Phil Dirkx

This isn’t your grandfather’s Paso Robles anymore. I’ve suspected that for several years but didn’t want to admit it. I finally faced it Tuesday when Paso voters rejected the water rate increase.

I blame our present Paso Robles water rate dispute on two widespread and unrealistic beliefs. One is that “No increase in government fees or taxes is ever justified.” The other is that, “Every complicated thing can easily be simplified.”

Last week’s big rain reminded me that Nacimiento Lake is one of the Central Coast’s most productive water traps. In one day its level rose 19 feet.