Should Oceano dunes be closed to off-roading? Readers weigh in | Letters to the editor
Call out intolerance
“SLO mayor condemns ‘racist hate speech’ after masked men display white pride banner,” (sanluisobispo.com, July 25)
Masked men sporting a “white pride” banner showed up in San Luis Obispo to share their anger and hatred with the people of our community. The Nordic runes decorating the men’s banner and their Nazi salutes are easily recognizable as anti-Semitic gestures reminiscent of the types of activities that led to the genocidal behavior of Germany and its allies during World War II.
Congregation Ohr Tzafon in Atascadero and its board of rrustees strongly condemns the actions and attitudes of these men.
However, to see these activities as problematic only for Jews misses the totality of the message these men espouse. Their message is not just anti-Semitic, it’s contrary to our American values of inclusivity and respect for others.
While we support a person’s right to express views we find repugnant, we can’t condone racism through silence. A civil society cannot allow this kind of behavior to become acceptable or normal. White supremacy demands being called out for what it is: hateful behavior designed to intimidate people and fan the flames of racism, discrimination, divisiveness and intolerance.
William Alexander
Atascadero
Tourism money needed
“Coastal Commission should keep fighting to close Oceano dunes to off-roading | Opinion,” (sanluisobispo.com, July 22)
I have lived in Oceano since 2004 and I don’t want to see my town turned into another Pismo or Avila Beach as suggested in this article. Off-roaders are a big part of Oceano’s history, and they have frequented the beach and dunes long before the homes on and around the mesa were built and air quality became an issue. Oceano’s beach is the only one in California where off-roading on the dunes is allowed, and one of the few where cars can drive on the beach.
These are the attractions that are unique to Oceano that bring visitors here. If the dunes are closed to off-roading, there will be a significant decline in tourism affecting our entire county. The dune riding area has been dwindled down over the years to protect wildlife and mitigate air quality concerns. So why not let these recreationists continue to enjoy what little is left?
A lot of our visitors come here from the Central Valley to cool off during hot summer months. They bring their families and friends, and the trips have become a tradition for many. What is important is that they bring revenue for our town.
Betty Cary
Oceano
This ruling stinks
“Coastal Commission should keep fighting to close Oceano dunes to off-roading | Opinion,” (sanluisobispo.com, July 22)
Upon opening my mailbox, I got the shock of my life when I read this front-page story. After a lifetime of defending the Coastal Act, I was confronted with the new information that the Oceano Dunes were not on the coast! How could they be, if the California Coastal Commission has no jurisdiction?
In 1972, 70% of Californians voted yes on Proposition 20, “Vote the Coast.” The California Coastal Act was written specifically to keep the irresponsible and destructive acts as well as development off our precious coast. Then the Coastal Commission was created to oversee the implementation, and it worked really well.
All these years later, a full half century, to be exact, we still have some precious — mostly pristine — coast left. And now, we come to find out Oceano is not on the coast after all. I wonder where it really is. Perhaps Oceano Dunes has moved to Fresno!
I sincerely hope our Coastal Commission fights on. This ruling stinks like an RV holding tank in the sand.
Joseph John Racano
Los Osos
Save our marine life
“Central Coast CA sea lions hit by toxic algae bloom,” (sanluisobispo.com, June 26)
While people flock to our beaches to enjoy the sun and sand, many beachgoers in Southern
California have been encountering an unexpected sight this past month: From San Diego to San
Luis Obispo, dolphins and sea lions are getting sick and dying from the effects of an algal toxin,
made worse by climate change.
State funds have strengthened a network of rescue organizations and addressed the critical need to save these marine mammals. Authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service, these mostly nonprofit marine mammal hospitals care for animals that are orphaned, entangled in ocean trash or suffering from diseases and toxins.
Thankfully, we’re seeing less sickness now from the algal toxin than we were earlier in the summer, but we’re prepared for another uptick. As the network continues to respond to increasing threats facing marine mammals, state assistance is essential to safeguard these animals and our ocean.
Dr. Jeff Boehm
The Marine Mammal Center
Sausalito
Opinion
Keep Diablo open
“Keeping Diablo Canyon open could cost ratepayers more than $20 billion, report says,’ (sanluisobispo.com, July 25)
According to the article, continued Diablo operations for 20 years will require at least $20 billion, with the expense to be borne by some 15.8 million ratepayers. This means that each ratepayer will have to contribute about $1,266 over a period of 20 years (about $63 a year). This would be about $5.12 a month, roughly the cost of renting a new release on Amazon Prime. Seems pretty reasonable to me for a facility that produces massive amounts of reliable power 24/7 and emits no greenhouse gasses.
According to California Energy Commission data, all the renewables in California can only meet less than a quarter of the state’s annual energy demand. When Diablo closes, our community will lose hundreds of millions of dollars in local tax revenue and some 1,500 high-paying jobs. Closing Diablo would be an act of senseless stupidity and harmful to our community.
Mark Henry
San Luis Obispo
Reversing progress
“Nervous Republicans turn to New Hampshire in hopes of stopping Trump,” (sanluisobispo.com, July 22)
The GOP had a rock-solid opportunity to reject Trump as their party representative on July 18, 2015 after he made disparaging and disgusting remarks about John McCain’s military record. Kevin McCarthy had a great opportunity to disconnect himself from Trump in January 2021 by simply refusing an invitation to Mar-a-Lago. And Trump could have avoided federal criminal indictments in the classified documents case and in the upcoming election obstruction and conspiracy cases, but he ignored his lawyers.
Through all of it about 40% of the nation still remains supportive of him. Why is that? In my opinion, it’s because he represents a clear path to reverse the progress of time. The GOP has much to gain by unloading the burden that has and continues to threaten our democracy. There’s been ample opportunity to stop him, but the desire to reverse the progress of time is strong. It will end once a trial is set in motion and a plea deal is accepted. But not until then.
Brent Jorgensen
Pismo Beach
