Stay Informed
Local News
AI-curated coverage of what matters across the Central Coast
Showing news for AtascaderoClear filter
News from Atascadero
AtascaderoPaso Robles school district brings book vending machines to Title I campuses
Paso Robles is about to swap candy bars for chapter books, and honestly, it's the kind of news that makes you smile. The school board just gave the green light to spend up to $105,000 on book vending machines for eight Title I campuses. That means kids who might not have easy access to books at home can now 'buy' a new story with a special token—no quarters needed. It's a small gesture with a huge message: reading matters, and every kid deserves a book of their own. This isn't just about the machines themselves—it's about what they represent. For families in Paso Robles, especially those in Title I schools, this is a bridge to literacy that feels fun and rewarding. The program, which New Times SLO (Atascadero) first reported, is a creative way to tackle book deserts and encourage a love of reading. As a neighbor, it's heartening to see the district invest in something that will pay dividends far beyond the classroom. Here's hoping the machine's first 'sale' gets a standing ovation.
AtascaderoLucia Mar families struggle with after school care waitlist, parent says
If you've got a kid in Lucia Mar, you know the scramble: school lets out, work isn't done, and the after-school program is suddenly the most coveted ticket in town. That's exactly where Oceano resident Anna Cordero finds herself, hoping her second grader gets off the waitlist for the 2026-27 school year. As an online U.S. history teacher, she's got flexibility, but not enough to cover the gap between the final bell and her own workday. It's a tightrope so many families in the 805 walk daily. This isn't just one mom's story — it's a snapshot of a regional challenge. From Atascadero to Arroyo Grande, working parents rely on these programs to make ends meet. When they're full, it's not just an inconvenience; it's a financial and emotional strain. New Times SLO (Atascadero) first reported on this, and it's worth sitting with. We talk about affordable housing and jobs, but if we can't watch our kids after school, none of it works. Let's hope Lucia Mar hears the call for more space — our families are counting on it.
AtascaderoMorro Bay considers skipping November election
Morro Bay might skip its November election this year, and honestly, it’s a move that makes you stop and think. With only three candidates stepping up for three open seats—including Mayor Carla Wixom—the city is considering canceling the vote and just appointing them. That would save about $30,000, which is no small chunk of change for a coastal town. It’s a practical call, but it also raises a bigger question: what does it mean when nobody wants to run? For us here on the Central Coast, this feels familiar. Local races often go uncontested, and while saving money is nice, it also means fewer voices in the room. New Times SLO (Atascadero) reported this story, and it’s worth reading if you care about how our neighbors handle civic life. Whether you’re in Morro Bay or Atascadero, it’s a reminder that our local governments run on people stepping up—and when they don’t, we all lose a little bit of that democratic spark.
AtascaderoSLO County pays into renewed statewide coalition to combat offshore oil drilling
Remember the good old days when the biggest worry off our coast was whether the fog would burn off by noon? Well, our supervisors just made sure it stays that way. At their Aug. 18 meeting, the SLO County Board of Supervisors voted to chip into a renewed statewide coalition—the same one that fought off offshore drilling back in the Reagan era. It's been dormant for over 30 years, but with the feds eyeing our waters again, it's time to rally the troops. For us here in Atascadero, this might feel like a coastal issue, but it's not. Our creeks, our aquifers, and our small-town way of life are all tied to that ocean. A spill wouldn't just ruin Morro Bay's views—it'd ripple through our tourism, our fishing, and our local businesses. So kudos to the board for spending a few bucks to keep the big oil rigs away. It's a small price for peace of mind. Thanks to New Times SLO (Atascadero) for keeping us in the loop.
AtascaderoThree candidates vie for Paso Robles 2nd District seat
Paso Robles voters in the 2nd District have a real choice this November, and it’s about time. For the past four years, Councilmember Chris Bausch has been at the center of a storm at City Hall—one that ended with lawsuits and over $840,000 in settlements and legal costs. That’s a lot of taxpayer money, and it’s weighed on the community. Now, Bausch is asking for another term, but he’s not running unopposed this time. Two challengers are stepping up, and that’s a healthy sign for local democracy. For those of us in the 805, this race is more than just a council seat—it’s about how we want our local government to work. The Central Coast is tight-knit, and when a council race gets this contentious, it echoes beyond Paso Robles. New Times SLO (Atascadero) has been covering the fallout, and it’s worth paying attention to. Whoever wins will have to rebuild trust and focus on the basics: roads, water, housing, and keeping our small-town feel. If you live in the 2nd District, this is your chance to weigh in—don’t sleep on it.
AtascaderoCannabis tax increase relief comes after summer increase
Good news for local farmers: the county is rolling back the cannabis cultivation tax from 8 percent back to 6 percent this fall, just months after the increase took effect. Growers across the North County, including many in and around Atascadero, had told supervisors that the automatic bump was squeezing an industry already dealing with falling prices and tight margins. The Board of Supervisors listened and passed an ordinance on Aug. 4 to ease that burden—a rare bit of relief in what's been a tough season for the greenhouses and fields that dot our hills. This matters beyond the growers themselves. Cannabis is one of the biggest economic engines in SLO County, and when cultivators struggle, it ripples through local jobs, equipment suppliers, and even the tax revenue that funds county services. Atascadero residents might not see the change directly, but keeping local farms viable helps preserve our rural character and the open spaces we love. The New Times SLO (Atascadero) report notes the rollback takes effect this fall, so if you're in the industry, watch for the lower rate on your next filing. For the rest of us, it's a small but meaningful sign that local government can pivot when businesses speak up.
AtascaderoNipomo mobile home park owner asks court to review county’s rent increase rejections
If you’ve been following the tug-of-war over rent hikes at Buena Vista Mobile Home Park in Nipomo, you know it’s been a tense year for residents. The county’s Mobilehome Rent Review Board and the Board of Supervisors have twice said no to the park owner’s proposed increases, but the owner isn’t backing down. On July 31, Buena Vista Mobile Home Park LLC filed a petition with the SLO Superior Court asking a judge to review those rejections — a move that could ripple far beyond Nipomo. For folks across the 805, this isn’t just about one park. With housing costs squeezing everyone, the outcome could set a precedent for how rent disputes are handled in unincorporated county areas. New Times SLO (Atascadero) first reported the filing, and it’s a reminder that mobile home parks are often the last affordable option for retirees and working families. We’ll be watching closely — and we’ll keep you posted on what this means for your rent and your neighbors.
AtascaderoCambria fire engine purchase moves forward with federal funding
Good news for Cambria: the new fire engine is officially on order. After securing nearly $1 million in federal funding last year, the Cambria Community Services District has purchased a replacement for one of its aging rigs — a $1.17 million investment that will keep the community safer for decades to come. U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta even stopped by on Aug. 6 to see the progress firsthand, a nice nod to how federal dollars can make a real difference at the local level. Now, the catch: the new engine could take up to five years to arrive. That's a long wait for a town that relies on its fire department for everything from structure fires to medical calls. In the meantime, the current engine will need to keep rolling — a reminder of how important it is to maintain our emergency equipment. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), this is a story about patience and planning, and it highlights how our rural communities depend on both. Here's hoping the new rig arrives ahead of schedule and the old one holds up until then.
AtascaderoEducation Today 2026
As the first day of school approaches on Aug. 20, families across Atascadero are gearing up for new backpacks, new teachers, and maybe a few nervous butterflies. But this year, there’s a new twist: some students will have to leave their phones in their lockers or turn them in at the start of the day. It’s a big change for kids who’ve grown up with a screen in their pocket, and it’s sparking conversations at dinner tables from Paloma Creek to San Rafael. New Times SLO (Atascadero) reports that the new policy varies by campus, so it’s worth checking with your school’s office for specifics. Whether you’re a parent relieved about fewer distractions or a teen mourning their social feed, this shift is part of a larger conversation about focus and connection in our digital age. Here’s to a smooth start for our students, teachers, and administrators—and maybe a few more face-to-face hellos in the halls.
AtascaderoFraud victims recount their experiences on local Scam Squad podcast
If you've ever gotten a suspicious text about a package delivery or a call from a 'utility company' demanding payment, you're not alone. Santa Barbara County DA's Office Chief Criminal Investigator Kristina Perkins says her Scam Squad podcast has no shortage of material — because these schemes are everywhere, even here on the Central Coast. It's a sobering reminder that fraud doesn't just happen in big cities; it happens in our neighborhoods, to our neighbors. That's why the Scam Squad podcast, featured recently in New Times SLO (Atascadero), is such a valuable local resource. Each episode lets real victims tell their stories, helping the rest of us spot the red flags before we lose money or personal info. Whether it's a fake grandchild in trouble or a phony IRS agent, the scams evolve, but the playbook stays the same. Listening to these firsthand accounts can be the best defense we have — so before you click that link or wire that money, check out what your local investigators are sharing.
AtascaderoStudents facing homelessness in Lucia Mar navigate a system with few beds and massive funding gaps
For too many students in Lucia Mar, 'home' isn't a stable place—it's a hotel room, a crowded couch, or a car seat. The recent Point-in-Time Count showed a 22% drop in overall homelessness countywide, but that headline masks a painful truth for our school communities: the number of students without a fixed address remains stubbornly high. And here in Atascadero, we know the struggle is real when families are doubling up in apartments or moving between motels off El Camino Real. What makes this harder is the gap between need and resources. There are only a handful of shelter beds in all of San Luis Obispo County, and the funding schools receive for homeless students—through the McKinney-Vento Act—covers just a fraction of what's required. Lucia Mar's liaison team does heroic work, but they can't create beds that don't exist. This isn't just a school district problem; it's a community problem. When we see a student in our kid's class struggling with housing, it affects all of us. As New Times SLO (Atascadero) reported, the system is stretched thin. It's worth asking: what can we do locally to bridge that gap?
AtascaderoPaso Robles students are graduating with skills, certifications, and career experience
It's exciting to see Paso Robles students heading into the world with more than just a diploma. Career Technical Education has grown from a niche option into a core part of the high school experience, with 18 pathways now offered at Paso Robles High and two more at Liberty High. That means more than half of students are graduating with real skills, certifications, and hands-on career experience — a huge win for our whole Central Coast community. This isn't just about preparing for college; it's about preparing for life. Whether students are headed to a four-year university, community college, or straight into the workforce, having tangible skills and industry-recognized certifications gives them a head start. As New Times SLO (Atascadero) reported, this shift reflects a broader movement in our region to make education more relevant and connected to local job opportunities. It's a reminder that our schools are evolving to meet the needs of students and employers alike — and that's something worth celebrating.
Have a News Tip?
Know about something happening in your community? We are always looking for local stories that matter to the 805.
Share a Story