Additional Articles

• Local programs and area agencies are looking for volunteers

  COUNTY — Put your life experience to work with Senior Volunteer Services and Central Coast Community Volunteers. Join many seniors, age 50 and over, who are taking the time to help improve the lives of others. SVS and CCCV can match your talents and interests with community needs. Call SVS at 805-544-8740 for information on any of the following opportunities. RSVP — Retired and Senior Volunteer Program 55-and-older Estrella Warbirds Museum & Woodland Auto Display — looking for volunteers that love aircraft (old & new) and old cars. You might enjoy joining our family of volunteers as a docent. Little training is necessary and lots of knowledge is available in Paso Robles. Senior Peer Counseling — The Senior Peer Counseling program at Wilshire Community Services trains volunteers age 55+ to provide free in-home supportive counseling to seniors. Peer Counselors offer skilled listening and guidance to help older adults navigate the ups and downs of aging.

  1 week ago

• SLO County Regional Airport sets new passenger record

  COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) saw 485,911 passengers come through its doors in 2018. The amount is 19.2 percent higher than 2017’s 407,696 passengers, and sets the record for the most annual passengers in the airport’s history. United Airlines enforced its position as the airport’s largest carrier, adding a second daily flight to Denver and bringing in larger planes on existing routes in 2018. With a total of ten daily flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver, the airline flew 279,326 passengers last year. American Airlines, which flies four flights a day to Phoenix, carried 158,780 passengers; Alaska Airline’s daily flight to Seattle carried 47,805. October was the airport’s best month of the year, as 46,514 total travelers passed through the terminal.

  1 week ago

• County studies fire protection services in special districts

  COUNTY — The County of San Luis Obispo presented a study to the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 15 that evaluated the fire protection services of certain special districts in SLO County. The report described the challenges to sustainability, and impact to the County and County Fire Department if one, or more, special district elects to discontinue providing fire protection services. At the Board’s direction, District 1 Supervisor John Peschong and District 2 Supervisor Bruce Gibson will work together in an ad-hoc capacity to evaluate steps moving forward and report back to the Board at a future date.

  1 week ago

• Atascadero Warming Center needs you

  ATASCADERO — Homeless in North County need your help. We are looking for volunteers who can chaperone at our Warming Center to help provide people who are suffering from homelessness a warm, safe place to sleep. The Warming Center is located at Dove Creek Church of the Nazarene and is typically open nights when the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or when it’s raining. We need two chaperones per shift—There are two shifts per night—7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. The Center provides a warm, safe place from the elements during the winter months with a nice dinner meal, breakfast, and a bag lunch for the next day. There are typically 24 -28 people at any given night.

  1 week ago

• 2019 Burn season opens for fire hazard reduction

  ATASCADERO — Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services has officially opened the Fire Hazard Reduction Burn Season. A reminder that the burn day status, whether it is a permissive burn day or not, changes daily and is determined by the California Air Resources Board and north county weather conditions. Residents must obtain the daily burn day status by calling 805-461-5070, Option 8. Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services strongly encourages residents to utilize alternative forms of disposal, such as the Waste Alternatives’ Green Waste recycling container or the Chicago Grade Landfill. Burning should be used as a last resort.

  1 week ago

• It’s not too late to save on property taxes

  COUNTY — San Luis Obispo County Assessor Tom Bordonaro Jr. would like to remind all homeowners, disabled veterans and eligible non-profit organizations that they may file claims for property tax exemptions. The Homeowner’s Exemption exempts up to $7,000 in taxable value of a property if the claim is timely filed (or postmarked by Feb. 15,) and up to $5,600 if filed late (postmarked by Dec.10, 2019). If you received your Homeowner’s Exemption last year, and you still own and occupy the same property this year, you do not need to file again. Your exemption automatically remains in place.

  1 week ago

• Flu activity is increasing in SLO County

  COUNTY — As influenza activity increases nationwide and in San Luis Obispo County, the County Public Health Department reminds residents to take common-sense precautions to protect themselves and the community from the flu. This reminder follows a recent increase in local laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza and the death of one San Luis Obispo County resident from complications of the flu. The resident was over age 60 and had several underlying conditions that make people more vulnerable to severe complications of influenza.

  1 week ago

• A vehicle crashed into a power pole, closes SR41 for most of the day

  ATASCADERO — A vehicle collision at Old Morro Road on Jan. 24 caused State Route 41 to be closed for most of the day, according to Caltrans. At about 3:21 a.m. a solo driver in a 2015 Mazda 3, collided with a power pole on Highway 41. The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Where he was treated and released.

  1 week ago

• Templeton School District looks at $300K in cuts

  Some $300,000 in budget cuts expected to be enacted in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 budget years have been a long time coming, said Templeton Unified School District Superintendent Joe Koski. That doesn’t mean they’re happy about having to make the reductions, he added, but it does eliminate the appearance of a crisis, which other nearby districts have recently experienced. Sheldon Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for San Luis Obispo County’s Department of Education concurred noting his department was, “Confident that Templeton will be able to make required cuts and meet their obligations,” as they’ve been checking in with the TUSD’s budget progress five times a year.

  2 weeks ago

• County begins preparations for 2020 Census

  COUNTY — The County of San Luis Obispo will receive funding to support outreach efforts for the 2020 U.S. Census and help ensure a complete, fair and accurate count locally. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, the County Board of Supervisors supported the County’s participation in the Census and accepted $100,000 in funding for the County’s participation. County staff will convene a Complete Count Committee of representatives from cities, schools and local community organizations to develop a strategic plan for regional activities to increase the census response rate and assist in implementing that plan.

  1 month ago

• Smart911 now available in San Luis Obispo County

  COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday, Jan. 9 that Smart911 is now available in San Luis Obispo County. Smart911 is a free service that allows individuals and families to sign up online to provide key information to 9-1-1 dispatchers during an emergency. Smart911 allows the public to create a Safety Profile at www.smart911.com for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 and response teams to have in the event of an emergency. When a citizen makes an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 dispatcher, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information.

  1 month ago

• Critical hospice volunteers needed for local patients

  COUNTY — Community volunteers are needed to provide in-home companionship and respite care to hospice patients in San Luis Obispo County and the Santa Maria Valley, according to Central Coast Hospice. Central Coast Hospice has been providing medical and social services to those with a terminal diagnosis in all of San Luis Obispo County for over seven years. Volunteers are an important part of the program. They provide supervision to patients while their family caregivers take a break or run errands, assist with light household tasks, provide emotional support and socialization, and help with miscellaneous, yet important tasks — like organizing family photos or helping the patient write letters to their loved ones.

  1 month ago

• Spring classes begin Jan. 22 at Cuesta College

  COUNTY — Cuesta College’s spring semester begins Jan. 22 and students can continue signing up for classes through Feb. 3. Classes are still available in many areas including art, English, foreign languages, music, and more. Also offered are free Emeritus College non-credit courses for lifelong learners. Open classes may be viewed by clicking here. New this spring are several student services initiatives. This January, Cuesta College is opening two new Dreamer Centers at the San Luis Obispo and North County campuses to support undocumented students and their families. The centers are made possible through a grant awarded to Cuesta College by the California Catalyst Fund — a private funding source focused on creating equitable opportunities for student learning at institutions of higher education. The college is one of 32 campuses throughout California that received support from the grant.

  1 month ago

• Work on southbound US HWY 101 on Cuesta Grade begins this week

  COUNTY — The No. 2 (middle) and No. 3 (right) lane of southbound US 101 will be closed from the top of Cuesta Grade to south of Old Stagecoach Road beginning Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. until Thursday, Jan. 24 at 5 a.m., weather permitting, according to Caltrans. These lane closures will allow Caltrans to repair the roadway where a sinkhole is developing. This roadwork will also include the removal and replacement of a failed drainage culvert beneath those lanes. Motorists should expect to slow in this construction zone and anticipate delays not to exceed 15 minutes.

  1 month ago

• Public input is needed to move forward on county housing ordinance

  COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building is asking for the public’s input as the department works on updates or amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Public Review Draft), formerly known as the Secondary Dwelling Ordinance. Under direction of the Board of Supervisors, Planning and Building staff are working on Phase II of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance to encourage development by removing unnecessary barriers. As part of this effort, the County has reviewed existing restrictions and limitations on secondary dwellings throughout the unincorporated areas of the County and has released the Accessory Unit Ordinance Public Review Draft.

  1 month ago

• Libraries offer fine amnesty in January

  COUNTY — It’s time to pull out that long overdue library book because January is Fine Amnesty Month for County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries. Regardless of how overdue an item is, all County Library branches will waive all overdue fees, clearing the account for checkout of new materials. Fine forgiveness does not apply to fees charged for lost materials, however.

  1 month ago

• County seeks public comment on inclusionary housing fees

  COUNTY — San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building is seeking public comment on amendments to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and Affordable Housing Fund. Under direction from the SLO County Board of Supervisors, the Department of Planning and Building has been working on a 3-year pilot program that would raise between $2 to $4 million per year in local funding for affordable housing. These funds will be awarded to non-profit developers to build affordable housing in the County. As part of the pilot program, the Board authorized the Department of Planning and Building to modify the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance and Affordable Housing Fund. The Inclusionary Housing Ordinance requires new housing developments to either include a percentage of affordable units or pay “in-lieu” fees into the County’s Affordable Housing Fund.

  1 month ago

• City of Atascadero’s Planning Commission and Citizens’ Sales Tax Oversight Committee application deadline extended

  ATASCADERO — The City of Atascadero is currently seeking to fill two positions on the Planning Commission and two positions on the Citizen’s Sales Tax Oversight Committee. All applicants must be residents of the City of Atascadero. Completed applications will be accepted in the City Clerk’s office until Friday, Jan. 11, at 5 p.m. Those interested in applying for either the Planning Commissions or the Citizens’ Sales Tax Oversight Committee (CSTOC) may obtain applications on the City’s website homepage at www.atascadero.org under the “Latest News” section; in person at City Hall located at 6500 Palma Avenue, Atascadero; or by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 805-470-3400.

  1 month ago

• Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust invests in Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County

  SAN LUIS OBISPO — The Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust awarded a grant of $20,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters in support of the agency’s school-based youth mentoring programs. With this $20,000 gift, their total contributions in support of the agency’s school-based mentoring programs amount to $140,000 since 2012. The school-based program pairs high school and college students with elementary students for weekly supervised group and individual activities taking place at elementary school sites. The program creates an exceptional bond between at-risk children and older students who have volunteered to support them. A group of carefully selected high school and college student mentors travel to their partner elementary school once each week for the entire school year.

  1 month ago

• Local 4-H Youth Program seeks volunteer camp director for Camp Wahoo!

  SAN LUIS OBISPO — 4-H in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties is still looking for a volunteer camp director to coordinate the 2019 4-H summer camp, Camp Wahoo! Camp Wahoo! is expected to take place at Camp Yeager in Cambria from July 28 to 31. Camp Wahoo! 4-H summer camp is an experience that is fun for both youth and adults. Generally, a weeklong residential camp experience for Camp Wahoo! campers ages 9-13. The 4-H camp director would work closely with the 4-H Office to coordinate and put on the camp for both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. It is scheduled to take place, but if a camp director position is not filled by Jan. 15, the camp will, unfortunately, need to be canceled for 2019.

  1 month ago

• YPNG rolls the dice for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County

  SAN LUIS OBISPO — The Young Professionals Networking Group (YPNG) presented Big Brothers Big Sisters with a $5,200 check from the proceeds of its annual Monte Carlo night. The Casino Royale themed event was held in the Venetian Room at the Madonna Inn. Tatiana Mendoza, former Big Brothers Big Sisters program director and YPNG treasurer says, “Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of our community partners, who we fundraise for through several events each year. This year Big Brothers Big Sisters was the beneficiary of our Monte Carlo event because we wanted to help the agency serve more children. We were able to fundraise enough to serve four match relationships for one year.”

  1 month ago

• More than $600M in funding approved for transportation infrastructure, rail and projects

  STATE — Caltrans announced Monday that the California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated more than $600 million in funding for hundreds of transportation projects, which includes $80 million from SB 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. “Caltrans will focus on repairing and rehabilitating the state highway system by improving pavement, bridges, culverts, and intelligent transportation systems, which are included in the performance requirements of SB 1, to improve transportation for all of our residents and visitors, no matter their mode of transportation,” said Caltrans Director Laurie Berman.

  1 month ago

• General Assistance program updated to reflect community needs

  COUNTY — Each year, the program helps an average of 650 community members meet basic needs while they pursue employment or long-term disability benefits. This is the first major update in 25 years. On Nov. 6, the Department of Social Services took a resolution to the Board of Supervisors to update guidelines for the County’s General Assistance program. The General Assistance program is a last resort to support indigent County residents who have no other available means of support. This program was established in San Luis Obispo County in February of 1993 and has not had any major program updates in the 25 years since it was established.

  1 month ago

• Bomb threat hoax throughout SLO County and nationwide

  COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, along with a number of law enforcement agencies nationwide, received reports on Thursday, Dec. 13, of a bomb threat being emailed to various entities, primarily businesses. Usually included in that threat was an extortion demand for money in the form of bitcoin to avoid the detonation of the bomb. As of this time, all of these threats have proven to be unfounded, according to officials.

  1 month ago

• Atascadero hosts Mental Health Services Act town hall meeting

  ATASCADERO — The County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) programs and plans will be the focus of a town hall presentation and meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Atascadero’s Community Library, Polin Community Room, 655 Capistrano Ave. The event is open to the public and will provide an overview of the MHSA, including programs operating in the South County. The meeting will be facilitated by Behavioral Health’s Prevention and Outreach Division Manager, and MHSA Coordinator, Frank Warren, and will include presentations on a variety of community-based programs. The meeting will also provide information on current planning and funding, as well as invite community members to identify issues which may need to be addressed in the future.

  2 months ago

• Waste Management offers Christmas tree recycling after holidays

  ATASCADERO — After the holiday festivities are over and residents start to look forward to the coming year, Waste Management encourages customers in the City of Atascadero to recycle their tree through its curbside collection program. Waste Management will collect trees for residents in the City of Atascadero from Dec. 26 through Jan. 12 on customers’ scheduled collection day. When placing trees on the curb for collection, customers should follow these guidelines: Remove all decorations including tinsel, lights, ornaments, tree stands; flocked trees cannot be recycled please do not place in green waste cart Cut trees into 3-foot pieces and place inside the green waste cart

  2 months ago

• Atascadero’s Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area returns

  ATASCADERO — The new Atascadero Business Improvement District (ABID) Committee and the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce announced the return of funding in the Downtown Parking and Business Improvement District, which will be utilized for new and improved parking areas, downtown wayfinding and streetscape improvements, beautification projects, events and promotions. The Downtown Business District will be funded by a special annual assessment collected with business license applications and renewal fees from businesses located within the improvement area.

  2 months ago

• Residential and Agricultural Burn permitting resumes

  COUNTY — The burn permit suspension in San Luis Obispo County was lifted on Saturday, Dec. 1. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) San Luis Obispo Unit Chief Scott Jalbert formally canceled the burn permit suspension and advised that those possessing current and valid agriculture and residential burn permits can now resume burning on permissible burn days only. Agriculture burns must be inspected by Cal Fire prior to burning until the end of the peak fire season. A valid permit from the Air Pollution Control District is also required for all burning, allowed only on permissive burn days. Inspections may be required for burns other than agriculture burns. This can be verified by contacting the Air Pollution Control District.

  2 months ago

• Holiday business mixer at Pacific Premier Bank

  ATASCADERO — The holiday Business Mixer at Pacific Premier Bank is a festive event for business leaders to connect and build relationships. The Business Mixer will take place Dec. 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Pacific Premier Bank in Atascadero. Holiday decorations will adorn the inside of the bank for the attendees. While chamber members connect, they can enjoy appetizers and refreshments. La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant and John Hernandez-Borjan will be serving treats. Vintage Cowboy Winery and Bristols Cider House will be pouring drinks. Lights and music will be taken care of by Medina Light Design.

  2 months ago

• Deadline approaching for Cal Fire grants to reduce fire threat and improve forest health

  SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced the availability of up to $ 155 million for Fire Prevention and Forest Health projects. Cal Fire is soliciting applications for projects that will help prevent catastrophic wildfires and restore forest health while also sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cal Fire’s Fire Prevention Grants Program will provide funding for local projects that address the risk of wildfire and reduce wildfire potential to communities in, and adjacent to, forested areas. Qualified activities include hazardous fuel reduction, fire planning, and fire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety.

  2 months ago

• Learning through Lynda.com offered at local county libraries

  COUNTY —All County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries are now offering cardholders free access to online educational courses from Lynda.com. Now owned by LinkedIn, Lynda.com has been the leading provider of online learning content for 20 years. The service has more than 12,000 courses, ranging from computer programming to project management including instruction on various computer software, programming languages, and business topics. The video courses are taught by industry experts and are designed for any skill level. Lynda.com also offers more than 50 different learning paths to help users stay ahead in their current job or change careers.

  2 months ago

• Wilshire Community Services is looking for RSVP volunteers

  COUNTY —Wilshire Community Services trains volunteers to assist isolated older adults all over San Luis Obispo County, but they are currently experiencing a shortage of volunteers in North County areas. Would you be willing to provide some simple daily activities such as friendly visits, transportation help, groceries, and errands, or pet walking?

  3 months ago

• Fire breaks out in Atascadero residence

  ATASCADERO — A fire Wednesday, Nov. 14, evening displaced people from a Sycamore Road residence, the Atascadero Fire Department reported. At 4:45 p.m. on Nov. 14, the call came in that there was a structure on fire on Sycamore Road. At approximately 4:51 p.m. units arrived on scene and found a single story, metal structure, converted into a residential unit, ablaze. The metal structure, wood fence, an automobile, and vegetation caught on fire too per officials.

  3 months ago

• Templeton students are invited to compete in a T-shirt design contest

  TEMPLETON — Templeton Recreation is inviting local students to compete in a T-shirt design contest. The winning drawing will become the 2018 logo for this year’s Jingle All the Way 5K Fun Run and Walk on Saturday, Dec. 8. All designs must be completed by a resident of Templeton or student of Templeton schools who are under the age of 18. Submissions will be accepted through Tuesday, Nov. 20, with the winner being announced Tuesday, Nov. 27.

  3 months ago

• RTA awarded $6.2M DOT grant for new facility

  SAN LUIS OBISPO — The San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) received a $6.285 million grant on Sept. 25 to help fund the construction of a new administration and bus maintenance facility. “I am very appreciative of the partnerships that it took to procure the land for the new administration and maintenance facility, and this project would never have happened without the support of SLOCOG, CAPSLO and the City and County of San Luis Obispo,” said Geoff Straw, Executive Director of RTA. “This grant is a significant step forward in developing a long term solution for the RTA’s needs.” The grant comes as a result of the Federal Transit Administration Buses & Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program, which makes federal resources available to states and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities. The FTA received 255 applications for this grant and SLORTA received the largest amount in the State of California.

  3 months ago

• Weed abatement funds examined

  The weed abatement actions typically cost $37,000 in staff time, not counting the $24,000 spent on noticing and inspection before crews are needed, Rickard said. The report prepared by the City’s Fire and Emergency Services staff notes that the Fire Marshal conducts an initial weed inspection during the month of April of the approximately 11,188 parcels within the City, with notices then mailed to those deemed a potential threat.

  4 months ago

• Fire threatens homes on Creston Road Sunday

  CRESTON — Several small fires broke out in the afternoon along Creston Road on Sunday, Sept. 2, according to Cal Fire San Luis Obispo. One of the fires at Creston and Neal Springs Road threatened houses and homes had to be evacuated. One vacant and abandoned home was fully involved in the blaze and destroyed, according to Chris Elms with Cal Fire SLO. “Engine companies were very quick to mitigate the threat to the houses,” Elms said. The fire was contained later in the evening before 8 p.m. and evacuated residents from the area were let allowed back into the home.

  5 months ago

• Recovery program seeking home in North County

  A home for victims of human trafficking is looking for a permanent location in North County.

  5 months ago

• Atascadero name spikes after wedding

  Atascadero’s best and worst kept secret saw the town’s name popping up in international tabloids and spiking in Google search alerts Wednesday, Aug. 29 as news broke that singer-songwriter Neil Young and actress Daryl Hannah held a “secret wedding” involving a reception in the City the weekend before.

  5 months ago

• SB 10: Reaction to bail reform

  California Gov. Jerry Brown signed on Tuesday, Aug. 28, sweeping legislation, in the works for several years, to eliminate cash bail in the state. Set to take effect in a little over a year, October 2019, Senate Bill 10, which passed with a California Senate vote of 26-12 on Aug. 21 bred unusual bedfellows in opposition.

  5 months ago

• Templeton Library Association hosting book giveaway Sept. 1, 2 and 8

  The public is invited to attend a book giveaway on Saturday, Sept. 1, Sunday, Sept. 2 and Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Book Room Annex located at 65 S. Main St., Ste. 102 (kitty-corner from Templeton Donuts).

  5 months ago

• CalVet Tuition Fee waived for eligible veteran dependents

  SACRAMENTO — California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) offers a College Fee Waiver Program for eligible veteran dependents. The CalVet College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus.

  6 months ago

• Local programs and agencies are looking for help

  COUNTY — Put your life experience to work with Senior Volunteer Services and Central Coast Community Volunteers. Join many seniors, age 50 and over, who are taking the time to help improve the lives of others. SVS and CCCV can match your talents and interests with community needs. Call SVS at 805-544-8740 for information on any of the following opportunities.

  6 months ago

• FDA issues voluntary recalls of Ritz, Goldfish and other products

  WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working with Mondelēz International, Inc., Pepperidge Farm Inc. and Flowers Foods, Inc. and have initiated voluntarily recalls of certain products due to a potential risk that one of the ingredients may have been contaminated with Salmonella. Recalled foods include a variety of Mondelēz’s Ritz cheese sandwiches and Ritz Bits cheese products, certain Pepperidge Farm’s Goldfish, and Flowers Foods’ Swiss Rolls sold under various brand names. Additional information about each specific recall is available on the FDA website at fda.gov/safety/recalls/. The FDA recommends people discard or return any recalled product to the store where it was purchased.

  6 months ago

• Missed the voter registration deadline? It’s not too late.

  ATASCADERO — In prior elections,voters who missed the 15-day close of registration deadline were not qualified to vote in an upcoming election. Today, new legislation allows voters who missed the May 21 deadline to complete a Conditional Voter Registration (or Same Day Registration) process and cast their ballots at the County Elections Office up to and including Election Day. All votes will be e counted after the elections official verifies the voter’s registration and confirms the voter has not yet voted elsewhere in the current election.

  8 months ago

• Weed deadline approaching

  ATASCADERO — Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind residents that clearing weeds by June 1 is mandatory. If weeds are not cleared by June 1, a City contractor will be authorized to clear the hazardous weeds and/or refuse on un-cleared parcels. If the City contractor clears the weeds, the individual property owner will be billed at 150% of the total Contractor’s cost. Those charges will then be assessed on the individual’s property tax bill.

  8 months ago

• Senior volunteer opportunities to help the community

  NORTH COUNTY — Put your life experience to work with Senior Volunteer Service (SVS). Join with many other seniors, age 50+ and over, who are taking time to help improve the lives of others. SVS can match your talents and interests with community needs. Call SVS at (805) 544-8740 for information on any of the following opportunities.

  8 months ago

• AUSD honored as bicycle friendly

  ATASCADERO — The League of American Bicyclists recognized Atascadero Unified School District with a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Business award, joining over 1,000 visionary businesses across the country that have received the award this May. With the announcement of 114 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses today, Atascadero Unified School District joins a cutting-edge group of 1,200 current Bicycle Friendly Businesses, made up of local businesses, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies in all 50 states and Washington, DC, that are transforming the American workplace.

  8 months ago

• Hwy 101 San Miguel project continues with traffic switch

  SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — A project to improve six miles of US Highway 101 from San Miguel to Camp Roberts will continue on Wednesday, May 30 with a traffic switch to allow for the reconstruction of southbound US Highway 101 from 10th Street to the intersection with San Marcos Road. Temporary striping will begin at 6:30 a.m. with the full traffic switch expected in the afternoon.

  8 months ago

• Mustang driver collides with semi

  PASO ROBLES — The driver of a 2007 Ford Mustang died in a fatal collision with a semi truck Monday, April 30 on State Route 41 north of an olive farm near Cholame. The driver has not yet been identified pending notification of next of kin.

  9 months ago

• New Behavioral Health unit set for jail

  SAN LUIS OBISPO — Sheriff Parkinson and the Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation (SAF) announced on April 25, that plans are moving forward for a new Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) at the San Luis Obispo County Jail. The BHU will provide behavioral therapy services and housing for inmates suffering from mental illness. Sheriff Parkinson met with the SAF to discuss the idea of private funding for the BHU. Parkinson has stated numerous times that this is an issue that affects the community as a whole, so it is natural to make this a community-funded facility. The SAF is in support of the project and has identified it as one of their major projects.

  9 months ago

• Board of Supervisors adopts road paving priority list for new SB 1

  SAN LUIS OBISPO — Earlier in April the Board of Supervisors took action approving the list of Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-19 road paving projects for submittal to the California Transportation Commission required by the Road Repair and Accountability Act, Senate Bill 1 (SB1). The road segments have been selected from the five-year asphalt overlay list of the Pavement Management Program available at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

  9 months ago

• Police conduct saturation patrols for Cinco de Mayo

  NORTH COUNTY — In the United States, the Cinco de Mayo holiday is often associated with parties and alcohol. If you’re celebrating with friends and family this weekend, remember that at the end of the night, you need to have a safe and sober ride home. Police, Sheriff and the CHP will be out in force looking for the telltale sign of impaired driving this weekend. In the rush to prepare for a night out, it’s easy to forget the most important Cinco de Mayo plan of all: designating a sober driver. Some may think they can play it by ear and wait until after the party has started to decide whether they’re “okay to drive.” By this point, it’s too late. Going out for a night of drinking without a plan for getting home safely is a recipe for disaster.

  9 months ago

• Community Unity launches in North County

  ATASCADERO — This week, the Atascadero News and Paso Robles Press, along with several area businesses, will launch an exciting new campaign designed to highlight the goods and services offered locally in north San Luis Obispo County. The year-long ‘Community Unity’ campaign will kick off with a special four-page insert in today’s paper and participating businesses will have a variety of posters, window clings, mats, pens and other fun items to show that they are participating in the campaign. The theme is “Shop, Play, Stay” and the purpose of the project is to encourage residents to support local businesses.

  9 months ago

• Caltrans improves Hwy 101 ramp at Las Tablas Rd

  SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Caltrans will begin a project tonight to install Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps at the southbound on-ramp to US Highway 101 at Las Tablas Road in Templeton.

  9 months ago

• No criminal charges filed against Ferree

  ATASCADERO — After review of a case involving allegations of battery, involving Atascadero High School teacher Christopher Ferree, the District Attorney’s office has determined there is insufficient evidence to file criminal charges. The investigation of Mr. Ferree was initiated by the Atascadero Police Department in November of 2017, and involved Mr. Ferree’s actions while addressing a student who was disrupting class activities. The general concern was that Mr. Ferree’s physical response to the student’s conduct was excessive.

  10 months ago

• Assemblyman Cunningham praises Uber’s new App feature

  SACRAMENTO — Wednesday, Uber announced a new security feature that will allow users to contact 911 via the Uber app. Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham praised the move as a step forward since a recent incident in San Luis Obispo when an Uber driver was charged for burglarizing and sexually assaulting four young victims.

  10 months ago

• Local businesses welcome veteran to town with a car

  ATASCADERO — A Vietnam-era Air Force veteran who recently moved to Atascadero to be with family will be given a warm community welcome along with a set of keys to a practically brand-new car as a thank you for his service to our country. The car donation is from Caliber Collision and Allstate in partnership with the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program which repairs and donates cars to help individuals and families rebuilding their lives.

  10 months ago

• APCD seeks input for grants

  SAN LUIS OBISPO — The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District is hosting a series of workshops to gain local community input on air protection grant funding opportunities in their areas.

  10 months ago

• County expands code enforcement service hours

  SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, Code Enforcement will begin weekend and holiday on-call service to the unincorporated areas of the county. Beginning on Friday May 4, residents can call (805) 788-2350 and speak directly with the on-call County Code Enforcement Officer.

  10 months ago

• Numerous Highway 101 improvements coming in April

  SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — A project to improve eight miles in both directions of US Highway 101 from San Miguel to Camp Roberts in Monterey County will continue on Wednesday, April 11 with pothole repair in the following locations: Motorists traveling southbound on US Highway 101 will be realigned onto a different section of the highway near the San Marcos Road intersection on Wednesday, April 11 and Thursday, April 12 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Motorists traveling northbound on US Highway 101 will be realigned onto a different section of the highway near the San Marcos Road intersection on Thursday, April 12 from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Motorists can expect delays in this area from 15 to 30 minutes. Motorists should allow extra time while traveling in this area.

  10 months ago

• State commission approves funding to Modernize Hwy. 46 at the Cholame ‘Y’

  CHOLAME — Recently the California Transportation Commission approved nearly $134 million in project funds to construct an overpass at the Cholame “Y” intersection on Highway 41/46. The deadly section of highway has been known locally as “blood alley” for years. Recently, a four-car collision involving 11 people left two dead and four with major injuries. “This section of highway is critical to our economy, but currently has a fatality rate that is three-times the state average,” said assemblyman Jordan Cunningham. “These investments will save lives.”

  10 months ago

• USDA prioritizes investments to address opioid crisis in rural America

  DAVIS — USDA Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann highlighted key efforts by the department to address opioid misuse in rural communities on April 4. “Opioid misuse has led to a dramatic decrease in quality of life, especially in rural areas where access to resources may be more limited,” said Vann. “We are working hard to bring all of our assets to the table in partnership with local efforts to help combat this epidemic where it is needed most.”

  10 months ago

• PHP toy and book exchange

  ATASCADERO— Parent’s Helping Parents (PHP) is holding a Toy and Book Exchange from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m at the Atascadero office. The toy and book exchange is a great chance to trade out some of the gently used play things your child no longer uses and bring home something new-to-you. Who might come to this Get Connected Toy Exchange for Parents Helping Parents? A parent or caregiver of a child with speech delay, sensory issues, learning challenges, developmental delay, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and other disabilities. Caregivers who wish to connect with others who understand the extra challenges, may call (805) 543-3277 for more information.

  10 months ago

• County Libraries to hold food drive and forgive fines

  SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — County Public Libraries are once again celebrating National Library Week by helping to end hunger in our community. Food for Fines Week takes place April 9 to 14 at all county library branches, in partnership with the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County.

  10 months ago

• Temporary road closure

  ATASCADERO — Viejo Camino between Santa Barbara Road and Halcon Road will be closed temporarily for construction improvements beginning April 2, 2018. The road closure is tentatively scheduled to reopen before April 23, 2018 (dependent on weather delays).

  10 months ago

• City of Atascadero notifies public of road maintenance information

  ATASCADERO — Due to the recent heavy rainfall which has resulted in a number of potholes to occur throughout town, the City of Atascadero would like to share some important and timely information regarding the City’s roads. Atascadero residents are strongly encouraged to report potholes located in City maintained roadways, either by calling the Public Works Department at 805-470-3148, or by visiting the City’s website at www.atascadero.org and navigating to “I Want To”, “Report”, and then specifying the location of the pothole. During dry weather, potholes are typically repaired within a week or two of reporting the pothole to the City. Other unsafe street conditions such as street light issues and dead animals may also be reported to the City in a similar manner.

  10 months ago

• ‘Music of the Wild West’ set for May 6

  Atascadero — Enjoy familiar American Folk songs and “Music of the Wild West” at the Atascadero Community Band concert on Sunday, May 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. Concert will take place at the Atascadero Bible Church, 6225 Atascadero Ave.

  10 months ago

• Poetry and quilting exhibit in April

  Atascadero — American Traditions: Poetry and Quilting exhibit starts on April 2 at the Atascadero Library. An open invitation to the public for the reception Thursday, April 5. The reception is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and will introduce the exhibit. Light refreshments served at the reception.

  10 months ago

• Atascadero Library April programing features fun activities for all

  ATASCADERO — The Atascadero Library will be holding the upcoming programs at the library. Preschool Storytimes - scheduled on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Stories and songs will be shared. Toddler Storytime - specifically designed for toddlers every Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. Stories, rhymes, music and finger plays will be shared. Rhyme Time Storytime- In celebration of Poetry Month, toddler time will feature poems and rhymes. Fri., April 13 at 10:30 a.m. Craft Club - Come make a fun project! Tues., April 3 at 3:30 p.m. Registration required. Ages 6 to 12. Zoo To You- Learn fun facts about animals at this Conservation Ambassador Program. Weds., April 4 at 3:30 p.m. All ages.

  10 months ago

• County, State Parks reach air mitigation agreement on dunes

  San Luis Obispo County — The San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District (SLO County APCD) and State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Division (OHV) have reached an agreement on a proposed mitigation approach to reduce particulate emissions at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The proposed mitigation approach will be heard by the SLO County APCD Hearing Board on March 21, 2018, at 9 a.m. at the San Luis Obispo City Council Chambers (990 Palm Street in San Luis Obispo).

  10 months ago

• Hearst Castle announces Spring tours

  San Simeon — Hearst Castle’s evening tours have just begun a new season. Visitors to the Castle will experience the magnificent site illuminated at night. The evening tours feature the Living History Program, which evokes the heyday of this great estate. Docents in elegant attire from the 1930s recreate a sense of the social life of William Randolph Hearst’s guests, as they socialize in the Assembly Room or other areas of the Castle. Other docents portray household staff attending to the needs of Mr. Hearst’s guests.

  10 months ago

• City’s creekside property split into three parcels

  Atascadero — The Atascadero Planning Commission took the first steps Tuesday toward bringing a business back to the creekside property in Colony Square, the former location of Atascadero City Hall, which has been vacant since 2013. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a tentative parcel map that would subdivide the parcel into three separate properties. The City would retain two of the parcels — a 9,000 square-foot area on the west side of the property that serves as the landing for the recently constructed pedestrian bridge over Atascadero Creek and a 6,000 square-foot area at the east side of the property that serves as the Atascadero Transit Center. The third parcel, a 1.82-acre area with an office building will be sold. The land and building are currently owned by the successor agency to the City Redevelopment Agency, which was dissolved by state mandate in 2012.

  11 months ago

• US highway 101 preservation treatment continues next week

  ATASCADERO — A project to place a protective overlay on US Highway 101 from the Traffic Way Undercrossing in Atascadero to the Vineyard Drive Overcrossing in Templeton will continue through next week. This project which is designed to extend the life of the pavement was suspended earlier this winter due to colder temperatures which made resurfacing the highway unsuitable.

  1 year ago

• California Valley deaths ruled murder/sucide

  CALIFORNIA VALLEY —The Coroner’s Unit of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office released the cause and manner of death of the father and son who were found deceased in their home in California Valley on Jan. 29.

  1 year ago