HomeMy WebLinkAboutLeague of Women Voters Guide to SLO Government 1964YOUR CITY AND OURS
A Citizen's Guide to
the Government of
Sun Luis Obispo
Prepared by THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
San Luis Obispo, California
January, 1964
History
Elected Officials
Appointments Made by City Council
The League of Women Voters is a nation-wide non-partisan
organization. Its purpose is to promote political responsibility
through informed and active participation in all levels of govern-
ment.
Copies of this folder are available for 104 from League mem-
bers or by calling 543-0654.
History:
San Luis Obispo owes its name to the Spanish interpretation
of Saint Louis, French Bishop of Toulouse. Mission San Luis
Obispo de Tolosa so named in 1772 is one of the state -long chain
of missions established by Father Junipero Serra.
Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles this
settlement grew around its mission. Coastal ships touched at
nearby ports and travelers along the mission trail stopped to rest.
The Southern Pacific Coastal Railroad, completed in 1901, the El
Camino Real (Kings Highway) added their links between north
and south.
Incorporated as a city in 1856 San Luis Obispo became a cen-
ter of a thriving agricultural area. Now a county -seat surrounded
by recreation areas it has added tourist services to its growing
economy. In 1911 a city charter was adopted. This was revised
in 1955 to provide a council -administrative officer form of govern-
ment.
California State Polytechnic College, one of California's fine
State Colleges, is located here.
History
Elected Officials
Appointments Made by City Council
Appointments Made by City Administrative Officer
Finances
Courts and Juries
Education
Elected Officials:
The people of San Luis Obispo elect the following municipal of-
ficials as provided in the city charter:
Salary and Term Duties
The Mayor $600 per year Recognized as official head of
2 year term the city, and president of the
city council. Must vote when
present; has no veto.
The $500 per year Governing and policy-making
City Council 4 year term body of the city. Has all powers
[4 members, of legislation in municipal af-
staggered terms] fairs. Appoints city administra-
tive officer, also certain other of-
ficials, boards and commissions.
(See following pages.)
The Board $5 per meeting Determines policy for public
of Education [not to exceed schools within the city school
[5 members, $20. a month] district. Employs superintendent
staggered terms] 4 year term of schools, and staff to adminis-
ter elementary, secondary and
s p e c i a l education programs.
Controls and administers school
district funds.
The following officials are elected by the people of San Luis
Obispo under the general law of the State of California:
County $6,000 per year Policy-making and governing
Supervisor 4 years body of San Luis Obispo County.
District 3*
Member, None Approves county schools budget,
County Board 4 years teacher credentials and adopts
of Education textbooks. Works closely with
District 3* the County Superintendent of
Schools.
Justice Court $6,000 per year Tries misdemeanors, civil cases
Judge 6 years involving less than $500.00, and
violations of local ordinances.
Holds Traffic and Small Claims
Court (claims up to $200.) and
preliminary hearing in felony
matters.
"Supervisorial District 3 includes most, but not all of the area
within the San Luis Obispo city limits, plus a strip running from
the city to Avila Beach and including Port San Luis. The subdi-
visions known as Laguna Lake and Lakewood are in Supervisorial
District 2.
Elected Officials
Appointments Made by City Council
Appointments Made by City Administrative Officer
Finances
Courts and Juries
Education
General Information
Voting information
Appointments Made by City Council:
The City Council appoints for indefinite terms:
Salary Duties
City $151600 Administrative head of city gov-
Administrative per year ernment, responsible to the coun-
Officer cil. Participates in council meet-
ings (without vote). Prepares
budget. Acts as personnel offi-
cer and purchasing agent for
city departments, sees that laws
and ordinances of the city are
enforced.
City Attorney $BAOO Advises city officers and em -
[one -half time per year ployees in actions and proceed-
ings in which the city is con-
cerned. Approves the form of
contracts and bonds. Prepares
ordinances, resolutions and
amendments.
City Treasurer $2,100 Has custody of all city funds.
[part-time] per year With Director of Finance, main-
tains daily audit of funds.
City Clerk-
$9,660-12,060
Assesses all property within city
Assessor
per year
annually. Collects taxes and
[position com-
other city revenues. Administers
bined with
city's insurance program. Main -
Director
tains ordinances, resolutions,
of Finance]
written contracts, and official
bonds. Records council proceed-
ings and certifies official records.
Serves as elections officer. Main-
tains running audit of city funds,
with city treasurer.
City Council appoints:
Term
Duties
Planning
4 years
Makes recommendations to city
Commission
council on rezoning proposals.
17 members]
Prepares general plan for coun-
cil approval. Approves use per-
mits.
Park
4 years
Advises superintendent of parks
and Recreation
and recreation and city council
Commission
on programs and operation of
[7 members]
recreational areas and facilities.
Board of Library 4 years Advises librarian and city coun-
Trustees cil in the operation of the library
[3 members] and in selection of materials.
(continued on next page)
Appointments Made by City Council
Appointments Made by City Administrative Officer
Finances
Courts and Juries
uUu
Education
General Information
Voting Information
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS (continued)
Police 1, 2, 3, years Advises police chief, city admin -
Advisory Board istrative officer and council on
[7 members] desires of citizens regarding the
operation of the police depart-
ment. Interprets the police mis-
sion for citizenry.
Traffic 1 year Works with council on suggest -
Advisory Board ed changes in traffic ordinances
17 members] and policies of traffic control.
Members of these boards and commissions serve without compen-
sation.
Appointments made by City Administrative Officer:
The City Administrative Officer appoints for indefinite terms:
Salary
Duties
Director $10,200-12,720 Heads public works department.
of Public Works per year Responsible for municipal engi-
ami neering, maintenance and de -
My Engineer velopment of streets, sewers,
parking facilities and city prop-
erties.
Director $11MO-10,M Directs city planning program
of Planning per year in cooperation with planning
and Building commission. Supervises build-
ing inspection and enforces zon-
ing regulations.
Fre Chief $9,120-11 AN Heads fire department. Respon-
per year sible for prevention and control
of fire.
Police Chief
$9,120-11 x100
Heads police department. Re -
per year
sponsible for crime prevention
and law enforcement.
Librarian
$7,296-9,120
Heads public library, serving
per year
local residents.
Superintendent
$7,740-9,660
Supervises maintenance of parks
of Parks
per year
and other city grounds, and
and Recreation
operation of recreation programs.
Water
"J"41AN N
Supervises city water depart, -
Superintendent
per year
ment operations, including
Whale Rock dam and reservoir
project.
Appointments Made by City Administrative Officer
Finances
Courts and Juries
.- :_:J, vuu
Education
Genera[ Information
Voting Information
Finances:
COST
The cost of providing governmental services is met from
property taxes, business licenses, sales tax, motor vehicle taxes,
state and federal aid, and miscellaneous sources. The property
tax is based on the difference between all other revenue and the
estimated cost of supplying municipal services during the fiscal
year.
The tax bill you receive from the city is your share of the
property tax. It is calculated by multiplying the assessed value
of property within San Luis Obispo by the dollars per $100. set
by your district.
Included in your county tax bill are your share of the bud-
gets of the county, school districts and special districts such as
the Port San Luis harbor and the county -wide flood control and
water conservation district. This is collected by county officials.
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the city begins on the first day of July of
each year and ends on the thirtieth day of June of the following
year.
ANNUAL BUDGET
The annual budget for the city is prepared by the City Ad-
ministrative Officer with the assistance of the Director of Fi-
nance and all department heads. About the first of March the
City Administrative Officer sends budget forms to all depart-
ment heads for their estimates of expenditures. In late May the
proposed budget is sent to the City Council. An open hearing
on the budget is held in June, notice of which must be published
in a San Luis Obispo newspaper, not less than ten days prior
to the hearing. After the public hearing and approval by the
Council, the budget is adopted on or before the first Monday in
July and pubhake"r distribution. Th-sr-budtet may be amend-
ed or supplemented by a majority vote of the City Council at
any time during the year.
CITY TAXES
Not later than the first Tuesday in September of each year,
the Council shall by ordinance, levy such city property tax as
may be necessary to meet the expenditures to be made. Accord-
ing to the City Charter, the Council shall not levy a property
tax for municipal purposes greater than eighty-five cents on
each one hundred dollars of assessed value of taxable property
with the following exceptions. Additional taxes may be levied
to meet all obligations of the city for the principal and interest
of bonds and judgments, and to meet all obligations of the city
to the State Employees Retirement System for retirement bene-
fits of city employees although no tax has ever been levied for
this purpose. Special taxes may be made for public improve-
ments and betterments, for the city's public library and for park
and recreation purposes when approved by the electorate.
ASSESSMENTS
The City Clerk -Assessor must complete the assessing of
property within the city limits fairly and accurately at approxi-
mately 25 per cent of its market value by two days after the
last Monday in June. On the first Monday in July the City,
Council sits as a Board of Equalization. A taxpayer may appeal
his assessment at scheduled times until the third Monday in
July.
Special assessment districts may be formed by petition to
the City Council to provide .specific improvements which the
city is unable or unwilling to finance. These districts are used
by residents to provide such services as sewers, water systems,
streets, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks.
AUDIT
The City Council employs an independent auditor of city
monetary affairs twice a year, as of June 30 and December 31.
Finances
Courts and Juries
Education
Genera! Information
Voting Information
Courts and Juries:
CONSTITUTION
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of
the land. Both the United States Constitution and the California
Sate Constitution provide for the creation of courts to have
jurisdiction over the laws of the states, the cities, and the coun-
ties. The judicial system of cities and counties is under the
jurisdiction of the state government.
JUSTICE COURT
The boundaries of the five Justice Courts within San Luis
Obispo County are determined by the boundaries of the five su-
pervisorial districts. The court has jurisdiction over traffic vio-
lations, small claims, misdemeanors, and civil cases involving
sums up to $500. Complaint for an alleged felony may be filed
in Justice Court for a preliminary hearing to determine whether
there is cause to hold the defendant for trial in Superior Court.
Judges are elected for six year terms. In California, cities with
a population of 40,000 or more, have municipal courts.
SUPERIOR COURTS
The Superior Courts are the courts of general jurisdiction
and the highest trial courts in the county. The Court has two
departments, each presided over by a judge who is elected for
a six year term. The Superior Courts have jurisdiction over the
following: appeals from the Justice Court, probate matters,
felonies, juvenile court, domestic relations, committing court,
civil actions involving over $500., and naturalization proceed-
ings.
APPELLATE COURTS
The Appellate Courts, which are the California Supreme
Court, District Courts of Appeal, and Appellate Department of
the Superior Court, as a general rule are concerned with al-
leged errors of law made in trial courts. The Second District
Court of Appeals embraces the following counties: San Luis
Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles.
GRAND JURY
Each county is required by state law to summon at least
one grand jury a year. Each of the Superior Court Judges sub-
mits the names of fifteen qualified voters as candidates for the
jury. Nineteen names are drawn to serve for a one-year term.
The Grand Jury hears witnesses in cases where there is reason
to believe a crime has been committed, and, if evidence is suf-
ficient, returns an indictment against the person suspected. It
surveys the operation of County government; investigates ac-
tivities of public officials; audits all county funds; and investi-
gates personnel and equipment needs in various departments.
JURY COMMISSIONER
Jury Commissioner is a joint appointment of the two Super-
ior Court Judges with the confirmation of the Board of Super-
visors. He selects names from a registry of voters and main-
tains files of citizens eligible to serve for jury duty.
TRIAL JURY
A Trial Jury consists of twelve persons (with a few excep-
tions). These persons are chosen by the jury commissioner by
lot from a panel of residents of voting age not otherwise dis-
qualified by poor health, occupation, prison record or lack of
citizenship. A jury may be waived in either a civil or criminal
case.
Courts and Juries
Education
General Information
Voting Information
Education:
SAN LUIS OBISPO SCHOOLS
Public schools are administered by a Board of Education as
provided in the city charter. The five members are elected from
the high school district at large. The elementary and high
school districts do not have the same boundaries. The element-
ary district consists essentially of the city of San Luis Obispo,
the Chorro valley west, including Camp San Luis Obispo, and
the area north and east of the city to the crest of the Santa Lucia
mountains. The high school district includes the following ele-
mentary school districts: San Luis Obispo city, Avila, Banning,
Belleview-Santa Fe, Laguna, Los Ranchos, Morro, and Sunny-
side.
Seven elementary schools are located conveniently through-
out the city. A junior -senior high school at Morro Bay, a junior
high school and a senior high school in the city are the facilities
at the secondary level in the school district.
School libraries, child welfare services, classes for mentally
handicapped children, and specialized instruction in music and
foreign languages are provided. The Chris Jespersen school,
administered by the County Schools office, serves physically
handicapped children between the ages of three and twenty-
one.
An adult school provides an opportunity for adults to secure
a high school diploma, prepare for citizenship, advance their
occupational skills and develop new skills or avocations.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
The Mission School (Catholic) has two elementary schools
and a senior high school in the city providing education from
the first through the twelfth grade.
The Christian Day School sponsored by the Church of Christ
has classes from kindergarten through eighth grade.
JUNIOR COLLEGE
The establishment of a county -wide junior college was ap-
proved by the voters in the spring of 1963 together with the
election of a Board of Trustees. Classes are expected to begin
in 1965.
CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE
As one of the sixteen state colleges, this college is known
for its curriculum in agriculture,' applied arts and sciences. The
enrollment in the fall of 1963 was more than 6,000 students.
:..,'ng, and
Education
General Information
Voting information
General Information:
The City of San Luis Obispo has:
1. A population estimated at 24,750 as of December, 1963. Of-
ficial census figures show a growth from 8,881 in 1940 to
20,437 in 1960. The estimated population for 1970 is 30,000.
2. Seven and a half miles of land within the city limits as of
July, 1963.
3. Been the county seat for San Luis Obispo county since 1850.
It is a general law county governed by a Board of Supervisors
who are elected from districts.
4. Several large governmental agencies and many small unin-
corporated business proprietors who provide a large per-
centage of the total jobs available in the city.
5. Retail and wholesale businesses serving an estimated
100,000 people in the county with about 35,000 of these in
the immediate area.
6. A heavy tourist business because of lakes, ocean beaches,
Hearst Castle, and missions in the county.
7. A large volume of commercial traffic due to its midpoint loca-
tion between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
8. Recreational facilities which include Santa Rosa, Throop
and Mitchell parks, the Recreation Center, Nuss Memorial
pool, Brooks street playlot, Mission Gardens, and nine school
playgrounds. The Parks and Recreation department provide
a summer recreation program. The County maintains a His-
torical Museum in the city and Cuesta Park adjacent to the
city.
9. Health Services such as sanitary inspections, clinics, immun-
ization programs, which are contracted from the county. The
County Health Officer is responsible to the Board of Super-
visors and the City Council.
10. A City Library with a staff of professional librarians and ap-
proximately 27,000 books. The county maintains a profes-
sionally -staffed library within the city and twenty-one
branches throughout the county. A small law library and a
medical library are available to qualified individuals or by
special permission. The library at the State College contains
more than 100,000 books which may be used in the library by
the public.
11. Four hospitals: San Luis Obispo General hospital operated
by the county; two private hospitals, French and Sierra Vista;
and Hacienda Convalescent hospital.
12. A local newspaper serving the entire county, three radio sta-
tions and one television station. Many people in the city also
receive the Santa Barbara television station.
13. A County Mental Health Clinic operating under the Short -
Doyle Act of California. Individual and group treatment for
adults and children is available. Consultation services are
available to public and private agencies.
General information
Voting Information
MY POLITICAL ADDRESS
Name
Address
County
Precinct
Supervisorial District
_3*_
State Assembly District
36_ -- _
State Senate District .
29_
State Equalization District _
. 1 -
Congressional District
_ _ _12
*The subdivisions known as Laguna Lake and Lakewood are in
supervisorial district 2.
Voting Registration:
Qualified voters may register at the county clerk's office or
may call 543-1550 for names and addresses of deputy registrars.
Absentee ballots are also obtained from the county clerk either
in person or by written request. Absentee ballots for municipal
elections should be obtained from the city clerk. Requests must
be received at least 7 days and not more than 29 days before an
election.
Voting Information:
A person must possess certain qualifications to vote in California.
He must be:
1. A citizen of the United States for at least 90 days.
2. A resident of California for at least one year prior to the day
of election.*
3. A resident of the county for at least 90 days.*
4. A resident of the precinct for at least 54 days.
5. Able to read the Constitution in English and write his own
name.
6. Twenty-one years of age.
7. Registered to vote at least 54 days before the election.
*On a Presidential election a qualified voter from another state
may vote in California for President and Vice President but no
other office, after having resided in the state at least 54 days but
less than one year, provided such person otherwise qualifies as a
California voter.
A person must re -register:
1. After changing name or residence.
2. If wishing to change party affiliation.
3. Upon failure to vote in the last general election.
PEOPLE
elect
CITY
COUNCIL
appoints
CITY CLERK -ASSESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE
Combined with Director -Finance OFFICER
I
CITY ATTORNEY appoints
(part-time)
I DIRECTOR -PUBLIC WORKS
CITY TREASURER
(part-time) DIRECTOR
PLANNING COMMISSIOPI' PLANNING &BUILDING
(7 members)
I POLICE CHIEF
PARK & RECREATION
COMMISSION LIBRARAN
(7 members)
I FIRE CHIEF
LIBRARY BOARD
(5 members) WATER
I SUPERINTENDENT
POLICE ADVISORY
BOARD SUPERINTENDENT
(7 mei bers) PARKS & RECREATION
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
BOARD
(7 members)
Voting Information
Election Calendar:
Primary Election—Tuesday after first Monday in lune of even
numbered years.
General Election—Tuesday after first Monday in November of
even numbered years.
City Election—Second Tuesday in April in odd -numbered years.
Calendar
City Council
City Planning Commission
City Board of Education
County Board of Supervisors
7:30 P.M. first and third
Mondays'`—City Hall
7:30 P.M. first and third
Tuesdays'—City Hall
7:30 P.M. first and third
Tuesdays' -1499 San Luis
Drive
10:00 A.M. Mondays
County Courthouse
"Usually meet for study sessions on the
second and fourth
Mondays
'Usually meet for study sessions on the
second and fourth
Tuesdays
Directory
City Hall .................. . . ..... .
990 Palm Street
City Administrative Office
..... 543-3765
City Clerk .. ......... .....
..543-7150
Building Department ................
543-0535
Water Department .......... ...
......543-1580
for emergencies on evening or weekends
. 543-3131
Engineer's office ....................
. . . 543-4510
City Police Department ...... .... . ...
543-3131
738 Pismo Street
City Fire Department (Fire Calls) ........
543-1212
Business calls only .................
543-6046
Garden and Pismo Streets
North Chorro Street, near Foothill Blvd.
Laurel Lane and Richard Street
City Schools Office .... ....... . ...
543-2010
1499 San Luis Drive
City Library ....... ..... . .........
.543-6074
888 Morro Street
City Parks and Recreation Dept. ........
543-4276
864 Santa Rosa Street
County Courthouse .. ......... ......
543-1550
900 Osos Street
Chamber of Commerce ....... .........
543-1323
882 Marsh Street