As December arrives, I’m reminded once again why this season feels so special living here in SLO County. It is a month made for gathering, sharing, reflecting, and looking ahead. Living here, we are surrounded by so much to be grateful for — our rolling hills, our captivating coastline, our vibrant small towns, and the traditions that anchor us year after year. But above all, it’s the people — our neighbors, friends, families, and local leaders — who make this an extraordinary place to raise our children and grow together as a community.
This time of year, our calendars fill quickly with all the best kinds of commitments: festive parades, hometown tree lightings, concerts, craft fairs, and charitable drives that shine a light on the heart and generosity of Morro Bay and the greater SLO County region. These events remind us that community isn’t something we simply live in — it’s something we help shape, protect, and nourish every day. When we show up for one another, when we lend a hand, when we celebrate together, we strengthen the fabric of this place we’re proud to call home.
December also invites a quiet kind of reflection. It’s a moment to try something new, to dream up fresh goals for the coming year, and to appreciate the friendships that carry us through the seasons of life. We welcome new faces and treasure the familiar ones. We honor the memories of those we’ve lost and take stock of how far we’ve come. This season always seems to hold both memory and hope — reminding us who we are and inspiring who we might become.
This month, the City of Morro Bay is accepting applications to fill current and upcoming 2026 Advisory Body vacancies. Serving on an advisory body is a meaningful way to shape the future of our city, lend your voice, and contribute to the decisions that help our community thrive. Application and eligibility information can be found on the City Clerk’s Advisory Body webpage, or by contacting the City Clerk’s office directly. The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 19, by 5 p.m.
And mark your calendar for the annual Morro Bay Shop, Sip & Stroll on Friday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the landing at the top of the stairs between Dorn’s and Let’s Get Tuned at 801 Market Ave. It’s the perfect opportunity to support our local businesses, discover great gifts, and enjoy the festive spirit of downtown. As always, shopping local keeps our community strong.
From our family to yours, thank you. We love this community, and you.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright, hopeful new year.
We hope you enjoy this issue of Morro Bay Life.
“May the beauty of the season fill your heart and home with joy. Happy Holidays!” – Unknown
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
Lovers of opera and Christmas music will get a mash-up of the two when St. Timothy’s Catholic Church hosts a free concert of Christmas music with three veteran musicians with ties to a famous opera company.
The Christmas Concert is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at St. Timothy’s Church on Kennedy Way in Morro Bay. Entry is on a donation basis.
The concert features tenor Peter Girardot and Eileen Meredith both of whom have long careers with the San Francisco Opera Company accompanied by
Opera veterans bring holiday harmony to Morro Bay
St. Timothy’s to host free Dec. 7 Christmas concert featuring acclaimed performers
pianist/organist Beverley Arnold. Girardot, a masterful tenor who recently retired from the S.F. Opera after over 30 years, was born in London, and moved to Toronto, where he earned a four-year scholarship to the Royal Conservatory of Music.
He started out performing with the Toronto Opera and the Canadian Broadcasting System, and became a rising star in the world of opera.
Girardot moved to California after graduating and joined the West Bay Opera Company, performing critically acclaimed roles including Tamino in “The Magic Flute,” Rodolfo in “La Bohème,” Don José in “Carmen,” Faust, and Otello,
MORRO BAY
Art Center Morro Bay to Host Annual ‘For the Birds’ Exhibit
Art Center Morro Bay will kick off the new year with its annual “For the Birds” exhibition, celebrating the rich avian life of the Central Coast through a wide range of artistic mediums. Running Jan. 6 through Feb. 16, 2026, the exhibit features paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works inspired by native bird species and the artists who observe them.
The show highlights the creativity of local artists while drawing attention to the region’s diverse bird
among many other roles.
He debuted with the San Francisco Opera in Katya Kabanova and performed with the troupe for over 30 years. He has performed with opera legends Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo.
Meredith hails from Washington, D.C., and critics have raved that she has “a voice of heart-breaking beauty.”
Meredith didn’t start her musical life in opera as she started singing professionally in a high school rock ‘n’ roll band, and graduated to perform numerous challenging opera roles, including Norina in “Don Pasquale,” Gilda in “Rigoletto,” Lucia in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Cio-Cio San in
“Madame Butterfly,” and Mimi in “La Bohème.”
She’s performed with the San Francisco Opera, S.F. Symphony, S.F. Sinfonietta, the Oakland Youth Orchestra, West Edge Opera, and the East Bay Opera League, among many others.
Meredith halso has an extensive resume of teaching and directing. See: talent.entireproductions.com/talent/eileen-meredith for performance videos
Arnold is an accomplished harpist and organist from New York who began performing in 1994 at 14. She performs as a soloist, and also accompanies soloists, choirs, orchestras, chamber groups, and more. She graduated with honors from the
Community Division of Eastman School of Music in 2001, studying harp, piano, voice, and harpsichord.
Arnold moved to the Central Valley after graduation and studied harp and organ at Fresno Pacific University graduating with honors in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree.
Coastal News Briefs
populations, each uniquely adapted to coastal and inland habitats. An artist reception will be held on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 2 to 4 p.m., offering visitors a chance to meet the creators behind the works.
FY 2024-25 AB 1600 report released for public review
The City of Morro Bay has released its Fiscal Year 2024-25 AB 1600 (Mitigation Fee Act) Report for public viewing, in accordance with state requirements for development impact fee transparency.
Under the Mitigation Fee Act, cities must provide an annual, consolidated report detailing the collection, use, and balances of development impact fees. These fees, which fund public
improvements related to new development, must be held in separate accounts, accrue interest, and be spent only on projects for which they were collected. Cities are also required to disclose any unspent fees that remain unused after five years.
The FY 2024-25 report, covering July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, was posted to the City’s website on Nov. 26, meeting the requirement that the document be publicly available at least 15 days before council review.
The Morro Bay City Council is scheduled to review and consider adoption of the report at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building, 209 Surf Street. The council agenda will be published the preceding Thursday.
Seats
a donation at the door. The church will have refreshments available too.
Morro Bay opens applications for 2026 advisory body vacancies
The City of Morro Bay is now accepting applications to fill current and upcoming vacancies on several of its advisory bodies for 2026. Residents interested in contributing to local decision-making are encouraged to apply.
Application materials, eligibility requirements, and details on available positions can be found on the City Clerk’sAdvisory Body webpage or by contacting the City Clerk’s office directly.
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, Dec. 19, by 5 p.m. The City has also released an informational advertisement with additional
From 2003-10 she was the church harpist, organist, and pianist at St John’s Cathedral in Fresno. She now performs for special occasion events such as weddings and concerts.
are limited and admission is
Meredith Girardot
Cayucos to hire new general manager
David Athey will start in January, managing WRRF, personnel, and major infrastructure projects
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
The Cayucos Sanitary District was expected to finally fill its vacant general manager’s position, reaching up to Paso Robles to find their new leader.
The CSD was slated at its Nov. 20 meeting to offer the job to David Athey, a 1991 graduate of Cuesta College who earned a Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Cal Poly, SLO (1995), and a Master’s of engineering degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2016.
Athey, who is scheduled to start work in January, would be the permanent replacement for former GM Rick Koon, who left the CSD last February after he moved out of state and had been working remotely. Koon’s employment contract wasn’t renewed following public criticisms for his essentially working remotely, returning to California for board meetings.
The CSD has had a temporary GM, Will Clemens, whom the CSD board hired on an interim basis last June and who will stay at the helm until Athey comes on board.
Athey has a diverse employment history in the public sector — working for a Resource Conservation District, several cities and the state — as well as the private sector.
He currently works as the water division manager for the City of Paso Robles, a position he’s held since 2023.
Prior to that, Athey was the city engineer in
details for prospective applicants.
City meetings temporarily off Channel 20 amid technical issues
City meetings will be temporarily unavailable on Channel 20 as Morro Bay works to resolve recent audio and video failures tied to aging broadcast equipment. According to city staff, the problems — experienced during several recent City Council meetings — appear to stem from older components connected to Channel 20 and SLOSPAN that are incompatible with the new audio-visual system installed at the Veterans Memorial Hall.
The temporary pause will allow the City to assess how best to integrate cable broadcasting into the updated system and ensure more reliable, accessible coverage moving forward.
In the meantime, community members can continue to watch meetings live online:
Paso Robles from 2017-23 and was the supervising engineer/assistant city engineer for the City of San Luis Obispo (2015-17), according to a resume contained in the CSD’s agenda.
He was also deputy public works director for engineering in Atascadero (2006-15). He was a contract engineer for the Upper Salinas Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (200514); and the principal engineer for Athey Civil Engineering in Paso Robles (2001-12).
He worked for the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, a state agency, from 1997-99 and had been with the San Francisco Bay RWQCB from ‘97-’99. He was also a site engineer for the ACME Landfill Corp., in Martinez, California, from 1996-97, his first job out of college.
He is a licensed civil engineer in California; a past-president of the American Public Works Association, Central Coast Chapter; and is a member of the American Association of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association, and California Rural Water. And he’s even a member of the National Eagle Scout Association.
His salary is $192,000 a year plus benefits, according to the CSD’s report. He will be an “at will” employee “meaning the district can terminate his employment ‘with cause’ or ‘without cause,’” the report said.
With cause means he would have done something wrong or actually illegal to get fired, and without cause means the board doesn’t have to give a reason.
However, according to the report, “If the district terminates Mr. Athey ‘without cause’ during the term of the agreement, the District agrees to pay Mr. Athey a six-month salary severance with six-months’ notice, or if less than six-months’ notice, the District agrees also to pay six months [of] COBRA payments.”
• eScribe: video.isilive.ca/morrobay/live.html
• Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/82429164990
• Zoom phone: (669) 444-9171, (669) 900-9128, or (346) 248-7799
• Webinar ID: 824 2916 4990
• Press *9 to raise a hand for public comment Residents may also submit public comment or correspondence by emailing council@morrobayca.gov
Messages received by 10 a.m. on meeting days will be posted to the City’s website.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Atascadero’s Holiday Shop Local Bonus Program returns Nov. 30
The annual Holiday Shop Local Bonus Program is back, offering shoppers an extra incentive to support Atascadero businesses throughout the season. Beginning Nov. 30, anyone who spends $100 at qualifying local retailers can earn a $20 gift card to a participating business. The program
COBRA is a means to continue with health insurance benefits after leaving a job.
There’s one other quirk of Athey’s contract, according to the report: “The district agrees to no termination three-months prior to, or after, an election of a board member.”
As the CSD’s GM, Athey will oversee the operations of the district’s collection system and its new Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), and the personnel of the district’s office, maintenance crew and WRRF staff.
He’s also going to have at least a couple of big-ticket items on his plate, including the ultimate disposition of the old sewer Treatment Plant on Atascadero Road in Morro Bay, which is jointly owned with the City of Morro Bay.
That old plant’s future is currently under negotiation. It will likely be demolished and the property eventually made ready for some kind of future redevelopment. Morro Bay has kicked around ideas for some kind of tourism-related reuse, as the property is zoned for commercial/visitor serving uses and sits across the street from Morro Strand State Beach.
Cayucos has a 40% interest in the property, as well as an undersea discharge pipeline located about a mile north of Morro Rock and extending about a half mile offshore into Estero Bay.
He steps into a job that was made much easier after Cayucos divorced itself from Morro Bay and built its own new sewer treatment plant on Toro Creek Road, on former ranchlands owned by Chevron. The CSD also purchased one of the old undersea oil-loading lines from the Chevron Marine Terminal, which ceased operations in 1999 and discharges its teated effluent, as well as unusable wastewater via that line.
The WRFF project remains unfinished, as Cayucos must still come up with a scheme to recycle the treated wastewater. Ideally, they would like to pipe the triple-
excludes purchases such as groceries, hardware, fast food, pet food-only transactions, big-box retailers, medical services, and gas stations.
“Shopping locally is one of the best gifts you can give your community,” said Josh Cross, President & CEO of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. “Every purchase supports local families—both the business owners and their employees. Those dollars then circulate through other Atascadero shops and restaurants, creating a powerful cycle of giving during the holiday season.”
Research from the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies highlights the impact of buying local, showing that $68 of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community, compared to just $43 when spent at a national chain.
Shoppers must submit readable, itemized receipts dated Nov. 28–Dec. 31, showing at least $100 in qualifying purchases (excluding tax, delivery, and shipping). Households may earn up to two $20 gift cards, available while supplies last, andearly submission is encouraged.
Full program details are available at atascaderochamber.org
North County Nutcracker returns to Spanos Theatre for 29th Year
The North County Dance & Performing Arts Foundation (NCDPAF) will bring a cherished holiday tradition back to the stage as it presents its 29th annual Nutcracker: A Storybook Ballet at
treated and disinfected wastewater over the hill and store it in Whale Rock Reservoir, where all of Cayucos’ raw drinking water is stored and then treated at a county-owned treatment plant adjacent to Old Creek below the Whale Rock Dam.
Finishing this portion of their recycling project requires a modification of state law.
The other item is a potential leasing of a portion of the CSD’s WRRF property to the Marine Mammal Center for use as a triage facility for its mission to rescue sick and injured marine mammals and return them to the wild.
The MMC approached the CSF a couple of months ago looking for a new location for the organization’s triage facility that is currently located on the Morro Bay Power Plant property.
The CSD is considering a portion of the WRRF site that currently has a solar energy farm that supplies power to the treatment plant next door.
Cal Poly’s Spanos Theatre the first weekend of December. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m.
This year’s production carries special significance with the return of Founder and Artistic Director Cheryle Armstrong, who has stepped out of retirement to guide more than 70 dancers from across San Luis Obispo County. Many performers are second-generation cast members, continuing a legacy that has shaped families and the local arts community for nearly three decades.
“The Nutcracker has always been a place where dancers discover themselves, where families build memories, and where the arts thrive,” said Armstrong. “To return after retirement from Class Act Dance and witness new and familiar faces step into these roles has been incredibly inspiring.” Featuring custom costumes, original choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the production highlights NCDPAF’s commitment to accessible, community-centered performing arts. Guest artists will also take part, bringing added professional depth to the timeless ballet.
Proceeds from the performances support NCDPAF’s mission to provide arts education, scholarships, and outreach programs for youth throughout North County.
Tickets are available now at pacslo.evenue.net More information can be found at ncdpaf.org or by following @ncdpaf on Instagram.
David Athey
Marine Mammal Center eyes new home in Cayucos
Organization seeks to lease portion of Cayucos Water Reclamation Facility to build triage site after Morro Bay plant closure
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
An organization working to rescue sick and injured marine mammals may be finding a new home in Cayucos.
The Cayucos Sanitary District was expected on Nov. 20 to approve a conceptual plan to lease a portion of its Water Reclamation and Recycling Facility (WRRF) property on Toro Creek Road to the Marine Mammal Center to build a new triage facility.
The center is under the clock to find a new home after Vistra notified them they would have to vacate their long-time facility on the Morro Bay Power Plant property in Morro Bay.
The center, which is headquartered in Sausalito in the Bay Area, has been at the Morro Bay site since 2005, using it as a base of operations for volunteers to respond from anywhere in San Luis Obispo County when the public reports mostly seals and sea lions that have been discovered in distress.
The volunteers and center staff locate and evaluate each animal. If necessary, the critters are captured and taken to the Morro Bay facility, where they are stabilized. If they recover sufficiently, they are re-released back into he wild. If they need
further treatment, they are transported to other, better-equipped facilities in Moss Landing or the home animal hospital in Sausalito. No matter, the ultimate goal is to return them to the wild.
Former power plant owner Duke Energy originally leased the small site on the roughly 100-acre plant. Duke also leased a site for Pacific Wildlife Care, which was built next door to the Marine Mammal Center’s facility.
The lease had been renewed a couple of times, even as the power plant was sold a couple of times before Vistra obtained it. Vistra, which is pursuing a Battery Energy Storage System or BESS on the power plant property, notified the center and PWC that they would have to move. PWC, which does similar work as the MMC but rescues birds and land mammals like possums, is currently building a new facility on donated land out by the San Luis Obispo County Airport and plans to move there. The clock is ticking for the MMC.
“We have 15 months — by the end of 2026,” said MMC’s Chief External Relations Officer and former CEO, Dr. Jeff Boehm, DVM.
That notification sent the MMC into search mode and they’ve looked at several other potential locations, including a closed teen center in Morro Bay on Atascadero Road and most recently at the Cayucos CSD’s Toro Creek Road plant.
In Cayucos, they found an agency willing to help them.
“Our board is supportive of their efforts and believes this could be a great longterm partnership as we both care for the long-term health of the Estero Bay and the life that inhabits it,” CSD Interim General Manager Will Clemens said
back in August.
The CSD agreed to work with the MMC staff on possibly leasing a portion of their plant site, which has a solar energy farm on it, used to power the WRRF. Now, they have a conceptual plan, something concrete to work with.
“Approval of the attached conceptual site plan,” reads Clemens’ report, “is an initial step in determining the feasibility and will ensure that staff and MMC are on an acceptable path before expending additional resources. Approval of the conceptual site plan does not obligate the district to enter into a ground lease.”
The conceptual plan lists a “team of collaborators” working on the new facility. They are Arris Studio Architects, Kirk Construction, Specialty Construction, Whittle Fire Protection, and The Wallace Group Civil Engineers, an engineering firm in SLO.
A site plan shows an initial three buildings — an office, storage shed, and “pen building” where the animals would be housed while at the facility. It shows a substantial parking area and future sites for a covered patio and a necropsy room.
Design of the buildings is similar to the ranch-style architecture that the CSD used for its treatment plant, something the CSD Board wanted to make sure it had to blend in with the WRRF’s ranchstyle motif.
It also has fabric buildings instead of metal. The fabric would better deaden sound with less echo from the barking sea lions and stay cooler in summer than metal. Being naturally cooler means they would not need forced ventilation.
That type fo construction would also be cheaper and faster to build, according to the plan.
Assuming the conceptual plan was acceptable to the CSD Board, they can now move forward with a more official project. Given the location, the County Planning Department would act as the permitting agency for a formal project review.
They should get a good reception with the county, as Boehm said county supervisors, as well as the staff, were very supportive of the center and the vital work they do for the marine environment, even though they were unable to find a location.
A conceptual design is shown of the Marine Mammals Center’s triage facility on Toro Creek Road. Image courtesy Cayucos Sanitary District
City to repair erosion on Morro Creek
Emergency stabilization project planned as severe erosion endangers Fishermen’s Gear Storage access and recycled water plans
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
As recent November rainstorms signal an early start to winter this year, Morro Bay continues to deal with headaches from big storms in 2023 and 2024, and the latest migraine involves severe bank erosion on Morro Creek.
The City Council has approved an emergency fix on a stretch of Morro Creek adjacent to the Fishermen’s Gear Storage Facility where a football field-length slip is threatening the access road leading to the storage yard.
“During the 2023 storms and the 2024 high surf events, the southern banks of Morro Creek just east of the pedestrian bridge [Morro Creek Bridge] experienced erosion along an approximate 300-foot stretch,” reads a report from Public Works Director Greg Kwolek. “In some areas, approximately 70’ of ground was lost.”
The so-called “Morro Creek Bank Stabilization Project,” is likely to get worse this winter. “Without protective measures in place, future heavy rains, flooding, or high surf events this winter could further erode the bank and threaten the access roadway, potentially cutting off the only access to the Morro Creek Yard,” the report reads.
The Harbor Department has a small storage yard and a storage building on that stretch of the creek, and so too does the Coast Guard. But the city is also eyeing that area for a key element in its efforts to recycle treated effluent from its Water Reclamation Facility (WRF).
“The Yard is also the target location for two injection wells associated with the Recycled Water Project,” the report said.
The segment of Morro Creek from Highway 1 to where it spills onto the beach was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers when it rechanneled the creek away from what was initially a Naval Base used during World War II to train for an amphibious landing in the Pacific Theater of the war.
Originally, the creek meandered through the power plant property, emptying near Coleman Beach before the new channel drained the
wetland and made way for the Navy Base to be constructed.
Kwolek said the erosion continues to happen and fears it will worsen. “Erosion continues to progress slowly under current conditions, raising serious concerns about further significant loss during the upcoming rainy season or future high surf events,” he said. “Even a few additional feet of bank loss could compromise Coast Guard, Harbor, and commercial fishing operations.”
Though the road, which parallels the fence around the storage yards, has not yet been eroded, there isn’t much holding the creek bank together.
“Since the creek bank is comprised primarily of sand and currently unprotected, there is an imminent risk of property loss should upcoming rains or high surf events be severe enough,” the report said.
With this threat, Public Works staff recommended they proceed with an emergency declaration to expedite the work.
“Staff recommends proceeding with emergency creek stabilization work that could be implemented by late December 2025 or January 2026,” it said.
Staff estimated the costs for design of the fix and construction at some $700,000. They recommended the council authorize $868,000 for the overall project, leaving some wiggle room for contingencies.
It won’t be a simple fix, as several agencies on the state and federal level have jurisdiction. “The project area lies within a riparian zone regulated
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board,” the report continued. “Each agency provides emergency authorization procedures that allow immediate stabilization work when an imminent threat to property or essential public services exists under CEQA.”
CEQA stands for the California Environmental Quality Act and is the guiding law for projects done in environmentally sensitive areas, like a creek. They have a plan of action for getting through the bureaucratic hurdles.
“The city would notify USACE [Army Corps] and seek authorization under Regional General Permit 63 for emergency protection and repair activities. Work may begin once the District Engineer confirms the activity qualifies,” the report said.
The water board is next. “Staff would file a Notice of Intent and applicable fee prior to work initiation. Construction must commence within 7 days of submittal,” according to the report.
Fish & Wildlife must also be notified. “Notification is submitted within 14 days of starting work, followed by a post-project report.”
If they hit a snag at any of these agencies, they plan to come back to the City Council.
“Staff intends to advance the project as far as possible through these emergency processes to allow prompt stabilization before the storm season,” the report said. “If agency requirements or project scope exceed what can be approved under emergency provisions, staff will return to council for further direction.”
Declaring an emergency would let the city bypass the normal process of putting together a bid package and soliciting bids before awarding a contract. It would also cover them in case of complaints.
“An emergency declaration by the City Council is recommended to allow staff to act quickly to protect critical infrastructure and maintain access to the Morro Creek Yard,” the report said. “The declaration enables the city to bypass normal competitive bidding procedures and procure materials and services on a sole-source basis if needed. It also provides a clear administrative record supporting the use of emergency permitting provisions under CEQA and with state and federal regulatory agencies.”
A temporary fix should buy them time to develop a permanent solution, which would have to undergo the normal permitting and bidding processes and be much more complicated to get done.
“Temporary stabilization methods could include the placement of large removable cofferdams or sand/water-filled bags using products such as TrapBags, or Geotubes,” the report said. “However, the measures would be temporary and are estimated to cost $150,000 to $250,000 for installation. Removal costs and future permanent solutions would be at additional cost.”
According to Caltrans, “A cofferdam is a retaining structure, usually temporary in nature, which is used to retain water and support the sides of excavations where water is present. These structures generally consist of: (1) vertical sheet piling, (2) a bracing system composed of wales, struts, or tiebacks, and (3) a bottom seal course to keep water from piping up into the excavation or to prevent heave in the soil.”
Cofferdams are designed to “control the intrusion of water from a waterway and/or the ground,” Caltrans said.
Back in the 1990s, the city once attempted to install a cofferdam using sheet piles to stop similar erosion of the creek bank at Lila Keiser Park that threatened to eat into the west softball field.
This temporary fix is pretty involved. “The proposed emergency work would involve installation of rock slope protection along the toe of bank with potentially geogrid and soil in alternating layers to more permanently stabilize the creek bank,” Kwolek’s report said. “Native vegetation would also be used to help stabilize the creek bank and also enhance wildlife habitat in the area.”
So where’s the money for this coming from? The city intends to tap into unspent emergency funds allocated for those same 2023 and 2024 storms and to divert monies from another project.
“The Morro Creek Bank Stabilization Project will be funded through the Storm and Flooding Damages — Facilities/Equipment Repairs Project available balance, and by reallocating previously appropriated project funding from two other projects: Storm and Flooding Damages — Pavement Repairs Project and Juniper/Elena Emergency Storm Drain Repair Project,” the report said.
The money in that storm repairs fund was allocated in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 fiscal year budgets; and the Juniper/Elena Street storm drain project was funded by emergency reserves from 2020-21 and 2022-23 fiscal years.
In the report, they list $174,000 from the storm and flooding damages facilities/equipment repairs; $610,000 out of the storm and flooding damages pavement repairs; and, $83,000 from the Juniper/Elena storm drain job.
And since the site is potentially to be used for the WRF recycling wells, Kwolek said they would look into using some of that project’s money for this repair and would also see if they can get funding from the “Central California Joint Cable/Fisheries Liaison Committee and the U.S. Coast Guard. Additionally, staff will pursue available grant opportunities for General Fund reimbursement.”
The expenditures budget includes $75,000 for design and engineering; $125,000 for “regulatory compliance;” $500,000 for construction; and, $168,000 for contingencies.
This photo shows the extent of the erosion along a 300-foot section of Morro Creek. Photo courtesy City of Morro Bay
The December Dilemma: Religion and our schools
JAMES BRESCIA, ED.D.
SLOCOEDU SUPERINTENDENT
Millions of families from different religious backgrounds trust their children’s education to our public schools. Employees need to be fully informed about constitutional and educational principles to understand the role of religion in public education. According to religious scholars, the phrase “separation of church and state” was originally coined by Baptists advocating for religious toleration in Virginia, where the official state religion was then Anglican (Episcopalian). Baptists believed government restrictions on religion were unjustified. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson reportedly supported their cause. During the holiday season, taxpayer-funded schools often face the “December Dilemma.” Confusion arises during this time because the issue of religious expression in public schools becomes more prominent in some situations. Questions about using religious symbols, sacred music, and specific decorations in the classroom bring the issue of “separation of church and state” to the forefront for students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members. The preamble in the Act Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia (1786) affirms that “the Author of our Religion gave us our ‘free will.’” and that He “chose not to propagate it by coercions.” This legislation certainly did not diminish religious influence on government, as it also imposed strict penalties for conducting business on the Sabbath. Legal experts and scholars argue that the Constitution does not prohibit public displays of faith. At the time of the Constitution’s ratification, the early Republic even embraced public worship. Church services were held in the U.S. Capitol and Treasury buildings every Sunday. Many
federal buildings feature imagery that remains distinctly biblical. So, where does this leave our government-funded public schools?
Academics and lawyers advise that public schools should accommodate diverse faiths during holiday celebrations. Students cannot be forced to participate in events that conflict with their religious beliefs. Legal experts recommend various accommodations, such as different customs, songs, and traditional foods at parties or other in-school activities. However, assemblies mainly focused on religious activities might raise constitutional issues. The U.S. Supreme Court’s consensus on teaching about religion in public schools is based on three main principles: 1) The court has stated that studying religion in public schools is constitutional. 2) Including religion in education is vital for understanding history and cultures.
3) Religions must be taught in an objective and neutral manner.
The court has determined that schools may celebrate the holidays and create displays as long as they are within “the context of the Christmas Season,” and the religious component of their display does not dominate the secular status in our society. Lynch v. Donnelly, 465. U.S. 668, 679, and 691 (1984). Under this ruling, a Christmas tree would be appropriate, while a cross or a nativity scene would not. Crosses and nativity scenes are religious symbols that have not gained the same secular status in our society as a Christmas tree. Religious icons present a constitutional dilemma when visible in public displays. Even the most experienced school officials struggle with balancing the legal conditions, past practices, and community expectations.
The government should strive to recognize the role of religion in American society and avoid encouraging particular religious beliefs. The framers held that church and state are distinct, and the federal government should not elevate one denomination over others. Nor can the government or the citizenry usurp divine authority by joining politics with the church. Faith should remain a personal matter, not a civil contract tainted by politics. Our founders wrote about the importance of religion and how freedom of religion is vital. It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools.
The holiday season has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There’s something about it that shows us what truly matters: kindness, generosity, and community. Every year, I’m reminded just how special San Luis Obispo County is when I see how our residents come together to help one another. At the Sheriff’s Office, one of the ways we share in that spirit is through a tradition that’s close to my heart, the Christmas Bicycle Giveaway.
This year marks the 36th anniversary of the program, and it’s incredible to look back at how far it’s come. It started as a small idea. To give a few bikes to kids who might not otherwise have one. Today, hundreds of children across the county receive a bicycle and a helmet each year, thanks to the kindness of this community. And every time I see a child’s face light up when they realize that bike is theirs, I’m reminded why we do this.
But what many people don’t realize is that the Christmas Bicycle Giveaway is a yearround effort. The magic doesn’t just happen in December. It starts with you. We rely on donations from community members who drop off bicycles they no longer use, whether they’re brand new or in need of some TLC. Every single bike makes a difference. Because of your generosity, we’re now able to collect and
restore bikes all throughout the year.
Once those bikes come in, they’re sent to the Sheriff’s Honor Farm, where the real transformation takes place. Inmates there spend months refurbishing the donated bicycles, cleaning them up, replacing parts, and getting them ready for their new owners. In the process, they’re learning valuable handson skills and, just as importantly, discovering the pride that comes from giving back. It’s a program that changes lives on both sides. Last year alone, we were able to give away over 300 bikes to children in need.
If you’d like to take part in this effort, we gladly accept bike donations at any of our patrol stations in Templeton, Los Osos, and Oceano, or directly at the Honor Farm off Highway 1 near Cuesta College. Each donation, no matter the size, helps make a child’s holiday a little brighter.
This program wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our local partners. I want to personally thank Bike SLO County (Bike Kitchen), The Sandlot Group of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo Police Department, Paso Robles Police Department, Cal Poly Police Department, Waste Connections, County of SLO Health Agency, and the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation for all they do.
This year’s giveaway will take place on December 10 at the Sheriff’s Honor Farm, and it’s a day I look forward to every year. There’s truly nothing like seeing a child’s excitement when they receive their bicycle. It’s a pure, joyful moment. And one that reminds me just how strong our community is when we come together.
As this year comes to a close, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. This community makes me proud every single day, and I feel honored to be part of it. And so, from everyone here at the Sheriff’s Office, may your holidays be safe and filled with peace, health, and happiness.
IAN PARKINSON SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF
Calendar of Events DECEMBER
NOVEMBER 28–DECEMBER 21
CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH
Santa Margarita Ranch
9000 Yerba Buena Ave., Santa Margarita
Enjoy an immersive holiday experience with steam train rides, a Light Maze, North Pole Village, pony rides, games, fire pits, festive treats, and shopping.
NOVEMBER 28–DECEMBER 31
CAMBRIA CHRISTMAS MARKET
Cambria Pines Lodge
2905 Burton Dr., Cambria Daily (hours vary)
Walk through 3+ million lights, shop artisan vendors, visit Santa, enjoy train rides, fire pits, live music, and festive food and drinks.
NOVEMBER 29–DECEMBER 24
SANTA’S HOUSE/ HOLIDAY PLAZA
Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo Times vary
Enjoy decorations, evening lights, carousel, scavenger hunt, letters to Santa, and more.
DECEMBER 5
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
Morro Bay City Park
3:30pm; tree lighting at 5pm. Kick off the season with festivities leading to the annual tree lighting ceremony.
49TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN SLO
HOLIDAY PARADE
Downtown San Luis Obispo
7–9pm
One of the Central Coast’s largest parades featuring floats, bands, dancers, and more.
LIGHT UP THE DOWNTOWN
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero
5:30–8pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by antique fire truck; shops open late with tastings and festivities.
DECEMBER 5–7
THE NORTH COUNTY NUTCRACKER
Cal Poly Spanos Theatre, San Luis Obispo
Various showtimes
Storybook Ballet presented by NCDPAF with four performances; tickets at ncdpaf.org/events
DECEMBER 6–7 & 13–15
SANTA’S HOUSE ON THE EMBARCADERO
Corner of Embarcadero & Front St., Morro Bay
Fri–Sat 4–8pm; Sun 12–4pm
Visit Santa and snap a photo during two festive weekends on the waterfront.
DECEMBER 6
HOLIDAY MUSICAL WALK AROUND THE LAKE
Atascadero Lake Park
5:30–9pm.
Stroll lakeside with carolers, community singing, and holiday décor.
DECEMBER 7
CAYUCOS CHRISTMAS
TREE LIGHTING
Corner of D St. & Ocean Ave., Cayucos
5pm
Enjoy carolers, refreshments, and
Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by fire engine.
DECEMBER 12
WINTER WONDERLAND
Sunken Gardens, Atascadero 5–9pm
Downtown transforms with 70 tons of snow, a giant slide, and play areas for kids.
DECEMBER 13
LIGHTED BOAT PARADE
Embarcadero, Morro Bay
6:30pm
Boats shine with lights and holiday cheer in this waterfront parade, rain or shine.
CHRISTMAS IN CAYUCOS WONDERLAND WALK
Downtown Cayucos 4–7pm
Enjoy carriage rides, Santa visits, crafts, snow play, festive shops, and refreshments.
DECEMBER 20
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero 10am–1pm
See animals receive gifts prepared by zookeeper “elves” and visit Santa at the zoo.
DECEMBER 31
NOON YEAR’S EVE
Central Coast Zoo, Atascadero Times TBD
Family-friendly early New Year celebration with activities before bedtime.
JANUARY 1
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Avila Beach Pier 12 pm
The 14th annual Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a celebration of fitness, nature, a New Year, camaraderie, and still having dessert.
POLAR BEAR DIP
Cayucos Pier 12 pm
Take the plunge at their 46th Annual Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip. Join them late morning for festivities that include music, dancing, prizes, and participant certificates.
We are first-time home buyers, and Lisa was able to get us our dream home in a very competitive market. Lisa is a master at the finer points of making a competitive offer, not necessarily the dollar amount, but smaller, equally important aspects that a buyer may not have considered. I have no doubt this was instrumental in our offer being accepted over many other offers. The escrow process was very smooth with her at the helm. She is an excellent communicator and made sure every part of the process was moving towards closing, while taking time to educate us along the way. We had an amazing experience and would not hesitate to use Lisa in the future.
