A Hot Summer & A Drought Task Force

By: 5th District Supervisor, Debbie Arnold

It is wonderful to see events and activities resume all over the North County.  I really enjoyed getting together with friends again for the 11th annual Atascadero Kiwanis Mayor’s Winemaker Dinner.  I appreciate the organizers creativity of separating guests at several smaller venues this year.  I joined others for a beautiful evening at O’Malley’s Portola Inn.  Every year the Kiwanis raise money at this event to fund worthy projects throughout the city, and I want to thank all who played a part in making this event such a success.

So far, the summer has been a hot one! This is certainly exasperating the drought situation we find ourselves in after a less than normal rainfall year. As reported by Scotty Jalbert, County Office of Emergency Services Director, as of June 28, 2021, most of the County is categorized as experiencing extreme drought and is expected to move into the exceptional drought category by fall.

The County has reassembled a Drought Task Force, and the Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local drought emergency on July 13, 2021. Throughout the County the rainfall totals were approximately 50% of normal and reservoir levels are low. The County will be developing plans for outreach to encourage water conservation and provide tips on how best to conserve. Generally speaking, water supplies are sufficient for two years, but conservation starts early to help supplies go further. For more information and tips for conserving water, check out the Board of Supervisors agenda for July 13, 2021, item number 39.  The staff documents provide a full report.

The Board of Supervisors will be continuing the process of redistricting the district lines within the County on July 20.  This is part of a process that happens every ten years after the census is complete.  This year the timeline has changed, so the process will not be finalized until late this year.  Ordinarily, census information is given to the local governments by April 1st, but this year it is not expected until September 24. The current deadline for completing redistricting for the County’s supervisorial districts is December 15.  If the deadline is missed the courts will have the responsibility of drawing the lines.  Boundary lines are adjusted every 10 years to take into consideration changes in population.  The County is divided into 5 supervisorial districts, each required to be similar in population as the other districts. An independent commission is charged with adjusting lines for state assembly and senate districts, as well as Congressional districts in California. All this important work will adjust lines to accommodate population changes, and these changes will be reflected in the elections taking place next year.  For more information on the local redistricting process visit the County Board of Supervisors agenda for July 20, 2021, documents for agenda item 25.

I look forward to seeing you at the Mid-State Fair.  It is an honor to serve as your 5th District Supervisor.

-Debbie Arnold

Atascadero City Big Cheese KL

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.