Los Osos park funding measure has more no votes than yes

Los Osos Park Tax Fails as Voters Prioritize Fire Safety

Los Osos voters have rejected Measure B-26, which would have established a parcel tax to purchase the former Sunnyside Elementary School and convert it into a community park. According to election results from the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office, 52% of voters opposed the measure with 1,197 "no" votes compared to 1,097 "yes" votes, or 48% support.

The defeat reflects concerns among residents about adding new tax burdens when the community already faces the prospect of a significant fire protection tax increase. For Atascadero residents watching neighboring Los Osos grapple with these competing priorities, the outcome offers insights into how Central Coast communities balance recreation needs against essential services.

Competing Tax Priorities Create Difficult Choices

The New Times SLO reported that critics argued the measure failed to recognize existing taxpayer obligations in Los Osos. Jeff Edwards, a Los Osos developer who opposed the measure, said the community faces "two compelling needs" in fire protection and water resource development.

"Come June, Los Osos voters will see the parks and recreation tax of $185 per year per parcel on the ballot; while the needed increase to our fire tax (estimated to be somewhere north of $185 per year) will be on a ballot in 2028," wrote former Los Osos Community Services District board member Julie Tacker in an opinion piece arguing against the park tax.

The timing created a stark choice for voters between recreational amenities and critical public safety infrastructure, with many apparently choosing to wait for the fire tax instead.

$6 Million School Site Sought Community Support

The San Luis Coastal Unified School District wants $6 million for the Sunnyside property, which closed in 2001 due to declining enrollment. The 12-acre site has been leased to various tenants including CAL FIRE and a Waldorf school.

The proposed tax would have charged property owners $185 per parcel annually for 15 years, then dropping to $100 per year with cost-of-living adjustments. The tax would have raised approximately $1.1 million annually for 15 years to acquire the property, followed by $602,200 annually for operations and maintenance.

Supporters from the Sunnyside Park Citizens Coalition argued that Los Osos needs more recreational space, noting the community currently has only one park. They envisioned sports fields, pickleball courts, open space and potentially a dog park on the property.

What Happens Next to the School Site

If the measure failed, the site would open up to private developers for purchase, according to KSBY reports. Edwards has proposed developing the property into a civic center with housing, retail and a plaza.

The Los Osos Community Services District had an informal agreement with the school district to negotiate exclusively for the property, contingent on the tax measure passing. With that option now off the table, the school district board will determine the next steps for selling the site.

Lessons for Atascadero and Central Coast Communities

The Los Osos result illustrates the challenges facing Central Coast communities as they balance recreational amenities against essential services amid rising costs. Atascadero officials and residents watching this election saw how competing tax priorities can divide a community, even when there's broad agreement about the need for parks and recreation.

"We're heavily taxed for a variety of purposes" Edwards noted, echoing concerns heard throughout the 805 region as communities face infrastructure needs, housing costs and climate-related expenses.

The measure's defeat came despite strong advocacy from park supporters and over 1,500 signatures collected to place it on the ballot. The narrow margin - fewer than 100 votes - suggests the community remains divided on how to balance recreation needs with other priorities.

For now, the former Sunnyside Elementary School will likely return to the private market, leaving Los Osos to seek alternative solutions for both its park and fire protection needs in future elections.