So...what are the hot topics happening around the Central Coast?

One of the most important parts of a real estate transaction is disclosure of information. While a particular transaction requires disclosure about the property and surrounding neighborhood, I've put together some issues that I would want to know about when moving to the Central Coast.  I tried to state what the issue is without getting too detailed. I'd recommend getting additional information about any of these if they are a concern to you.

(These are not necessarily in order of importance, just how I wrote them down)

1) Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant
I'm amazed how many Home Buyers I run into that are actively looking for real estate that are unaware of Diablo Canyon. It's part of the Central Coast and everyone should be knowledgeable about it's existence and risks. The latest items being discussed in the newspapers and talk radio is about PG&E's request to store fuel waste at the site and a recent request by a newly elected official to have earthquake data analyzed again.

2) The SLO Marketplace
There is a shopping center approved to be built on farmland next to the Madonna Plaza but a petition is now requiring that the Marketplace be put to a vote for the residents of San Luis Obispo (city). The arguments for the Marketplace is to keep tax dollars in the City (and County) rather than having SLO County residents go to Santa Maria to shop. The arguments against is that it's taking farmland to bring more commercialization into San Luis Obispo. One fear is that it will impact downtown SLO, which was a similar concern when the indoor mall was built at Madonna Plaza in the early 80's (the mall ended up failing and was torn down).

3) Los Osos Sewer
The city of Los Osos is all on septic systems. This is said to be polluting the ground water and for the last 30 years, a sewer has been going through the planning and approval process. The sewer has got the green light but the location they chose is in the center of town. There is opposition to the location and now there is a recall drive to remove the members of the Community Services District. Off the top of my head, I don't know what the current price tag of the project is but as you would expect, it keeps on climbing which means that residents will be paying more to hook up to the sewer (a requirement). Until the sewer is built, there is a building moratorium.

4) Lack of water in Cambria and Cayucos for new development
There is a building moratorium on the North Coast until a source of water is available to support the additional growth. This is why you'll see lots with ocean views selling for $25,000. There is a water meter priority list which ends after number 800. Properties with a water meter number will get a higher price but it is unknown when a water source will be available. It may be another 20, 40, 60, or 100 years until you can build on one of these lots.

5) The Adult Book Stores
There is one owner of a chain of adult book stores that is threatening to open up more stores. There are currently stores in Atascadero, Santa Maria, and the most recent one in Grover Beach. The Pismo Beach city council recently defined restrictions where an adult book store could be located but, the adult store owner has said he is looking at a location in Pismo Beach not in their allowed areas.

6) No Dogs Allowed on the Beach
To help protect the snowy plover, dogs are not allowed on Morro Bay beaches. The are also not allowed in Montana De Oro State Park. Dogs on-leash are allowed on Pismo Beach and in the mornings on Avila Beach. I mention this one because I almost purchased a home in Los Osos when I moved back to the Central Coast that was close to Montana De Oro, thinking it would be great to walk my golden retriever to the beach. It wasn't until after I had made the offer that I found out about the restriction.

7) Mardi Gras
I wasn't going to put this one on the list but since it did get A LOT of press lately, here it is. Last year (2004), San Luis Obispo became the place to go for Mardi Gras parties. Lots of young adults came to the city to join the college students and other SLO residents in the celebration. Unfortunately, a riot was the result which caused property damage and some injuries. A similar situation occurred in the mid-80's around the Cal Poly Open House called Poly Royal (aka. Party Royal). After the riot by the Cork and Bottle, Cal Poly canceled Poly Royal. For this years Mardi Gras, they put LOTS of policeman on the street and did a PR campaign to tell outsiders not to come to SLO for Mardi Gras. The result...no riots this year.

8) Lack of Affordable Housing
I think every county has to deal with this very important issue. Local cities must have new "granny unit" guidelines written (a state requirement) but beyond that, there is little going on that I can see.