What are your comments on the updated zones? The city really has not maintained its open space.
There is not enough space here to accurately present the issues.

What are your comments on the updated zones? While I appreciate the intent to improve wildfire preparedness, the proposed fire hazard severity zone updates for San Luis Obispo represent a drastic and unsubstantiated leap in classification. The new map significantly expands "Very High" and "High" zones within city limits without clear, site-specific risk analysis. This appears to be a reactive response to large urban-interface fires elsewhere in the state, rather than a measured approach based on local data and mitigation realities.

This shift carries serious consequences:

Insurance Impacts – Reclassification to high or very high zones can immediately result in policy cancellations, non-renewals, or drastic premium increases. For many residents, fire insurance is already unavailable or unaffordable due to statewide insurer withdrawals. Expanding these zones without offering mitigation-based relief mechanisms puts homeowners in an impossible situation.

Vegetation Management Requirements – Requiring blanket removal of trees within 5 feet of structures could decimate our urban forest, reduce shade and energy efficiency, increase stormwater runoff, and worsen heat island effects—especially in older neighborhoods where homes are close to property lines. This conflicts with city sustainability goals and will have long-term negative effects on livability and climate resilience.

Public Trust and Local Context – The city cannot downgrade Cal Fire's classifications, but it can and should advocate for refinement where zones are applied too broadly. Risk varies greatly across neighborhoods. Blanket classification is not an accurate or equitable tool. A nuanced approach is critical.

I urge the Council to delay adoption until a transparent, parcel-level review is conducted and the public is provided with a clear path to challenge or appeal classifications. An inclusive, data-driven process is essential for public buy-in and long-term resilience.

How would you rate your overall experience using the new parking garage system? (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied) 2
Are there clear signs and instructions for using the system? (Yes/No) Yes
When you park in the 842 Palm Street garage, which payment method do you usually use? Drive-up Kiosk at Exit
How easy did you find the payment process? (1 = Very Difficult, 5 = Very Easy) 5
Did you experience any issues with payment? If yes, please describe. No
Did you need assistance while using the system? If so, was help readily available? (Yes/No/NA)

If yes – another question – were they polite and able to assist you? No
How can we improve the system? No pay on Sunday morning when we attend Mass at the Mission!
Where do you live? Outside of SLO County
What is your age? 51-70

How would you rate your overall experience using the new parking garage system? (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied) 1
Are there clear signs and instructions for using the system? (Yes/No) Yes
When you park in the 842 Palm Street garage, which payment method do you usually use? Walk-up Pay Station
How easy did you find the payment process? (1 = Very Difficult, 5 = Very Easy) 1
Did you experience any issues with payment? If yes, please describe. This is ridiculous that I have to spend $6.00 to go spend $100 at a local restaurant. This new payment structure hurts our downtown businesses and does not promote growth for the city.
Did you need assistance while using the system? If so, was help readily available? (Yes/No/NA)

If yes – another question – were they polite and able to assist you? No
How can we improve the system? Go back to the first hour free and at most $1.00/hour.
Where do you live? SLO
What is your age? 31-49

What are your comments on the updated zones? These updated zones will not make much of a difference unless the City Council and city departments continue to engage residents with wildfire interface property preparation to mitigate extensive property damage from wildland fires. The City Council must engage with the Planning Commission, Fire Department, Tree Program and citizens to address tree and ladder fuel vegetation management to prune and reduce tree canopy and shrub height and density along property lines and infrastructure boundaries.

What are your comments on the updated zones? Fire control zones should be left to local ordinance, as opposed to state mandated zoning. The topography, vegetation, and weather patterns that have affected other areas of CA are not directly transferable to San Luis Obispo. Requiring homeowners to adhere to stricter fire-resistant building codes, which are likely more expensive, will result not necessarily in old homes being modernized to be more fire-resistant, but instead these old homes just will not be modernized whatsoever. The City needs to be allowed to use discretionary judgement for the greater good of the community.

One item that I believe the City should consider was one that was shared at the 2025 Community Forum, held at the Ludwick Center. Increased livestock grazing, either with cattle, sheep, and/or goats, would significantly limit the "fuel" available, in the case of a wildfire. The City should look further into this environmentally-friendly, low-input preventative measure.

How would you rate your overall experience using the new parking garage system? (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied) 1
Are there clear signs and instructions for using the system? (Yes/No) Yes
When you park in the 842 Palm Street garage, which payment method do you usually use? QR Code or Text message listed on signs, Drive-up Kiosk at Exit
How easy did you find the payment process? (1 = Very Difficult, 5 = Very Easy) 1
Did you experience any issues with payment? If yes, please describe. Yes the speed bumps entering the payment area are much too high and are disruptive.
Where do you live? SLO
What is your age? 18-30

How would you rate your overall experience using the new parking garage system? (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied) 1
Are there clear signs and instructions for using the system? (Yes/No) Yes
When you park in the 842 Palm Street garage, which payment method do you usually use? Drive-up Kiosk at Exit
How easy did you find the payment process? (1 = Very Difficult, 5 = Very Easy) 3
How can we improve the system? Previous system decreased wait time to exit garage during high use times (farmers markets, events, etc).
Where do you live? SLO
What is your age? 31-49

How would you rate your overall experience using the new parking garage system? (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied) 1
Are there clear signs and instructions for using the system? (Yes/No) No
When you park in the 842 Palm Street garage, which payment method do you usually use? Walk-up Pay Station, Drive-up Kiosk at Exit
How easy did you find the payment process? (1 = Very Difficult, 5 = Very Easy) 1
Did you experience any issues with payment? If yes, please describe. It's very confusing. I paid at the pay station and was very worried that the gate would close on my car when I exited the garage.
Did you need assistance while using the system? If so, was help readily available? (Yes/No/NA)

If yes – another question – were they polite and able to assist you? Nobody to help

How can we improve the system? Go back to having a person at the kiosk as you leave. A lot of older people park in the Palm garage in order to attend SLO Repertory theater. Many people have trouble with the system.
Where do you live? North County
What is your age? 70+

How would you rate your overall experience using the new parking garage system? (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied) 2
Are there clear signs and instructions for using the system? (Yes/No) No
When you park in the 842 Palm Street garage, which payment method do you usually use? QR Code or Text message listed on signs, Walk-up Pay Station
How easy did you find the payment process? (1 = Very Difficult, 5 = Very Easy) 4
Did you experience any issues with payment? If yes, please describe. I miss having a phone app to use. I think there is one but I don’t know how to use it, not an option when I try to enter.
Did you need assistance while using the system? If so, was help readily available? (Yes/No/NA)

If yes – another question – were they polite and able to assist you? No, I can figure it out.
How can we improve the system? Make it easier to use a phone app. There is NO info anywhere!
Where do you live? North County
What is your age? 51-70