The City of Morro Bay’s new City Manager John Craig was introduced at the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce’s return of Breakfast on the Bay program. Photo submitted
The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2026 monthly Breakfast on the Bay February 18 introducing Morro Bay’s new city manager, John Craig, the new Chamber CEO, Tina Clark, and outgoing Visit Morro Bay Executive Director Michael Wambolt.
Craig noted, “in a small town you need to protect your character, and, unlike elected officials, staff doesn’t change so we’re accountable. We need to be predictable, responsive, effective, and remain true to the identity the community already has. I know I’m an outsider, so I need to hear from you what matters.” And he already realizes and appreciates many in the community are willing to speak up. He believes Morro Bay needs to protect “our values and assets by supporting our small businesses, investing in our roads and water system, protect and leverage our own identity, and build partnership so we are all rowing in the same direction.”
Some areas Craig intends to work on include developing a resilient harbor and waterfront, tourism “that works for us,” and housing for our needs to keep the city functioning.
“I like a community that cares enough to show [up].” Craig said and promised, “I will do what I say.” And said he is ready to “move forward without losing our identity.”
CEO Clark also appreciates the positive reception she has received by the council, city staff, chamber members and folks in the community that she’s had a chance to visit with over the last few weeks.
“People care in Morro Bay,” she said.
Clark has a background in government and regional planning as well as nonprofit organizations. Her pledge is to develop working partnerships connecting business and local government. She has enjoyed being out and about to meet with businesses and hopes to expand and hear more from the current members. Clark noted the Breakfast program is the 3rd Wednesday of the month and open to the public. Other events to watch out for this year are the Gala Awards Banquet May 30, a fall re-make of AvoFest, and, in April, join businesses in town for Shop, Sip and Stroll.
Wishes for continued good fortune was heard when Michael Wambolt announced he had accepted a comparable position in Cody, Wy. next to Yosemite National Park. Regarding tourism promotion for Morro Bay, he mentioned Cal Trans’ recent reopening of Hwy 1 was a bonus since for the past couple of years Visit Morro Bay has had to develop alternate ways to attract visitors. Promoting the essence of who we are – “our outdoor activities and beauty of nature” permeated Visit Morro Bay’s outreach marketing.
International travel invitations were targeted to the UK and Germany. Visit Morro Bay worked more actively with local nonprofits and groups sponsoring events to bring visitors during the off season.
Visit Morro Bay is currently interviewing for his replacement and hopes to have someone on board soon. His new position’s board of directors has been patient since Wambolt hoped to stay around to help through this transition. He said, “It was not without a heavy heart to accept this position but living next to Yellowstone Park and with our love of the outdoors, we had to try it.” He will miss Morro Bay and will be missed, but family here will also bring him back to visit.
Susan Stewart, owner of Beads by the Bay and Chair of the Chamber’s BAC/Business Advocacy Committee, concluded the program by saying, “There’s lots to be gained by using the past to move forward towards economic stability.”
And she then opened the last 20 minutes for announcements: Rich Man Poor Man is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2026; A-l Auto Glass is looking for a new Morro Bay site; John Solu plans to open his unique hotel in a redesigned historic WWII Quonset on Main Street on April Fool’s Day; Kendall Welch said tickets are available for the May 18 showing at the Bay Theater supporting the Morro Bay Maritime Museum. The movie “Hunt for Red October” features MBMM’s biggest exhibit, the DSRV submarine. Morro Bay’s downtown has a new retail business 805 Fearless which moved from a home-based business to 844 Main Street. The Safety Resource Center offers safety products and will continue to offer self-defense programs like Damsel in Defense.
