BEST CONTROVERSY OR SCANDAL
John Wallace and the South SLO County Sanitation District
South SLO County
John Wallace’s tenure as the South SLO County Sanitation District’s top administrator ended on a sour note in 2015. Wallace left the district amid allegations that he used his position to send millions of ratepayer dollars to his own private engineering firm. A costly audit of the district financials and Wallace’s management practices revealed that the firm, the Wallace Group, received more than $6 million for administrative fees, engineering fees, and major budget item projections, between 1999 and 2010. It also raised the specter of possible criminal malfeasance. Wallace has repeatedly denied the allegations, questioned the audit, and maintained that the billings from his company to the district were legitimate and approved by its board of directors.
—Chris
Runner up: The Sub fire
MOST ANNOYING PUBLIC FIGURE
SLO County Supervisor Adam Hill
Maybe Adam Hill’s used to it—when he isn’t defending his “Most Annoying Public Figure” title, he’s getting hassled every Tuesday during the Board of Supervisors meetings. Whether it’s his East Coast style of pushing liberal politics and not backing down from a fight in the process, or any of the bazillion crazy things he’s accused of perpetrating, Adam Hill is a perfect target for people who like to be mad. But if you think he’s taking a victory lap, think again. Asked for comment on this prize, Hill brushed it off and said: “I’m going to focus on the real election.”
—Jono
Runner up: SLO County Supervisor Debbie Arnold
BEST USE OF TAXPAYER’S MONEY
LOVR Bridge Widening
101 exit at Los Osos Valley Road, SLO
After more than 18 months of construction, SLO city residents finally get to see some relief from the frustrating traffic at the Los Osos Valley Road interchange. The city’s largest capital improvement project cost an estimated $24.5 million for the construction alone and about $35.3 million total. As of late April, the project is essentially finished, according to Kyle Rowland, the project’s manager. While the construction may have been a headache for SLO drivers, Rowland said most people acknowledged the need for the project, and he thanked the public for their patience. “The cooperation from the public was amazing,” Rowland said.
—Chris
Runner up: Road repair and infrastructure
BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL
Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian
The longtime local politician has done well for himself and his district, readers say. Known commonly as Katcho, he has a reputation of being well-liked both in district and in Sacramento. That friendliness extends beyond his politics and has allowed him to garner plenty of support during his political ascendancy, all while staying clear of any major scandals or controversies. Katcho will term out of the state Assembly this year, and he’s currently aiming to take Congresswoman Lois Capps’ open seat. It will be the toughest election he’s ever faced.
—Jono
Runner up: Sheriff Ian Parkinson
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE 
SLO Stringer
Parts unknown, SLO County
SLO County is a busy place, and when SLO residents want breaking news, they apparently want it as close to instantly as possible. Whether it’s a wildfire in the rugged hills, a police chase, or yet another vehicle wreck snarling traffic along the 101, SLO Stringer is on the scene, posting the information, pics, and video to his—or her—popular Facebook and Twitter accounts. Who is SLO Stringer? No one is sure. The mystery man (or woman) behind the accounts didn’t return requests from New Times for comment. This writer pictures an intrepid citizen with a mask and cape, smartphone in hand, waiting to swoop in and get the latest scoop online for his (or her) adoring followers.
—Chris
Runner up: Urban Optics
BEST NONPROFIT
Woods Humane Society
875 Oklahoma Ave., SLO
We can’t count how many times Woods Humane Society has taken the Best Nonprofit award in New Times’ history. It would take too much staff time. Safe to say, since 1955, Woods has worked heroically to find loving homes for dogs and cats, provide spay/neuter surgeries, and offer dog training classes, humane education for children, and pet visitation for seniors. “The support of our community makes it possible for Woods to touch the lives of thousands of animals each year,” Executive Director Jill Tucker said. Be on the lookout for an even larger Woods presence, as they plan to build a much-needed clinic in North County.
—Peter
Runner up: Jack’s Helping Hand
BEST FRIEND TO THE ENVIRONMENT
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
1137 Pacific St., suite A, SLO
Conservation. Care. Connection. That’s the triple-C threat that the Land Conservancy of SLO County is aiming for with things like conserving and allowing access to the Pismo Preserve and restoring the Octagon Barn into a sort of community hub. With those projects, the conservancy went from quietly doing environmental work on small land parcels to being up front—alongside your commute—and taking on bigger pieces of land. “All of these projects have these multiple benefits to them, and people are really excited,” Executive Director Kaila Dettman said. “They all hit on those things, the whole package.”
—Camillia
Runner up: ECOSLO
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1010 Marsh Street • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
PHONE/805/546-8208 • FAX/805/546-8641
