Gazette Article

by Dave Romero

 

Last week I attended the annual UCSB Economic Outlook and Forecast for San Luis Obispo County. The speakers were upbeat about the past year and positive regarding our future. Dan Walters told us that California should plan for continuing growth (a positive) brought about in large measure by the 600,000 babies born in this state every year. Nancy Sidhu told us that we are in the midst of the greatest period of economic prosperity in history. She said, "These are the best of times," and "California is God’s country, one which has always attracted immigrants." Gary Eberle told us that recent medical studies have shown that moderate consumption of wine is good for the heart and reduces danger of stroke (we can now feel better than ever about maintaining a high level of health). Leslie Appleton-Young told us of increasing value of our homes and of the benefits to the economy brought about by the resurgence in home construction and sales.

 

The most interesting and informative presentation was made by Dr. Mark Schniepp, who presented an extensive series of graphs (from the Economic Outlet 2000 publication). The graphs show a healthy increase in non-farm employment growth, real retail sales, hotel/motel room sales for both San Luis Obispo county and city. Crime is down nationwide–in California and in San Luis Obispo County. (San Luis Obispo is the safest in the state among large and medium size counties.) Unemployment is at a record low in the nation and in San Luis Obispo County. In fact, it is so low (4.1%) that it may be necessary to encourage immigration in certain areas to fill the need. Home sales are up, home prices are up (a mixed blessing), treasury bonds and the stock market are up. Interest rates and inflation continue at low levels. By almost every measure, these truly are the "best of times" for most of us.

 

Business sentiment surveys show a positive outlook for next year, though not quite as good as last year. Our population age is increasing, with better health care allowing seniors to live longer. Many seniors who move to this county are on excellent retirement programs, have sold a home at a high price or have benefited from the stock market increases, thus bringing considerable "retirement" income into the county. By all measures we are living in a wonderful time.

 

Last week I was privileged to act as master of ceremonies for the annual Family of the Year presentation event. High point of the ceremony was the Rick Bravo family (1999 winners) passing the plaque to the Vince Maloney family (2000 winner). Several 6th grade and 8th grade students made outstanding readings of their prize-winning essays on family values. Later in the week I presented the Mayor’s Thanksgiving proclamation at the Presbyterian Church. These events remind me all over again how fortunate we are to be living in San Luis Obispo, where we can celebrate family values and express our heartfelt thanks to God for our many blessings. We’re not struggling with manmade or natural disasters, fighting oppression, hunger or disease, trying to clear out corruption or major poverty. Instead we’re celebrating the many wonderful events that constantly occur.

 

Sometimes in our efforts to make the paradise that is San Luis Obispo even better, we lose sight of the fact that we are unbelievably fortunate to live in what may be the best city anywhere during the best times ever.

Happy Holidays!