27-04-2025
5 challenges to completing the Bob Jones Trail in SLO County
Stories by The Tribune journalists, with AI summarization
The Bob Jones Trail extension project has faced multiple interconnected challenges, primarily centered around disputes with property owners and funding pressures. Key landowners, such as Ray Bunnell, have refused offers for easements due to concerns over compensation, liability, and property impacts. Alternative trail alignments have been proposed, including a new route along Highway 101, but these designs struggle with safety and feasibility concerns. Additionally, the county risks losing an $18 million grant if construction doesn't begin by early 2025.
As efforts switch to a "bookend approach" bypassing holdout properties, community fundraising has emerged to address a $6 million funding gap for the expensive redesign, highlighting significant public and financial stakes in completing the popular trail.
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
The county risks losing millions of dollars if it can't reach agreement on plans for the missing link. | Published May 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Stephanie Zappelli
The Tribune filed a Public Records Act request to find out who is fighting the project and who is cooperating. | Published October 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Stephanie Zappelli Chloe Shrager
The county already paid Ray Bunnell $20,000, but that was for one-time, limited access to his property for environmental surveys. | Published October 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chloe Shrager Stephanie Zappelli
Meanwhile, some property owners still refuse to sell to the county. | Published December 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chloe Shrager Stephanie Zappelli
Now, with all approvals and funding in place, construction on the missing section can begin in 2026, the county said. | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chloe Shrager Stephanie Zappelli
This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
