Volume 12
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Issue 27
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February 5 - 18, 2015
YOUR COMMUNITY IN YOUR HANDS AVILA BEACH • SHELL BEACH • PISMO BEACH • GROVER BEACH • ARROYO GRANDE • HALCYON • OCEANO Time is running out to see Monarch Butterflies overwintering in Pismo Beach. The vibrant orange and black butterflies typically begin their northern migration during the month of February. See more photos on page 10.
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Adams to Receive Severance Pay
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tolosapress.com
sion during its regular meeting last Tuesday, an agreement was reached with Adams, who asked for a six-month severance package on Dec. 29. The payout comes to $71,000 for about four months of pay with benefits. Adams had asked for $107,000 based on his annual salary of $157,294 plus benefits. The council’s decision came just the day before the Jan. 28 deadline Adams’ lawyers had given the city to opt to pay the severance. Last October 1, Adams said he would resign from the position he had held for 14 years until a replacement city manager was hired, which would take an See Adams, page 3
Pages 21-28
New Rules for Fundraiser at Chapman House?
By Theresa-Marie Wilson
eated meetings have become a familiar setting in Arroyo Grande City Council Chambers. The majority of the public who spoke during a recent special meeting held by the Arroyo Grande City Council to determine whether or not to negotiate a settlement with former City Manager Steve Adams expressed confusion over the issue. The lack of clarity surrounded whether Adams resigned following an investigation of questionable conduct with a subordinate in July of last year or whether he was fired. The later would leave taxpayers footing the bill. Following a special meeting the week prior and a closed ses-
2015
Photo by www.PhotoByVivian
By Theresa-Marie Wilson
Learning From The Past Page 4
Sports Snapshot Page 41
C
hanges could come down the pipeline for an event that has been held for the past 25 years at a picturesque bluff-top mansion in Shell Beach. The Chapman House, located at 1243 Ocean Blvd., is a stunning estate equipped with a working windmill, a pool, a lighthouse, guest cottages, fountains, gardens and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Clifford Chapman purchased the 1930’s-era English Tudor in 1962. He and his partner, Don Shidler, lived together in the main four-bedroom house until Chapman’s passing in June of 2012. Chapman deeded the $12 million home to the City of
Pismo Beach in his trust. As part of the trust, Chapman stipulated that the annual Afternoon of Epicurean Delights fundraiser for CAPSLO would continue to be held on the grounds. Proceeds benefit the Health and Prevention Division of CAPSLO, whose programs provide medical, educational and advocacy services for more than 40,000 persons across San Luis Obispo County and nine other central and southern California counties. Like any other organization or private individual, the City had to go through the process of applying for a conditional use permit (CUP) to hold events on See Rules, page 39