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Autumn Greetings…
The Power of One
This month, I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of one. It was the theme of CASA of San Luis Obispo County’s recent fundraiser, where one of the speakers shared a powerful reminder: a single traumatic event can have a profound and lasting impact on a child. But the opposite can also be true. One caring, consistent adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life. That is the heart of CASA’s work. A Court Appointed Special Advocate may be just one person, but to a child navigating foster care and our court systems, that person can become a trusted and solid presence during an incredibly uncertain time. Right now, CASA has a particular need for male volunteers, especially in North County.
I saw that same idea reflected as we celebrated 15 years of Restorative Partners. It is difficult to talk about the organization without thinking of Sister Theresa Harpin—Sister T.—and the extraordinary difference one determined person can make. What began with her vision and commitment has grown into an organization that has helped countless justice-involved individuals find new and successful paths forward. And within that work, we see the power of one repeated again and again: one mentor, one opportunity, one person willing to believe that change is possible.
September is also Suicide Prevention Month, and perhaps nowhere is the power of one more important. One conversation. One phone call. One person noticing that something doesn’t seem right and checking in. We may never fully know the impact those small acts of connection can have and sometimes, they can be lifesaving.
In today’s world, it can be easy to feel discouraged by the challenges around us and wonder how much difference one person can really make. But these examples remind us that meaningful change doesn’t always begin with a grand gesture. Sometimes it begins with one person choosing to show up, listen, encourage, or simply care. Those seemingly small acts can have an impact that reaches far beyond what we may ever see.
So, I encourage each of us to consider the “power of one” in our own lives. Volunteer for an organization you care about. Check in on a friend or neighbor. Mentor a young person. Offer a word of encouragement. Smile at a stranger. Be the person who notices, listens, and shows up. We may not always know the difference we make but we should never underestimate how one small act of kindness or support can ripple outward and change a life. |
This Newsletter at a Glance |
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Board of Supervisor Updates |
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This month the Board of Supervisors proudly proclaimed September 2026 as Hunger Action Month in San Luis Obispo County and recognized the SLO Food Bank and its partners for their work fighting hunger throughout our community.
The SLO Food Bank now provides food to 50,000 neighbors each month, reaching more than 1 in 6 County residents with the help of 70 nonprofit partners and more than 1,300 volunteers.
Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to learn, raise awareness, volunteer, and help ensure our neighbors have access to the nutritious food they need. |
September is Suicide Awareness Month |
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September is Suicide Prevention Month, an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind out friends, family, and neighbors that support is available. A simple conversation, a check-in, or knowing where to turn for help can make a meaningful difference.
Central Coast Hotline 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
California Peer-Run Warm Line
Crisis Text Line
Friendship Line – Adults 60+
The Trevor Project – LGBTQ+ Young People
Additional Support for Teens and Young Adults
Teens and young adults can be especially vulnerable during periods of bullying, family conflict, social isolation, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. Watch for significant changes in behavior, persistent sadness, withdrawal from friends and family, increased isolation, or increasingly negative comments about themselves.
One resource available to help is Soluna, a free mental health and wellness app offered through the State of California and supported locally by County Behavioral Health. Designed specifically for young people ages 13–25, Soluna provides a safe, confidential space to access tools, resources, and support for managing stress, anxiety, relationships, and other challenges.
For young people who may not know where to start or who simply need someone to talk to, Soluna can be another important resource for finding support. |
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Community Opportunities |
Housing Opportunity
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Last month, I highlighted the arrival of A.T. Still University (ATSU) and its new Central Coast Physician Assistant program in the City of San Luis Obispo. The 24-month master’s program brings future healthcare professionals to our community for their medical education.
As the program welcomes students to San Luis Obispo, some will be looking for housing during the year they spend studying at the local campus. Community members who have a rental property, ADU, room, or other housing opportunity available for students can add a listing to ATSU’s housing website.
To participate, visit ATSU's housing website, select “Post Listing,” and choose San Luis Obispo as the campus location. |
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County Department Spotlight
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Office of Emergency Services - Preparing for El Nino |
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The first thing I need you to do is to sign up right now at AlertSLO.org for local emergency notifications, as forecasts are pointing to the potential for a very strong El Niño and wetter-than-normal conditions. San Luis Obispo County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) is coordinating preparations across the region before the rainy season begins.
The storms of 2023 demonstrated how quickly severe weather can affect our communities. Critical infrastructure alone sustained more than $70 million in damage at nearly 880 locations, and these experiences are helping inform preparations for the coming winter. OES is working to strengthen coordination before storms arrive. That includes planning for emergency response, ensuring agencies can communicate effectively during rapidly changing conditions, and providing residents with consistent and reliable information.
At the same time, County Public Works is inspecting and maintaining County-owned drainage infrastructure, including culverts and other facilities, ahead of the rainy season. County staff are also working with nonprofit and community organizations to identify additional opportunities for creek clearing and flood-mitigation efforts, including helping property owners better understand the state and federal permitting requirements that can apply to work within waterways.
Preparation is especially important because nearly 75% of waterways in San Luis Obispo County are located on private property. While the County maintains public infrastructure, property owners also play an important role in reducing potential problems by keeping gutters and drains clear, inspecting drainage areas on their property, and addressing debris or vegetation in privately owned waterways when appropriate.
El Niño-specific information now and future resources can be found at ReadySLO.org |
Out in the Community |
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I am looking forward to the following upcoming community events and fundraisers.
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Highlights from the Last Month |
Mujeres de Acción - National Latina Day |
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It was wonderful to join Mujeres de Acción for San Luis Obispo County’s first National Latina Day celebration, recognizing Latina leadership, entrepreneurship, service, and community impact. Congratulations to this year’s honorees Sandra Olea-Courter, Sam Mogull, Claudia Olsen, and Helen Yanez! |
Nationally Recognized, Locally Loved |
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I was honored to be invited to join volunteers, docents, and community members at the Point San Luis Lighthouse to celebrate its national recognition as Lighthouse of the Month, by the National Lighthouse Museum. This historic lighthouse is truly one of the hidden gems of District 3, and I’m so glad to see we’re not the only ones who recognize just how special it is. Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to preserve and share this incredible piece of our local history! |
Celebrating Dr. Mary Parker |
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I was honored to recognize Dr. Mary Parker of San Luis Obispo, one of Congressman Salud Carbajal’s 2026 Central Coast Women of the Year. Dr. Parker spent decades educating future nurses at Cuesta College and continues her service today as President of People’s Kitchen, helping provide meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Congratulations, Dr. Parker, on this well-deserved recognition! |
Remembering September 11th |
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I joined our community and local first responders at San Luis Obispo Fire Station 1 to remember those we lost on September 11 and honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who ran toward danger. May we never forget.
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Celebrating the groundbreaking of the Bob Jones Trail extension, an exciting milestone in the long-awaited effort to close the gap and create a safer, more connected route between San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach.
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Mark Your Calendars |
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The following is a list of important dates; and community meetings or board meetings the Supervisor may be attending. Links provided for more information.
September 23rd - First 5 of San Luis Obispo County - 3-5pm, SLO County Office of Ed September 25th - County Office Closed for Holiday September 29th - BOS Meeting 9am, Katcho Achadjian Government Center Board Chambers - Final Budget Adoption, State Legislative Update, Parks Master Plan Report. September 30th - Air Polution Control District 9-12-noon October 6th - BOS Meeting 9am, Katcho Achadjian Government Center Board Chambers October 7th - SLOCOG/RTA - 9am, Katcho Achadjian Government Center Board Chambers October 8th - Avila Beach Office Hours 1:30-3:30 at the Avila Community Center October 10th - COSWG 10am, ACI Jet SLO October 12th - Avila Valley Advisory Council 6pm via zoom |
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Reach out to my office — 1055 Monterey Street, Suite D430 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 (805) 781-4336 dortizlegg@co.slo.ca.us District 3 Website |
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