Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) must return to the California Coastal Commission with new plans to mitigate Diablo Canyon Power Plant’s environmental issues if it wants permits to keep the nuclear facility running. “We’re talking about decades of staggering and devastating environmental impact that demand action not delay,” Commissioner Raymond Jackson said during the […]
Bulbul Rajagopal
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Halcyon’s former Temple of the People leader, Eleanor Shumway, dies at 92
Halcyon’s former Temple of the People Guardian-in-Chief Eleanor Shumway died on Aug. 12 at home in Arroyo Grande. She was 92. The leader of the local Theosophical Society for 32 years, Shumway was the only guardian-in-chief who lived to retire and witness her successor head the century-old Temple of the People. To her family, Shumway […]
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Central Coast county education offices look at metrics beyond the California Smarter Balanced assessment for student success
Ten years ago, a new computer-based test for California students replaced the paper-reliant standardizing testing and reporting program. Called the Smarter Balanced assessments, the tests measure third through eighth graders’ and 11th graders’ knowledge of the state’s English language arts and math standards. Students served by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO)—those who can’t […]
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Survivor of alleged sexual assault files suit against former Hancock instructor
Former Allan Hancock College instructor Kevin Daily, who’s facing trial for alleged sexual assault stemming from charges filed by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, is now being sued by the survivor of the reported abuse. Jacqueline Doe—the woman identified in the DA’s Office complaint from 2022—sued Daily on May 9 for sexual […]
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Lumina Alliance’s Lumina Days brings a fashion show that aims to help survivors of sexual and domestic violence
Former San Luis Obispo County resident Kimberly Victor’s nonprofit Fashion for a Purpose is set to be reborn in Nipomo as Lumina Days—a fashion show that ultimately helps survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. “This event has always been in South County,” Lumina Alliance Development Director Brandee Brown-Puett said. “We do have our transitional […]
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Feature: Cal Poly’s partnership with Zero Foodprint could help SLO County’s farmers and regenerative agriculture practices
Cal Poly’s Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience is on a mission to bring a program that supports regenerative agriculture to San Luis Obispo County. Called Zero Foodprint, the California-based nonprofit aims to help restaurants reduce their climate impacts by focusing on the root source—changing the way food itself is grown. Erin Pearse, the Cal […]
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Outdoor Kitchen: Central Coast Outdoors offers private lunches and dinner with kayak tours
Book a tour To make a reservation with Central Coast Outdoors, call (805) 528-1080 or submit a private tour request form available at centralcoastoutdoors.com. Kayaking tours are common for the Central Coast, but one experience breaks up exploring Morro Bay waters with picnic lunches and dinners. “I don’t know anyone else who does it actually,” […]
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Planned Parenthood’s Central Coast workers approve strike
Planned Parenthood clinics in Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, and Oxnard are poised to stop services until management improves labor practices contributing to high turnover rates. “We’ve heard a few different things from staff who have quit recently,” Planned Parenthood staff physician Mike Solemar said. “Some of the most common […]
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Residents want Lucia Mar to align with Trump’s trans student executive orders
A barrage of community members presented the Lucia Mar Unified School District board with a somber choice—snap district policy around transgender students into federal compliance or face the threat of parental rights lawsuits. But other residents don’t agree with what the group is pushing for. “I don’t really think what they’re doing helps kids. Just […]
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SLO bridal designers notice a trend towards historical fashion
Historical elements are in vogue on wedding aisles and bridal runways. Mareh Couture Bridal owner Mariam Ohanyan observed the trend forming six months ahead of time when she attended New York Bridal Fashion Week in 2024. “A big thing that has been happening is this thing called Basque waist dresses,” Ohanyan said. “So this is […]
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Sierra Club appeals to protect buffer area amid Phillips 66 refinery demolition
The remnants of Phillips 66’s Santa Maria Refinery on the Nipomo Mesa will be removed from 218 acres, but a Sierra Club appeal to protect a large buffer area stands in the way of complete demolition. “Placing a conservation easement on this land would greatly enhance the restoration efforts contemplated in the [draft environmental impact […]
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SLO County’s Democratic Party state leaders defend seats in early vote count results
From Assembly to Congress, Democratic Party state leaders representing the Central Coast appear to be holding onto their seats, according to preliminary results of the general election. In the 30th District, which spans parts of San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties, incumbent Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) comfortably led with 64.4 percent of […]
