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Commentary on the March, 2010 Morro Bay City Council Meetings
by Sandra Beebe
March 8 Meeting
Two quick comments before I begin my exegesis about the decision on the medical marijuana dispensary. First, I think I have been remiss in mentioning my admiration for the work that Rick Grantham does on the committee to end homelessness in SLO county in ten years. I don't think there could be a better use of one's time that to assist those in need of shelter.
Second, during public comment Jeff Eckles stated that funding for the Fourth of July event is having great success and that there will be "fireworks out in the Bay." Does that mean that those of us who feel that another site, such as the high school, would be more prudent are no longer being listened to? Has a final decision, along with all the permits needed, been accomplished?
Medical Marijuana
The discussion about medical marijuana certainly generated much passion on both sides. Without being disrespectful, the most negative remarks about this enterprise were made by grumpy old male residents of Morro Bay. (Being a grumpy old female resident I say this with much affection). If I were being mean spirited, I would attack the logic of their convoluted arguments, but will set that aside in the name of amity.
Many who spoke had genuine concerns about the location, social impact, and financial cost to our city.
I have a new hero and her name is Linda Hill. She is retired from the criminal justice system and resides in Los Osos. She spoke with such compassion, intelligence, and logic on the need for this service. I wish I were half as eloquent about the issues I feel ardently about. She had her facts straight and her empathy for those suffering from lack of effective medication was heartening.
Some owners of local businesses are concerned about how it will affect them. I can understand that. However, they did not voice the same concern about the drunks coming out of the bars just down the street from their businesses. If done in the proper manner, we will not be able to tell who is a patient or which building is the clinic except for the proper signage. These are not heroin addicts in search of a fix. They are our neighbors who are experiencing cancer, glaucoma, chronic pain, or some other life-changing malady. Businesses will not be impacted by the presence of such a clinic.
Andrew Wilkie, a local resident, stated he was voicing the objections of many parents in the city. All of us who have raised children know this concern. However, I would speculate that children are more likely to abuse the beer in their parents' refrigerators or the vodka in their friends' parents' liquor cabinet than to obtain marijuana from a medical facility. Again, alcohol is much more destructive to our society than any form, medical or otherwise, of marijuana. Just read the statistics about the association of alcohol abuse with spousal violence, divorces, crime, child neglect, poor work performance, etc., and you'll be marching in front of every bar. (Of course, we know that prohibition did not work. Parental concern does).
After much thoughtful discourse, the Council voted 4-1 to form a panel to discuss this issue. They stated they wanted to dot all the "i's" and cross all the "t's" so that any such clinic would not cause problems for the community, the owner, the local businesses, and the patrons. They pledged to bring this issue back in 30-90 days. To delay it longer than that would bring to question their sincerity to face this issue head on.
The only dissenting vote was from Councilwoman Borchard who mentioned something about federal law, but her lack of demonstrated compassion for those in our town who are suffering was a bit chilling.
March 22, 2010 Meeting
Senior Transportation
One of the things that I have so admired about our town is that we care about our senior citizens. One way we verify that is by providing Dial-A-Ride at a low cost to take them shopping, to doctor's appointments, etc. Now the economic crisis is endangering this service. Because of state and other cutbacks, there is a shortfall this fiscal year of just under $25,000 and essentially no money for next fiscal year. The staff presented several alternatives – none that would fully solve the problem and continue this service as it is now.
During the public comment period, I was surprised to learn from Janet Gould, principal of Del Mar Elementary, that many parents prevail upon this service to get their children to and from school for various activities. In this era it is understandable why working parents do not want their young ones walking home alone.
Both our Mayor, Janice Peters, and Councilman Noah Smuckler had done their homework and talked to other areas about their solutions to this fiscal problem. Noah had gleaned that Cambria uses volunteers in their own cars and driving a small bus to transport their seniors. When I lived in South Carolina a number of years ago, I drove such a bus as a volunteer and the program was very successful.
The Council voted four to one to sell a used trolley to meet this year's shortage and directed staff to come back with more information on possible solutions. As Councilwoman Winholtz stated, it will probably have to be a creative combination of public and private monies along with volunteers. Certainly, we can do no less for those who need such a kindness extended to them .
The only dissenting vote was Rick Grantham, who deemed this was not an "essential" service. When money is tight we do have to look very hard at this word, but for some this is their lifeline to do those necessary tasks of everyday life.
Water Restrictions Unchanged
Water, water everywhere . . . Although February brought an abundance of rain, Councilman Smuckler reminded us that we are still under moderate restrictions for water usage. A flyer will be out soon reminding residents of the particulars of such a restriction. Water shortages are never cured by seasonal rains – just postponed.
New Police Commander?
As many of you know, the Chief of Police in Morro Bay, John DeRohan, is retiring. His Commander, Tim Olivas, will be moving up into that position. The Council was asked by staff if they wanted to authorize the hiring of a replacement for the Commander's position and/or if they wanted to make changes for requirements of that position.
After much input and discussion, the Council voted three to two to authorize the filling of that post. Council members Winholtz and Smuckler voted, with great deliberation, not to hire at this time. It was a difficult decision for them, but budgetary restraints are a high priority in every department, including other public safety branches such as fire.
There are currently 17 sworn members of the Morro Bay Police force. I'm glad they are there. If I were in trouble I would need their assistance. Having said that, I am gratified that two members voted with the courage of their convictions and voted to at least postpone the hiring for now. Tough choices are being made by all during these financially critical times.
Primary Elections Necessary?
One last observation. During the public comment period, the upcoming primary election was mentioned. One former council member wondered why we need a primary when only four applicants are running for two positions on City Council. After wasting the time and money on the primary, all four will go into the runoff. (The unlikely exception would be if one member would get over 50% of the vote, then only two would go forward for the remaining seat)
John Barta, the founding father of this ridiculous primary rule, gloated about how successful it had been during the last election. Maybe I'm just not intelligent enough to comprehend the complexities of the situation, but it continues to seem to be a waste of time and money – something few of us have to squander. The last election resulted in one very qualified member joining the Council and one very well known resident being elected. As far as I can tell this was not an improvement over previous elections, it wasted city monies, and certainly does not warrant gloating.
Curmudgeon Gripe of the Month:
Recently, I was driving down Morro Bay Boulevard when I saw a number of American flags flying. My first reaction was that in my senile state I had forgotten some national holiday. But no, these flags were being used to bring attention to condos on the corner of Morro Bay Boulevard and Shasta that were for sale. Even the "For Sale" signs were made to look like American flags. Am I the only one who feels this denigrates our flag? I know that many times in the last eight years or so, I have seen our flag used to try to prove that one point is more patriotic than another, but is this not pushing the lack of respect for the true meaning of our flag too far? In our economy, one has to be inventive to succeed financially, but surely other types of colorful flags, balloons, and signs could have attracted just as much attention without the underlying message that this seller was somehow more of a patriot than others in town.
I think it is great that many business and homeowners fly their American flags. I, myself, own a cherished flag that belonged to my grandparents. However, when I see the flag flying, I think of what Francis Scott Keyes saw when he was watching over those ramparts - not condos for sale.
As usual I'm looking forward to the Council meetings next month. Morro Bay continues to be the best little town on this planet and I wouldn't want my couch any place else.
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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