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AtascaderoTransport to Tokyo in a new Atascadero ramen spot
Atascadero just got a little more interesting — and a lot more delicious. Momotaro Ramen and Izakaya, a new spot on El Camino Real, is trading the usual bright white lights for neon signs and moody lanterns that feel like a late-night Tokyo alley. Co-owner and chef Mateo Rogers told New Times SLO (Atascadero) the vibe is darker, moodier, and honestly, a lot more fun. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a bowl of ramen and feel like you’ve escaped the Central Coast for a bit. For a town that’s seen a steady stream of new eateries, Momotaro stands out by leaning into atmosphere as much as flavor. Rogers is betting that locals are ready for a ramen spot that feels like a destination, not just a quick bite. If the buzz around town is any indication, Atascadero’s food scene just leveled up.
AtascaderoThe stage adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters comes to the PAC in SLO Aug. 2
Get ready for a devilishly clever evening in San Luis Obispo. On August 2, the Performing Arts Center will host the stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic, *The Screwtape Letters*. This isn't your typical theater outing—it's a sharp, witty exploration of human nature told through the correspondence of a senior demon mentoring his bumbling nephew on how to tempt a soul away from goodness. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), this production brings Lewis' beloved satirical novel to life with a mix of humor and profound insight. For Central Coast residents looking for a thought-provoking night out that's both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, this is a rare local stop for a nationally touring show. Whether you're a longtime fan of the book or new to Lewis' work, it promises a unique perspective on faith and temptation that will stick with you long after the curtain falls.
AtascaderoHomeboy Art Academy artist Art Carrillo comes to Los Osos
A familiar face from the Homeboy Art Academy is bringing his story and his art to Los Osos this week. Artist Art Carrillo, whose work has been featured in galleries from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo, will be the guest of honor at a special event hosted by the Estero Bay Kindness Coalition. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), the coalition—founded by Bobby deLancellotti in 2017—has grown from helping 10 families with supermarket gift cards to running three programs and two food pantries with over 130 volunteers. Carrillo’s visit is a chance for our community to connect with an artist whose journey reflects resilience and transformation. The event not only highlights his work but also underscores the Kindness Coalition’s quiet, powerful mission: making sure no one in Morro Bay or Los Osos goes hungry. It’s a reminder that art and compassion often walk hand in hand along the Central Coast.
AtascaderoLumin Earth Apothecary opens San Luis Obispo County’s first kava bar
Atascadero just got a little more interesting — and a little less boozy. Lumin Earth Apothecary, the holistic wellness shop and tea bar on El Camino Real, has opened what's being called San Luis Obispo County’s first traditional kava bar. Owner Sierra Mace, a trained herbalist, started mixing kava drinks on May 8, offering locals a social spot without the alcohol. Think craft cocktails, but plant-based and calming. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), the kava bar is a natural extension of the apothecary Mace runs with her mother, Summer. On a Friday night, you'll find Sierra behind the bar, chatting with patrons just like any other bartender — only the drinks are made from the root of the kava plant, known for its relaxing, anxiety-easing effects. For Atascadero, this fills a niche: a place to unwind that's not a typical bar. It’s a sign of how our local scene is evolving, blending wellness with community connection.
AtascaderoRelive MTV’s hard rock glory days with Rock Lord at the Pour House Aug. 1
Get ready to crank up the volume and tease your hair, Atascadero. A new band is hitting the Pour House stage on August 1st, and they’re bringing the neon-soaked, guitar-shredding energy of MTV’s hard rock heyday. Rock Lord is here to make sure you don’t just hear the hits—you live them. If you grew up watching videos from bands like Mötley Crüe or Ratt, this is your chance to relive that era right here in North County. I’ll admit, I was more of a new wave kid back in the ’80s, but over the years I’ve come to appreciate the pure spectacle of spandex and big hair. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), this new project is tailor-made for fans who want to headbang and sing along to the anthems that defined a generation. So grab your friends, maybe dig out that old band tee from the back of your closet, and head to the Pour House for a night of pure, unapologetic rock ’n’ roll nostalgia.
AtascaderoSLO County reports low case count for diarrhea parasite, suggests precautions
Good news for the Central Coast: while a nasty diarrheal parasite is making headlines nationwide, SLO County is reporting a low case count and no local outbreaks. According to New Times SLO (Atascadero), the California Department of Public Health has confirmed that no California cases are linked to the outbreaks affecting 34 other states. That’s a relief for our community, but health officials still recommend precautions like washing hands thoroughly and avoiding untreated water. For Atascadero residents, this means we can enjoy our summer hikes and local swimming holes with a bit more peace of mind—but staying vigilant is key. The parasite, often spread through contaminated water or food, can cause severe stomach issues. So keep that hand sanitizer handy and rinse those veggies well. It’s a small step to keep our community healthy and happy.
AtascaderoFiscalini Ranch Preserve gets updated plan for future stewardship
If you’ve ever walked the bluffs at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, you know it’s more than just a trail—it’s Cambria’s living room, a place where the ocean meets the pines and the community comes together. That’s why news from New Times SLO (Atascadero) about an updated stewardship plan matters to all of us on the Central Coast. After months of conversations about maintenance responsibilities and how to stretch limited resources, the 437-acre preserve now has a clearer path forward. This isn’t just a Cambria story—it’s a reminder that our shared wild spaces need care, not just appreciation. Whether you hike there weekly or just visit on weekends, knowing there’s a solid plan for the future means those sweeping ocean views and protected habitats will be there for the next generation. It’s a win for everyone who loves the 805 coastline.
AtascaderoCounty and nonprofit apply for more money for health campus on old Sunny Acres land
San Luis Obispo County and the nonprofit Restorative Partners are going back to the well for more state funding to transform the old Sunny Acres property in Atascadero into a health campus, this time with a promise to set aside housing for veterans. After initially applying for $7 million through the Homekey+ grant program last year, the pair have upped their request, hoping to secure a larger slice of California's $2 billion homelessness fund. The property, long tied to the county's history, could become a vital resource for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), the renewed push signals a commitment to addressing both homelessness and veteran support in North County. For Atascadero residents, this isn't just another grant application—it's a chance to see a long-vacant site repurposed into something that directly serves the community. If approved, the campus could ease local housing pressures while honoring those who served. It's a story worth watching as the county and its partners work to turn this vision into reality.
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.
AtascaderoWinning Images 2026: The best entries in our annual photography contest
The 2026 Winning Images contest from New Times SLO (Atascadero) is back, and local photographers are ready to show us the Central Coast through their lenses. From the misty mornings along Highway 1 to the quirky backyard critters that make Atascadero feel like home, this annual tradition captures what makes our slice of California special. Whether you're a seasoned shutterbug or just love seeing familiar places in a new light, the contest is a reminder to slow down and notice the beauty around us. Entries are open across categories like Animals, Landscape/Seascape, In Motion, and People—so there's room for everyone's unique perspective. Winning Images isn't just a competition; it's a community scrapbook that grows richer every year. Grab your camera and share your best shot before the deadline—you might just see your work featured in New Times SLO and become part of our region's visual story.
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