Morro Bay Life • October 2020

OCTOBER 2020 • MORROBAYLIFENEWS.COM

Photo by local photographer Dave Pabinquit

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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2 • October 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Through Print

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HAYLEY & NICHOLAS MATTSON publishers

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Hayley & Nicholas Mattson hayley@13starsmedia.com

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CONTRIBUTORS James J. Brescia, Ed.D Neil Ferrell Sarah Santana Sarah Stratman SLO County Human Trafficking Task Force Board Valentina Petrova Contact Us 805.466.2585

Visit our website! morrobaylifenews.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 product of 13 stars media .

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utumn is one of our favorite times of the year, cool air, crisp breeze, pumpkins, falling leaves, bring on the jackets, and hot apple cider!

This year, Halloween will look very different, as with all the other holidays and celebrations that have passed during the pandemic. As of going to press, we are still waiting to hear how trick or treating will go, but pumpkin farms are open, so please go and support our local farmers with your masks on and enjoy feeling festive!

Throughout this month’s issue, we share stories of our wonderful city, community members, non-profits, and businesses thriving amidst COVID-19.

On page 4, you can read how Surfing for Hope has introduced its firstever Survivor Surf Camp that will honor women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On that same page, you can read about the Central Coast Chapter of NAWBO annual event “Speak Out,” which is going to be available virtually this year; Sarah Santana gives us all the details.

As for the local candidate race for City Council, Neil Ferrell gives us his take on the Candidate Forum that was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and moderated by the League of Women Voters on page 8.

With each issue, our primary goal is “Making Communities Better Through Print” in September, we launched our “We the People” podcast “Making

Communities Better Through Communication.” Nic has a kitchen table conversation with special guests covering local topics and personal stories in a conversational format. You can listen to the daily shows at wethepeoplecast.com.

As a company, we value our community partnerships. Recently 13 Stars Media joined the San Luis Obispo County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Board. Our goal is to help bring awareness and to educate the community and help victims that you can read about on page 10. Together with the Board and our community, we can work together to abolish Human Trafficking one case at a time, and with your help, we will be able to achieve this.

We are living in a critical time, a turning point that will shape our future, our children’s future, and we will only be able to create one that we are all proud of, together.

So, as we all continue to walk through these challenging times and the upcoming election, please remember the support, love, and “in this together” that we all shared when we started this journey, because, at the end of the day, that is all that matters.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Morro Bay Life.

Please stay safe, share love, and be a good human.

Hayley & Nic

Morro Bay Life • October 2020 • 3

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce

PAGE A monthly showcase of Chamber programming and membership.

3

805.772.4467 info@morrochamber.org morrochamber.org

Putting a Spotlight on Businesses The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is putting a spotlight on local businesses who are working hard and adapting to the ever-changing environment. Spotlight Businesses are nominated and selected by fellow business owners in Morro Bay as a standout business with exceptional ownership.

Business spotlights recognize Chamber member businesses that provide a consistent, positive customer experience, are actively engaged in the community and demonstrate resilience during challenging times. Please help us in congratulating this month’s Spotlight Businesses by shopping, eating and or drinking at their establishments!

Dutchman’s Seafood House

Since reopening, Dutchman’s has adapted their restaurant in extraordinary ways to keep their business open, employees and customers safe, and to provide a positive dining experience for their patrons. Owner Paul Van Beurden worked tirelessly create a safe, yet enjoyable environment for diners, first inside and then by creating an outdoor patio to adhere to the new county health regulations. Thank you Paul and Team for your perseverance and commitment to excellence!

Goin’ Coastal

Julie Phillips is no stranger to change, as she moved her small, successful retail store to the heart of Morro Bay from Los Osos in 2019. During the pandemic Goin’ Coastal shut their doors until retail businesses were allowed to open again and has since established a rigorous set of cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of her staff and customers. The store is utilizing space on the sidewalk to show off some of their contemporary women’s clothing items and they are following state guidelines for retail occupancy by monitoring the number of customers in the store at a time. Thank you Julie and Team for keeping your doors open and everyone safe!

Skippers Brew Owners Shari and Karen purchased Skipper’s Brew in November 2019 and have been adapting to the seasonal shifts in tourism, a pandemic and their business model ever since.

Skipper’s Brew has provided a model for not giving up, as they’ve expanded not only their coffee offerings, but have brought in new pastries, merchandise (we could talk about their cool logo for days) and established partnerships that will provide new revenue streams. They also have a “skip it forward program” that allows people to pay for a coffee for someone less fortunate. Thank you Shari and Karen for being great role models in our community!

A Look Back

As we look back on just the last eight months, it has been a whirlwind of activity, obviously dominated by the adjustments to COVID19. We at the Chamber thought it would useful to look back on 2020 and to see what we’ve done on behalf of our members. So here goes: How many did you say???...During the initial phases of COVID19 we tore down the Chamber of Commerce’s information “Paywall” and reached out to as many businesses as possible to assess their status and help them through the crisis. Just over the initial months of the crisis Chamber staff and volunteers reached out and made 5,650 contacts with local business people and provided them with up to date and meaningful business information. These information channels included a special COVID-19 Resource Page (3,700 unique users, and growing), “Rock Solid” program stories (617 unique users), Facebook Page updates (5,600 followers), 28 direct emails to 471 email contacts, direct phone contact with 465 businesses including chamber members, hotels, restaurants, retailers and contractors, 450 incoming calls, 55 in-person consults and materials delivery, and 10 “Ask Me Anything” events with average attendance of 15 businesses.

Making the change, safely…The Chamber has been part of a regional blueprint to reopen safely during the COVID pandemic and continues to serve on the City Emergency Operations Committee to bring the business perspective to key decisions. CEO Erica Crawford continues to work alongside County supervisors, City Councilmembers and their respective staffs, in addition to her peers at neighboring Chambers and Economic Development agencies, to make sure that our business community’s needs are being met. By all measures, our members have stepped up to the challenge of keeping their employees and customers safe. The City has also risen to the occasion by being nimble and adjusting their operations to ensure public safety. It hasn’t been easy, nor perfect, but these actions have made an impact. At the time of this writing, Morro Bay has the lowest positive test rate (0.54%) of any beach community in the County, the second lowest in the County overall, and one-fifth of the Countywide average (2.9%)!! Please thank our local businesses, City Council and City staff for their efforts that put Morro Bay at the “head of the class”.

Making the visitor economy work for us…Our local economy came roaring back, with some merchants reporting exceptional sales. Most coastal towns were caught off guard with the volume of solid waste that resulted from the take-out only service, but the Chamber and City jumped on that, and many businesses report that they are condensing and compacting their own waste to address the volume. Our local residents don’t want to see excessive trash, nor do our visitors whose patronage keeps local business going and the City coffers filled. Visitors provide 70% of the local business volume, and 75% of the funds for our police and fire services. Thank them for their patronage, and ask them to come back. They have choices and we want them to choose Morro Bay! The data shows that there is not anything inherently unsafe or unhealthy about sharing our town. The overall fundamentals of the Morro Bay economy are strong. Morro Bay is clean and desirable for our valued visitors, and we have a dedicated workforce and skillful business people. Getting back to “normal” will require that we ER. THAN EV E R do a thousand different things better to get back to work and get back in business. It will start with supporting O M NOW R. each other. Shopping “small” and local. Eating at local restaurants. Thanking and helping our visitors. Giving TOGETHE outrageously good customer service. Being civil and supportive.

Oh, and we did some other stuff too…The Chamber Board, assisted by its Governmental Affairs Committee developed informed recommendation on the 2020 Vacation Rental Ordinance, Tidelands Lease Policy, Waterfront management, City Permit Processing, COVID19 recovery recommendations, recommendation to address the City’s fiscal issues and resources, review of the City’s Housing Element and strategy, and developed enhanced opportunities for our members to engage with City Council candidates. The Chamber also has the General Plan Update, Local Coastal Plan Update, Sign Ordinance Update and Zoning Ordinance Update in the middle of its radar e Than Ever. ess. Now Mor screen, pressing for local regulations that preserve the quality of the community AND make business sense. d Your Busin an u Yo r fo is Here of Commerce y Chamber Finally, these are serious times that require serious, dedicated people. The time for petty squabbling is over. The time The Morro Ba for arguing about progress is over. The Chamber is here to Catalyze growth, Convene leaders and influencer, and to Champion our strong community on behalf of our members and to the benefit of Morro Bay. ER.ORG RROCHAMB INFO@MO -Stephen Peck, Chairman, Board of Directors IP TODAY! MEMBERSH MM UN CI TY + CO

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4 • October 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

COMMUNITY

GOVERNMENT

SLO Food Bank Chosen as a 2020 Nonprofit of the Year

City Expands the Utility Discount Program to Help Those in Need, to Consider a Business Grant Program in October

STAFF REPORT SAN LUIS OBISPO — SLO Food Bank was selected as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year by California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) and Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham.

The SLO Food Bank is one of over 100 nonprofits that will be honored by their state senators and assemblymembers for their contributions to the communities they serve.

The SLO Food Bank believes everyone has the right to nutritious food. With reliable access to wholesome food, the Food Bank says people are all healthier, happier, and more productive community members. Their mission is to work with a network of community partners to alleviate hunger in San Luis Obispo County and build a stronger community.

It was discovered that the rate of hunger has more than doubled in SLO County, with some people finding themselves in need of assistance for the first time in their lives.

“On behalf of our entire family — our hard-working team, dedicated volunteers, allied nonprofits, and amazing network of supporters — we are incredibly honored with this recognition,” shares Garret Olson, CEO of SLO Food Bank. “This has been a defining moment in our history and a year of challenge, unlike any other. We are tremendously thankful to Assemblyman Cunningham for highlighting how our SLO Food Bank family rose to meet this challenge. Understanding that recovery for the majority of our neighbors in need will be measured in years rather than months, we appreciate the continued support of our compassionate volunteers and supporters because

STAFF REPORT

we simply could not do this without you.”

In previous years, a proclamation of this magnitude would be celebrated in the state’s capital. However, with the current social distancing and safety guidelines in place, a smaller-scale celebration will be held at the SLO Food Bank warehouse, 1180 Kendall Rd., San Luis Obispo, on Sept. 23, at 2 p.m. with key officials and SLO Food Bank staff and Board of Directors.

“The pandemic and shelter-in-place orders of the last few months have put nonprofits — usually hidden in plain sight — in the spotlight,” explains Jan Masaoka, CEO of CalNonprofits. “California Nonprofit of the Year is an opportunity for our elected officials to celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts, and for everyone to appreciate the collective impact of nonprofits in our communities.”

For the last five years, legislators from across California have chosen a Nonprofit of the Year in their district. Traditionally, Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector Assemblywoman Monique Limón (Santa Barbara) and CalNonprofits invited legislators and honorees to a celebratory luncheon on

California Nonprofits Day. This year, the June luncheon was canceled in response to the Shelter-in-Place orders, but legislators have moved forward with honoring nonprofits doing great work in their districts.

According to “Causes Count,” a 2019 report commissioned by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is the fourth largest industry in the state, employing more than 1.2 million people. Each year, California nonprofits generate more than $273 billion in revenue and bring in $40 billion in revenue from outside of California. The unpaid labor contributed by volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to 330,000 full-time jobs every year.

The SLO Food Bank is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, serving all of San Luis Obispo County through its direct food programs and network of agency partners. The SLO Food Bank distributes an average of 4 million pounds of food per year. Nearly half of the distributed food is fresh produce, including produce harvested locally by the GleanSLO program. To learn more about the work done by the SLO Food Bank throughout San Luis Obispo County, visit www.slofoodbank.org.

MORRO BAY - City Council approved enhancements to the City’s Utility Discount Program (UDP) for qualifying community members. Under the new plan, the discount for qualifying residents on their monthly water/sewer bills expands from 10% to 25% through the end of June 2021.

“We understand many folks in our community are struggling financially due to COVID-19,” said Mayor John Headding. “By expanding the UDP program, we are helping those who are likely in greatest need.”

The Utility Discount Program is available to Morro Bay residents who participate in Pacific Gas and Electric’s CARE program or So Cal Gas’ similar program. In April 2020, the City Council expanded the program’s eligibility to include those who lost their jobs or businesses as a result of COVID. City Council’s action on Sept. 22 unanimously affirmed the extension of this qualification criteria to June 2021 as well.

The City is one of only two water/sewer utilities in San Luis Obispo County to offer such a program. The program is separate from the General Fund and is not paid through water and

sewer rates.

Morro Bay is unique in that the City Council adopted a Utility Rebate program to residents of Mobile Home Parks and Apartment complex’s that are not individually metered.

Under this rebate program, income-eligible residents receive two bi-annual rebates totaling $150 a year or $12.50/month to help offset utility expenses. In uniformity with the expansion of the Utility Discount Program, the City Council unanimously voted to increase the Rebate under this program to $180 per year or $18/month, again with the intention of providing temporary COVID relief to the most in need members of our community.

Residents and Utility customers that may qualify for enrollment in either the Utility Discount or Utility Rebate programs and are not already enrolled are encouraged to contact the City of Morro Bay Account Clerks at (805)7726222 for assistance in registering for these programs.

In addition, the City Council directed staff to develop a business grant program to support those businesses impacted by COVID-19. Staff will bring back options to City Council in October 2020 for consideration.

EVENT

Surfing for Hope Foundation Introduces Survivor Surf Camp STAFF REPORT PISMO BEACH — The Surfing for Hope Foundation team recently unveiled plans for their first-ever Survivor Surf Camp to take place on Saturday, October 10.

Established in 2012, the Surfing for Hope Foundation (SFH) was created to help ease the difficulty of battling cancer through the healing powers of surfing and ocean life. The original event, the Surfing for Hope Longboard Surf Contest and Benefit Auction in 2012, was inspired by cancer survivor ‘Helmet’ Bob Voglin as a charity event to help return the support he received

during his own struggle.

Bob partnered with his oncologist, Tom Spillane MD, and others to help offer cancer patients’ financial support on the central coast. Over the years, through their annual surf contest, they have raised over $200,000 for the Hearst Cancer Resource Center, along with many other additional programs to help support those affected by cancer.

“With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we decided to make this camp open to women only,” Dr. Spillane shared.

The Foundation members made the tough decision to postpone their

popular annual surf contest and benefit weekend due to the pandemic and are proud to bring this series of cancer survivor small group summits to the community with a strong commitment to practice COVID-19 distancing guidelines.

This unique event will be on the shores of Pismo Beach and is open to women currently undergoing treatment or those who have completed their cancer treatment, as well as oncology health care providers. A day of yoga, beginner surf instruction similar to the SFH Pure Stoke Youth Program, and a gourmet luncheon will be provided free of charge to all

participants.

In addition, Dr. Spillane will lead a brief discussion on survivorship, including an update on breast cancer treatments and resources. This talk is open to the public, and registration to the retreat is not required to participate.

“As a volunteer for Surfing for Hope, I have seen first-hand how this camp brings so much hope,” said Lee Walton-Poepoe, a breast cancer survivor. As the SLO Oncology & Cancer Care clinical trial director, she encourages those that are facing cancer challenges to sign up and participate, “I want to see all of my fellow women cancer survivors join this camp because

of the healing power of the ocean is just amazing. Feel free to sign up with a girlfriend or two; they do not have to be a survivor themselves to join us.”

Due to the importance of safe social distancing, spots are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Find complete details on this unique opportunity to join other women for an informative and fun-filled day at surfingforhope.org/womens-cancer-survivor-camp.

Additional activities and camps for all people who have been affected by cancer will be announced in the months ahead.

Please visit surfingforhope.org for more information.

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6 • October 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

PUBLIC HEALTH

COVID-19 Update: Co-Chairs of Suicide Prevention Council of SLO County Address Mental Health, Suicide Prevention

Dr. Borenstein says State r beginning, business will be issuing guidance our for celebrating Halloween n people and their

By BRIAN WILLIAMS

depression and 11% reported having seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before the study.

The results are concerning given the tie between suicide and mental health conditions such as major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“It is true that we do not know the lasting economic, social and emotional effects that will be felt across the county in the months and years to come, so today I would like to leave you with some information that you can integrate into your daily routine to help make this world a more desirable place to live for yourself, for your loved ones and for your community. Because none of us are truly well until all of us are truly well,” Hendry said.

• Start by creating healthy boundaries for ourselves.

• Make sure that you have at least one moment to yourself daily to check-in. Check-in physically, how are you feeling?

• Check-in emotionally, how are you doing?

Write down what is going well and write down if something is difficult for you.

• If you notice a change of behavior in someone you care about or someone that is to you either through work or is a neighbor or otherwise, ask them about it, point the things out that you notice.

“Remind them you are asking because you care,” Hendry said.

• If you are experiencing emotional changes, reach out to someone you trust.

“It is often incredibly difficult to reach out, but it also incredibly brave,” Hendry said.

• Listen and listen again. Not every situation needs to be fixed. Sometimes people need to freely discuss what is bothering them and how it is challenging them. Validate their feelings.

“Acknowledge that life can be hard, their situation can be hard, but also that you are there for them,” Hendry said.

• Keep in mind that seeking mental health support is something that everybody can do.

Think of going to therapy as a mental exercise

well-being. It’s evident in mes, with decisions focused ng term, and crucial when SAN LUIS OBISPO — San Luis Obispo County Public Health’s weekly COVID-19 update included information about suicide prevention.

September is nationally recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. There were 49 suicides recorded in San Luis Obispo County in 2019.

San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department Suicide Prevention Coordinator Alysia Hendry and Clinical Director of Transitions-Mental Health Association of San Luis Obispo Meghan Boaz-Alvarez spoke Sept. 16 about suicide prevention. Both are also co-chairs of the Suicide Prevention Council of San Luis Obispo County.

“It is a time to collectively acknowledge that suicide is a leading cause of death in our country and in our county,” Hendry said. “And also a time to honor those we have lost to suicide along with their friends and families and everyone who faces the challenge of waking up everyday living with the pain that sometimes makes this world seem unbearable.

“Behavioral Health sees you and honors you and wants you to know that you are not alone,” she added.

Financial stress and social isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic are two realities impacting people and taking a toll on their mental well-being, leading some to suicide.

While no definitive data exists yet on suicide rates during the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study in late June on mental health, substance use and suicidal ideation in U.S. adults. The results showed elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19. Thirty-one percent of respondents reported symptoms of anxiety or

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or like taking a multivitamin.

• Build your mental muscles so that when adversity does present itself, or mental health challenge does arise, you are prepared to take them on. Resources are available for everyone who needs them.

• Believe that when someone is going through a crisis, it is very real for them. Even if it doesn’t seem that way to you. Fear, abuse, discrimination, mental health and substance abuse challenges, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, can often cause internal stress that others on the outside can’t always see.

“So, when someone is in crisis, believe them, support them, ask them how you can help them, and reach out for extra support if you need it,” Hendry said.

• Be a safe and trusted adult to our youth. Create an environment where youth feel comfortable and safe coming to you when they experience something difficult.

• If you know a transgender person, use their affirming pronouns. Research shows that this simple dignifying act saves lives.

• Help in reducing the stigma around suicide.

Take training or request a presentation. Get involved in the Suicide Prevention Council. Join the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Attend a National Alliance on Mental Illness support group. Donate to your local hotline.

• Start changing the way you talk about suicide.

“For example rather than saying someone ‘committed suicide,’ use the term ‘died by suicide.’” Hendry said. “This helps to promote stigma-free language that can help survivors and those struggling through their grief and recovery.”

Boaz-Alvarez said everyone is experiencing difficult and uncertain times.

“Individuals with mental health issues may have a harder time than usual,” Boaz-Alvarez said. “And people without any underlying mental health conditions might be finding themselves struggling with depression, anxiety or even just the effects of the ongoing isolation and discon-

nection from family and friends.

“Any one of us can reach a point where our resources are tapped or our ability to cope is stretched too thin,” she added.

Boaz-Alvarez provided some warning signs of suicide.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself; • Looking for a way to kill oneself; • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose; • Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain; • Talking about being a burden to others; • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs; • Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless; • Sleeping too little or too much; • Withdrawing or feeling isolated; • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and • Displaying extreme mood swings.

“What it really comes down to is if somebody close to you looks like they are struggling, take the time to reach out and connect and ask them, ‘Hey, are you OK?’ That simple act of saying, ‘I notice you seem like you are having a hard time, I’m wondering if you are doing OK’ — that reach out could save somebody’s life,” Boaz-Alvarez said.

Dr. Borenstein Addresses Halloween In addition to discussing the County moving into the red tier, SLO County Public Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein talked about Halloween.

“We learned that the state is planning to issue guidance for how to safely celebrate Halloween,” Borenstein said. “We do not want to tell our children and our adult children to not celebrate Halloween but we would like at this point knowing the state is going to come out with guidance to allow the state’s guidance to come first. When we have gotten ahead of the state in a number of situations, we’ve had to reconcile our guidance with state guidance. We thought the best thing to do since we still have some time is to wait on that state guidance and then build upon that in issuing any specifics that we might think are important for our local community.”

Morro Bay Life • October 2020 • 7

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Experience  Leadership  Vision VOTE to RE-ELECT

Dr. Headding for Mayor on November 3, 2020 WITH MY LEADERSHIP, WE HAVE…

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Strengthened City Finances: six years of balanced budgets while increasing reserves and decreasing pension liability; approved new cannabis businesses with cannabis tax structure to increase revenue; and won national awards—twice—for excellence and transparency in city finance.



Improved City Infrastructure: began construction on the new water reclamation facility (WRF); secured low interest federal and state loans decreasing WRF debt by over $30 million; funded our One Water Plan to repair sewer/water lines; continued street improvement projects citywide.



Increased City Communication and Citizen Engagement: improved agenda format and public comment for City Council meetings; created ad hoc citizen committees providing input on key issues such as vacation rentals, city finance, waterfront lease management, and planning and development; used social media videos to speak directly to residents of all ages.



Responded Rapidly to Covid-19 Pandemic: created Morro Bay Cares, R U OK, and “Be a Mask Hero” programs to keep residents safe; increased trash collection to keep the City clean; supported businesses by deferring payments and fasttracking permits; drastically cut expenses by $1.6 million then used reserves to balance the budget to protect public services in the face of devastating financial losses to the City; supported Measure E-20, a 1% sales tax increase on November’s ballot for voter approval, to protect critical city services such as 24/7 locally controlled public safety and infrastructure maintenance for the future.

IN MY NEXT TERM, WE WILL… 1. Complete Critical City Projects. We will finish what we’ve started including: construction and cost-control for the water reclamation facility (WRF), completion of the General Plan/Local Coastal Plan and the Zoning Code update, implementation of the short-term vacation rental ordinance and the new Harbor lease policy.

2. Expand Economic Development. We must strengthen and diversify our economy by focusing on: a new Market Street Plaza project, offshore wind farms while supporting fishing, a plan for the redevelopment of the shuttered power plant, and a post Covid-19 economic recovery plan for all business sectors.

3. Enhance Quality of Life. We can retain the small-town atmosphere that we value by: pursuing affordable housing projects; improving parking on the waterfront and downtown; expanding open space for recreation/conservation; protecting the environment and wildlife.

4. Listen to Your Ideas and Solutions. Morro Bay is stronger when we work together. We will welcome your participation: in the City goal setting process, on ad hoc committees and advisory boards, through social media and in person. Your voice matters!

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8 • October 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

ELECTION 2020

Differences Arise in Candidate Forum

JOHN HEADDING

JOHN WEISS

BETTY WINHOLTZ

LAUREL BARTON

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By NEIL FARRELL For Morro Bay Life

M

orro Bay’s council candidates squared off for the first time Sept. 24 in a virtual forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, with several distinct differences emerging between the hopefuls.

Held via Zoom, the forum focused on business matters with those participating asking or texting questions to the candidates.

The over 50 citizens who logged on were split into smaller groups, with each candidate being zoomed in and out of the chat rooms. Therefore the questions posed were not exactly the same for each person.

Asked why she wanted to be on the council, political newcomer Laurel Barton said she heard that incumbent Councilwoman Marlys McPherson was not seeking re-election, which “Left a pretty significant hole on the council,” Barton said. “I thought I could fill it.”

She said her biggest goal was to finish the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) being built now, noting that it has been “a source of great contention” in town.

What does she see Morro Bay being like in 2030? Barton said she thinks the town needs to turn its attention to workforce housing, decrying commuters’ morning exodus leaving town to work in San Luis Obispo, while an equal number that lives elsewhere drive into town to work. “That’s an area we need to work on.”

She expressed support for Measure E-20, a 1% sales tax hike that’s on the November ballot.

Mayoral challenger, John Weiss, was asked about E-20. “I do not support the one percent tax,” Weiss, who owns his family’s business Coast Electronics, said.

What would he do differently than the current mayor? “I would not rubber-stamp the 40-plus change orders on the WRF,” he said, referring to the June Council vote to approve change orders totaling some $5.9 million that raised the treatment plant’s construction costs to $74.9M. “I would be more critical on that.”

Faced with Coronavirus-linked drops in tax revenues, the City took a chainsaw to costs, laying off over 70 employees with the remaining workers taking pay cuts; and then dipping into the emergency reserves to balance the budget. Weiss was asked how would he handle the budget issue?

He noted that in Los Angeles, the government is furloughing employees for two days a month, which is helping that city bridge many millions in lost revenues. “We have a $1 million shortfall,” Weiss said. His furlough plan would cover that shortfall without having to raise taxes, he said.

Weiss was asked his position on reopening the economy? While admitting that as a mayor, he couldn’t override the Governor’s orders, he nevertheless supports getting back to work.

“I think the restaurants are hurting,” he said. “I go down and get takeout all the time to help them out. They are barely hanging on.” He believes that businesses could reopen safely adhering to COVID guidelines, as he has done with his business, which was declared an essential business and has remained open.

Mayor John Headding, running for his first re-election, said the budget issues predate the pandemic, but “COVID hit and brought a significant impact to the City.

From March to June, the City lost $1 million in revenues.”

He noted that 10 years ago, the City had 100 employees, 99 in 2019, and now that number is way down. “We’ve gone from 99 to 88,” he said. “Literally, there is nowhere else to cut except the police and fire departments. We need to add police services to ensure the safety of the community.”

He added, “From the inside-out, we are cutting into the bone.”

As for the future, Headding said he sees three opportunities to diversify the economy.

First, is the City working with Vistra Energy, owners of the power plant, on a battery storage facility that he said has the potential to bring in “$355,000 a year to the general fund,” through increased property taxes.

He sees the proposal to build a wind

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energy farm offshore as a second major opportunity for City revenues and jobs; and the third is to form a “harbor district” that would include a parcel tax on private property to fund improvements to the Embarcadero.

“A hundred dollars a year per parcel,” he said, “would raise $1 million. Right now, it’s zero and has been for over 10 years.”

Former Councilwoman Betty Winholtz was also concerned about the WRF, and the cost increases already approved. “The oxymoron of that ‘maximum guaranteed price’ is going to be changed again,” she predicted.

She opposes the sales tax hike. “I’ve come out against the 1% sales tax because it’s a regressive tax.” She explained that sales taxes hit lower-income residents harder because it’s a larger percentage of their incomes.

She said the City could move City Hall into the second floor of the community center, sell the current site (at Harbor and Shasta), or lease it to someone that would redevelop the site, emphasizing affordable housing.

She was asked her feelings on the school district’s plans to build affordable housing at Morro Elementary?

Winholtz recalled that the district had broached the idea after it closed the school (when she was on Council), and the Quintana Family that sold the property specifically for a school site (being paid a $20 gold piece) has claims on the land. “The City knows it, the school district knows it, and many people in the community know it,” she said.

She favors preserving the historic main school building that dates back to the early 1930s.

Council candidate Richard Sadowski said he is “adamantly opposed” to the sales tax hike, calling it a “knee-jerk reaction” to the COVID revenue losses that hurt lower-income people and the business community.

As to the budget, Sadowski said the City had taken $1 million out of reserves “to make the numbers look good before the election.

And that’s not good.”

He supports Weiss’s furlough idea. “The hard truth is that we’re coming up to some

Business & Services d

We Come To You!

ROBERT “RED” DAVIS RICHARD SADOWSKI

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After nearly three decades of service, the Coffee Pot Restaurant is closing, enabling owner Gordon Lu, to begin a well-deserved retirement. The restaurant has been a favorite of locals and a draw for visitors from other states and nations eager to meet the author of Double Luck. Amongst the many photos and awards on the restaurant’s walls is an especially valued certificate from the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce recognizing Gordon as a national treasure. His feelings are the same for his home city and the many customers that have become part of his local family. He is extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to live and work in such a remarkable community. Special thanks to his crew for years of exceptional service.

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tough times and tough decisions to be made.”

He believes the City has five basics functions — police and fire protection, providing drinking water, handling the town’s sewage, and maintaining the streets.

He supports taking a pause on the WRF, “And make sure the citizens are getting the best value for their money. We need to stop this runaway train.”

Incumbent Councilman Robert Davis said he supports the Harbor Departments recently started a pilot program to rent out RV camping spaces at three sites around the waterfront. “I support it on a temporary, trial basis,” Davis said. Often times, “Things look good on paper, but you have to try it out and see how it works.” He will reserve judgment until the pilot project ends in January.

He supports E-20. “I support E-20 because I think it is critical to our City’s survival,” he said. “Without additional revenues, our city is in danger of not surviving. If we’re not able to provide the basic services of health and safety to our residents, we are not a city.”

He disputed the City has a budget shortfall, explaining that the budget is balanced, after cuts and spending $2 million of reserves, a situation he said could not continue.

He noted that the City is currently having appraisals done on all the various properties it owns around town, but that selling unneeded properties wouldn’t be a long-term solution.

He likes the school district’s plans for Morro Elementary. “I am excited to explore that,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to build higher-density housing in the center of town.”

He added that such affordable housing could possibly attract young families to town.

“We need young families,” he said, “to rejuvenate ourselves.”

Voting in San Luis Obispo County is slated to start on Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 31) and continue daily to Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Voters should be receiving ballots in the mail in early October. A ballot box will be set up at City Hall, and the community center will be the lone polling place in town.

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Morro Bay Life • October 2020 • 9

10 • October 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

BUSINESS

Local Business Owners Speak Out

SARAH SANTANA COLUMNIST

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or many, 2020 has resulted in loss of income, some may even feel they have lost faith in our medical system, and some have gone to the extreme and have lost trust in our government.

Because of 2020’s challenges, it’s crucial to continue to hold events like SPEAK OUT. The Central Coast Chapter of NAWBO has decided to move forward with its annual event, SPEAK OUT. There’s a time and place where business owners can be vocal, and this is it.

Our goal is simple at this event: to provide a space for business owners to SPEAK OUT about what they need from local government

officials to support the success of their business.

SPEAK OUT is a non-partisan event.

Businesses will be given the opportunity to SPEAK OUT on topics impacting small businesses, like Coronavirus impact lending, Local & State Ordinances, Long Term Energy Reliance - Access to Capital, and Water Resources.

Ticket prices vary from $5.00 to $200. Free tickets available for those experiencing extreme hardship.

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Central Coast California promotes, supports, and educates women business owners in achieving success.

The event will be held virtually on Friday, October 16, at 5 p.m. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What I’m most excited about is the opportunity to share with the Central Coast what NAWBO has been doing across the country. Elle Patout serves as the national chair in Washing D.C., and she will be providing a national update along with Vikita Poindexter, who serves at the current President of

Sarah Santana (right) attending the 2019 Central Coast Chapter of NAWBO annual event “SPEAK OUT.”

the California Chapter. Both with be giving updates on our advocacy efforts at the state and national level.

Your elected officials who have RSVPed: Heather Moreno Atascadero Mayor, Erica Stewart SLO City Council Member, Miriam Shah Grover Beach City Council, and Dan Shadwell, who is seeking the position of Mayor in Pismo Beach.

Thank you to our Corporate Partners, who support local women business owners and helped our chapter become one of the fastest-growing in the nation.

Silver Sponsors -SoCal Gas, Tim Mahoney, and Bank of America, Stephanie Smith.

Bronze Sponsors - Ameritas Investment Corp, Beth McGill, CPFA, Avila Traffic, Kellie Avila, Community West Bank, Shannon Martin, Idlers Home, Jennifer Idler, Spectrum Charter, Lisa Ludovic, Dolphin Bay Re-sort, Erica Krueger and Edward Jones, Victoria Sexton.

More information, including online registration, is available at eventbrite.com/e/ s pe a k - o u t - p r e s e n te d - by - n a w bo - c e n tral-coast-californiatickets-119646456773.

BUSINESS

Libertine Pub Gets 3-Year Lease

By NEIL FARRELL For Morro Bay Life MORRO BAY — Morro Bay’s popular brewpub, The Libertine, will continue for at least 3 more years after signing a new, interim, master lease for its location on the Embarcadero.

The craft brewpub, located at 801 Embarcadero, with a huge offering of craft beers on tap and food, had its future blurred somewhat when the master leaseholder of the tideland’s trust property, Burt Caldwell, informed the City that he wanted to turn back the lease and had given up trying to redevelop the lease site.

“As many of you know,” reads a June letter to the City from Caldwell, “I’ve had numerous plans in front of the City over the past five years at the cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I’m at a stage of my work career being 73-years old where another plan just is not attractive.”

He added that the Coronavirus Pandemic response that shutdown all non-essential businesses (initially including restaurants, bars, and pubs) and the loss of rents from a closed sub-lessor added to his decision to let the property go back to the City.

Caldwell had held the master lease since 2006, when he and Rose’s Landing owner Doug Redican, proposed to develop a conference center, retail shops, and small motel. That was in response to the City’s long-time efforts to get a conference center built in town.

That project, approved by the city council, was drastically changed by the Coastal Commission, which cut the 2-story building down to one, in order to protect the view from the Centennial Parkway next to Dorns. This even though the

current building is two stories.

A second and third attempt to redevelop the site never really got off the ground; the lease ran out this month.

Libertine, which opened in October 2015, purchased the microbrewery business that Caldwell had built, Embarcadero Grill, and eventually expanded into the street-side former retail space that had been Southern Port Traders for decades.

The City still wants the site redeveloped.

“This term will allow sufficient time for Newton [Eric Newton, Libertine owner] to submit a redevelopment plan and the City to evaluate that plan,” Endersby said. “If the City Council decides not to accept Newton’s plan, then time will still be available to put the site out to receive proposals, based on a request for proposals [RFP ] and for the City to pursue that RFP process

Under the terms of the new lease, Libertine will pay the City a minimum rent of $32,000 a year, which Harbor Director Eric Endersby said would be $4,000 more a year than they were getting under the former lease terms.

As with other new leases, when revenues go past a certain threshold, the City would switch to a percentage of gross receipts — 3% for restaurant/dining, 5% for fast food/convenience food, 10% for bar/lounge and beer, and wine, 5% for retail sales, 10% for boat tie-up and 5% for all other uses,” according to Endersby’s staff report.

“Since this lease site has never had a percentbased master lease before,” Endersby said, “it is unknown what the percent rent-generating capacity may be.”

while retaining Newton as the interim tenant.”

There was no change to the potential uses on the site — restaurant and foodservice, bar and retail sales, an “allowance for use of a dock for commercial and pleasure vessels and including passenger-for-hire vessels.”

The site currently has traditionally only had a floating dock, and boat slips would presumably be part of a redevelopment project, in keeping with the City’s desire to develop the water lease sites along with the shore sites.

Until “no later than September 30, 2021,” Libertine has” to submit a conceptual plan for the site’s redevelopment. That plan needs to include: long-term vision for the premises to include proposed new building type, size, uses,

and operations, including sufficient plan drawings and renderings to show the basic layout and visual aspects of the plan.

The City wants a redevelopment timeline included, plus a plan for financing.

Caldwell’s most recent proposal was to expand the existing building into the street end and put in motel rooms on the building’s second floor.

That’s what was called for in the City’s now-dead Market Plaza plan. That plan encompassed the redevelopment of the City’s Market Avenue property, the Centennial Stairway, and Parkway (including the Giant Chessboard) and going down to the water’s edge.

It would have eliminated the street end parking and turned it into a public plaza and built a huge motel-retail complex on the parking lot across the street.

The City has gotten a few bites on what would be a major redevelopment, but no takers have been announced to date. The building on the bluff is now leased by Ciano Real Estate.

Asked what the City expects to be done with Libertine, Endersby said, “Personally, I would expect a full tear down — the building is pretty tired. But we will see what the Libertine folks’ vision is. We will be more actively involved on this one, as opposed to the past attitude of ‘What do you want to do?”’ This time we will be more involved in the visioning part.”

Libertine will also be on the hook for payment of rents that the City deferred as part of its local pandemic response. Caldwell’s letter said he was getting $4,800 a month, with some $2,300 going to the City. The $32,000 minimum rent is based on 8% of the “current appraised values.”

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Morro Bay Life • October 2020 • 11

12 • October 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE s a n lui s o b i s p o coun t y

Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Collaboration Aimed at Serving Victims and Prosecuting Human Trafficking Cases Members are committed to prevention, identification, disruption and prosecution of human trafficking crimes

By SLO COUNTY ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE BOARD

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orld Day against Human Trafficking, observed on July 30, has our community thinking, talking, and posting about human trafficking’s impact on our communities and what we can do to abolish it. This is huge. San Luis Obispo County has an Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and a Counter Human Trafficking Team.

Both groups want to be sure that our community has access to relevant and accurate information about what human trafficking looks like on the Central Coast while providing resources and the ability to help in the fight.

Our goal is to educate the community, help victims, and hold traffickers accountable, and we need your help.

Human trafficking takes place all year long, and the goal of abolishing human trafficking deserves our attention day in and day out.

Human trafficking takes no holidays and is not deterred by a pandemic. Many statistics show that human trafficking has spiked with the onset of COVID-19. Human trafficking knows no geographic border, affects all socioeconomic statuses, and is a societal problem.

We all have the capacity to fight in some form.

Human trafficking is a lucrative and profitable industry with surprisingly low risk. It is a crime that continues to flourish despite the Task Force and law enforcement entities’ recent efforts to intervene and stem the tide of exploitation.

Human trafficking is often referred to as a form of “modern-day slavery.” This description is given based upon the forced exploitation of another human. It involves the use of force, fear, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex.

In 2000, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act was passed, and human trafficking was clearly defined into two categories: labor trafficking and sex trafficking. Labor trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion. An example would be forcing someone to work long hours without adequate compensation in inhumane conditions. Locally, sex trafficking is the most prevalent of the two.

Sex trafficking is defined as a commercial

sex act (forced prostitution) induced by force, fear, or coercion, or when any individual under the age of 18 is forced to perform such acts.

While both sex trafficking and labor trafficking deserve intervention and disruption, commercial sexual exploitation has been the primary focus of local counter-trafficking efforts.

Human trafficking is not the same as human smuggling. Human trafficking is a crime against a person, while human smuggling is a crime against a border. Key differences are that there are a border and transportation involved in smuggling, and the actions of people involved are generally voluntary.

Conversely, sex trafficking involves a person, no border crossing is required, exploitation is a key component, and the victim’s involvement is not voluntary.

What does all of this mean to the Central Coast, and what is being done to combat this cruel and heinous crime?

For starters, it should be recognized without a doubt that human trafficking is present and thriving on the Central Coast. The face of human trafficking is neither what was portrayed in the movie “Taken” starring Liam Neeson, nor is it the glamourous life of a prostitute depicted by Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman.” While there is a low likelihood of our children being kidnapped off our local streets and being forced into sexual servitude, families should still be aware of the dangers of human trafficking and the predatory nature of the traffickers. As parents, neighbors, coworkers, and friends, we need to know our communities are not immune to predators, whether they are homegrown, on the internet, or merely passing through town. A goal of our community should be to make it undesirable for traffickers to operate here. Generally, the crime of human trafficking has been under-identified and under-investigated.

This is because human trafficking is an evolving and developing area in the law, and until the past few years, it has not been properly and consistently identified for what it is — a crime. Training for law enforcement and the community has increased recently. A paradigm

shift is taking place within the law enforcement community where “sex workers” are handled as victims, rather than perpetrators.

The traffickers are now the true targets.

In terms of labor trafficking, only 4% of law enforcement personnel have ever investigated the crime of labor trafficking. Sexual exploitation and trafficking have become more of a focus within the law enforcement community.

However, like labor trafficking, it is still often under-investigated in many regions despite efforts to make it a priority. Staffing and resources are typically the biggest hurdles.

The good news is that training, education, and enforcement is increasing. Now more than ever, multi-disciplinary collaborations and collaborative investigations are being made locally and nationwide.

Why does human trafficking thrive on the Central Coast?

It is our geography, affluence, and relative safety. Our location is convenient. We are halfway between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. There are major highway arteries connecting the Central Coast to the Central Valley and big cities like Sacramento. Many of the victims that are brought to the Central Coast come from these larger communities.

San Luis Obispo County is a natural travel corridor for sex trafficking and a lucrative destination due to the Central Coast’s relative affluence and the fact that many residents have disposable income that can be spent on prostitution services. Sadly, the Central Coast has become part of a statewide “circuit” that traffickers utilize while trafficking victims throughout California. The Central Coast is relatively safe, causing traffickers to believe they can operate free of competition or worry of detection. Most people would be shocked and saddened to know how simple it is to procure prostitution services in our communities.

All of this begs the question: What is being done?

In 2014, the San Luis Obispo County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was formed. Since its inception, the task force has gathered individuals from countless disciplines

to educate the community, develop resources for victims and those at risk of being exploited, and ensure that human trafficking instances are investigated.

In mid-2019, a partnership was forged between the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and the Sheriff ’s Office. At that time, a Counter Human Trafficking Team was formed with two full-time detectives assigned to investigate human trafficking proactively. In the last year, numerous investigations have been launched to disrupt the supply and demand side of the human trafficking market in San Luis Obispo County. These investigations have resulted in the rescue of victims, apprehension of purchasers and traffickers, and the formation of community relationships that will hopefully aid in the abolishment of human trafficking in our communities.

To further aid our community, this introductory column is being written to expose the reality of human trafficking. Future topics for our monthly column going forward will include the pimping, prostitution, and human trafficking subculture, social media concerns, a look into human trafficking investigations, and pornography’s link to human trafficking.

There is work yet to be done, but we’re off to a good start.

To email questions or ideas on future topics that you would like the SLO County Human Trafficking Task Force Board to address, email us at taskforce@13starsmedia.com

FOR RESOURCES ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING, THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED:

(These organizations collaborate directly with task force investigators) • DeliverFund – deliverfund.org • Resilient Souls – resilientsouls.org • North County Abolitionists – nocoabolitionists.org • The National Human Trafficking Hotline – 1-888-373-2373

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Morro Bay Life • October 2020 • 13

14 • October 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

EDUCATION

LIFE INTELLIGENCE

Pandemic Relationships

Flexibility, Patience, and Kindness JAMES J. BRESCIA, Ed.D County Superintendent of Schools

T

his academic year I am starting with a focus on flexibility, patience, and kindness. Our country is dealing with a pandemic, hurricanes, fires, economic challenges, political strife, and general stress. When we join together in collaboration and sincere compassion, we are better humans.

Winston Churchill said, “All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.”

Despite the challenges we all face because of COVID19, it has been positive to see students back at school this fall. The enthusiastic energy and dedication are evident even though we cannot see the smiles in-person. We learned a great deal from the nearly instant transition to virtual learning last spring, and our schools are better prepared this fall to deliver distance learning.

The beginning of any school year is one of invention, imagination, excitement, and possibility. This year is no different, except we have a blend of anxiety and caution to consider. The daily news, political unrest, social issues of race, and equity all cause

stress. There is no roadmap for the complications we face this year, and we must remember the three words, flexibility, patience, and kindness.

When I taught middle school, my students and I held a class meeting at the beginning of each term and completed agreed-upon social norms for the classroom expectations. This clarification of expectations allowed us to move forward positively with mutual respect. I ask that we all consider a set of expectations that include flexibility, patience, and kindness

We can uplift each other with some simple suggestions, such as assuming positive intention, listening to understand, and speaking to be understood. Therapists indicate that when we put some of these techniques into action during times of stress, our long-term wellbeing is enhanced. Now is the time to work together to create our best possible future.

We must face the challenges that confront us by leaning into one another for comfort, support, and encouragement.

Consistent communication and checking for understanding are vital when we cannot read social and body language cues because of COVID19. Sprinkle a little joy into your Zoom and online conversations. Between the stress of this pandemic and recent civil unrest, compassion is a critical component in harmony. One of my personal goals is to remember that when I have a choice between having the last word or being kind, I choose kind.

Our community has stepped up and shifted how we do business to accommodate our current reality. The innovation, perseverance, and grace I have seen so many in our county demonstrate is genuinely remarkable. The willingness to revisit how we do things will be the hallmark of this new school year. It is an honor to serve as your county superintendent of schools.

Thank You, San Luis Obispo County!

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without words – and never stops at all. ~ Emily Dickinson in all of our actions as we move forward.

A higher purpose calls us together as members of a family, school, or community. We have a stake in both our individual and collective wellbeing. How we treat each other in times of stress is sometimes more telling than how we treat each other during less stressful times. Recognizing that the individual choices we make have a direct impact on those around us can reframe our sense of obligation for others. Each of us has the power to extend goodwill as we join together in community.

LAST WORD

I Can No Longer Stay Silent

By SANDRA STRATMAN COMMENTARY

I

can no longer stay silent.

I have been mostly quiet on social media when it comes to protests, rioting, and all the horrible things we are witnessing right now. If I say something in support of Law Enforcement, I’ll be told I don’t support POC (which I do).

If I say something in support of POC, I’ll be seen as anti-law enforcement (which I’m not). But today is different. I can no longer stay silent. Today I stand up and speak out. Not for a specific race and not for a specific group of people... I stand up for all of humanity.

The quietness stopped when I read about the two L.A County Sheriff ’s Deputies who were shot this past weekend. My heart sank, and tears rolled down my eyes when I heard the news as I come from a law enforcement family.

My family signed up to “protect and serve” and we are well aware of the risks.

But it still hits too close to home knowing we could be the ones getting the knock on the door.

My heart sinks similarly when I hear of a suspect being shot by an officer because justified or not...a life was lost, and there is a family out there mourning that loss.

It also sinks, knowing that any shooting by an officer, justified or not, exacerbates the issues we face, making both sides feel unsupported.

But what made this one different is the fact that a line was crossed when protesters gathered around the hospital where the deputies were being treated. They tried to break in, and they chanted, “I hope they die!” It’s one thing to protest, but my God…

where is our heart for humans? When an officer wrongfully shoots a person, you do not see them trying to break into the victim’s house/hospital and chant, “I hope they die!” So why is it OK for people — not even involved in the L.A deputy shooting — to show up and try to break into the hospital chanting, “I hope they die”?

As I was trying to make sense of this, I reflected on how my Cuban-born mother and Mexican-born father raised me. They came here because America was the land of opportunity. My mother worked in corporate America and later became a state-certified translator. My dad became a police officer and was involved in his community.

He was respected not only for the job he had but for treating everyone with dignity — even the bad guys. They taught us to work hard and be grateful for the opportunities given to us in the “Land of the Free.”

They taught us morals, respect, and dignity.

They taught us to give back to the community and get involved. They taught us not to watch things go by but to instead make things happen.

After reflecting on how I was raised and reflecting on this weekend’s tragic shooting of officers, I keep asking myself the following questions:

Where did our morals go? Where did respect for humankind go? Where is our country going? Are we no longer the Land of the Free?

As parents, are we being too easy on our kids? Are we forgetting that our job as parents is to raise independent, respectful, and contributing members of society? Are we forgetting that no matter what demographic, we can all succeed? Are we giving in to the pressures of evil that is out there because it’s an easy way out? Are we talking about doing our part but not acting on it?

And finally… will the riots ever stop?

I’m sad, I’m angry, and I’ve been in tears about this, but I came across a quote that gave me hope: “We are made for goodness. We are made for love. We are made for friendliness. We are made for togetherness. We are made for all of the beautiful things that you and I know. We are made to tell the world that there are no outsiders. All are welcome: black, white, red, yellow, rich, poor, educated, not educated, male, female, gay, straight, all, all, all. We all belong to this family, this human family, God’s family.” ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu I hope sharing these wise words will bring forth compassion and empathy for all and inspire others to get involved to be the change we so desperately need because enough is enough! In the meantime, I will continue to pray for God to seep into the hearts of those so bitter and angry as well as for the peacemakers trying to make change.

Sandra Stratman is a Central Coast resident and independent columnist for Morro Bay Life.

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VALENTINA PETROVA COLUMNIST

ix months of COVID reality, we feel the need to be closer to others. Instead, we social distance from friendships that provided emotional support and reprieve from daily stress, miss elderly parents, struggle with childcare while working from home, and painfully agitator over details of safety, financial security, and the general, amplified uncertainty of the times.

For people still going to work, the need to earn a living must be reconciled with the danger of exposure to the virus, bringing it home, and passing it to family members. Costly care for the sick, dwindling savings, inadequate insurance, and lost wages all add up to a financial mess exacerbated by fear, grief, and arguments. Single folks feel restless and alone—the elderly, vulnerable. Couples struggle to remain together, forced to share space, and recon with the challenges of their relationship.

To be sure, COVID did not create vulnerable people. It did not break up couples. Instead, this pandemic exposed the weaknesses in our lives and forced us to deal with them.

If you spent every penny before the pandemic, the financial insecurity is killing you now, especially if you can’t work and have a family. Financial disagreements strain relationships as partners prioritize differently and blame each other. Being single and financially strapped can feel like a huge burden beyond your personal shouldering capacity.

If you relied on childcare and schoolteachers to raise your children, now you know what it takes to do it yourself, especially if you and your partner share different attitudes and strategies for parenting. If you went to your friends for happiness, distraction, and connection instead of your significant other, now, forced to spend time together, you are captive to annoy each other.

You may be distraught to learn the political views of your relatives or find yourself in a different category of self-care and concern for the virus.

Confused by the politicization of a health emergency, you may be avoiding people to avoid arguments, criticism, or defending yourself, suffering isolation to prevent a fight while feeling angry at people who you used to like and may even rely on.

Now is the time to take an honest look at all your important relationships. Use this pandemic as a catalyst for transformation and lay the foundation of a better future. There will be two kinds of people emerging from this collective experience – the victims of circumstances and those who choose to evolve. Which one are you going to be?

The only way out is through. Through the discomfort of knowing your weaknesses and challenges, and then, through the discomfort of trying to do better. Change your behavior, evaluate your priorities, consider your relationships, and emerge a better person, better equipped for adversity, in better relationships, with better children, and a resilient frame of mind.

Examine every close relationship. Is it savable?

Should it be saved? If so, what should it look like? Honestly communicate your needs as you compassionately put yourself in the other’s shoes, discuss what has to change. Speak your truth with a grain of salt. Listen to others with an open mind.

Stay flexible. Remain objective. Being critical is easy. Productive discussions are another matter, especially with people who drove you craze these last six months. Seek help. Life coaches like me and mental health professionals are always standing by.

Strong, healthy relationships will help you live through this. The opposite will destroy you.

Valentina Petrova is an independent opinion columnist for Morro Bay Life; she has a Master’s in Psychology and is a certified Life Coach. You can reach her at val@valentinapetrovaconsulting.com.

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Morro Bay Life • October 2020 • 15

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Check out your coverage at t-mobile.com/coverage-map Coverage not available in some areas. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information.

T-Mobile, the T logo, Magenta and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2020 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

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WELCOME TO AN EVEN BIGGER, BETTER NETWORK

16 • October 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

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