2017 Annual Report: Focusing on the Future
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  • Well-Governed Community
  • Creating a Safe
  • Healthy
  • Livable
  • Prosperous
  • Well-Governed Community
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Protecting Local Oak Trees

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​For 30 years, the County attempted to pass regulations protecting local oak trees, but the efforts were never successful. That all changed in 2017.
 
In April 2017, the County Board of Supervisors passed regulations to prevent the destruction of local oak trees following public outcry over the actions of a single landowner in 2016.
 
The new regulation protects oak trees in many ways. Among other things, it prohibits clear cutting of oaks, requires land-use permits for proposed tree removal over one acre and of individual “Heritage” oaks over 48 inches in diameter, and limits the removal of oaks on steep slopes. But the new regulation also balances those protections with protections of individual property rights, as it includes exceptions. For example, trees can still be removed as part of a permit to build a house; as part of the construction or protection of a fence line; or if the trees are dead, dying or hazardous.
 
The regulation was created after a private landowner in June 2016 demolished approximately 8,000 oak trees to plant a new vineyard. The massive tree removal stripped the hillsides, destabilized the ground, removed habitat, and destroyed a portion of the County’s quintessential landscape.  
 
Later that month, the Board of Supervisors heard 90 minutes of public testimony from upset and outraged citizens pleading for new regulations to protect local oaks. As a result, the Board directed County staff to prepare an “urgency ordinance”, or a temporary regulation, to protect oak trees until more permanent regulation could be passed.
 
Staff wrote an urgency ordinance in less than two weeks and the Board of Supervisors adopted it in July 2016. While the temporary rules would be in effect for two years, staff drafted a permanent ordinance that the Board adopted in April 2017.
 
This new regulation protects the future of San Luis Obispo County’s oaks and beautiful landscape for years to come.  

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SAFE
Assisting Victims of Crime
Changes at County Jail

Efficient Emergency Efforts
New Cadet Training
New Cyber Forensic Lab
New Forensic Pathologist

New Vehicle Extraction Tools
Preparing for Active Shooters at Local Schools
Protecting SLO County Kids
​
Protecting Vulnerable Adults
​Training County Firefighters
Transforming Young Lives
HEALTHY
Aiding Vulnerable Adults
​Bikes for Holidays
Building an Animal Shelter
Empowering Local Teens
Finding Alternatives to Pesticides

Easier In-Home Care
Promoting Oral Health
Protecting Agriculture

Protecting SLO County Kids
Reconnecting Families in 2017
Stepping Up Together
Stopping Outbreaks
Supporting Local Veterans

Transforming Young Lives
LIVABLE
A Plan for El Chorro Park
Bob Jones Trail Updates
Clerk-Recorder: By the Numbers
Developing Cannabis Regulations
Improving Everyday Lives
Lifelong Learning in 4-H
Moving Us Forward
New Airport Terminal
New Community Park
No. 1 Child Support Services in CA
Paving the Way for Housing
Protecting Local Oaks
SLO Library Renovation
Sugar Bear's Story
​Switching to Electronic Documents
PROSPEROUS
A Career Pathway for Youth
​Airport Passenger Numbers Soar
Digitizing Public Records
Enforcing Vacation Rental Laws in SLO County
Filming in SLO County
From Foster Care to Adulthood
Helping Families Be Self-Sufficient
Large Impact on Local Vets
More Affordable Housing
​Most In-Demand Jobs
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New County Website

New Airport Terminal
Protecting Agriculture
Supporting Local Veterans

OTHER RELATED REPORTS
2017 County/State Legislative Report​
Affordable Housing Fund Annual Report
Assessor’s Annual Reports
Child Welfare Services Statistical Reports
Civil Service Commission Annual Report
Crop Reports

General Plan Annual Report

​Mental Health Services Act Annual Update
Sheriff’s Annual Reports
Social Services Semi-Annual Report
Status of SLO County Women
Tourism Marketing District Annual Report
Vital Signs 2016 Comprehensive Report
FINANCIAL REPORTS
​2016-17 Financial Report

County Budget

Quarterly Financial Report

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County Government Center
1055 Monterey Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

ABOUT THIS REPORT

This website serves as a general report on the status of the County of San Luis Obispo in 2017. The County Administrative Office works with all County departments each year to produce and publish the annual report and presents to the Board of Supervisors and the public at a meeting the early the following year. The reports are published solely online to save costs. All previous annual reports can be reviewed on the County's main website at www.slocounty.ca.gov. 

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