California continues to have the highest gas prices in the nation by more than 40 cents a gallon, according to AAA data. But with a lack of accessible public transportation on the Central Coast, driving is many residents’ only option to go where buses and bikes can’t take them. With new money coming down the […]
MALEA MARTIN
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Central Coast fire safe councils, fire departments are mitigating fire risk using funds from the California Climate Investments Wildfire Prevention Grants Program
When asked when fire season officially starts, SLO County Fire Safe Council Executive Director Dan Turner couldn’t help but chuckle. Thanks to climate change, he said, fire season is practically year-round in California. “Typically in San Luis Obispo County, you start experiencing fires mid-April out on the east side of the county, which dries out […]
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Local psychotherapist is determined to not let an elaborate scam targeting her industry happen to anyone else
Editor’s note: This is the second segment of a two-part story covering scam calls on the Central Coast. The first installment described one local woman’s experience with a scammer who used knowledge of her job and background to target her. The second focuses on the aftermath, others who have had similar experiences, and the resources […]
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Local therapist experiences the trauma of getting scammed by professional fraudsters
Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series about scam calls on the Central Coast. The first part describes one local woman’s experience with a scammer who used her job and background to target her. The second will focus on the aftermath, others who have had similar experiences, and the resources available to […]
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Greener Pastures Animal Sanctuary gives farm animals a new lease on life
When Dinky the potbellied pig first came to Greener Pastures Farm Sanctuary, she had mechanical blindness—a condition that occurs when pigs are so obese, the fat on their face rolls over their eyes and leaves them without sight. “She came from a shelter down in Los Angeles where she had been surrendered during a fire,” […]
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A local wind port may be the key to capturing the economic boost of offshore wind projects, but some are skeptical that it’s feasible
The Central Coast has the green light from the federal government to develop wind energy off the coast of Morro Bay, and lease auctions are opening up this year. But how much the local economy will benefit from such a project is still unclear—and the answer depends on the feasibility of a local port. “Last […]
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Three Dems announce runs for new Assembly seat
The new boundary lines for Central Coast state Assembly districts are opening the doors for new candidates, and closing chapters for at least one incumbent. What was once Assembly District 35 will be split between two new districts in the next election cycle. The new 30th District includes most of SLO County up to Santa […]
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Public health officials warn of potential winter COVID-19 surge
Last year’s holiday season ushered in one of the worst COVID-19 surges we’ve seen to date, with cases peaking on the Central Coast in mid-January 2021. But this year, with the advent of vaccines and the uncertainty of the Omicron variant, it’s unclear what the next big surge will look like. Comparing this year’s COVID-19 […]
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Exploration Discovery Center in Grover Beach offers science exhibits and tactile fun for kids
Between an aquaponic garden, a 25 foot tall Aztec pyramid replica, and an Inventors’ Lab with enough tactile treasures to fill a whole day of play, the Exploration Discovery Center in Grover Beach is more than your typical children’s museum. Debra Ugalde taught as a bilingual educator for 25 years in Santa Maria and is […]
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Local parents are split on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids
Santa Maria parent Kelly White O’Neill had no hesitations when it came to getting her 11-year-old son vaccinated for COVID-19 when he became eligible—and having a child so close to the age cutoff made the wait feel even longer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the vaccine for children ages 5 to […]
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Sensorio Field of Light gives locals an opportunity to support North County nonprofits during the holiday season
If you haven’t yet made it out to the Sensorio Field of Light and the more recently installed Light Towers in Paso Robles, or perhaps you’re looking for a reason to make a second visit, Sensorio Gives Back might be the perfect occasion. One night a month, locals can enjoy artist Bruce Munro’s entrancing light […]
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Central Coast needs more blood donors to keep up with demand
The blood supply on the Central Coast is the lowest it’s been in more than a year, due to a perfect storm of increased use and fewer donors. Vitalant is a community blood donation nonprofit with locations in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria. It currently has less than a two-day supply of […]