Paso Robles local politics from my perspective as a Paso Robles Planning Commissioner.
A note for the record: At our last planning commission meeting, June 23, 2015, a proposed expansion of the Firestone Walker Brewery was approved, but not before some opposition from nearby business people. I was surprised to hear fellow business people criticize the brewery for how it operates. The opponents showed us several pictures of how the…
At last week’s Paso Robles Planning Commission meeting, we voted 6-0 (with Commissioner John Donaldson absent) to approve a new mini storage project. The application was filed by Larry Gabriel Architecture, on behalf of William Tucker, proposing to construct a mini-storage facility, and establishment of a 21-foot tall highway oriented sign, located at 2161 Theatre…
The Paso Robles Planning Commission approved on Tuesday night an application filed by Mary Quan proposing to construct a new free standing 66 room hotel with a 3,000 square foot conference area and separate spa building, located on the same site as the existing Oaks Hotel. Because the Oaks Hotel has advertised in our company’s…
The Paso Robles Planning Commission met last night to discuss the city’s “Historic Resources,” which means homes and buildings that might be worthy of historic preservation. See agenda item here. In 2014 the Paso Robles City Council approved the demolition of the Macklin home at 1527 Park Street. The council reluctantly took the action after…
North Paso Robles has had a bad reputation. There is a perception of it having more crime, more drugs, more gangs. Though it’s only a part of the north side, Paso Robles Housing Authority is making a big difference to change that perception with its newly rebuilt Oak Park housing. With its new, modern, state-of-the-art…
Tonight the Paso Robles Planning Commission was expected to deal with a controversial issue. The Paso Robles Casino, a local poker card room, had asked to move into a building, currently home to Knight’s Carpet on Ramada Drive, that was purchased by the card room owners about a year ago. The move was opposed by…
On Monday, I attended my first Development Review Committee. It’s a sub-committee of the Paso Robles Planning Commission. Three commissioners meet with city planning staff to review new projects before the city. I am an alternate. The committee approved both of the items on the agenda below. I abstained on the Ayres Hotel, because they…
At my second planning commission tonight, March 24, 2015, the commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit to allow a homeowner to build a large garage for his motor home. The permit was required because his proposed garage is 2,000 square-feet, which is bigger than 50-percent of his home’s square-feet. He also plans…
My first Paso Robles Planning Commission meeting started with a very important topic. We heard from an ad hoc committee of three members of the commission. Here is a summary of my questions for the committee, staff and comments on the proposal. I submitted these notes to city staff in advance of the meeting and…
As a new planning commissioners, I had the opportunity to attend the California League of Cities 2015 Planning Commissioners Academy. It was held in Newport Beach, Ca from March 4-6. Here is a highlight of some of the classes I attended and a few thoughts. AB 1234 ETHICS TRAINING State law requires elected and…
