HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-2014 b1 JonesKremke, Kate
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
131 07/15/14
Anthony J. Mejia I City Clerk
city of san Luis OBISPo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
tel I 8o5.781.7102
Mejia, Anthony
Tuesday, July 29, 2014 12:27 PM
Kremke, Kate
FW: Laguna Lake
JUL 29 2014
AGENDA
CORRESPONDENCE
Date j �'� ,item #La_
From: Mary Jones [mailtoxommerceQ(a cimail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2014 11:48 AM
To: Ashbaugh, John; Carpenter, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Codron, Michael; Dietrick, Christine; Lichtig, Katie; Marx, ]an;
Smith, Kathy; Mejia, Anthony
Subject: Laguna Lake
Regarding the proposal to deepen Laguna Lake:
Swimming:
The photos of swimmers in Laguna Lake were taken prior to the 1979 opening of Shinsheimer Swim Center.
I have spoken with long time residents who raised their children here. The consensus is Laguna Lake is not
desirable for swimming — it is too windy, too cold, and after the water sits for several years it is too dirty to
swim in. Shinsheimer pool (as well as Avila Beach, Lake Lopez, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay) is by far
preferred over Laguna Lake for swimming.
21" Century recreational uses of the lake:
The majority of the people who use and enjoy the lake are the sailors.
They have told me that the lake IS JUST wide enough to tack across. If the lake is deepened, it will take too
long to fill from edge to edge — it would be too small for sailing for too long!
Since the lake is so windy, it makes other uses unpleasant. Deepening of the lake will limit its main recreational
value!!!
Also, when the lake is low /dry, it is a fun change for the residents. With the current dry conditions, children and
adults alike, are enjoying walking out on this vast, beautiful open space.
Toxin control:
It is a GOOD THING for the lake front homeowners that the lake dries up approximately every 20 years. Total
evaporation removes the toxins that build up in the lake water (and removes some toxins from the soil as well).
On hot days, the old, stagnant water creates a toxic odor in the lake front homes.
The lake needs to evaporate completely to remedy this situation! (Not to mention the dry lake provides the
opportunity to remove large debris easily from the lake bottom.)
Conclusion:
If rain comes within a year or two, then only good has come out of this total evaporation. If this is a long,
protracted drought, then deepening the lake ruins the peacefulness and the beautiful walk that is people are
making on a daily basis from one end to the other. Deepening would also permanently reduce the lake's
usefulness for the primary recreation of sailing.
Everyone knows California is in a severe drought and if the drought continues for a couple more years, an eight
foot deeper lake would go dry just the same!
I ask you to consider that the few people that are pushing for a deeper lake are panicking (or trying to take
advantage) over a natural, healthy, cyclical change. I understand the concern that this drought condition will
lower property values. But I believe the PROPOSAL will lower property values! I feel very strongly that the
proposal being consider is a truly unwise plan.
Sincerely,
A concerned Laguna Lake front property owner