Morro Bay Life News • February 2020

Making Communities Better Through Print™

FEBRUARY 2020 • EVERYTHING MORRO BAY • MORROBAYLIFENEWS.COM

THE PRESERVATION OF

CHEVRON

DOG BEACH SEE PAGE 2

SLO

WARRIORS FOR KRISTIN PRESENT

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR

2020 CHAMBER AWARDS SEE PAGE 2

KRISTIN SMART: NEW PODCAST SEE PAGE 8

LIFE SEWER INTELLIGENCE: Saturday,PLANT February 1 SANTA ROSA PARK 5:00 PM SAN LUIS OBISPO RELATIONSHIPS PROJECT ON HOLD SEE PAGE 10 SEE PAGE 9

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 19 PASO ROBLES, CA

Please join your friends and neighbors in this peaceful demonstration to honor the legacy and the quest for justice for Kristin Smart!

ELECTIONS: DAWN ADDIS GEARS UP SEE PAGE 6

******ECRWSSEDDM****** POSTAL CUSTOMER MORRO BAY, CA 93442

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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BUSINESS — CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS

Volunteers and Fishing Advocate Honored for 2020

By NEIL FERRELL FOR MORRO BAY LIFE

MORRO BAY — Morro Bay’s “Citizen of the Year for 2020” is a tireless volunteer leading efforts to preserve open space, as well as the town’s history.

The “2020 Living Treasure Award” winner has been a leader in the fishing industry for many years both locally and on the State and Federal levels.

And the “Business of the Year” winner has been dedicated to people’s physical wellness, assisting the high school’s sports programs and a leading fundraiser for a signature surf camp for the handicapped.

Glen Silloway was honored as the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year for 2020. Chamber CEO Erica Crawford, said, “Silloway moved to Morro Bay from Minnesota in 2003. He is a political scientist by training, a marketer by occupation, and a conservation supporter by conviction.”

Silloway has immersed himself in several nonprofit endeavors.

“He is active in the League of Women Voters,” Crawford said, “and is one of the founders of the Morro Bay Open Space Alliance that was initially formed to reimburse the City for the purchase of the Cerrito Peak open space.”

He’s been “instrumental in bringing new life to the Morro Bay Historical Society,” Crawford said, serving on the Board of Directors. Silloway owned Net Sells, an Internet marketing company and served on the City’s General Plan Advisory Committee. He also volunteers with Morro Bay in Bloom, a local beautification group.

Jeremiah O’Brien was named the Living Treasure Award winner.

Boat Capt. O’Brien “is the face of Morro Bay commercial fishing and the person everyone goes to when they need information, have questions or want advice on anything related to fishing, harbor or marine-oriented issues,” Crawford said.

O’Brien, skipper of the CFV Aguero, came to Morro Bay in 1980 to help renovate “Bloody Brown’s Morro Beach Inn,” transCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Jeremiah and Trudi O’Brien pose in 2015 after he was honored with a ‘Highliner Award,’ by National Fisherman Magazine, for his many years of advocacy for the fishing industry. Jeremiah was named a ‘Morro Bay Living Treasure’ by the Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Neil Farrell

Charting the Course for the 2020 Elections

SARAH SANTANA COLUMNIST

MORRO BAY — While the presidential race will dominate headlines, the ultimate market and economic impact will center on the outcomes in the House and Senate.

2020 kicks off an election campaign cycle that will determine the trajectory of the Trump policy agenda and its associated impact on the market. We believe Trump’s reelection campaign will center on a message of positive economic and market performance — a virtual necessity from a historical standpoint for the reelection of an incumbent president. Democrats will be looking to see if they can continue the momentum from the 2018 and 2019 elections, where suburban voters have swung away from Republicans and toward Democratic candidates.

Before we get to the general election, Democrats will first need to choose a nominee, which could lead to increased volatility in the first half of 2020. With a large field of candidates swapping front-runner status and party rules that disburse delegates on a proportional basis, there is an elevated probability than none of the candidates are able to achieve a majority of delegates prior to the convention. Alternatively, the battle to win the majority could

reinforce some divisions within the Democratic Party. Should Democrats fail to produce a candidate that the party can rally behind, or should a contested primary process give rise to a legitimate third party candidacy, both could be seen as benefiting the reelection chances of President Trump.

35 total seats are up for grabs in 2020.

Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, which sets up Democrats for an uphill battle in order to make significant gains. Of the 35 races, 11 are currently considered “safe” Democratic and 18 “safe” Republican. This leaves only six “competitive” seats. The last time that control of the House or Senate flipped during a presidential election year was in 1980. Much attention will focus on the six races currently deemed to be most competitive and most likely to change party control. In our assessment, the seats most at risk in order of their potential to flip are as follows: 1. Alabama (D); 2. Colorado (R); 3.

Arizona (R); 4. Maine (R); 5. North Carolina (R); and 6. Iowa (R).

In the House, Democrats built a solid majority in the 2018 midterm elections and Republicans would need to net 20 seats for the House to flip. Recent Republican retirements point to more potential pickup opportunities for Democrats, a sentiment that indicates rank and file members believe Democrats will maintain their majority after the 2020 election. However, Republicans have plenty of pickup opportunities themselves, given that 31 Democratic incumbents are from a congressional district that President Trump won in 2016.

All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., and are subject to change. Past performance may not be indicative of future results.

1181 Main St., Morro Bay, CA 93442 Office: 805-225-1919, Cell: 805-550-5791, Fax: 805-225-1908 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Santana Investment services group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

This is an excerpt from full article by Washington Policy Analyst Ed Mills, in the Raymond James Investment Strategy Quarterly. For a full copy of the publication, please contact Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

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Morro Bay Life - January 2020 - 3

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS OF THE

2020 ANNUAL GALA Community Champions: Current Networks, Castle Wind, Natural Healing Center, Carollo Engineers and Engle and Associates.

Community Connectors: Poppy Boutique, Casa De Flores Exclusive Wine Sponsor: Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

Women Making Waves is making its 2020 debut with a focus on Endurance Sports and Lifestyle Fitness. Race SLO Founder Samantha Pruitt will moderate a panel of exceptional individuals who are pushing the limits of their athleticism and professional lives every day. Confirmed participants (pictured from left to right above) include:     

Sandi Twist - Founder The Paddleboard Co. & Outdoor Fitness Enthusiast Karen Adelyot - Triathlete & Retired YMCA Executive Director Amira Elkashef - OCR Athlete & RaceSLO Ambassador Samantha Pruitt - Ultra Athlete & CEO/Founder of RaceSLO Lauren Meers - Barre & Cycle Instructor/Health & Wellness Coach

Tickets are $15 and available on the Chamber’s website. Event to be held at the Inn at Morro Bay on Thursday, February 20th from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Appetizers included with admission. No host bar.

New Year, Fresh Start! Workshops It’s 2020, is your business ready for a Fresh Start?! The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of workshops that cover a wide range of topics, from legal to marketing, to help prepare your business for the New Year.

Workshops are held from 8:00am–10:00am Wednesdays at the Inn at Morro Bay. Chamber members can attend for a discounted rate of $10 per workshop and non-members pay $15.

#MEMBERSMEANBUSINESS Pop these dates on your calendars to come out and connect with our community!

Chamber Mixer: 5:30pm Wednesday, February 19th (location TBA) *Chamber members and guests Ask Me Anything: 8:30am Monday, March 16th *Chamber members only Voices Across the Bay: 5:30pm Thursday, March 26th *Open to the Estero Bay Community

For more information or to reserve your space, please email lisa@morrochamber.org.

Disclaimer: Beth McGill offers products and services using the following business names: Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC), Member FINRA/SIPC - securities and investments Ameritas Advisory Services (AAS) - investment advisory services.

AIC and Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce are not affiliated. Representatives of AIC do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation.

4 - Morro Bay Life - February 2020

EVENTS

Enjoy Art, Wine & Brews in Downtown Atascadero

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LOCAL NEWS

Tails Will Be Wagging With Preservation of Chevron Dog Beach

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s Art, Wine & Brew Tour will return Friday, Feb. 7!

The event coincides with downtown businesses’ First Fridays event, happening from 5:30to 8:30 p.m.

You can sip and shop your way through Atascadero’s first-class downtown stores. Enjoy great local wine, beer, cider and other treats. This is a 21 and over event. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 and include an engraved wine glass. On the day of the event, check-in at the front of historic City Hall. Once you claim your wristband, enjoy art by local artists, score goodies from vendors and shop at downtown businesses.

Participants can purchase their $20 ticket in advance for Art, Wine & Brew online at atascaderochamber.org and pick them up at City Hall at the time of the event.

Tickets at the door are $25. Ticket booths will open at 5:30 pm and close at 7 p.m.

Editors

Luke Phillips editor@13starsmedia.com

Editorial

Neil Farrell Valentina Petrova Sarah Santana Mark Diaz Hayley Mattson

Advertising Sales

Dana McGraw dana@13starsmedia.com Carmen Kessler carmen@13starsmedia.com Morro Bay Life is published monthly.

All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Morro Bay Life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Morro Bay Life is a division of Colony Media.

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Dogs and their owners enjoy the Chevron Dog Beach, located in between Cayucos and Morro Bay. The County and the City of Morro Bay are in the process of completing land deals with The Trust for Public Lands to put the only dog-friendly beach on the North Coast into public ownership and permanent preservation. Photos by Neil Farrell

By NEIL FARRELL FOR MORRO BAY LIFE MORRO BAY — There are going to be wagging canine tails and smiles on the faces of dog lovers on the North Coast.

In two separate actions, the North Coast’s only dog-friendly public beach will be preserved in public ownership, and a sizable slice of open space will divide Morro Bay and Cayucos, likely forever.

Also, the two deals help clear the way for a dreamed-of dedicated bike path on the western side of Highway 1, connecting Morro Bay and Caucus.

County Supervisors recently agreed to move forward with one complex land acquisition deal involving conservation agencies to purchase a coastal cattle ranch at the northern intersection of Toro Creek Road and Highway 1 that will include the northern parcel of “Dog Beach” that has been owned by Chevron Corp., since the 1920s.

In a related but separate deal, the City of Morro Bay and the Cayucos Sanitary District entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding that will eventually see the southern section of Dog Beach annexed into the city limits and complete the complicated process of transferring the beach from private to public ownership.

Chevron Dog Beach, as it’s known

locally, is the only beach on the North Coast where dogs are allowed off-leash. This was because it was private property, part of the Chevron Marine Terminal.

Public beaches normally require dogs to be leashed and State Parks’ numerous local beaches prohibit dogs entirely.

The sales involve two relatively complex deals. The first brings together three grants from conservation agencies and the second is less complex but requires the approval of the Local Agency Formation Commission, which must approve the annexation of the southerly portion of Dog Beach into the City of Morro Bay. The beach is already located within the City’s sphere of influence, which should ease the annexation.

County Parks Director Nick Franco said, “Our main motivation was for the connector trail. We needed a right-of-way from Chevron for it, but if you own the property you don’t need a right of way.”

The purchase price is $3.75 million and funding is through a $1.75 million grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board; a $950,000 grant from the California Coastal Conservancy; a $1 million grant from the California Natural Resources Agency; plus private funding from Trust for Public Land and the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo to cover escrow and title costs.

The Trust for Public Lands will buy

the property from Chevron and deed it over to the County. And the sale must close escrow by April 30, which Franco said won’t be a problem because the grants have already been approved and the Supervisor’s Resolution of Intent was one of the final requirements.

“The County of San Luis Obispo has already programmed $50,000 for Right of Way acquisition for the Morro Bay to Cayucos Connector Trail that can be used toward this acquisition,” Franco’s report said. “No additional County funds are requested for this acquisition. “ The property will primarily be managed as open space and has two rental income agreement opportunities that can provide sufficient income to offset the operational costs of the property with no General Fund support anticipated.”

There is a ranch house on the ranch property that is leased, and Franco said they would just continue with that arrangement. Also, someone is running cattle on the ranch.

The second part of this equation is moving along a separate but parallel path.

On Jan. 14, the Morro Bay City Council approved a non-binding “Memorandum of Understanding” with the Cayucos Sanitary CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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Morro Bay Life - February 2020 - 5

6 - Morro Bay Life - February 2020

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ARTS & CULUTRE

Morro Bay Plein Air Festival Kicks Off April 13 CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE MORRO BAY — The Morro Bay Plein Air Festival is open to professional and non-professional artists of all skill levels. We invite the public to watch the art evolve before their eyes, to participate in the evening activities and to purchase beautiful wet paint art pieces in silent and live auction fun.

Art Center Morro Bay, Morro Bay Tourism and Inn at Morro Bay have joined forces to present the inaugural Morro Bay Plein Air Festival, scheduled for April 13–16.

There are many ways to participate. Watch art demonstrations, take the two-day workshop, register to participate in the all-day “paint out,” enter a quick draw contest, attend a VIP party with silent and live auctions!

There will be awards and r i b b o n s f o r Pa i n t O u t a n d Quick Draw participants, silent and live auctions.

What is Plein Air? Plein Air means leaving the four walls of an indoor studio and painting in the wide-open outdoors. This style of painting was truly made into an art form by the French Impressionists with their desire to paint light and its ever-changing ephemeral qualities. This allowed artists the freedom to paint “en plein air,” which is the French expression for “in the open air.”

FREE: PLEIN AIR ART DEMONSTRATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ARTIST & INSTRUCTOR GUIDO FRICK APRIL 13, 3-5 P.M.

Don’t miss this art demonstration by international artist, Guido Frick at Art Center Morro Bay.

Born in Konstanz, Germany, Frick studied art in Prague Czechoslovakia. Frick teaches his Impressionistic style throughout Europe and the western United States. Capturing the mood with oil and watercolor he approaches each subject with bold and vigorous brushwork, using brilliant color. This event is free and open to the public.

WORKSHOP: PLEIN AIR STILL LIFE AND LANDSCAPE, WITH GUIDO FRICK APRIL 14 & 15

Day 1: Students will work on a still-life of choice while painting outdoors to capture the complexity of color working in sunlight. There will be an introduction and theoretical instruction followed by a demo, then students will paint.

Day 2: Students will paint a plein air landscape at a specified location in Morro Bay. A full

landscape demo will be provided.

Guido Frick will circulate giving personal instruction. At the end of each session, he will critique your work and give individual ideas and personalized help.

REGISTER FOR PAINT OUT APRIL 16, 8 A.M. – 2 P.M.

Spend the day at the plein air Paint Out, starting with a continental breakfast at Art Center Morro Bay. Registered painters will get their canvas stamped, pick up a swag bag, enjoy breakfast and head off to designated locations throughout Morro Bay to paint “en plein air” until 2 p.m. when the party moves to the Inn at Morro Bay located in Morro Bay State Park where the framed, wet paintings will be turned in by 3 p.m. for judging, awards and a silent auction.

VIP PARTY, QUICK DRAW, PAINT OUT AWARDS, AND SILENT & LIVE AUCTIONS AT THE INN AT MORRO BAY, APRIL 16, 4–8:30 P.M.

The VIP Party kicks this afternoon off with live music, wine and light refreshments along with a sneak peek and silent auction pre-bids of completed Paint Out works. Then this party rolls right into a Quick Draw competition throughout the elegant Inn at Morro Bay. Painters will set-up in various pre-selected locations. From there, the excitement continues with awards, prizes and a live auction of the Quick Draw works of art. Don’t miss this fun event! Pre-registration is required for the Quick Draw and recommended for all other events.

For more information please visit morrobaypleinairfestival.org. Art Center Morro Bay: (805) 772-2504.

Junk Journals: Workshop Coming to Art Center Contributed Article Morro Bay Art Association is proud to present a demonstration titled “Junk and Vintage Journal Making” with Colleen Ray. A junk journal is typically made with craft supplies, recycled paper, junk mail and found materials. A vintage junk journal is made with items from bygone eras, or made to look like they are by applying aging techniques. Vintage journals are often created around a theme and filled with visual and tactile interest as

opposed to stark, blank pages. The splashes of color, texture, pockets and tuck spots are filled with ephemera and create an inviting place to journal or draw, or stash things away.

Colleen will demonstrate how to make a simple folio style journal with vintage appeal that participants can easily make at home to use as a travel journal, a gardening journal, an affirmations journal, or art journal.

Join Colleen Ray as she shares these unique and wonderful journals. Each one, a work of art — and as distinctive and one-of-a-kind as its maker.

ELECTION 2020

Dawn Addis Sets Sights on California Assembly Seat

By MARK DIAZ FOR MORRO BAY LIFE

NORTH COUNTY — Being an educator, Morro Bay councilmember, co-founder of the Women’s March SLO and a local activist, Dawn Addis (D) is no stranger to having her voice heard. In November, Addis decided to use that voice to represent the California Assembly 35th District.

“When I look back at the last four years,” Addis said, “I have been active and advocating and really out in the public eye. I haven’t seen as much positive change as we would like to see on the Central Coast.”

Addis said that she doesn’t believe Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham adequately represents all of the Central Coast.

“When I think about social issues, the incumbent just doesn’t come out and stand up for the things that people on the Central Coast really believe in. We held a vigil after Charlottesville, a 1,000 people came out, and

our assemblyperson was nowhere to be found,” Addis said. Referring to the Aug. 12, 2017 incident when James Alex Fields Jr. deliberately drove into a crowd of peaceful protesters and killed 32-year-old Heather Heyer and injured 35 others.

Addis said that what she sees as limited representation does not end with social issues but extends to the scope of importance to the residents, including housing infrastructure and land conservation.

“I think on an economic level, housing infrastructure and then also on a social issue level, the person representing us just hasn’t been getting the job done. It’s important that we have someone who is really excited to show up and excited to understand what the needs are in the district.”

When asked how much difference could another liberal voice make in a state known for its progressive stance on social and economic CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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ADDIS

AWARDEES

CONTINUED FROM PG 6

CONTINUED FROM PG 2

face issues because of climate change, and we really need to make sure that we are doing everything we can, and of course, replacing the jobs as Diablo is decommissioned.” issues, Addis said that she believes that being Addis told Atascadero News / Paso heard is not a partisan issue.

Robles Press she had made a pledge not to “I don’t think it’s about liberal or conser- take money from “big oil” and “big tobacco” vative,” Addis said, “I think it’s more about and pointed out that the incumbent has somebody who is going to be in touch with received funds from Chevon, Phillip 66 and the district and bring that message to Sacra- Phillip Morris. She also said that she had mento to make sure that Sacramento is heard numerous complaints that Cunninglistening.” She continued, “It’s easy for Sacra- ham does not make himself available to the mento to overlook us, we’re people he is representing. not LA, we’re not San Fran“This is something that cisco, that’s why people live I have heard over and over here, but we need a strong and over again from people voice up there to make sure across the district that I talk that we get the support that to that they have called [him] we need.” and can’t get a callback…,” As a Morro Bay counAddis said. “There is a real cilmember, Addis said that serious issue in terms of being she had demonstrated her in touch and showing up for ability to represent the small the people who live here.”

DAWN ADDIS community. She was part of A ta s c a d e r o Ne w s / the implementation of the Paso Robles Press presented Water Retainment Facility and the begin- Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham the ning steps to conserve Dog Beach, a popular opportunity to be interviewed. Citing that stretch of land owned by Chevron, where dog the election is not until November, Cunningowners can let their animals roam off-leash. ham’s Chief of Staff, Nick Mirmar, declined As a councilwoman, Addis also approved an the invitation. emergency rental ordinance to protect resi“We’re currently in the opening days of dents from “unfair evictions” before the Tenant the 2020 legislative session up in Sacramento.

Protection Act (AB 1482) became active.

Jordan is focused on solving problems for the “It’s incredibly gratifying to know that I Central Coast and California in the State can be in touch with what the community Assembly, not a general election 11 months really needs and then make decisions that from now,” Mirman wrote. have an effect,” Addis said. She continued, To register to vote online, visit https:// “We have so many towns that are going to registertovote.ca.gov/.

forming it into the “Moose Jaw,” that eventually became “The Buoy Bar” that closed a couple of years ago but is being renovated once again.

He first went salmon fishing in 1982, fulfilling a calling from the sea that he’s always harbored.

He and Randy Kann, formerly a Morro Bay fisher, built an abalone dive boat and hunted sea mollusks for seven years from San Diego to Pt. Arena. He’s owned three fishing boats and his current one, the Aguero, he bought in 1997. His wife of nearly three decades, Trudy, herself from a fisher family, worked side-by-side with her husband for some 14 years and has supported his advocating on behalf of the fishing industry.

O ver the years, he’s found himself engrossed more and more in the politics of fishing, testifying before Congress, the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Fisheries Management Council, State Fish & Game and serving as the fishing representative during the Marine Protected Areas program’s run-up.

National Fisherman Magazine honored O’Brien in 2015 with a “Highliner Award” for his many years of advocacy for the fishing industry.

O’Brien has been a board member and past president of the Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Organization and sits on the Morro Bay Quota Fund board, despite

Morro Bay Life - February 2020 - 7 being initially against the “catch shares” system of allocating a limited local groundfish harvest. He’s also currently serving on the City’s Harbor Advisory Board, representing commercial fishers.

“Serving in these leadership positions,” Crawford said, “has given him significant experience and contacts within the commercial fishing industry, public agencies, other nonprofits and the business community, providing direct connectivity with the needs and perspectives of the Morro Bay region.

“Capt. O’Brien has over 30 years of fishing experience, directly or indirectly, in just about all west coast fisheries and is one of the most widely recognized representatives of commercial fishing in the state of California.”

The Chamber named San Luis Sports Therapy as the “Business of the Year.”

Located at the corner of Shasta Avenue and Harbor Street, SL Sports Therapy has been a staple of the local health care industry for many years, assisting an aged population with its aches and pains and recovery from injury.

Owner Michael Williams has volunteered his time for many years as an athletic trainer with Morro Bay High’s football program and to hold a successful annual fundraiser for the program.

The business has, in recent years, become involved with Operation Surf Camp, a nonprofit group that puts on beach camps for people with special needs.

For the past eight years, San Luis Sports Therapy has also held an annual fundraiser for the Surf Camp, raising an amazing $12,000 in one afternoon last summer.

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LOCAL NEWS

Podcast Brings New Attention to 23-Year-Old Kristin Smart Case

After all these years, it was old and faded; however, her shining face and deep brown In May 1996, the story of a missing Cal eyes were still evident. With the new inspiraPoly Student filled our news outlets and teletion that the podcast brings, a local printing vision screens. Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old company in Arroyo Grande, Brand Creative freshman from Stockton, Calif., had vanished West, donated a new sign that was installed over the Memorial Day weekend. After endless on Jan. 5. Along with the sign, the owners also searches, countless interviews, investigating donated bumper stickers and are working on one lead after another, the daily reminders other promotional items with hopes of bringstarted to lesson. Months turned into years, ing as much attention to Smart’s 23-year-old years turned into decades, and today, Smart case as possible. has been missing longer than she was alive.

The case took a turn on Sunday, January 23-years later, in late September 2019, new 19, when the Stockton Record released an artienergy was brought to the case. Chris Lambert, a cle that shared statements directly from KrisSanta Maria native, started looking into Smart’s tin Smart’s mother, Denise. According to the disappearance. With the lack of information he report, Denise Smart was recently contacted by found available on the case, Lambert decided he the Federal Bureau of Investigation, instructing wanted to do more and tell her story in a way her to “Be Ready” and to get a spokesperson for that had never been done before. the family for the information that will be shared Lambert is not a reporter or investigasometime soon will not be what is expected. tor by trade; he is a musician and a recording This hopeful information came just days engineer who has developed a documentary after Chris Lambert was getting ready for a that has reignited Kristin Smart’s case once sit-down interview with the lead detective on again. Through his podcast “Your Own Backthe Smart case (who recently used DNA to yard,” Lambert walks us through the chilling solve a 41-year-old murder.) Lambert also stated that he was inquiring about the anonymous source who told NEW INFORMATION POSSIBLY ON THE FOREFRONT him that the Sheriff had recovered According to a conversation between Smart’s mother and former FBI agent, San Luis Obispo’s vehicles related to the case. The new Sheriff’s office may be releasing new information soon with no confirmed timeline. A statement interviews and additional informafrom Kristin Smart’s family representative stated “Over the past few days, our family has been tion will be released in the upcoming overwhelmed with inquiries about the investigation. We sincerely appreciate the amazing support episode of the podcast. we’ve received and want to be clear that this is an ongoing investigation that is complex, fluid and continuing. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation and they It would seem that Lambert’s are not putting any timetable on the completion of it. We support the Sheriff Department’s efforts podcast is not only informing the and commitment. It is vitally important that they take the necessary time required. To clarify an community but igniting new leads important point about timing, there is no current timeline for any announcement. When the Sheriff’s on the 23-year-old case. The hope Department completes the investigation, they will notify all of us when there is news to announce. shared by many is that with the Thank you for your understanding and our shared interest in the ongoing investigation.” growing support and momentum,

By HAYLEY MATTSON

details of the night Smart disappeared and the events that transpired after. He gives us insight into the people closest to Smart, her family, by personal interviews with her parents Stan and Denise Smart, and her friends. The podcast highlights the questions that remained when the media stopped reporting as well as so much more.

Along with Lambert’s determination to tell Smart’s story, a loyal group of community members, both local and national, have been brought together by a special bond, a deep desire to bring Smart home. With tag lines like “Justice for Kristin” and “Warriors for Kristin,” the Facebook group “Find Kristin Smart” has over 16,000 followers. And at the helm, a few dedicated individuals such as Dennis Mahon and Sandee Burns-Hunt keep the fire burning. With daily conversation starters, candlelight vigils, and occasional get-togethers, group members have vowed never to stop fighting for Smart and her family.

One of the original billboards that reminded us that Smart was still missing is located on Branch Street in Arroyo Grande.

A Billboard in Arroyo Grande offers a reward for information regarding the disappearance of Kristen Smart.

Kristin Smart will finally be brought home.

We will share new updates as they come in weekly on The Paso Robles Press and the Atascadero News. You can find “Your Own Backyard” on your favorite podcast source.

To connect directly with the organization go to kristinsmart.org or join the Facebook group “Find Kristin Smart” Editor’s Note: The statute of limitations, in this case, has expired on everything except for murder, anyone who comes forward with any information will not be charged with any crime.

Contact San Luis Obispo Sheriff ’s office at 805.781.4500 or Anonymous Tip Line at 800.549.7867To connect directly with the organization go to kristinsmart.org or join the Facebook group “Find Kristin Smart” Editor’s Note: The statute of limitations, in this case, has expired on everything except for murder, anyone who comes forward with any information will not be charged with any crime.

Contact San Luis Obispo Sherriff ’s office at 805.781.4500 or Anonymous Tip Line at 800.549.7867

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Morro Bay Life - February 2020 - 9

CITY

Sewer Plant Project on Hold but Spending Continues

By NEIL FARRELL FOR MORRO BAY NEWS MORRO BAY — Spending on Morro Bay’s new sewer project passed another milestone, even as progress on breaking ground on a new treatment plant remains stalled in bureaucratic limbo.

At the City Council’s Dec. 10 meeting, in an update on the so-called “Water Reclamation Facility” or WRF, the total monies spent on the project since the City Council abandoned its previous project in January 2013, now tops $14.5 million ($14,579,794 through the end of October 2019), which is some 11.66 percent of the overall budget, now pegged at $125.9 million.

Add in costs for a previous project that was abandoned by the City Council in 2013 and ultimately denied by the Coastal Commission and the City has spent more than $16 million attempting to fulfill a mandate from the Regional Water Quality Control Board, to upgrade the treatment plant to full secondary treatment levels; and a mandate from the Coastal Commission to move it away from the coast to avoid “coastal hazards,” and in anticipation of sea-level rise due to climate change.

Last October, the latest chart shows, the City spent more than $1.5 million but a footnote to that line item said, “Monthly expenditures do not include invoices from the design-build team (Overland Contracting) or Program Manager (i.e., Carollo).”

Though it’s somewhat of a moving target, the project’s $125.9 million estimated total cost is the amount of money the ratepayers

This computer rendering of the City of Morro Bay’s proposed Water Reclamation Facility or WRF is part of the project’s Facilities Master Plan. The site is located above the northern terminus of South Bay Boulevard above Hwy 1. Photo courtesy City of Morro Bay

confirmed under a July 2018 Proposition 218 vote. The actual project might come in less than that. If costs run significantly over, another rate hike and thus another vote could be needed.

Meanwhile, the treatment plant, slated for agricultural lands above the northern terminus of South Bay Boulevard near Highway 1, remains in limbo, as two federal agencies — the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — work out the level of review required under the Federal Endangered Species Act. EPA has approved a loan for nearly half of the project costs under its “Water Infrastructure Finance & Innovation Act” or WIFIA loan program. EPA had approved the project’s environmental impact report and the project was anticipated to start last October, but a F&WS biologist slammed

the brakes on that when the agency officially disagreed with a conclusion that building the plant on seven acres of designated critical habitat for the threatened California red-legged frog, was more serious than the EIR indicated.

F&WS called for a “consultation” with the EPA on this aspect of the project and the two agencies have been discussing the matter since September. If a full consultation is ordered, groundbreaking could be delayed another couple of months. But that places the bids the City accepted for the plant in potential jeopardy.

City Manager Scott Collins said that the City is “still in discussions with EPA and USF&WS about the timing of completion of the review.”

Meanwhile, under the City’s Coastal Commission-issued permit, it must wait

to get “concurrence” with federal agencies before the permit goes into effect and the project can move forward.

But, Black & Veatch/Filanc’s contract to design and build the treatment plant — its so-called “guaranteed maximum price” or “not-to-exceed” price — officially ran out Oct. 31.

And while most City officials don’t seem too concerned, one councilman is expressing great concerns about the project.

Councilman Jeff Heller, who has been a vocal critic of the project since before being elected in 2018, said, “Unfortunately, and in spite of the years of hard work by well-intended elected officials, regulatory agencies, and concerned citizens, this project is in significant trouble.”

Meanwhile, a survey of underground utilities along the path of the project’s conveyance system is wrapping up. That work identifies where all underground utilities are located before the City starts tearing up streets to lay the pipes needed to move the waste flow some three miles to the new treatment plant and unusable wastewater back to be discharged into the ocean.

Also, to bring treated wastewater back into town where the plan is to inject it into the Morro Creek underground basin at a site off Atascadero Road where the City’s plans are to recycle it back into drinking water.

A large lift station is being planned for a vacant lot on Main Street next door to the Lemos Feed and Pet Supply store. That pump station is expected to be some 30-feet below the surface.

10 - Morro Bay Life - February 2020

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LIFE INTELLIGENCE

Relationships

VALENTINA PETROVA COLUMNIST

Everyone wants a great relationship.

Advice on the subject abounds online, in the bookstore, and in magazines. In a study conducted by Harris Interactive in 2018, 64 percent of Americans professed to be happy in their current romantic relationship. Which begs the question of why relationships only last, on average, just two years?

When asked about the secret of a long-lasting marriage, an elderly gentleman married for more than five decades, said, “When you want to leave, don’t!” I assume he excluded abuse and other forms of harmful misbehaving. It’s that simple.

When you want to leave, don’t.

Don’t leave because the grass seems greener through your phone. Put your phone down.

Don’t leave because you haven’t found yourself. You assume there’s something called “yourself ” in existence like a mushroom waiting to be found under a tree.

“Yourself ” is more like a cloud in the sky that goes from fluffy and cute to gray and thunderous and even rains and hails at

times. Put another way, get over yourself.

Don’t leave because your partner is not good enough for you. He or she was good enough a few months or years ago. How do you know that you are good enough for him/her? Perhaps the clutter of your respective baggage can be better organized for the benefit of both of you. You can even have fun in the process.

Don’t leave because you don’t know what else to do. Learn.

Consider that the reason your relationship is not awesome might be because you are not awesome. Relationships are not something you get for nothing. They make you pay for your selfish and inconsiderate ways by giving you grief and unveiling your inconsistencies. Be grateful and make yourself so awesome your partner would feel like they hit the jackpot. No one likes a whining, self-entitled liability.

Finally, a relationship is not something you tend to on Valentine’s Day only. It should go without saying, but obviously, it needs saying according to the above statistics.

And what of all the singles out there.

If single and looking, remember this on your next date: A date is a micro relationship. It’s from moment One that the two of you display your role preferences and set the stage for your future relationship if one should happen. What are you communicating, verbally and behaviorally?

Check your expectations. Are you adding value or mooching off the other person?

Would you enjoy taking yourself out on a date as you are?

Yes, all of the above applies to friendships of all sorts. If you can’t be a good friend to your good friends, you probably can’t be a good partner to a good partner.

Happy Valentine’s month!

Valentina Petrova has been helping people with life, health, relationships, f inancial, career, professional, and business challenges since 2015. She has a Master’s in Psychology and is a certif ied Life Coach. You can reach her at val@valentinapetrovaconsulting.com (805) 909-1401, and watch her at youtube. com/c/ValentinaPetrova

DOG BEACH CONTINUED FROM PG 4

District and TPL to pave the way for the City to receive the southerly portion of Dog Beach, with the intent of annexing it and preserving it for public use.

The CSD actually purchased two properties from Chevron — Dog Beach and a parcel on the eastern side of the highway where the CSD has a lift station.

As part of the CSD’s new sewer treatment plant project, which is being built now about a mile down Toro Creek Road, the CSD must double the capacity of that lift station to push its flow to the new plant, which is an 80-foot climb in elevation.

The CSD intends to carve out just the land needed for the lift station and eventually deed the remainder over to SLO County, retaining an easement for its pipeline.

The plan is for TPL to repay the CSD for the Dog Beach past and it will then be deeded over to the City.

T h e C h e v ron m a r i n e Te r m i n a l shipped crude piped from oil fields in Oildale and San Ardo to refineries in the Bay Area and Southern California from 1929 until it closed in 1999 with the completion of direct pipelines.

Though it never had a significant oil spill into Estero Bay in 70 years of operation, its closure came in the fallout of the infamous 1989 grounding of the Exxon Valdez oil tanker that fouled Prince William Sound in Alaska.

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Morro Bay Life - February 2020 - 11

12 - Morro Bay Life - February 2020

Making Communities Better Through Print™

CONNECTION, COMMUNICATION & COMMITMENT Knowledge is the foundation of solid decision making The Real Estate business is not a property business but rather a people business, because it is more than just a roof over your head. It is your home, your cherished memories, and your greatest financial assets.

Always good to have a point of reference.

Featured photo by Local Robin Shaver

If you are considering selling your home in the New Year, let’s connect soon!

The time is now to begin to prepare for the 2020 Real Estate selling season.

2019 Year End Local Real Estate Review City

Average Days on Market

Number of sales

Average Sales price

2019 vs. 2018

2019 vs. 2018

2019 vs. 2018

Atascadero

42

46

858

842

$512,500

$512,000

Cambria

71

149

302

342

$760,000

$685,000

Cayucos

109

100

114

126

$865,000

$890,000

Los Osos

41

39

348

348

$610,000

$578,000

Morro Bay

64

64

306

342

$665,000

$690,000

San Luis Obispo

46

42

1040

892

$725,000

$720,500

Pismo Beach

52

50

336

336

$890,000

$860,000

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