In a little more than a week the state of Calfiornia is scheduled to emerge from the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. To say it has been a long year is an understatement. Now, with vaccinations, masks and social distancing, we can look to the future and a city that will return to thriving economically and bustling socially. Representatives of the county tourism industry report a surge in their sector has begun already. Hotels, restaurants and others are preparing for a robust recovery. Airline flights lost to the pandemic are expected to return. Local holiday events, concerts and other activities are slated to re-start.
In our city the recovery is already underway. With the help of your city government, most of our local businesses have weathered the storm and now can look forward to increased traffic and commerce. The city itself, which lost millions of dollars in revenues, continues to support local businesses as it prepares to re-open its doors to the public. State and federal assistance are expected to help backfill some of the losses. Our local J-20 sales tax override funds will provide resources for expanding fire and police services and improving our city streets. We are working collaboratively with our Chamber of Commerce, Main Street program and wineries/vineyards to synergize the recovery effort. We are participating with regional agencies to be a part of economic development efforts apart from tourism such as the emerging space industry in and around Vandenberg Air/Space Force Base.
As we move forward we will encounter new challenges while dealing with old ones. The pressure of renewed activity will again stress our downtown parking. Discussions continue about the value of diminishing that parking even further to accommodate outdoor restaurant dining. We will wrestle with the problem/opportunity of broadband access, so necessary for developing 21st industries in the North County. We will continue to manage the impact of the homeless in our riverbed by supply relief, counseling and other assistance.
For all of the daunting struggles ahead, we rejoice in the fact that, soon, one struggle will fade behind us. If we continue on our present course the deadly COVID-19 virus will be diminished to a minor health threat in the future. To all of our first responders, health care workers and other essential personnel: THANK YOU! When we all said “we’re in this together” you put real meaning in the words. To everyone who took the pandemic seriously by wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, volunteering, spready accurate information and getting vaccinated: THANK YOU! Your commitment to a strong, healthy, welcoming community has been exemplary and showcases the best of our city. To everyone who took the time to contact me and other Council membes with suggestions, constructive criticism and encouragement: THANK YOU! Just knowing there are so many people out there who are motivated to be a part of the solution has been heartening.
And so, the world continues to turn and we, along with it, turn again to the future, to the planning, to the working, to the investment of heart and soul, to the blood-sweat-and-tears of sustaining what we have come to be known for in El Paso de Robles: being a “can-do” city.
Here’s to you. Here’s to our city. Here’s to our future!
Until we blog again…..