Category Archives: Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor: Aug. 6–19, 2015

Example of handwriting with gold penRules on Immigration Apply to All

Make no mistake about it—Mr. Gareth Kelly (“Hiding in Plain Sight” Tolosa Press July-23-August 5) by his description about his life and contributions would be a neighbor who I, or most anyone, would be glad to term a good neighbor.  But it is his implicit, if not explicit, ends-justify-the-means philosophy, which should give all of us pause for concern.  That is, there is a law prohibiting his continued presence in the United States, which does not apply to him (or should not be enforced against him) because he has a subjectively good reason or desire to ignore it.  He even justifies this by placing his admission that he is presently here–illegally — in quotes.
Quite a slippery slope indeed.  Perhaps the resident hunter or fisherman who feels the need to feed his family may justify the unlawful kill of unlimited animals/fish in or out of season because the desire to feed his family takes precedence over any laws limiting his ability to take animals/fish.  How about the farmer who, faced with one costly environmental law/regulation after another, decides that to save her farm, she needs to violate the Clean Water Act?  Consider the baker, who because of religious beliefs, decides that she can violate anti-discrimination laws when it comes to providing services to those whose life-style is anathema to those beliefs.  Why are these people different from Mr. Kelly?  They all have asserted Continue reading Letters to the Editor: Aug. 6–19, 2015

Letters to the Editor: July 23–Aug. 5, 2015

Example of handwriting with gold penThanks From 4-H

The Morro Bay 4-H Club would like to thank the Morro Bay Garden Club for their generous donation to our garden project. We would also like to recognize PG&E for our continued lease which allows members to continue to learn by raising livestock, caring for the garden, planting hay, and much more.  .
Regards,
Tammy Haas, Morro Bay 4-H


Spend Rail Money on Roads

In my humble opinion, the California government needs to cancel all funding of the High Speed Rail Project, and give it to Caltrans for our statewide road and highway system.
I have read there are plenty of lawsuits involving farmers’ land being divided by the rail route in the Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley, and having California State Route 99, in Fresno — known as the Golden State Freeway — moved because of the rails being built.
Another idea suggested by my friend, Richard, is to build the high speed rail on the Amtrak line instead.
Finally. Governor Brown is doing the right thing by looking into our infrastructure, and perhaps more money can be added to the suggested $59 billion total for repairs in this state.

Scott C. Presnal, Morro Bay


Continue reading Letters to the Editor: July 23–Aug. 5, 2015

Letters to the Editor: July 9–22, 2015

Thanks From the Motley Crew

A big “Thank you,” to all who helped out on our 8th Annual Mermaid & Pirate Parade, including Pirates Steve, Jeff Walters and Phil Edwards, wenches Jackie Edwards and Priscilla McRoberts, the musical Mudskippers, goody bag fillers the Morro Bay Seniors, Inc., salt water taffy supplier Geb Peters, the Morro Bay Harbor Patrol for the water jet display, and last but definitely not least, Dockside Too, for the delicious seafood grub!
A delightfully-rowdy time was had by the whole motley crew!

Janice Peters, Morro Bay


Continue reading Letters to the Editor: July 9–22, 2015

Letters to the Editor: June 11–24, 2015

Macroaufnahme aus einem Tagebuch aus dem Jahr 1575. Geschrieben wurde zu dieser Zeit in "Sütterlin" Schreibweise.50 – Now a Start

I write as a concerned 50-year resident of SLO, and a long-time advocate for local un-housed people. Homelessness (and the poor) has been around since the mid 1980’s. Up until three years ago, little was heard about the issue in SLO. Today, you can’t pick up a paper without reading something about local homelessness. Continue reading Letters to the Editor: June 11–24, 2015

Letters to the Editor: May 14–May 28, 2015

Ochs Article Outrageous

In response to the April 16, 2015 Bay News article, “Vacant Seats on City Boards” that went from a notice about vacancies and an invitation to participate on Morro Bay City Advisory board into a defense of former Parks Commissioner, Aaron Ochs.
Mr. Ochs is hosting a libelous website and Facebook page where he denigrates and humiliates local citizens, including myself with outrageous fabricated lies.
His actions have been successful in damaging public process, deterring citizen participation, and should NOT be condoned. This is the reason complaints were lodged to the city, police and Sheriff’s Dept. Citizens finally were “fed up” and took matters into their own hands; apparently a postcard and robo call were developed and sent to citizens of Morro Bay asking that Ochs be removed from the Parks Commission.
I was NOT part of this group and have absolutely NO affiliation with Cal Coast News. However, the Ochs’ have falsely accused me of “working for them.” Continue reading Letters to the Editor: May 14–May 28, 2015

Letters to the Editor: April 30th–May 13th

Support for Mel was Great

Thanks to everyone who helped with the barbecue for Mel Brenneise on April 11. We did wonderful and were sold out by 1:15, 2 hours before we expected to finish.
Thanks to all of the volunteers from the Morro Bay Police Department and Calvary Lutheran Church of Morro Bay. The community support for Mel was unbelievable.
Mel and Georgia are so humbled and grateful for the so many friends, family and others that came out to support them.

Pastor Jim Berg and Calvary Lutheran Church of Morro Bay


Doing the Water/Sewer Math

Responsible government requires an analysis of costs versus money saved. In the case of water treatment for Morro Bay, the projected costs for a water treatment plant now, prior to bid by responsible contractors, has been stated to be as little as $75 million, to as much as $120 million. These costs, of course, would have to be paid by those 6,500 or so users of water and sewer treatment facilities in Morro Bay and Cayucos.
We are asked to consider a $75 million project in order to save 850,000 gallons of wastewater — assuming that it will be just as potable as other current sources. That amount, 850,000 gallons is actually 2.6 acre feet.
Thus, assuming that state water is available at $1,600/acre foot, the assumed $75 million treatment plant would “save” (2.6 acre feet x $1,600 per acre foot), or $4,160 per day.
Doing the math of the daily cost of a treatment plant, including an assumption that the plant can be built for the lowest number of $75 million (all projections here use that number; if the actual cost goes to $120 million, all projections would have to increase by roughly 40%), interest at 2% from the State of California, and a 30-year amortization or pay back, the cost of the treatment plant is approximately $15,200/day.  Continue reading Letters to the Editor: April 30th–May 13th

Letters to the Editor: March 19–April 1, 2015

Leave Morro Bay Alone
To the Editor:
I thought the sign ordinance issue had been put to rest, but apparently I was wrong. It seems there is a new letter circulating that outlines the old sign ordinance rules and ignores the input from businesses in different parts of town.
Now, I don’t have a business in town, but this is my view as a customer. I, for one, ENJOY the racks out front of the downtown clothing stores. When walking Downtown, I often rifle through them.
I love the baskets out front of Sunshine Health Foods. A book rack? I’m sunk, I will buy one. An A-Frame sign tells me those businesses are open and want me to come in.
What about Nibble Nook (on Quintana Road)? Yes, I know they are there, but to a tourist passing by that flag tells them that “Hey there is a pizza place here.” Without that flag those tourist dollars would just drive by.
Treasures Antiques, I love their merchandise out front. And they grab my attention every single time I go by.
Now I realize the Embarcadero is crowded and the sidewalk displays may not fit. So let the businesses make them smaller, give them a chance to show their wares if they wish to do so. And in North Morro Bay, those businesses NEED  signs and flags waving.
Why are people so hell-bent on trying to make Morro Bay into a Carmel or Santa Barbara, Ventura or Monterey? Morro Bay is and was a fishing and ranching town. Look around you.
And while we are on the subject, the new City Seal is a slap in the face to the commercial fishing fleet. A sailboat in the foreground? Really!?!
Sailboats did not build this town. Abalone, albacore, rock fish, squid, sardine, and salmon fishermen built this town.
Please, please look around. Not all of the old ways or looks are bad. Why would we want to look like another town? Can’t we just be Morro Bay?

 Lori French, Morro Bay


Bicycles Are Taking Over

Jan Marx the mayor of SLO shouts that Cal Poly partying is an “affront” to the city! Really? As a senior in my 70s, I’ll tell you what an affront is — all the bike riders that have infiltrated most of the Downtown area.
Ergo, the real problem is not Cal Poly, it’s the “stupid is — as stupid does” brainless City of SLO who have opened the flood gates to not only accidents, but deaths as well. And vehicle drivers will eventually get the blame.
I’m talking about the resurgence of bike riders on the streets of this city, folks. And in my 29 years living Downtown, I’ve never seen anything like it. No matter the street name — from Foothill to Tank Farm and every street inbetween — bike riders have taken charge with the mantra: “We don‘t give a damn.”
They don’t stop at stoplights or street signs or arrows pointing in either direction. And if a vehicle driver honks their horn, it’s generally ignored or they get a quick “middle finger” pointed in their direction.
Actually, this flood of bicycle riders has become worse than ants at a lakeside picnic. Yet the City keeps marking more streets as “bicycle friendly.” The County is just as culpable, as well.
So instead of us vehicle drivers waving a “white flag” in surrender, it’s time for the City to crack down on these idiots, and subject them to the same strict driving policies that vehicles must adhere to.
Rear, red flashing taillights is a good start (especially at night), plus make it a bicycle law that every rider in control wear a rearview mirror attached to their helmet so they can see what’s behind them at all times.
Also, issue a ticket (you know the kind vehicle drivers get when they violate the law) when bikers’ are ridding with friends, two and three across, making the vehicle driver swerve out over the single or double lane. Talk about dangerous.
That said, let me end this call to action by directing most of this comment at the young family riders I frequently see — mom, dad, and two siblings both under the age of 6 — who think it’s “cute” to be riding down Broad Street at lunch time, across Higuera, then over to Peach (right by my home) then peddle (not walk the bikes) out onto Chorro with cars going 45 mph, on up to Foothill.
The Chorro sign that says “25 mph” is a joke. If you drive 45 mph, the driver behind starts honking their horns in a rush to reach Palm Street as quick as possible.
Yet, Chorro still offers a bike lane to and from Foothill, and guess where it continues? Yep, right though Downtown where cars are parked on both sides of the street. Leaving NO room for anybody. A real nice planning strategy by the “stupid is — as stupid does” SLO city planners.

H. L. Mounger, San Luis Obispo

Letters To The Editor: March 5-March 18, 2015

Big Thanks From Big Brothers

I’m writing to publicly thank the fantastic board and community support campaigners of Big Brothers Big Sisters who succeeded in reaching their goal and raised $105,000.
Our fundraisers and the generous donors in our community ensure that we can provide local children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Special thanks to campaigners Marian Anderson, Dave Axberg, Monique Carlton, Christie Clemons, Karen Colombo, Bill Filippin, Carol Florence, Bryan Gingg, Brad Goodwin, Jim Hamari, Mike Hill, Steve Hilty, Holly Holliday, Steve Holtzman, Kaitlin King, Ryan Miller, Ziyad Naccasha, JED Nicholson, Clint Pearce, Phillip Sullivan, Hal Sweasey, Claire Vollmer and Bill Wesnousky.
Thank you each for investing in our community and the futures of local youth. Thanks,

Anna Boyd-Bucy, Executive Director Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County

Kudos for Polio Story

Dear King Harris:
Thank you for your recent article regarding your experiences having polio as a child. You awakened so many memories of my own childhood experience.
I had polio at the age of 9 in 1944. I was taken to L.A. General Hospital and placed on the quarantined ward with dozens of other children stricken with poliomyelitis. I too went through the treatment of hot towels placed on my body twice a day for several years. I was in a wheelchair for three years and eventually learned to walk again with the aid of Sister Kinney Stick (half crutches).
I spent several years in the hospital receiving physical therapy. When I returned home I had a home teacher.
Eventually, I fully recovered and went on to competing in marathons and triathlons around the world. I also participated in long distant, rough water, ocean swim competitions.
Thank you for your article. Just yesterday I discovered many college students have never heard of polio; had never even heard the word mentioned.
Sincerely, Bob Morgan, SLO

City Goofed With Parklet

Dear Editor:
Pat Bietz’ article, “Parklet Issue Has Gotten Out of Hand” (Letters, Feb. 19) praises the concepts “coalescence” and working “together as a community.” I, too, approve of those ideals.
However, the City of Morro Bay appears to have forgotten them in its imposition of the parklet on Main Street’s busiest block, without first trying to gain the support of the businesses in that blocks.
San Francisco’s parklets, I understand, have been an inspiration to whoever made the decision to try them in Morro Bay. A brief scan of San Francsco’s “Parklet Manual” (available online) tells us this:
• Businesses request parklets on their street. The city does not select the business, nor the place where the parklet is to be.
• The parklet request must go through several city administrative offices before it gains approval.
• The business requesting the parklet must consult with neighbors and get the approval of most of them. The Parklet Manual, page 19, reads as follows:
“BUILDING NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT. Demonstrated support for your parklet project is an essential part of the process and should be included with your initial parklet application. Parklet application submissions that do not include documentation of community outreach will not be considered. Past experience has shown that parklet proposals that have included a robust outreach effort and demonstrated widespread support among nearby businesses, residents, or other stakeholders are more likely to move through process successfully and proceed to the design development phase. You should also reach out to your district supervisor, inform him or her of the proposal; and ideally, get support for the proposed parklet.”
The strong community opposition to the (Morro Bay) parklet that has arisen indicates to me that the approval of the neighboring businesses on Main Street should have been sought.
I hope the City Council of Morro Bay reconsiders.

Carol McPhee Norton, Morro Bay

Stop Ravaging the Coast

Regarding Mr. (Sam) Blakeslee and his ideas from the Cal Poly think tank — think again!
I am in the mind of saying, “No to wave energy.” I have constant, continuous reminders of the bill put forth by Blakeslee to do seismic testing — sonar blasting.
We are paying a huge price for experiments that sacrifice sea life. The end product of years of this testing has resulted in the idea that the sacrifice is necessary, as well as benefits us with information.
I believe we deserve all the pertinent facts and observations detailed in reports on results of seismic testing.
The citizens paying for these experiments deserve transparency. I think that means honesty. However clever the wording, mapping has become the cover for sonar blasting.
I say think again about wavelength energy and the idea that you can sonar the sea critters away. The need to heal and renew efforts to protect our shores is now.
The folks in Morro Bay are already saying “No” to more of the same. Well they have learned being a “target zone” is doing harm to the sea, and it’s not good for humans either.
The effect on my beautiful town of Cayucos, endless targeting, years of it, and are we better off? I say, “No” and prove to me there’s been transparency.
The wording of “National Wave Energy Test Facility,” completing with other states to host the national facility. I want genius to overcome stupidity, however, it’s always about the money.
I say “No” do not volunteer to remain a target zone for Mr. Blakeslee’s ideas of sonar blasting. Please say “No” to this effort to continue to ravage our coasts and the animals that live within it. Thank You,

Marcia Kimbrell, Cayucos

Information Key to Good Government

To the Editor:
A recent editorial in The Tribune (“A note to agencies: Keep emails,” Jan. 28) called attention to the lack of clear policies on the retention of email messages dealing with government business by local government agencies.
The League of Women Voters is pleased to see this issue raised. The League supports an open government system that is representative, accountable, and responsive.
We support policies that protect the citizen’s right to know and facilitate citizen participation in government decision making. Government cannot be held accountable and citizens cannot engage in informed participation in government decision making if information on that decision-making is not available to the public and to the media. 
We support the call for all government agencies in the county to develop policies to ensure that email records dealing with government business, the people’s business, are retained for a minimum of two years.

Marilee Hyman, President
League of Women Voters
San Luis Obispo County