Thanks BuzzFeed for making this awesome list (which I will probably never use). But there are brave readers out there I know, all two of you, who might just travel and enjoy!
https://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/i-want-to-poop-there
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Testing The Poop For Corona....
I don't mean the beer, I mean the virus, COVID-19.
Well, as of this writing, Los Osos has four or less Corona virus cases, so let's hope it stays that way. However, a much larger sewage plant, the East Bay Municipal Utility District to our north a couple hundred miles, is coordinating the effort of 10 counties to test their sewage for the virus.
Read about it here and do notice how cool the plant is laid out in the stellar aerial photo.
https://www.kqed.org/science/1963120/one-way-to-monitor-a-communitys-coronavirus-infections-raw-sewage
You might want to check out this tweet with a video, too:
https://twitter.com/Revkin/status/1253352981086351360
Well, as of this writing, Los Osos has four or less Corona virus cases, so let's hope it stays that way. However, a much larger sewage plant, the East Bay Municipal Utility District to our north a couple hundred miles, is coordinating the effort of 10 counties to test their sewage for the virus.
Read about it here and do notice how cool the plant is laid out in the stellar aerial photo.
https://www.kqed.org/science/1963120/one-way-to-monitor-a-communitys-coronavirus-infections-raw-sewage
You might want to check out this tweet with a video, too:
https://twitter.com/Revkin/status/1253352981086351360
Sunday, April 26, 2020
The Los Osos Syndrome
Okay, I just made that up. There isn't one. I watched The CHINA Syndrome...well, I guess at this hour it was LAST night right now. Great film from 1979 that holds up amazingly well. Jane Fonda, Jack Lemon, Michael Douglas. You probably know the story. A female TV news reporter given fluff stories stumbles onto a horrifying mishap at a nuclear power plant (the fictional Ventana nuclear power plant). Her videographer captures the accident when he should not have been filming, and the story unfolds from there. You can read more here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_China_Syndrome
The gist of the mishap was a welding flaw, a small part was not maintained, a pool of leaking radioactive water, a cover-up. There were a couple of glitches with gages, and without fast work, the mighty plant nearly explodes, which would have left a glowing, ticking ember of a large swath of California. The film was released 12 days before the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster.
We in Los Osos have just concluded the fight over a rate increase this past Tuesday, and comments about that are still bubbling along on Nextdoor. Yes, there is anger, defeat, panic, all that. In that frame of emotional intensity on a rate increase to maintain our sewer plant, I ran across this article on a shuttered nuclear power plant, San Onofre, that had a sewage spill due to a worn part and a lack of maintenance. I guess that is what we are trying to avoid in raising the rates to have enough money to do maintenance and replace worn out parts or machinery.
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/story/2020-04-13/san-onofre-sewage-spill-linked-to-blocked-line-worn-out-pump-switch
Fortunately the only blow-ups around here were not radioactive. Nor, with the rate increase, are they likely to be a sewage spill either.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_China_Syndrome
The gist of the mishap was a welding flaw, a small part was not maintained, a pool of leaking radioactive water, a cover-up. There were a couple of glitches with gages, and without fast work, the mighty plant nearly explodes, which would have left a glowing, ticking ember of a large swath of California. The film was released 12 days before the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster.
We in Los Osos have just concluded the fight over a rate increase this past Tuesday, and comments about that are still bubbling along on Nextdoor. Yes, there is anger, defeat, panic, all that. In that frame of emotional intensity on a rate increase to maintain our sewer plant, I ran across this article on a shuttered nuclear power plant, San Onofre, that had a sewage spill due to a worn part and a lack of maintenance. I guess that is what we are trying to avoid in raising the rates to have enough money to do maintenance and replace worn out parts or machinery.
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/story/2020-04-13/san-onofre-sewage-spill-linked-to-blocked-line-worn-out-pump-switch
Fortunately the only blow-ups around here were not radioactive. Nor, with the rate increase, are they likely to be a sewage spill either.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Sewer Rate Increase Passes!
It was an odd Board of Supes meeting. Three Los Osos Sewer items on the agenda for a meeting with no live audience. COVID-19 had conquered the in-person sewer angst audience displays. And it would take something of that magnitude to do so.
There were only letters read and phone calls, both recorded and live. Not one in support of raising the rates of course. Those voices made the silent, really silent, majority, so the rate hike passed.
There was quite a lot of tension. The vote was read and there was not enough votes to stop the rate increase. First, John Waddell had to give a report on the rate increase's necessity. (Silence from the online audience—now that was a first. Well, two firsts for a sewer meeting—online, and most especially the silence!) Then Supervisor Bruce Gibson laid out how he was approaching this. A similar rate increase had passed in Shandon, so he was going against the Staff Report, and insisting that Los Osos get the same time delay benefit to pay. There would be NO Board vote postponing the results of voting until the virus had vanished however, as the rate protestors had wanted. (Similar delay attempts had occurred on other sewer items in the past.) Gibson made a motion.
Supervisor Arnold was adamant that this "Shandon Delay" NOT be applied for Los Osos. The board had voted that way when they had no idea what these COVID-19 delays could mean. The board should NOT be so generous to Los Osos, the rest of the County should NOT be required to pick up the tab waiting for Los Osos to recover financially to PAY the new rates.
Supervisors Compton and Peschong asked questions. Arnold reiterated her points as if a word hammer would move Gibson. It did not. County Counsel volunteered possible compromise positions. NOPE, both from Gibson and Arnold. This scene repeated too many times to make sense in a movie. Arnold attempted her own motion, and it failed to get a second.
Finally Gibson got Supervisor Hill's second. He had to restate the motion.
"I move we find there is not a majority protest of the sewer service charge; that we adopt the ordinance and waive its reading; that we direct staff not to impose the increase until 30 days after the proclamation of local emergency has been lifted. We authorize the Clerk of the Board to get the certified copy of the approved ordinance and this other action to the Auditor/Controller/Tax Collector/Public Administrator no later than August 10th of 2020. We find the project exempt from CEQA."
All but Arnold voted YES!
And there is more I could write, but I am too lazy to look at my notes.
There were only letters read and phone calls, both recorded and live. Not one in support of raising the rates of course. Those voices made the silent, really silent, majority, so the rate hike passed.
There was quite a lot of tension. The vote was read and there was not enough votes to stop the rate increase. First, John Waddell had to give a report on the rate increase's necessity. (Silence from the online audience—now that was a first. Well, two firsts for a sewer meeting—online, and most especially the silence!) Then Supervisor Bruce Gibson laid out how he was approaching this. A similar rate increase had passed in Shandon, so he was going against the Staff Report, and insisting that Los Osos get the same time delay benefit to pay. There would be NO Board vote postponing the results of voting until the virus had vanished however, as the rate protestors had wanted. (Similar delay attempts had occurred on other sewer items in the past.) Gibson made a motion.
Supervisor Arnold was adamant that this "Shandon Delay" NOT be applied for Los Osos. The board had voted that way when they had no idea what these COVID-19 delays could mean. The board should NOT be so generous to Los Osos, the rest of the County should NOT be required to pick up the tab waiting for Los Osos to recover financially to PAY the new rates.
Supervisors Compton and Peschong asked questions. Arnold reiterated her points as if a word hammer would move Gibson. It did not. County Counsel volunteered possible compromise positions. NOPE, both from Gibson and Arnold. This scene repeated too many times to make sense in a movie. Arnold attempted her own motion, and it failed to get a second.
Finally Gibson got Supervisor Hill's second. He had to restate the motion.
"I move we find there is not a majority protest of the sewer service charge; that we adopt the ordinance and waive its reading; that we direct staff not to impose the increase until 30 days after the proclamation of local emergency has been lifted. We authorize the Clerk of the Board to get the certified copy of the approved ordinance and this other action to the Auditor/Controller/Tax Collector/Public Administrator no later than August 10th of 2020. We find the project exempt from CEQA."
All but Arnold voted YES!
And there is more I could write, but I am too lazy to look at my notes.
Monday, April 20, 2020
The Trib On Tomorrows Sewer Travail!
Have a look; things are really heating up for a chilly online meeting between the County and Los Osos sewer rate hike protestors!
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article242091706.html?
I hope I can accurately describe all the action!
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article242091706.html?
I hope I can accurately describe all the action!
Sunday, April 19, 2020
More On Toilet Paper Cakes!
Yes, our local Tribune has a stellar article on the Arroyo Grande Bakery with a video and pix! Have a look:
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/living/food-drink/article242073426.html?
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/living/food-drink/article242073426.html?
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Board of Supes and Our Sewer
UPDATE! Here is a link to the page with details on the three items below:
https://agenda.slocounty.ca.gov/iip/sanluisobispo/meeting/Details/1256
The April 21st agenda of the SLO County Board of Supervisors holds a bounty of sewer items! Naturally, while the County is practically closed, the meeting will be online. Public comment will go on unimpeded - see below.*
1. Remote Viewing/Listening - Members of the public who wish to watch or listen to the meeting can find links for livestreaming the meeting at: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Board-of-Supervisors/Board-Meetings,-Agendas-and-Minutes.aspx
So here are the three sewer items on the agenda!
2. Request to set a public hearing to consider collecting delinquent charges on the FY 2020-21 County property tax bills for County Service Area Nos. 1 (Nipomo), 7-A (Oak Shores), 10 (Cayucos) and the San Luis Obispo County Wastewater Assessment District Nos. 1 (Los Osos). Hearing date set for July 7, 2020. Districts 1, 2, and 4.
29. Submittal of a resolution confirming the FY 2020-21 annual installments of the Monarch Grove Sewer Capacity Charges and authorizing collection of the charges on property tax bills, Los Osos. District 2.
36. Hearing to consider protests to a proposed sewer service charges increase for the Los Osos Sewer Service Area and if there is not majority protest, adopt the attached ordinance, which establishes the sewer service charges and requirements for the Los Osos Sewer Service Area; and find that the project is exempt from Section 21000 et seq. of the California Public Resources Code (CEQA). District 2.
Item 36 is the biggie. I lost count on the number of posts on this topic of the sewer rate increase on our local Nextdoor— I got tired of counting at 48, there were more, plus one poll!
The staff reports have not been posted, so I'll have to add that link later.
I plan to tune in.
* 2. Public Comment - The Board of Supervisors will still be accepting general public comment for items not on the agenda, as well as public comment on specific agenda items. Public comment can be submitted in the following ways:
Persons who require accommodations for any audio, visual or other disability in order to review an agenda, or to participate in a meeting of the Board of Supervisors per the American Disabilities Act (ADA), may obtain assistance by requesting such accommodation 72 hour in advance of the meeting to the Clerk of the Board at (805) 781-5011. County of San Luis Obispo Government Center 1055 Monterey St.| San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 | (P) 805 -781-5000 | 7-1-1 TTY/TDD Relay slocounty.ca.gov
Live Verbal Public Comment – At the start of the meeting or when the item you would like to speak about is called, please call (805) 321-0555. While you wait for your call to be screened, you will be hearing the meeting live on the other end of the phone. Staff will get on the line with you to screen your call, please be prepared with the agenda item number you would like to speak about and your name. Staff will then place you in a queue for the Clerk of the Board. When it is your turn to speak, the Clerk of the Board will announce your name and then you can speak for 3 minutes. If you are getting a busy signal, that means our queue is full, please continue to call until you get through.
Voice Mail -Pre Recorded Verbal Public Comment - Call (805) 788-6638;
state and spell your name, mention the agenda item number you are calling about and leave your comment. Verbal comments are limited to 3 minutes including stating your name. Please limit your comment to one (1) agenda item per message. If you would like to comment on multiple agenda items, you are requested to leave a separate message for each item. Verbal comments (voicemails) must be received by the Clerk of the Board no later than 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the noticed meeting and will be limited to 3 minutes per item. Every effort will be made to play your comment aloud at the meeting. However, some comments may not be included due to the time limitations. All comments will be entered into the administrative record and provided each board member.
Email or Mail Public Comment - Public Comment can be submitted any time via email or U.S. Mail. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to the Board meeting. Please submit your comment to the Clerk of the Board at ad_Board_clerk@co.slo.ca.us or send comment. Your comment will be placed into the administrative record of the meeting and forwarded to each board member. Comments will not be read aloud or presented visually at the meeting. Mailing Address:
https://agenda.slocounty.ca.gov/iip/sanluisobispo/meeting/Details/1256
The April 21st agenda of the SLO County Board of Supervisors holds a bounty of sewer items! Naturally, while the County is practically closed, the meeting will be online. Public comment will go on unimpeded - see below.*
1. Remote Viewing/Listening - Members of the public who wish to watch or listen to the meeting can find links for livestreaming the meeting at: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Board-of-Supervisors/Board-Meetings,-Agendas-and-Minutes.aspx
So here are the three sewer items on the agenda!
Items Set for Hearing:
2. Request to set a public hearing to consider collecting delinquent charges on the FY 2020-21 County property tax bills for County Service Area Nos. 1 (Nipomo), 7-A (Oak Shores), 10 (Cayucos) and the San Luis Obispo County Wastewater Assessment District Nos. 1 (Los Osos). Hearing date set for July 7, 2020. Districts 1, 2, and 4.
Consent Agenda - Public Works Items:
29. Submittal of a resolution confirming the FY 2020-21 annual installments of the Monarch Grove Sewer Capacity Charges and authorizing collection of the charges on property tax bills, Los Osos. District 2.
Hearings:
36. Hearing to consider protests to a proposed sewer service charges increase for the Los Osos Sewer Service Area and if there is not majority protest, adopt the attached ordinance, which establishes the sewer service charges and requirements for the Los Osos Sewer Service Area; and find that the project is exempt from Section 21000 et seq. of the California Public Resources Code (CEQA). District 2.
Item 36 is the biggie. I lost count on the number of posts on this topic of the sewer rate increase on our local Nextdoor— I got tired of counting at 48, there were more, plus one poll!
The staff reports have not been posted, so I'll have to add that link later.
I plan to tune in.
* 2. Public Comment - The Board of Supervisors will still be accepting general public comment for items not on the agenda, as well as public comment on specific agenda items. Public comment can be submitted in the following ways:
Persons who require accommodations for any audio, visual or other disability in order to review an agenda, or to participate in a meeting of the Board of Supervisors per the American Disabilities Act (ADA), may obtain assistance by requesting such accommodation 72 hour in advance of the meeting to the Clerk of the Board at (805) 781-5011. County of San Luis Obispo Government Center 1055 Monterey St.| San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 | (P) 805 -781-5000 | 7-1-1 TTY/TDD Relay slocounty.ca.gov
Live Verbal Public Comment – At the start of the meeting or when the item you would like to speak about is called, please call (805) 321-0555. While you wait for your call to be screened, you will be hearing the meeting live on the other end of the phone. Staff will get on the line with you to screen your call, please be prepared with the agenda item number you would like to speak about and your name. Staff will then place you in a queue for the Clerk of the Board. When it is your turn to speak, the Clerk of the Board will announce your name and then you can speak for 3 minutes. If you are getting a busy signal, that means our queue is full, please continue to call until you get through.
Voice Mail -Pre Recorded Verbal Public Comment - Call (805) 788-6638;
state and spell your name, mention the agenda item number you are calling about and leave your comment. Verbal comments are limited to 3 minutes including stating your name. Please limit your comment to one (1) agenda item per message. If you would like to comment on multiple agenda items, you are requested to leave a separate message for each item. Verbal comments (voicemails) must be received by the Clerk of the Board no later than 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the noticed meeting and will be limited to 3 minutes per item. Every effort will be made to play your comment aloud at the meeting. However, some comments may not be included due to the time limitations. All comments will be entered into the administrative record and provided each board member.
Email or Mail Public Comment - Public Comment can be submitted any time via email or U.S. Mail. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to the Board meeting. Please submit your comment to the Clerk of the Board at ad_Board_clerk@co.slo.ca.us or send comment. Your comment will be placed into the administrative record of the meeting and forwarded to each board member. Comments will not be read aloud or presented visually at the meeting. Mailing Address:
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
1055 Monterey St. D430
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.
Friday, April 03, 2020
COVID-19 Cruise Ship Sewer Woes
This story came across some news feed or other March 30,
https://www.kqed.org/news/11808915/coronavirus-cruise-ship-is-still-anchored-on-the-bay-handling-its-sewage-is-a-chore
Last December I was boarding a cruise ship myself (a prettier one than the one in the story I'd have to say). I was on a dock in Sydney, Australia. Lucky for me, the sewer blog writer, as I was going up the gangway—slowly—there were a lot of us—what would I see, but sewage being sucked out of the ship! I got these photos with my phone (and a lot more, but I won't tire you with too many). This process is a lot easier than that described in the article above!
I took a video too. Wish I had let it record a bit longer. The guy looks kind of tired after a while.....
Coronavirus Cruise Ship Is Still Anchored on the Bay. Handling Its Sewage Is a Chore
https://www.kqed.org/news/11808915/coronavirus-cruise-ship-is-still-anchored-on-the-bay-handling-its-sewage-is-a-chore
YIKES!
Last December I was boarding a cruise ship myself (a prettier one than the one in the story I'd have to say). I was on a dock in Sydney, Australia. Lucky for me, the sewer blog writer, as I was going up the gangway—slowly—there were a lot of us—what would I see, but sewage being sucked out of the ship! I got these photos with my phone (and a lot more, but I won't tire you with too many). This process is a lot easier than that described in the article above!
(Click image to enlarge.)
I took a video too. Wish I had let it record a bit longer. The guy looks kind of tired after a while.....
Thursday, April 02, 2020
Tunnel Toilet
I found this by accident. Using this facility would be an accident waiting to happen.... Adding the tile though—very practical!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B26Dv5IA8ye/?utm_source=ig_embed
https://www.instagram.com/p/B26Dv5IA8ye/?utm_source=ig_embed
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