The November chill is in the air as we head into our second to last month of 2022. Look ing back over the last year we have so much to be grateful for. A lot of hard work, dedication and grit has been put into the last three years. So much of it was learning how to be flexible, creative and resourceful so that we could get where we are today.
The communities around us shape who we are — which is why it is so important that we get involved where we can. The elections are a perfect place to start, on November 8 be sure to cast your vote or mail in your ballot. Every vote makes a difference.
This month we celebrate Armistice Day, taking time to stop and remem
ber all those who served in “the war to end all wars” and every war since. Armistice Day was set aside as a day to remember the cost of war, the trea sures of freedom, and the purpose of peace. This year once again you can attend one of the several Veterans Day events in remembrance of the cost of war and the peaceful purpose.
As we take the time to gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving we can remember what it truly means to be thankful for all that we have, for the place we get to call home and the people we hold dear.
We are grateful for all of our adver tisers and to each one of you who read our publications, and support the wonderful people we have in our community. You make a difference, we are able to employee an incredible group of professionals and do what we all love to do each day which is strive to always Make Communities Better Through Print.
We wish you all a very warm and plentiful Thanksgiving and November. We hope enjoy this months issue of Morro Bay Life.
If you know of a business or non-profit that deserves a spotlight, please send your nomination to our Ambassador’s Committee for review by emailing Lynsey Hansen at lynsey@morrochamber.org.
The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is putting a spotlight on local businesses! 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 CONGRATULATE these businesses on their spotlight award by visiting their establishments, purchasing their products or services, and leaving good reviews online.
Each year the Chamber membership is invited to vote in an election for the Board of Directors. Our organization is proud to present the 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS (listed in alphabetical order).
JEFF ECKLES BRAD EVANS CHERISE HANSSON JIM LEWAN JUDY MAHAN ANNA PATEL STEPHEN PECK RAY RIORDAN JUDY SALAMACHA ANNE STEINHAUER DEAN SULLIVAN GLORIA ZION
These directors, alongside Directors Sophia Tolle and Aaron Young (2020-2022), will spend a full day this November in strategic planning with a focus on reaffirming the values and mission of the organization.
In this way, we preserve the institutional memory of the Morro Bay Chamber and ensure that we continue to meet the needs of our members in the years to come.
MORRO BAY — With three seats on the Morro Bay City Council — Mayor and two coun cil members — up for grabs on Nov. 8, Morro Bay Life sent a half dozen questions about current and future issues to the candidates.
Each candidate had the opportunity to answer the same list of questions and provide their candi date statement. However, due to limitations with word count in print, each of the candidate’s answers were limited to 200 words, with the remaining available online at morrobaylifenews. com.
The candidate’s answers are presented in random order by last name, starting with their statements and then moving on to the Q&A.
Dr. John Headding (69) is Morro Bay’s Incum bent Mayor seeking his third term. Dr. Headding is a retired Pharmacist who came here with his family some 12 years ago from Cambria to start Morro Bay Drug & Gift.
“As the Mayor and a Councilmember for eight years, I want to continue to move forward the important strategic issues identified in our city’s strategic plan.”
Carla Wixom (64) is a self-employed restaura teur and owner of Carla’s Country Kitchen. She has been in Morro Bay for over 44 years.
“Morro Bay has many changes and challenges ahead of us. The quality of life we value living here needs to balance with those changes. I will make decisions for the good of all residents.”
Robin “Zara” Landrum didn’t provide demo graphic information with our questionnaire.
“I love this City and want to affect positive change at a time that feels like we are at a cross roads. Having grown up in Morro Bay gives me an important perspective that is currently lacking on the City Council.”
Cyndee Edwards (50) is a licensed esthetician, a businesswoman, and owner of The Skin Shop spa. She’s been in Morro Bay for 16 years, and her family has been here over 22 years.
“I’d like an opportunity to serve the wider community as I did the business community: to connect and encourage dialogue with our neigh borhoods that have concerns and needs unique to them while focusing on the overall develop ment of the city.”
David “Dave” Duringer (shown here with Petra the Beagle) is 58 years old and an estate planning attorney who has been in Morro Bay two years.
“I am running because last year our City Council voted unanimously to require that guns in Morro Bay be locked up and unavailable for self-defense, a blatant violation of the Second Amendment, which also guarantees our right to say no to Constitutional overreach; no to suicidal lockdowns; no to forced indoctrination in govern ment schools; and no to forced injection with experimental gene serum.”
Sarah Robinson (45) is a Professional Server who has been living in Morro Bay for over 18 years.
“I would like to be on City Council so I can be a non-partisan voice for the citizens of Morro Bay.”
Casey Cordes (36) is in Marketing Communi cations and has lived in Morro Bay for six years.
“I want to be a voice for the future of Morro Bay, the future of our small businesses, our fami lies, and our natural environment. I have built a career on listening, learning, and sharing, and I hope to use those skills to improve public partic ipation and public trust in our local government.”
Headding: As a current City Council member, I have no position on the proposal. Vistra, the private property owner of the plant, has proposed a project that includes battery energy storage and demolition of the stacks/existing building. The proposal is currently going through the usual administrative review process in the City’s devel opment department, including CEQA Analy sis, and an EIR is being completed. Once this information, which is extensive, is finalized, it will be presented to the Planning Commission for public hearings and a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will review the information provided and hold public hearings as well. Only at that time, will there be adequate information regarding the proposed project for the City Council to be able to make a decision to support, or deny the project.
Wixom: There are too many unknowns. We are just beginning to see numerous failures at other facilities, and this proposed project is in the heart of our community. I support renewable energy storage, but at this point, not at this location.
Landrum: As someone who has a deep rever ence for nature, I support clean energy. After enduring many decades living under the shadows of the toxins of the PG&E smokestacks, it’s not appealing to replace those with another poten tial health hazard. To me, this is a poor location for such a battery plant, as these are not without risks. I have serious concerns as it’s right in the heart of the Embarcadero and next to 800-plus children at MBHS.
Edwards: The facts are our state is moving toward renewable energy and we have a utility company, Vistra, who owns land on our water front that wants to put in a battery storage plant. The current council has been in negotiations as to the possible direction of that development, and they are ongoing. I’d like a spot at that table to learn more about the safety and environmental impact of a project of this nature. Another fact: Vistra has no plan. If there’s no plan, including the removal of the stacks by 2028, they’ve agreed to pay the City $3 million. That’s a small amount compared to what a project this size could bring in revenue to our City. Clearly, the project should be considered, as we need the money.
Duringer: “Unreliables,” such as solar and windmill energy, are expensive, dwindling as sources in the evening, just as demand increases. Although a BESS is a partial solution to this problem, I strongly oppose Vistra’s proposed battery project for the following reasons. First: Incineration is a really horrible way to die; incin eration while breathing toxic fumes is said to be worse. Even if you believe in the technology of unreliables, why would you want to locate this dangerous system near thousands of homes, most of which are occupied by Democrats who
typically support unreliables? At least find a site where you can incinerate Republicans and keep the gravy train running longer! On that note, a few nights ago, multiple City and County fire engines responded to a fire at my neighbor’s house across the street from me. The cause? A couple of lithium batteries were being charged in the garage (the little ones that power drills). Answer continued at morrobaylifenews.com
Robinson: My main stance on this proposal is safety. The third fire at Moss Landing in Septem ber does not lend confidence that this is a safe enterprise for the middle of a tourist district.
Cordes: I don’t believe we are ready for a proj ect of this magnitude in the middle of our City, but I am not an expert on the risks and will lean heavily on our first responders to help determine if we can ever support a facility like this. I encourage all our citizens to participate in the master plan ning process for this project, as it will likely be years before this comes to the council for a vote, and your feedback in the process will be critical to making the right choice. I believe the best candi dates for City Council do not pre-judge decisions; they research and review and ask questions right up to the vote. That will be my approach to all decisions as your representative.
Q. There are several potential large parcels that are starting to seek annexation, zoning changes, and subdivisions with developments of pretty high densities, potentially adding upwards of 600-plus new housing units. What is your preferred approach to dealing with this potential growth spurt?
Headding: The City desperately needs to significantly increase the availability of affordable/ workforce housing. I believe any private property owner/developer that proposes a project must go through a thorough vetting process, including initial analysis through our planning department and determination of appropriateness of parcel zoning, and compliance with availability of city infrastructure that might be needed to service the proposed project.
After completion of this extensive review by the planning department, the project then must be presented for review by the Planning Commission which would include public hearings, compliance with zoning codes, compliance with general/local coastal plan, EIR if needed etc. Once the Plan ning Commission has completed their review this would then be Sent via a recommendation to the City Council for further review, public hearings, evaluation and then decision.
Wixom: The state has recently come down with new mandates for housing. Morro Bay is required to work towards those mandates. I am concerned with our lack of available infrastructure to handle this potential growth, as well as whether it will be affordable housing vs. more vacation rentals.
City Council Candidates’ Answers
Landrum: Any potential growth should be
approached with vision and logic. The most basic question is does Morro Bay have water to supply these potential units? Also what would the impact be on our roads, traffic, schools, services? Does growth alone solve lack of workforce housing we struggle with, or further exacerbate the problem?
Edwards: On Aug. 23, the current council voted 3-2 on the rezoning from low density to medium density in the area of town near Bayside and Casa de Flores. To my knowledge, the devel opers do not have a plan. In my opinion, the City needs to have a set of standards and specifications as to what our requirements are before we proceed on further development, including density, height restrictions, traffic flow, and even esthetics.
We need to consider the adjacent neighbor hoods and businesses that may be impacted as well. Ultimately, I believe if the City has an easily defined master plan wee can decide what projects make sense. Lastly, housing is a problem in Morro Bay and we must consider all development oppor tunities to provide for our workforce, seniors and low income families.
Duringer: We need growth, and we need hous ing that is affordable to that portion of the work force that must live here. Not everyone needs to live in Morro Bay. Some can work remotely at least on some days, and others will be happy to commute. (The commutes down in SoCal are much longer than what people complain about here.) I reject the notion that CO2 from cars causes climate change and it’s insulting, but also humorous, to see that stated as scientific fact in the Chamber’s report without noting substantial disagreement on the issue of man-made global warming, especially given the short commutes.
Nevertheless, some low-income housing will be needed. The best way to create that housing is with SB9 ADUs and lot splits, for example in North Morro Bay where there are many dilap idated structures and superannuated housing in need of revamp, which the extra unit(s) can help finance. Many of these properties have great views and when improved, will add tremendously to the tax base. Answer continued at morrobaylifenews.
com
Robinson: Water first. It must be demonstrated that the 5 percent allotment from the State Water Project is sufficient to cover current occupancy and future growth. If potable water is not an issue, then each proposal must demonstrate through an EIR that it will contribute to the enhancement of the City, not burden us. A main way of demon strating this is to show how much and what kind of affordable housing they are willing to offer.
Cordes: I don’t support growth outside the limits of the City of Morro Bay, but I do believe we need to seek out honest developers to build workforce housing (not single family homes) in the high-density lots we currently have sitting vacant. Through careful zoning updates that the Planning Commission has recently completed, we now have a blueprint for where new housing can (and should) be built and where new hotels and motels can not be built.
Q. Why do you support or oppose Vistra Energy’s proposed Battery Energy Storage System (battery) plant?
Q. The City is endeavoring to produce a Master Plan for the power plant property. What do you believe is the best re-use of the powerhouse/stacks property (assuming they are removed)?
Headding: Part of the process for Vistra’s submission of the battery energy storage facil ity and removal of the stacks/main building will include the development of a master plan in conjunction with the City of Morro Bay. My posi tion would be to take extensive public comment with regard to areas that are potentially develop able to get an understanding of what the commu nity would like to see.
Wixom: I recently attended the community workshop held by Vistra, and there were many ideas brought forward. Community and visitor serving seem to garner the most support. There are many options that would provide commu nity benefits.
Landrum: The community has come up with many great and creative ideas over the years for this property. After the contaminated soil is cleaned up, it’s got endless potential and with 120 acres many are possible at once. Some among them that stand out are a parking lot for shut tle service, an aquarium or aviary, event center, permanent homes for Pacific Wildlife Care and Marine Mammal Center. I would love to see a Cultural Center or museum dedicated to the local Salinan Indian tribe.
Edwards: Assuming the stacks are removed by Vistra, and there’s a plan, they are a part of our history and as such there may be a way to incorporate them in an artistic way. We are a very artistically inclined community, I think it would be a wonderful to involve the Morro Bay Art Association. Maybe there could be a public forum to come up with some collaborative ideas. As to the development of the site, I’m open minded at this point and look forward to further community involved discussion.
Duringer: The City is endeavoring to produce a Master Plan for the power plant property. What do you believe is the best re-use of the powerhouse/stacks property (assuming they are removed)? See answer above re: BESS. There were lots of great ideas proposed at the recent commu nity planning workshop on this and more input is needed. The WORST idea at that meeting was 10 times better than BESS, which most people were quite obviously against. We are a tourist destina tion, and most of the ideas were centered on that. I think we should look at building a convention center, as part of the solution.
Robinson: Re-use depends on what level of clean up the City can get from PG&E. Other wise, the cart is before the horse.
Cordes: I believe we should seek out projects that build off the existing reputation of Morro Bay, namely our natural beauty and birding community. A large aviary and museum could be a source of research for local institutions, an expanded location for wild-animal rehabilitation, and a powerful draw for new visitors. Combine that with a mixed-use zone with commercial and residential in a two-story format similar to the Monterey waterfront and you have a great expan sion to our waterfront.
Q. Morro Bay has a drug, alcohol, and petty theft problem. How would you propose it be addressed?
Headding: Once again, this is property owned by Vistra, which is private property. However, their desire is to enter into a process that involves significant community input before moving forward to re-develop any areas that might be developed. There are also a number of environ mental issues (deed restrictions ) that must be considered on certain areas of the property that also may have Impacts On Any considerations for redevelopment.
Wixom: We must continue to support and work with our local public safety, as well as county and state agencies, to address these issues.
Landrum: To me, it’s obvious that drug and alcohol problems are hardly unique to Morro Bay but are a worldwide problem. Petty theft also is bigger than Morro Bay; due to newer state legis lation, it more difficult to enforce.
Edwards: I think every city in America has its issues whether it be crime related to drugs and alcohol or petty theft. What I do know is I expe rienced what it’s like to be violated by another individual or two. During the COVID lockdown, my business was robbed. I feel fortunate that we have a responsive police department. Although the person or persons responsible weren’t appre hended, I feel better knowing we have our police department.
Duringer: Growth, with business-friendly and family-friendly policies; and less socialism, it attracts pests.
Robinson: These are perennial problems that all towns face. At one time, the City had a community alcohol and drug task force under the auspices of the police department. Maybe it is time to resurrect it. I would want to hear from the police chief if he knows whether the theft is related to alcohol and drugs or if it is a standalone issue.
Cordes: Having met with the police chief and participated in a ride-along with our officers, I believe the premise of this question may be lead ing us to believe this problem is growing or out of control. That is incorrect. We do face the conse quences of state and local district attorneys being less willing to prosecute nonviolent offenders, but that is something our police force is well-equipped to handle. Our strategy should be to trust the staffing and resource recommendations of our police chief, who is the true expert in managing Morro Bay crime.
Q. The City will soon tear down the old sewer treatment plant on Atascadero Road. What would be the best redevelopment of that prop erty?
Headding: Drug and alcohol problems are pandemic throughout our country. These issues, in my opinion, are best handled through commu nity education and awareness programs, espe cially in schools, law-enforcement training, and access to appropriate mental health and substance abuse programs must be made avail able to individuals with these types of problems. Our community resources service center does an excellent job in referring individuals with these kinds of problems to the appropriate resources that are available in the county. Additionally, we need to advocate at the council level for an increase in resources made available through our county programs. Petty theft is a law enforce ment issue. Education made available to our businesses by both the City and through our Chamber of Commerce regarding petty theft issues could be very helpful in identifying and enforcing Such problems.
Wixom: There will be limited re-use oppor tunities for this site as the Coastal Commission has placed restrictions on it. Perhaps add on to the existing businesses in that area with new RV facilities.
Landrum: After the site has been cleaned up, it depends on two things. What the Coastal Commission will allow, and what happens with negotiations with Cayucos, our joint owner in this property.
Edwards: Like many development opportuni ties we have in Morro Bay, I’m not sure that the old wastewater treatment plant has been agen dized or a workshop held, per se. As far as I’m concerned, we really need to take a look at our City from a holistic perspective. This property will more than likely be developed at a later date than the battery storage site, for example. My greatest concern is traffic flow. It’s been 6 to 10 years since the Hwy 41 exit was examined by Caltrans, and yet nothing has been done. It’s highly likely the road from the old plant would come into play with all the development projects from the Waterfront.
Duringer: More community input needed. Should obviously be complementary to what ever is developed on MBPP site, tourist focused.
Robinson: Firstly, the sewer plant redevelop
ment, like the power plant site, depends on the level of clean up that is done. Secondly, it depends on what the California Coastal Commission is willing to allow in light of their 2012 declaration.
Cordes: Workforce housing is the best use of the land that previously held our sewer treat ment plant. Our small businesses are starved for employees; your children are looking for homes of their own; this is a chance for us to look forward to the Morro Bay of the future and try to antici pate the needs ahead of us. Let us say yes to more families and workers by attracting a developer that will work with us to secure the future we want.
Q. Voters are being asked to support a $120 per year property tax increase to support repairs and maintenance of publicly owned harbor facil ities (Measure B-22). Why do you support or oppose Measure B-22?
Headding: The old sewer plant is a joint venture between the City of Morro Bay in and Cayucos. In order for any consideration of rede velopment to occur, first, there must be agree ment between these parties on demolition and participation either jointly or independently in any future development. I would look to seek community input on thoughts for redevelop ment of this area before making any decisions. I support this initiative, as funding for our harbor infrastructure is sorely lacking and has been for decades. The Embarcadero is the area of the City that attracts tourists, and the infrastructure must be maintained. The current capital needs are esti mated to be between $600,000 and $800,000 per year. The funding provided by this initiative, if it passed, word provide approximately that amount of money annually for Harbor maintenance, repairs, and façade improvement.
Wixom: The harbor is falling in disrepair as we lost revenue from the power plant outfall canal lease. My concern if this passes is that the money goes to the general fund and is allocated from there. There is no sunset on the tax, so it never ends. This tax places the responsibility of main taining the harbor on property owners rather than a shared cost. There are other options, including some of the Measure E taxes collected from the waterfront businesses as well as TOT collected from waterfront hotels.
City Council Candidates’ Answers Landrum: While I believe the harbor facilities are of utmost importance to the City, I’m not in favor of the measure. I’d like to see a timeline with a schedule of work. I don’t like that the tax amount increases yearly with inflation and that there’s no end date. I believe there have to be ways to fund these repairs other than going after taxpayers again.
Edwards: It’s never the best option to go out to our property owners for another tax. However, I believe a $120-a-year parcel tax is reasonable in order to maintain one of our biggest assets, the harbor. I want to be clear that it’s a short-term solution and shouldn’t be looked at as a long-term fix. Unfortunately, we’ve allowed for the Harbor Enterprise Fund to deplete beyond what it ever should have gotten. I hope we can learn from the mistakes and continue to look at ways to generate additional and stable revenue for the fund like paid parking, an idea that’s already been exam ined and has been implemented by most of our neighboring coastal towns successfully.
Duringer: I oppose B-22. The facilities must be
repaired and maintained, but this is an example of knee-jerk taxation on all city parcels. There should be more auditing of leases to make sure lessees have met all obligations and are truly paying fair market rent before resorting to any other fund ing source. Next, consider a special assessment district of parcels closest to the waterfront, most likely to benefit.
Robinson: I oppose Measure B-22 for a few reasons: 1: This tax is in essence, forever. It will take another citizens’; initiative to undo it — write the language, collect signatures, go before city council. Who and how many will make the effort?
2: This tax climbs; it is not staying at $120. The annual increase varies each year depending on inflation. It increases exponentially, which means faster. 3: “Preventative maintenance” is a vague term. Cleaning is a maintenance task; funds could be diverted to pay for cleaning restrooms. 4: The $680,000 is a drop-in-the bucket. Infrastructure costs multi-millions of $$. 5: State and federal money pay for infrastructure. Due to the quantity of money required, grants and loans are the typical way to fund these projects. 6: It’s possible to get government money. Morro Bay just received two grants specifically for the Harbor Fund. 7: Those who use should pay. There is no link between owning property in Morro Bay and using its Harbor facilities. 8: Taxation without representation. Property owners who do not live here do not get to vote on the measure. Answer continued at morrobaylifenews.com
Cordes: There would be no Morro Bay today without the Embarcadero, and if we don’t invest in capital improvements to maintain it, there will be no Morro Bay in another 60 years. Recent expenses on waterfront infrastructure have massively exceeded our allotted budget, and more work is on the way. I support B-22, imperfect as it may be because it represents our community coming together and investing in our future. If the public passes this measure, we will look for future ways to offset the new costs for renters and fixed-income residents. If the measure fails, we will be in desperate need for a new path to funding for this essential work.
For the complete Q&A, visit morrobaylifenews.com
HOLT
By CAMILLE DEVAUL and CHRISTIANNA MARKS of Morro Bay Life
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — After 26 years of investigation, Paul Flores has been found guilty of the first-degree murder of Kris tin Smart. The verdict came on Tuesday, Oct. 18, right before noon when Paul’s jury reached a decision after just over 20 hours of deliber ation.
His father, Ruben Flores, 81, was found not guilty of accessory after the fact. Ruben was accused of helping his son hide Kristin’s remains.
Paul Flores had been charged with the 1996 murder and disappearance of 19-year-old Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. The father and son were both arrested in April 2021.
Ruben Flores’ jury reached their verdict on Monday, Oct. 17, after just six hours of deliber ation. While Paul and Ruben were being tried at the same time, they had different juries. A previous ruling by presiding Judge Jennifer O’Keefe said that both verdicts had to be read back-to-back.
Several of Kristin’s family members were present in court throughout the deliberations — Paul’s mother, Susan Flores, was not present. While the verdicts were read, neither Paul nor his father showed emotion in the court. But for the Smart family there was a clear sign of relief and tears from Kristin’s mother and sister.
Present at the courthouse, Christianna Marks of the Atascadero News/Paso Robles Press spoke to several members of the public who came to Salinas from San Luis Obispo County for the verdict readings.
There was a sense of joy throughout the courtroom as Paul’s guilty verdict was read. The same could not be said following Ruben’s not-guilty reading from his jury.
Outside of the courthouse, Ruben and his defense lawyer Harold Mesick spoke with the press.
Ruben, who was on his way to have his elec tronic monitoring removed, told the press, “I am relieved and I’m worried about my son, of course.”
When asked why Susan was not present at the verdict reading, Ruben stated that she could not be there due to medical issues.
Mesick reiterated several times that his client is a good man and is innocent, but that he wishes the public would uphold the court’s ruling and treat Ruben with more kindness.
“He is free to go,” said Mesick.
When asked if he had any comments for the victim’s family, Ruben said, “I feel bad for them because they didn’t get no answers about what happened to their daughter, and we don’t know what happened to their daughter.”
Following his arrest, Ruben was released on a $50,000 bail with electronic monitoring. Paul was denied bail and remained in county jail.
The trial began on July 18, just over a year after the father and son’s arrest. Throughout the trial, jurors heard from witnesses, includ ing former Cal Poly students who were with Kristin and Paul at the party on Crandall Way the night she went missing.
Two Jane Does from Los Angeles County testified in the trial, accusing Paul of raping them. Their testimonies have been deemed an integral part in the prosecution’s case against Paul.
Later that day, at the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, SLO District Attor ney Dan Dow held a press conference to review the verdicts and give thanks to all involved in the case. He was joined by the Deputy District Attorney leading the case, Chris Peuvrelle, and SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson.
Parkinson released a statement echoing his comments at the conference, “I am extremely pleased with the jury’s decision today to convict Paul Flores for the murder of Kristin Smart.
I am disappointed, however, for the acquittal of Ruben Flores as an accessory for helping conceal the crime.”
He thanked the district attorneys for their work in the prosecution and all members of the Sheriff’s Office who worked on the case over the years.
The sheriff added, “But there is no true justice until Kristin is reunited with her family. This investigation will not be closed until we find Kristin. As I mentioned when I announced the arrests in this case, it is my hope that we are able to bring some closure to the Smart family. Peace to our community. And justice, once and for all, for Kristin.”
The Smart family gave its own statement at the press conference. Stan Smart, Kristin’s father, read the following statement:
“Without Kristin, there is no joy or victory with
this verdict, we all know it did not have to be this way. We will never be able to hear Kristin’s engaging laughter or revel in her embrace. Her hopes and dreams will never be realized; no form of justice can bring these back. After 26 years, with today’s split verdicts, we learned that our quest for justice for Kristin will continue. We appreci ate and we are beyond grateful for the diligence of both juries and our faith in the justice system has been renewed by knowing the man who took Kristin’s life will no longer be free to abuse another family or victim.
“This has been an agonizingly long journey with more downs than ups, but we feel fortu nate to have relied on the professional talents and commitment of Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle, District Attorney Dan Dow, Beth Raub, our victim witness advocate, and parale gal Becky Cripe, and the stellar team at the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. We would also like to acknowledge Sheriff Ian Parkinson, Detective Clint Cole, District Attorney Investigator JT Camp, and the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office for their tireless commitment to making Kristin a priority. The steadfast efforts of this team and so many others ultimately made this day possible.
Finally, we are also thankful for the selfless contributions of Chris Lambert. His ‘Your Own Backyard’ podcast brought not only new informa
tion but much needed light and attention in our darkest hours by sharing Kristin’s voice and story.
“Our family is comforted and strengthened by the knowledge that Kristin continues to be held in the hearts and memories of many. We will never be able to personally thank everyone, but please know our gratitude and love goes out to each of you who have been with us on this long, over whelming, and emotional journey. We are forever stronger together.
“Most importantly, to our Kristin: Almost three decades ago, our lives were irreparably changed on the night you disappeared. We hope this verdict helps deliver not just answers, but also a peace and sense of closure that have eluded us for 26 years. Know that your spirit lives on in each and every one of us, every day. Not a single day goes by where you aren’t missed, remembered, loved, and celebrated.”
Following Stan, Kristin’s mother, Denise took the podium to say, “I would like to briefly add my appreciation to everyone that my husband spoke about and to each person who has been the wind beneath our wings to get us through to this day.”
Paul Flores is scheduled to receive his sentencing on Dec. 9 in Salinas. He could face a sentence of 25 years to life behind bars. Atascadero News/Paso Robles Press will be following this story and will update when new information is available.
after the
MORRO BAY — Estero Bay Unified Methodist Church hosted a kind event on Saturday, Oct. 8, in which 25 animals gathered to be blessed by Pastor Steve Poteete-Mar shall. Blessing of the Animals has become more popular at the Meth odist Church since it began 15 years ago. It is offered once a year, usually in the fall, and “coincides with sermons on creation,” accord ing to Pat Mangione, chairman of the Program Committee.
Blessings were received in the churchyard with a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, as a backdrop of the cere mony. According to britannica.org, St. Francis considered all of nature steps to God, and then mirroring Him. St. Francis called all creatures his “sisters” and “brothers.” He preached to birds and “persuaded a wolf to stop attack ing the people of the town of Gubbio and their livestock if the townspeople
The church blessed animals such as cats and dogs, but also rabbits, a bird, a lizard, and tortoises (Nibbles and Jay). Animals that received blessings were either present or in a photo, including those that have passed away. Treats for both animals and people were handed out and a
to know the pet a little first, maybe a treat, and then the blessing while touching the pet,” Pat said.
Pet owners also received a Certif icate of Blessing for their pets. Did the blessed animals seem more spir itually inclined or calm? It shouldn’t be ruled out.
At the end of the program, Pastor Steve was invited to go to the Pacific Wildlife Center to also offer bless ings on the animals and workers there.
Pat said that while residing outside of “the large cage with a pond that held recuperating pelicans and sea
and return to the wild if they are able to do so.
The church “felt blessed being able to ask a blessing on the animals and workers at the Pacific Wildlife Center,” Pat added.
That day, and every Animal Bless ing day, embraces both human and animal spiritual interaction in a kind and compassionate way. The Animal Blessing program plans to return
Pastor Steve Poteete-Marshall of Estero Bay Unified Methodist Church with turtles Nibbles and Jay at the Pacific Wildlife Center. Contributed Photos Pastor Steve Poteete-Marshall posing in front of pelicans at the Pacific Wildlife Center for the Blessing of the Animals.
Bill Zigler has lived a full life thus far — moving a few times in his childhood, broadening his educa tion, volunteering, and being an educator. Those life experiences have shaped who he is and enables him to share what he has learned, both with the community and his students where he teaches at the Children’s House Montessori School in Atascadero (CHMS).
Zigler lived his young life in a coun try very contrasting to other American children. From ages 1 to 6, he grew up in Kampala, Uganda, where his father was a researcher for the Naval Medical Corps. He later moved to Washington, D.C., where he lived from ages 6 to 14, and then he went to Northfield Mt. Hermon board ing school in Northfield, Massachusetts, from ages 15 to 18.
The constant relocation made him feel a loss of control with regard to “how and what” he learned until he went to board ing school. The school focuses as much on character and citizenship as they do on intellectual development.
“Because it has (and continues to have) a liberal and forward-thinking curriculum, I developed a sense of ownership in my education which was an asset for me when I later matriculated to UCSB,” says Zigler.
After boarding school, he moved to California where he majored in English at UCSB and began working part-time for a public elementary school in the afterschool program. It was while working there that he realized their educational system didn’t seem effective.
He was “growing disillusioned with their system of externalized motivations (posi tive rewards and negative consequences) as a means of discipline.”
Fortunately, a neighbor whose children attended the Montessori Center School (MCS) nearby suggested he interview for a job. Once he was hired, he “became intrigued with the Montessori model of self-paced, free expression, and internal ized motivation.”
After one year of working part-time, he was offered a full-time position as an assis tant teacher in a lower elementary class room of 6- to 9-year-olds. He took the position after making arrangements for a one-year break in between his sophomore and junior years at UCSB. He enjoyed it so much that once the year was over, and he went back to his studies for the next two years, he continued to work at the MCS as
a part-time enrichment specialist for P.E., drama and music.
After graduation in 1991, Zigler joined the U.S. Peace Corps and spent two years in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana teach ing English to eighth- and ninth-grad ers who were preparing for their entrance exams to junior college and then university.
It was there that Zigler “was able to use many Montessori methods in my Peace Corps service and made vague plans to pursue a Montessori teaching degree.”
When he returned to California, MCS rehired him as an assistant teacher in a lower elementary classroom and offered to pay for him to enroll in the Ameri can Montessori Society teacher creden tial program in San Leandro, California. After 15 months, he was credentialed and offered a head teacher position.
He remained with MCS until 2002 when Zigler and his wife, Cortney, “signed up for a Peace Corps stint to the Cauca sus Mountains of Armenia, this time as a teacher trainer.”
When they returned to California in 2005, he was again offered a head teacher position at MCS in the upper elementary program with 9- to 12-year-olds. After the school offered to pay for the upper elemen tary credential program in San Leandro, he completed the six months of training.
In 2007, Zigler and his wife moved to
the Central Coast and he has presided as a lower elementary head teacher (also in music enrichment and librarian) for the past 16 years at Children’s House Montes sori School in Atascadero (CHMS). And now, his 4-year old daughter, Charli, is in the primary classroom at CHMS.
In addition, Zigler brings enrichment to the students by incorporating community stewardship and thoughtfulness to their education.
“One of my proudest contributions to CHMS has been the annual jog-a-thon that works in partnership with MUST! Charities to raise money for local needs, such as the homeless shelter on Prado Street in SLO, the Boys & Girls Club of
Shandon and many more,” he says.
This is where Zigler’s travel, volunteer ism, and integral education demonstrates its value and shapes the fundamental posi tives that he is able to infuse into his teach ing.
“Building civic activism in children has always been a big part of Montessori,” he says. He looks forward to the COVID restrictions gradually easing, and the hope to “continue many outreach events, such as Christmas caroling at senior nursing homes in Atascadero.”
Zigler has engulfed all of his own educa tion and experiences to better enrich those who he meets and knows, especially the students he teaches and sees every day.
Make your Thanksgiving meal extra special and delicious this year by visit ing a farmer’s market, and your family will be very happy and well nourished. As local farmers, we are so thankful for you, our community, and for having access to such great food year-round. You can find everything for this stuffing recipe at your local farmer’s market except for salt, pepper, and butter! Check out the local markets and talk to the vendors. The downtown Paso Robles Farm er’s Market has amazing vendors from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Tuesday. If you aren’t sure how to pick the vegetables, just ask the farmer selling them. They are happy to help and probably have other great tips!
Did you know that we have amazing local mushroom growers? Farmer Frank’s Mushrooms has a great selection of fresh mushrooms at the market. For beautiful produce and herbs, check out Velasquez Farms and Aviator Acres. Wild Bread Company sells a variety of tasty bread that would be perfect for serving with dinner and for making this stuffing recipe. You can find bone broth from our own BeeWench Farm. We have recipes on our website to make your own homemade broth, stock, and gravy, too! Rocking Chair Ranch will have delicious grapes, persimmons, and oranges for appetizers or desserts.
I hope that your Thanksgiving meal is amazing!
Ingredients:
1 stick unsalted butter
4 cups sliced mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, oyster and/or button)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 cups butternut squash peeled and chopped to 3/4-inch cubes (about 1 large or 2 small squash)
4 cups chopped fresh kale (about 2 bunches)
1 onion, finely chopped
5 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
3 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
2 large eggs
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
12 cups 1/2 -inch cubes of stale bread (about 1 loaf)
2 tablespoons fat from the turkey drippings (or
sub with butter or olive oil)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a 3-quart baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook about 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until all the mushrooms start browning. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the mush rooms to a plate.
Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter in the pot, then add the squash, kale, onion, celery, sage, thyme, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and parsley. Add the bread, mushrooms and vegetable- broth mixture
and stir until combined. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with the turkey drippings. Cover the dish with foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until golden, about 30 more minutes.
You can assemble this stuffing the day before and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If your bread is fresh, chop it up and put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees F until slightly golden brown. If you want a dairyfree recipe, sub the butter with olive oil. I highly recommend the lemon olive oil from The Groves on 41! Add more seasonings, veggies, and toppings to this dish to make it your own! Topping this with some pomegranate seeds right before serving gives a little texture and burst of flavor.
SUNKEN GARDENS, DOWNTOWN ATASCADERO
5-7pm
Enjoy live music while sitting a blanket or lowback chair, with the entire family on a nice fall evening.
ACTIVE DUTY ARMED
CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO, ATASCADERO
10am-4pm
All active duty armed forces men, women, and
6TH
LOS
SEA
Los Osos Cares is celebrating with a 6th-
is free, and
will be live music featuring Déjà Vu. A Golf Ball
a grand prize of $300 will be part of the fun. Tickets are $10 each or $50 for six. To
PAVILION
10am-3pm
Kick off the
DOWNTOWN
TBA
Get your engines ready and make your reservations for the 31st annual Cayucos Car Show. Enjoy a live band under the sun, beer garden and BBQ. Check out beautiful classic cars through Downtown, just a block up from the beach. Questions contact CayucosCarShow@gmail.com
THE ANNUAL WINTER FAIRE
VETERANS MEMORIAL, CORNER OF MORRO AND PORTOLA ROADS ATASCADERO
11am
The Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial will be hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony that includes a fly-over by Estrella Warbirds, the National Anthem by Atascadero Fine Arts Academy students, laying of a memorial wreath by the VFW Auxiliary, and
JURIED
835 MAIN STREET, MORRO BAY 12-4pm
1001 KENNEDY WAY, MORRO BAY
1-3pm
immediate
free admission to the Charles Paddock Zoo with valid military ID.
Morro Bay Art Association is proud to present The Annual Winter Faire & Juried Craft Show, featuring some of the finest artworks on the Central Coast. The Annual Winter Faire & Craft Show will be
Presented by Morro Bay Lions Club, all are welcome and no reservations needed. Free home delivery is available from 12-1:30pm for those who are unable to come.
