Local assemblywoman supports marine sanctuary

Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) wrote a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expressing her support for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

In the letter, she urged NOAA to reconsider their preferred alternative that excludes the ocean waters off Morro Bay and Cayucos from protection.

In the letter, she said, "Protecting ocean health off of California's coast is urgent, and our approach must be comprehensive - including both conservation and climate action. Therefore, I applaud NOAA's proposed expansion to the south along the Gaviota coast. However, I urge you to forgo the proposed exclusion of ecologically and culturally rich ocean and coastline areas of Morro Bay and Cayucos that would leave those areas unprotected.

"Morro Bay is my home. It's where my husband and I raised two children. It's where I taught in public schools and served on the city council. First peoples who see the ocean as sacred have lived here for millennia. Additionally Morro Bay is a fishing village and a place where hundreds of thousands of people visit every year for its natural beauty. Our economy is dependent on the ocean and its sea life. Our collective ability to thrive hinges on our ocean's health."

She emphasized the need for a unified sanctuary along the entire Central Coast. The letter was submitted before the October 25, 2023 comment deadline.

Morro Bay man found guilty of sex acts with children

A San Luis Obispo County jury found Morro Bay resident Elderjairus Stomtomas Belen (33) guilty of 11 felony counts of engaging in sex acts with a child under the age of 14. 

The jury also found that the crimes involved multiple victims.

At trial, jurors heard evidence that between November 2013 and December 2018 Belen engaged in a series of sex acts with the two survivors beginning when they were under the age of ten. Belen was between the ages of 23 and 28 when he committed the crimes.

Residents, kittens saved from Morro Bay house fire

Home residents and a litter of kittens were rescued from a house fire in Morro Bay last week.

Fire personnel from Cambria and Morro Bay assisted the  San Luis Obispo County Fire Department, which swiftly responded to a house fire that erupted in the 2600 block of Canet Road. 

The 800-square-foot residence situated parallel to Highway 1 near the South Bay Boulevard exit. Although the fire completely consumed the house, all of its occupants were successfully rescued, including a litter of kittens.

The blaze started at 6:20 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department. Assisting in the efforts were personnel from the Cambria Fire Department and Morro Bay Fire Department, who collectively remained at the scene battling the flames for four and a half hours, as reported by the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department.

Currently, the precise cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities diligently working to determine its origin and circumstances.

Morro Bay gets the spotlight for whale watching this fall

A story in SFGate recently highlighted Morro Bay as the "small Central Calif. harbor town [as the] epicenter for whale watching this fall."

Morro Bay is becoming a prime destination for whale watching this fall. The town may be lesser-known compared to coastal metros like Santa Barbara and Monterey, but it offers an excellent opportunity to witness whales, including giant gray whales, playful humpbacks, and even elusive orcas. 

DJ Hardy, a boat captain, mentions that Morro Bay is often overlooked because of its smaller size and somewhat remote location, but once you're on the water, it gets bustling.

Morro Bay youth and others lead the charge against underage drinking

This year, high school students from Morro Bay, Nipomo, and Atascadero High Friday Night Live (FNL) chapters launched campaigns to tackle underage drinking in San Luis Obispo County.

Friday Night Live builds partnerships for positive and healthy youth development, engaging youth as active leaders and resources in their communities to create positive changes on important issues that matter to them.

According to a 2020 report to Congress, there has been a 34.5 percent decline in the prevalence of drinking among 12 to 20-year-olds since 2004. Our students are on a mission to ensure that underage drinking rates continue to decline.

With support from the California Friday Night Live Partnership (CFNLP) and a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), students will utilize youth-led initiatives to educate and develop partnerships with local merchants across San Luis Obispo County to decrease the access of alcohol to minors.

Morro Bay citizens group fights industrialization

The Citizens for Estero Bay Preservation, a Morro Bay citizens group, has successfully gathered 1,486 signatures to push for an initiative against the industrialization of the city's waterfront. 

The group's aim is to preserve the city's coastline for both residents and tourists. This initiative is in response to concerns about potential projects altering zoning regulations despite the city's established land use plan, according to a report by CalCoast News.

Vistra, a Texas-based energy company, intends to replace the Morro Bay power plant with a battery energy storage facility. The proposed initiative seeks to solidify the city's land use plan and prevent such industrialization efforts. 

South Bay Boulevard closed this week between Los Osos and Morro Bay

Roadway and shoulder construction work is scheduled to begin on the night of Sunday, August 13 continuing through Friday August 18, on South Bay Boulevard.

The work area is between Quintana Road and the City Limits. South Bay Boulevard will be closed in both directions from Quintana Road to Turri Road (near Los Osos) overnight between the hours of 7pm – 6am from August 13 to the morning of August 16. 

From the evening of August 16 through August 18, the road will be open with alternating one-way traffic maintained by flaggers between the hours of 7pm – 6am with delays. No work is scheduled to be performed during the daytime hours.

For exact location, please refer to the vicinity map.

Bay Theatre for sale in Morro Bay

The iconic Bay Theatre is for sale at $1.625 million. This Morro Bay landmark, built in 1942 by the Army Corp of Engineers, features a 314-seat single-screen theater. 

With its vintage charm, including a neon marquee and vaulted ceilings, it continues to draw large crowds. The property also offers a one-bedroom apartment, a two-car garage, and a potential office rental. 

Don't miss this opportunity for multiple income streams, including the option to use the apartment as a vacation rental.

Morro campground killer sentenced to life without parole

San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Jacquelyn H. Duffy sentenced Stephen Arthur Deflaun to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for the shooting deaths of 37-year-old Stephen Donahue Wells and 11-year-old Jerry Rios, Jr. and assault with a firearm on California State Park Ranger Charles “Chuck” Jackson in July 2001.

“We hope this life sentence provides some level of closure for the Wells and Rios families after two decades of uncertainty,” said Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth. “Our hearts are with them as they move forward from this terrible incident.”

"At long last, our community has delivered Justice for Stephen; Justice for Jerry; and Justice for Ranger Jackson," said District Attorney Dan Dow. "We are grateful to the jury, all those who investigated and testified, and our prosecution team who performed with excellence."

On April 19, 2023, a San Luis Obispo County jury found Stephen Arthur Deflaun (DOB 01/24/1959) guilty of two counts of first degree murder with the use of a firearm and one count of assault on a peace officer with a firearm. The verdicts came after a three week trial during which the jury heard from over a dozen witnesses.

Morro Bay wants grant funds to address homeless encampment

With concerns about a homeless encampment along Quintana Road and Highway 1, the Morro Bay City Council expressed its support for San Luis Obispo (SLO) County to apply for a $5 million grant from the California Encampment Resolution Funding Program. 

The grant aims to fund the construction of transitional housing, facilitating the transition of individuals from the encampment to permanent housing.

The encampment's location in a drainage area adjacent to commercial establishments poses environmental, safety, and neighborhood concerns. The accumulation of trash and debris resulting from the encampment has led to a significant increase in service calls to the Morro Bay Police and Public Works departments. 

Morro Bay one of 5 agencies awarded funding for water projects

The San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Flood Control District) and four other agencies were awarded a total of $3.8 million from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Program on May 17.

Below are the projects awarded and their grant total: 

Project Name	Project Sponsor	Grant Award
Central Coast Blue, Phase 1	City of Pismo Beach	$1,000,000
Water Reclamation Facility, Indirect Potable Reuse Component	City of Morro Bay	$1,200,000
Water Resource Reliability Program Projects	Oceano CSD	$600,000
Master Water Report Update	Flood Control District	$549,755
Water Reliability Project – Water Main  Replacement	San Miguel CSD	$300,000
Grant Administration	Flood Control District	$132,374
Total		$3,782,129

 

This is the 10th IRWM Grant award for the San Luis Obispo County region since 2008. Through this program, the region has been awarded more than $32 million for 43 different water-related projects and plans benefiting 16 unique communities and the entire county. 

• $29 Million directly supported reimbursement of 18 construction projects, including water, wastewater, and recycled water facilities.
• Nine projects created a secondary or drought-resilient potable supply source. Prior to these projects, six of these communities had a single source of water supply.

A complete list of local projects, grant awards and receiving agency/organization is attached here. This award concludes the Proposition 1 IRWM Implementation Grant Program. Future opportunities to pursue grants through the IRWM program will depend on State funding actions.

The entire list of funded projects across the State can be accessed here: https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/IRWM-Grant-Programs/Proposition-1/Implementation-Grants

Morro Bay inmate gets new charges on prison assault

A Morro Bay inmate is one of two convicts facing new charges this week after the pair assaulted two correctional officers in the U.S. Penitentiary at Atwater. 

Daniel Higgins of Morro Bay and Austin Noblitt of Portland, Ore., were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of assaulting two correctional officers. 

The assault occurred on November 21, 2022, at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater, according to court documents. 

The two men allegedly punched the officers repeatedly in the head and torso, causing injuries. Each man faces two counts of assault on a federal officer and could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count if convicted.

Federal funds received for Morro Bay T-pier renovation

Federal funding of $1.5 million has been secured for the renovation of Morro Bay pier's northern T-Pier. 

The T-Pier, which was constructed in the 1940s, requires major renovations, including the replacement of over 50 structural pilings, new decking, and safety systems improvements. The planning and execution of the North T-Pier renovations will be conducted in phases. Further funding is expected through grant programs. 

Representative Salud Carbajal secured the funding and expressed pride in the project's commencement, citing the pier's critical role in the community. The South T-Pier repairs, which received renovation funding through the city's general fund, will be initiated before the North T-Pier renovations. 

The city has applied for FEMA funding to address storm-related damages on other repairs.

Morro Bay double murder suspect convicted

After more than two decades since the gruesome crime took place, a jury has finally convicted a man for the double-murder of 11-year-old Jerry Rios and his 37-year-old uncle, Stephen Wells, at Morro Strand State Beach in July 2001.

Stephen Deflaun was found guilty of fatally shooting both victims after an argument broke out over a campsite.

In addition to the murders, Deflaun also shot at a park ranger, an act for which he was found guilty as well. It is worth noting that Deflaun had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and failed every competency hearing for three years following the tragic incident.

In 2004, a judge committed Deflaun to the Atascadero State Hospital, and a conclusion was reached the same year that he was incompetent to stand trial. 

However, this ruling was overturned in December 2021, and he was subsequently held in the San Luis Obispo County Jail until the commencement of his trial, according to the County Sheriff's Office website.

The trial's sanity phase is set to begin on Thursday.

Storm damage repairs approved for Morro Bay harbor

Morro Bay Harbor's damaged docks have been in need of repairs for years, but recent storms have made the situation much worse. 

Morro Bay Harbor Director Ted Schiafone has expressed concerns over the dire state of the docks, which are causing boats to be pushed out of line and making it difficult for people to step onto the docks without fear of falling into the water.

The Morro Bay City Council has planned to vote on allocating up to $80,000 for emergency dock repairs, as the damage is now too significant to ignore. While a meeting to discuss the funding was postponed due to blackouts affecting the telecast, the repairs are seen as an emergency and will be prioritized, according to a report by New Times.

Cal Poly student gets grant funds in Morro Bay project

A Cal Poly student received a grant from the college to continue her research on a deep ocean lander that could be used in conjunction with wind machines off the coast of Morro Bay.

Nikki Arm was one of 17 student research projects that shared in $60,000 in grants. 

The endowments support hands-on, project-based learning opportunities for individual students and groups in areas including STEM education, agricultural sciences, and climate change. Nikki Arm, a master’s student in mechanical engineering, received funding to support her thesis project designing, building, and testing a deep ocean vehicle lander. 

The project aims to improve a key component of the deep-sea lander by designing and utilizing composite pressure spheres to enable cost-effective, deeper submersion. Additionally, the project seeks to optimize sampling techniques in preparation for a multiyear controlled impact study on the wind farm being constructed off the coast of Morro Bay. 

Morro Bay woman recognized by California Avocado Commission for IWD

Morro Bay farmer Hilary Kitzman Wilkie is one of the female California avocado farmers being recognized by the California Avocado Commission on International Women’s Day.

She was introduced to growing avocados on her parents’ avocado grove in Morro Bay, and after receiving her degree in computer science and home-schooling four children, she and her husband Andrew took over managing the family avocado farm (Kitzman Fair Haven) in 2016.

The farm utilizes environmentally responsible practices, including using natural leaf mulch and solar energy. Her story highlights the important role that women play in the agriculture industry.

Morro Bay-based Shanley Farms founder passes away

The Founder of Shanley Farms, James J. Shanley, passed away on February 15, 2023 in a tragic swimming accident in Costa Rica. 

Shanley had a successful career in business before moving to California to start his career in agriculture. He grew citrus fruit, avocados, and exotic fruit, becoming one of the largest producers of finger limes in North America. 

Shanley trademarked the Morro Bay brand of avocados and was passionate about educating consumers on flavors and health benefits. 

Part of his obiturary read: "Jim was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan and an avid follower of the Fighting Illini. He was also a gourmet cook and lover of music, golf and dogs. If Jim came to your house and you had a dog, by the time he left your dog would like him more than you. He enjoyed traveling, having been to Europe numerous times, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska and just about anywhere in North America you can imagine. For those who had the opportunity to visit Jim in Morro Bay, you will, no doubt, have gone "fishing" with Jim at Dockside. In the end, if it was fun and involved being with other people, Jim was all in. He was a kind, generous, compassionate and loving soul who will be missed by all."

Shanley's daughter and business partner, Megan Shanley Warren, and her husband Justin Warren, plan to continue and expand his legacy at Shanley Farms. Shanley is survived by his two daughters, their husbands, and his grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held on March 11, 2023, at Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Cambria Center for the Arts shows international artist

'Finding the Light' featuring internationally shown artist Liz Hampton-Derivan of Morro Bay is on display at the Cambria Center for the Arts until April 30.

Hampton-Derivan is known for her "delightful and unexpected imagery includes mixed media, photography, hot and cold wax, paints and pastels," according to the arts center.

Hampton-Derivan is an artist originally from Atlanta, Georgia, now living in Morro Bay. She has been a photographer for 35+ years. 

In 2009, she began working more with mixed media, experimenting with photography, computer manipulated imagery, encaustic (hot wax medium), and sometimes, her own handmade paper. She enjoys contemporary photo-technology combined with “getting dirty” in her mixed media studio. 

Trail connecting Morro Bay and Cayucos gets grant funding

The California Transportation Commission approved a $7.4 million grant that will fund construction of a multi-use trail segment connecting Morro Bay and Cayucos along the west side of Highway 1.

The new 1.25-mile pathway will result in a more than 10-mile bike route, four miles already existing in Cayucos and more than five miles in Morro Bay.

“I’m beyond excited to see funding coming for their long-awaited project. The connector will provide a unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy our incomparable coastline," said District 2 Supervisor Bruce Gibson. "This project has it all – a chance to enjoy nature with healthy outdoor exercise, an alternative to driving a busy highway and a world class coastal access that will boost our visitor-serving economy."

This new segment will be part of the California Coastal Trail and will have close-up ocean views. It will create a safe pedestrian and bicycle connection between these communities where today, the path requires walking and riding on Highway 1 next to high-speed traffic.

Improvements to adjacent bike routes (parking, signs, striping) are included in this project. See attached site map.