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t’s been quite an experience receiving feedback recently from our members and the general public who’ve offered their thoughts, feelings and perceptions of Downtown SLO and its future over the next five or so years as we prepare to upgrade our Strategic Operating Plan.
where I was greeted with, “You’re from San Luis Obispo? Oh, you’re SO lucky. Wish we had your Downtown.” So I get that we really do need to maintain our perspective as we move ahead with how Downtown “should” look, operate, function, and be as we march toward 2020.
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owever, that doesn’t mean that critical or harsh comments were unwelcome, Deborah Cash, CMSM, au contraire. Change and improvement come Executive Director from taking a good, hard look at ourselves and being open to suggestions, new ways of doing things o clean and attractive,” offered one; “filthy and and including all who wish to participate. I’m grateful disgusting,” said another. “No place to park,” said for the dozens and dozens of people who filled out a fair number; “plenty of great parking and walking questionnaires, came to meetings and opened up, and opportunities,” claimed their polar opposites. shared their passion for keeping Downtown a beautiful, thriving and special place, regardless their points of view. uring the exercises, one theme was persistent: “Even though there’s a lot of criticism, we really have a here were some fun things, too, like the gentleman wonderful Downtown and we shouldn’t forget that.” With who suggested we increase our events and include which I completely agree, particularly having travelled things like a “Dachshund Obstacle Course.” (Ahem, around the country to visit other downtown communities ’ve truly enjoyed the range of comments— gathered from surveys, focus groups and a Town Hall meeting—that often had me wondering if the respondents were talking about the same town!
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On the Cover: Get your dancin' shoes on! San Luis Obispo's hottest summer music event Concerts in the Plaza starts June 14 and runs every Friday through September 6, including a TRIPLE HEADER July 5 concert from 2 PM - 8 PM. The lineup of local bands includes a sure-to-please mix of long-time favorites and some new acts guaranteed to please music lovers of all genres. Pictured here: James Scoolis and Burning James and the Funky Flames band members rock the crowd last summer; they play this year June 21. Photo by Deborah Cash