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

Pullout a Good Decision

Letter to Editor:
Many people seem very happy with the recent decision by the Cayucos Sanitary District board not to take a minor ownership position in a new sewer treatment plant with Morro Bay appointees in control.
To give most control in a new treatment plant to the revolving door of political aspirants Morro Bay attracts for the next 50-plus years would be a terrible idea for Cayucos. No one has thought up such a bad idea since a few new-in-towns wanted to form a CSD in Cayucos some years ago. Los Osos formed one, about the same time, and look how well it has turned out for them.
It is just nice to see that collective decisions can still be made based on what is best for the community, and not just the almighty dollar.
It appears to me that lately Morro Bay has hired someone that sets around thinking up ways to create bad blood throughout the community. Morro Bay’s proposed plant building/operations structure would have paved the way for problems well into the future, and it is great Cayucos took a pass.

Dave Stevens, Cayucos Native


Glad for BBQ Concerns

I was glad to read that some people are concerned enough about barbecue smoke to complain.  Here I was thinking the whole world must be crazy to put up with such lung abuse without uttering a peep.
When I recently voiced my dismay about the Cambria Farmers Market barbecue (which is as carcinogenic as downtown SLO) an older woman was quite surprised.
“Well, they have to barbecue,” she said, her tone indicating that all life would cease otherwise.
It makes me wonder: how and when did we lose our collective intelligence?
I am in Morro Bay often, and when the barbecue in question began operating in 2013, I regarded it as an abject failure on the part of Morro Bay to allow such unmitigated pollution. I don’t think that “putting it inside” will really solve the problem.

M. Power Giacoletti, San Simeon


Historical Society Says Thanks

To the Editor:
The Historical Society of Morro Bay would like to thank the 2013-14 City of Morro Bay mayor and city council for providing one half of the funding that allowed our residents, business owners and visitors a chance to celebrate this city’s 50 years of incorporation throughout 2014.
As a member of the Morro Bay 50th Celebration Committee, the Historical Society of Morro Bay is well aware that much of that funding has been spent on, or will be going toward, purchasing items of a permanent nature that help beautify the city and honor our community members, industries, natural resources, and history.
In particular, the Historical Society of Morro Bay has been granted some of these city funds so that, combined with its own monies, will be used to buy a time capsule and plaque, which will be placed in City Park in July 2015.
With both the backing of city leadership and fellow community members of the Morro Bay 50th Celebration Committee, the history of our beautiful city will be preserved for generations to come.
With gratitude,

Victoria Berry, secretary, Historical Society of Morro Bay


Car Show Thanks

This year’s Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show was another spectacular event thanks to all of the help from volunteers, local businesses, the local community and our sponsors.
It takes a lot of support and coordination to bring over 550 cars to town, and it would not be possible without all of your help.
I would also like to thank each of my fellow committee members for their time and effort they put in each year. The show this year was a great success and we look forward to next year’s event with many entrants already pre-registered for their return.

Chris Parker, president, Cruisin’ Morro Bay Car Show, Inc.

Release the Octopi

Editor:
I read with interest the story about Avila Beach Aquarium taking over Morro Bay Aquarium in the Tribune. I have often been horrified by the screams of agony coming from that place and its poor captive marine mammal, so close to the ocean and yet so far, locked away in a cage.
I hope Executive Director, Tara Malzone, will also release this animal when she keeps her word and releases the two Pacific Octopi now languishing in Avila. Note to Tara from the 458 people who have already signed the petition to free the octopi: We will be watching and waiting for you to set a release date. So far, no such date forthcoming.

Joey Racano, director, Ocean Outfall Group


Water/Sewer Rates a Concern

Dear Editor:
Morro Bay community has become especially concerned about the proposed water and sewer rate increases.
With Cayucous backing out from their financial participation with the new waste water treatment plant facility, Morro Bay residents and water/sewer customers are in a financially vulnerable place.
The City of Morro Bay has already paid over $600,000 for studies and not yet known is the cost for the new facility build-out!
Encouraging those who own businesses and properties in Morro Bay to send in their written protests prior to the City Council hearing date of Tuesday, May 26, at 6:00 p.m. at the Veterans’ Hall, 209 Surf St., Morro Bay.
Major increases to our water and sewer rates will be discussed at this hearing.
Read the notice the City sent out last month for instructions on how to protest, if you wish to.
Written protests must be received by the City Clerk BEFORE the close of the hearing. (So if you are attending the hearing for more information or to ask questions, you have to have your protest letter drafted and in-hand to turn in to the clerk at the hearing.)
Faxes and email protests will not be accepted.
These increases will affect everyone — homeowners, renters, and business owners — get informed now!

Joyce Ford, Morro Bay


Time to Negotiate not Dictate

The deeper a hole one digs, the more difficult it is to get out. We are now deep into our wastewater facility hole.
One outcome that must be changed — get Cayucos back on board.
I believe that most Morro Bay ratepayers have little idea of the financial hit they face with the departure of Cayucos Sanitary District from this project. In a little over four years, when the new sewer rates are fully implemented, the combined water and sewer bill will be approximately $180 a month for a typical household that uses six units of water.
Within the consultant Bartle & Wells’ rate study there are additional circumstances that significantly increase the proposed rates.
Because of the drought, if the Coastal Commission and water board require that the recycled water component be completed up front the typical household bill will be well over $200 per month
Water use reduction will lead to lost revenue, which must be made up through fees to comply with State loan requirements
The cost recovery of any low-income rate structure will need to be recovered from the City general fund, which will reduce money for other City services.
Morro Bay ratepayers need help in funding this huge project. Grants are extremely competitive, and at best, might bring a 10-percent contribution.
Partnering with Cayucos can provide:
• Over $20 million to build the first phase (before reclamation);
• Bartle & Wells projected that Cayucos would contribute $1.6 million annually towards the operating and debt service of the new plant. That is a lot of money to make up.
The punitive tone of the Morro Bay staff report and the accompanying resolution will only give the Cayucos Board incentive to do everything in their power to build their own plant.
While we all have our personal views on various issues, the Morro Bay City Council should consider that they represent ALL of the citizens of Morro Bay.
The council is the fiduciary elected to provide the best governance for the entire city and all of its citizens, which may occasionally require action contrary to their personal beliefs.
It is time to negotiate not dictate!

Dan Glesmann, Morro Bay