It has become all too clear over the past few years that most government entities at every level in the state cannot sustain the retirement plans or pension commitments currently in place. Escalating personnel and retirement costs have fueled significant discussions on how to make changes.

“With pension reform emerging as a hot issue at both the local and state level, cities have been working collaboratively with stakeholders to identify solutions that address looming pension problems,” said Natasha Karl, lobbyist with the League of California Cities.

Karl will be joined by local experts at a panel discussion intended to give local businesspeople an opportunity to understand what efforts are underway at the state and local levels. Attendees will also have the opportunity to get their questions answered at the forum on Wednesday Oct. 26 at the City/County Library.

To learn more about this Legislative Coffee or to register please click here.

Numerous efforts are currently underway to create a safer atmosphere for the nightlife in downtown San Luis Obispo. One group -- the Safe Nightlife Association, which represents a number of bars and restaurants downtown -- will be rolling out a number of strategies intended to increase safety for both the patrons and the community in surrounding areas. New programs include one that’s being called, “One 86, All 86,” which would give the bars a way to keep the most out-of-control customers out of their establishments by creating a database that would distribute their picture and information. Other program ideas include a cleanup process for the downtown area at night, efforts to decrease excessive drinking and fighting, and increased transportation options.

Stricter proposed California requirements for the city’s storm water runoff permit would negatively impact local businesses if they go into effect as they are.

A new storm water runoff permit, which could go into effect as early as next February, is currently under review by the State Water Resources Control Board. The draft regulations go far beyond what the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates and are estimated to add hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs to communities throughout the state.  The SLO Chamber recently joined the Statewide Stormwater Coalition (www.stormwatercosts.com), a collection of local governments, businesses and organizations throughout the state that are concerned about the potential impacts of a proposed permit. The Coalition is focused on achieving California’s clean water objectives in a balanced, practical and implementable manner.