Los Osos and Baywood Park, on the south end of Morro Bay, were two independent areas that developed separately during different periods. Over time, they grew together. In 1974, the US Post Office eliminated the Baywood branch and declared the area as Los Osos. Residents, passionate about their neighborhoods, specifically refer to Cuesta-by-the-Sea, Baywood, or the 12 other housing areas, while nonresidents ascribe to the Los Osos name. This area, including the beautiful Los Osos Valley, has been home to artisans, fishermen, and hunters for centuries, and more recently, cattle ranchers and farmers. The town grew haphazardly in fits and starts. Quirky, rebellious, off the beaten path—all apply. People here are happy to be a bit undiscovered and prefer that it stays that way.
Lynette Tornatzky moved to Los Osos from Los Angeles. She is on the board of Celebrate Los Osos, a nonprofit group that seeks out and refurbishes the town's landmarks and public spaces in need of restoration and cleanup. Writing this book was done to support these efforts and to praise the beauty and history of a very unique place.