|     
Report and Commentary on February's Morro Bay City Council Meetings
by Sandra Beebe
February 8 Meeting
Morro Bay Public Library
Sometimes a controversy can be between two opposing views which both have merit. Most of us feel that we have a jewel of a library here in Morro Bay. It's fun just to walk into it and observe all the activity going on at any point when the library is open. However, it is beginning to feel crowded at times and more space is wanted. It would seem logical that they expand into the meeting room, but decisions are never quite that simple. That room is used by many groups for gatherings and the city has a scarcity of such space. Many from the community were present to voice their support for expansion of the library into the meeting room. They feel there are alternative spaces available in the city for meetings. I hope a solution will be found by the administration which will allow for an amicable resolution of this issue.
SLO Regional Airport
Mike Manchak delivered a presentation on the SLO Regional Airport. I was not surprised to hear that 58% of the residents of this area who travel do not use the SLO airport. My husband and I have not used it for years, but it was not because of the price, as Mr. Manchak indicated, but other factors. Too many times we were unable to leave on time because of morning fog and, thus, missed our connecting flight in Los Angeles. Flying these days is dreadful enough without having to attempt rebooking at the last minute. Also, I'm not the bravest of passengers and the diminutive size airplanes always made me a bit nervous. The last time I flew into SLO was on a hot night with no air conditioning available and with disconcerting turbulence. I noted to myself that I knew I wanted my ashes scattered over the coastal waters, just not at that moment. It was time to bite the proverbial bullet and drive to L.A. for future flights. Give SLO larger planes on a longer runway and I'll consider returning as a customer.
Chronic Pain Relief
Before I discuss the next issue, I need to clarify the perspective I come from. I do not smoke, have been a lifelong teetotaler, and would never consider taking an illegal drug. For the last 27 years I have suffered daily from a rare neurological syndrome. I have tried over 40 prescribed medications with no decrease in my pain. Each of the medications brought with them obnoxious and sometimes dangerous side effects to one degree or another.
I do not feel that marijuana is a harmless drug. However, I certainly do feel that the people who abuse alcohol cause more damage to their health and contribute to the chaos (family breakups, accidents, violence, etc) in our society than those who use "weed." Moreover, there is little difference, from my observations, in the thinking process of a long time "pothead" and a long-term alcoholic. Both substances cause significant cognitive impairment.
However, if a person is suffering from pain or other medical problems that can be alleviated by marijuana, it is inhumane to prevent them from as easily accessing it as the person who takes their prescription for narcotics to the local pharmacy.
I was pleased that most of the City Council was taking a reasonable approach to allowing a medical marijuana dispensary here in Morro Bay. If anyone with a soul watched our residents testify at the meeting about their medical conditions and did not feel compassion for their onerous situations, then they are without a heart.
I can personally attest to the fact that marijuana is not easily obtainable and it is expensive to do so. When the dispensary opened here, I gave it some consideration since my pain makes each day a marathon instead of a leisurely stroll. I first approached my primary care physician, who said it might help but he would not risk his license to prescribe it. I called the local dispensary and was given the name of two doctors who would interview patients for a license. I made an appointment and off I went to SLO with my considerable medical history. The woman physician was extremely careful but very kind and did fill out the form for my license. Unfortunately, besides the cost of the visit, the paperwork cost me, as I remember, in the neighborhood of $150.
I did my research online and vacillated over whether I wanted to make this step or not. After a particularly grueling day of pain, I decided to go the next afternoon to the local dispensary. As luck would have it, that following morning the clinic was raided and shut down.
So what to do? I searched the internet and found that the closest clinics were in Santa Barbara, so I chose to travel there. The clinic I visited was a very professional operation and security was high. My husband was not allowed to accompany me inside their office, since I was the one with the license. I had made the decision that I was not willing to smoke anything, so I talked about edibles to the husband and wife team who ran the dispensary. They were exceedingly kind and counseled me about my alternatives. I left with my brownies and drove home. Unfortunately for me, this form did not work and I never tried other methods of using this medication. I did consult a pain expert who said the prescription pill form of marijuana (marinol) is of little use. I probably paid about $100 per brownie, if you factor in all the money I spent to go see the doctor, pay for the license, and travel to and from Santa Barbara, etc.
So my recommendation is to allow the clinic to open; but make it secure and as easy as you can for the patients. Those of us with chronic pain have very little emotional energy left over for dealing with bureaucratic complications. Councilman Grantham was interested in a delivery system for medical marijuana. I feel the extra cost and uncertainty of delivery times would put unneeded stress on the patients.
After revealing all this, do I feel we will soon have a dispensary in Morro Bay? No, because the hearts and minds of those with the power, rarely allow for mercy.
September 22 Meeting
The second meeting in February did not stir up any strong feelings – either pro or con on any issues. I greatly respect all the council members who have to attend to mundane but important matters, like some of those from this meeting.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Letter
During Public Comment, David Weisman, a local resident and member of the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, was allowed to again plead his case to the City Council to sign a letter going to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It states that the process for renewal of the license of Diablo Canyon should not begin until certain seismic tests that the State feels are necessary are completed. This certainly is a momentous decision, for a wrong turn can be catastrophic. Mr. Weisman made a compelling case for the City to back such a stance. I lived in Pennsylvania when the infamous Three Mild island meltdown occurred. Nuclear Power scares the bejeebies out of me, for one careless mistake can be too costly. I agree with Councilman Smuckler, who along with Councilperson Winholtz, feels this is a reasonable next step. I want to personally thank them for their willingness to sign the letter as requested by Mr. Weisman.
Fun Ride – Green Way to Drive
A new service is being offered in Morro Bay. Fun Ride – Green Way to Drive wants to bring their car sharing service to our city. First they need 30 people to sign up as potential users. If you are interested in this, you can sign a form at the Chamber of Commerce. It sounds like another sensible way to provide a needed service to our residents and be a bit greener while doing so.
Waste Water Collections Systems Operator
Another matter discussed was authorization to hire a wastewater collections systems operator. The present workload is too much for the current staff. Money is being spent to outsource both mandated and needed functions at a greater cost than to hire someone to fill this slot. The Council voted unanimously to allow this hire, in spite of a limited budget, for it was deemed vital to do so. I concur.
2010 / 2011 Budget
Andrea Lucker, City Manager, discussed the budget for the fiscal year 2010/11. She asked that residents inform her about what they see as the most essential services the City offers and about what you value in Morro Bay. You can either do so by email or by attending the next City Council meeting on March 8th to give her your feedback.
Andrea, if you are reading this - and I would be most honored if you were - my opinion is that most essential services are clean water and the emergency services the Fire Department offers. Many of us, particularly any of us over 60 , could experience a medical emergency and feel comforted that such aid exists in our town.
What do I value in Morro Bay? Quiet, Nature, Beauty, and Smiles
Well, time to get off my couch for another month. These beautiful sunny days surrounded by rainy ones are feeding my soul and I wish the same for all of you.
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.
|
 |
