Mark your calendars Maybe only news reporters who spend their lives in meetings would care, but several key extra government gatherings might be worth your interest next week. The most exciting, if that word ever applies to government meetings, will be Monday when Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach and Oceano officials will jointly discuss possible ways to merge fire services. Merging or consolidation of any form is a rite of passage for South County governments. Every now and then, a few responsible South County leaders decide to explore if they can use tax dollars more efficiently by sharing resources and working together. But something always gets in the way.
Nothing ever happens.
Everyone winds up mad and promises never to try again. Until the next time. If fire protection doesn't seem hot enough for you, Pismo is holding a special meeting March 28 to discuss if the city should upgrade, replace or abandon its sewage plant. In their private moments, city beat news reporters frequently lament how much they know about sewage. Here is your chance to get equally educated.