The Conclusion of 2020
By: 5th District Supervisor, Debbie Arnold
2020 is coming to an end. What a year! This one will go down in history as a difficult year for most of us. This time last year, we were all enjoying our holiday season with friends and family. Many of us were attending the many activities and fundraisers that take place in our community. The economy was booming, and new businesses were flocking to Atascadero. The future looked bright.
March 2020 brought Covid-19. Businesses struggled with mandatory closures, schools stopped in-person classes, and events were canceled. We all missed attending graduations, weddings, parades, sports events, and the Mid-‐ State Fair. All of this has created an economic situation that no one was prepared for.
I commend the Atascadero Chamber for all it has done to do its best to serve its members and better the community in these most uncertain times. The business community of Atascadero has always been resilient. Working through these challenges will take everyone coming together to support our local businesses.
I want to take this opportunity to share what the County government is doing to help represent the businesses countywide. The County Board of Supervisors has objected to the Governor’s new plan to restrict businesses based on regions and the inclusion of San Luis Obispo County in the greater Southern California region. We recently sent a letter to the Governor’s office asking for our region to be redesigned to include Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County as one region, and base the Covid-19 restrictions on our more localized situation.
Many of the local businesses countywide have gone out of business or are on the brink. Some are doing all they can to create safe and healthy conditions for their customers but are refusing to close their business entirely. They question the constitutionality of mandatory closures or question the link between conducting business and the spread of Covid-19. I know that the success of our local businesses is tied to the economic viability of our communities. The government services so many depend on, including public schools, fire, police, and park services all depend on the revenues coming from a healthy local economy. Please know as your representative I am advocating for a safe opening of our schools and businesses. Meanwhile, let us all do what we can to support our local businesses through this holiday season.
For questions on Covid-19 orders continue to visit emergencyslo.org. You may also email my office at darnold@co.slo.ca.us or call (805)781-4339.
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year. It is an honor to represent you
-Debbie Arnold
5th District Supervisor, Debbie Arnold
Debbie Arnold moved to San Luis Obispo County in 1973 to attend Cal Poly, she fell in love with both her husband, Steve, and the farming and ranching values that had been a part of the Arnold family way of life for more than 5 generations. While raising two children, she owned and operated a small business in Atascadero for more than 17 years. She then had the privilege of advocating for local families as a Legislative Aide at the County Supervisor’s office and as a San Luis Obispo District Representative for the State Senate. During these years, she worked with a broad range of community groups and interests, bringing people together to solve problems. Debbie Arnold now serves as the 5th District Supervisor for San Luis Obispo County.
