Morro Bay Life • September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 • MORROBAYLIFENEWS.COM

ResiliencE SHINES THROUGH amidst THE PANDEMIC

Photo by Hayley Mattson

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

SEE PAGE 4

WHAT ABOUT THE GREATEST GENERATION? SEE PAGE 10

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 19 PASO ROBLES, CA

SEE PAGE 3

2020 LOCAL ELECTIONS: MEET THE CANDIDATES

******ECRWSSEDDM****** POSTAL CUSTOMER MORRO BAY, CA 93442

REMEMBERING DISTRICT SUPERVISOR ADAM HILL

2 • September 2020 • Morro Bay Life

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A

s we welcome September and the fall season’s changing temperatures, we are reminded once again that life is dramatically different.

Our kiddos are back in school, but not really, distance learning is the new homeschooling of the 21st Century, and for the most part, that is what we have decided to do.

This way of living is new to us all, and learning to navigate our way through it comes with many challenges. No one will handle it perfectly, and that is the underlined beauty of it all, and if we can continue to see that, then we will make it through stronger than ever before.

September marks our year anniversary of adopting the Atascadero News and the Paso Robles Press, along with all the ancillary publications, including Morro Bay Life.

Being the stewards of the local news publications during the pandemic has been a challenge, humbling experience, and a true honor.

As with many other businesses, our company has weathered the storm.

We changed our direction, our business model, and with each turn, stayed true to our motto, “making communities better through print.”

Having that as our guiding light has helped us navigate some of the most challenging times during this pandemic. We could not have made it through without the deep love and respect we have for one another, our family, and our resilient business partners that continued to advertise even through the unknown.

Then there is our team. This talented group of professionals inspires us every day from our managing editor Brian Williams to our company administrator Cami Martin, to Mike Michaud, our layout editor, who lays out all 252 pages (respectfully) of our publications each month. Connor Allen, our Sports Editor, turned News Correspondent, Dana McGraw, our advertising consultant, and our ad designer Jen Rodman along with our freelance team of journalists.

Each of them are loyal, extremely hard-working, and dedicated to bringing our communities the very best.

As we continue to walk through these challenging times, please remember the support, love, and “in this together” that we all shared when we started this journey, because, at the end of the day, that is all that matters.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Morro Bay Life.

Please stay safe, share love, and be a good human.

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Morro Bay Life • September 2020 • 3

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IN MEMORIAM

District 3 Supervisor Adam Hill Passes Away STAFF REPORT SAN LUIS OBISPO — San Luis Obispo County District 3 Supervisor Adam Hill was found dead in his home in Pismo Beach on Aug. 7.

The details of his death have not been made public at this time. The County of San Luis Obispo asked that his family’s privacy be respected.

“It is with sadness that we have been informed that Supervisor Adam Hill has passed away. This is shocking and tremendously painful news.

While we are unaware of the details at this time, we ask everyone to let the proper authorities do their jobs and investigate. Please respect his family’s privacy at this time.”

Following his death Assemblyman Jordan being an ongoing personnel investigation.

Cunningham sent out the following statement: Hill was reelected on Mar. 3, winning over “I am saddened to hear of Supervisor Hill’s Stacy Korsgaden by 587 votes. passing. Adam and I worked together to Hill was hospitalized on Mar. 12 improve the lives of Central Coast resiand later stated that he had attempted dents and protect the Diablo Canyon suicide. workforce. He leaves a legacy of passion The same day Hill was hospitalized, and commitment to public service. My the FBI served a search warrant at condolences to his family and the San Luis Obispo County friends during these difficult Government Center. Hill times.” said at the time that he On Aug. 13, SLO could not comment on the County officials confirmed pending and confidential Hill was being investigated investigation. The FBI for workplace misconduct also did not comment before his death but did not on the investigation. provide any details due to it In April, Hill resigned

his position as Chair of the Board of Supervisors but resumed his duties as District 3 Supervisor.

Hill announced in early July that he was seeking specialized treatment for depression and encouraged others struggling to reach out for help.

The City of Morro Bay shared the following message after his death “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Supervisor Adam Hill and will remember Supervisor Hill as a constant advocate for our beloved Central Coast Communities. The City of Morro Bay extends heartfelt sympathy to Supervisor Hill’s family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace Supervisor Hill.”

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-8255 or text “HOME” to 741741.

CITY

City Launches the “Be a Trash Hero” Campaign Encouraging Visitors and Residents to be Part of the Solution, Not the Pollution STAFF REPORT MORRO BAY — The City recently launched the “Be A Face Mask Hero” campaign to align with the State of California’s statewide mask order and highlight the importance of wearing masks to combat the spread of COVID-19. The campaign has been very successful as the City continues to see increased compliance with face-covering usage.

The City is now launching its second leg of the Hero campaign series, “Be a Trash Hero.”

Since seeing the return of visitors to our area (as allowed by State and County orders), the City has

experienced a dramatic increase in the amount of trash and waste. In response, the City has added trash receptacles and increased staffing on weekends; however, the amount of trash and debris produced by visitors exceeds even the added capacity. Community members have also stepped in to assist, and the City is very grateful for its committed and dedicated volunteer base that routinely assists staff with trash removal and clean-up.

Despite all these efforts, there is still debris that does not land in a proper trash receptacle or left next to or on top of a full trash receptacle in many locations. As a coastal community, we often forget that seagulls and other birds tend to pick up trash next to receptacles or pull out trash and carry it throughout the city if not entirely thrown away.

When this happens, trash and debris can end up in our bay, negatively impacting the marine

life we all cherish and love to observe. The “Be a Trash Hero” campaign focuses on encouraging our visitors to respect our beautiful community and delicate bay, this place that they enjoy visiting and spending time in, by helping to be part of the solution, not the pollution properly disposing of all trash and recyclables.

Trash Hero signage and feather banners will be placed throughout the waterfront and main street areas in the coming days and weeks to help communicate the message and ask visitors for their support and participation.

Just as with the City’s Face Mask Hero campaign, City staff will be handing out swag items such as t-shirts and hats to visitors and residents that they see going above and beyond, picking up trash and helping to protect the bay – truly being part of the solution, not the pollution.

ON THE BALLOT

Measure E-20 and Changes in the Election Cycle

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life

T

his measure is a City-sponsored 1-percent sales tax increase — called Measure E-20 — that would need more than 50% “Yes” votes to be enacted.

E-20 would increase the price of taxable goods 1¢ for every dollar. The City has predicted that it would generate $2 million a year for the general fund to pay for services like police, fire and maintenance, City Hall administration, and pension liabilities, among many other expenses.

Morro Bay already has Measure Q, a half-cent sales tax enacted in 2006 that brings in about $1 million a year and is to be spent on police and fire department needs, street repairs, and storm drain repairs.

It is being used to pay off the Harbor Street Firehouse’s debt, and the City sets aside about $500,000 a year for road repairs, among numerous other benefits.

Voting Will Change

A 4-Day Election

This year’s voting will be different, as every registered voter will be mailed a ballot before the election, whether they are registered for mail-in balloting or not.

There will be roughly half as many polling places as usual after the County Clerk said some 42% of volunteer poll workers from the March Primary Election bowed out of the November Presidential Election due to concerns over COVID-19.

Also, due to COVID-19, nearly half the polling places in SLO County bowed out of the election, forcing the County Clerk to find new locations and cutting the available polling places roughly in half.

In Morro Bay, the only in-person polling place will be at the Community Center. The County Clerk said there would also be special ballot boxes put out so voters can drop off their ballots and have them go directly to the County Election’s Office.

Voters can also send in their ballots via the Post Office, which has asked voters nationwide to mail in their ballots early to ensure they reach election offices in time to be counted.

In perhaps a telling first in this politically contentious year, California voting will start on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, with polling places slated to be open daily through Tuesday, Nov. 3, the official Election Day. SLO County has had a majority voting by mail for nearly 20 years, so this change isn’t likely to be too drastic for the County Elections Office. The manpower issue at the polls and over four days is expected to be more of a challenge.

If past elections are an indicator, voters should expect the vote count to last through most of November. Results won’t be “official” until County Supervisors vote to certify the results.

Morro Bay’s City Council terms of office expire the second Tuesday in December (usually around Dec. 8), which is when the election results get certified by the old council, and a transfer of power happens when the City Clerk swears in new council members on that night.

Though what is typically a night of celebration, in the age of COVID-19 remains to be seen. Council meetings have been held via Zoom since April.

4 • September 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Election 2020

This content was made possible through the financial support of the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce and 13 Stars Media

The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is a “Three C’s Chamber” that works to Catalyze business growth, Convene leaders and influencers, and Champion a strong community. One way we champion our Morro Bay community is to provide a platform for all candidates to communicate with the electorate.

What follows is information provided directly by the candidates on request from the Chamber, asking them first to introduce themselves and then share why they are running for local elected office. For more information, including the candidates’ own answers to four additional questions from the Chamber that address business community concerns, please navigate to morrochamber.org.

Community Candidate Forum Announced!

Mark your Calendars: Monday, Sept. 28, at 5:30 pm for a Candidate Forum that is open to the community and moderated by the League of Women Voters. This will be a virtual event that can be seen live on Channel 20 and online at www.slo-span.org. The Forum will be archived at that site for on-demand viewing, thanks to AGP Video. Community members are encouraged to submit their questions of the candidates in advance of the forum to info@lwvslo.org. The deadline to submit questions is Friday, Sept. 25, at 5 pm.

Have you registered to vote? Do it today by visiting registertovote.ca.gov or vote.gov

MEE T THE C ANDIDATES Mayoral Candidates JOHN HEADDING (Incumbent)

M

Website: headdingformayor.com Phone: (805) 909-9785 | Email: johnheaddingformayor@gmail.com

y name is Dr. John Headding, and I am currently the Mayor of Morro Bay. My career involves the management of complex organizations. I have been a department director in hospitals and was the CEO/COO of multiple hospitals for almost 20 years. My background includes having earned a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

I successfully have operated small businesses (retail pharmacies) in both Cambria and Morro Bay. I recently retired and continue to serve full-time as Morro Bay’s Mayor. My wife, Sue, is a registered nurse, and we have lived on the central coast for over 15 years. My daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law, Matthew, live in Morro Bay as do our two grandchildren, Stewart (LOMS student) and Hannah (Morro Bay high school student).

I am running for a second term as Mayor to preserve the unique small harbor town nature of Morro Bay while embracing change that improves our economic and financial position. Under my leadership, the City Council has established new policies, resulting in significant increases in our financial reserves, that allow us to continue to provide core public safety services despite the devastating loss of revenues due to COVID-19.

I will continue to advocate for sound fiscal policies, diversification of our economic revenue base, transparency in government, protection of our bay and Harbor, and expansion of our Tourism (post-COVID-19) and Fishing industries.

I promise to continue to work hard to eliminate wasteful spending, further reduce our pension liabilities, support local businesses with business-friendly policy development, and complete our new water treatment facility. Finally, I will continue to support local police and fire services to protect our public safety.

JOHN WEISS

I

Website: johnweissmayorformorrobay.com Phone: (805) 748-9615 | Email: johnweissformayor@gmail.com

’m blessed to be married to my amazing wife, Christine, and together, we have five successful adult children and three grandchildren. I earned an Electronics Technology Degree from the College of San Mateo and a Business Degree from Cuesta College.

In 1978, with my father Dick, we opened Coast Electronics, a RadioShack Dealer in Morro Bay. We diversified to provide Name Brand products, Installation, and Repair. We’re currently located in Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles. I’ve also been a Manager at a few electronics companies.

As a proud member of the Rotary Club of Morro Bay, I have served in many roles including Club President, Eco-Rotary Charter Club President, and District Governor managing 80 Rotary Clubs in Kern, SLO, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties with 3,500 members not including 77 Interact Clubs, Youth Exchange, and Youth Leadership training. Since 1986, I’ve been a resident in Morro Bay. I am running for Mayor to restore trust in Government and to manage our funds and control the budget. I will find ways to increase our income, so we do not lose our Fire and Police by forming a committee made up of successful business owners to help generate sufficient revenue. The goal is to expand current businesses and determine how the City can help them be more profitable.

I will work to lead City Hall to be more Customer friendly using my experience in Morro Bay of operating a successful business for over 40 years. I will have an open-door policy for the citizens with office hours by calling me at 805.748.9615.

Morro Bay Life • September 2020 • 5

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Cit y Council Candidates LAUREL BARTON

Website: laurel4morrobay.com Phone: (559) 679-6133 | Email: laurel4morrobay@gmail.com

I

started my career at the City of Visalia after completing a degree in Plant Science at CSU Fresno. Soon after being hired, I was drawing construction plans and preparing bids for park development projects. I passed the Landscape Architects licensing exam and learned grant writing, bringing in millions of dollars for projects as staff at City of Visalia and City of Tulare.

I served terms on the Visalia Unified School District Board and the Visalia City Council and was privileged to serve one year as a State Senate Fellow in Sacramento.

During this period, I adopted two brothers, then aged 4 ½ and 6, who are now nearly 30 years old.

I enjoy Morro Bay’s friendly people and our city’s beautiful vistas.

I have met many of you while participating in the local chapter

of the American Association of University Women, Estero Bay Newcomers’ Club, and Morro Bay in Bloom.

I am running for Council because I want to help the city through these difficult times. I have the experience, skills, and temperament to do it. The current Council has set the course on important issues like the water reclamation facility, vacation rentals, and the sales tax measure, but there will be big decisions on these and other issues in the future.

I work well with others and will contribute to outcomes that serve the interests of all our residents.

I have several layers of experience in city government in California, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco, and can hit the ground running.

ROBERT “RED” DAVIS (Incumbent)

Website: RobertRedDavis.com Phone: (805) 772-0874 | Email: RobertRedDavisForCouncil@gmail.com

M

y name is Robert “Red” Davis. I’ve served the past four years its citizens and welcomes visitors. I value for Morro Bay its – on Morro Bay City Council. My wife, Gail, and I bought our • Small town atmosphere house in Morro Bay in 1991, and we have lived here full time since 1996.

• Scenic surroundings We moved here from Nevada City, California, after I retired from • Open space and parks Caltrans, and Gail retired from the Nevada City School District. Our • Outdoor activities children and grandchildren still live in Nevada City and Grass Valley.

• Small business owners Our daughter and son-in-law are both Fire Captains.

• Citizen volunteers I have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. I • Participative government worked 33 years at Caltrans as a Budget Analyst, Training Manager, I want our city to provide a good living standard for the Contract Compliance Officer, and Planner. people who want to live here.

During that same period, I was also a Senior NCO in the Air Force That includes – Reserve, serving as Training and Deployments Officer for 33 years before • Affordable housing retiring in 1998.

• A variety of businesses and entertainment I am proud of what we have accomplished in the past 4 years and • Small town atmosphere what we are planning to do over the next 10 years. My passion is to • Scenic surroundings and open space help my city prosper and grow.

• Outdoor exercise opportunities My vision of Morro Bay is that we are a small town that takes care of • An affordable getaway for visitors

RICHARD E. T. SADOWSKI

Website: sadowskiforcouncil.org Phone: (805) 380-7783 | Email: Richard@sadowskiforcouncil.org

M

y name is Richard E.T. Sadowski. I’m a former Morro Bay Planning Commissioner and now running for City Council. I have been a resident of Morro Bay for over 18 years. I consider Morro Bay my home and have been working both privately and publicly to better our community. In addition to the Planning Commission, I have served on the Water Reclamation Facility Citizen Advisory Committee.

I am also deeply involved in working to help feed and deliver food to our community residents. I am currently a member of the Shoreline Calvary Church, where we organize to help our community members on a volunteer basis weekly.

I am a current business owner in the city and share many of the concerns of my fellow business owners as they relate to the future of

Morro Bay. I am running for City Council because I feel we need greater fiscal responsibility and decision making. We are a city of approximately 10,000 people, yet we are spending like we are Santa Barbara. I see a current administration who, in the past 4 years of leadership, have managed to pave a couple of miles of roads but have achieved nothing else. I see us trying to raise more funds to increase our budget, with no services being increased for our community members. I hear homeowners complain about the cost and difficulty to attain permits.

When elected, I intend to work with my fellow council members to improve services, reduce cost and time for permits and streamline our budget such that we don’t have to put a band-aid on poor planning like the upcoming sales tax or potential increase to TOT’s.

BETTY WINHOLTZ

Website: winholtzforcouncil2020.com Phone: (805) 772-5912 | Email: winholtz@sbcglobal.net

I

n 1986, I arrived from Iowa with an MA in Counselor Education.

Hiring freezes allowed me to become a part-time employee for John and Donna Baker’s ice cream store on Main. John and I had discussions about hard work and service, his foundation for a successful store-front and way of life.

Using hard work and service, I created a full-time career as an academic tutor. As a self-employed businesswoman, I learned the additional value of fiscal conservatism.

In 2002, I won a City Council seat by 12 votes. Four years later, I was re-elected and the top vote-getter, having applied the principles of hard work and service.

I have been a member of the White Caps and German Bands, Morro Bay Beautiful, MB Historical Society, MB Seniors, Save the Park, a non-profit that fought for Cerrito Peak; and a volunteer with MBHS and El Chorro Regional Dog Park (near Cuesta).

As a fiscal conservative and prior City Council Member, I know we can do better with City finances.

A budget should balance without using emergency reserve funds. First Responders and other City services can be locally maintained through concrete (not temporary) changes and strict spending rules (not expensive consultants).

Continually raising the “guaranteed maximum price” for the sewer plant is a red flag. New operating costs for pumping sewage 3.5 miles uphill is untold. There are options. For example, it’s less expensive to stay at the current site where the Water Board’s standard will be met when Cayucos goes offline.The City receives no fines. Coastal Commission has no jurisdiction if it’s not new. Sewer and water rates would have to be reduced.

Let’s change the old paradigms that result in financial debt. The City needs to refocus away from “down the road dreams” and address current realities.

6 • September 2020 • Morro Bay Life

r beginning, our business Morro Bay Restaurants Resilience Amidst the Pandemic n people and their

Making Communities Better Through Print™

OUTDOOR DINING

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life

well-being. It’s evident in T mes, with decisions focused

he shutdown of the economy and shelter-at-home orders coming out of Sacramento have devastated local economies, including Morro Bay's. But resilient business owners are adapting to try and meet the restrictions and guidelines and still remain open.

Morro Bay's restaurants have been busy setting up outdoor eating spaces in parking lots, decks, plazas, and one case along the Harborwalk.

The Great American Fish Co. has seating along the front of the building and in a patio adjacent to the front doors.

Giovanni's Fish Market has opened a new takeout window in the space used to house The Coffee Pot Restaurant until recently when the owner decided to retire and give up the business.

ng term, and crucial when

ances become difficult. That ed emphasis on people –

ts, communities, advisors ociates – gives us purpose, and a way forward.

Owner Giovanni Degarimore said in a social media post that the new takeout window was so that local residents wouldn't have to wait in the market's ordinarily long line at the first takeout window. He's placed tables and chairs in part of the parking lot out front and along the water.

The Galley has created a beautiful outdoor dining area that runs along the building's side on the pier into the parking lot. Co-owner Dave Peter explained to Morro Bay Life that when the new guidelines changed that all dining had to move outdoors, he started looking for patio furniture, and everything was sold out. After several trips to IKEA, they now have seating that can serve approximately 20-25 people at a time.

Dutchman's Landing has put tables out in a small plaza area in the middle of the lease site and a breezeway between them.

Carla's Country Kitchen on Beach Street, which already had a small patio, has used

hay bales to delineate an outdoor seating area in its parking lot. Hungry Fisherman, also on Beach Street, is using some of its parking lot for seating.

And of note in North Morro Bay, Maya's and Taco Temple have erected outdoor eating areas in their parking lots too.

Readers are urged to support local businesses. Go down to one of the local eateries and buy a meal. Or visit one of the candy stores, ice cream parlors, coffee bars, bakeries, and gift shops and buy something, because, with the Coronavirus Pandemic, they need support now more than ever.

The inter-connections between businesses and the city government's fiscal health and in-turn, the quality of life enjoyed by residents has never been so exposed.

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This home enjoys views from ALL BEDROOMS /LIVING AREAS, truly a well thought out floor plan! Over 2,700 sqft of living area with 4 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHS, LARGE FAMILY ROOM, LIVING ROOM, MULTIPLE DINING AREAS AND DUAL LEVEL FIREPLACES. NEW CARPET, INTERIOR PAINT AND VINYL FLOORING JUST COMPLETED! This single level entry home sits on a large 15,422 sqft. lot with native plants in the front and a fully fenced backyard waiting for many possibilities. Plenty of room for RV/Boat parking along with an oversized 2 car garage. Experience the breath taking views of the estuary while looking over the white water crashing along the sandspit and surrounding hills- a truly unique visual landscape demands attention to our beautiful coast!

Live your dream in Cayucos!

This lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath ocean view home has been well cared for by its original owner. Enjoy spectacular coastal and whitewater views from inside this amazing home, or from the spacious deck, and YES!, you can see BOTH Cayucos Pier and Morro Bay fireworks shows on the 4th of July!

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Serenity is here with south facing views capturing sun for optimal deck entertainment toasting sights that are truly amazing. This 3 bedrooms 3 baths home offers open floor plan creating a seamless flow between kitchen, living, dining areas while gazing out at the expansive views. Downstairs bedroom offers a secondary guest kitchen with additional separate entrance for possible rental income.

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Step inside this 2000+ sqft home and enjoy remarkable Back Bay, Ocean, Sandspit and Estuary views located in premier Morro Heights, ‘Banana Belt’ neighborhood.

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An open floor plan upstairs provides ample space for gatherings, as well as a well-lit, open and airy feel. The master bedroom and bath are also located upstairs, and the other two bedrooms are downstairs.

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2741 OCEAN BVLD. Cayucos $824,000

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This home also is a LICENSED VACATION RENTAL, many possibilities if so desired. The kitchen features quartz counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, double drawer dishwasher, Brookhaven solid wood maple cabinets and Travertine tumble kale flooring.

Master bedroom provides a large close area with custom built-ins and additional laundry closet for convenience! Master bath has a walk – in shower, travertine stone tile and linen closet.

Other features throughout this home includes: Welford Hickory water proof wood flooring, Milgard windows, solid core doors, High end wall mounted Wood burning fireplace, oversized 2 car garage with fresh EPOXY FLOORS, recessed lighting, skylights abundant of storage. The backyard offers a private Oasis with flagstone pathways to the front yard as well! The lot is 6,270 sqft, room for RV parking.

8 • September 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

BUSINESS

Revive Your Retirement Savings 11 Ways To Step Closer To The Future You Envision

SAVE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

RETIRE PART-TIME

MAXIMIZE TAX BREAKS

Try putting away at least 15% of your If you or your spouse or partner can work Once you’re 50, the amount you can contribincome, or setting a specific savings goal and part-time, you’ll boost your retirement cash ute tax-free to retirement accounts increases. getting there as quickly as possible. flow and give yourself more time for savings So, if you have a workplace retirement plan SARAH SANTANA to grow. with an employer matching program, try COLUMNIST making the maximum allowable contribution. Also, think about previous jobs – did you f you’re concerned your retirement leave anything behind in a retirement plan? savings aren’t quite where they should RETIRE LATER be, you have plenty of company – about The more time your investments have to 30% of working Americans feel the same. But grow, the bigger the ultimate payoff can be.

RETIRE SIMPLER while boosting savings is the most important Even a couple more years can make a big Many retirees find that living more simply is factor in ensuring a comfortable retirement, difference in how much you can put aside. just fine. You’ll want to strike a balance here – there are other changes you can make without don’t give up on your dreams, but try to make Next Steps straying from your financial plan. them a little more realistic.

To begin boosting your savings: • Discuss everything with your advisor, including how much you think you’ll need for the retirement you envision. He or she REVISIT YOUR ASSET ALLOCATION can help you determine what you need to You may have to allocate more of your get there, how to invest your money, how to LOOK AT EXPENSES investments to equities if you’re behind.

RETHINK YOUR HOME EQUITY account for inflation, and what to set aside Depending on your anticipated shortfall, Historically, these have provided better longConsider deploying your home equity to for your potential healthcare costs. this might mean anything from trimming term returns than bonds. Just be careful not establish an emergency fund or meet other • Ask your advisor to run the appropriate daily expenses to really slashing them (e.g., to exceed your risk tolerance. essential expenses. what-if scenarios. You may find your situdelaying a new car purchase). ation is brighter than you think.

I

MAXIMIZE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

ELIMINATE CREDIT CARD DEBT

Pay down high-interest debt as rapidly as possible, and construct a new household budget that makes retirement savings your top priority.

Waiting as long as pos­sible to begin taking benefits makes sense for many, but Social Security is complicated. Fortunately, your advisor can guide you through different claiming strategies.

Sarah Santana is a wealth management and financial advisor for Raymond James Financial Services. If you have questions or would like more DOWNSIZE FOR SIMPLICITY information on how to manage your wealth and If you have more home than you need, finances, visit santanawealthmanagement.com, consider downsizing and investing whatever call at (805) 225-1919, or email at you clear in an income-oriented account. sarah.santana@raymondjames.com

ENVIRONMENT

Pocket Park/Rain Garden To Help Clean Bay

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life

T

he City of Morro Bay has put finishing touches on a project that will help keep the bay a little cleaner and do so in a passive, attractive, and functional manner.

The City’s Environmental Program Manager, Damaris Hansen, has led the project, which started out last year with a visit from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), which wanted the City to capture and filter runoff from the City’s boat wash down the station before it empties into the bay.

Hansen was able to get a $57,000 grant through the Local Government Commission or LGC, a statewide non-profit group “who works throughout California to support livable communities,” Hansen said in an email. LGC tapped the National Recreation and Park Association for the money.

The plan was to build a small “pocket park” that would have a “stormwater rain garden” to “treat runoff from the parking lot, and boat rinse station, which currently enters the Bay without treatment,” Hansen said.

So how does this thing work? “Rain gardens are a designed, depressed area with plants and engineered soil that soaks up stormwater while filtering out pollutants in stormwater,” Hansen explained. “The way the stormwater rain garden works is by capturing the stormwater, which carries sediments and pollutants, as this water travels down the street gutters.”

“The stormwater will be diverted into the rain garden, where the water spreads out into the rain garden, and the plants trap litter and coarse sediments. The water then seeps down into the soil media below, trapping fine sediments and pollutants.

“The cleaned water is then collected in the underground pipes and then flows into the bay.”

No energy is needed for the passive filtering system, but eventually, the City will have to go in and clean out the sediments. A similar system was built in the Cloisters Park, where a small pond filled with reeds captures Hwy 1 and the Cloisters neighborhoods’ runoff.

It is now in need of dredging, which Hansen told Morro Bay Life would be very expensive.

Back in September 2019, the City advertised for bids on the Tidelands Pocket Park job.

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ing did the original design.

“The grant requires a targeted education and outreach component to a specific group,” Hansen said, “given the small size of the park, seniors were chosen as the target group. The grant team held an outreach meeting at the Senior Center on March 15 (2019) and received feedback as to what features the seniors would like to see at this park. Rick Engineering developed the design and has incorporated feedback from this meeting into the design.”

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Smart for your wallet - Smart for the environment

“Unfortunately,” Hansen said at the time, “the bids received were well above our budgeted amount.

Therefore, the City is currently looking into completing portions of the construction project and hiring out other portions to hopefully be able to come in within our budget.”

With the pocket park now almost finished, Hansen said they are awaiting delivery of an arched bench that will be installed. The bench has three spots left for memorial plaques, and the City is working down a waiting list to see if anyone wants to have the memorial brass plaque for a loved one to go onto the bench.

“This will look a lot better when we get the plants in and spruce it up a little,” Hansen said.

They have two Cypress trees they will be planting there as well. So far, the grant has paid for it all, she said, with the City maintenance crew doing the lion’s share of the work. They did bring in a contractor to pour the cement paths and the curbs.

The boat wash station has also been reopened, and Hansen said the water from that facility is draining into the catch basin as designed.

The pocket park has a few decorative features, boulders arranged around the perimeter with ADA accessible walking path. Rick Engineer-

For more information: Call 805-466-2585 or email Dana at office@13starsmedia.com

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Morro Bay Life • September 2020 • 9

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10 • September 2020 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

EDUCATION

What about the Greatest Generation?

JAMES J. BRESCIA, Ed.D County Superintendent of Schools

T

he Greatest Generation is sometimes known as the G.I. Generation and World War II Generation. The Greatest Generation is the demographic cohort following the Lost Generation and preceding the Silent Generation. This generational group includes people born from 1901 to 1927. My grandparents were part of the Greatest Generation. COVID-19 has prompted a review of our family albums, records, and documents during our evenings at home.

My paternal grandparents were born in 1899 and 1901, and my maternal grandparents were born in 1921 and 1923. In seventh grade, my social studies teacher assigned an essay about family

history, struggles, and challenges. As a result of the assignment, I interviewed my grandparents about our family history, how things changed, the events they remembered, and the problems their generation encountered. At the time, I did not realize the sacrifices, challenges, and notable world events the Greatest Generation faced. This summer, I ventured into the attic and rummaged through a box my father had given me over thirty years ago with items from my childhood.

My walk down memory lane described my paternal grandmother completing her schooling and subsequent nursing training in the middle of the 1918 pandemic, my maternal grandfather standing in bread lines as a child for hours, my paternal grandfather serving in both World Wars, and my maternal grandmother serving in the auxiliary as my grandfather served in WWII. Until this summer, I did not fully appreciate what the Greatest Generation faced, how they sacrificed for subsequent generations, and the changes in the world they witnessed. One summer, while staying with my grandparents and standing in line at the bank, my grandfather became visibly angry

and began cursing about waiting to give the bank his money. My grandmother later explained that she lived on a farm during the depression and had food but that my grandfather lived in the city as a child and often stood in line for hours waiting for food.

Tom Brokaw’s book The Greatest Generation talks about how this generation lived through events marked by economic depression (The Great Depression 1929–1939) and global unrest (World War II 1939–1945). In his book, Tom Brokaw said, “These men and women developed values of personal responsibility, duty, honor, and faith.

These characteristics helped them to defeat Hitler, build the American economy, make advances in science, and implement visionary programs like Medicare.”

Brokaw describes how the world events experienced by the Greatest Generation shaped some of the civic organizations serving our country today.

Colin L. Powell describes Brokaw’s book as “Full of wonderful, wrenching tales of a gener-

ation of heroes.” We have those in our world, country, and community who are today’s heroes.

The medical professionals, public servants, parents, and essential workers all dealing with the challenges of our time.

As our community begins the school year with distance learning, physical distancing, waiver requests, and reduced in-person services, we can keep the Greatest Generation in mind and the sacrifices they endured. Today we face some of the challenges the Greatest Generation encountered, such as poverty, prejudice, cultural displacement, access to education, political divisions, and impatience. The Greatest Generation reports making mistakes while striving to save the world. I have confidence that history will note the care, empathy, flexibility, patience, and service countless Americans are demonstrating every day during this pandemic. Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Perhaps the positive in this pandemic is that we can come together to help one another.

It is an honor to serve as your county superintendent of schools.

LIFE INTELLIGENCE

Pandemic Positivity

VALENTINA PETROVA COLUMNIST

B

ad news abounds and sucks you in.

Soon, you feel frustrated, powerless, angry, and discouraged. Next, you reach for another glass of wine, or someone to yell at. Nothing makes sense anymore, so why bother trying. If that’s how you feel, your misery spills out and affects others. Even the people who used to like you and look up to you.

Clearly, becoming a frayed nerve on the verge of braking does not make your world a better

place and is hazardous to your mental health.

One way to pull yourself out of the pit of angry despair is to question your reality. Your life experiences, mood, and outcomes can all be shifted just by asking the right questions.

The number one question should always be, “What is my Ultimate goal?” Ultimate, as in big-picture thinking. This devastating moment is still only a moment in time. Even if it lasts a year, two, or five. You will outlive it. If you are smart. If you are prepared. If you keep your eyes on your ultimate goal.

With the answer in mind, ask yourself, “What’s the worst problem I have right now?” and “What’s great about this problem?” Your personal life and circumstances may not be as big of a mess as the media wants you to believe.

Every problem you have forces you to examine an aspect of your life in order to solve it. Thus, you have a chance to wrap your mindset in

the silver lining that comes with the process.

Remember to ask, “What’s going well right now,” count your blessings and practice gratitude. Research shows that gratitude is the best and cheapest antidepressant.

“What strengths and skills do I have to help me through this time?” If you don’t know, ask people who know you and get ready to blush.

Like all of us, you are a bag of mixed nuts, and some of them are just what the times ordered to help you survive.

While busy with self-inventory, ask, “What do I need right now?” and “Who can help me?”

Sorting out the needs from the wants simplifies existence. Right now, you don’t need more complexity. You need clarity, direction, a to-do list to keep you busy and take your focus away from the TV, social media, and other unnecessary stressors.

While it may be difficult to plan too far

ahead right now, you could figure out what is doable for the next two to four weeks, perhaps for the month. This forces you to prioritize your resources and figure out what matters most.

When uncertain, we all want answers on a platter. However, the answers are only as good as the questions asked. If you want meaningful answers, ask important and challenging questions. Keeping yourself together, functional, resourceful, and positive is your main job right now. For your own benefit and for the benefit of all who depend on you to show them the way.

I am here to help.

Valentina Petrova has been helping people with life, health, relationships, financial, career, professional, and business challenges since 2015. She has a Master’s in Psychology and is a certified Life Coach. You can reach her at val@valentinapetrovaconsulting.com (805)909-1401

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City of Morro Bay

Thank you to all of our weekend Face Mask Heroes! We know it was hot out, but we appreciate you doing your part to help keep our community safe!

Thank you Morro Bay PD, for being great Mask Hero ambassadors!

We are seeing an increase in the number of people wearing face coverings and look forward to adding more Heroes to our wall!

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Morro Bay Life • September 2020 • 11

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WELCOME TO AN EVEN BIGGER, BETTER NETWORK

12 • September 2020 • Morro Bay Life

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CONNECTION, COMMUNICATION & COMMITMENT Demand is higher than supply and Interest rates are at record lows This market is Great for both Buyers and Sellers If you are thinking about selling your home and it feels like it is a daunting task that you just can’t tackle on your own, we may be able to assist.

It takes a team effort to buy and sell real estate and it is always good to know who is on your team.

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