Going Into Fall
By: 5th District Supervisor, Debbie Arnold
As we move into fall season, I think it is safe to say none of us would have imagined how the year 2020 would have played out. Many businesses are still restricted from resuming their normal business models, most schools are closed to in-person attendance, and many of our summer activities were canceled. We have experienced record heat all over the county as well as record breaking wildfire devastation.
Fall has not changed the picture by much, and many of our traditional fall festivals, parades, and celebrations have been canceled. County Public Health and Dr. Penny Borenstein continue to track the Governor’s Blueprint orders which guide our ability here in SLO County to open businesses, schools, and events.
Our hospitalization numbers remain low, and our total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 is at 22, though all had underlying health conditions. The County is well prepared if additional testing or hospital capacity is needed.
The wildland fires have been extreme this year and we have had poor air quality and smokey skies as a result. Fire season will continue through October and possibly into November, so people need to be prepared.
As Chair of the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council, I am proud to say that we have received millions of dollars of grant funding to do preventative work here in the county. With the help of former CAL Fire Chief and Executive Director of Fire Safe Council, Dan Turner, many projects were completed before this year’s fire season began. We have already benefited from these projects. The Pond Fire that broke out in the North County in August could have been much worse but was slowed down by one of the Fire Safe fuel cleaning projects, giving firefighters a better chance to contain the fire. San Luis Obispo County has been very proactive in trying to prevent wildfires and will continue to facilitate projects in key areas to keep us safe from wildfires.
I know many of the regulations related to COVID-19 keep changing as the Governor’s orders change. My office is happy to assist with any questions you may have. We can be reached at 805-781-4339.
It is an honor to serve as your 5th district representative on the Board of Supervisors.
-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.
