DISCOVERING MORRO BAY
by Janice Peters, Mayor of Morro Bay
I love hearing the stories about how people who live here discovered Morro Bay. For many, it was an almost spiritual attraction, as it was with me. I lived in Santa Monica and worked in the film industry for 20 years, but realizing it is a youth-oriented field, I went back to UCLA to get my Legal Assistant certificate. This freed me to leave the Los Angeles area, with its increasing smog and traffic.
I wanted to live on the coast and a friend suggested Morro Bay. I'd passed by Morro Bay once, taking the Coast Highway north, but had never visited the town. So, on the way to San Jose to visit my parents for Christmas 1988, I turned off on Highway 1 in a heavy rain and headed for Morro Bay. The downpour continued and I didn't know what exit to take, but ended up on San Jacinto, figuring that would get me to the beach and a view of Morro Rock.
As I approached the end of San Jacinto and turned south towards the town, the rain suddenly stopped and the sun broke through, lighting up the Rock, which sparkled and glittered from the rain. It was absolutely beautiful and felt very much like God saying, "Here." I parked the car and just drank in the wonderful view. I remember turning to my dog on the seat next to me and saying, "I think we've found our new home!"
On the way back to L.A., I stopped again and this time checked out the downtown area and some neighborhoods. I went in to Coldwell Banker and met Shirley Lyon, who became my real estate agent and first local friend, and who now serves on the Wastewater Treatment Plant JPA with me.
Back in L.A., everyone said I'd never sell my house and never find a job (we were in the beginning of a recession then, too) but prior to completing the Legal Assistant course in September, I had sent letters and resumes to every law firm listed in the SLO phone book. I got three interviews and two offers, and accepted the one from Andre, Morris & Buttery, where I worked for 12 wonderful years.
On New Year's Day, 1989, I officially became a Morro Bay resident. I didn't see much of it for three months because I drove back to L.A. every weekend until I sold my house and bought one here. But I did apply for a city advisory board so that I would get to know people and become involved in my new hometown. I was appointed to the Cable TV Franchise Board, followed by the Planning Commission, City Council, and now Mayor, so that worked out well!
My parents moved to Morro Bay two years after I did. My brother Greg (CFO of RRM Design) and his family moved from Minnesota to Los Osos two years after that, so most of my family is now here. My sister and her family live in Oregon, but visit often.
I was reminded of my reason for applying for that advisory board position during one of the Morro Bay parades as I waved and called greetings to people . . . most of whom I knew by name and were now friends. Our town is small, but we are a delightfully diverse, involved, caring group of people. I’m so grateful for the sight of that sunny Rock on a rainy day, which directed me to such a happy life in my new hometown.
I’ve heard wonderful stories of how others discovered and appreciate Morro Bay, too. In future columns I’ll be sharing some of their experiences with you. It’s a great way to remind ourselves of why we’re here and how fortunate we are to inhabit this beautiful “paradise by the Bay.”
Gull Watch
Tiger's Folly
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Blue Boat
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