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AtascaderoAutumn Arts Annual 2026
Summer's still lingering here in Atascadero, but the calendar says fall, and New Times SLO (Atascadero) has rolled out its Autumn Arts Annual 2026 to prove it. If you've been waiting for an excuse to get out of the house and into something creative, this is your sign — exhibitions, performances, and all the seasonal happenings landing across the Central Coast. There's something special about autumn around here. The crowds thin out, the light turns golden over the North County, and our local galleries and venues finally get room to breathe. Whether you're a longtime Atascadero arts supporter or just curious about what's happening down the road, this roundup is worth a look. So grab a jacket — eventually — and go support the makers and organizers who keep our corner of the 805 interesting. Full details are over at New Times SLO.
AtascaderoAtascadero council race draws four candidates for two seats
Atascadero folks, we've got a real race on our hands this November. Four candidates — incumbent Susan Funk, Emily Baranek, Mike Avila, and self-described outsider Ian Denchasy — are competing for two seats on the City Council, with Councilmember Heather Newsom stepping away. That's a big shift for a council that's been fairly steady in recent years. Housing and jobs are the headline issues, which won't surprise anyone who's watched rents climb and young families struggle to stay in North County. These are the decisions that shape what gets built, what gets approved, and what our town looks like a decade from now. Meanwhile, Mayor Charles Bourbeau runs unopposed for another two-year term. New Times SLO has the full candidate rundown, so do your homework before ballots arrive. Local elections are where your vote counts the most — this one's worth showing up for.
AtascaderoSLO City Council refines confidentiality policy for elected officials
Our neighbors in SLO just tightened up the rules on keeping city business confidential, and it's worth a nod from those of us up here in Atascadero. The City Council unanimously adopted a resolution at its Sept. 15 meeting revising its policies and procedures manual, adding two specific guidelines on handling confidential information. This comes after Mayor Erica Stewart shared a confidential SLO County grand jury report—a reminder that even well-meaning officials can slip up. Why does it matter to us? Because transparency and trust in local government aren't just SLO issues. Every city on the Central Coast, including ours, benefits when elected leaders set clear expectations. It's a quiet but meaningful step toward accountability. New Times SLO (Atascadero) reported the story, and it's a good conversation starter for our own council. Small procedural changes can prevent big headaches down the road.
AtascaderoPort San Luis Harbor Patrol moves to unarmed safety model
Big change down at Port San Luis this month — after nearly 20 years, the Harbor Patrol is trading in its firearms and giving up its status as California peace officers. Instead, they'll move to an unarmed safety model, still responding to emergencies and enforcing harbor and boating rules, just without the badge-and-gun setup we've grown used to. For those of us up here in Atascadero, it's worth a moment's thought. Avila and Port San Luis are our backyard coastline — where we launch kayaks, crab off the pier, and teach the kids to tidepool. How that waterfront is kept safe and who shows up when something goes wrong is a real quality-of-life question, even from twenty minutes inland. New Times SLO (Atascadero) has the full story. Whatever side you land on, it's a notable shift in how our corner of the 805 looks after visitors and locals alike. Worth a read before your next trip to the coast.
AtascaderoGrover Beach will discuss easing poultry ban in October
Grover Beach is taking another look at its poultry ban, and honestly, it's about time. The City Council meets Oct. 26 to talk about loosening the rules so folks can keep chickens, ducks, and even turkeys on residential and commercial properties again. Until then, anyone already tending a backyard flock can relax — no knock on the coop door just yet. We know the 805 loves its backyard hens. Fresh eggs, quieter mornings, and a little slice of farm life are part of the Central Coast charm, and plenty of Atascadero-area folks already keep birds of their own. So watching our neighbors to the south reconsider this rule feels like a good sign for anyone who's ever wanted a coop out back. New Times SLO (Atascadero) first reported the upcoming discussion, and we'll be keeping an eye on how the Oct. 26 meeting shakes out. If you've been dreaming of chickens, Grover Beach might just be the place to watch.
AtascaderoArroyo Grande and Atascadero support Paso Robles’ ambulance service proposal
Big news for our neck of the woods: Atascadero and Arroyo Grande are throwing their support behind Paso Robles' plan to shake up ambulance service in SLO County. The proposal — a public-private partnership model — would offer an alternative to San Luis Ambulance, and it's already got backing from all the city managers and the county Fire Chiefs Association. That's a lot of local leaders lining up behind one idea. Why should you care? Emergency response times and who shows up when you call 911 are about as local as it gets. When North County cities team up on something like this, it's worth paying attention — especially with Atascadero's name on the list. The plan is headed to the county next, so expect more conversation before anything changes. New Times SLO (Atascadero) has the details, and we'll keep following it as it moves forward.
AtascaderoNew candidates join Paso Robles mayor, City Council races
Paso Robles voters just got a fuller ballot for November, and that's worth paying attention to — even from over here in Atascadero. Two newcomers, Faith Frankel and Chris Rogalla, have joined William Britton in the race to succeed Mayor John Hamon, and a returning candidate is taking on the incumbent in the 1st District. New Times SLO (Atascadero) has the details, and it's a good reminder that our North County neighbors' choices ripple across the region. Why does it matter to us? Paso and Atascadero share roads, water worries, wineries, and a workforce. Who sits in those seats shapes growth, housing, and downtown vitality — the same conversations we're having here. So keep an eye on the fall forums. Local government is where the small decisions that add up to daily life get made. If you've got Paso friends, nudge them to vote.
AtascaderoWitnesses say Gaea Powell didn’t rent in AG, changed address before mayoral election
Neighbors, you may have seen the headlines about Gaea Powell's election case, and this week the courtroom finally started hearing from witnesses. According to New Times SLO (Atascadero), testimony began Sept. 8 and could run about two weeks, with Powell's former employer, a digital forensic expert who pulled data from her phones, and a San Luis Obispo County official all taking the stand. The heart of it: witnesses say Powell didn't actually rent in Arroyo Grande and changed her address before the mayoral election. That's a big deal anywhere, but especially here, where we know our neighbors and expect candidates to be straight with us. Election rules aren't red tape — they're how we trust that every vote counts equally. We're not judging the outcome; that's for the jury. But it's worth following, because how this plays out says something about accountability on the Central Coast. We'll keep watching alongside you.
AtascaderoPlaskett Fire grows as crews make progress on Timber Fire
If you’ve driven Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast this summer, you know how fragile that stretch of road feels—and how quickly the landscape can change. The Plaskett Fire, which sparked in southern Monterey County late last month, is still proving tough to contain, while crews farther north are finally getting a handle on the Timber Fire. Together, these blazes have scorched more than 50,000 acres, closed Highway 1, and forced evacuations that ripple all the way down to our Atascadero community, where so many of us have friends, family, or favorite camping spots along that coast. It’s a reminder that fire season here isn’t just a Central Coast headline—it’s a shared reality. As the New Times SLO report from Atascadero notes, progress on the Timber Fire offers some hope, but the Plaskett Fire’s stubborn behavior keeps crews on edge. For now, the best we can do is stay informed, support evacuation efforts, and keep those working the lines in our thoughts. If you’re planning any trips north, check road conditions before you go—and let’s hope for cooler weather and calm winds soon.
AtascaderoPismo Beach will rename South Palisades Park to Mary Ann Reiss Park, leaves residents concerned
If you've spent any time at Pismo Beach's South Palisades Park—the one locals still call Beachcomber Park—you know it's a special slice of the Central Coast. That's why the City Council's 4-0 vote to rename it Mary Ann Reiss Park has some folks scratching their heads. It's a sweet tribute to Reiss, the city's first elected mayor who served 30 years, and she deserves the honor. But for many of us, the old name carries memories of sunset picnics and ocean views that feel like home. The worry isn't about Reiss herself—it's about losing a piece of local identity. We've seen this before in the 805, where a name change can stir up more than a little nostalgia. New Times SLO (Atascadero) reports the decision was made at the Sept. 1 meeting, and it's got people talking from Pismo to Atascadero. Change is tough, especially when it touches a place we love. Here's hoping the city finds a way to honor both the park's history and its new namesake.
AtascaderoCayucos residents block proposed water rate increase
Cayucos neighbors made it clear: water rates aren't just a line item—they're a matter of community trust. When the county proposed raising rates for South Cayucos customers, residents didn't just grumble. They organized, gathered 525 valid protests (well over the 441 needed), and sent a strong message to the Board of Supervisors, who unanimously backed down on Sept. 1. This win echoes across the Central Coast, where water is both precious and personal. For Atascadero folks watching their own utility bills, it's a reminder that local voices can still shape county decisions. New Times SLO (Atascadero) reported the story, and it's one that should make us all think: when was the last time we showed up for a public meeting or signed a protest? Cayucos just proved it matters.
AtascaderoGrover Beach wants applications for vacant City Council seat
Grover Beach is once again looking to fill a City Council seat, this time for the 3rd District after Kathy McCorry-Driscoll stepped down on Aug. 14. She moved away from the city, and now the council is asking residents to step up and apply. If you've ever thought about getting involved in local government, this is your chance to make a real difference in how your community is run. This isn't new territory for Grover Beach—they've seen their share of appointments and resignations over the years. For those of us in the 805 area, it's a reminder of how important local seats are, even in smaller cities. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), the deadline to apply is coming up, so if you live in the 3rd District and care about housing, public safety, or the local economy, consider throwing your hat in the ring. It's a hands-on way to serve your neighbors.
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