Debbie Arnold retires after 12 years as county supervisor
Debbie Arnold.
Incoming District 5 Supervisor Heather Moreno, a former Atascadero mayor, will be sworn in at the start of the new year
– Debbie Arnold cast her final vote as a San Luis Obispo County supervisor on Tuesday, marking the end of a 12-year tenure in the role. Arnold’s official retirement will take effect when incoming District 5 Supervisor Heather Moreno, a former Atascadero mayor, is sworn in at the start of the new year.
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday was Arnold’s last as a board member. During the meeting, emotions ran high as constituents and fellow supervisors thanked her for her years of service. Several people spoke during the public comment period to express their gratitude.
District Attorney Dan Dow presented Arnold with a certificate of appreciation. Her fellow board members gifted her a San Luis Obispo County Line sign, while others in attendance brought flowers as tokens of appreciation.
Arnold has served as the District 5 supervisor since 2012. Arnold chose not to seek a fourth term in the 2024 elections. Instead, she announced her retirement, concluding her tenure on the Board of Supervisors. In the March 5, 2024, primary election, Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno won the District 5 seat with 56.38% of the vote, succeeding Arnold.
The Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County honored Arnold with a retirement party on Wednesday night at the Pavilion at Atascadero Lake, the group shared on Facebook.
San Luis Obispo County’s District 5 currently encompasses the following areas:
- Atascadero
- Santa Margarita
- Pozo
- Creston
- Portions of Templeton
- Portions of San Luis Obispo
These boundaries were established following the county’s redistricting process, which concluded in April 2023.
In a recent interview with The San Luis Obispo Tribune, she reflected on her time in office, explaining her motivation for running for three terms. “It really is an honor,” Arnold said.
Click here to view the full interview with Arnold on the Tribune.
