Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Luis Obispo County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues with low priority
Public Health Safety Education Update
Public Health reported on its traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian safety education and community outreach efforts.
Cayucos Pier Reconstruction
A new capital project and $568,127 will advance restoring the Cayucos Pier to its original length.
Dissolution of Citizen's Homeless Accountability Commission
The Citizen's Homeless Accountability Commission asked to be dissolved, and the Board approved it. Public oversight of homelessness programs will now take another form.
Affordable housing fund report
The county's affordable housing fund annual report came in — the Board took it in without changes, keeping the public record of how Title 29 housing dollars were spent.
Avila Beach Bicycle Lockers
Leftover parking-in-lieu fees ($186,951) will fund e-bike lockers in downtown Avila Beach through SLOCOG.
Morro Bay to Cayucos Coastal Trail connector
Another $100,000 went into the long-running Morro Bay to Cayucos Coastal Connector trail project, plus an $89,744 engineering contract amendment with Cannon Corporation.
Lopez Lake wildlife protection project
The county committed up to $1.26 million to a Safe Coexist Wildlife Protection Project at Lopez Lake Recreation Area.
Retirement of Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein
The county's public health leader of 17 years — the face of COVID response — retired to warm tributes from staff, past colleagues and the Board. Dr. Frederick Rosen takes over as interim.
County Medical Services Program membership
The Board is exploring whether joining the County Medical Services Program makes sense for delivering indigent health care — the Chair signed a Letter of Interest to start that conversation.
Creston community pool
Creston covers 100% of its community center costs and saw insurance rise about 70% since 2023. The Board agreed to bring back up to $4,900 in one-time help for summer pool operations.
SB 707 virtual public comment rules
The public can now count on virtual comment options at Board meetings — the Board updated its rules to comply with state open-meeting law and renamed references to the new Chief Executive Officer structure.
County workforce vacancies and hiring obstacles
The annual mandated hearing showed where the county is short-staffed and what's slowing hiring — information that shapes pay and recruitment policy.
Spartan Race at Santa Margarita Ranch
Spartan Race got its temporary entertainment license for a November 7-8, 2026 event weekend at Santa Margarita Ranch.
Oceano Pier Avenue road paving
A $917,272 contract will repave Pier Avenue in Oceano as part of storm-recovery betterments.
Cayucos road system additions
A resolution was proposed to accept portions of Obispo Avenue and Richard Avenue in Cayucos into the county-maintained road system, shifting upkeep responsibility to the county.
AB 720 estate vineyard wine tasting rules
The wine industry wants clarity on pop-up tasting rules under AB 720; the county will meet with industry reps and bring policy guidance back March 10.
CAO-to-CEO governance transition
Twenty-one ordinance amendments align county personnel and administration codes with the new County Executive Office governance model adopted late last year.
Courthouse and government center security access controls
The county will spend $60K planning electronic access controls for exterior doors at the courthouse, annex, and Katcho Achadjian Government Center in downtown SLO.