City Council

Business groups get behind extention of San Luis Obispo's Measure Y sales tax

By Randol White • May 12, 2014

Two pro-business groups are lining up behind a plan to extend San Luis Obispo's half-cent sales tax for another eight years.

The Downtown Association has joined the SLO Chamber of Commerce, in calling on the City Council to put the extension on the November ballot.

Voters first approved the half-cent tax, known as Measure Y, back in 2006. It's due to expire this year.

The Downtown Association's executive director, Dominic Tartaglia says the association wasn't always entirely behind the measure.

Sales tax hike could go to Atascadero voters in November

By Randol White • Apr 22, 2014

The Atascadero City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to consider raising the city's sales tax by a half percent. The goal would be to raise nearly $2 million with the primary purpose of funding road repairs.

Tuesday's decision simply directs city staff to gather public opinion, as well as construct language for a ballot measure to put before voters in November. The council will consider the staff proposal in June.

Pismo Beach City Council does away with prayer at meetings

By Randol White • Apr 16, 2014

Prayer will no longer be a part of Pismo Beach City Council meetings following a unanimous vote last night by the three council members in attendance.

The decision resolves a lawsuit brought by the Freedom from Religion Foundation and a member of Atheists United SLO asking the city to end the practice.

The Pismo Beach city manager says the council's move was made to avoid a costly trial using taxpayer funds. As part of the settlement, the city agreed to pay the plaintiffs' legal fees of $47,500. In addition, the position of city chaplain was abolished.

Santa Maria City Council votes to move forward with ICE facilty

By Randol White • Mar 28, 2014

A special session of the Santa Maria City Council drew an estimated 1200 people to the Fairpark on Thursday, ending with a 3-2 vote in favor of moving forward with the planning department's recommendation for the development of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

The session ran roughly from 3 - 11:00 p.m. with a strong protest presence against relocating the ICE office within Santa Maria.

SLO leaders must decide how to handle binding arbitration

By Randol White • Mar 7, 2014

An administrative law judge says the City of San Luis Obispo needs to reverse course and bring back binding arbitration for the city's police and firefighter unions.

Back in 2011, nearly 3-out-of-4 voters approved Measure B, which put an end to the arbitation practice. Voters also created the binding arbitration method back in 2000.

The judge says the city didn't follow proper procedure before putting the issue back on the ballot with Measure B. The City Council will meet in closed session this Monday to discuss options, including an appeal.