Recently, here in Paso Robles, there have been some proposed building projects. Projects like this one where the old Hayward Lumber used to be and this one across from Hunter Ranch Golf Course on 46 East.
A lot of people came out against such projects in the comment sections online. It seems you have two types of people that are against projects like this: 1) The people that want no growth because we have to keep Paso Robles small and 2) the folks that bring up the water issue.
If you’re the kind of people that want zero growth simply because you want to keep Paso quaint…it’s already too late. Paso Robles has been growing since the day it was established. If you live somewhere with great weather, beautiful rolling hills, agriculture, great wine, awesome food, and so on…you can’t hide it.
If you want no growth it may be time to move out of this area, or get involved in the community to help control growth so it’s scaled to the infrastructure. I have only lived in this area for about 11 years but I too would like to keep it quaint, small, and clean. I also know the reality of growth rates in popular destinations like Paso Robles once they become discovered by the masses.
To the people that always bring up the water issue…I agree, we do indeed have an issue. Is it worse than ever before? I don’t know. I do know that as far back as I can remember water has been an issue. California is a mostly considered a desert after all. If anyone complains about the water shortage but has a pool or green grass in their yard it’s quite difficult for me to take you seriously.
Speaking of the water issue, I think we need more water restrictions and if citizens or businesses continue to waste water they should be fined (BIG fines). And maybe the price of water needs to jump up in order for people to take it more seriously. I also believe that the city of Paso Robles pays Martinelli Landscape to take care of many residential neighborhoods sidewalk grass.
If the city is paying for those little strips of grass to be green the city needs to quit…immediately. The city could save money on water, conserve water, AND save money on landscaping. Why does the city take care of that silly strip of grass on my cul-de-sac anyways? Seems pointless, especially when money and water need to be conserved. Side note, I’d rather the city put that money into fixing the roads and other infrastructure. Who cares whether that grass is green or brown?
I don’t honestly know the future of Paso Robles…and frankly neither do you. It’s all opinions and guesses. Paso Robles has shown up on the national map and there’s no going back. There will be growth whether we like it or not. Yes, I do believe and hope that that growth should be done in a sustainable and productive way as to not hurt the city itself.
Those of us that live here full time, part time, or just visit do so because we love what Paso is. It’s not Napa. It’s not L.A. It’s an oasis of rolling hills covered with vineyards in a desert. I love it here. As I have stated over and over again it’s the first place I have ever really called home. It’s where I got married and had a son. It’s where we bought a home.
I’m realistic enough to know that no growth is not an option. Let’s handle growth the right way, for the good of the city, the citizens, and the future. As for the water…I think we need a city wide (EVERYONE: the city, the citizens, the businesses) mass conservation effort. Tough times call for tough actions. We need to end the laziness and entitlement attitudes.
One last piece of advice…if you believe in no growth or growth and if you think we do or don’t have a water issue, complaining on Facebook about it will get nothing done. Go to city council meetings. Start a petition. Do something. Most importantly, turn your water off.
The grass strips that are ‘maintained’ by the city (Martinelli) are wasting 1000’s of gallons of water!! Last night, I recorded the blatant rush of water that is caused by ill-maintained sprinklers on those strips. The ONLY thing being watered is the sidewalk and the gutters.
So mad I could spit!! This is just ONE small strip of grass, I can only imagine how many more sprinklers are inadequate and simply broken, causing water (which is basically gold here) to be lost down the drains.
It is in my opinion that most citizens of PR both business & residential are following the rules regarding water restrictions, it is in fact the very CITY of Paso Robles that is most guilty of wasting this precious resource.
Not sure if I need to take this to a council meeting, or start contacting our media outlets to show them my recording, so that a FAST response by the city managers is achieved.
And yes, I agree, those that are responsible for the waste of water should be fined BIG time, how do you fine the city govt though?
Any thoughts?
Dore, not sure how a city can be fined but if the citizens came together I think the city would at least have to act to change its ways. I will slightly disagree with you, I do not think most citizens are wise with their water use. i see it all the time on my street. I saw a guy hose down his driveway 3 times in one day. Another neighbor has a water fountain. What about swimming pools? I sincerely think the citizens, the businesses, AND the city need to act like this is the emergency that it is and if that means we get rid of all grass, get rid of swimming pools, and so on…so be it. If the cost of water was $100 a gallon I bet people would change their ways. Tough situation that I simply do not think enough people are taking seriously yet.
Hey Matt,
If it takes a bunch of folks to either call in, or walk into the city offices to form complaints, so be it. I think I’ll call in to the offices tomorrow and explain what’s going on, set up a meeting and show them the footage.
I honestly think that banning swimming pools and getting rid of all grass is a bit tyrannical, so can’t stand by that, however RESPONSIBLE use of water is achievable.
I think if the city itself were to audit their watering agenda ie, sprinkler maintenance, timers (this strip, or should I say sidewalk next to our home was watered both Fri-12 am for 40 minutes, then again on Saturday pm for another 30 min). So, your neighbor who watered down his driveway (yup, that makes me angry as well), is no better than the city right now.
Something seriously has to be done. I’d start with the city, as aren’t they supposed to lead by example?
I’m willing to take this to a council meeting as I said, but just one voice isn’t going to do it. Don’t know how many folks you have that read your blogs, but if you could shine more light on this, who knows.
Dore, my only point to swimming pools is that in a time of crisis, which California is in quite often, maybe people need to sacrifice pools too. Or, make a law that they must be covered to help fight evaporation, etc. I would definitely encourage you to go talk to the city and let them know about their sprinklers. Change can absolutely start with one voice. I plan on writing a letter or calling the city and mentioning the city used water for the green strips of grass they care for. We have a pretty good readership to this blog…lots of out of towners read it and many local wine industry folks.