Readers curious about what the Los Osos Community Advisory Council does within the community can find out on Sunday, May 1. LOCAC will host their first Town Hall and Community Gathering in collaboration with more than 15 local organizations and agencies. This is a family friendly event takes place at the Red Barn, at 2180 Palisades Ave., Los Osos from 2-5 p.m. It is free and open to the public with kids’ activities, presentations, opportunities for the community to share what’s important to them and some giveaways. The purpose is to connect with the community to both share important issues and resources while also listening and learning about what priorities are for the community. Atendees will also have the chance to meet new cadidates for LOCAC seats before the May 7 election.
LOCAC is an elected body of 11 members that advises the County Board of Supervisors, Planning Department and Public Works on community affairs, land use, development, transportation, trees/landscape and environmental issues in Los Osos. There are four main committees, Land Use, Active Transportation and Circulation, Outreach and Trees & Landscape. LOCAC also has an ad hoc water committee that presents information about water issues. Public members are always welcome to join any committees and attend general meetings.
Current issues and future projects pass through the eyes of LOCAC who then advise County decisionmakers about how to move forward. While LOCAC does not have enforcement capacity nor makes final decisions, their power is in their influence, their voice, their advocacy and most importantly as representatives of all Los Osos residents.
During the meeting learn about the future dog park, bike paths, bike safety for youth, water sustainability, senior services, food pantry and more. Kids will get to make some awesome crafts, check out the fire truck, get bikes checked, while adults can peruse the various organizations, share their thoughts and learn about resources available in Osos.
Water is of the utmost importance when it comes to the future of Los Osos. The Basin Management Committee will give a presentation about water levels, and sustainability. There will be a Q and A afterwards.
LOCAC’s Active Transportation and circulation committee, who has been advocating for safe pedestrian and bike paths on LOVR, will share project ideas and survey the community to see what’s important to them.
BikeSLO will do helmet checks and engage kiddos in bike safety. SLO County Public Health will present their injury prevention program and offer information and resources for the senior community and Cal Fire will be there with their fire trucks and engines to give information about fire safety. The Estero Bay Kindness Coalition will off resources as well as have grocery bags and produce available for families in need. For readers that are somewhat confused about what is and isn’t recyclable, the IWMA will be there with some free bins.
Other participating organizations include: Los Osos CSD, Los Osos Cares, South South Bay Women’s Network, Los Osos Chamber of Commerce, Bay Osos Filipino Association, El Moro Elfin Forest, Morro Coast , and Golden State Water Co.
LOCAC committees and council members will be available to answer questions and engage the community in some of the work they do. Currently, some of the major affairs LOCAC is addressing include advising whether Acessary Dwelling Units such as guest houses, additions, and other developments are in good standing with the county and the Coastal Commission. LOCAC is also advocating for and supporting efforts to maintain the landscape of Class 1 bike/pedestrian path between South Bay Blvd and Baywood Elementary. LOCAC Active transportation and circulation committee is working to find funding to develop a Class I multi use bike/pedestrian path between Palisades and Monarch Grove Elementary. LOCAC was also instrumental in holding discussions to develop guidelines for the Vacation Rental Ordinance in Los Osos.
For more information about the event, go to https://locac.info.
