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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.
AtascaderoSan Miguel CSD vote means no fireworks this Fourth of July
If you were planning on lighting up the sky in San Miguel this Fourth of July, you might want to sit down. The San Miguel Community Services District board voted down a resolution that would have allowed the sale and use of 'safe and sane' fireworks this year, meaning no personal sparklers, fountains, or smoke bombs within CSD boundaries. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), the decision came during the board's May 28 meeting, and it's a shift from previous years when residents could enjoy these limited fireworks under strict dates. For those of us in the 805, this is more than a backyard bummer—it's a safety and fire-prevention move that reflects our region's dry summer conditions. While some folks are disappointed about missing out on a tradition, others see it as a smart way to keep our rural communities safe. If you're still craving that patriotic pop, consider heading to a professional show in Paso Robles or Atascadero. And hey, maybe stock up on glow sticks and sparklers (the non-fire kind) for the kids.
AtascaderoCandidates prepare to become Pismo Beach’s first new mayor in 10 years
Pismo Beach will soon have a new mayor for the first time in a decade, as longtime Mayor Ed Waage steps down after five terms. Two candidates have stepped forward: current City Councilmember Scott Newton and local attorney Cynthia Replogle, who announced her run in late May. The race is shaping up to be a competitive one, giving voters a real choice in shaping the city's future. This is more than just a leadership change—it's a chance for Pismo Beach residents to decide the direction of their coastal community on issues like development, tourism, and local infrastructure. For neighbors in Atascadero, it's a reminder that local elections matter, and that change can bring fresh energy. As reported by New Times SLO (Atascadero), the outcome will be closely watched across the Central Coast.
AtascaderoCorrection
Hey Atascadero, we've got a quick correction to pass along from our friends at New Times SLO. In last week's election coverage, a fundraising number for the 2nd District supervisor race was reported incorrectly. Michael Erin Woody actually raised $56,106—not the higher amount previously stated. New Times has since set the record straight. It's a small but important fix, especially in a tight local race where every dollar and every fact matters. With the outcome still too close to call, accurate reporting helps us all stay informed as voters. Props to New Times for owning the mistake—transparency like this keeps our community trust strong.
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