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Atascadero manager highlights AlertSlow notification system, new zoo exhibit and El Camino Real construction updates
Summary
The city manager briefed council on the county partnership for a new mass notification system, a new Cerrado Aviaries exhibit at Charles Paddock Zoo, and progress and traffic impacts for the El Camino Real (ECR) downtown improvement project.
City Manager provided multiple operational updates to the City Council at the Feb. 3 meeting, focusing on emergency notifications, a new zoo exhibit and the El Camino Real (ECR) downtown corridor construction.
AlertSlow: The city announced participation in AlertSlow, a San Luis Obispo County‑wide mass notification system (alertslow.org) for weather, fire, planned outages, highway closures and other emergencies. The manager urged residents to register with a home address and contact preferences; staff emphasized that early notification helps residents prepare and evacuate if necessary.
Charles Paddock Zoo: The manager reported that a new Cerrado Aviaries exhibit opened Jan. 18 with support from the Lakeside Wine Festival committee and the zoo friends group. The exhibit features hyacinth macaws and Toco toucans, and city staff and master gardeners assisted with planting. The manager noted regional zoo site visits in advance of the city zoo’s accreditation efforts.
El Camino Real (ECR) project: Construction updates described ongoing pavement milling, hardscape and landscaping installations in the median and pedestrian areas between Colony Cinemas and Huckleberry’s, with K‑rail relocation and conduit reruns for electrical work. Staff said narrow travel lanes and intermittent night work will continue for several weeks; an underground electrical operation was scheduled for Jan. 28–29 with continued curb, planter and lighting work through Jan. 30. The manager urged businesses and residents to consult the city project page for two‑week look‑aheads and noted business outreach and promotional support for merchants in the construction corridor.
Other community items: the manager noted final design concept materials for the downtown plan (dating to the 2017 vision) and said landscaping work for new planters is anticipated in April–May; and reminded the council of community events including father‑daughter and mother‑son dances at the community center with limited remaining tickets.
These were informational updates; council members asked follow‑up questions about ECR landscaping timing and expressed appreciation for outreach to local businesses during construction.
