Protecting Our Coast From Another Moss Landing Disaster
“…it’s hard to trust the company that repeatedly assured the community there would be adequate safety measures in place to prevent accidents. It also shared a report that concluded even if there were a fire, residents would not be exposed to any health risk. Who can believe such statements now?” “…Vistra would be well-advised to abandon the Morro Bay project altogether, or at least put it on hold for a decade or two…”
- The SLO Tribune Editorial Board: January 26, 2025
The Concerns Are Very Real
The devastating January 2025 fire at the Moss Landing Battery Energy Storage System demonstrates the real risks these installations pose to nearby communities. A similar fire in Morro Bay would have forced the evacuation of over 10,000 people across Morro Bay, Los Osos, and Cayucos.
Beyond immediate safety concerns, tourism-dependent businesses would face significant revenue losses as visitors avoid the area, and property values would decline due to proximity to a massive industrial battery installation with associated risks. This local opposition reflects rational risk assessment, not NIMBYism. While renewable energy storage is important for California's future, alternative locations exist that pose fewer risks to populated areas and sensitive coastal environments. Battery Energy Storage Systems should never be allowed in our coastal communities or environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
How To Move Forward
In California, Assembly Bill 205, enacted in 2022, established an Opt-In Certification Program, which allows developers of certain clean energy facilities, including facilities that manufacture, produce, or assemble energy storage systems or their components, to choose a streamlined state-level permitting process through the California Energy Commission (CEC). This applies to any BESS project with a capacity of over 200MWh.
Although we do not have direct local control of BESS projects over 200 MWh, we should act accordingly for those projects we do have control over.
SLO County should not process any further Battery Energy Storage System applications until we have a full understanding of what transpired from the California Public Utilities Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Monterey County.
After these reports have been made public, SLO County should convene an independent oversight committee of residents to fully review all zoning regulations in the county code regarding battery plants. This committee should hold public meetings throughout the county and listen to our concerns. Based on their recommendations, the Board of Supervisors should change the county code as needed.
SLO County needs to change our zoning laws now so to never allow the construction of any Battery Energy Storage System within 3 miles of our coastlines, schools, parks, churches, neighborhoods, or other environmentally sensitive areas.
SLO County also needs to change our zoning regulations to require that notifications for battery plants be sent out much further than just 300 feet. This is unacceptable. Property owners and residences within 3 miles should be sent notifications. These are very serious projects and how the community is notified should represent this.
Ocean Wind Farms: What Changed in 8 Years
Beginning in 2015, our communities were led to believe that the proposed ocean wind farm off our coastline would be for only 100 turbines, each about 600 feet tall, and would only cover 70 square miles. Today we now know that this was untrue. This project now represents upward to 600 turbines, each about 1,100 feet tall, and will cover almost 400 square miles.
Graph Citations:
The San Luis Obispo Tribune “Residents grill wind energy officials”. December 12, 2015. Page 3A. (Download Article)
The San Luis Obispo Tribune “Bids for offshore wind farm sought”. August 25, 2016. Front Page. (Download Article)
The San Luis Obispo Tribune “Recent deal might give state a key boost for offshore energy”. Dec 9, 2018. Front Page. (Download Article)
The Cambrian “Navy may oppose wind farms off Morro Bay – but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen”. March 28 - April 3, 2019. Page 5. (Download Article)
The San Luis Obispo Tribune “Offshore wind energy farm near Vandenberg would be California’s first”. May 10, 2023. Page 3A. (Download Article)
The San Luis Obispo Tribune “Q&A on California offshore wind turbines, port, wildlife”. May 21, 2023. Front Page. (Download Article)
How We Were Misled
Beginning in 2015, our communities were led to believe that the proposed ocean wind farm off our coastline would be for 100 turbines, each about 600 feet tall, and only covering 70 square miles. During those same meetings, many of us voiced our concerns that this was just the beginning and that this project would grow over the coming years. When our concerns were brought forward, our comments were met with contempt. We were told that this was untrue. Today we now know that we were right. This project now represents upward to 600 turbines, each about 1,100 feet tall, and will cover almost 400 square miles.
There is no reason to believe that the ocean wind farm off the coast of San Luis Obispo will not grow to be even substantially bigger in the coming years.
What Actually Happened
The December 2022 federal offshore wind lease auction for the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area represents an industrial assault on San Luis Obispo County's coastal waters. Three companies secured leases in this 376-square-mile area northwest of Morro Bay: Equinor Wind US LLC bid $130 million for 80,062 acres, Central California Offshore Wind LLC bid $150.3 million for 80,418 acres, and Invenergy bid $145.3 million for 80,418 acres (1,2). Combined, these leases generated $425.6 million for 240,900 acres of public ocean space, effectively privatizing California's coastal waters for decades (3).
The proposed development will fundamentally transform the Central Coast, with 800-foot floating turbines positioned 30 miles northwest of Morro Bay creating a visible industrial horizon that will permanently alter the county's scenic coastline (4,5). The projects require extensive onshore transmission infrastructure and port modifications at the Morro Bay Power Plant, industrializing coastal communities while generating three gigawatts of offshore wind capacity (6). Local infrastructure will be severely impacted, with Cal Poly pier, Port San Luis pier, and Morro Bay being considered for maintenance facilities, transforming recreational areas into industrial service centers (7).
The Costs To Us
The economic and environmental costs are substantial. The $425.6 million in lease payments represent only the beginning of multi-billion-dollar construction costs passed to ratepayers, while the experimental floating wind technology creates significant risks of cost overruns and technical failures. The construction phase will involve thousands of pile-driving operations through marine migration corridors, creating underwater noise pollution that disrupts whale communication patterns. Local fishing communities will lose access to traditional grounds, particularly impacting the Dungeness crab fishery, while underwater cables will fragment marine habitats and alter ocean currents supporting the county's kelp forests.
What We Should Do
Rather than industrializing San Luis Obispo County's pristine coastline with experimental technology, California should smartly focus on proven renewable alternatives like distributed solar that can be deployed more quickly and cost-effectively and onshore wind options. The three lease areas represent a misallocation of resources that prioritizes corporate profits over environmental protection, threatening to transform one of California's most beautiful coastlines into an industrial energy zone serving distant urban centers while local communities bear the environmental and social costs.
Citations
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. "BOEM Announces Provisional Winners of California Offshore Wind Energy Lease Sale." December 7, 2022.
California Energy Commission. "California Offshore Wind Energy Development." 2023.
Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations. "Offshore Wind Development Impact Analysis." 2023.
Equinor. "Equinor Wins Lease for Floating Offshore Wind Development in California." December 2022.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. "California Offshore Wind Study." 2022.
Morro Bay Power Plant Transition Study. "Infrastructure Requirements for Offshore Wind Integration." 2023.
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. "Central Coast Offshore Wind Infrastructure Assessment." 2023.
Term Limits, Contribution Limits, Banning Corporate and PAC Monies
“The status quo is not working in San Luis Obispo County… We need to attract quality candidates who reflect the values of the majority of San Luis Obispo County residents - not just the view of their base."
- The SLO Tribune Editorial Board: August 9, 2021
The Problems We Are Facing
For the last 10 years, SLO County has witnessed a troubling pattern of public corruption that has shaken public trust and highlighted systemic vulnerabilities in local government oversight. From bribery schemes involving county supervisors to election fraud and abuse of office, the corruption cases emerging from this region paint a concerning picture of how personal interests can override public duty. We deserve much better.
Term Limits: Three 4-Year Terms
Term limits for SLO County supervisors would benefit governance by bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to community challenges. They level the playing field by reducing incumbency advantages like name recognition and donor networks, giving challengers better chances and voters more choice. Term limits also prevent special interest entrenchment and encourage officials to focus on governing rather than re-election. By regularly opening seats, they create opportunities for broader civic participation and develop a deeper bench of qualified candidates for higher office.
$500 Per Person Contribution Limit
It's absurd that presidential campaign contributions are capped at $3,500 while county supervisor races allow $5,900. This makes no sense. County campaign contribution limits serve essential democratic purposes: they prevent wealthy donors from drowning out ordinary citizens, force candidates to build broad community support rather than depend on major donors, and reduce corruption by ensuring no contributor can buy special influence. These caps also promote civic engagement by requiring candidates to cultivate many small donors instead of courting wealthy benefactors, resulting in more responsive governance.
Banning Of All Corporate And PAC Monies
Corporate and PAC donation bans in county campaigns strengthen democracy by reducing wealthy interests' influence and keeping candidates focused on community priorities like safety, infrastructure, and municipal services. These restrictions level the playing field for candidates without major donor connections, enabling qualified community members to run competitive campaigns based on local support rather than fundraising networks. Limiting corporate influence also increases voter trust by ensuring elected officials remain accountable to constituents rather than outside interests. While reducing overall campaign funding, these bans foster authentic political discourse on local issues and make individual contributions more meaningful, encouraging greater civic engagement.
Prioritizing Public Safety
These comprehensive reforms that address root causes rather than symptoms, the Sheriff's Department can transform its operations and serve as a model for other agencies facing similar challenges.
The Challenges We Face
The SLO County Sheriff's Department faces a perfect storm of operational challenges that threaten its ability to serve the community effectively. At the core of these problems is a critical staffing shortage, with most correctional staff having less than five years of experience, creating both recruitment and retention crises. The county's mountainous coastal terrain compounds these difficulties by creating communication dead zones that compromise officer safety and emergency response capabilities. Meanwhile, the department struggles with an increasingly complex caseload spanning coastal smuggling operations, drug trafficking, domestic violence, and mental health emergencies, all while managing an 8-10% increase in jail population that has strained existing facilities. These operational challenges are further complicated by aging infrastructure and outdated radio dispatch systems that frequently fail during critical moments. The department has begun addressing some issues by securing $2 million in federal funding for radio system upgrades and receiving increased county budget allocations, but these represent only initial steps toward comprehensive reform.
San Luis Obispo County also faces a devastating fentanyl crisis that has dramatically escalated in recent years. According to Sheriff-Coroner's data, fentanyl was the cause or contributing factor in about 7% of drug-related overdose deaths in 2018, but by 2022 and 2023, fentanyl continued to be a contributing factor in about 70% of all drug overdose deaths. This tenfold increase demonstrates the rapid infiltration of this synthetic opioid into the county's drug supply, affecting not only the homeless population along the Salinas River but also individuals across all demographics. The crisis has prompted federal intervention, with multiple individuals being charged with federal crimes for distributing fentanyl that resulted in fatal overdoses, highlighting the severity of the situation facing local communities.
The SLO County Fire Department, operating under a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE, faces a multifaceted crisis that threatens its ability to protect one of California's most fire-prone regions. The most pressing challenge is a severe staffing shortage coupled with chronic underfunding, requiring an additional $19 million annually according to county supervisors to maintain adequate personnel levels. This financial crisis directly impacts response times and the department's capacity to provide comprehensive fire protection across the county's diverse terrain, which includes coastal areas, mountainous regions, and agricultural lands. The recent Madre Fire, which exploded to over 80,000 acres and became California's largest wildfire of 2025, starkly illustrates the scale of threats the department faces with insufficient resources.
How To Move Forward
Sustainable solutions must focus on aggressive recruitment and retention strategies that make the department competitive in the regional law enforcement market. This includes implementing compensation packages that match neighboring counties like Santa Barbara and Monterey, offering signing bonuses for experienced officers, and providing student loan forgiveness programs for criminal justice graduates willing to commit to five-year service agreements. The department should also create flexible scheduling options and clear career advancement pathways with tuition reimbursement and specialized training opportunities.
Addressing the geographic challenges requires significant investment in modern communication technologies like FirstNet, satellite communication stations in remote areas, and upgraded patrol vehicles with current computer systems. The department must also develop specialized units for coastal patrol and smuggling interdiction that require unique training and equipment.
Mental health services for inmates require expansion through additional psychiatric staff, crisis intervention training for correctional officers, and partnerships with local mental health organizations. Specialized housing units for inmates with mental health conditions should provide therapeutic rather than punitive environments.
Transparency measures should include real-time public reporting of use-of-force incidents, public access to policy manuals, regular community town halls in multiple languages, and creation of a public dashboard showing jail conditions and statistics. The department should also expand partnerships with local nonprofits for reentry services, and expand victim advocacy programs.
To address the fentanyl crisis, SLO County has implemented a multi-faceted approach combining harm reduction, treatment access, and community education. The county operates an Opioid Safety Coalition that works to increase awareness and provide resources, while Cal Poly students have developed web applications to help distribute naloxone (Narcan) and prevent overdose deaths. The county also provides a full array of treatment options for adults experiencing substance use issues, available through their access line at 1 (800) 838-1381, with services available in Spanish. Other solutions include expanding naloxone distribution throughout the community, implementing fentanyl test strip programs, increasing access to evidence-based treatment programs like the Matrix Program, and developing comprehensive harm reduction services that provide sterile supplies and overdose support.
By implementing these comprehensive reforms that address root causes rather than symptoms, both the Sheriff and Fire Departments can transform their operations and serve as a model for other agencies facing similar challenges.
Supporting The SLO County Fishing Industry
The fishing industry in SLO County represents significant but undervalued component of our regional economy and tourism with operations centered primarily in Morro Bay and Port San Luis. It’s where we came from and an industry that my family helped to build. SLO County needs to make this industry a priority.
The Problems We Are Facing
The fishing industry in SLO County represents a significant but undervalued component of the regional economy, with commercial fishing operations centered primarily in Morro Bay and Port San Luis contributing millions of dollars in economic activity annually. According to the 2010 Morro Bay/Port San Luis Commercial Fisheries Business Plan, the industry generated a substantial jump to $4.8 million in earnings for local commercial fishermen, reflecting the economic importance of this traditional maritime sector. While this figure represents only a fraction of the county's total economic output compared to industries like agriculture, tourism, and technology, the fishing industry's impact extends beyond direct revenue through its support of related businesses including fuel suppliers, equipment manufacturers, processors, restaurants, and marine services. The industry also provides essential employment opportunities in coastal communities, helping to maintain the cultural and economic diversity that defines SLO County's character.
Despite its economic contributions, the fishing industry faces mounting financial pressures that threaten its long-term viability and economic stability. Regulatory constraints, environmental restrictions, and competition from imported seafood have created significant challenges for local fishing operations, limiting their ability to expand or even maintain current production levels. The proposed offshore wind development projects near Morro Bay have introduced additional economic uncertainty, as commercial fishermen worry about potential disruptions to traditional fishing grounds and the costs associated with adapting to new maritime conditions. These challenges are compounded by aging infrastructure at local ports, rising operational costs, and the difficulty of attracting new participants to an industry perceived as economically risky and heavily regulated.
How To Move Forward
The County of SLO can play a crucial role in supporting the fishing industry's economic recovery and growth through targeted policy initiatives and strategic investments.
The county should prioritize infrastructure improvements at Morro Bay and Port San Luis harbors, including modernizing facilities, improving docking systems, and enhancing processing capabilities to help local fishermen compete more effectively in regional and national markets.
Additionally, the county can support the development of direct-to-consumer marketing programs, sustainable fishing certifications, and agritourism initiatives that highlight the local fishing heritage while creating new revenue streams.
By working collaboratively with state and federal agencies, the county can also advocate for more flexible regulatory frameworks that balance environmental protection with economic sustainability.
Furthermore, the county should consider establishing a fishing industry task force that includes representatives from the commercial fishing community, economic development organizations, and environmental groups to develop comprehensive strategies for supporting this important sector while ensuring its long-term sustainability within the broader regional economy.
Farming, Agriculture, and Water
Family farms are the backbone of SLO County’s economy and culture. They preserve open space, protect environmental resources, and embody generations of stewardship and innovation. By developing Groundwater Sustainability Plans and agreements that support our farming community under the California SGMA, we will ensure a thriving agricultural heritage for future generations.
The Problems We Are Facing
SLO County faces a mounting water crisis that threatens agricultural economies, rural communities, and long-term environmental sustainability. The county's groundwater basins, which serve as the primary water source for much of the region, are experiencing unprecedented stress due to decades of overdraft, climate variability, and competing demands from urban development and agricultural expansion. Among the county's multiple groundwater basins, the Paso Robles Water Basin represents perhaps the most critical challenge, exemplifying the complex intersection of water policy, agricultural economics, and environmental stewardship that characterizes California's ongoing water struggles.
The Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, covering approximately 436,000 acres in northern SLO County, has been classified as critically overdrafted by the California Department of Water Resources. This designation reflects a severe imbalance between water extraction and natural recharge, with the basin experiencing an annual depletion of 13,700 acre-feet per year. The overdraft condition has developed over decades as agricultural expansion, particularly in wine grape cultivation, has dramatically increased water demand while natural precipitation patterns have become increasingly unpredictable due to climate change. The basin's geographic boundaries, defined by the Santa Lucia Range to the west, the La Panza Range to the south, and the Temblor and Diablo Ranges to the east, create a relatively closed hydrological system that makes the water supply particularly vulnerable to depletion.
Beyond the Paso Robles basin, SLO County's other groundwater resources face similar sustainability challenges. The SLO Valley Groundwater Basin, situated in the San Luis and Edna Valleys, has experienced significant groundwater level fluctuations, with some wells showing variations between 5 and 80 feet below ground surface over multi-decade periods. The Southern Central Coast region, of which SLO County is a part, relies heavily on groundwater to meet water supply needs, creating conditions of critical overdraft with rapidly declining groundwater levels across multiple basins. These declining levels not only threaten water security but also pose risks of land subsidence, saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, and degradation of water quality as deeper, potentially contaminated water sources are accessed.
How To Move Forward
The implementation of California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) has forced SLO County to confront these water challenges through mandatory groundwater sustainability planning. The county has established multiple Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to develop and implement comprehensive management strategies for each basin. However, the path to sustainability has been fraught with political conflict, particularly regarding the Paso Robles basin, where the formation of a joint powers authority has faced significant public opposition and created what local media has characterized as a "more than decade-long war" over basin control. The sustainability plans must balance the competing interests of agricultural producers, who depend on groundwater for their economic survival, with the long-term environmental imperative to prevent further basin degradation.
The resolution of SLO County's water basin crisis requires an approach that addresses both immediate conservation needs and long-term sustainability goals. Recent county initiatives have focused on helping farmers reduce their dependence on groundwater through alternative water sources and more efficient irrigation technologies, though concerns remain about the economic burden these changes place on small agricultural operations. The 5-Year Periodic Evaluation of groundwater sustainability plans, required by state law, provides opportunities to adjust management strategies based on new data and changing conditions. Success will ultimately depend on the county's ability to forge consensus among diverse stakeholders, secure adequate funding for infrastructure improvements and conservation programs, and adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and population growth. The stakes are high: failure to achieve groundwater sustainability could result in state intervention, economic disruption to the region's agricultural sector, and irreversible damage to the county's most precious natural resource.
Supporting Small Businesses
SLO County presents both opportunities and significant challenges for small business owners. While the county benefits from a tourism industry and agricultural sectors, small businesses face mounting pressures that threaten their sustainability.
The Problems We Are Facing
SLO County presents both opportunities and significant challenges for small business owners. While the county benefits from a robust tourism industry that generated $2.4 billion in direct travel spending in 2024 and agricultural sectors that produced record crop values exceeding $1.1 billion, small businesses face mounting pressures that threaten their sustainability. The convergence of rising operational costs, regulatory burdens, labor shortages, and market competition has created a challenging environment where many established businesses are struggling to survive, as evidenced by the numerous restaurant closures throughout 2024. Here is a quick review of these four problems.
Rising Operational Costs and Economic Pressures
The most pressing challenge facing small businesses in SLO County is the dramatic increase in operational costs across multiple sectors. Food costs, utility bills, rent, and employee wages have all risen substantially, creating what industry observers describe as a "brutal" environment for businesses, particularly in the restaurant sector. The minimum wage in SLO County increased to $16.50 per hour as of January 1, 2025, matching California's statewide minimum wage requirements. While this provides important protections for workers, it significantly impacts small businesses' labor costs, particularly when combined with mandatory overtime requirements and benefits. The county's median household income of $93,398 and per capita income of $53,414 create additional pressure on businesses to maintain competitive wages while managing escalating operational expenses. These combined cost pressures have forced established businesses like McLintocks restaurant to close multiple locations, citing unsustainable increases in food costs and insurance premiums.
Regulatory Compliance and Administrative Burden
California's complex regulatory environment presents substantial challenges for small business owners in SLO County, who must navigate an intricate web of state and local regulations. The state's employment laws are particularly burdensome, requiring businesses to comply with detailed wage and hour requirements, including specific overtime rules that vary by industry. Agricultural employers, a significant sector in the county given its $1.1 billion crop value, face additional complexity with specialized labor regulations that mandate overtime pay after 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Small businesses with limited administrative resources often struggle to maintain compliance with these evolving regulations while focusing on their core operations. The administrative burden is compounded by the need to track and report on various compliance measures, from workplace safety standards to environmental regulations, creating hidden costs that disproportionately affect smaller enterprises compared to larger corporations with dedicated compliance departments.
Labor Market Challenges and Workforce Development
The tight labor market in SLO County creates significant challenges for small businesses seeking to attract and retain qualified employees. Despite the county's poverty rate of 12.85%, businesses report difficulty finding workers willing to accept entry-level positions, particularly in service industries that form the backbone of the local economy. The competition for skilled workers is intensified by the presence of Cal Poly, which creates a transient workforce of students who may not provide long-term employment stability. Additionally, the high cost of living in the county, driven by housing shortages and tourism demand, makes it difficult for businesses to offer wages that allow employees to live comfortably in the area. This creates a cycle where businesses must offer higher wages to attract workers, further straining their operational budgets while competing with larger employers who can offer more comprehensive benefits packages.
Market Competition and Economic Diversification
Small businesses in SLO County face intense competition from both large chain retailers and e-commerce platforms that can leverage economies of scale to offer lower prices. The county's economy, while diverse with strong agricultural and tourism sectors, lacks the industrial base that might provide more stable, year-round customer demand for local businesses. Tourism, despite generating $105.6 million in local tax revenue and accounting for 10.39% of the county's GDP, creates seasonal fluctuations that make it difficult for businesses to maintain consistent revenue streams. The dominance of wine grapes and strawberries in the agricultural sector, while valuable, also creates economic vulnerability to weather patterns and market conditions. Small businesses must compete not only with established local competitors but also with online retailers who can offer convenience and often lower prices, forcing them to differentiate through customer service and local community connections.
How To Move Forward
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving local government, business organizations, and community stakeholders.
Local governments should consider implementing targeted tax incentives for small businesses, such as reduced business license fees or property tax abatements for qualifying enterprises.
The establishment of small business incubators and shared workspace facilities could help reduce startup costs and provide collaborative environments for entrepreneurs.
Streamlining the permitting process and creating "one-stop shop" services for business licensing and regulatory compliance would significantly reduce administrative burdens.
The county should also invest in workforce development programs that partner with local educational institutions to train workers for in-demand skills, while supporting affordable housing initiatives that help businesses attract and retain employees.
Finally, creating marketing cooperatives and business improvement districts could help small businesses pool resources for advertising and promotion, enabling them to compete more effectively with larger enterprises while maintaining their unique local character. Organizations like SCORE San Luis Obispo, which offers free business advice and workshops, should be expanded and better funded to provide ongoing support for struggling businesses navigating these complex challenges.
Homelessness
SLO County faces a significant homelessness crisis that, while showing some improvement, remains well above national averages. The chronic nature of homelessness in SLO County presents particular challenges, with 35% of the unsheltered population experiencing chronic homelessness, meaning they have disabling conditions and have been homeless for extended periods. Here is how we can move forward.
The Problems We Are Facing
SLO County faces a significant homelessness crisis that, while showing some improvement, remains well above national averages. The January 2024 Point-in-Time Count identified 1,171 individuals experiencing homelessness, representing a 19% decrease from 2022 but still translating to a rate of 38.6 homeless individuals per 10,000 residents—double the national average. The vast majority of this population (68% or 797 people) remains unsheltered, highlighting the severe shortage of emergency housing and shelter capacity in the region. The demographic profile reveals that this is predominantly an issue affecting middle-aged adults, with 72% of the unsheltered population between ages 35-54, and 97% living in adult-only households rather than families with children.
The chronic nature of homelessness in SLO County presents particular challenges, with 35% of the unsheltered population experiencing chronic homelessness, meaning they have disabling conditions and have been homeless for extended periods. This statistic underscores the need for specialized supportive services that go beyond temporary housing solutions. The county's homelessness rate being double the national average reflects broader regional issues including a severe affordable housing shortage, where only 19% of families can afford median-priced homes. While the 19% reduction in homelessness from 2022 to 2024 demonstrates that coordinated interventions can be effective, the persistence of nearly 800 unsheltered individuals and the high rate of chronic homelessness indicate that more comprehensive, long-term solutions are urgently needed to address both the immediate crisis and underlying systemic causes.
How To Move Forward
San Luis Obispo County has made significant progress in addressing homelessness, with recent data showing encouraging trends that demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated intervention strategies. The county's homeless population dropped by 19% from 2022 to 2024, declining from 1,448 individuals to 1,171, according to the latest Point-in-Time Count. However, the county still faces substantial challenges, as the homeless rate remains at 38.6 out of 10,000 residents, which is double the national average. This crisis is largely driven by housing affordability issues, with only 19% of families able to afford a medium-priced home in the area. The county's aging population adds another layer of complexity, as 33.7% of the population is over 55 compared to around 28.3% statewide, creating unique challenges for senior homeless individuals who face limited specialized resources.
The most effective approach to addressing homelessness in San Luis Obispo County requires a comprehensive strategy that combines immediate shelter solutions with long-term affordable housing development. The county achieved a record-breaking year in affordable housing development, adding 199 affordable housing units in FY 2023-24, providing homes for up to 471 people. This progress demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in permanent housing solutions.
Additionally, innovative projects like Welcome Home Village, a collaboration between the City of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, Good Samaritan Shelter and DignityMoves, show promise for creating supportive housing communities that address both immediate shelter needs and wraparound services. The county has also secured significant funding resources, including $4.32 million in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP-5) funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which provides the financial foundation for expanding these initiatives.
Moving forward, San Luis Obispo County must maintain its momentum while addressing the root causes of homelessness through coordinated prevention and intervention strategies. Affordable rental housing, healthcare services, and homelessness continue to be the most pressing needs for San Luis Obispo County residents, according to the 2025 Community Development Needs Assessment Report. Success will require sustained collaboration between state, county, and community partners, as demonstrated by Governor Gavin Newsom's Office visit in August 2024 to learn about local homelessness and housing solutions.
The county should prioritize expanding specialized services for vulnerable populations, particularly seniors who face unique challenges in the housing market, while continuing to develop affordable housing units and supportive services that help individuals transition from homelessness to stable, independent living. By maintaining this multifaceted approach that combines immediate intervention with long-term housing development, San Luis Obispo County can continue to reduce homelessness while building a more resilient and inclusive community.
Long Term Affordable Housing
SLO County faces California's third-worst affordable housing crisis, with average rents at $2,945 monthly and median home prices reaching $910,000, 128% above national averages. These costs force essential workers like teachers, firefighters, and healthcare staff to seek housing elsewhere, threatening local businesses and public services while increasing traffic and environmental impacts.
The Problems We Are Facing
SLO County faces California's third-worst affordable housing crisis, with average rents at $2,945 monthly and median home prices reaching $910,000—128% above national averages. These costs force essential workers like teachers, firefighters, and healthcare staff to seek housing elsewhere, threatening local businesses and public services while increasing traffic and environmental impacts.
Cal Poly's growth significantly worsens the shortage. While the city's population grew 14% from 2005-2025, university enrollment expanded 26%, with students now comprising 46% of residents. The university added nearly 5,000 students without proportional on-campus housing increases, creating intense competition for limited stock. Landlords often prefer student tenants who can pay higher rents through financial aid, pricing out working families.
The crisis undermines community stability and economic diversity. A 2025 assessment found 78% of respondents cited affordable rental housing as the top community need. Essential workers face long commutes from neighboring counties, reducing quality of life and economic viability. The displacement of working families weakens community resilience, while homelessness has become increasingly visible, prompting extended Shelter Crisis Declarations and $4.32 million in state homeless services funding.
How To Move Forward
The county must dramatically increase affordable housing production through streamlined permitting, reduced development fees, and utilization of county-owned land. While 2024 saw record-breaking development including the 50-unit Pismo Terrace project with seven more opening in 2025, this pace must expand to meet demand. Zoning reforms including higher density development, reduced minimum lot sizes, and expanded accessory dwelling unit permissions are critical. The county should establish dedicated affordable housing trust funds supported by real estate transfer taxes and development impact fees to leverage state and federal programs.
The student housing crisis requires direct collaboration between Cal Poly, city, and county governments to house more students on campus, reducing pressure on private rentals. The university should contribute to affordable housing funds and support workforce housing through public-private partnerships. The city should regulate short-term rentals more strictly, preventing conversion of long-term rentals into vacation rentals through permit limits and owner occupancy requirements. Regional coordination among county cities is essential to distribute housing production throughout the region.
A competitive housing market would alleviate high costs by increasing supply and creating price competition among developers and landlords. Currently, severe housing shortages give property owners significant pricing power, allowing premium rents with minimal competition concerns. Restrictive zoning, lengthy permitting, and limited developable land artificially constrain supply. By streamlining development processes, allowing higher density construction, and reducing regulatory barriers, the county could enable more developers to compete. Increased competition would improve housing quality and innovation while making markets more responsive to consumer needs, particularly benefiting moderate-income residents priced out by the current focus on luxury units.
With housing costs 128% above national averages, rents approaching $3,000 monthly, and 78% of residents citing affordable housing as the greatest need, this crisis threatens the region's economic and social sustainability. Success requires coordinated action among all government levels, private sector, and community organizations. Only through sustained housing production, innovative financing, and regional cooperation can SLO County remain a place where people of all income levels can live and thrive.
Fixing The San Simeon CSD
These three common sense reforms to the SLO County Board of Supervisors can help restore local democracy to its intended purpose: representing the people who live in the area and will be directly affected by the decisions made by their elected officials.
The San Simeon Community Services District
The San Simeon Community Services District (CSD), a small public agency serving approximately 462 residents along California's central coast, faces an unprecedented crisis that has led to the board's unanimous decision to dissolve the district. Formed in 1961 to provide essential services including water, sewer, street lighting, and road maintenance, the district has been plagued by years of mismanagement, financial constraints, and regulatory challenges that have rendered it unable to fulfill its fundamental obligations to the community. The situation has become so dire that dissolution appears to be the only viable path forward, representing both the culmination of decades of problems and a potential opportunity for more stable governance under county oversight.
Financial Insolvency and Infrastructure Decay
The most pressing challenge facing the San Simeon CSD is its complete inability to finance critical infrastructure projects required by state regulatory agencies. The district lacks the funds necessary to relocate its wastewater treatment plant and repair essential infrastructure including a crumbling stairwell and a broken pipe bridge. These are not minor maintenance issues but fundamental infrastructure failures that directly impact public health and safety. The district made commitments to the California Coastal Commission nearly five years ago to begin work on these projects, yet has failed to secure the necessary funding or complete the work. This pattern of unfulfilled promises has created a cycle of regulatory non-compliance that further undermines the district's credibility and operational capacity. The financial crisis extends beyond capital improvements to basic operational expenses, creating a situation where the district cannot meet its most basic service delivery obligations.
Governance Failures and Administrative Dysfunction
Beyond financial constraints, the San Simeon CSD has experienced significant governance and administrative failures that have eroded public trust and operational effectiveness. Reports indicate that the interim general manager misled the board during meetings, demonstrating a breakdown in basic administrative accountability and transparency. The district has struggled with consistent leadership, with officials reportedly "jumping ship" as the dissolution process moves forward. This administrative instability has created a vacuum of leadership precisely when strong governance is most needed to navigate the complex dissolution process and ensure continuity of essential services. The dysfunction extends to meeting basic legal requirements, as the district has struggled to maintain compliance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and other public agency regulations, further undermining its legitimacy as a public service provider.
Water Quality and Service Delivery Challenges
The district's operational challenges are perhaps most evident in its water and wastewater services, which directly impact residents' daily lives and public health. San Simeon has faced persistent water quality issues and occasional shortages during drought periods, problems that led to the installation of a water-reclamation facility in 2012. However, this facility has created additional legal and operational complications rather than solving the underlying problems. Some property owners have been waiting more than 40 years for basic water and sewer connections, highlighting the district's long-term inability to expand services and serve its community effectively. The combination of aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance issues, and inadequate funding has created a service delivery crisis that affects every resident and business in the community.
Solutions Through Dissolution and County Transition
The most realistic solution to the San Simeon CSD's multifaceted crisis is the dissolution process already underway, with services transitioning to SLO County through the creation of a County Service Area (CSA). This approach offers several advantages over attempting to rehabilitate the existing district structure. County oversight would provide the financial resources, administrative expertise, and regulatory compliance capabilities that the small district lacks. The county has the scale and resources to address the infrastructure backlog, including the wastewater treatment plant relocation and critical repairs that have been deferred for years. Additionally, county administration would eliminate the governance problems that have plagued the district, providing professional management and transparent operations under established county procedures. While this transition will require careful planning to ensure service continuity and may increase costs for residents, it represents the most viable path toward stable, reliable service delivery for the San Simeon community. The dissolution process, currently under review by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), should be expedited to minimize the period of uncertainty and ensure that essential services continue without interruption during the transition to county oversight.
