Read updates from your County government, including important projects and events in your community.

Dear Inquirer,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to wish you and your family a happy summer and a safe Independence Day. As our nation begins commemorating the 250th anniversary of our founding, it's also a time to reflect on the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible. Last month, I had the honor of speaking at the American Legion Post 136 Memorial Day Ceremony at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery—a place that's especially meaningful to my family, where my grandfather, World War II veteran Earl Paulding, is laid to rest.

As we celebrate the Fourth, let's also honor those who served by celebrating responsibly. Remember that personal aerial fireworks not only cause distress for people with PTSD—not to mention pets and many others in our community—but they are also illegal in SLO County and throughout the state. Safe and Sane fireworks are only allowed in certain jurisdictions, such as the City of Arroyo Grande. Use of unauthorized fireworks carries a fine of $1,000 per firework (more on that below).

There are plenty of great professional fireworks shows, parades, and other fun activities across our county, including a parade through Olde Towne Nipomo on July 4 at 11am. You can find details at slocounty.ca.gov/fireworks.

Happy Fourth!

Yours in service, 

Jimmy Paulding 
District 4 Supervisor

• New budget includes funding for more firefighters in South County
• The County's efforts to take action against illegal fireworks this Independence Day
• A local plan to reduce traffic congestion and fund much needed transportation improvements will be on the ballot this November
• The County's Desalination planning effort is in full swing - share your thoughts through our community survey
• Highlights from the past month including the opening of Oceano's new playground and the Welcome Home Village in SLO
• Key upcoming meetings and events

Each year, one of the Board's most important responsibilities is adopting the County budget. It's where we put our priorities into action, balancing today's needs while protecting the County's long-term financial health.

I'm pleased that we've once again adopted a balanced budget that maintains healthy reserves while continuing to invest in the services our communities rely on most. At a time when many local governments are facing increasing financial pressure, I believe it's important that we remain disciplined and avoid making commitments we can't sustain.

One of my top priorities throughout this budget process was public safety. That includes a significant investment for South County: increasing staffing at the Mesa fire station to three-person crews, the national standard for engine companies. This improvement means faster, safer, and more effective emergency response for the Nipomo/AG Mesa area. Three-person crews can begin critical firefighting and rescue operations much faster, improving outcomes for both residents and firefighters. This comes after we increased staffing at our Nipomo station on Oakglen Ave last year, meaning the entire area will now benefit with improved emergency response. 

While we approved a strong budget, a few important issues remain unresolved. The District Attorney requested funding for five additional positions beyond the 5% increase in funding that was included in the proposed budget. Given the uncertainty surrounding the State budget and the potentially substantial fiscal impacts to the County's budget from the "Big Beautiful Bill," I supported waiting before making any additional ongoing commitments.

I also raised the importance of developing a clear staffing plan for the new Nipomo Sheriff's Substation, which is expected to open in 2028. Building the facility is only part of the job—we must also ensure we have a sustainable plan to staff it and deliver the level of service our community expects. I also highlighted how our Road Fund needs additional investment. 

To address these priorities, the Board directed staff to include funding discussions for the Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney's Office, the Cal Fire / SLO County Fire Department, and our infrastructure needs as part of our upcoming County Strategic Planning process. That will allow us to make thoughtful, long-term decisions once we have a clearer picture of the fiscal landscape.

Good budgeting isn't about saying yes to everything. It's about making responsible decisions that protect essential services today while positioning the County for a strong future.

The Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget was approved on June 16 and begins July 1. You can find the full budget document at slocounty.ca.gov/budget.

As we approach Independence Day, I want to remind everyone that aerial fireworks are illegal throughout San Luis Obispo County, including in cities where “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed. In the unincorporated communities, including Oceano and Nipomo, the County’s fireworks ordinance prohibits all fireworks with fines of $1,000 per violation. Last year the Board of Supervisors approved a social host ordinance which allows law enforcement to fine property owners who allow illegal fireworks activity on their property.

The County plans to increase our enforcement efforts from last year. In addition to maximum staffing through the Sheriff’s Office and County Fire and strategic drone deployment, this year the County is bringing in additional Cal Fire Law Enforcement Officers from the state and the Sheriff’s Office surveillance aircraft will all be deployed to help identify and cite violators. Crime Stoppers is also offering $500 rewards for information leading to the arrest of individuals involved in the possession or sale of illegal fireworks. Share a tip by calling (805) 549-STOP (7867), through the P3 Tips mobile app, or at sanluisobispocounty.crimestoppersweb.com.

Last year, enforcement efforts resulted in 27 citations and the seizure of approximately 600 pounds of illegal fireworks. While many residents appreciated those efforts, I also heard from many Nipomo residents who wanted to see more enforcement in their neighborhoods. That feedback has been taken seriously. This year, additional patrols will be assigned to Nipomo. At the same time, it is important to recognize that Nipomo’s large geographic area presents challenges for law enforcement compared to more compact communities such as Oceano and Grover Beach, where violations can be identified and responded to more quickly.

The City of Arroyo Grande continues to allow the use of state-approved safe and sane fireworks, but aerial fireworks remain illegal everywhere. Please help keep our communities safe by celebrating responsibly. To report the illegal use of fireworks, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at (805) 781-4550. Only call 911 for true emergencies, and please remember that our public safety personnel will be working long hours over a very busy holiday weekend to keep our community safe. They deserve our respect, appreciation, and—most importantly—our patience.

As we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of our nation's founding, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

One of the most significant transportation decisions before our county this year is now headed to the voters. Earlier this month, I voted to place the Local Roads First transportation 1/2 cent sales tax measure (Measure H) on the November ballot, giving residents the opportunity to decide whether this new local funding source is the right path forward for SLO County.

I believe it is important for our community to have a say in how we address our growing transportation needs. In South County, major projects such as the Southland Interchange in Nipomo and Highway 1/Halcyon Road intersection improvements require substantial investment, while our County road maintenance program continues to face a significant funding gap. Measure H would provide voters the opportunity to consider a dedicated local revenue source to help address these needs.

If approved by voters, the measure is projected to generate $35 million in annual funding for road repairs, safety improvements, and congestion relief throughout the county. It would also make investments available for public transit improvements, including expanded bus routes and senior transportation services, as well as sidewalks, bike lanes, and Safe Routes to School projects. Just as importantly, the measure would unlock millions of dollars in state matching funds that our region is currently ineligible to receive.

The measure was officially placed on the November ballot following action by the Board of Supervisors and the SLO Council of Governments (SLOCOG). Read more about Measure H including the proposed expenditure plan at localroadsfirst.com. 

Supporting local events and community improvements is one way we strengthen our economy while enhancing quality of life for residents. That's why I want to highlight a funding opportunity available through the Oceano Nipomo Tourism Board and the County's Tourism Business Improvement District (CBID).

Grant funding is available for projects that attract visitors and encourage overnight stays in Oceano and Nipomo, including community events, festivals, and activities—especially those held during the shoulder season (summer events excluded). Funding is also available for one-time beautification and infrastructure projects that enhance our area's cultural, environmental, recreational, or historical assets for both residents and visitors. Funds were recently used to install a new Migrant Mother memorial plaque at the Nipomo Library.

If your nonprofit, community group, or public agency is planning an event or improvement project that could help showcase Oceano or Nipomo as a destination, I encourage you to explore this opportunity. These funds are specifically set aside to support local initiatives, and I'd like to see them put to work in our communities.

Learn more and apply at the County's CBID Local Area Grants webpage or contact the Oceano Nipomo Tourism Board at admin@visitoceanonipomo.com.

I want to thank everyone who participated in the County’s desalination community engagement sessions this spring. In April, we held meetings in Grover Beach and Morro Bay to share information, answer questions, and hear directly from residents about the future of water reliability in SLO County. I attended the Grover Beach session and appreciated the thoughtful feedback and engagement from community members.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can review the meeting materials online, including the presentation slides, meeting recording, fact sheet, and a summary of community comments and responses.

The County is also seeking additional public input through a survey open till July 8.

Looking ahead, the draft site feasibility study is anticipated to be released in July. The study will evaluate five potential desalination facility locations along SLO County’s coastline, including the Phillips 66 refinery site and the South SLO County Sanitation District’s wastewater treatment plant, among other locations. Your input remains an important part of this process.

You can always find the latest information about the desalination planning effort at slocounty.ca.gov/desal.

Inquirer, want to make sure you receive all of my email updates? Sign up with your email below.

June 29–July 3 – District 4 Office will be closed for the summer board break. We'll be back in the office on July 6. All County offices are closed on July 3 in observance of Independence Day. 

July 4 – Independence Day Parade in Nipomo, 11am-2pm. Parade route along Thompson Ave and Tefft St in Olde Towne. Free hot dogs. Thank you to the Olde Towne Nipomo Association for organizing this event! 

July 7 – Board of Supervisors Meeting, 9am, Katcho Achadjian Government Center Board Chambers. 

July 27 – South County Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30pm, Dana Adobe Cultural Center. This is a great opportunity for you to weigh in on land use decisions in the AG Mesa/Nipomo area. Learn more at scac.ca.gov.

July 28 – Board of Supervisors Meeting, 9am, Katcho Achadjian Government Center Board Chambers. 

Please note that anticipated Board agenda items are subject to change. Always be sure to check the posted agenda at slocounty.ca.gov to confirm if an item will be discussed at the next meeting. Agendas are usually published the Wednesday prior to each Board meeting.

Unsubscribe from future updates