Paso Robles News|Thursday, March 28, 2024
You are here: Home » Paso Robles History » Looking Back at 1955: Nacimiento Dam water denied to SLO County
  • Follow Us!

Looking Back at 1955: Nacimiento Dam water denied to SLO County 

Looking Back Paso Robles

This look back at Paso Robles history comes from local newspapers in the Paso Robles Area Historical Society collection. News for this column is selected with the assistance of the society’s Vice President Nancy Tweedie and Research Director Jan Cannon.

Excerpts from the Sunday, August 21, 1955 Sunday Review:

–The San Luis Obispo County board of supervisors this week began looking for ways to legalize a so-called gentlemen’s agreement which they said was entered into with the Monterey County board for some 20,000 acre-feet of water impounded by a dam on the Nacimiento River.

The agreement was made at a dinner meeting between officials of the two counties two years ago, according to board chairman John Ruskovich, when Monterey County promised the water in exchange for being allowed to build the dam in San Luis Obispo County. But in a state permit, dated August 9, and authorizing the use of the Nacimiento river waters to a Monterey county flood control district board, no reference was made of the 20,000 acre-feet which this county should receive annually, nor of the agreement between the two counties.

Click here to read the full front page of the Sunday, August 21, 1955, Sunday Review.

A resolution dated February 1, 1954, embodying the verbal agreement was sent by this county to the Monterey county board, who acknowledged its receipt on February 8, 1954, and expressed appreciation of San Luis Obispo county’s efforts in the matter.

More recently attorneys for Monterey county have informed district attorney Herbert C. Grundell that the water code prohibits use of surplus waters outside of the water district, which lies in Monterey county. Monterey county officials also denied the existence of any agreement concerning the water when questioned by the state water resources board.

Ruskovich explained that a meeting of the upper Salinas Soil Conservation district, the Las Tablas Soil Conservation district, road commissioner Kenneth and county supervisors will be held when Beck returns from his vacation, to see how practical diversion of the proposed 20,000 acre feet of water would be.


City council supports petitioners’ stand on freeway approaches

-The campaign by Paso Robles businessmen advocation accesses onto the Highway 101 freeway was given full support of the City Council at Monday night’s meeting.

On a motion by Councilman Harry Appleton, the City Fathers approved the resolution presented by the petitioners, who were represented by Fred Osborne.

Other business included a discussion of the leasing of civic center land for a post office, and an authorization to execute amended terms of a lease being negotiated between the city and the Tidewater Associated Oil Company, which has a service station on the northwest corner of the civic center site.

A request by the owner of Hall’s Auto Magic car wash, to renew his business license, was held, until the noise situation which has brought complaints from neighbors is investigated by city engineer William Roe.


Mrs. Dodd guilty of manslaughter

-Mrs. Hazel Dodd, 52 year old housewife charged with the fatal shooting of her husband, Elmer, on May 31, in the couple’s ranch home near San Miguel, was found guilty of manslaughter, Wednesday, by the Monterey County superior court jury.

The jury deliberated for seven hours before reaching the verdict. Judge Anthony Brazil will sentence the convicted woman on August 25.


Read previous Looking Back articles


Thank you to sponsors of Looking Back

Paso Robles Pioneer Museum – Come take a real look back into local Paso Robles history. Open Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 2010 Riverside Ave., Paso Robles, CA 93446, www.pasoroblespioneermuseum.org (805) 239-4556.

Estrella Warbird Museum is an aviation museum dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military aircraft, vehicles, and memorabilia. Woodland Auto Display is also open. Hours: Thursday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, ewarbirds.org, (805) 227-0440.

Creative Concrete & Design delivers the highest level of professional concrete work. Operating in San Luis Obispo County since 2002, Karl Rush brings 35 years of concrete experience to every job and will ensure that you receive the very best quality work. Over the years they have completed a great many works on residential homes. They are very creative and willing to explore options for your next project. Concrete projects have many factors to consider to bring your vision to life. creativeconcreteanddesign.com, (805) 896-1384.

Golden Anchor Financial Services is committed to helping you find the right mortgage product for your needs. They understand that every borrower is different, and offer a variety of products to meet individual requirements. They make the process of securing a mortgage simple and straightforward by offering you the latest in financial tools that enable you to make sound financial choices. Call them at (805) 473-7733 on the Central Coast or (559) 473-7733 in the Central Valley.

1800 El Pomar is the site of a historic Templeton ranch located just three miles east of town. The property features an iconic, aged redwood barn, 3 story tank house, original farmhouse with an outdoor garden, original water tank structures, and many other original ranch buildings. Set on 20+ acres of vineyards, the 360-degree views of rolling oak-studded hills and surrounding vines are a photographer’s dream. A prime ceremony location exists in the vineyards behind the barn between two beautiful oaks. The northwest-facing location creates plenty of shade for your guests in an early to late afternoon setting. A perfect venue with plenty of open space to customize your wedding or event. www.1800elpomar.com

Share To Social Media

Comments

About the author: Reporter Jackie Iddings

Jackie Iddings is a contributing reporter and photographer for the Paso Robles Daily News.