The New Times San Luis Obispo reported on March 28, 2024, “the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to continue operating the county-run Oceano County airport and make improvements to it in the future.”
I’m not objective when it comes to airports and flying. I believe reporter Samantha Herrera did a nice job of balancing the story about L52.
“We aim for so much more; our vision for Oceano Airport extends far beyond its runways and hangars. We envision an airport that serves as a beacon of economic growth and prosperity for our community,” said Director of Airports Courtney Johnson. “We see opportunities abound, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”
Yes, airports can be so much more.
Several areas of the airport will see upgrades in the near future. They include “renovating the existing pilots’ campground area, replacing the pilots’ lounge, repaving and adding ADA improvements to the parking lot, replacing damaged airport hangars, and upgrading various utilities.”
But the story isn’t all blue sky and tailwinds.
“Oceano is a disadvantaged community in need of recreational space, small businesses, and basic infrastructure. We also are a very land poor community. We don’t have any large open spaces; we have one small community park and an unsafe beach for recreation,” said Allene Villa at the March 28 meeting. “These 60 acres could provide the residents of Oceano a decent size recreational park and an opportunity for development of nature-based outside businesses.”
Villa’s perspective was heard and acknowledged.
But ultimately, the board voted in favor of the airport.
That’s a win in my book.
my ex wife ran that airport as an intern to the San Luis Obispo airport manager, we lived in the small house on the premises, it is great to see the powers that be keeping this aviation treasure alive