Stay Informed
Local News
AI-curated coverage of what matters across the Central Coast
Latest News
Morro BayCounty to Close Morro Bay HHW Facility
If you drove by the Morro Bay Household Hazardous Waste Facility last week, you might have seen a line of cars stretching down the block — a sure sign that folks are serious about safely disposing of old paint, batteries, and chemicals. But according to the Estero Bay News, the Integrated Waste Management Authority is planning to close this essential drop-off site. For many of us in Morro Bay, this facility has been a convenient go-to for keeping hazardous materials out of our landfill and waterways. Losing it means longer drives and tougher choices for local households. This closure is more than an inconvenience — it’s a real hit to our community’s environmental stewardship. The Central Coast prides itself on protecting our coastline and natural spaces, and easy access to proper disposal is part of that. While the IWMA hasn’t announced a final date or replacement plan yet, the news is a reminder to stay involved. Let’s hope local leaders find a solution that keeps Morro Bay residents from having to haul their waste far out of town.
GoletaParking on Unpaved Surfaces and RV Standards
Summer is here, and that means it's time to dust off the RV, hitch up the boat, and hit the road. But before you do, the City of Goleta wants to remind everyone about the rules for parking those oversized toys. According to a recent piece in the Goleta Monarch Press, the city is highlighting its standards for parking on unpaved surfaces and for recreational vehicles. It's a good refresher for anyone who stores a trailer or motorhome on their property—or plans to. These rules help keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and neighborly. Whether you're a full-time RVer or just getting ready for a summer camping trip, knowing where and how you can park your vehicle can save you a headache and a citation. So take a minute to review the guidelines, and then enjoy all the outdoor fun the Central Coast has to offer.
GoletaBeautify Goleta Plastic Free July
Goleta is kicking off Plastic Free July with a community cleanup that’s equal parts purpose and neighborly pride. On Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will gather on the front lawn of the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) in Old Town to tackle litter, one piece at a time. It’s a chance to roll up your sleeves, meet fellow residents, and make a real difference in the heart of our city. Plastic Free July has grown into a global movement, but here on the Central Coast, it feels personal. Our creeks, beaches, and open spaces are treasures we share, and keeping them clean starts right in our own neighborhoods. The Goleta Monarch Press shared the call, and it’s a reminder that small actions add up. Whether you bring gloves, a bucket, or just your enthusiasm, this is the kind of Saturday morning that leaves Goleta looking better and feeling closer.
Santa BarbaraHalf-Mill per Launch?
SpaceX launches from Vandenberg are becoming as routine as morning fog, but a new proposal could make them a little more expensive for the company—and a little more beneficial for the community. Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann recently proposed a SpaceX Launch Mitigation Fund, asking the company to contribute roughly half a million dollars per launch to address noise, traffic, and environmental impacts. As reported by the Santa Barbara Independent, the fund would help offset disruptions that residents from Lompoc to Goleta have long endured, from rattling windows to road closures. This isn't just about shaking homes—it's about fairness. With SpaceX ramping up launches from our stretch of coast, the county is right to ask for a share of the profits to support local infrastructure and emergency services. It's a classic Central Coast balancing act: celebrating our role in space exploration while making sure the human cost isn't borne solely by neighbors who can hear the rockets from their backyards.
VenturaMoon Ditch Mural: Almost Done!
If you've driven southbound on the 101 near the Ventura Auto Center lately, you've probably noticed the explosion of color along the flood control channel. That's the Moon Ditch Mural, and word from the Ventura Breeze is that it's almost finished. Artist Elisa Torres has been transforming over 3,400 linear feet of concrete into a flowing canvas that connects our community to the land and water that shapes us. It's one of those projects that turns a daily commute into a moment of art. This mural isn't just about beautifying a drainage ditch—it's a landmark that tells Ventura's story. As someone who drives that stretch regularly, I can tell you it's already making the freeway feel more like home. Big thanks to the Ventura Breeze for keeping us posted. If you haven't seen it yet, take the southbound 101 between Victoria and Johnson and enjoy the final brushstrokes of a truly local masterpiece.
Santa BarbaraVandenberg’s Next Mission: SpaceX Rocket Launch on Sunday Morning
If you’re up early this Sunday, look to the skies over the Central Coast. SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base between 7 and 11 a.m., with backup windows available if needed. For those of us in Santa Barbara and the 805, these launches have become a familiar, thrilling part of our mornings — a reminder that our region is a gateway to space. Whether you’re watching from your backyard in Goleta or catching a glimpse from the Gaviota Coast, it’s a moment that connects our community to something bigger. Noozhawk has the full details on timing and viewing tips, so check their report before heading out. Let’s hope for clear skies and a smooth liftoff.
San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo party chair’s statements have consequences
Words have weight, especially when they come from a local party leader. A recent opinion piece by Trisha Murray in CalCoastNews reminds us that what's said at the podium doesn't stay at the podium—it shapes how we treat each other here in San Luis Obispo. In a community that prides itself on being a small town with big hearts, the article argues that dismissing inflammatory language as 'just politics' misses the point: our words set the tone for our shared life. Whether you agree with the chair's politics or not, this is a moment to reflect on what kind of community we want to be. SLO has always been a place where neighbors look out for each other, and that starts with how we speak—even when we disagree. CalCoastNews gives us a chance to have that conversation locally, and it's one worth having.
San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo County’s latest election results
Hey neighbors, the latest ballot count is in, and it looks like we’re getting some clarity on a few key local races. According to CalCoastNews, after Friday’s tally, Jimmy Paulding and Jim Dantona are pulling ahead in their supervisor races, and Measure B in Los Osos is also looking like a win. With around 1,826 ballots still to count and another 402 needing signature fixes, nothing is set in stone yet, but the trends are solid. For those of us in SLO County, these results matter because they shape how our communities are run and funded. Paulding and Dantona will be making decisions on everything from housing to open space, and Measure B will directly impact Los Osos residents. It’s a reminder that every vote counts, especially when races are this tight. Keep an eye on CalCoastNews for the final tally—and if you get a notice about your ballot signature, please respond quickly! Let’s make sure every voice is heard.
Morro BayOur Stories: Morro Bay Yacht Club Turns 70
Seventy years of wind, water, and community — that’s what the Morro Bay Yacht Club is celebrating this summer. Founded in 1956, the club has been a homeport for generations of local sailors, from kids learning the ropes in Optimist dinghies to seasoned skippers navigating the bay’s famous fog. The anniversary isn’t just a milestone for members; it’s a nod to the thousands of young people who’ve passed through its Junior Sailing and Summer Sailing programs, learning not just to tack and jibe, but to respect our estuary and its wildlife. Estero Bay News captured the story beautifully, and it’s one that resonates along the Embarcadero. For 70 years, the Yacht Club has anchored a quiet but vital thread of our local culture — one that connects us to the water, to each other, and to the steady rhythm of the tides. Here’s to seven decades of salty air, community spirit, and the next generation of sailors.
CayucosCounty Sets Water Rate Hike Process Dates
Heads up, Cayucos neighbors: if you live in the South Cayucos area served by County Services Area-10A, mark your calendar for the upcoming water rate hike hearings. The county has just set the dates for the public process, and this directly affects what we pay for our most essential resource. As Estero Bay News (Cayucos) reported, the proposed increase is significant, so now’s the time to get informed and have your voice heard. This isn’t just another bureaucratic step—it’s about keeping our local water system sustainable and reliable. With drought always a concern on the Central Coast, the cost of maintaining infrastructure hits close to home. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, these meetings will shape your water bill for years to come. Stay tuned for the exact dates and make plans to attend or submit comments.
Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara fans pack watch parties to cheer on Team USA during World Cup match against Australia
Santa Barbara proved once again why it’s one of the best places to watch the beautiful game. On Friday, fans flooded local restaurants, sports bars, and breweries to cheer on Team USA in their World Cup clash against Australia. From State Street to the Funk Zone, venues were packed with red, white, and blue—creating an electric atmosphere that felt almost as good as being in the stadium. KEYT News Channel 3-12 captured the scene, and it’s clear our community knows how to show up for the national team. This kind of turnout isn’t just about soccer—it’s about connection. In a town that loves its local sports and outdoor gatherings, watch parties like this bring neighbors together and remind us why we’re proud to call the American Riviera home. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just there for the energy, Santa Barbara knows how to rally. Here’s hoping the momentum carries Team USA deep into the tournament.
Santa BarbaraForesters outslug Saints to run win streak to 7 games
The Santa Barbara Foresters are on an absolute tear, and Saturday's slugfest in Los Angeles proved it. Caleb Hoover crushed a 3-run homer and drove in 5 total runs as the ‘Sters outlasted Arroyo Seco 13-9 for their seventh straight win. The team piled up 16 hits—six different players had multi-hit games, with Hoover leading the way with three. This 11-1 start is special. The Foresters are building serious momentum early in the season, and it's the kind of run that gets the whole 805 excited. Big thanks to KEYT News Channel 3-12 for covering the action. Let's keep it rolling, Santa Barbara!
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