Events & Meetings
Sign the Petition Opposing Offshore Wind on the Central Coast
Petition against offshore wind on the Central Coast.
Tabling at SLO Farmers Market
REACT Alliance will be staffing a table at SLO Farmers Market once a month June 2025.
1-2 volunteers are needed for upcoming dates from 5-9pm. Please email and let us know when you can help:
December 12
January 9
February 6
March 13
May 22
June 12
If you are not sure you’re ready for tabling - Paul Gallo/REACT Director has created a easy to read/understand document that will help any volunteer interested in tabling to be proficient with the Frequently Asked Questions.
REACT Alliance General Monthly Meeting
Monthly meetings held the 1st Wednesday of each month and open to the interested public
Incoming City Councilmember Jeff Eckles is our featured speaker this month, focusing on the issue of local control - this will be a great presentation and not to miss!
We will also be sharing information about the latest happenings, meetings and events to attend.
Meeting locatation is The Benedict - 1401 Quintana Rd. Morro Bay
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Public Comment In Person Only
County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, Ca
CALL TO ACTION:
The Board of Supervisors passed Resolution No. 2021-134 way back in 2021 supporting offshore wind. This passage was extremely premature as the ramifications and impacts of offhshore wind were not known. The vote was 4 in favor with Supervisor Arnold recusing herself.
Below is the resolution and we will be providing specific talking points for the upcoming meetings. Please plan on attending.
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE POTENTIAL OF RENEWABLE WIND POWER GENERATION FOR, AND CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE, AS LONG-TERM ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
The following resolution is hereby offered and read:
WHEREAS, power generation from the wind, including offshore wind, is being developed globally as a means of providing a clean, reliable energy source of energy as nations reduce dependence on fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS, the United States Executive Administration has established a target of 30 gigawatts (GW) of installed offshore wind energy by 2030, and on May 25, 2021, announced plans to open California coast to offshore wind development and allow wind power projects to be built in an area northwest of Morro Bay; and
WHEREAS, California, a pioneer and leader in renewable energy, passed the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 and directed that eligible renewable energy resources supply 100% of retail sales of electricity to California customers by December 31, 2045; and
WHEREAS, San Luis Obispo County has been a leader in energy generation for over a century, including the current contribution of 2.2 gigawatts of carbon free, base load energy generated at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant and, 800 megawatts of utility scale solar generation; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Interior, through its Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), has identified promising areas in Federal waters off the central and northern California coast for wind energy production; and
WHEREAS, Federal and State policy mandate and encourage local workforce partnerships and economic benefits to communities that help foster offshore wind energy production; and
WHEREAS, there is record demand for sustainable renewable energy and record investment by the private and public sector in its development; and
WHEREAS, on May 25, 2021, the Federal Government announced 399 square miles and a up to 3GW generation capacity of offshore wind energy with attendant economic benefits; and
WHEREAS, the federal government has allocated $3 billion in federal offshore wind loan guarantees and infrastructure investment for coastal ports; and
WHEREAS, plans need to be developed to improve existing waterfront facilities that could support a range of floating offshore wind energy development activities that can create nearly 12,000 specialized wind port construction jobs over 5 years and up to 650 operations and maintenance jobs annually, in perpetuity for a 3GW wind farm; and
WHEREAS, the Central Coast encompasses ancestral homelands of the yak tityu tityu yak ti!hini Northern Chumash people, the Aboriginal Titleholders, and the County will coordinate with California Native American tribes regarding policies that may affect tribal communities; and
WHEREAS, the County of San Luis Obispo acknowledges that the commercial fishing activities are coastal dependent uses receiving the highest priority under the California Coastal Act and the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, and that the continuing viability of which is of critical importance to maintaining the commercial fishing industry along the California coast. And that the local commercial fishing industry is subject to substantial economic pressures, is vulnerable from a range of regulatory, economic, and market impacts, and that the cumulative effects of the [Project] coupled with these pressures, may impact its members; and
WHEREAS, the Central Coast commercial fishing fleet contributes to the economy, quality of life, and culture of the region, the County commits to collaborate with the fleet regarding policies that may affect commercial fishing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, support Federal and State initiatives aimed at developing wind, energy storage and other forms of renewable energy needed to offset the loss of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, and advocate for state and federal funding to advance feasibility studies for locating a clean energy port and supporting infrastructure in SLO County for the development of offshore wind energy as may be planned by the Federal Government and the State of California that includes an analysis of the economic impact to the commercial fishing industry.
OR
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
www.slocounty.org
Port San Luis Harbor District
In person only!
Note the day and time change - December 10th @2:00 p.m. for this meeting
Coastal Gateway Building
3900 Avila Beach Drive
www.portsanluis.com
CALL TO ACTION:
Congratulate the election of Richard Scangarello to the Board of Commissioners - defeating Katie Lichtig by a wide margin.
OR
Speak to the qualities you would like to see in the new Harbor DIrector (Suzy Watkins contract was not renewed and ends on January 31, 2025). Some suggestions include being responsive to the public, being accessible and in the office on a regular basis, providing accurate and timely information when asked.
OR
Speak to your general concerns about the potential industrialization of Port San Luis.
OR
Speak to the Consent Item - Offshore Wind Update
OR
Once the agenda is published, more specifics for public comment will be provided.
Morro Bay City Council
Hybrid Format - both In-Person and ZOOM
Vets Hall, 209 Surf St.
Morro Bay, Ca.
CALL TO ACTION:
Specifics will be provided once the agenda is published.
OR
Speak to concerns about site surveys in State Waters and Federal Waters and the impact to marine animals using high decible sound.
OR
Speak about the environmenal disaster on Nantucket Island, Cape Cod and the mainland due to turbine blade failure.
OR
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
California Coastal Commission
Hybrid format
Newport Beach, CA
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
You need to register one day before the day you plan to speak. Go to the home page of the agenda.
And click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.
Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf
Tabling at SLO Farmers Market
REACT Alliance will be staffing a table at SLO Farmers Market once a month June 2025.
1-2 volunteers are needed for upcoming dates from 5-9pm. Please email and let us know when you can help:
January 9
February 6
March 13
May 22
June 12
If you are not sure you’re ready for tabling - Paul Gallo/REACT Director has created a easy to read/understand document that will help any volunteer interested in tabling to be proficient with the Frequently Asked Questions.
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Public Comment In Person Only
County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, Ca
CALL TO ACTION:
The Board of Supervisors passed Resolution No. 2021-134 way back in 2021 supporting offshore wind. This passage was extremely premature as the ramifications and impacts of offhshore wind were not known. The vote was 4 in favor with Supervisor Arnold recusing herself.
Below is the resolution and we will be providing specific talking points for the upcoming meetings. Please plan on attending.
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE POTENTIAL OF RENEWABLE WIND POWER GENERATION FOR, AND CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE, AS LONG-TERM ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
The following resolution is hereby offered and read:
WHEREAS, power generation from the wind, including offshore wind, is being developed globally as a means of providing a clean, reliable energy source of energy as nations reduce dependence on fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS, the United States Executive Administration has established a target of 30 gigawatts (GW) of installed offshore wind energy by 2030, and on May 25, 2021, announced plans to open California coast to offshore wind development and allow wind power projects to be built in an area northwest of Morro Bay; and
WHEREAS, California, a pioneer and leader in renewable energy, passed the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 and directed that eligible renewable energy resources supply 100% of retail sales of electricity to California customers by December 31, 2045; and
WHEREAS, San Luis Obispo County has been a leader in energy generation for over a century, including the current contribution of 2.2 gigawatts of carbon free, base load energy generated at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant and, 800 megawatts of utility scale solar generation; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Interior, through its Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), has identified promising areas in Federal waters off the central and northern California coast for wind energy production; and
WHEREAS, Federal and State policy mandate and encourage local workforce partnerships and economic benefits to communities that help foster offshore wind energy production; and
WHEREAS, there is record demand for sustainable renewable energy and record investment by the private and public sector in its development; and
WHEREAS, on May 25, 2021, the Federal Government announced 399 square miles and a up to 3GW generation capacity of offshore wind energy with attendant economic benefits; and
WHEREAS, the federal government has allocated $3 billion in federal offshore wind loan guarantees and infrastructure investment for coastal ports; and
WHEREAS, plans need to be developed to improve existing waterfront facilities that could support a range of floating offshore wind energy development activities that can create nearly 12,000 specialized wind port construction jobs over 5 years and up to 650 operations and maintenance jobs annually, in perpetuity for a 3GW wind farm; and
WHEREAS, the Central Coast encompasses ancestral homelands of the yak tityu tityu yak ti!hini Northern Chumash people, the Aboriginal Titleholders, and the County will coordinate with California Native American tribes regarding policies that may affect tribal communities; and
WHEREAS, the County of San Luis Obispo acknowledges that the commercial fishing activities are coastal dependent uses receiving the highest priority under the California Coastal Act and the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, and that the continuing viability of which is of critical importance to maintaining the commercial fishing industry along the California coast. And that the local commercial fishing industry is subject to substantial economic pressures, is vulnerable from a range of regulatory, economic, and market impacts, and that the cumulative effects of the [Project] coupled with these pressures, may impact its members; and
WHEREAS, the Central Coast commercial fishing fleet contributes to the economy, quality of life, and culture of the region, the County commits to collaborate with the fleet regarding policies that may affect commercial fishing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo, State of California, support Federal and State initiatives aimed at developing wind, energy storage and other forms of renewable energy needed to offset the loss of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, and advocate for state and federal funding to advance feasibility studies for locating a clean energy port and supporting infrastructure in SLO County for the development of offshore wind energy as may be planned by the Federal Government and the State of California that includes an analysis of the economic impact to the commercial fishing industry.
OR
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
www.slocounty.org
California Coastal Commission
Hybrid format
San Francisco, CA
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
You need to register one day before the day you plan to speak. Go to the home page of the agenda.
And click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.
Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf
Port San Luis Harbor District
In person only!
Note the time change to 2:00 p.m. for this meeting
Coastal Gateway Building
3900 Avila Beach Drive
www.portsanluis.com
CALL TO ACTION:
Congratulate the election of Richard Scangarello to the Board of Commissioners - defeating Katie Lichtig by a wide margin.
Once the agenda is published, more specifics for public comment will be provided.
OR
Speak to your general concerns about the potential industrialization of Port San Luis.
OR
Speak to Consent Item H - Offshore Wind Update
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Meeting (Copy)
Public Comment In Person Only
County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the concern with the Board of Supervisors prematuraly adopting a resolution in favor of offshore wind without any relevant data. More talking points on this issue to be added in the next few days.
www.slocounty.org
Shining a Light on Offshore Wind - Public Forum
Shining the Light on Offshore Wind Energy Forum - Illuminating the Environmental, Economic and Community Impacts
Join us for our Fall Forum on Offshore Wind Energy on November 9, 2024 at Swallow Creek Ranch in Cayucos from 1-4pm.
A wine and cheese reception will follow from 4-5pm.
The forum is intended to inform and educate people of the Central Coast about proposed offshore wind energy development off our coast and in our communities and will feature four dynamic speakers and Q&A, followed by a wine & cheese reception with live music by the Jill Knight Duo.
Speakers include;
Dr. C. Michael Hogan, physicist and cetacean behavior expert
Dr. David Henderson, energy economist
Bonnie Brady, CEO Long Island Fishing Association
Zara Landrum, Morro Bay City Councilmember.
Tickets for the event are $33 and are available at my805tix.com.
https://www.my805tix.com/e/shining-the-light-on-offshore-wind
The forum will be held at the beautiful Swallow Creek Ranch, nestled in the rolling hills of Cayucos, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is a working cattle ranch that prioritizes habitat restoration and conservation, and focuses on sustainable practices. A historic barn on the property has been repurposed to accommodate weddings and events of all kinds.
REACT Alliance General Monthly Meeting
Monthly meetings held the 1st Wednesday of each month and open to the interested public
AGENDA will be posted prior to the meeting
Meeting locatation is The Benedict - 1401 Quintana Rd. Morro Bay
Port San Luis Harbor District
In person only!
Coastal Gateway Building
3900 Avila Beach Drive
www.portsanluis.com
CALL TO ACTION:
Continue to attend and speak at the General Public Comment period at the beginning of the meeting to share your concern about the Board’s actions at the July 23, 2024 meeting - moving one step forward on approving an industrial port at Port San Luis. See below for a more detailed description.
On July 23, 2024, the Port San Luis Harbor Commission by a vote of 3-2 approved a Project Evaluation Agreement between the Port and Clean Energy Terminals, LLC. Several Port Commissioners stated "this is just a feasibility study, nothing more". However the agreement includes language about negotiating in good faith for an option to lease, one or more parcels of land within the harbor district for the project. The project in section 3.6, page 8 of same agreement is defined as "construction of an operations and maintenance marine terminal".
OR
Speak to your general concerns about the potential industrialization of Port San Luis.
OR
Speak to Consent Item H - Offshore Wind Update
Morro Bay City Council
Hybrid Format - both In-Person and ZOOM
Vets Hall, 209 Surf St.
Morro Bay, Ca.
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak to concerns about site surveys in State Waters and Federal Waters and the impact to marine animals using high decible sound.
OR
Speak about the environmenal disaster on Nantucket Island, Cape Cod and the mainland due to turbine blade failure.
OR
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Public Comment In Person Only
County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
www.slocounty.org
Port San Luis Commissioners Candidate Forum -
On Line Candidate Forum for Port San Luis Harbor District Commissioners, District 2. Two candidates are running for one seat:
Richard Scangarello
Katie LIchtig
Questions must be submitted by October 8, 2024 for the online forum scheduled for October 16th. Submit questions by email at candidateforums@lwvslo.org or go to the website to submit questions at www.lwvslo.org.
Registration for the event is suggested to receive event reminders but not required. Register at www.lwvslo.org.
The event will be live-streamed on Zoom
Link to event:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86585828009?pwd=P0Q2ksYmMzIHVMTmXmrNPTadBADGRP.1
Meeting ID: 865 8582 8009
Passcode: 960210
OR
On YouTube Live at www.youtube.com/@lwvsloco
Submit questions by email to candidateforums@lwvslo.org or to to the League of Women Voters website www.lwvslo.org
REACT is most interested in the candidates stance on offshore wind specifically their stance on an operations and maintenance port in Port San Luis and their understanding how this type industrialization will affect the port and surrounding area, also more generally their stance on floating offshore wind turbines off the San Luis Obispo County Coast.
California Coastal Commission
Hybrid format
Catamaran Hotel
3999 Mission Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92109
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
You need to register one day before the day you plan to speak. Go to the home page of the agenda here;
https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2024/10
And click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.
Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf
Cambria Rally & Awareness Walk
The Central Coast is being targeted for massive Offshore Wind Energy production and Industrialization. Our thriving marine environment faces transformation into an industrial zone and our communities risk significant economic and cultural harm.
When: Saturday, October 5 from Noon - 1 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Cambria Veterans Hall, 1000 Main Street, Cambria.
We will RALLY at the Corner of Main and Cambria Drive then walk to the Main and Bridge St. in the East Village
Bring your voice, your friends and signs!
For more informaiton contact: bxtream@aol.com
REACT Alliance General Monthly Meeting
Monthly meetings held the 1st Wednesday of each month and open to the interested public
AGENDA
Featured Speaker will Jeff Eckles - New Morro Bay City Council member (beginning in January 2025)
Updates and Upcoming Events
Meeting locatation is The Benedict - 1401 Quintana Rd. Morro Bay
Submit Questions for the October 16th Port San Luis Candidate Forum - Deadline is October 8th
The public is asked to submit questions for the Candidate Forum for Port San Luis Harbor District Commissioners, District 2.
Questions must be submitted by October 8, 2024 for the online forum scheduled for October 16th to the League of Women Voters/SLO County
Submit questions by email to candidateforums@lwvslo.org or to to the League of Women Voters website www.lwvslo.org
REACT is most interested in the candidates stance on offshore wind specifically their stance on an operations and maintenance port in Port San Luis and their understanding how this type industrialization will affect the port and surrounding area, also more generally their stance on floating offshore wind turbines off the San Luis Obispo County Coast.
Port San Luis Harbor District
In person only!
Coastal Gateway Building
3900 Avila Beach Drive
www.portsanluis.com
CALL TO ACTION:
Continue to attend and speak at the General Public Comment period at the beginning of the meeting to share your concern/outrage about the Board’s actions at the July 23, 2024 meeting.
On July 23, 2024, the Port San Luis Harbor Commission by a vote of 3-2 approved a Project Evaluation Agreement between the Port and Clean Energy Terminals, LLC. Several Port Commissioners stated "this is just a feasibility study, nothing more". However the agreement includes language about negotiating in good faith for an option to lease, one or more parcels of land within the harbor district for the project. The project in section 3.6, page 8 of same agreement is defined as "construction of an operations and maintenance marine terminal".
OR
Speak to your general concerns about the potential industrialization of Port San Luis.
OR
Speak to Consent Item H - Offshore Wind Update
OR
Speak to Discussion Item A - Subreceipt Agreement with the County of San Luis Obispo regarding transfering a funds transfer for implementation of Deep-Water Port Feasibility Study.
Morro Bay City Council
Hybrid Format - both In-Person and ZOOM
Vets Hall, 209 Surf St.
Morro Bay, Ca.
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak to Item 7b - Sea Otter Awareness Week and the potential distruption to the sea otters in Morro Bay due to Offshore Wind site surveys activity, increased boat traffic.
OR
Speak to Item 9b - Approval of Offshore WInd sub-recipient agreement with SLO County.
The recommended action is approval of the agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute the funding sub-recipient agreement with the County of San Luis Obispo. The fund supports staffing costs associated with development of the joint Operations and Maintenance Waterfront Infrastructure Facility Siting Study and Site Readiness Plans.
OR
Speak to your concerns about site surveys in State Waters and Federal Waters and the impact to marine animals using high decible sound.
OR
Speak about the environmenal disaster on Nantucket Island, Cape Cod and the mainland due to turbine blade failure.
OR
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
California Coastal Commission
Hybrid format
Portola Plaza Hotel
2 Portola Place
Monterey, CA 93940
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
You need to register one day before the day you plan to speak. Go to the home page of the agenda here;
https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2024/9
And click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions.
Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf
Morro Bay City Council
Hybrid Format - both In-Person and ZOOM
Vets Hall, 209 Surf St.
Morro Bay, Ca.
CALL TO ACTION: Speak to your concerns about site surveys in State Waters and Federal Waters and the impact to marine animals using high decible sound.
OR
Speak about the environmenal disaster on Nantucket Island, Cape Cod and the mainland due to turbine blade failure.
OR
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Public Comment In Person Only
County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak Specifically to Item No. 36 - Requesting to Approve a Sole Source Contract with Motto Macdonald to Prepare an Offshore Wind Operations and Maintenance Infrastructure Study for Port San Luis and Morro Bay.
This item is basically to use grant funds to have Mott Macdonald (through a sole source contract) prepare an Offshore Wind Operations and Maintenance Infrastructure Study. It seems like this is the second step after the initial work done by this group and published as the REACH study in 2022. This report apparently will provide more information and data. There are not too many things to pick apart in the proposal, but a few are added below.
However, the biggest concern, and it is stated below, is the County of San Luis Obispo moving another step forward on the potential industrialization of the two ports in the county with very little (if any) public outreach. Industrialization of these two ports is potentially the single largest project this county has ever seen and for the County Government to basically ignore their constituents is abysmal.
Overall
1. The contract is awarded as a sole source, meaning that no other companies were able to provide a proposal for consideration. The staff report states that Mott Macdonald has done prior work with the County and REACH for OSW – prior work is not a compelling reason to sole source such a large contract amount.
2. While it is stated that 3 sites are being looked at, actually only two sites are being looked at – Morro Bay and Port San Luis. While Cal Poly owns the Cal Poly Pier structure, the Cal Poly Pier in on Tidelands under the jurisdiction of Port San Luis.
3. Just to be clear, these grant funds are being used to further support offshore wind ports located in the County of San Luis Obispo. However, the County has completely failed to provide any public engagement opportunities to the residents regarding their concerns/input, etc. about the industrialization of these two ports. This lack of concern/transparency for the general public from the County of San Luis Obispo is poor government.
4. Further a portion of these grant funds are being used to pay for engagements between Mott Macdonald and the foreign wind companies – termed “lease holder engagement” while the County has failed to conduct a “county resident engagement”.
Morro Bay
1. Section 4.6 states that “up to 3 outreach meetings will occur – either firmly state that 3 meetings will occur or 2 or 1, but not “up to 3” which is meaningless and vague.
2. Section 4.6 also states that Mott MacDonald will answer “technical” questions. This should be amended to “a question and answer session will be conducted during the outreach meetings”. Any aspect of the proposal should be included, not just the “technical aspects”.
3. Under Project Assumptions, the public engagement meetings for Morro Bay have been reduced to 2 vs. “up to three” in section 4.6.
Port San Luis
1. There is no mention of any public outreach meeting in the Port San Luis/Cal Poly section. Why would Morro Bay be allowed up to 3 sessions and Port San Luis, who’s district boundaries encompass over 80,000 residents (vs. the 10K residents in Morro Bay) not be granted a similar number of public outreach sessions.
www.slocounty.org
Avila Valley Advisory Council
Zoom meeting only - at be able to attend, please email avilavalleyac@gmail.com to request a Zoom Link
Clean Energy Terminals -the company that signed an agreement with Port San Luis Harbor District to conduct a feasibility study with the option of moving forward with a lease for up to 10 acres of Harbor District Property for a Operations and Maintenance Port, will be making a presentation to AVAC at the September 9th meeting.
In the spirit of open public participation, REACT expects a questions and answer period.
Tabling at SLO Farmers Market
REACT Alliance will be staffing a table at SLO Farmers Market once a month June 2025.
1-2 volunteers are needed for upcoming dates from 5-9pm. Please email and let us know when you can help:
October - date pending
November 21
December 12
January 9
February 6
March 13
May 22
June 12
If you are not sure you’re ready for tabling - Paul Gallo/REACT Director has created a easy to read/understand document that will help any volunteer interested in tabling to be proficient with the Frequently Asked Questions.
REACT Alliance General Monthly Meeting
Monthly meetings held the 1st Wednesday of each month and open to the interested public
AGENDA
Featured Speaker will be Dalila Epperson - Candidate for State Assembly - District 30.
Richard Scangarello - Candidate for Port San Luis Harbor District
Updates and Upcoming Events
Meeting locatation is The Benedict - 1401 Quintana Rd. Morro Bay
Port San Luis Harbor District
In person only!
Coastal Gateway Building
3900 Avila Beach Drive
www.portsanluis.com
CALL TO ACTION:
Continue to attend and speak at the General Public Comment period at the beginning of the meeting to share your concern/outrage about the Board’s actions at the July 23, 2024 meeting.
On July 23, 2024, the Port San Luis Harbor Commission by a vote of 3-2 approved a Project Evaluation Agreement between the Port and Clean Energy Terminals, LLC. Several Port Commissioners stated "this is just a feasibility study, nothing more". However the agreement includes language about negotiating in good faith for an option to lease, one or more parcels of land within the harbor district for the project. The project in section 3.6, page 8 of same agreement is defined as "construction of an operations and maintenance marine terminal".
There are significant concerns with Brown Act Violations during this process.
SLO Farmers Market Rally
Our beautiful Central Coast is at a crossroads, facing a project that will change our community and environment forever. We're rallying together to make our voices heard and to spread the truth about Offshore Wind.
Join us at the meet-up point at the Mission in San Luis Obispo at 6:30pm. Walk with us down the sidewalks of the Farmers Market (on Higuera Street) as we stand up for the preservation of our coastline and the well-being of our community.
What to Bring:
Signs and banners expressing your thoughts and concerns.
Friends and family. The more, the merrier!
Why You Should Join:
Community Strength: This is a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with friends, family, and neighbors who share your concerns about the impacts of offshore wind developments.
Have Your Voice Heard: Public rallies make a powerful statement. They show decision-makers that we care deeply about our community and environment.
Make a Difference: Every voice counts! Your presence can drive change and influence the future of our beloved coastline.
Let’s show our strength in numbers and our commitment to our coast. See you there!
NEW - Rally at DOG BEACH in Avila Beach
This Rally was coordinated in resposne to plans to industrialize Port San Luis/Avila Beach!
Most are unaware that Port San Luis Harbor District has been meeting in Closed Session with port developer Clean Energy Terminals and has signed an agreement to begin studies for an operations and maintenance port for offshore wind.
Join us at Dog Beach (aka Olde Port Beach) on Sunday August 18th from noon to 1:00 p.m. inform residents and visitors about these plans.
Why You Should Join:
Community Strength: This is a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with friends, family, and neighbors who share your concerns about the impacts of offshore wind developments.
Have Your Voice Heard: Public rallies make a powerful statement. They show decision-makers that we care deeply about our community and environment.
Make a Difference: Every voice counts! Your presence can drive change and influence the future of our beloved coastline.
Let’s show our strength in numbers and our commitment to our coast. See you there!
Morro Bay City Council
Hybrid Format - both In-Person and ZOOM
Vets Hall, 209 Surf St.
Morro Bay, Ca.
www.morrobayca.gov
CALL TO ACTION: Speak to your concerns about the site surveys that are currently happening in State Waters (coastline to 3 miles out).
OR
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Public Comment In Person Only
County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo
CALL TO ACTION:
Speak generally about your concerns with Offshore Wind.
OR
Speak to the Environmental Disaster on the East Coast and how it is easily replicated on the West Coast with the proposed OSW project.
OR
Speak to the decision by the Port San Luis Harbor District regarding moving forward with Offshore Wind.
www.slocounty.org
REACT Alliance General Monthly Meeting
Monthly meetings held the 1st Wednesday of each month and open to the interested public
A few days prior to the meeting a tentative agenda will be posted, please check back closer to the meeting.
The Benedict - 1401 Quintana Rd. Morro Bay
California Coastal Commission
Hybrid format
King Gillette Ranch
26800 Mulholland Hwy.
Calabasas CA 91302
CALL TO ACTION:
Plan to speak on Item 9b on Thursday, August 8th. Consistency Determination No. CD-0005-24 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/NOAA, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
Consistency determination by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to designate a new national marine sanctuary, encompassing up to approximately 7,573 square miles of ocean waters and submerged lands thereunder, adjacent to the central California Coast and extending about 78 miles offshore.
Here is the staff report link; https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2024/8
We will be providing input on the Staff recommendation and suggested talking points in the next few days.
Register to speak on the Thursday item by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Go to the home page of the agenda here;
https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2024/8
And click on the green button that says “SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUEST HERE”. You will then go through a number of screens and answering questions. Make sure to sign up to speak on Item 9b on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Here is a link to the virtual meeting procedures; https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/virtual-hearing/VIRTUAL-HEARING-PROCEDURES.pdf
OR
Sign up to speak during general public comment on Wednesday or Thursday or Friday about your concerns about Offshore Wind in general, the environmental disaster on the east coast and how it is easily replicated on the west coast, or the recent actions taken by the Port San Luis Board of Commissioners.
Morro Bay Rally and March
We will convene at the base of the South T Pier (adjacent to the Great American Fish Company) and will walk slowly south along the Embarcadero throughout the hour. Bring appropriate signs to carry on the waterfront walk. We will have signs available for those that choose to borrow one.
Stay tuned for future Saturday Rally dates.
Port San Luis Harbor District
In person only!
Coastal Gateway Building
3900 Avila Beach Drive
www.portsanluis.com
CALL TO ACTION:
Port San Luis Harbor Commission, after two attempts to hold a discussion in closed session regarding negotiations of the price and terms of up to ten acres of tidelands area within the Port San Luis Harbor District, will now be holding the discussion in the public realm.
The staff report should be available by Thursday, July 18th for review and determination of talking points. Please plan on attending this discussion on port industrializaiton.
“Our economy is dependent on the ocean and its sea life. Our collective ability to thrive hinges on our ocean's health”
Dawn Addis
California State Representative
2023