24 Days In 1951 That Changed Our Central Coast
The story of how 120 acres of land was initially taken from the people of the central coast in Morro Bay beginning in 1941 by the United States Government, just to be sold in 1951 to PG&E by the SLO County Board of Supervisors, is largely overlooked by the energy industry, civic leaders, and government agencies..
It began when the United States Government, through condemnation proceedings started in 1941, acquired the initial 120 acres (70 parcels) for $28,000 in 1942. 7 years later in 1949, SLO County acquired the 120 acres for $78,600 plus interest as surplus property in a competitive bid process that was not open to the general public.
just to be later sold as surplus property to San Luis Obispo County for $76,000 and then later sold to PG&E for $80,000 for a power plant that was tentatively agreed to behind closed doors before being announced to our communities or even reviewed by the county planning commission.
It took only 24 days in 1951 to lose the trust of our families and communities along the central coast. 75 years later the same energy industry, civic leaders, and government agencies still are not transparent with their proposals and refuse listen to our concerns.
24 Days In 1951 That Changed Our Central Coast
Cambria, a picturesque seaside village in San Luis Obispo County with a population nestled among one of only three native Monterey pine forests in the world, faces a severe and prolonged water crisis that has fundamentally shaped its development for over two decades. The Cambria Community Services District (CCSD) declared a Water Code 350 emergency in November 2001, which remains in effect today, prohibiting all new residential and commercial water connections. This moratorium has created a development stranglehold where property owners must rely on grandfathered meters that predate the emergency declaration or participate in complex Intent to Serve (ITS) letter extensions that require $200 deposits and extensive documentation. The water shortage has persisted for nearly four decades, creating a situation where ordinary water demands cannot be satisfied without depleting supplies to levels insufficient for human consumption, sanitation, and fire protection, effectively freezing community growth and economic development.
The water crisis has created cascading problems that extend beyond simple supply constraints, generating legal battles and regulatory conflicts that threaten the community's future viability. Recent disputes have emerged over proposed developments, including a contentious motel project that faces potential blocking due to dwindling water supplies, setting up confrontations between county authorities and state regulators. Property owners have filed petitions and complaints against both San Luis Obispo County and the CCSD, challenging the growth restrictions and seeking relief from the development moratorium. The California Coastal Commission has issued notices of violation to the Cambria CSD, adding another layer of regulatory complexity. These conflicts have created an environment where even basic property improvements require Will Serve letters from the county and extensive documentation, while new construction is limited to projects utilizing grandfathered meters or active service transfers, severely constraining housing options and business development in this tourist-dependent community.
Addressing Cambria's multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive approach that balances water sustainability with controlled growth and community needs. The CCSD has implemented a Water Shortage Contingency Plan that includes Stage 4 restrictions allowing new water meters only for health and safety purposes, and only when water demand is offset to achieve net zero increase in consumption. Potential solutions being explored include the development of a sustainable water facility that would require coastal development approval and could potentially lift the moratorium on new connections, though this would also necessitate amendments to local growth ordinances. The community is also focusing on water conservation measures and exploring alternative supply sources while maintaining emergency reserves for fire protection and essential services. Success will depend on coordinated efforts between local, county, and state authorities to develop sustainable water infrastructure while preserving the unique character and environmental integrity of this coastal village that serves as a gateway to the Central Coast's natural treasures.
Saturday, April 14, 1951: Our Communities First Learn Of The Proposed PG&E Power Plant
On April 14, 1951, SLO County Supervisor Chairman A.A. Erhart announced publicly that “…several power company officials had conferred last week with the board regarding the Morro Bay site…” that would be used for the newly proposed PG&E steam-electric generating plant. This was the first time our communities were made aware of this proposal.
As reported, many of the details, including the sale price of the 120 acres of land to PG&E for approximately $76,000 to $80,000 had already been worked out behind closed doors before the public was even aware of the proposal.
Monday, April 16, 1951: SLO County Board of Supervisors Reach A Tentative Agreement With PG&E
2 days later after our communities first found out about the proposed PG&E Power Plant in the Saturday Telegram-Tribune, our supervisors finally met publicly on Monday and agreed on terms for the power plant project 9 days before it was be presented to the County Planning Commission for review.
As reported in the Telegram-Tribune the next day, “A huge steam-electric generating plant, constructed sometime during 1954, or soon thereafter, at a cost of $75,000,000, is assured for Morro Bay.”
Wednesday, April 25, 1951: The County Planning Commission Approves The Sale Of The 120 Acres To PG&E
9 days after the SLO County Board of Supervisors agree to terms with PG&E for the proposed power plant, the County Planning Commission would approve the sale of the 120 acres of land to PG&E with minor changes in land conditions.
It should be noted that the agreement also included a condition requiring PG&E to offer SLO County the first opportunity to buy back any of these properties before selling them to other parties.
Monday, April 16, 1951: SLO County Board of Supervisors Reach A Tentative Agreement With PG&E
2 days later after our communities first found out about the proposed PG&E Power Plant in the Saturday Telegram-Tribune, our supervisors finally met publicly on Monday and agreed on terms for the power plant project 9 days before it was be presented to the Planning Commission for review.
As reported in the Telegram-Tribune the next day, “A huge steam-electric generating plant, constructed sometime during 1954, or soon thereafter, at a cost of $75,000,000, is assured for Morro Bay.”