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Elections

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1. Is there a filing fee involved in my candidacy?

There is no filing fee to file the Nomination Paper. There is a $200 deposit to cover the cost of printing of the Candidate Statement, if you choose to submit one.

2. May I sign my own Nomination Paper?

Yes, you may sign your own Nomination Paper.

3. What happens if some of the signatures I obtain on my nomination papers are not registered voters or do not live within the City?

It is important that you file your nomination papers as early as you can because the City Clerk must certify the signatures on nomination papers. If you wait until the last day and any of the signatures you received, for any reason, are insufficient, you will not have qualified as a candidate. If you file early, there will be time for the City Clerk to check the signatures and notify you of any insufficiencies. You may then have an opportunity to circulate a Supplemental Nomination Paper to qualify yourself as a candidate.

4. What if I change my mind about being a candidate after filing nomination papers?

You may withdraw as a candidate at any time PRIOR to the close of the nomination period which is August 10, 2018, or August 15, 2018, if the nomination period is extended. After that date, your name cannot be withdrawn and will appear on the ballot.

5. How soon will a list of qualified candidates be available after the close of the nomination period?

The nomination period closes on August 10, 2018, unless an incumbent does not file and then the period is extended to August 15, 2018. A list of candidates will be prepared the next working day and should be available for distribution by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 13, or on Thursday, August 16. The Official List of Candidates will be updated on the City's website following the random drawing by the Secretary of State on August 16th to determine order in which the candidate names will appear on the ballot.

6. May I change or correct my Candidate’s Statement after it has been submitted?

No. Check your Candidate’s Statement carefully before it is submitted as the content will be printed exactly as submitted.  The only amendments allowed after filing are format changes and/or the elimination of excess words.

7. If I submit a Candidate’s Statement, and I change my mind, may I withdraw the statement?

The Candidate’s Statement may be withdrawn, but not changed, during the period for filing nomination papers and until 5:00 p.m. of the next working day after the close of the nomination period, August 13, 2018, or August 16, 2018 if the nomination period is extended.

8. Must I form a campaign committee?

If you do not plan to spend or receive contributions in excess of $2,000, you are not required by law to form a campaign committee.  If, however, your contributions or expenditures exceed $2,000, a campaign committee must be formed pursuant to State law.  Please see FPPC Manual 2 for Local Candidates.

9. May I be the treasurer of my own campaign committee?

Yes, State law allows you to serve as your own treasurer, as long as this is designated on Form 410 - Statement of Organization.

10. May I appoint an assistant treasurer?

Yes. An assistant treasurer, if so designated on the Form 410, Statement of Organization, is authorized to act on behalf of the treasurer in his or her absence.

11. Does the City of Arroyo Grande have campaign contribution limits?

The City of Arroyo Grande has not adopted an ordinance limiting campaign contribution levels.

12. What happens if either my treasurer or I forget to sign a campaign disclosure statement?

An unsigned campaign statement will be rejected.  You and your treasurer must sign the statement.

13. If I realize that a mistake has been made on a signed campaign disclosure statement that has already been submitted to the City Clerk, can I get it back and make the correction?

No. Once the City Clerk has date stamped a campaign statement, it is considered to be filed.  You may, however, amend any statement by filing the same form, checking "Amendment" as the statement type, and including the correct information.

14. When will the official results of the election be received and certified?

The County Clerk has 30 days after the election to canvass the election and certify the results.  The City Clerk will present the results to the City Council for its acceptance at the next available Council meeting after receiving the County Clerk's certification.

15. How often does the City Council meet?

The City Council holds its regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Other special meetings are scheduled as needed.

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Engineering

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1. As a contractor, what do I need to obtain a sidewalk permit, or a permit to install water/sewer laterals?

You will need a valid Contractor's License authorizing the type of work to be done (e.g. - sidewalk work requires a C8 or A license; sewer lateral work requires a C34, A, or a C36 in conjunction with a C12 license) You will also need an encroachment permit from the Engineering Division.

2. What flood zone is my property in?

To find out what flood zone your property is in, visit the Engineering Division at City Hall to view the FEMA flood zone maps.

3. Where is my sewer lateral in the street?

Sometimes we can tell you approximately where your sewer lateral is located within the street right-of-way. If we cannot provide you with an approximate location, we will help you make contact with someone who can. This will usually require a contractor or sewer lateral video service to field locate your lateral. There is typically a fee associated for this service.

4. How deep is my sewer lateral?

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 473-5460.

5. Do you have a map of my property?

If you know the parcel or tract map number used to create the subdivision your property is in, we can try looking up the subdivision map through the San Luis Obispo County Assessor's Office. Contact the Engineering Division at 473-5440 for more information.

6. How wide is the street right-of-way?

This varies from street to street. In most instances, the right-of-way is measured from the back of sidewalk in front of your property to the back of sidewalk in front of the property opposite you. For street specific right-of-way information, contact the Engineering Division at 473-5440.

7. Do you have maps, topographic information, building plans, etc. for my house?

It depends. Since each case is different we need to speak to you about your specific needs before we can provide you with information or recommend where you might find what you are looking for. Contact the Engineering Division at 473-5440.

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Housing Element FAQs

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1. What is the Housing Element

The Housing Element is one of the mandatory elements that must be included in a City’s General Plan. The Housing Element provides goals, polices, and actions that help the City plan for the housing needs for all segments of the City’s population while maintaining consistency with other General Plan Elements. The Housing Element does not require local governments to actually build housing, but rather facilitate the improvement and development of housing for all economic segments of the population.

2. What is included in the Housing Element

The Housing Element must cover the following topics:

• Review of previous element
• Housing needs assessment
• Inventory and analysis of adequate sites
• Analysis of potential governmental and non-governmental constraints
• Housing policies and programs
• Quantified objectives

3. Who prepares and certifies the Housing Element

The City of Arroyo Grande prepares the Housing Element, with the assistance of consultants at PlaceWorks Inc. State law requires the California Department of Housing and Community Development to review and certify the update.

4. How much housing do we need to plan for?

State law requires each city and county plan for their “fair share” of the region’s housing needs. The fair share is determined by each region’s Council of Government through a process known as the Regional Housing Needs Allocations (RHNA). RHNA is produced by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and identifies the projected housing needs in the region as part of the periodic updating of local Housing Elements of the General Plan. HCD finalized its RHNA allocation determination for the San Luis Obispo region at 10,810 units for the 10-year production period (December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2028). The City of Arroyo Grande’s RHNA for the housing cycle is 692 units as outlined in the table below.

For the 2020-2028 Housing Element cycle, the RHNA assigned to the City of Arroyo Grande are as follows:

Income Category	Number of Units
Very Low Income	170
Low Income	107
Moderate Income	124
Above Moderate Income	291
Total	692

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Legislative & Information Services

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1. How can I get a copy of the City Council agenda?

City Council agendas are posted at City Hall, 300 E. Branch Street. Agendas and staff reports are also available online. You can also subscribe to "Notify Me" to receive automatic notifications when Agendas are available.

2. Where and when are City Council meetings held?

The City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the City Council Chambers at 215 E. Branch Street.

3. How do I apply for a board, commission, or committee vacancy?

To apply for a board, commission, or committee download the application form and submit it to the City Clerk's Office at 300 E. Branch Street.

4. When are City Council meetings televised?

You can watch City Council meetings live on Charter Cable Channel 20 or watch the rebroadcast daily of the same week at 9:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m., and 1:00 a.m. Streaming video of meetings is also available 24/7 on the City's website.

5. How do I request copies of public records?

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, the public may have access to a variety of documents held by the City. Written requests can be submitted to the City Clerk in person or online. Copy fees are $.20 per standard size page. Oversize and bond documents are available at an additional cost pursuant to the City's Master Fee Schedule.

6. How do I register to vote, vote by mail ballot or change my voter registration?

Voter registration forms are available at City Hall, 300 E. Branch Street or from the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office, Post Offices, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Questions regarding voter registration or voting by mail ballots should be directed to the San Luis Obispo County Election Department in San Luis Obispo at (805) 781-5228.

7. How do I obtain a passport?

Visit the Department of State's website, Travel.State.Gov for more information, requirements and policies on passports. The Arroyo Grande Post Office located at 160 Station Way is also a Passport Agency.

8. How do I obtain a marriage license or copy of a birth certificate?

Marriage licenses, birth and/or death certificates are obtained through the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office. Contact the County Clerk-Recorder's Office at (805) 781-5228 to apply or visit the County's website for more information. The SLO Clerk-Recorder's office is located at 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo.

9. Where can I find more information about the prior Election?

Please visit the November 3, 2020 Election page

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Measure D-22 Sales Tax

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1. What is a sales tax?

A sales tax is a tax placed on retail purchases, excluding certain purchases like food for home consumption, utilities, medicines, and services such as accounting or yard maintenance services. Revenue generated from a sales tax is then used to pay for state and local projects, facilities and services. 

The State of California has a helpful resource to explain sales tax information in greater detail. Read this resource from The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for full details about sales tax exemptions and exclusions.

2. What is Arroyo Grande’s current sales tax and how might it change?

In California, there is a statewide baseline sales tax of 7.25%. Arroyo Grande has a 7.75% sales tax, of which 6.25% goes to the State and County of San Luis Obispo and 1.5% goes directly to the City of Arroyo Grande.

If Measure D-22 is passed by voters, the sales tax rate will increase by 1.0%, raising the sales tax rate to 8.75%. With this increased tax, Arroyo Grande would receive a total of 2.5% of sales tax directly to the City General Fund.

3. Why will measure D-22 be placed on the November 2022 ballot?

On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the Arroyo Grande City Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the placement of a 1.0% Transaction and Use Tax (Sales Tax) measure on the November 2022 ballot. This will let voters decide whether to approve the sales tax.

4. Have Arroyo Grande residents passed any other sales tax measures?

In 2006, voters in Arroyo Grande voted to approve Measure O-06, which added a 0.5% sales tax to the local sales tax rate. This 0.5% goes directly to the City of Arroyo Grande General Fund. General Fund dollars can be used for any municipal programs, facilities, and services throughout the City. 

Currently, the City spends the Measure O-06 funds consistent with the wishes expressed by the voting public in advisory measures that accompanied the 0.5% sales tax measure in 2006. Visit this webpage to learn more about Measure O-06: http://www.arroyogrande.org/128/Sales-Tax

5. How will Measure D-22 impact me?

If approved, shoppers will pay an additional 1.0% sales tax on certain taxable purchases of goods and services in Arroyo Grande. If voters pass Measure D-22, the new City tax rate will increase to 2.5%, which is equivalent to $2.50 on each $100 spent on taxable goods. All Measure D-22 revenue would go to the Arroyo Grande General Fund to be used for municipal purposes.

6. What will happen if Measure D-22 does not pass?

If Measure D-22 does not pass, the City sales tax will remain at 7.75%. While the tax will stay the same, the City will not have additional monies to apply towards addressing funding needs that have been identified for streets, sidewalks, stormwater infrastructure, and other City programs and facilities.

7. How can Measure D-22 help resolve infrastructure issues in our City?

Measure D-22, if passed by voters, will generate an estimated $5.6 million annually in additional revenues until ended by the City Council. These funds will go into the General Fund for general use, and the City could choose to allocate spending to fund road and sidewalk improvements and stormwater infrastructure throughout the City. 

City engineering resources and third-party experts have analyzed City infrastructure, with a particular focus on city streets. Current estimates show that the City needs to invest over $6M a year to maintain current street conditions. With the current status, the pavement condition index will continue to degrade and streets are likely to decay further and increase long term costs to fix them. 

8. What are the sales tax rates in other cities in San Luis Obispo County?

Arroyo Grande - 7.75% (Measure D-22 would increase this to 8.75%), Atascadero - 8.75%, Grover Beach - 8.75%, Morro Bay - 8.75%, Paso Robles - 8.75%, Pismo Beach - 7.75%, San Luis Obispo - 8.75%, Santa Maria - 8.75%

9. Is Measure D-22 a special tax or a general tax?

Measure D-22 is a "general tax," not a "special tax." Since this is a general tax, a simple majority voter approval ("50 percent plus one") is required to pass the sales tax measure. The transactions and use general tax proposed by Measure D-22 would take effect only if it receives a majority "YES" vote at the November 8, 2022, general municipal election.

10. Will Measure D-22 fund the roundabout at the Brisco-Halcyon Road interchange?

No, the Arroyo Grande City Council voted to only allocate federal and State grant funds to the Brisco-Halcyon Road interchange roundtable project. No sales tax revenue will be used to fund this project.

11. How has the City spent its “gas tax” money?

 
Arroyo Grande uses all of its gas tax funding for the maintenance and paving of City streets. The City receives gas tax funding from the State through the Highway Users Tax Fund and SB1 (Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account). The State audits Arroyo Grande's use of gas tax revenue to ensure that it is spent on City street and pavement maintenance. 
  
Since July 2018, the City received approximately $690,000-$975,000 annually in gas tax funding from the State. The amount varies based upon changes in the economy and purchase activity by consumers. Within that time, the City has spent between $1 million and $2.9 million annually on street and pavement maintenance. The City has supplemented State gas tax revenue with additional funding sources such as general fund monies.

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Parks and Landscaping

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1. Who is responsible for trimming trees in residential areas?

In residential ares, property owners are largely responsible for trimming their trees. If the trees are located in the parkway, the City may be responsible for tree trimming. Contact the Streets and Landscaping Division of the Public Works Department at (805) 473-5470 regarding questionable trees.

2. Who is responsible for trimming trees in commercial areas?

The Streets and Landscaping Division maintains street trees and plant material in business/commercial zoned parkways that are located in the public right-of-way..

3. Who maintains the City's Parks?

The Streets and Landscaping Division is responsible for maintenance in all City Parks. A combination of City employees and contracted landscape maintenance firms are used to complete the maintenance work. Contact the Streets and Landscaping Division of the Public Works Department at (805) 473-5470 for additional information. The Recreation Department is responsible for reservations in all City Parks.

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Planning

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1. What is a General Plan?

A general plan is the city's constitution - a set of policies and programs that form a blueprint for long-term development of the community. It consists of written text and diagrams that express how a community should develop, and is a key tool for influencing the quality of life. The plan is a basis for decision-making on land use, city services, and public works used by policymakers such as the Planning Commission and the City Council. All cities and counties in California are required by law to have general plans.

2. Why is a General Plan required?

State law mandates that each city and county in California adopt "a comprehensive, long-term general plan." The purpose is to plan for important community issues such as new growth, housing needs, and environmental protection. Furthermore, the General Plan is used to project future demand for services such as sewer, water, roadways, parks, and emergency services. Finally, all zoning and subdivision approvals must be consistent with the General Plan.

3. What goes into a General Plan?

There are both state-mandated and optional elements in a general plan. State law requires that a general plan contain the seven mandated elements:

1. Land Use
2. Circulation
3. Housing
4. Conservation
5. Open Space
6. Noise
7. Safety

The City of Arroyo Grande’s General Plan includes a combined Conservation, Open Space and Agriculture Element, Parks and Recreation Element and an Economic Development Element.

4. How do I determine where my property lines are?

Your property lines can be determined by a licensed surveyor completing a survey of your property. The City has maps provided by the County Assessor that show your lot dimensions; however, you cannot determine the exact location of your lot lines without a survey of the property. The City does not recommend any specific surveyor or survey company.
Please check your phone book for a list of surveyors.

5. Where can I construct a fence on my property?

In general, fences can be constructed right on your property lines as long as it does not conflict with any easements or public right-of-way. If you plan to construct a fence between your property and a neighboring property, it is recommended that you talk to your neighbor first; they might help contribute to the cost.

6. How tall can I construct a fence on my property?

In any required front yard setback, fences cannot exceed three feet (3') in height. A six foot (6') fence may be maintained along all side yard and rear yards, provided that the six foot segments do not intrude into the required front yard setback.

Contact the Planning Division at 805-473-5420 if you have property specific questions.

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Police Department

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1. What are your hours of operation?

The Police Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Business office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Where is the police department located?

The Police Department is located at 200 N. Halcyon Road.

3. How do I file a police report?

For non-emergency reports call the Communications Center at 805-473-5100 and notify the dispatcher of the circumstances.

4. How do I get a copy of my police report?

Complete the Police Report Request and submit to our Records Division.

5. Should I call the police if I see something suspicious or unusual activity?

Yes. We need your help in recognizing when something is wrong.

6. My car was towed. How do I find out where it is?

Call the Police Department’s communication center at 805-473-5100. We will need to know the license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) and from where and when the vehicle was towed.

7. How do I claim a towed or impounded vehicle?

Impounded vehicles can only be released to the registered or legal owner. Identification and all pertinent paperwork must be presented and a impound release fee of $63 must be collected at the time of the release.

Thirty day stored vehicles are subject to the approval of the on-duty Watch Commander to be released prior to 30 days. If the registered owner of any impounded vehicle is unlicensed they must bring a licensed driver with them to take possession of the vehicle. If the registered owner is unable to claim the vehicle they must give written notarized permission to a valid driver.

8. How do I claim a repossessed vehicle?

The registered or legal owner of the vehicle must present identification, pertinent documentation and pay a repossession fee of $15.

9. How can I retrieve my property?

To claim property, please contact our property and evidence technician at 805-473-5134.

10. How do I get a ticket signed off?

If you have received a ticket and the violation is correctable you may bring the ticket to the Police Department to be signed off by a police officer. The fee to sign off a correctable violation is $20. Additional fees may apply through the court. Proof of Insurance violations can only by signed off through the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.

11. What can I do about traffic safety problems in my neighborhood?

If you have a specific problem regarding traffic-related police issues, such as speeding, stop sign violations, red light violations or illegally parked vehicles, the Arroyo Grande Police Department can schedule directed traffic enforcement to respond to the issue.

You can notify us about the problem by filling out the below form. If you so desire, we can provide your contact information so that we can either contact you for additional information or advise you of the results of our enforcement efforts. As an alternative, you may contact the Arroyo Grande Police Department "Traffic Problem Hotline" 805-473-5136 and leave a message.

Enforcement Information
Please describe the problem with as much detail as possible. You should include not only the location of the problem, but also the day(s) of the week and the time(s) the problem occurs. If possible and relevant, please provide as detailed a description as possible of the vehicle(s) causing the problem, including but not limited to the manufacturer, model, color and license plate.

12. How do I find out if I have a warrant?

You can come into the police station in person and properly identify yourself. Be advised that if you do have a warrant that is not cite releasable you may be taken into custody and held until you can post bail.

13. How can I get a restraining order?

A restraining order is a civil process, where the person seeking the order makes an application to a magistrate to temporarily restrain, or restrict another person from doing something that would otherwise be perfectly legal behavior.

While the obtaining of a restraining order is a private process, there are numerous resources available to people, especially in cases of domestic violence, to make the process straightforward and workable.

While in some cases the police may apply for an emergency protective order for someone, it is a temporary solution only, and the regular process needs to be set into motion as soon as possible.

14. How can I find out if my restraining order was served?

If you can satisfactorily identify yourself to us as a protected party, and bring in a copy of the order during normal business hours, we will examine the record to see if your order shows proof of service.

15. How can I tell if my restraining order is still valid?

The expiration of a restraining order is listed on its face. If you no longer have your copy, but can identify yourself to us as being the protected party, we will tell you if the order is still in force and effect.

16. How can I find out the results of my blood alcohol test?

You will need to contact the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.

17. I need a clearance letter. How do I get one?

Some of the common reasons for requesting a clearance letter may be to travel abroad or to adopt a child. Prior to submitting your request, determine if the clearance letter requires notarization from a notary public or authentication from the Secretary of State, then submit a legible copy of your photo identification, i.e., driver's license or passport; a fee of $26.

18. How can I contest my parking citation?

Section 40215 of the California Vehicle Code sets forth uniform procedures for contesting parking citation. These procedures include several time periods that must be carefully adhered to. The Parking Citation Appeals Process, including all required forms, can be found here. You may also contact our Records Division 15 (805) 473-5112 for more information.

19. What can I do about a neighboring house where I believe is unsafe or illegal activity?

Contact our Neighborhood Services Technician at 805-473-5108.

20. How do I compliment or complain about a police officer?

Complete the Citizen Compliment/Complaint Form and submit to the Police Department. Or you may contact the on-duty watch commander at 805-473-5115.

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Sewer

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1. What should I do if I am experiencing sewer problems?

Although there are many reasons for a sewer malfunction, if you advise the City that you are experiencing problems, City staff will investigate and determine whether or not it is related to the sewer main. If it is not a malfunction on the part of the City, the property owner is responsible for any problems from the lateral to the sewer main.

2. Where does the City's responsibility end on a sewer service lateral?

The City is responsible for the sewer main only. The customer is responsible for the sewer lateral from their building to the main.

3. Who do I contact after hours for a sewer problem?

If a sewer problem occurs after regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, contact Police dispatch at (805) 473-5100 to report the problem. Dispatch will contact standby personnel to respond to the emergency. Please report all pertinent information to the dispatcher.

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Streets

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1. Where can I get sandbags?

The City provides a limited number of sandbags for flood control needs to residences in the incorporated City limits. Those bags are available at the City's Corporation Yard, 1375 Ash Street. Unfilled sandbags are also available at most hardware and farm supply stores.

2. Who is responsible for trash pickup in the City?

South County Sanitary Service is responsible for all trash pickup in the City. They may be reached at (805) 489-4246.

3. Who is responsible for damaged City sidewalks?

The City is generally responsible for repairing damaged sidewalks unless the damage is a result of trees planted and maintained by the adjoining property owner. Report problems to the Public Works Department by calling (805) 473-5460.

4. Who do I notify if I see a deceased animal along the roadway?

You may contact the City's Public Works Department at (805) 473-5460. If the animal is alive and may cause a potential hazard, please contact the Police Department at (805) 473-5100.

5. Who do I contact to get a pothole fixed?

Road areas that may be dangerous to pedestrians and vehicles should be reported to the Streets Division of the Public Works Department at (805) 473-5460.

6. Who maintains the traffic signals in the City?

Traffic signal inquiries may be directed to the Public Works Department at (805) 473-5460. Public Works staff will determine who is responsible for the maintenance of a particular traffic signal and contact the appropriate agency.

7. Whom do I contact to report a problem with a street light?

PG&E repairs the City's street lights. You may contact the Public Works Department at (805) 473-5460 and we will report the problem to PG&E. You will need to have the street address closest to the pole as well as the street light pole number (located approximately 6 feet up from the bottom of the pole). It will be helpful to know if the light is burned out or cycling on and off.

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Water

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1. Does the City sample the drinking water?

The City samples the drinking water on a regular basis pursuant to California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencies requirements.

2. Is Fluoride added to the City's drinking water?

No fluoride is added to any of the City's water supply, although there is some naturally occurring fluoride in the water.

3. Where can a copy of the City's Annual Water Quality Report be found?

A copy of the Annual Water Quality Report is mailed to every resident in the City by July 1st of each year, or can be obtained at the Public Works Department. This report contains all pertinent information regarding the quality of the water delivered to our customers. Annual Water Quality Reports

4. Where does the City's responsibility end on a water service lateral?

The City's responsibility for maintaining water service lines ends at the water meter. The customer is responsible for the line on the customer side of the meter.

5. Who do I contact after hours for a water problem?

If a water emergency occurs after regular business hours which are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, contact Police dispatch at (805) 473-5100 and report the problem. Dispatch will contact standby personnel to respond to the emergency. Please report all pertinent information to the dispatcher.

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Water Release from Lopez Dam FAQs

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1. Why is water being released from Lopez Dam?

There are four key reasons Lopez Dam releases water downstream:

1. The California Fish and Game Code, Section 5937, requires: “The owner of any dam shall allow sufficient water at all times to pass through a fishway, or in the absence of a fishway, allow sufficient water to pass over, around or through the dam, to keep in good condition any fish that may be planted or exist below the dam.” Since Lopez Dam does not have a fishway (fish ladder), downstream releases are made through pipes that pass through the dam.
2. The Federal Endangered Species Act. Federal Law prohibits any action that would result in the “take” ("The term 'take' means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct."). Steelhead were declared a Threatened Species in 1995 and Arroyo Grande Creek supports a population of the fish. Shutting off downstream releases would dry up the upper part of the creek and result in harm to steelhead in the area, thereby violating federal law.
3. Downstream Water Rights. Landowners, primarily farmers, whose land abuts the creek have a legal right under section 10 of the California Constitution to the natural flow of water in the creek, so long as the farmers use the water for reasonable and beneficial uses. If flows from the dam are stopped, farmers and landowners in the upper portions of the Arroyo Grande Valley would not be able to exercise their water rights. In the winter, when flows in the creek are above the amount needed by the farmers, the “extra” water is stored in the reservoir above the dam.
4. In addition to the legal requirements, it is important to note that the water released from the dam increases the amount that recharges the groundwater basin below the dam. This groundwater is used by landowners as well as downstream municipalities in addition to supplies from Lopez Lake.

2. How much water is released downstream from Lopez Dam?

• The Lopez Project was designed to produce a long term annual average of 8,730 acre feet water per year (an acre-foot of water is 325,851 gallons). Of this 8,730 acre feet, 4,530 is contracted to municipal users in the five cities and Avila Beach area, the remaining 4,200 acre feet is for downstream uses. When the watershed produces more than 8,730 acre feet in a given year, the excess is stored in the lake and used in years when the watershed produces less than 8,730 acre feet. The rate at which water is released from the dam varies with the season. In winter months releases are reduced because downstream uses need less water, in summer releases increase to meet streamside and groundwater needs. In recent years, a typical winter release averages 3 cubic feet per second (1.9 million gallons or 5.95 acre feet per day), in the summer releases rise to as much 12 cubic feet per second (7.8 million gallons or 26 acre feet per day).
• Most recently, in the 15 days between January 4, 2017 and January 19, 2017 the reservoir inflow was 3,192.25 acre feet. At 3 cubic feet per second, 89.25 acre feet was released downstream and 3,103 acre 2 feet were kept in storage. That is, 97.2% of the inflow was kept in the lake, and 2.8% was released downstream.

3. Is there a plan to reduce releases if the water gets very low in the reservoir?

• Yes. In December of 2014 the Board of Supervisors and all the agencies that receive water from Lopez Lake adopted the Low Reservoir Response Plan. As levels in the lake drop, reductions are made in both municipal deliveries and downstream releases. In December of 2016 the lake was at a critical point, just 1,000 acre feet above the level that would trigger substantial reductions in downstream releases. These reductions are a key part of the emergency drought response actions reflected in the Low Reservoir Response Plan.

4. Do other reservoirs make similar releases?

• Yes. The Nacimiento Reservoir, operated by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, for reasons similar to Lopez, releases a minimum of 60 cubic feet per second into the Nacimiento River, even during winter months. These minimum releases are a requirement of the Federal Endangered Species Act. In summer, when irrigation demands in the Salinas Valley increase, the releases increase substantially.
• The Salinas Reservoir (Santa Margarita Lake), operated by the County of San Luis Obispo, is allowed to divert water to storage only when the Salinas River is flowing on the surface between the Dam and the confluence of the Salinas and Nacimiento Rivers, a distance of about 40 miles. This requirement is part of the water rights permit issued for the building of the dam in the 1940’s and is intended to protect both downstream water rights and fish populations in the river.