COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REPORT
Adelaida District Water Draws SLO BOS Attention
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By Mark Diaz
he San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors took its first step in addressing water use concerns the in northwest portion of Paso Robles, known as Adelaida. In response to persistent concerns voiced by residents about water use and sustainability, the board unanimously passed a motion to employ the United States Geological Survey to study the area. Water derived from drilling in the area does not come from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin but from pockets located in its fractured bedrock. Finding water in f ractured bedrock possess significant challenges. Basins act similar to an underground lake, allowing wells to draw
“There’s a lot of fear in this community in the Adelaida area” water as long as they are below the waterline, whereas trying to find water caught in pockets of fractured rock is more akin to drilling for oil. Currently, Adelaida is roughly defined as the land west of Paso Robles and Templeton that extends south from Lake Nacimiento to Santa Rita Road. However, the Adelaida District as defined by the America Viticultural Area is much smaller at an estimated at 883 acres and is home to 30 wineries, one of which is Justin Vineyards & Winery which drew public
outrage for clearcutting 100 acres of oak tree and was cited by SLO County for illegal land grading. The board authorized the USGS to complete the first portion of a five-stage project that involves compiling existing data and defining the borders of the area. City staff estimated the cost for the first stage at $64,238 and year to complete. The board also included the development of an information website in the project at the recommendation of Geoff Cromwell from the California Science Center of the USGS.
“There’s a lot of fear in this community in the Adelaida area,” said Supervisor John Peschong. “A lot of it has come from people who have moved in over the last [few] years, drilled deep wells and then we also had a drought and that combined to have an effect on people’s homes.” Supervisor Bruce Gibson chimed in, supporting the project and asked that the defined study area be as broad as reasonably possible and be determined by the USGS. The overall five-year study would cost $592,824 and would include collecting new groundwater date, analyzing hydrologic systems and developing a comprehensive USGS report. Once completed, the board of supervisors can use the findings to determine how to govern water use and drilling in the area.
Templeton Voters Approve Measure A More Than 77 Percent Voted for 24/7 Emergency Staffing
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he communit y of Templeton showed strong support for Templeton Fire and Emergency Services in a special property tax election on August 27 in which 77.49 percent of voters approved 24/7 staffing for the unincorporated fire department. “I could not be more happy with the love and caring support that the community of Templeton has shown toward our fire and emergency services,” Fire Chief Bill White said. Of the 4,702 property owners eligible to participate, 48.51 percent cast their votes; 1,766 voted in favor of the tax, while 513 opposed it. For an annual cost of $180 per parcel property, the tax is expected to provide $486,000 per year to support round-the-clock staffing.
October 2019, Colony Magazine
By Melissa Chavez
Currently, only 6 cents of the 8.4 cents collected from property taxes is allocated to Templeton Fire Department, which is modestly staffed during office hours to serve the community. Nighttime hours are covered by firefighters only when they are available and able to stay at the fire station. Since 2010, Templeton has experienced a 75 percent increase in service calls, 60 percent of which are medical incidents. Cal Fire Engine 30, which covers an area of 60 square miles and provides backup to Templeton Fire, was unable to respond to almost 14 percent of 911 calls in Templeton as they were already handling other incidents. Templeton Fire and Emergency Services firefighters are also committed to playing a significant role in support of the cancer
community. Last February, the annual flower sale at Templeton’s firehouse collected $15,000 and netted $8,000, which was donated to fund cancer research. For the annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stairclimb event in Seattle last March, Templeton firefighters funded their own expenses, including airfare and accommodations. In 2018, TFD raised $18,788 and increased its 2019 tally to $21,661. Increased grassroots support played a significant part in rallying financial assistance for the department’s projected deficit and Templeton isn’t alone in its struggle to maintain its 120year record of service. Due to inadequate funding, the Cayucos Fire Protection District (Station 56) disbanded in December 2018. Now that the firehouse
Fire Chief Bill White
is administered by Cal Fire, a permanent plaque commemorates the Cayucos Fire Department’s 70 years of service to the community. “I was an emotional wreck after the preliminary votes were posted and we saw how much the community had rallied around our department,” White said. “I was in tears as I hugged Fire Captain Brandon Wall. So much energy and effort has been put towards the education campaign and really spreading the word to the community as to the value of keeping Templeton Fire and Emergency Services properly funded.”
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