A half-billion gallons of water saved! Wow! That’s how much Paso Robles residents have saved in the last six months. If anyone out there has saved more please let me know so I can recognize them! And we did it without any punitive ordinance punishing people who use too much water. We all worked together to exceed the savings mandated by the State of California. I am incredibly proud of of our community. Speaking of water, we’re moving ahead with full allocation of water from Lake Nacimiento. That will mean an additional 2,488 acre feet of water and it will go along way towards securing adequate water supplies for our future build-out. Except for power to pump the water, when needed, the city will incur no additional expense. That means virtually no impact to water bills.
Now, for the future. The State has extended the mandated water conservation period for at least another six months. This time we only have to have to save 24% (instead of 28%) over 2013 usage. So, El Nino notwithstanding, let’s keep an eye on the watering and personal usage so we can again meet the requirements.
We are finally coping with the issue of homelessness. On March 1st the Council voted to approve a multi-phased response to the shelter crisis and encampments along the river. Local churches and others have responded with warming shelters and Paso Cares, a local non-profit, is leading the way to make crisis shelter for the homeless a reality. Thanks for all your work!
Congrats to our latest Roblan of the Year, Sharon Ross. It was an honor to recognize her contributions to Paso Robles at the recent Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner in the Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. The spirit of Paso is alive and well! Thank you, Sharon for all of your contributions to our community over the years. Don’t stop now. We need you and folks like you now more than ever.
Congratulations to Sheree Davis and Shannon Agredano, our two newest Planning Commission members. They were selected by the City Council after interviewing many qualified candidates. It was a difficult decision and I thank all who applied. We are looking forward to working with an excellent Commission in the future.
Speaking of the future, City staff and interested parties at the Paso Robles Airport are studying management alternatives for the facility. We have long referred to the airport as a “diamond in the rough.” With this renewed focus we hope to put a little shine on that gemstone and prepare it for the economic development our community will need as we look to the future.
Repairs to the downtown city park are underway. $1.45-million worth, all paid for by redevelopment funds and grants. Many thanks to the REC Foundation for its donation of $100,000 for maintenance. The repairs should be finished this summer.
Looks like things are moving forward for an expansin of the Firestone Brewery on the south end of town. They are proposing a 9,100 square foot addition tothe brew house. The project includes a new permanent parking lot for cardes and large trucks.
Work continues on repairing city swimming pools. On April 30th there will be a gala Mayor’s Fundraising event at Centennial Pool to raise funds to defray the costs. Food, libations, entertainment and the satisfaction of re-opening municipal swim facilities… who could ask for more? Many thanks to Councilman Steve Gregory for spearheading the committee to create this event. We are still looking for corporate sponsors, so email me at smartin@prcity.com if you’re interested. We are also selling dinner tickets for $75 apiece. Check it out at BrownPaperTickets online.
Too much good stuff for just one blog, so stay tuned for more!
Until we blog again, here’s to you Paso Robles!