Council discusses STRs, riverbed fire concerns
Paso Robles police and fire chiefs speaking to the council about the riverbed.
–At Tuesday night’s meeting at the Library Conference Center, Paso Robles City Council approved plans for short term vacation rentals (STRs) and received a report from the fire and police chiefs related to plans to clean up the riverbed.
Fire Chief Jonathon Stornetta told the council that he and the police chief held a series of meetings with Fish and Game biologists and other officials to ascertain what they could to do clear out the river bed to reduce the likelihood of wildfires starting in the riverbed and spreading to neighboring housing. Stornetta said the state officials did not object to the plan for new fire breaks in the riverbed.
Chief Stornetta says the work will begin on Friday near 13th and River Road and crews will work toward 46 East. Hand crews will also start near Niblick Road late this week or early next week, clearing brush and creating a fire break.
The council also approved Ordinance B-1, which allows all licensed Short Term Rentals to continue operating in the city, but prevents any new licenses from being issued.
Several people spoke on the issue, including a man from San Jose, who owns a STR. He said people need to be more tolerant of visitors from other areas.
Dan Ianneo of Paso Robles told the council that he relocated to Paso Robles two years ago because STRs had ruined his La Quinta neighborhood. He described underage parties with people jumping from roofs into swimming pools, blatant drug abuse and declining property values. Dan said he was born and raised in Paso Robles and is saddened and disturbed to see his hometown go the way of La Quinta. He said if Paso Robles goes the same route, he will move.
The council also got a report on parking in the downtown area. The new parking machines are operational and residents are asked to start using them beginning Aug. 14. There will be a short grace period until people become accustomed to them. The first two hours of parking are free.
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