Morro Bay signs on to SLO County homelessness initiative
New Times SLO (Atascadero)
May 28, 2026
You know how it feels when a neighbor steps up to help with a community project? That’s exactly what happened when Morro Bay officially signed on to the countywide homelessness compact last week. According to *New Times SLO (Atascadero)*, the Morro Bay City Council voted on May 26 to join the San Luis Obispo County Regional Homelessness and Affordable Housing Compact. While this might sound like city hall paperwork, it’s actually a big deal for all of us here in the 805—because when one town commits to working together, it strengthens the whole region’s ability to find real solutions.
Here in Atascadero, we know that homelessness and housing affordability don’t stop at city limits. Whether you’re grabbing coffee on El Camino Real or heading down to the coast, these challenges touch every corner of SLO County. Morro Bay’s decision means more coordinated efforts between local governments, which could lead to better resource-sharing and smarter strategies that ultimately benefit our own community too. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together—from the North County to the shore.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from New Times SLO (Atascadero).
City
AtascaderoPublished
May 28, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore AtascaderoAll Atascadero NewsMore News from Atascadero
AtascaderoEnvironmental group and Northern Chumash Tribal Council sue State Parks for Oceano Dunes habitat conservation plan
A lawsuit filed this week by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council is challenging State Parks' recently approved habitat conservation plan for the Oceano Dunes. The groups argue the plan fails to adequately protect federally threatened Western snowy plovers and California least terns that nest along the shoreline. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), the legal action puts a spotlight on the ongoing tension between recreational access and environmental stewardship at one of the Central Coast's most iconic natural landmarks. For Atascadero readers, this isn't just a coastal issue—it's a regional one. The Oceano Dunes are part of our shared natural heritage, and how they're managed affects everything from local tourism to wildlife conservation efforts that span the entire 805 area. The Northern Chumash Tribal Council's involvement underscores the cultural and ecological significance of the dunes, reminding us that decisions made at the coast ripple inland. Whether you visit the dunes or simply care about preserving our area's biodiversity, this lawsuit is worth watching.
AtascaderoCayucos residents face proposed 35 percent water rate increase
Cayucos neighbors, you may have heard the buzz about a proposed water rate hike that could hit your wallet hard. The county is eyeing a 35 percent increase over five years for customers in County Service Area 10A, and some locals are pushing back, saying we need better financial planning and infrastructure fixes before asking us to pay more. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), this isn't just a number on a bill—it's about keeping our coastal community affordable and our pipes reliable. For those of us who love living here, this feels like a balancing act. We all want safe, clean water, but many worry the burden falls on residents without clear answers on where the money goes. If you're in CSA 10A, keep an eye on upcoming county meetings—your voice matters in shaping what happens next. Let's hope for a solution that keeps Cayucos thriving without breaking the bank.
AtascaderoTwo SLO County activists want expensive Oceano Airport event audited
Two local government watchdogs are calling for a closer look at how taxpayer money was spent on a recent event at the Oceano Airport. April Dury of Oceano and Julie Tacker of Los Osos, both familiar faces in SLO County civic circles, have asked the Board of Supervisors to audit what they describe as an extravagantly funded airport gathering. Their request, covered by New Times SLO (Atascadero), comes through a newly formed group called the SLOcal Activists’ Coalition, which is actively seeking more members. For those of us living along the Central Coast, this matters because it touches on transparency and accountability in local government spending. Whether you’re in Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, or Paso Robles, how public funds are used at county-run facilities affects us all. Dury and Tacker have a track record of digging into county operations, and this latest push could set a precedent for how future events are budgeted and reported.