New county redistricting map adopted, legal challenges loom

San Luis Obispo County's Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 on Tuesday, along party lines, to adopt Map A for redistricting, with Supervisors Debbie Arnold and John Peschong opposing the move. The newly-adopted map bears a striking resemblance to the one chosen in 2011, despite numerous calls from supporters for a change.

Proponents of the map change contended that the Patten Map was discriminatory and illegal. However, Supervisor Arnold cautioned both her colleagues and attendees that the court did not find the Patten map to be either of those things, according to a report by CalCoast News.

In December 2021, after a lengthy and contentious process, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to adopt the Patten Map, with Supervisors Bruce Gibson and Dawn Ortiz-Legg dissenting. The issue was a partisan one, with local Democrats seeking minimal changes while Republicans preferred cities and communities to remain intact. In 2021, several supporters of Democratic candidates threatened to file a lawsuit if the board majority chose the Patten Map.

Enney wins Paso Robles school board election

According to the election results released on Friday afternoon, Kenneth E. Enney Jr. has emerged victorious in the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board election by a considerable margin of over 1,000 votes. 

Enney, who secured 54.42% of the total vote, received 6,524 votes, while his closest contender, Hollander, secured 5,464 votes, or 45.57%. The election is not yet completely finalized as 96 ballots with questionable signatures and those received through Monday are yet to be counted, according to a report from CalCoast News.

In response to his win, Enney expressed his eagerness to assume his position on the board and work towards a better academic performance for the district. Enney was previously appointed to the board in October 2022, but was later removed after he discovered a school webpage for LGBTQ students that contained a link to a chatroom where adults discussed sex. He brought this to the district's attention and subsequently sought an investigation by law enforcement.

Off-road enthusiasts score a legal victory in Oceano

Friends of the Oceano Dunes has won a legal victory against the California Coastal Commission in a quiet title lawsuit. 

The lawsuit argues that off-road vehicle enthusiasts have the right to continue driving and camping on portions of the Oceano Dunes because they have been recreating there for more than five years without objection or permission. 

The Coastal Commission argued that other historical uses of the dunes were more prevalent, but a judge rejected all of the state's arguments and set the case for trial in October 2023. 

Grover Beach mayor resigns

Anna Miller, the Mayor Pro Tem of Grover Beach, has resigned from her seat with immediate effect due to a change in residency. 

Miller, who was elected in November 2020, was set to serve until December 2024. The city council plans to discuss options for filling the vacant seat in their upcoming meeting on March 27. 

Miller is the Chief Operating Officer for People's Self-Help Housing and has previously served on local non-profit boards.

Paso Robles congressman speaks out on closure of Silicon Valley Bank

Silicon Valley Bank, a financial institution with approximately $209.0 billion in total assets and $175.4 billion in total deposits, was closed down by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. 

The FDIC was appointed as the receiver and created the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara (DINB) to safeguard insured depositors. The closure marks the second-largest bank failure in US history, following the 2008 collapse of Washington Mutual Bank.

Customers with accounts in excess of $250,000 should contact the FDIC toll-free at 1-866-799-0959. As of closing time, the amount of uninsured deposits was undetermined, but the FDIC will provide an advance dividend to uninsured depositors within the next week, and a receivership certificate for the remaining amount of their uninsured funds.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D), who represents Paso Robles and Monterey areas, expressed concern about the bank's failure and urged the FDIC to provide clear updates to customers, both insured and uninsured. Panetta also hopes that a sale can be arranged to keep all depositors whole. The cause of the bank's failure is still unknown.

San Luis Obispo groups get state grant for climate messaging

The Diversity Coalition of SLO County, R.A.C.E. Matters, the Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success, and Brooklyn-based tech company BlocPower have received $340,000 from TECH Clean California, a state program funded by California gas ratepayers, to improve the equity of messaging around climate action. 

The goal is to develop "targeted and inclusive marketing and educational materials for equitable electrification." 

The grant partners plan to go directly into underserved communities of SLO County to test out different types of messaging about climate action that can cut through industry-specific jargon and connect with the people. 

The outreach events will focus on climate topics that range from simple tips to lower utility bills to why heat pumps and inductive stoves are more economical and environmentally friendly.

SLO County ranks as the 19th most expensive county in California

A recent report by bill management service Doxo reveals that household bills in San Luis Obispo County are 33.1% higher than the national average. 

The average SLO County household pays $2,724 per month in bills, with rent, mortgages, auto loans, utilities, auto insurance, cable and satellite, health insurance, mobile phones, life insurance, alarm and security included in the data set. SLO County ranks as the 19th most expensive county in California, with bills accounting for 42 percent of an average annual household income of $77,850. 

Paso Robles mayor absent for health issue

Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin is taking time off from community matters to focus on his health and treatment, according to city officials. 

Martin has missed two council meetings recently due to a serious health concern that has not been disclosed. The mayor has received a favorable prognosis and hopes to only continue to miss council meetings through early spring. 

The city has asked for compassion, dignity, and respect for Martin's privacy while he is away. Mayor Pro-tempore John Hamon will fill in for Martin during his absence. Source: CalCoast News

Kenneth Enney runs for Paso Robles school board

Kenneth Enney, a candidate for the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District trustee, launched his campaign with a drive-through barbecue chicken fundraiser on February 25th. 

Despite cold and rainy weather, the event saw a large turnout, and the fundraiser sold out in an hour. Enney's campaign manager, Michael Rivera, said that Enney's platform of standards, accountability, and leadership has appealed to a wide range of voters, and Enney will ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. 

Enney is running against Angela Hollander in a special election scheduled for April 18th. Vote-by-mail ballots will be sent out on March 19th. Source: Paso Robles Daily News

Atascadero city manager retires

Rachelle Rickard, City Manager of Atascadero, has announced her retirement after serving for 26 years, with the last ten years as City Manager. 

Rickard's retirement will take place in July of this year. During her tenure, Rickard led various projects and initiatives, including rehabilitating the Atascadero Historic City Hall, introducing a Comprehensive Financial Plan, securing voter-approved funding for critical City service needs, and obtaining over $32 million of federal and state grants for the City. 

The City will begin recruitment for Rickard's replacement in the coming weeks. Mayor Heather Moreno praised Rickard's leadership, work ethic, and professionalism. Rickard plans to spend time with her family and travel during her retirement.

State employee claims parks officials threatened new fines if they lose lawsuit

Ronnie Glick, a senior environmental scientist with California State Parks, testified that the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) threatened to impose new fines on State Parks if Friends of Oceano Dunes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving off-highway vehicle recreation, wins a lawsuit against APCD. 

The lawsuit alleges that APCD spent money earmarked for off-highway vehicle recreation. Glick testified that APCD’s executive director, Gary Willey, said he would use the APCD’s “enforcement authority under Rule 1001 to assess fines” against State Parks.