Welcome to the Slo Coast Journal. Published online monthly, the Journal is here to bring you information specific to our part of the Central Coast—from Los Osos to Big Sur.

"Without journalism then you have to depend on the word as it comes from the authority figure. It takes media to continually probe and probe and probe and probe until we can find out these answers. And the community has a right to know."     Brentin Mock, Journalist

"The notion of a free press, of an institution that monitors those in power and those who wish to be in power, that ferrets out truth from lies, that draws public attention to the pressing issues of our times, is a cornerstone of a liberal democratic theory."
            Robert McChesney in the Political Economy of the Media

Public Access to Sight of the Pacific, Anyone?

by Hershel Parker

In the 12 October 2010 SLO Tribune Nick Wilson describes the lawsuit some Harmony property owners have filed against the Coastal Commission. At issue is an easement allowing hikers to walk along the coast as part of the goal of a California Coastal Trail open to everyone able to make the trek or at least walk segments of it. The Board of Supervisors, back when the Three Amigos pushed through any right-wing proposition that came their way, removed the easement. Read More

Carlock's Bakery Reportedly Under
New Ownership

According to our insider cupcake source, Carlock's Bakery, a mainstay in Los Osos since 1961, has been sold. The new owners will take over this week. There's no word yet on how many, if any, changes will be made to the menu, but our understanding is the bakery will now be open on Sundays. Concern has been expressed over the fate of their apple fritters and fresh muffins. Stay tuned. We'll keep you updated. See Reviews

Setting the Record Straight

I would like to address statements being made, so the public has accurate knowledge upon which to make decisions. Read More

Great Shots?

Are you a local photographer with images of the Central Coast you'd like to share with our readers? The Great Shots team is always looking for photographs a cut above the rest. Join the Flickr group Slo Coast Journal Photos and submit your favorites. Image by Carol DiNolfo

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Morro Bay / Cayucos Wastewater Treatment Plant's October Surprise

The unpredictable Morro Bay-Cayucos wastewater treatment plant project got even murkier with a questionable environmental impact report (EIR), the exit of what many feel was the best hope for a top-quality and lowest-priced plant, confusion over what kind of forum would be held to dissect the EIR and a plant cost estimate by MWH that some found hard to add up. Read More

More MWH Problems -  in Portland and Seattle

As reported by the SLO Coast Journal, Montgomery, Watson, Harza Global (MWH), Morro Bay's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) design contractor has faced recent allegations of serious wrongdoing in New Orleans, Cape Coral, Florida, and Los Osos.  Resident researchers have uncovered additional allegations made in Oregon and Washington. Read More

Morro Bay City Council Meetings & the Brown Act

Residents have asked the City to tackle alleged Brown Act violations and improve government openness and transparency by adopting a "sunshine ordinance" that would expand on the State's basic rules for public meetings and access to public records. Some are gently prodded to wrap up their comments, but are allowed to finish.  Read More

MWH Claims Slo Coast Journal Inaccurcies

MWH, the design contractor for the planned new Morro Bay-Cayucos wastewater treatment plant, has sent a letter to the project's manager, claiming an article in the October 1 issue of the Slo Coast Journal was "riddled with inaccuracies." The article reported that a government investigation in New Orleans discovered MWH had engaged in a wide range of professional misconduct. Read More

Los Osos Sewer Rates Ordinance Introduced
It's Time to Speak Up!

According to the proposed ordinance, property owners will owe $260 a month. This does not include the costs of connecting the sewer. And that's not even the full picture. Read More

Morro Bay Stream Interference Update
Department of Fish and Game Report Issues

In October, the Journal reported issues regarding stream interference tests that were performed for the City of Morro Bay. Read More 

Morro Bay Mutual Water Well Permit Snafu

An August, 2010 SLO Coast Journal article reported issues regarding Morro Bay Mutual Water, a PG&E affiliate that is located on Morro Bay Power Plant (MBPP) property and supplies water to the PG&E substation and the power plant    The article stated, in part, that "The water is drawn from wells and is used for domestic purposes, irrigation, and fire protection.  Read More

Is the Morro Bay/Cayucos WWTP Project Already "Another Los Osos?

Some residents believe that the history of the Los Osos wastewater project is being repeated in the Morro Bay/Cayucos wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) upgrade.  Reported problems with the two communities' projects are strikingly similar. Read More

When In Doubt, Just Let Go

Whether it's your family or town, knowing your history helps you to understand where you came from, what you are made of, and how not to make the same mistakes over and over again. You make a better future when you learn from the past. Read More

Mystery in Morro Bay - - - We're Just Wondering

Unanswered questions have arisen in connection with a proposed project that would completely change the face of Morro Bay. Read More