ATASCADERO PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS
IAFF Local 3600
Atascadero, California
Letter of Endorsement
October 1, 2026
To the Residents and Voters of Atascadero:
On behalf of the Atascadero Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3600, we are proud to endorse Mike Avila for Atascadero City Council.
Mike Avila has demonstrated a clear and unwavering commitment to the core pillars of public safety and infrastructure that our community depends on every day: Fire, Police, and Roads. As a longtime Atascadero resident, small business owner, and member of the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission, Mike understands that strong public safety services and well-maintained infrastructure are the foundation of a thriving community.
We especially value Mike’s progressive growth mindset and his focus on enhancing the safety of the west side of Atascadero. He has shown a genuine willingness to engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of Fire Station 3 at Del Rio and Ramona Rd. Expanding fire and emergency response capability on the west side is critical to improving response times, protecting lives and property, and meeting the evolving needs of our growing community. Mike’s support for planning and investing in this essential resource reflects the kind of forward-looking leadership our firefighters and residents need.
Equally important, Mike supports providing City of Atascadero employees—including our firefighters and police officers—with competitive salaries within San Luis Obispo County. Attracting and retaining dedicated public safety professionals requires fair compensation that reflects the high cost of living and the demanding nature of the work. Mike’s recognition of this priority gives us confidence that he will be a strong partner in ensuring Atascadero remains a place where skilled men and women want to serve.
For these reasons, the members of Atascadero Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3600, proudly endorse Mike Avila for Atascadero City Council. We believe he will bring practical experience, a commitment to public safety, and a growth-oriented approach that will benefit every neighborhood in our city.
We encourage all Atascadero voters to join us in supporting Mike Avila this November.
Sincerely,
Zachariah Jackson
President
Atascadero Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3600
View the signed letter (PDF)
- Supervisor Heather Moreno
- Supervisor John Peschong
- Atascadero Mayor Tom O’Malley (fmr.)
- Atascadero Councilman Mark Dariz
- Atascadero Councilman Seth Peek
- Atascadero Councilwoman Heather Newsom
- Steve Souza, Owner, Souza Construction
- Sam DeRose, Athletic Director (fmr.), Atascadero High School
- Jamie Jones, Owner, Kirk Consulting
- Chad Normile, Owner, Normile Construction Inc.
- Rey Ruiz, CEO and Founder, Advanced Biomedical
ATASCADERO POLICE ASSOCIATION
APA 48
Atascadero, California
Letter of Endorsement
October 5, 2026
Dear Residents of Atascadero,
The Atascadero Police Association is proud to endorse Mike Avila for Atascadero City Council.
Our Association believes that effective local leadership requires a commitment to public safety, responsible fiscal management, economic vitality, and maintaining the quality of life that makes Atascadero a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We believe Mike Avila brings the experience, perspective, and commitment necessary to help Atascadero continue moving forward while keeping public safety among the City’s highest priorities.
Mike has demonstrated a clear understanding that a safe and prosperous community requires strong investment in the professionals responsible for protecting it. His commitment to public safety and supporting Atascadero’s police and fire services is particularly important to our Association. We appreciate that Mike recognizes that public safety is not simply another item in a municipal budget—it is a fundamental responsibility of local government and a critical component of a thriving community.
Mike’s campaign priorities also reflect many of the issues important to the future of Atascadero, including economic development, infrastructure, road maintenance, parks, and responsible growth. His experience as a local business owner gives him firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing employers, employees, and families in our community. We believe that perspective will be valuable as the City works to strengthen its economic base and maintain the services and infrastructure residents expect.
Mike’s commitment to Atascadero extends beyond his campaign for City Council. He and his wife, Kellie, own Avila Traffic Safety, a local business that began operations in 2014 and has grown to employ more than 100 people. The company performs roadway safety work and provides roadway signage, structures, products, and equipment. His experience building and operating a successful business provides him with a practical understanding of economic development, employment, infrastructure, and the importance of a business-friendly local government.
Just as importantly, Mike has been a consistent supporter of the Atascadero Police Department and the men and women who serve our community. His support for public safety has been demonstrated through his actions and his engagement with the department and the broader community. The Atascadero Police Association values leaders who understand the challenges faced by law enforcement and who recognize the importance of providing officers with the resources, staffing, training, and support necessary to keep our community safe.
Mike also brings valuable governmental experience through his service as a member of the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission, representing District 5. That experience has provided him with an understanding of land-use planning, development, infrastructure, public policy, and the responsibility that comes with making decisions that directly affect local communities.
We believe this combination of local business experience, public-sector experience, community involvement, and a demonstrated commitment to public safety makes Mike Avila uniquely qualified to serve on the Atascadero City Council.
Atascadero deserves leaders who will listen to residents, support the men and women who protect our community, encourage responsible economic growth, maintain our infrastructure, and make thoughtful decisions about the City’s future. Mike Avila has demonstrated that he shares these priorities.
For these reasons, the Atascadero Police Association proudly endorses Mike Avila for Atascadero City Council and encourages Atascadero voters to support his candidacy in the November 2026 election.
Sincerely,
Sam Rodriguez
Atascadero Police Association, President
View the signed letter (PDF)
