our water bills?

After mugging its citizens with water and sewer rates that have tripled over the last few years, the city has the audacity to immediately vote to pursue increased sales taxes and the city garbage company is raising monthly rates over 20%.

It is readily apparent that the majority of the Morro Bay City Council has no concern for the ability of average income citizens to live here any longer. The mantra for the November 2020 City Council Election must be affordability and to vote all those that have voted to Spend! Spend! Spend!

The Citizens have spoken. This City Council is on the wrong track!

Dan SedleyMorro Bay

Thank You Jim Ross

Right-Wing Extremism

Council Needs to Curb Spending

Letters PolicyPlease include your full name and town you live in on all

letters sent. Although we do welcome longer opinion pieces, publishing is as space permits. Estero Bay News reserves the right

to edit for length and clarity. Email letters toeditor@esterobaynews.com

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December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News18

NewsLong Life From page 1

Sewer Replacement From page 1

boat somewhere.But in wartime, there is only the Navy. And so he found

himself in boot camp on Treasure Island staring into the frightful mug of a Marine drill sergeant.

“I joined the Coast Guard,” says Fred, “but I was in the Navy.” And in one of those lucky life breaks, he caught appendici-tis and wound up in a hospital in San Francisco.

“They took out my appendix and found out I had peritonitis and in those days that was quite fatal.”

When he finally got out, he weighed just 112 pounds. “It hurt to sit down,” he says. While one might think almost dying isn’t much of a lucky break, Fred explains that his entire company was sent to fight in the Pacific without him.

“I escaped Guadalcanal by almost dying in the hospital,” he says.

When he got back to base, he heard “Where the Hell have you been!’” from his sergeant, “and I told him I was in the hospi-tal. So they shipped me out with another company.”

He’d was assigned to the Lightship Umatilla, standing a bored watch over the entrance to Puget Sound on a boat that only moved when it was going into dry dock.

But on the way, he got lost and was left standing in the rain, just knowing he was going to get court marshaled. “I was AWOL without even half trying,” he says. He got picked up by a troop truck, filled with Army soldiers, and dropped off at his base where heard those famous words again, “Where the hell have you been?”

The Navy sent him to sonar school in San Diego, another lucky break to escape to the sunny climes of Southern California. They sailed down the West Coast in a small, 80-foot Navy patrol boat, he recalls. They hit rough weather. “Standing at the railing, I could throw up as far as the officers could,” he laughs.

His next assignment was aboard a submarine. “My problem as I was 6-foot-2 and the bunks were for guys five-eight. I felt I couldn’t handle submarine duty. I got claustrophobia. So they sent me back to Portland.”

There he married his sweetheart, Virginia, and the two had two children and were married 34 years, until he lost her to cancer.

His next ship was the USS Basswood, a 180-foot, Iris Class

ocean going buoy tender that was well armed with cannons, and depth charges. He served out the war protecting the home front.

“You talk about having a Guardian Angel,” Fred says. “I had to have a Guardian Angel to be where I was, doing what I was doing and never put into harm’s way. I just feel like I’ve had a gift.”

Current wife, Laverne, adds, “I was impressed when I heard that he had a burst appendix. He almost died but he didn’t. You just know that he was being looked after.”

After the war the Navy offered him a promotion and transfer to Japan but he turned it down. He and Virginia were in Seattle when he got a letter from his old boss in Bakersfield, saying his theater old job was waiting for him. So back to Mr. Baker’s Field they went.

The big earthquake of 1952 destroyed three of the five theaters and Fred quit the theater business and went off to college in Los Angeles on the G.I. Bill. “I ended up in Long Beach,” says Fred.

Laverne’s first husband and Fred went to college together, she says, and that’s how they first met. Fred became a corporate controller after college and he worked for Wayne’s Dairy for 20 years and credits milk for some of his long life. “I always had milk to drink. And, I’ve still got all of my teeth,” he laughs.

Laverne, 92, has an interesting tale as well, as she spent over 40 years working for the Getty Oil Co., going from a legal secretary to a manager. She even spoke on the phone many times with J. Paul Getty, the famous industrialist and richest man in the world.

She was widowed 15-years and living a good life with a good job, when she and Fred decided to go to a dance.

Her friends, “Were really chomping at the bit because they really liked him,” says Laverne. At church in Hollywood, she recalls hearing a voice that said, “You and Fred are one.”

“I started crying because I heard it,” she says. But she was in Hollywood and he was in Bakersfield carrying on a long-distance romance.

“My phone bill was higher than the war debt,” laughs Fred. They were married in a church in Bakersfield but were still living apart for much of the first year.

“He wanted to put me on his checking account,” Laverne recalls. “I said I didn’t want to be on his checking account.” Later he called and chided her because she hadn’t written a check yet. “Well, I had my own checking account.”

“And,” Fred laughs, “I haven’t seen my checkbook since.”

Fred Smith, USCG Sonarman, First Class, is pictured in 1944. Smith turns

100 on Jan. 23.

compliance issues with the Regional Water Quality Control Board in 2004.

That led to a repair and deferred maintenance project in 2005 to bring it back into compliance.

“We paid some fines,” he said while giving a tour of the small, compact facility. “We spent $460,000 to do the repairs at the plant itself. It’s been 14-years now and the treatment plant is in compli-ance with the NPDES permit since 2006.”

NPDES is the National Pollution Discharge Elimination Per-mit, and it allows the plant that treats an average of about 77,000 gallons a day, to discharge full secondary treated effluent into the ocean, via an undersea pipeline that runs offshore from the plant.

The plant is ahead of the curve in one respect, as the system diverts a portion of the flow for additional treatment to so-called Title-22 levels, making that recycled wastewater available to the community via a spigot outside the plant.

One would think everything’s fine but then the Coastal Commission entered the picture and the plant’s future has been placed on a certain course that will eventually — perhaps 10-years from now — lead to a new plant being built away from the coast.

It’s the same policy to address coastal hazards and climate change that is now being applied up and down the California Coast at places like Carmel and South SLO County.

And while one might be able to make a case that Morro Bay/Cayucos’ treatment plant isn’t in much danger from things like sea level rise given its location, the San Simeon plant really can’t.

Grace said the plant’s western border is just about 25 feet from the beach and 13-feet above sea level. It’s also built on the edge of Juan Padre Creek.

This path started in 1969 when the CSD installed rock riprap along the beach bluff and creek bank to protect against ero-sion. In 1985, they improved the riprap, again, with just a permit from the County.

The Coastal Commission recently told the CSD they wanted them to apply for a permit for that work. “It was done without the benefit of a coastal development permit,” Grace said. “It’s not in immediate peril, it’s [moving the plant] just a matter of projections based on sea level rise.”

In the near future, the Coastal Commission is requiring the CSD to write a “Coastal Hazard Mitigation Plan” or CHMP, to in-

clude planning for building a new plant well away from the Coast. Grace said they were given 3 years to write the CHMP, which

must be approved by the Commission. “It’s going to shed light on a more detailed path forward,” Grace said.

While some thought about fighting the Commission in court, they also have another project before the agency to add a storage tank to its water system. The entire community is on well water and they need to expand the storage capacity to ensure supply.

The County is acting as the lead agency on the CHMP, he said, and this past summer applied for a $130,000 planning grant from the Coastal Commission to help pay for it.

“This whole issue is just starting,” Grace said. “We have to find a location. There isn’t a lot of vacant land available within the District. That’s what the mitigation plan will focus on.

“We’ll identify a few options, explore the option of a wet-lands system where you use native vegetation to treat a portion of the flow. But we still need a facility to remove the solids.”

He hopes they’ll only have to run about a half mile of new pipes and the idea is to return the current plant site to a more

“It takes a little work,” La-verne says, “to see who’s the boss. But we compro-mised a lot.”

Looking back, Fred says, “I loved to work. That’s what the Depression did for our genera-tion. We’ve had a remarkable life.”

Today, Fred is slowed by bad knees — an old injury he got playing volleyball at a company picnic. He regrets not going to a sports doctor at the time.

He’s was the youngest of five siblings and the only one that will make 100. His sister died at 99, shortly before her 100th birthday.

Theirs is a blended family — he had a son and a daughter, and she two sons and a daughter — and some 44 grandkids all together.

Asked if he has any bucket list items left, Fred, smiles and says he’s concentrating on passing his next driver’s test, which will come with his milestone birthday.

He’s recovering from eye surgery that restored vision in one eye to near 20/20. His other eye is not as clear but his mind compensates.

“When you get to my age,” he says, “you pay for everything you ever done.”

natural state, though they’ll still need an underground lift station to push the flow from the old site.

They really don’t know much about costs but Grace ball-parked it at about $15 million, “not including land purchase.” The next plant will probably need to have special features like recycling, and composting sludge with green wastes for fertilizer, which now is just trucked away.

Right now, they can recycle some 25-gallons a minute for reuse by the community, which is mostly sold to motels for their landscaping. Users have to truck it to their properties. The recy-cled water costs just 3-cents a gallon.

They are capable of recycling a little over 50% of the flow, Grace said. The spigot is metered and they track how much water is taken, adding that amount to the customer’s monthly bill.

With the new plant, Grace anticipates they will attain 100% recycling. “We could recharge the groundwater,” he said. “We could maybe do something like that. There are lots of innovative ideas; we’re not just talking about one.”

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News 19

Building to Open From page 1

Stocking great new kitchen gadgets and making custom baskets through December.

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worked on moving displays for Dole, Kaiser Permanente, Easter Seals, UPS Store Inc., Northwestern Mutual and Miracle-Gro, to name a few. Last year, the UPS float, at 37-feet tall and 55-feet long showcasing more than 110,000 flowers, earned the Sweep-stakes Trophy for most beautiful entry for their “Books Keep Us On Our Toes” entry featuring Olive the Ostrich, an aspiring ballerina with dreams to star in “Swan Lake.” Although she won’t know her exact assignment until she arrives at the float warehouse in about a week, she knows at least one float she is working on is for the City of Torrance as well as a demonstration float that will be on display to give parade attendees a glimpse behind the scenes.

After all the fanfare and the 700,000 viewers have gone re-turning the 5.5 miles on Colorado Boulevard back to normal, what happens to everything?

“It goes on display,” Debbie said. “They’ll rope it off on a street, and you can go and see them all. Eventually, it comes back, and they’ll start to pull it apart and recycle everything that they can recycle. The flowers, of course, won’t get recycled, but all the rebar the engines, the motors, it goes into a different float.”

And on January 2, it starts all over again with new designs created for a new theme.

“When you see go down the Rose Parade, you see it for a few seconds and you see the flowers, but you really don’t realize that the float [for the next year] begins the day the Rose Parade ends,” Debbie said.

Stop by and get a first-hand account of this year’s parade from Debbie at D&D Floral Design at Los Osos Valley Road or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/debbie.deis.7.

The high ceiling gives the interior a cavernous feel, with HVAC ducts exposed as well a cage system to run electronic wir-ing to the various offices and conference rooms. The cage design will allow easy access to the building’s wiring for future upgrades, he explains.

Dr. Pruitt points to a tall white wall just inside the main en-trance doors. That’s where they plan to install a “Hall of Fame” for athletes and coaches from the past, as well as academic honorees.

There are several conference rooms, he explains, and each was named for the local landmark volcanic peaks, the Seven Sisters. Thus there’s a Hollister Peak conference room, and the Morro Rock room, which has a picture window framing a view of Morro Rock.

There’re also seven boulders outside in the landscaping representing the Seven Sisters, he says.

The building’s divided down the middle by a corridor with side wings of offices — there’s a police/security office, a teacher’s lounge, counseling offices, and more.

“We’ll have a proper nurse’s office,” says Dr. Pruitt, complete with a pair of exam tables and its own bathroom. They don’t have a full time nurse yet, but when one is on campus they’ll have a proper space to work, he explains.

Of note are all the windows — both exterior and interior — which allows for an amazing amount of natural light and for others to keep an eye on what’s happening in every room.

“The natural light in here is really cool,” sways Dr. Pruitt. “The amount of power usage will be greatly reduced.” He jokes that one administrator said she was “moving from a cave to a fishbowl.”

There’s also a side entrance that kids will use should they get to school late and have to see the registrar/attendance office. It’s connected to a corridor that leads into the campus, an important feature that will be needed when the next phase of the new secu-rity plans goes in — a wrought iron fence separating the campus

from the parking lot.When that fence goes up, Dr. Pruitt explains, the

school will switch to a closed campus. The gates will be locked at the start of each day and entry and exit from campus will have to be done through the new admin building.

The whole campus will also be wired with surveil-lance cameras that feed into the security office, so the campus police officer and school security can monitor the entire school.

“Once the kids are on campus,” he says, “they will be locked in. And there won’t be any way onto campus with-out coming through this building. It’s more of a controlled entry-exit.”

The campus’ long-time open campus police will change, too. “The open campus policy will end,” he says. “No more leaving campus for lunch. We will do all food service here.”

He said a lot of local schools have changed their open campus policies but they won’t spring it on the kids right away.

The athletics office will have a walk-up ticket window to buy tickets for school functions. There’ll also be a career center.

The Principal and vice principal’s offices will be next door to each other. It’s a consolidation of the administration offices under one roof where as now they are spread out.

The new building also includes several large grass areas as well a xeriscaping with rocks.

Ryan Pinkerton, assistant superintendent for business services said the total for the Student Services building was over $10.5 million. The contractor was ACME Const., and several local subcontractors also got work — Thoma Electric, Wysong Const., and R. Burke Const., among them.

Pinkerton said the project to transform the 200-wing into all-

new modernized classrooms would start once the administration moves out. The fencing project will also start at that time, too.

Meanwhile, two other major projects are underway at the school.

A shop room is being turned into a new band room, the caf-eteria is being transformed into a performing arts theater and the library will be moved as well. All are part of the Measure D bond issue of 2014.

Already completed are a pool/aquatics center, a new auto shop, and a fantastic STEAM education center.

The school has also gotten a new all-weather track and the old gym’s hardwood floor was replaced and the locker rooms remodeled.

Morro Bay High School’s new Student Services building has transformed the entrance to school.

Rose Parade From page 1

The sketch of the UPS Store float is where it all began.Photo submitted

The 2019 sweepstakes winning UPS Store float featuring Olive the Ostrich as it traverses Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, CA.

Photo submitted

December 19, 2019 - January 15, 2020 • The Estero Bay News • Your Community, Your News20

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Thanks for another Successful YearFrom all of us to all of you

May this Christmas Season Bring you“The Gift of Health”“The Gift of Love”

“The Gift of Happiness”“The Gift of Peace”