Stay Informed
Local News
AI-curated coverage of what matters across the Central Coast
Latest News
Thousand OaksCouncil vote to decide downtown’s future
Thousand Oaks, mark your calendars: next Tuesday night is your last chance to speak up about what downtown could become. The City Council is set to vote on zoning changes tied to a major development proposal, and the June 23 meeting at 6 p.m. will be the final public hearing before a decision. As the Thousand Oaks Acorn reported, this project has stirred real debate among neighbors—some see a vibrant future, others worry about losing our small-town feel. This isn’t just another agenda item; it’s about the heart of our city. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the Conejo Valley, these changes will shape where we shop, gather, and connect for years to come. So read up on the proposal, talk to your neighbors, and if you can, make it to City Hall. Our downtown’s future is in our hands.
Agoura HillsCOLLEGE STANDOUTS
Two local students from the 805 area have been recognized for academic excellence at prestigious universities. Adelyne Vandenhengel of Oak Park and Grant Hill of Westlake Village earned spring 2026 dean's list honors at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA — the nation's second oldest institution of higher learning. Meanwhile, Riggs Taylor of Agoura Hills and Tabitha Mettler of Calabasas were named to the dean's list at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. These achievements reflect the strong academic foundation found in our local schools and communities. The Acorn (Agoura Hills) first reported this story, highlighting how students from Oak Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and Calabasas continue to make the Central Coast proud on a national stage. Congratulations to all these standout scholars!
OxnardDNA Testing Leads to Arrest in 1990 Oxnard Cold Case
A breakthrough in a decades-old case has brought a measure of justice to Oxnard. On Thursday, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, and Oxnard Police Assistant Chief Rocky Marquez announced the arrest of Bobby Rollins Jr., 55, of Long Beach, for the 1990 kidnapping of a local victim. Cold case detectives used advanced DNA testing to link Rollins to the crime, leading to charges of kidnapping with intent to commit robbery. For residents who remember the fear and uncertainty surrounding this unsolved case, the news is a powerful reminder of how modern forensic science can close old wounds. The arrest, first reported by Vida Newspaper, shows the dedication of our local law enforcement to never give up—even 36 years later. It’s a story of persistence that resonates deeply here in the 805.
San Luis ObispoPerson dies after tractor trailer rolls over, catches on fire in Cuyama
A tragic incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon in the remote Cuyama Valley, near the San Luis Obispo-Santa Barbara county line, when a tractor trailer overturned and caught fire, claiming one life. According to Cal Fire, the victim became trapped under the overturned rig shortly after noon, and the subsequent blaze proved fatal. For those of us on the Central Coast, this stretch of Highway 166 is a familiar, winding route connecting the coast to the inland valleys—a road known for its beauty but also its dangers. This loss is a somber reminder of the risks our truck drivers and travelers face daily. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and the first responders who arrived on scene. For more details, CalCoastNews has the full report.
Paso RoblesThree school board seats open in November election
Three seats on the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District board will be up for grabs this November, and the filing window opens July 13. If you’ve ever wanted a direct hand in shaping our kids’ education—from curriculum decisions to budget priorities—now’s your chance to step up or help someone else do it. The deadline to file is Aug. 7, so mark your calendars. The Paso Robles Daily News first reported the timeline, and it’s one of those civic moments that feels quiet but matters deeply. School board members influence everything from teacher hiring to campus safety, and with new faces come new voices. Whether you’re a parent, a retiree, or just someone who cares about this community, pay attention—your vote this fall will help set the direction for every student in Paso.
Paso RoblesOpen Farm Days returns across San Luis Obispo County this weekend
This weekend, our local farms are opening their gates and inviting us all in for Open Farm Days. It’s a chance to meet the folks who grow our food, wander through the fields, and see where your veggies actually come from. The free marketplace in Paso Robles will be buzzing with fresh produce, local goods, and that warm Central Coast community feel — don’t miss it. The SLO County Farm Trail is a gem, connecting us directly to the land and the people who work it. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, these visits remind us why we love living here. Check out the full schedule at the Paso Robles Daily News and bring the whole family for a taste of farm life.
Santa BarbaraTracking a cool Thursday, mild holiday weekend
Happy Thursday, 805! If you stepped outside this morning and felt a little more chill in the air, you're not alone. Clouds are hanging over our coastline and look like they'll be stubborn to clear, thanks to high pressure moving away from the Central Coast. That means a cooler day for us in Santa Barbara — expect highs in the 60s by the beaches, while inland valleys and the far interior will see 70s and 80s. It's a nice break from the heat, perfect for a light jacket on your morning walk. Looking ahead to the holiday weekend, we've got mild conditions on tap, so outdoor plans are looking good — just keep an eye on that Beach Hazard Statement if you're heading to the shore. As always, KEYT News Channel 3-12 has the latest on how the marine layer will play out. Enjoy the cooler air while it lasts, neighbors!
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.
Santa BarbaraLike Father, Like Realtor: Keeping It All in the Family
There’s something special about working side by side with family, especially when it’s in the heart of Santa Barbara’s real estate scene. A recent piece in the Santa Barbara Independent highlights local father-and-son duos who’ve turned their shared passion for homes and community into a family legacy. From open houses to closing deals, these teams bring a blend of experience and fresh energy that resonates with buyers and sellers across the 805. For Santa Barbara, where real estate is deeply personal and often generational, these stories remind us that trust and local know-how are passed down like heirlooms. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the Central Coast, it’s heartening to see families investing in our neighborhoods together. Check out the full feature in the Independent for a warm look at what keeps our housing market rooted in connection.
Santa BarbaraHome Energy Upgrades at Point of Sale
California is aiming for six million residential heat pumps by 2030, and Berkeley is already leading the charge. While that might sound like a Bay Area story, it’s a signal for us here on the Central Coast too. As Santa Barbara County looks toward its own climate goals, policies like Berkeley’s point-of-sale requirement for heat pumps could pave the way for similar local ordinances. The Santa Barbara Independent covered this push, and it’s worth paying attention to — because what works in Berkeley often finds its way down the 101. For homeowners in Santa Barbara, this means now is a smart time to start thinking about heat pumps. They offer efficient heating and cooling, lower utility bills, and a smaller carbon footprint. Whether you’re selling your home or just planning ahead, this statewide target is a heads-up that energy upgrades will become the norm, not the exception. Keep an eye on local city council meetings — this conversation is coming to a neighborhood near you.
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