October 12th
County Supervisor Bruce Gibson made a short presentation and update about the current financial difficulties of the county. Because of a 24-25 million dollar shortfall in the budget, the county will be looking for various services such as health and transit to cut. These decisions, which are yet unmade, will ultimately affect the residents of Morro Bay.
Some choice properties, one located at the northeast corner of Market Avenue and Pacific Street, the other at 781 Market Street, are now up for grabs. The city coffers will benefit from the eventual sale.
Kids in our community (and others who have not outgrown their obsession with arcade games) will be thrilled to learn that a business license was approved for an arcade on the Embarcadero. This new business should appeal to both residents and visitors.
The community came out in support of the new owners of the Buoy Bar located in North Morro Bay. They were saddled with restrictions that resulted from the irresponsible behavior of the previous owners. The current proprietors have proven to be an asset to their neighborhood and the Council approved lifting those restrictions on their business.
The Council, with Winholtz voting no, also approved $15,000 from park-in-lieu funds to help finance an Aquatic Center Feasibility Study (Phase II) for a pool in the Morro Bay area. This phase will work on the design of the pool using the results from the Phase I survey. Two non-profit groups are working on this project.
October 27th
This meeting had a bit more controversy than the one held earlier in the month.
A discussion was held to determine how to interpret the city’s General Plan as it related to commercial endeavors in the Bay south of Tideland’s Park. The discussion was generated because a tug boat business wanted to locate in that area and residents who could be affected felt the business would be in violation of the General Plan. It was clear from the reading that allowance of a commercial enterprise there was open to interpretation and, if allowed, what type of commercial venture was acceptable.
After input from the public, the Council voted three - two to consider commercial projects, with each to be reviewed to consider possible violations of rules relating to traffic, noise, odor etc. Winholtz and Smuckler voted "no," believing the Council's decision was not strong enough regarding both boater safety and neighborhood compatibility.
The public comment portion of this decision had a rather strange topic. A local resident used his time to complain about people who feel, for a number of reasons, that hunting should no longer continue in the Bay. He seemed unaware that this was an inappropriate time and place to make his case. He never mentioned the topic that was being discussed. I, myself, find it a bit unnerving that someone this confused uses a gun in our crowded bay every year.
Earlier, during the public comments of the general meeting, another disconcerting topic was brought up. One of our residents, Jeff Eckles, announced that the Fourth of July celebration will no longer be sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. He is the new chairman of the Fourth of July Committee, whose stated main goal is to bring fireworks back next July. I felt a chill come over me, for he seemed oblivious to any environmental concerns.
I have always loved fireworks. However, my first summer here I was horrified at the effect the noise and explosions of light had on the behavior of the birds as the first blasts occurred. That was the only time I contributed financially to the celebration until this past July, when it was announced that there would be a laser show instead. Having seen fabulous laser shows in the past I was thrilled. What could be better – a spectacular, environmentally responsible show. We all know what happened on the Fourth. It had to be the worst laser demonstration in the history of the technology. That failure certainly gave fuel to those who wanted the fireworks to return; in spite of the fact that the previous two fireworks displays - and many others in the past - were fogged out.
I’ve only been here for 11 years, but I am told that wonderful fireworks displays were previously held at the high school. That makes so much more sense that damaging our already fragile environment over and around the bay. I certainly would give a donation if they were held there or somewhere else that would not cause such a negative environmental impact.
That’s it for another month from my couch. It’s been sunny most of October so I hope my thoughts reflect the clarity that beautiful weather should have brought.
Since the year 2000, Sandra & Curt Beebe have installed 36 Mutt Mitt dispensers in and around Morro Bay. The Mitts are funded by donations from individuals, organizations, and grants. Make the checks out to "The Bay Foundation" for a tax deduction. Be sure to note "Mutt Mitts" on the front of the check. The Bay Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and is administered by the National Estuary Program. For more information about this "Mutt Mitt" Program, contact Sandra at email SandraBeebe@slocoastjournal.com.
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