Does Pismo Beach see tourists as a ‘revenue stream’? One Santa Barbara man thinks so | Opinion

$80 for a parking ticket?!

I am writing to express my concern regarding the way the city of Pismo Beach seems to be taking advantage of its visitors.

The issue is the unclear and confusing signage for parking. Small signs and no identification on the pay station create confusion. It feels as though visitors are seen as mere revenue streams rather than valued guests. These practices feel disproportionate and unfair, creating a negative impact on local businesses.

Additionally, I have observed a lack of transparency and appropriateness of the penalties. My violation was $80 for a $3-an-hour fee. I live in California and understand the fact that there are pay parking spaces, but I was far from alone. At least half of my fellow parkers were ticketed as well.

Addressing these concerns would benefit both the visitors and the city itself, fostering an environment where tourists feel respected and fairly treated. Pismo Beach can ensure a positive experience that encourages return visits and positive word of mouth. Fair pricing, clearer communication, and improved visitor services can go a long way in sustaining a thriving tourism industry without exploiting those who come to enjoy what the city has to offer.

Rick Jack

Santa Barbara

Support for Katie Lichtig

It speaks volumes that Jim Blecha is endorsing Katie Lichtig to succeed him as harbor commissioner.

Blecha is stepping down after 40 years of stellar service as a harbor commissioner. In a mailer to constituents, Blecha said: “I wholeheartedly support Katie Lichtig. She has the experience and the skills to help the commission meet the challenges ahead, while preserving the character of Port San Luis.”

Notably, three of Blecha’s fellow commissioners also endorse Lichtig, as do an impressive array of civic leaders from across the political spectrum.

Like Blecha, Lichtig has decades of experience working in the public sector with transparency and accountability to constituents while bringing out the best in her colleagues.

As a former harbor district manager, I especially like that Lichtig understands that the harbor commission has the duty to provide services to a broad set of stakeholders — from the thousands who visit Avila to enjoy clean and safe beaches, to the many who enjoy sport fishing and camping, to the sightseers who know that Port San Luis is one of Earth’s most beautiful places, as well as to the hard-working commercial fishermen.

I strongly urge voters to choose Katie Lichtig for harbor commissioner this November.

Steve McGrath

San Luis Obispo

Setting us straight on mortgage rates

It has once again been reported in the SLO Tribune that recent mortgage rates have been at a record high. This is far from accurate. The actual record high of 18.63% was established in 1981. In fact, the average mortgage rate since 1971 is 7.72%. So, the October 2023 high of 7.79% was pretty close to an average for the past 53 years. In 1991 when we bought our house the rate was nearly 11%.

Doug Perrin

San Luis Obispo

Vote Roden for Paso Council

Good local elected officials ask good questions of staff. They want to know why a recommendation was made, what the alternatives are, and if it fits the community vision.

We have watched Sharon Roden on the Paso Robles City Council. Sharon asks great questions, comes prepared to the meetings, and is not afraid to take a position on tough issues.

We have enough elected officials in this region who simply do what the staff tells them to do. This is not the way good public policy is made. We need people willing to look at what staff recommends with a healthy skepticism to vet the proposals for a complete evaluation and sound decision.

People like Sharon Roden are exactly who we need on the City Council. We should all be thankful she is willing to serve.

Tom and Gwen Erskine

Paso Robles

Yes on Morro Bay A-24

I recently received a letter from the Sierra Club urging me to vote no on Measure A-24. The second paragraph in the letter states “Morro Bay’s future faces existential threat of rising seas…..”

A no vote on A-24 is essentially supporting the construction of a million-square-foot (22 acres) battery energy storage system (BESS) that contains toxic lithium Ion batteries.

So, in effect, the Sierra Club is supporting the build out of this hazardous toxic waste facility with batteries that ignite on contact with water! This new facility is directly in the path of this imminent sea level rise.

I am not against green energy but I am against this BESS plant’s location in the path of certain sea level rise and additional threats of tsunami’s and earthquakes. These hazardous plants don’t belong adjacent to homes, schools and businesses. The perfect site for this plant is next to the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant. The Diablo site already has 24-hour security and there are no nearby homes or businesses. In addition, the existing infrastructure would accommodate the battery storage plant.

Seems to me the Sierra Club is way off base on this one!

Vote yes on A-24 and preserve the current approved land use in Morro Bay’s General Plan.

Rocky Setting

Morro Bay