A short History of the
Atascadero Homeowners Association

In 1985 the Atascadero Homeowners Association (AHA) was formed to represent the long term interest of all homeowners. For most homeowners the investments in their homes is the single largest investment made in a lifetime. The AHA believes that no matter where in our city or county an issue arises, the well-being of all residents is involved.

The Organization chose as its goals the goals stated in the 1980 Atascadero General Plan which are largely intact in the present General Plan. As means to those goals the AHA holds public educational meetings several times a year concerning current issues before the City Council or the County Board of Supervisors. In election years it also conducts candidate forums for city and council offices. It maintains observers at Planning Commission and Council meetings and sends representitives to address public meetings on issues.

Both the Board of the AHA and the General Membership may endorse candidates and issues with a two thirds vote. They also may oppose projects and issues which have come before elected and appointed representatives. Below are some issues which have been supported and opposed by the AHA:

Supported:

1. Factory Outlet when it was proposed for its present location on land already zoned commercial.
2. Downtown Plan.
3. 3F Meadows 800 acre expansion because of changes made to the 1914 subdivision:
   1. roads rerouted to save trees,
   2. home clustered to maintain open space and wildlife corridors, and
   3. fewer homes.
4. Stadium Park for cultural events and downtown enhancement.
5. Atascadero Mutual Water Company position to pursue local water resources instead of State Water.
6. Setbacks for building along creeks to protect from flooding and destruction of flora and fauna as well as homes.

Opposed:

1. Previous Factory Outlet and Theme Park massibe proposal on land zoned residential.
2. Subsidizing the Current Factory Outlet with taxpayers' money.
3. Hal Carden's surprise proposal to rezone over 600 acres from residential to commercial. (Immediately after he was seated in 1994.)
4. Commercial development which would destroy local businesses.
5. Forcing taxpayers to fund Highway 41E to promote land speculation east of the Salinas River and quarter the town.
6. Making taxpayers pay for the EIR for the Hendrix/Fredricks property rezoning from residential to commercial with sewer.

On an irregular basis the AHA issues its NEWSLETTER. From time to time, as an organization, it sends letters to the editors of newspapers. Individiual members may write letters or speak publicly on issues as long as the do not identify themselves as speaking for the Organization unless the Board has asked them to represent the AHA.

The AHA Board has invited various public figures to meet with it to improve communications. Examples include Editor of the Telegram-Tribune, the President of the Atascadero Mutual Water Company, the Atascadero Fire Chief and the Executive Director of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.