Public safety is not a talking point—it is the most fundamental responsibility of local government. Every family deserves to know that when they need help, trained professionals will respond quickly, communicate clearly, and act with professionalism and care. Over the past three years in office, I have focused my efforts on strengthening public safety across San Luis Obispo County, with particular attention to South County, where growth and call volume have long outpaced infrastructure.
None of this work happens in isolation. It is made possible by the dedication of the men and women of the CAL FIRE / County Fire, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, the Probation Department, and the Office of Emergency Services. Their daily commitment to protecting our communities is the foundation upon which every policy decision and capital investment rests. My role has been to ensure they have the resources, staffing, and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Fire protection is essential infrastructure in a county as large and geographically diverse as ours. I worked closely with fire leadership and my Board colleagues to adopt a comprehensive Fire Strategic Plan that prioritizes staffing, station placement, and response standards across all communities.
One of the most significant outcomes is in Nipomo, where Fire Station 70 (formerly 20) now operates with three-person engine crews, the first unincorporated town in the county to reach this staffing level. This station handles the highest call volume in unincorporated areas, and the added staffing improves firefighter safety, response effectiveness, and resident outcomes.
In East Arroyo Grande, progress is finally underway on a long-standing need. I was able to secure funding for a feasibility study for a new fire station near Biddle Park, on land generously offered by the Talley family. Once funded and constructed, this station will dramatically improve response times for East AG and surrounding neighborhoods.
When the Oceano Community Services District could no longer sustain fire services, I worked hard to make sure the County would step in to ensure continuity. We assumed responsibility and contracted with the Five Cities Fire Authority with nearly $1 million in new funding, maintaining service levels without raising taxes and preserving reliable fire protection for residents.
Additional investments include repairs to storm-damaged infrastructure following the 2023 federal disaster, and expanded wildfire prevention programs that help protect homes and communities before fire season begins.
South County residents have been clear for years: response times matter, visibility matters, and equitable access to law enforcement matters. Turning those concerns into results required more than good intentions—it required hands-on collaboration and persistent advocacy.
I spent hours working directly with the Sheriff to understand operational realities, determine facility needs, and ensure the proposed solution would truly serve South County for decades to come. Together, we developed a plan that was both operationally sound and fiscally responsible. I then advocated at the Board level to secure the necessary funding.
That work paid off. We successfully secured $12 million to fund a new Sheriff’s substation in Nipomo. The project's design is nearing completion, and the project is on track to be under construction by 2027. Once operational, this facility will significantly improve response times, enhance law enforcement presence, and ensure South County residents receive the level of service they deserve. It stands as a strong example of what respectful partnership between elected officials and public safety leadership can achieve.
Behind every emergency response is a communications system that must work without fail. The completion of the new Public Safety Communications Center in Templeton represents a major step forward. This modern facility strengthens coordination between the Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE, and other emergency responders, enabling faster, clearer communication during wildfires, medical emergencies, and major incidents. It is an investment that improves outcomes when seconds matter.
Public safety also includes what happens after the initial response. The new Probation Department facility in San Luis Obispo will strengthen community supervision and rehabilitation programs, helping reduce recidivism and improve long-term safety outcomes across the county.
In addition, we launched the Mobile Probation Services Center, an innovative approach that improves public safety by assisting justice-involved individuals experiencing homelessness in meeting their probation requirements. By reducing barriers to housing and supportive services, this program promotes accountability while addressing root causes—truly meeting people where they are and strengthening community stability.
Public safety depends not only on response, but on communication. Residents have consistently asked for clear, timely, and reliable information during emergencies. That’s why I strongly supported the launch of AlertSLO, a new countywide mass notification system developed in partnership with all seven cities in San Luis Obispo County.
AlertSLO allows residents to receive real-time notifications about severe weather, road closures, large power outages, 911 outages, public health emergencies, and other critical community information. Residents can customize alerts, choose how they’re notified—by text, email, or voice call—and opt in to alerts from multiple locations, such as workplaces or areas where family members live. The service is free, easy to use, and designed to deliver information when it matters most.
Clear communication saves lives. AlertSLO ensures residents receive critical information early, allowing them to take action before emergencies escalate. I encourage everyone to register at AlertSLO.org and stay connected.
These accomplishments reflect a deep respect for the professionals who serve our county every day. I value our strong working relationships with law enforcement, fire services, probation staff, and emergency managers—and I’m proud that this collaborative approach has earned the support of leaders who understand public safety firsthand.
That trust is reflected in endorsements from CAL FIRE Local 2881, former CAL FIRE Chief Robert Lewin, former San Luis Obispo Police Chief Jim Gardner, and former Arroyo Grande Police Chief Rick TerBorch. Their support underscores what this work is truly about: giving public safety professionals the tools, staffing, and infrastructure they need to protect our communities effectively and lawfully.
San Luis Obispo County spans more than 3,300 square miles, from coastline to inland valleys. Keeping residents safe across that terrain requires planning, persistence, and the courage to make difficult decisions. Throughout this work, I have stayed focused on one guiding principle: public safety comes first.
These are real results—new facilities, better staffing, stronger coordination, smarter prevention, and clearer communication. They represent meaningful progress for South County and for every community across San Luis Obispo County. I will continue advocating for investments that respect our public safety professionals, protect families, and strengthen the trust between government and the people it serves.
— Jimmy Paulding
