Shandon man running unlicensed daycare arrested for molesting kids
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a 67-year-old Shandon man on allegations of sexually abusing children, an investigation that has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit North County community. Javier RiveraMojica was taken into custody on Wednesday after detectives determined he allegedly gained access to numerous victims through an illicit, unlicensed daycare operating out of his home.
According to CalCoastNews, RiveraMojica and his wife were operating the underground daycare from their residence located in the 100 block of South Fourth Street in Shandon. The investigation came to a head mid-week when the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division served a warrant at the property, resulting in RiveraMojica’s arrest without incident.
He was subsequently booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on a no-bail arrest warrant. He faces multiple counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14.
An Illicit Operation in the Heart of North County
The allegations against RiveraMojica underscore a chilling reality for parents across the 805 region: the alleged abuse was facilitated by an unlicensed childcare operation. Child care licensing in California is strictly regulated by the Department of Social Services to ensure that facilities meet critical health, safety, and background-check requirements. Operators who bypass this system often do so in plain sight, relying on word-of-mouth referrals within local communities.
Shandon, a small, rural agricultural town located just east of Paso Robles, relies heavily on community networks. In communities where licensed childcare options are often limited or highly impacted, unlicensed home daycares frequently emerge to fill the gap. While many neighborhood babysitting arrangements are legal and operate below the threshold requiring a formal state license, operating a full-time daycare without proper state certification carries severe legal risks and circumvents the vital safety nets designed to protect the region's most vulnerable residents.
The Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Information
Law enforcement officials stress that the investigation into RiveraMojica’s alleged crimes remains highly active. Because the accused had access to multiple children through his home-based business, investigators are actively working to determine the full scope of the abuse. They are deeply concerned that there may be additional victims or witnesses who have yet to come forward.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the case to step forward. Detectives are specifically asking for anyone who believes they or someone they know may have had contact with RiveraMojica under similar circumstances to reach out. Tips and information can be directed to the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500.
Resources and Support for Victims
In the wake of the arrest, the focus remains on the well-being of the affected children. Sheriff’s officials have confirmed that the victims identified in this case have been offered advocacy and comprehensive support services. The department emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting the safety and emotional well-being of the victims throughout what will likely be a complex and lengthy judicial process.
For residents across San Luis Obispo County, the incident serves as a critical reminder to rigorously vet childcare providers. Verifying a facility's state license—easily done through the California Department of Social Services' online registry—is an essential step for parents. The Sheriff's Office did not immediately release details regarding the duration of the illicit daycare's operation or the specific number of children who may have passed through the South Fourth Street home.
As the legal proceedings against RiveraMojica commence, local authorities and child advocacy groups will continue their outreach, ensuring that those impacted by the tragedy in Shandon receive the necessary support while searching for answers to ensure no other victims remain in the shadows.
Reported by 805.life
Researched and written drawing on primary sources. Additional reporting: CalCoastNews.
City
San Luis ObispoAdditional Reporting
CalCoastNewsPublished
August 6, 2026
Reported and written by 805.life
Explore San Luis ObispoAll San Luis Obispo NewsMore News from San Luis Obispo
San Luis ObispoSLO County pulls proposed sales tax for roads off the ballot
Well, that was quick. On Wednesday, the SLO County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to pull the proposed half-cent sales tax for transportation off the November ballot. The measure, which would have funded road repairs and other transit projects, was being pushed by the SLO Council of Governments (SLOCOG) at a cost of $588,000 just to get it on the ballot. Now, that money won't be spent, and the county will have to look elsewhere for road funding. For those of us who drive the 101 or navigate pothole-laden back roads, this feels like a letdown. But the supervisors' decision wasn't necessarily a rejection of the idea—it was more about timing and process. With so many other local issues on the ballot, adding a tax measure might have been a tough sell. Still, it leaves a gap: our roads aren't getting better on their own. CalCoastNews reported the unanimous vote, and it's clear the board wants to revisit the issue later, maybe with a more focused plan. For now, we'll keep dodging those cracks and hoping for a smoother ride down the line.
San Luis ObispoOfficers catch poachers hunting in San Luis Obispo County
If you've noticed flashlights sweeping across fields late at night or heard gunshots after dark, you're not alone. That's exactly what tipped off California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, who teamed up with Cal Fire and the Sheriff's Office to catch a trio of poachers in the act right here in San Luis Obispo County. It's a reminder that our open spaces are shared—and protected—for a reason. Poaching isn't just illegal; it threatens the wildlife we're lucky to have in our backyard, from deer to quail and everything in between. CDFW relies on tips from locals, so if you see something suspicious, say something. Thanks to the quick coordination between agencies, these suspects are facing consequences. For the full details, check out the original report from CalCoastNews. It's good to know our officers are watching out for the land and critters that make the 805 so special.
San Luis ObispoIs SLO County pulling proposed sales tax for roads?
It looks like the proposed half-cent sales tax for road repairs may not make it onto your November ballot after all. The SLO County Board of Supervisors is expected to pull Measure H, a transportation funding measure that SLOCOG had been preparing at a cost of nearly $600,000. That's a big chunk of change for a measure that might never see the light of day — and it leaves our pothole-filled roads in limbo. For those of us who commute along Highway 101 or navigate the rural roads of North County, this is more than just a bureaucratic hiccup. The county has long struggled to fund road maintenance, and this tax was seen as a potential lifeline. If supervisors do pull the measure, it raises questions about what comes next — and whether we'll see another attempt in a future election. CalCoastNews reported the story, and it's one worth following closely as the board makes its decision.