HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRR24011 Rajagopal (2)1
From:Cano, Molly
Sent:Wednesday, January 3, 2024 1:49 PM
To:Rice, Jennifer; Bulbul Rajagopal
Cc:Horn, Matt
Subject:RE: Media request: New Times SLO
Hi Bulbul,
I am the new Economic Development & Tourism Manager for the City, and I wanted to take the opportunity as
well to follow up with some additional background beyond what Jennifer provided to you.
The City is interested in keeping downtown vibrant and supporting the ability for businesses to remain and
thrive there. Ultimately, having the space occupied benefits all of downtown by increased activation and foot
traffic. As a public agency, the City has the ability to take that into consideration when adjusting lease terms.
It’s important to acknowledge that the economy and local business environment is dynamic and ever-changing.
Post-pandemic, the trend away from large-scale retail footprints has accelerated nationally and the result is
that larger retail spaces can be more difficult to fill. However, from January to October 2023, San Luis Obispo’s
downtown actually saw more businesses open than close – 29 new businesses opened, while 19 storefronts
have closed in the downtown – according to recent data collected by our partners at Downtown SLO.
At the same time, the City is committed to supporting local business and a resilient economy by:
- Providing one-hour of free parking in the structures every day and all day on Sundays
- Supporting Downtown holiday lights and winter holiday activities
- Investing in support local programs:
o The Buy Local Bonus sold out again in 2023 and generated more than $940,000 in direct local
spending this holiday season
o Eat Local Bonus and the inaugural SLO Restaurant Week program will support local restaurants
this January
- Supporting the Lunar New Year celebration in February
I hope this additional information provides more detail for your story. Feel free to reach out if you have any
questions.
Thank you,
Molly Cano
pronouns she/her/hers
Economic Development & Tourism Manager
City Administration
Economic Development & Tourism
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
E mcano@slocity.org
T 805.781.7165
C 805.431.0454
slocity.org
2
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From: Rice, Jennifer <jrice@slocity.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 3, 2024 12:24 PM
To: Bulbul Rajagopal <
Cc: Cano, Molly <mcano@slocity.org>; Horn, Matt <mhorn@slocity.org>
Subject: RE: Media request: New Times SLO
Hello Bulbul,
Please see responses below. Additionally, I am including Molly Cano, the City’s Economic Development and
Tourism Manager to provide additional follow up.
1. Has the city council discussed this specific rent reduction before at a public meeting?
No but proposed lease changes for any City property require City Council approval as a formality.
2. Did Jamestown submit any documents to the city in April 2023 that detailed Shoe Palace not being
interested in renewing its lease? If so, could I please access them?
The City has been in discussion with Jamestown regarding the lease and is happy to provide those
documents via our request process through the City Clerk’s office. Please expect a follow up from
them.
3. What is the Parking Fund that the 837 Marsh Street property produces revenue for?
The lease revenue goes into the overall Parking Fund for the City. Here is a quick link to more general
information on the City’s Parking Fund (starting on page 319).
4. I just wanted to make sure I'm understanding this correctly: Jamestown is a real estate company that
acquired the retail space. It rents the space to Shoe Palace who pays Jamestown roughly $15,000 in
monthly rent. Jamestown, in turn, pays that $15k sum to the city every month?
The City is the property owner but has a master lease agreement with Jamestown who handles leasing
the property to tenants. The terms of the monthly rent are outlined in the Council Agenda Report and
included in the attached agreement.
Myself or Molly are happy to provide additional information as necessary.
Jennifer Rice, PTP, AICP
pronouns she/her/hers
Deputy Director of Mobility Services
Public Works
Mobility Services
1260 Chorro, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218
E jrice@slocity.org
T 805.781.7058
slocity.org
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From: Bulbul Rajagopal <
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 4:04 PM
To: Rice, Jennifer <jrice@slocity.org>; Horn, Matt <mhorn@slocity.org>
Subject: Media request: New Times SLO
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3
Hi Matt and Jennifer,
I'm Bulbul, a reporter from New Times SLO. I'm working on a preview story about the consent agenda item appearing
next week in front of the SLO City Council—specifically, Shoe Palace and Jamestown requesting rent reduction. I have a
few questions about that.
1. Has the city council discussed this specific rent reduction before at a public meeting?
2. Did Jamestown submit any documents to the city in April 2023 that detailed Shoe Palace not being interested in
renewing its lease? If so, could I please access them?
3. What is the Parking Fund that the 837 Marsh Street property produces revenue for?
4. I just wanted to make sure I'm understanding this correctly: Jamestown is a real estate company that acquired the
retail space. It rents the space to Shoe Palace who pays Jamestown roughly $15,000 in monthly rent. Jamestown, in
turn, pays that $15k sum to the city every month?
I have left you both voicemails and am happy to chat over the phone too if that's easier. My deadline for this story is
tomorrow at noon, and I'd be grateful for your responses any time before then. I appreciate any time you can dedicate
to my request.
Best,
Bulbul
–––––
Bulbul Rajagopal (she/her)
Staff Writer
New Times Media Group
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