I would like to comment on Adam Verdin’s letter (“Is it time we all shift our thinking on Oceano?” Aug. 3). He seems desirous of compromise about driving on local beaches and Oceano Dunes. Of his many points, I will address one and an unmentioned other.
As a former economist, the economic study Verdin refers to is a rehash of an older flawed State Parks study using invalid methodologies. Both conflate various activities across coastal multiple use areas to inflate the total. The sum is not greater but less than the actual parts. An accurate economic study analyzes impacts of each activity within its defined area and its population to understand accurate economic impacts. Also necessary would be analysis of the impact of populations not wanting to visit because of vehicle beach use and off road dune activities; that is to say, included in the study would be a contrasting element for the impact of green tourism. Such a study requires diligent survey work and thus significant monetary investment. Peer review is a requirement.
The glaring missing topic is compromised respiratory systems. It is well known that areas of the Nipomo Mesa are subject to serious particulate matter pollution too often violating state standards. This is caused by off-road activities in the dunes. The symptoms range from discomfort to runny noses, itchy eyes, constant coughing, need of an inhaler during serious impact hours, and in tragic cases, death. The numbers are hidden; the public no longer has access to health statistics by ZIP code. That children must remain in home or school during high risk hours goes unmentioned. Those denying this may share the view that cigarettes do not cause various illnesses, even death. Also, rarely mentioned are compromised respiratory systems of pets and wildlife, endangered and not.
Karl Kempton
Oceano
This article appears in Aug 17-27, 2023.
When my dog starts complaining of respiratory problems from the naturaly occurring wind blown sand. Then I’ll be worried.
First, why should we believe that the other studies are wrong but yours is correct? Next, haven’t there been studies noting the errors made in the calculations of the Air quality ion the Mesa?
I have yet to see any credible research indicating a higher incidence of respiratory problems on the Mesa which might be attributable to sand from the dunes. I also note that the pricey developments at Trilogy and Black Lake were built in the area probably most exposed to windblown particulate matter, and have yet to hear of the residents dropping like flies. I imagine that the affluent and educated residents of those developments took a long, hard look at the issue before buying, and concluded that it was not a significant threat.
And I have yet to see any accurate and reliable studies about the economics of OHV. As Karl pointed out that would be a significant economic investment. Visit SLO will tell you they simply didn’t have the money to fund a real reliable study. Half a million goes to the local economy, but Oceano (the gateway to the dunes) can’t fund a fire department, has 9 vacant lots on Pier Ave. (which looks like crap) and can’t find the money for Parks and Recreation. Give me a break. OHV has a history of doing absolutely nothing for Oceano. And as a result – absolutely nothing for SLO County.
I appreciate that Mr. Donovan ESQ wants to see a study affirming the impacts of vehicle use on the dunes to the respiratory systems of Nipomo Mesa residents. This study could dovetail with Mr. Kempton’s suggestion for an accurate economic impact study of vehicle use at the ODSVRA, as it may be possible to ascertain the costs, both of healthcare and of decreased productivity, to the affected mesa residents.
IIt’s really sad to see the effects o f off-roading on the city of Oceano. The lovely beach is puvlerized by the vehicles and its scenic charm obliterated. Off-roading should be banned by State Parks and drivers directed to other established locations of the state. I heard that San Diego County is opening up a new area for OHVs.
In west end San Francisco ocean side the sand constantly blows all year covers the streets, goes all over houses. Its worse than over in nipomo. No ohv on sf beaches. Hmmm. Odd. Must be ghost ohvs.
@MarvinBrees: Along the Great Highway In San Francisco at the beach, the area in which a lot of sand drifts over the road, and is ground against the pavement by the traffic before being carried inland by the constant wind, there has never been a showing of any sort of respiratory problems associated with particulate matter. Why would it be a problem in the Oceano Dunes which has far less traffic?
Agree with you John. Sand on a beach or sand on a highway. When the wind comes it moves. Ah oh well we can try to all enjoy it until there are tract homes lining the beach for tom cruise and richard branson… haha. Sorry….just kinda think thats the endgame for the dunes. Property is so valuable my guess is SLO wants tax revenue from mcmansions….the way of the world….imagine if both nature, state parks and the community were working on solutions for all. Maybe it could stay open forever mixed use.