Why is this election candidacy so important to those living in Cayucos and Morro Bay? It is because the 50-year-old wastewater treatment plant needs to be replaced. After several years now of those on the joint powers committee (Morro Bay City Council and the Cayucos Sanitary District) moving forward to replace the current plant with a newer model, the California Coastal Commission has not approved the project as submitted because the it thinks it is a good idea to move the plant off the beach (it is currently at the west end of Hwy 46), to stop dumping the wastewater into the ocean, and to yield the beach to visitor and recreational uses. Other reasons are environmental, such as it is in a flood plain, in a tsunami area, in a 100-year storm area and is subject to flooding on occasion.
The joint committee has responded to the Coastal Commission's disapproval by writing a 24-page rebuttal, hiring a lobbyist and misrepresenting the expenses of considering the alternativemoving the wastewater treatment plant inland to another site. It just so happens there is a good site — among several others — that is for sale for a third of the cost of what has been quoted. It is a large property with plenty of room for all that a plant would require. Further, there are some who would like the committee to consider more modern technology and put our community into the future.
Peggy Lance Little is a candidate for the Cayucos Sanitary District and, if elected, would be a part of the joint committee to help steer our community to the future with well thought out plans. She graduated from California State University-Dominguez Hills with degrees in science and philosophy (summa cum laude). She studied wastewater treatment plants, and has performed many analyses of different science and business projects. She uses these skills today as a self-employed Certified General Appraiser, studying land use, income sources, cost analysis and statistics. She also, with her husband, owns a manufacturing company outside the area. She has developed projects, done remodels and restoration of historical properties, and on occasion, acts as owner/contractor. Peggy is a supporter of the SLO Symphony, is a Director of the California Museum of Ancient Art, and a supporter of H.A.R.T. (Homeless Animal Rescue Team). She has lived in Cayucos with her husband, Joe, for eight years and owns several properties here.
At this juncture, the faces on both the Morro Bay City Council and the Cayucos Sanitary District are changing due to term limits, unfinished terms, etc. There is hope that a fresh group of committee members will face the seriousness of a disapproved project and consider "Plan B."
San Luis Obispo County is becoming one of the more environmentally aware counties in the state. Did you know that it has green initiatives and suggestions for any project being built here? Free advice is available through SLO Green Build. There is no obligation to take design suggestions for building a tighter envelope, or considering the right kind of insulation that will cut down on utility usage or enhance the quality of air inside the building. San Luis Obispo County has set aside view shed space, encouraged walking and bicycling by building more bike lanes, closing streets at times, providing bike racks, sponsoring biking competitions. It has been working on beach access for bikes and walkers for years, working to continue paths up and down the state.
Yes, we grow grapes and avocados. Yes, we have an outstanding university in our midst. Yes, we live in one of the most beautiful counties — and certainly the most geologically interesting county — in the state. It is no accident that our county has been named the "happiest place to live" and attracts many visitors and people who want second homes here. All the more reason to move our wastewater treatment plant off the beach and leave the coast to residents and visitors, to walkers, bikers, and dogs. Yes, it will cost more, but we have yet to consider what the benefits will be — such as looking at the income our community would receive from both the excess land of an inland plant and the income from a soon-to-be-vacant beach site. Let's hear it for the people!
