STATE OF THE CITY
From The Office of The Mayor
2008
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As I read over the message I delivered this time last year, I was amazed at how quickly time has passed and all that has transpired in just one year! Now, moving in to 2008, and my final year as your Mayor, I am pleased to deliver my last State of the City address.
This past year provided much in terms of changes and future possibilities. The partnerships of which I spoke, with Wine Country Alliance, the Events Center, Main Street and the Chamber of Commerce have now evolved to a Promotions Coordinating Committee that will do amazing things to promote our community.
When I spoke to you of the far-reaching, visionary planning that will be under discussion, you will be able to participate in those planning processes and discussions this spring. These plans will take Paso Robles well into the future. Your input is absolutely essential in making those determinations. From the Town Center Plan to the Salinas River Corridor Plan, you will see and hopefully participate in an amazing exercise of “what can be”.
The wine industry continues to amaze in terms of the economy it creates. The study provided last year indicates that the wine industry is a $1.7 billion economy for San Luis Obispo County and the largest portion of it is in the North County in and around the city of Paso Robles. With the passage of Assembly Bill 87, the “Conjunctive Labeling” of the Paso Robles Appalachia, the recognition of our community continues to grow. Along with our fine wines, the food service and hotel industries have capitalized on this notoriety and have greatly expanded their business.
Another of our partners, the Events Center, continues to provide our community and the county with a variety of impressive entertainment venues. This past year saw the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association come to Paso Robles and met with a tremendous welcome. From that success we will have the opportunity to see them again over the next several years. In addition, the National Stock Horse Association will return for another spectacular show in 2008. During the annual California Mid-State Fair, record crowds attended the Aero-Smith concert as well as other top-notch entertainment. With the partnerships that have evolved look for new and exciting opportunities this year.
Speaking of events…after the annual Car Show decided to move to Santa Maria, we promised to make a focused effort seeking an event to backfill Memorial week. We recognize the importance of supporting our business community and sought an event that would accommodate all ages and interests. This year will bring a unique and diverse collection of events that I’m certain you will enjoy.
For over a decade we have been discussing and cussing the possibility of a water project from the Nacimiento Lake. This past year produced a much needed, long anticipated and the largest collaborative effort between jurisdictions in the history of San Luis Obispo County. It took the collective will and determination of several communities to pull together and solidify a plan that will provide our communities with the “life-blood” of our existence…water. What has been talked about for years will come to fruition in 2010 when this new water supply will flow into our city.
By summer, the Superior court project should be close to completion and may be in full swing by the end of the year. The City is celebrating the 100th anniversary of our library. Ironically, 100 years ago the Carnegie Library was dedicated and now the long awaited repairs to the Carnegie has begun. Hopefully by years end this landmark facility will be back in operation. Our other little project, the proverbial “hole from hell” should have the design and environmental work completed soon to allow us to make the necessary repairs. As I mentioned earlier, the long-term planning process for the Town Center, Uptown Plan and the Salinas River corridor will begin this spring. Several planning sessions will be held and there will be plenty of notice in order for you to participate.
In addition, the results of the “downtown parking and circulation” study will be coming up soon along with the “parallel route” study. With the majority of growth taking place in the Northeast quadrant of the city it is important that we find ways to better accommodate the traffic circulation in that area. Also, there is more and more interest being shown toward our airport. Along with all of the studies, plans and workshops planned for this year, the on-going efforts regarding the Chandler Ranch and Beechwood-Olson Specific Plans continue.
I’ll briefly mention a few other items of interest that occurred over the past year and some that will take place in 08:
- The new Superior Court
- The Ravine Water Park
- Three major hotels: La Bella Serra, Cheval and the Courtyard Marriott
- A custom wine crushing plant
- Large addition to Treanna Winery
- Vina Robles Winery
- Scolari’s Market
- Paso Robles Ford
- Bridges Gun Shop
- Several new businesses on Park Street
- And this last fall, Kennedy Club Fitness
- A new Police Chief and Director of Administrative Services
- Record attendance at our summer concerts in the park
- Establishment of a CERT Program
- Tourism Website
- Dale Schwartz Endowment fund provided close to $1 million for the REC Foundation
- Relocation of Administrative Services
The city is busy!
I think the issue on most folk’s minds is the state of the economy. In my opinion, the success of our city has been its approach to a balanced economy and long term planning capability. We do not depend solely on one sector of the economy to provide for our economic needs. Retail, commercial, manufacturing, property tax, TOT, sales tax and tourism dollars all provide our city with the revenue stream for necessary services. Although we do not focus on one particular segment, I believe our ability to attract tourism dollars will be essential this year and in the years to come. With the development of our Promotions Committee, the coordinated effort of all our partners will play a significant role in the economy of Paso Robles, and the North County.
As we continue to witness the precarious situation of the economy on the national and the state levels, we cannot become complacent when it comes to our city finances. Like your own financial portfolio, diversification is key to our success. This is why you see our expanded interests in tourism and the marketing of Paso Robles. With the downturn of the housing industry and the sub-prime lending mess I don’t believe we have yet to see the full impact. It is important to stay aware, informed and participatory.
With the impending closure of the California Youth Authority, jobs are always of the greatest immediate concern. However, it is absolutely imperative that our community be involved in any determination regarding its future use.
All and all, it was an incredible 2007! I see no reason to think that 2008 will be any different. As always your City Council and staff look forward to working for you. We look forward to another successful year and always look forward to hearing from you.
For me personally, it has been an absolute honor and privilege to have served as a Councilman and your Mayor over the past ten years. I have enjoyed working with councils and staff that truly have the best interests of this community at heart. Have a great 2008 and beyond.
Mayor Frank Mecham
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