Our Central Coast has two industries that are joined at the hip: electricity storage plants and offshore wind. These well-intended efforts to address environmental issues such as climate change instead are responsible for profound environmental damage. The toxic explosion at Vistra Corp’s Moss Landing plant encapsulates that environmental impact: carcinogenic clouds lingering for days, exposing thousands of our people.
These toxic industries exist because Sacramento politicians promoted them, voting to support them with subsidies and environmental waivers. Why, given that offshore wind has killed thousands of whales in the North Sea and New England (according to government data), not to mention released carcinogenic Bisphenol A into the Atlantic Ocean? Moss Landing has had four toxic explosive fires in the last five years. Given that level of environmental destruction, let’s demand that our incumbents disclose how much money they have received from offshore wind and Vistra Corp, including PAC money.
C. Michael Hogan PhD
Monterey County
Thank You to Our Community Supporters
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the community supporters of the Bay-Osos Kiwanis See’s Candy fundraiser. Thanks to your incredible generosity and unwavering support, we have raised over $6,000. This tremendous achievement will go a long way in supporting the great kids in Los Osos and Morro Bay.
Your contributions will help us provide valuable resources, programs, and opportunities that enrich the lives of our local youth. Together, we are making a positive impact and fostering a brighter future for our community.
Thank you once again for your dedication and support. We look forward to continuing this journey together and achieving even greater milestones in the future.
With sincere appreciation,
The Bay-Osos Kiwanis
We Need to Prepare for Disasters Now
San Luis Obispo County needs to prioritize preparing for disasters and reducing risks. This means we all need to work together — government and the public — to take action. We should focus on things like creating safer spaces in fire-prone areas and meeting the state’s climate goals. Without strong leadership, we’re missing out on important resources like California grants for affordable housing and sustainable communities.
The science is simple: a warmer planet means more evaporation, more water in the air, causing longer droughts and heavier rainstorms. SLO County is already feeling the effects of extreme weather. We’ve seen the Cerro Alto Fire, the Arroyo Grande Creek flood, and storm surges that damaged the Cayucos Pier. These disasters affect everything—public health, agriculture, and even finding affordable home insurance. Fixing roads and buildings is important, but we also need to reduce what’s exacerbating these problems: excess greenhouse gas emissions.
Other counties, like Sonoma and Santa Barbara, are doing a better job. They’ve started useful projects to reduce risks and cut emissions, and they’ve gotten big grants from the state to help. With $10 billion in new state funds available soon, tell the Board of Supervisors on February 4 to prioritize climate resilience.
Don Maruska, author, “Solve Climate Change Now”
Erin Pearse, Ph.D., Director, Cal Poly Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience
Eric Veium, Board Chair, SLO Climate Coalition