Diablo Canyon’s closure means more people moving to SLO County
Excellent, excellent series by Stephanie Finucane. Could win a Pulitzer!
While PG&E/Diablo Canyon’s commitments will likely allow San Luis Obispo County a softer landing than elsewhere, no one, of course, really knows how things will shake out.
The series is revealing, though.
One thing people need to know, however, is that SLO County’s reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States (based on many surveys) will continue to attract newcomers. And tourism will also increase.
I know this for a fact because for years I ran the Greener Pastures Institute and, while I was based in L.A., a number of clients said that they would move to SLO if only there wasn’t a nuclear power plant. And word definitely has gotten out that ours is being phased out.
Many newcomers will be retirees, but others will bring jobs and possibly even businesses. SLO will grow because of that — whether we like it or not — but at least the tax base will increase.
William L. Seavey, Cambria
This story was originally published September 6, 2016 at 8:10 PM with the headline "Diablo Canyon’s closure means more people moving to SLO County."