I mostly agree … however, that doesn’t mean that I would agree with taking actions which would stall or delay the solution at all. My reasons? Every time there has been a lawsuit or squabble or delay the costs have gone up. If you’re already tired because you’ve stayed out too late, don’t call up friends to complain to others that you’re too tired … go to bed!

When we get a local government that serves the people intead of private interests, the squabbles will cease.People are willing to compromise when they are presented with all sides in a transparent process.

Anonymous,Your comment both presumes that there is something that is both clearly better and considerably cheaper which has been overlooked or covered up by the County.I doubt it.That being said, the squabbling isn’t really because of a lack of transparency or information but because people have different opinions and goals.

OK Ed, what sewer system do you want? That is not stated in the Viewpoint.Or are you still banking on Wrecklamators for all?

Oh dear, ‘Toons, you are touching on a sore subject here. Ed “gave” his house on Las Encinas to Murphy (throwing out a low-income tenant in the process.) The paperwork I got from the County pretty much showed that no money changed hands. More like a “use of land permit” Ick and double Ick

Thanks Anonymous. Sad, too.

Lynette and Judith,We’ve never been “banking” on the Reclamator.Look, there seems to be an issue here. I know it’s legal to obtain paperwork pertaining to our real estate deals, but the question is whether it’s really ethical to constantly bring that up — like what good does that really do? In my opinion, whether your interpretation of what transpired is factual or not, the repetition of these assertions are implying some sort of conspiracy. Is that where the conversation should really be going?Lay off our personal situation.

Whoever wrote the statement above and below is one sick muthafoquer.EVERYTHING WRITTEN THEREIN IS A LIE … LIE AFTER LIE … FROM BEGINNING TO END.It’s OK though, because it has to be someone who is REALLY REALLY stupid and probably clinically insane.If there was one single thing correct here in that Anonymous statement I WOULD ADMIT IT HERE AND NOW, but there isn’t. It’s even bad fiction.Too bad Anonymous liar doesn’t have the guts to tell me in person. I can certainly understand why.I have no sympathy for those who don’t stand up for what they believe in, whatever it is, or, worse, who don’t believe in ANYTHING.Anonymous Anonymous said…”Oh dear, ‘Toons, you are touching on a sore subject here. Ed “gave” his house on Las Encinas to Murphy (throwing out a low-income tenant in the process.) The paperwork I got from the County pretty much showed that no money changed hands. More like a “use of land permit” Ick and double Ick”March 20, 2009 9:15 PM

Wait a minute Aaron,All of a sudden you get the privilege of back room deals? What happened to all your "transparency" BS? Doesn't count when it's you, huh? Your dad's viewpoint is a classic. Especially in light of you ripping on Albright for her inaccuracies last week…I guess, again, it's ok when it is you. Hmmm…hypocrisy?Let's break down your dad's viewpoint, Aaron style, shall we:“Eminent domain by taxation” was the subject of a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington that acknowledged that the average citizen couldn’t afford the cost of attorneys to fight to keep their homes."If memory serves me right, you did afford an attorney. They submitted a letter in protest on the 218, the county answered all their questions, cited state law, and the lawyer decided to have nothing to do with you. Pretty obvious there isn't a legal problem with this project or your lawyer would have been all over it."The sewer tax is a terribly unfair tax"It's prop 218. It's our law. we voted for it so we would have fair taxes. It gives us a choice to approve or reject the tax. what's unfair about that? Also, every house has the same, regardless of income or value. How is that unfair?"their monthly sewer bill could hit $400 a month or more…hookup…operations and maintenance, mandatory retrofitting, probable imported water, repairs, and fines and more fines"Only one of those is on the sewer bill. O&M. The rest are totally irrelevant, speculative or simply the costs folks in all other parts of the USA pay to have services. Sounds like you think Los Osos should be special."And there are so many extra costs not being talked about that do not appear in any county brochure — operations and maintenance, mandatory retrofitting, probable imported water, repairs, and fines and more fines."Flat out lie here. Pretty much every brochure the county sent me has operations and maintenance estimates. The rest are totally irrelevant to the sewer. Why would they bother putting cost estimates for projects that might not ever happen, or if they did, would be the project of another entity? The County is building a sewer. They are not retrofitting, importing water, repairing or fining. Get your facts right."a public works project that few can afford and that forces thousands to leave by taxing them out of their homes."How can you not afford something you aren't paying for? Grants are on the table. Let's see what happens. There is no evidence 1000's will move. Renters might move, but homeowners know what is coming, and have been preparing for years (or should have been). "Few people can get loans now. What will they do?"Rates are at an all time low. 4.5% yesterday. Seems like everyone I know is refinancing. Shark Inlet….I'm really surprised you agree with the viewpoint. wow.

You’re asking me questions that Ed can answer. It’s Ed’s viewpoint, his responsibility, not mine. All of a sudden you get the privilege of back room deals? What happened to all your “transparency” BS? Doesn’t count when it’s you, huh?First, I’d like to mention that transparency is something that we often ask for our government and representatives to provide us. Second, I do believe an ethical issue is raised when you talk about an interpretation of my family’s real estate affairs, which so happens to be a tad skewed and you pushing this repeatedly is childish. Third, how can you talk about my positions on transparency being ironic when you’re posting as Anonymous? That’s pretty non-transparent. Put your real name on these comments if you want your words to matter.Your dad’s viewpoint is a classic. Especially in light of you ripping on Albright for her inaccuracies last week…I guess, again, it’s ok when it is you. Hmmm…hypocrisy?I mentioned Joyce Albright’s factual errors. Your “rebuttal” is merely opinion and each aspect can be disputed without being confrontational.

I find it troubling that the County is ripped to shreds in the Viewpoint and then the person ripping (Ed) offers no better plan, actually NO PLAN at all but some vague “more cost-effective project,” then gives a good rah-rah to support a lot of doubt and fear. We have enough doubt and fear with the world’s financial mess – please explain how this Viewpoint helps us get a “better” sewer and offers ideas to cope with the cost.

Angry anon above:Please stop attacking Ed, taking the focus away from the problem.The mission of the RWQCB, and therefore the purpose of the project, is to protect the water. The proposed project ships our water away from the aquifer and sprays it on a field with limited recharge included questionable project component (Broderson). Upon completion, the rate of seawater intrusion will greatly increase. If we intend to continue live here post-project we will need water, necessitating another project. The county is causing more water problems rather than it is solving.We need a project that provides us with the most cost effective sustainable project. It must include and integrate every possible means to reduce, reuse, and recycle water, while minimizing negative impact on the environment. Lynette:Many ideas were proposed by citizens, but the county chose to dismiss and ignore them because they would not benefit Montgomery-Watson-Harza. How much money have we spent to come to this predetermined conclusion? (Although Mark and John work to perfect their skills at lying, they will never come close to the master, Paavo. It would be fun to bring in Dr. Paul Ekman.)

Lynette,I didn’t state a system in my Viewpoint. That wasn’t the thrust. I’m simply opposed to the “most expensive” system as the ONLY solution, which is the County’s plan.Regarding the Reclamator, I support cutting-edge on-site technology (the Rec’s basically the same as my friend, Dr. Alexander’s) as an affordable alternative for those who can’t afford the County’s home-smasher.But I never supported Murphy and never would. I never took one dime from him, even as he took ad after ad in the Bay News. I wrote an article in The Rock about the installation of Reclamator because, as a writer, I know a good story when I see one and I’m in the business of selling newspapers.I will have much more to say about Murphy and the Reclamator at a later date … when the dust settles.Don’t fall for Anonymous’ lies. You don’t have to agree with me to know I hold nothing back. Ask me any question and I will always give you an honest answer, if not all the gory details. Some would rather not ask me anything as they feel more comfortable making shit up and spreading it around like fertilizer.I guess that’s all OK in the cosmic scheme of things. However I will address Anonymous shortly and attempt to define where Anonymous fits in my personal universe of right and wrong.Stay tuned.

Lynette,To address your other questions …It is not my role to offer a better plan, it’s the County’s — and they have failed miserably to do that.I know when I see something that makes sense and the County’s plan makes basically none — unless viewed as a chain of pay-offs perpetuated by corrupt County government.Reverse engineering the Tri-W sewer to fit in town or out is all wrong for Los Osos. It is simply too expensive.My Viewpoint can help get us a better sewer if my comments reach far and wide and bring pressure on the County to give us an affordable project, not the most expensive, which is our ONLY hope to cope with the costs … and avoid “Eminent Domain by Taxation.”

To the misinformed Anon above:Brother, do you have everything wrong.No wonder why someone like you thinks Montgomery-Watson-Harza (build the biggest, most expensive project ever) is what’s best for Los Osos.It was Stan and Gordon who stated to then Gov. Wilson that the County acknowledged:1) The PZ would be completely responsible for ALL costs of construction, repair, replacement of the sewer and any legal claims arising from failure of the system or its components…2) Nitrate levels may not change for 45 years if at all (they referred to the “alleged problem” of nitrates)…3) That the sewer would devastate the community and that 50% if not more may be forced to sell their homes and move because of high costs and that older residents would be at risk of having inadequate resources for daily living; and went further to say it was the state’s policy for water quality to be consistent with the state goal of providing a decent home and suitable living … environment for every Californian (CA Water Code, section 13142)…What has changed since then? More people will have to move … More expensive …You want evidence of people having to move? How about you giving us evidence that we’ll get any grants that will help anyone?As far as the 218 attorney that wrote the protest letter, it’s quite a bit different to pay an attorney a few hundred dollars to write a letter as opposed to having to pay $100,000 to $200,000 to fight to keep your home from Eminent Domain and/or to fight the state. A lawyer wouldn’t be “all over it” as you suggest. Lawyers need lots of money to be “all over it.” It was probably not a factor that they didn’t believe in the case. Money is the bottom line. Usually is.Your facts are way off. It wasn’t the Ochs family who paid the attorney, it was many homeowners who wanted to protest the County’s 218. (The County’s answers to the protest letter were laughable and most likely wouldn’t hold up in court). FYI: The attorney was appalled by what was being pulled on Los Osos. They didn’t take the case because there was not enough money, again, to battle in court. Again, making the point that the average homeowner doesn’t have $100 grand plus to fight for their home.Can’t you read? You ask what was unfair with the County’s 218 vote:Let’s start with that it was nothing less than blackmail. Good cop/bad cop with the County and RWQCB as the 218 attorney wrote.You are simply wrong about everything you wrote.You have not helped your cause by being so uninformed, ignorant, and biased in the extreme.Pam

Anonymous of “Wait a minute, Aaron”:Don’t worry about Shark. He started out feeling a twinge of vestigial conscience after reading my Viewpoint, but changed his mind as soon as he realized that flirting with independent thinking could get him in a heap of trouble with his homies. Your first instincts were right, Shark. Now all you have to do is trust them.Anon, your “break down” of my Viewpoint seems like you’re having one. Pam explains above why your 218 comments are from Stupidland. You can stop guessing now.You don’t deny that the sewer bill will hit at least $400, which is something, so you got my point even if you can’t accept it coming from me.True, Los Osos shouldn’t be treated “special” compared to other towns, yet Los Osos is obviously getting the “special treatment” from the RWQCB and County — from the imposition of outrageous fines and draft CDOs and NOVs, a coerced 218, and a sewer most of the town can’t afford. But YOU can afford it and you’re “special” and that’s all that matters, right?The County’s brochures are a total waste of taxpayer money since the collection system was preselected even before the legislation was passed (according to the County, not me). So why the parade of colored paper with no dollar figures? No brochures have EVER included costs associated with the sewer that will not appear on the sewer bill … 30 years long … always going up and up … without a clear horizon. With all associated and unknown “blank-check” costs included, Los Osos could have the first $1,000 a month sewer in the world. Joke’s on you.Grants aren’t worth a plug nickel on anyone’s sewer bill. The only “grants … on the table” are Cary Grant, Lou Grant and Hugh Grant on the tabletop TV.There is more than enough statistical evidence to indicate that thousands will be forced to sell their homes (if they can) and move. I wrote this in a Trib Viewpoint a couple years ago, and NO ONE has ever denied it, though a few danced around it. Why would anyone with half a brain not cop to it and risk being seen as an idiot, like you, with your head so far up your butt you literally don’t know where you are? And don’t care that you don’t know???Anon: You seem to have only the most superficial grip on sewer issues, but I suppose you don’t have to know much if the County is doing your job for you. Then, no matter how big a fool you make of yourself … you’re covered.

I’ll start with Anon 8:19, who said:“The proposed project ships our water away from the aquifer and sprays it on a field with limited recharge included questionable project component (Broderson).”Anon, where do you want to put the cleaned up water? The water we have from our septics is currently leaking out into the bay there is so much of it. The upper aquifer does not need any more water. There may or may not be some recharge from the spray fields according to what was said on the tour Friday, but Broderson is the least questionable place for recharge of the lower aquifer currently known, and the most likely place for it to go to the lower aquifer, which is where it is needed. Upon completion, the rate of seawater intrusion will greatly increase.Incorrect. AB2701 mandates that the project leave us no worse off than we were before the sewer.If we intend to continue live here post-project we will need water, necessitating another project. The county is causing more water problems rather than it is solving. The “next” project is being figured out by the water purveyors. We won’t know their plans until the agreement between the three of them comes out of court. The cost will be spread to ALL water users on their customer lists, NOT just the residents of the PZ — as it would if the sewer project tackled all the water issues. I will repeat, AB2701 mandates that the project leave us no worse off than we were before the sewer. The County is not causing any water problems.We need a project that provides us with the most cost effective sustainable project. It must include and integrate every possible means to reduce, reuse, and recycle water, while minimizing negative impact on the environment.That is precisely what the County staff, the BOS and the Planning Commission are trying to do.

So Lynette, the next project cost is spread out across the whole basin….. That includes the PZ. How much will this add to the $250? What is the total monthly bill for sewer, water, M&O?

Hi Ed, I guess I asked questions on Ann’s blog without looking here first.OK, you want, “cutting-edge on-site technology … as an affordable alternative for those who can’t afford the County’s home-smasher.” But what about the Water Board? They’ve required 10 years of data in the past for 7 mg/L – do you think they like us any better than they did in 2006 and would forget about that little request? Could the “chain of pay-offs” simply just be that there is no cheap plan that will satisfy the regulatory agencies, so no conspiracy is involved?You say, “Reverse engineering the Tri-W sewer to fit in town or out is all wrong for Los Osos.” I’m not sure what you mean by that. Why would anyone reverse it to put it in town? It was built as it was FOR in town. No one would pay for the stench mitigation out of town, you don’t need it there — please explain!Please see my comments on the $400 amount on Ann’s blog. Please explain what costs you refer to that won’t be shown on the sewer bill.I am looking forward to your article on Tom Murphy. I’m sure it will be a doozie!

Anon 10:54, we don't know what that will be. The purveyors are not done planning yet and can't tell us a thing other than to say they are progressing nicely.The CSD got the final report on their Water Rate Study on Thursday night. They have some tools when the time comes to make it as painless as they can with some modeling software to play out different scenarios. Wednesday night at the Water Ops meeting, the talk was that they may not raise anything now as was the Board's intent on starting the water rate study in the first place. Our water is cheaper in Los Osos than other towns around us. I suspect in a few years that won't be true anymore.I'll repeat what I posted over on Ann's blog:Included in the $250 is the monthly secured assessment, the monthly O & M rates, the monthly capital rates and charges and the monthly "equivalent" on lot costs. This is from Brochure 5 Project Selection and Monthly Costs. You can find it here:http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/AssetFactory.aspx?did=13953

Anon, I should have added that they have to keep their mouths shut because the water thing is in court – it is referred to as the ISJ, the interlocutory Stipulated Judgement.

Lynette, you are taking the county’s best case scenario as fact, ignoring the disagreements of outside experts and admissions by Paavo. The county should be looking toward the future, anticipating and solving all water issues within this project in the most cost effective and sustainable project possible. Instead they are looking for the easy way out; pay off MWH and let us solve seawater intrusion and storm water issues at a later date. It is disingenuous to provide a $250 price estimate when they well know that the final cost will be far higher.Remember that 1150 homes were built to qualify for a free sewer. Promises are cheap. The reality is that many homeowners will have to leave. Those that are retired or nearing retirement will not be able to afford the sum of the eventual water infrastructure payments. And with a 10% unemployment rate, finding supplemental employment will be difficult. The underlying belief of this process is that the people of Los Osos don’t deserve to live here. You have been conned into believing this to mean that anyone less than you does not deserve to live here, but reality is that the county doesn’t care about you. You are a pawn.

And Lynette, when you think that you truly understand what is happening in Los Osos, because you have lived here for four years, and you have spoken with the right people, and you have been accepted by the right crowd…….please remember that are not the ones with the real power. Ask how many compromises they have made to their ethical foundation, and how many cracks and crevices now permeate their souls. Like the executives of AIG, some people worship only to money.

Lynette,Q. “Cutting-edge on-site technology as an affordable alternative… But what about the Water Board? They’ve required 10 years of data in the past for 7 mg/L – do you think they like us any better than they did in 2006 and would forget about that little request?”A. I’m very much aware the Water Board has rejected on-site solutions for LO since they are dictating a “communitywide” solution, as is AB2701. However, it is my right as a property owner to re-use my water as I see fit as long as I don’t discharge. This solution will cost less than the County sewer and appeal to some who would otherwise be forced to move. To deny ANY and ALL alternatives to homeowners is arguably illegal. Some homeowners will probably test this in court.Q. “Could the “chain of pay-offs” simply just be that there is no cheap plan that will satisfy the regulatory agencies, so no conspiracy is involved?”A. No. If there is no cheaper plan that satisfies the regulatory agencies, then there certainly is a conspiracy involved. By law the Water Board cannot dictate method of treatment or location. AB2701 calls for a community (sewer) solution, but does not specifically rule out any other solution that complies with 83-13.Q. You say, “Reverse engineering the Tri-W sewer to fit in town or out is all wrong for Los Osos. What do you mean.”A. I mean, moving basically the same MWH/Tri-W project out of town doesn’t do most homeowners in town any good at all financially, since they are still overpaying for an unaffordable project. The battle cry was “Move the Sewer!” but it was “move the same expensive sewer” out of town. Reverse engineering a project, as the County is doing, is determining desired result first, then working backwards to justify it, i.e. hammering a square peg into a round hole.Q. Please explain what costs you refer to that won’t be shown on the sewer bill.”A. Please see my response on Ann’s blog. Also, check Richard’s email for his cost analysis.Q. “I am looking forward to your article on Tom Murphy. I’m sure it will be a doozie!”A. Some legal issues still have to be resolved and the end of the story has yet to play itself out.

Ed,I suspect that an onsite solution would be allowed for an individual home … if the RWQCB were sued for permission … and if there would be the RWQCB required monthly checks on nitrates, turbidity, etc. in the effluent. The cost of those analyses would be prohibitive.Nope, I don’t think that individual onsite makes sense. A cooperative onsite solution might, however. If there were, say, 100 homes using onsite devices (which aren’t really cheap) and if the effluent could be collected across all 100 homes and averaged and the collective … as a group fined by the RWQCB if their effluent were not up to code … it would probably work fine. There would be little difference between that and 100 neighbors putting in a sewer and treatment plant on a nearly vacant lot because they didn’t trust the County to provide a solution in any timely way.Of course, I don’t speak for the RWQCB or their staff, but the idea seems quite plausible.

I think the affordability question has gone beyond the esoteric realm. I make the argument that it is now preferable to push for the MOST expensive system possible. 1000/month? Bring it on! I want to see all the members of the RWQCB and the County BOS and all current and past members of the CSD board of supervisors pleading for federal relief. If they would all just learn to get along, we could do it! A gold plated Ecofluid plant buried under the TriW property with a vacuum collection system and a welded gravity system. Screw the tot lot and park, I say an Indian casino and a wine bar on top. Free parking, with RV hookups (for me!) Ouch! My tongue!

Shark,Agreeing with me more than once could be hazardous to your reputation.You are in the ballpark of possibilities regarding an”onsite co-op” collective solution. I’m looking at it and it could work. I call it the “Poop Coop.”By the way, you do realize subtracting 100+ homes from the sewer tax rolls might wreck a little havoc with the assessment?The situation is so financially desperate for some homeowners that I would go so far as to advise some of those in that precarious position NOT to pay their assessment. That’s right. Stiff ‘em. Be a Rufusenik! Join the revolution for affordability.If the County continues on its present course directly for the iceberg — for the most expensive solution borne on the backs of those who can least afford it — homeowners should really think hard about joining such a co-op.If this concept holds any interest for homeowners beyond this blog, I can be reached via email at ed@rockofthecoast.com. I’m not seeking commitments, only genuine interest.Mike Green,You are one funny guy. I enjoy your views, even when we don’t agree. Keep that tongue wagging.All best,Ed

MikeG? The Casino Idea ? Mine! My business associates would like to meet with you, perhaps fit you with a pair of cement booties. perhaps throw you in the back bay Hah, You will sink to your ankles.And when the High tide will come….You may get your crotch wet.Brrrrrr….Sewertoons said… How about a group of non-professionals masquerading as sewer/soils engineers opining on what sewer is best for LO in the back room? How is that different than a developer?March 18, 2009 9:23 PMWhat I said.It is more onerous! in the hypothetical the developer has an interest in a project which requires county approval, and may or may not be able to convince the official that the project benefits the county. the informational meeting may smooth things along or even result in the developer altering or withdrawing the project. The project should it be presented will undergo the open process of review, never the less we are not talking about a bribe here.In a case of a interest goup that claims to represent their community, they either do or they don’t. but you won’t know unless there is an election, since the group are self proclaiming that they represent the community. They are also self proclaimed sewer experts and can talk a polished talk. The official will normally lack expertise in the subject matter so will either belive in a value to the group’s agenda or not.real information will not be exchanged because the knowledge base is superficial- there is not a scientist or an engineer among them. the group is also not aware of the unintended consequencesof their proposals. They truly don’t know what they don’t know. Just too much in love with themselfs, I suppose. The only possible exchange is of political power. Sounds like anyone we know?Incidentally, I base my self declaration of Expertise on the Criteria published in the JIR, The Journal of Irreproducible Results “An expert is anyone who made three predictions which later became true.” Lou knows I’ve displayed orgnizational understanding. Maybe not expert level, but more condusive to the CSD’s survival, than that what I (and he?) observed, and thought could be improved on, which is why I threw my hat into the ring last year.The word verification was “dops in” after checking, the second word verification is “consp”

Alon did shoot his across my bow: “MikeG? The Casino Idea ? Mine!My business associates would like to meet with you, perhaps fit you with a pair of cement booties. perhaps throw you in the back bay Hah, You will sink to your ankles.And when the High tide will come….You may get your crotch wet.Brrrrrr….” Avast an away with you , you scalawag thief! Injun Casinos was MY idea long before you even dirtied your first diaper! Why just check Ann’s archives! You’ll find me as the Author of many a fine Los Osos yarn, such as calling the “Storey Poles” a local infestation of the religious sect “cargo cult” Groundbreaking reporting if ever there was one! And who named them Watergods? I will accept your acquiescence.

Capt’n Mike,A shot across your bow? Twas just an errant bottle cap.But no, your yarns of yoreLeave one yearning for more.You have maritime right of way on your next tack, good sir.As for authorship, i merely invented the spaces between the letters. that was a long long time ago and we had not yet come down from the trees, we therefore had no uses for these modern contrivences you call “diapers”.This posting does not imply or release the intelectual or other property rights to SEWERMOGULS (c) Sewerkings (c) KINGWATERDRAGON (c)Or assoaciated Characters and propertiesIn any case your recent posts rock.carry on.