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San Luis ObispoGibson spreads misinformation, SLO County denies district attorney funding
SLO County residents, you may have heard about Tuesday's contentious budget hearing where the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 against a funding request from the district attorney's office. CalCoastNews reports that Supervisor Bruce Gibson made several false claims during the debate, leading to what critics call misinformation that swayed the outcome. Supervisors Peschong and Moreno voted in favor, arguing the funding was critical for public safety. This decision directly impacts how our local justice system operates, and with a split board, it's a reminder to stay engaged with county decisions that affect all of us. What's your take on the DA's funding needs? With limited county resources, every budget vote shapes the services we rely on. Let's keep the conversation going, SLO.
Santa BarbaraExhibitor Registration Opens June 15 for Senior Expo of Santa Barbara
Mark your calendars, Santa Barbara — the 35th Annual Senior Expo is heading our way this fall, and exhibitor registration kicks off Monday, June 15. Hosted by Noozhawk, this is the largest active aging fair on the Central Coast, drawing hundreds of older adults and their families for a day of resources, health screenings, and community connections. From local senior services to interactive workshops, it’s a one-stop shop for navigating the golden years with vitality. Whether you're a caregiver, a retiree, or a business serving the 55-plus community, this is your chance to get involved. Exhibitor spots fill up fast, so savvy locals will want to register early. The expo doesn’t just inform — it celebrates the wisdom and energy of our older neighbors, making it a true Santa Barbara tradition. Stay tuned for the fall date and start planning now.
Santa BarbaraPublic Comment Opens For Santa Barbara Ordinance on Rent Limits, Housing Registry
Santa Barbara renters and property owners, mark your calendars. Public comment is now open for a proposed ordinance that would cap rent increases and create a housing registry in the city. This is a big deal for anyone who rents or manages property in our community—these rules could directly impact what you pay or charge each year. Head over to Noozhawk for the full breakdown, but the gist is this: the city wants input before finalizing changes to eviction rules and rent limits. Whether you're a tenant worried about affordability or a landlord concerned about regulations, now's the time to make your voice heard. Let's keep Santa Barbara a place where everyone can live, not just visit.
Santa BarbaraLush Indie-folk Storytelling Meets Energetic Rock
Lord Huron brought their Cosmic Selector Tour to the Santa Barbara Bowl last night, and it was a magical night under the stars. The band’s lush indie-folk storytelling blended seamlessly with energetic rock, creating a set that felt both intimate and expansive. For those of us in the 805, the Bowl is the perfect venue for this kind of cinematic sound — surrounded by oaks and ocean air, it’s a place where music truly comes alive. Local fans packed the house, and the energy was electric from the first note. If you missed it, you can read the full review in the Santa Barbara Independent. Shows like this remind us why we’re lucky to call the Central Coast home — world-class performances right in our backyard.
Westlake VillageJury tags Grossman, Erickson with additional $22.17M in punitive damages
The civil trial stemming from the 2020 tragedy that claimed the lives of two young Westlake Village brothers, Jacob and Zachary Iskander, reached another somber milestone this week. Jurors in Van Nuys Superior Court on June 10 ordered an additional $22.17 million in punitive damages against Rebecca Grossman and Scott Erickson, bringing the total judgment against the defendants to over $47 million. The award, reported by The Acorn (Westlake Village), is meant to punish the conduct that led to the fatal traffic collision that has shaken our community for years. For Westlake Village families, this case has been a painful reminder of the dangers on our local roads and the profound cost of reckless driving. While no amount of money can bring back the Iskander boys, this verdict sends a clear message about accountability. The community continues to rally around the Iskander family, and many hope this legal conclusion brings a measure of closure as our neighborhood heals from this devastating loss.
Paso RoblesPaso Robles hotel promotes new executive chef
Big news for Paso Robles food lovers: The Ava Hotel has promoted Casey McMinn to executive chef, just in time for its August 2025 opening. McMinn, who joined as chef de cuisine, brings a fresh perspective to the hotel’s dining program — and that’s exciting for anyone who’s been watching downtown Paso’s culinary scene evolve. With The Ava set to become a new anchor on the square, McMinn’s promotion signals the hotel is serious about creating a destination restaurant, not just hotel food. Locals will want to keep an eye on this. For more, check Paso Robles Daily News.
Paso RoblesPaso Robles schools provide free meals to students through July
Starting June 9, kids and teens in Paso Robles can grab free breakfast and lunch at several spots around town, thanks to the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District’s summer meals program. It runs through July, making sure no student goes hungry when school’s out. This is a big deal for our community, especially for families feeling the pinch of rising costs. With summer break here, knowing your child can get a nutritious meal at places like the library or local parks takes a weight off parents’ shoulders. The Paso Robles Daily News shared the details, and it’s a reminder of how we look out for each other on the Central Coast.
Paso RoblesLocal vineyard names new vineyard manager, expands leadership team
Big changes are sprouting up at ONX Wines, where a fresh face and a familiar one are taking the reins in the vineyard. Tucker Robertson has stepped in as the new vineyard manager, while Drew Nenow has been promoted to a leadership role, together overseeing the estate vineyards across Paso Robles' renowned wine regions. It's a quiet but meaningful shift for our local wine scene — one that speaks to the care and expertise behind every bottle we enjoy. As Paso Robles continues to cement its reputation as a world-class wine destination, moves like this remind us that it all starts in the soil. The Paso Robles Daily News first shared the news, and it's a great reminder to raise a glass to the folks who make our local industry thrive.
Santa BarbaraHeat Advisory issued June 10 at 5:52AM PDT until June 10 at 7:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
It's going to be a scorcher today, friends. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Heat Advisory for our inland Central Coast communities, including San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, effective until 7:00 PM this evening. According to KEYT News Channel 3-12, temperatures are expected to climb significantly, especially in areas away from the immediate coast. If you're in places like Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, or the inland valleys of SLO County, please take it easy. Stay hydrated, check on elderly neighbors and pets, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the peak afternoon hours. The marine layer might offer some relief near the beaches, but inland spots will feel the full force of this early summer heat wave. Let's look out for each other and stay cool until this advisory lifts.
Santa BarbaraMiss Ventura heads to the Miss California competition in hopes of bringing home the title
Hayley Hunt, Miss Ventura, is heading to Santa Barbara this week for the Miss California competition, marking her final year of eligibility in the Miss America organization. A familiar face in the 805 since her teen years, Hunt was first crowned Miss Ventura in 2015 and has been representing our region with grace ever since. Now in her late 20s, she's bringing years of experience and local pride to the stage. As the competition unfolds right here on the Central Coast, it's a wonderful chance for the community to rally behind one of our own. KEYT News Channel 3-12 reports on her journey, and whether she brings home the title or not, Hunt's dedication to Ventura County and the 805 is something worth celebrating. Let's cheer her on as she takes this final shot at the crown!
San Luis ObispoUpdated San Luis Obispo County election results
The latest tally from the SLO County Clerk-Recorder’s office shows local candidates extending their leads as another 11,600 ballots were counted. This update brings us closer to a final picture of our local races, with the next count expected Wednesday evening and certification by June 15. It’s a reminder that every vote truly matters here on the Central Coast — especially in tight local contests that shape our schools, roads, and community services. For those watching the state-level races, the governor’s primary is also taking shape, with Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton emerging as frontrunners. But as always, our neighbors here in San Luis Obispo County are most focused on the local leaders who will represent our towns. CalCoastNews has been tracking these returns closely, and we’ll keep you posted as the final numbers come in.
Santa BarbaraUC Santa Barbara’s Jackson Flora Earns National Pitcher of the Year Honor, All-West Region Selection
Big news for baseball fans on the Central Coast: UC Santa Barbara’s Jackson Flora has been named National Pitcher of the Year and earned All-West Region honors. The Gaucho ace is now projected to be the top pitcher taken in the upcoming MLB Draft — a rare and exciting milestone for our local college sports scene. Flora’s dominance on the mound this season has put UCSB baseball in the national spotlight, and it’s a proud moment for Santa Barbara. As reported by the Santa Barbara Independent, this recognition reflects not just individual talent but the strength of the program at UCSB. For locals who’ve watched Gaucho baseball at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium, seeing one of our own rise to the top of the draft board is a thrill. Keep an eye on draft day — Jackson Flora could be the next big name to come out of the 805.
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