As the sun rises over the Pacific and the salty breeze flows in from the sea, there’s no place quite like the Central Coast to celebrate America’s Independence Day. From the energy of the morning parade in Cayucos to the laughter of children playing lawn games at Tidelands Park in Morro Bay, the 4th of July brings out the very best in our coastal communities.
In Morro Bay, the festivities begin with the beloved Bike Parade. The city encourages kids and families to decorate their bikes in red, white, and blue and meet at the north side of the Morro Creek Bridge by 11 a.m. — helmets required for riders under 18 and smiles for everyone! The group will ride together to Tidelands Park, where the day really takes off.
At the park, kids can enjoy the bounce house, carnival games, and patriotic prizes, while families kick back with some lawn games, local food vendors, and live music. It’s a day to slow down, connect with neighbors, and appreciate the simple joy of community celebration.
In Cayucos, the day begins before dawn for the early birds ready to build sandy masterpieces in the annual Sand Sculpture Contest. By 10 a.m., the town comes alive as the Cayucos Lions Club leads a hometown parade that winds through the heart of town. Hand-crafted floats, vintage cars, and costumed characters bring smiles to faces young and old.
The Front Street Faire runs until 6 p.m., with shopping, local crafts, and plenty of good eats. The Lions Club BBQ keeps everyone fueled for a full day of fun, and as the sun dips toward the horizon, the grand finale begins. The 9 p.m. fireworks show from the Cayucos Pier lights up the sky in a dazzling tribute to our nation’s birth — a tradition that draws thousands to the sand year after year.
While we celebrate, it’s also important to remember our role as stewards of our beautiful coastline. With so many visitors enjoying the beaches, we can work together to keep our shores clean and safe. Use designated trash and recycling bins, avoid illegal fireworks, park responsibly, and above all, respect the wildlife and each other.
Morro Bay has a long and storied history — from its roots as a Chumash settlement to its days as a fishing village and
bustling port. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and charm, home to generations of families and a haven for artists, adventurers, and entrepreneurs. The silhouette of Morro Rock reminds us every day of the enduring beauty and strength of our community.
And just after the 4th, mark your calendars for July 12, when another iconic event returns — the 55th Annual Brian Waterbury Memorial Rock to Pier Run & Half Marathon. Starting at 7 a.m. at Morro Rock, this beach run stretches all the way to the Cayucos Pier. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s another chance to come together in celebration of health, community, and friendly competition.
As July continues to unfold, the excitement doesn’t end. The California Mid-State Fair returns in full swing — with concerts, rodeos, food galore, and more summer fun than we can fit into one letter.
We hope this issue inspires you to get out and enjoy the heart and soul of the Central Coast. Whether you’re visiting from afar or lucky enough to call this place home, we wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.
Hayley Mattson Publisher
Celebrating 30 years of protecting Morro Bay Estuary
Grassroots effort that launched a national estuary designation in 1996 marks decades of conservation
The agency charged with protecting the Morro Bay National Estuary is gearing up to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Formed after a yearslong, grassroots effort by environmental activists in Los Osos and Morro Bay, who formed the nonprofit Bay Foundation, they were able to get Morro Bay added to the list of national estuaries under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and authorized by Congress under the Clean Water Act.
According to the EPA website, “The NEP is a non-regulatory program established by Congress under section 320 of the Clean Water Act in 1987 to pioneer a broad and innovative approach to respond to threats to estuaries.
“The National Estuary Program is an EPA placebased program to protect and restore the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance. Currently, 28 estuaries located along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts and in Puerto Rico are designated as estuaries of national significance.”
Each of the 28 National Estuaries came into being the same way Morro Bay did — through a push by local people. “These NEPs,” reads the EPA site, “were selected after national solicitations seeking nominations to the program and are located in a variety of institutional settings, including state and local agencies, universities and individual nonprofits. In overseeing and managing the national program, EPA provides annual funding, national guidance and technical assistance to the local NEPs.”
It should be noted that Morro Bay was also the first recognized state estuary.
The Bay Foundation was the catalyst for starting the local program and won NEP designation in 1996 after several years of strong lobbying.
Executive Director Melodie Grubbs is the current leader of the MBNEP and the seventh in a line of executive directors to lead the organization. Others included Dave Paradies, Melissa Mooney, Mike Multari, Dan Berman, Adrienne Harris, and Lexie Bell.
“I follow in the footsteps of a group of strong, dedicated leaders who helped shape the Program over the past 30 years,” Grubbs said. “Each brought a different perspective and helped grow the program into what it is today, a trusted, science-based, community-driven organization. I’m honored to build on that legacy.”
When it started, the main concern was rapid sedimentation of the estuary, and sought ways to slow this down if not end it entirely. Over the years, they’ve had many programs within the NEP, including conservation of open lands. The core mission hasn’t changed much.
“Our mission remains focused on protecting and restoring the Morro Bay estuary and its watershed,” Grubbs said, “but our work has broadened over the years.
“In the early days, rapid sedimentation and the loss of back bay habitats were key concerns. That issue is still on our radar, but today we approach the health of the estuary more holistically, looking at how land use, water quality, habitat, and climate change all interact across the watershed.”
It started as a means to figure out how to protect the estuary through good science and that hasn’t changed. “Our work,” Grubbs said, “is guided by science, shaped by local knowledge, and constantly evolving through adaptive management. We are always learning, and we adjust our priorities and strategies based on new data, conditions on the ground, and the needs of the community.”
Conservation of open land in the watershed — essentially the Los Osos and Chorro valleys — is still on their priority list. Though they don’t actually acquire lands, they do assist other agencies, like the Land Conservancy, conserve the land.
“Conserving open space and working lands in the watershed is still an important tool for protecting water quality and habitat,” Grubbs said. “While we are not a land trust, we regularly collaborate with local and regional partners who lead conservation efforts.
“We support those projects where we can add
value, but we do not currently have any active parcel negotiations in Chorro or Los Osos valleys.”
When it first started, the NEP had a few growing pains with some issues that might be expected of any brand new concept or organization. Before the Bay Foundation and the NEP, the only agency actively trying to help the estuary was the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Forming the Bay Foundation and in turn the NEP, helped organize and focus efforts. The structure now appears to work well. Grubbs explained how the NEP/Bay Foundation works now.
“The MBNEP is a place-based program that reflects the unique needs and values of this community,” she said. “It’s implemented locally by The Bay Foundation of Morro Bay, a nonprofit organization that serves as the host entity.
“While we receive core funding and guidance from the U.S. EPA, the strength of the program lies in its local leadership.”
The management structure has evolved too. “Our work is shaped by a Management Conference made up of representatives from government agencies, scientific institutions, nonprofit groups, landowners, and community members, including voices from the fishing community, agriculture, and recreation,” Grubbs said. “This model ensures that the program is both grounded in science and responsiveness to local priorities.”
The relationship between The Bay Foundation and the NEP has become more intimate. “The Bay Foundation of Morro Bay is the nonprofit that carries out the work of the MBNEP,” Grubbs said.
“So when you see us referred to as ‘The Bay Foundation of Morro Bay doing business as the MBNEP,’ that reflects the legal structure of the organization.
Functionally, we are one and the same.”
The federal government’s role continues to be key, especially with the current movement to cut government down through programs like DOGE.
The new EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, is onboard with making cuts, too, but the hit hasn’t shown up locally, yet.
“We are keeping a close eye on the federal budget process,” Grubbs said. “The EPA has proposed reductions to several programs, including the National Estuary Program. While the budget is not final, we are planning ahead and exploring ways to ensure continued program stability.”
Because of the nonprofit Bay Foundation, the program is able to accept tax-deductible donations that could help backfill whatever cuts the Trump Administration and Congress come up with.
Meanwhile, they have a good crew on board to carry out the continuing mission of protecting the Morro Bay Estuary, which is among the smallest under the NEP’s protection.
“We have a strong and dedicated team in place,”
Grubbs said. “Most of our positions are filled, and we are grateful for the expertise and passion our staff brings to this work.”
In the recent past, the estuary’s delicately balanced ecosystem saw a huge drop in eelgrass coverage in the bay, to the point where some feared it might disappear altogether. Eelgrass has been called the nursery of the ocean, because it is home to countless specialized species and serves as a nursery for many diverse fish species that come into the bay from the outer Pacific Ocean to lay their eggs. Like a tropical rainforest, eelgrass supports a myriad of species from fish, to crustaceans to overwintering Brandt geese. Various programs including transplanting of eelgrass shoots within the bay, have been tried in the past. Grubbs said they still focus on this vital habitat, but their methods have changed.
“Eelgrass is an important part of the estuary ecosystem, and we continue to monitor it closely,” Grubbs said. “The good news is that eelgrass coverage has rebounded significantly in recent years, so restoration efforts like transplanting are not currently needed.
“Instead, our focus has shifted to long-term monitoring, data collection and understanding the environmental conditions that support healthy eelgrass beds. This helps us stay prepared to respond if conditions change again in the future.”
One of their biggest and most successful programs has been a Volunteer Monitoring Program, which makes use of volunteers from the community that assist in collecting water samples and testing of water quality. Good science requires data, and when MBNEP was first formed 30 years ago, there was little scientific data available.
“Yes, our volunteer monitoring program is going strong,” Grubbs said. “It is one of our longest-running volunteer programs. Volunteers collect data on stream health across the watershed and in the bay, helping us track trends in nutrients, temperature, oxygen, and other indicators.”
Years ago, the focus was on so-called “nonpoint source pollution,” or pollutants that show up in surface waters or in the environment that have no easily identifiable source. The volunteer monitoring program is helping to figure out this pollution source.
“This work continues to focus on nonpoint source pollution and long-term watershed health,” Grubbs said. “Our data also supports the land management efforts of our partners such as private landowners, nonprofits, agencies, and others.”
With offices on the second floor at Marina Square, on the Embarcadero, the MBNEP also has a “Nature Center,” a small space with educational displays talking about the estuary and the watershed. Currently, Grubbs said they are working on some new stuff for the Nature Center, which is free to visit during business hours. At one time there was
a fish tank filled with small fry steelhead on display in the Nature Center, but they had to remove it.
“We are in the process of updating our Nature Center exhibits to reflect current science and to create more interactive and engaging experiences,” Grubbs said. “The fish tank was retired a couple years ago due to maintenance challenges.
“Our new exhibits will focus on estuary habitats, species, and ways for visitors to get involved in protecting the bay. We hope to have a new eelgrass-focused interactive exhibit installed by the end of the year.”
As part of its original mission, the MBNEP was charged with drafting a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan or CCMP, which it completed in the 1990s, and has updated a few times since then through a “State of the Bay” report.
“We have begun working on the next ‘State of the Bay’ report, which compiles scientific data on the Estuary’s condition,” Grubbs said. “Eelgrass has shown encouraging signs of recovery and we have some exciting new data related to fish surveys to share. The report will provide a detailed and datadriven update for the public and is planned to be released early next year [2026]. This will be accompanied with several events, tabling, science explorations and talks, next spring.”
For their 30th anniversary, they have some things being planned to commemorate the milestone.
“We are planning a number of events to mark the Estuary Program’s 30th anniversary.” Grubbs said. “This includes a partner gathering [not a general public event] in July and a visit with our EPA collaborators.
“We will also be announcing some public activities, including a Science Explorations event and Volunteer Appreciation event in the fall. We have a post-4th of July cleanup event scheduled on the Embarcadero. We will be sure to share those details as they are finalized.”
So what does she see as the most important work the MBNEP does?
“It’s the connections we make,” Grubbs said. “Whether through restoration, monitoring, education, or conservation, our work brings together people who care about this place.
“The Estuary Program creates space for collaboration, listening, and action. We help link science with local knowledge, community priorities with long-term planning, and individual efforts with collective impact. That connection, between people, science, and place, is what makes lasting stewardship possible.”
For more information about the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, and how readers can volunteer, sign up to their blog, and make donations, see www.mbnep.org.
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
A view of the Morro Bay Estuary looking south from Fairbanks Point. The Morro Bay National Estuary Program is turning 30 this year. Photo by Neil Farrell
4-H Club kids ready for the fair
Club reporter Aiden Foerst and fellow youth prepare market animals for showing, auction, and life lessons at the July showcase in Paso Robles
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
When the last school bell rings in June, signaling summer vacation for the kids and teachers, that’s when some get busy.
The California Mid-State Fair, set for Wednesday, July 16 through Sunday, July 27, in Paso Robles, is the annual showcase for many things — from arts and crafts to fine wines and home brews, live music, and, of course, livestock.Scores of school-aged children will be showing their animals after having learned the tricks of rearing healthy livestock and maybe picked up a few business tips and hints along the way.
A dozen local kids from the Morro Bay 4-H Club will be among the other 4-H’ers from across San Luis Obispo County — along with high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) students — at the fair showing animals they’ve cared for, groomed, and raised.
One Morro Bay 4-H kid is excited to be taking his hog to the fair and to market.
“This year, I will be showing my market hog Kyrone at the Mid-State Fair along with 11 other kids from Morro Bay 4-H,” 4-H Club Reporter Aiden Foerst said. “These kids have been working hard for the past few months to keep their animals healthy and well managed.”
Though one might think raising a hog has to be easy peasy — just dump a bucket of slop in the pen and keep ’em fat and happy. But there’s much more to managing these animals, Aiden said.
“This involves daily walking to improve muscle growth, feeding twice a day, and ensuring their pens are kept clean and safe for the animals,” Aiden said.
“Through this responsibility we are learning how to be in business for ourselves, and providing quality meat for the community.”
That last part is what some folks have a hard time swallowing: All the animals being shown at the fair must ultimately end up on the dinner table; it’s the ultimate, final lesson to be learned from the experience.
(Readers shouldn’t think all the animals shown at the fair are for slaughter — there is also a Dog Show competition.)
Four-H will be involved in two shows at the fair, Aiden explained. On Tuesday, July 22, is the Market Class, wherein the animals are judged for their breed quality and soundness. This is “to determine the Grand Champion animal within each species,” Aiden said.
The second show is July 24. “This is the Showmanship Show,” Aiden said. “Showmanship is where the youth is judged on their ability to present their animals to the judge. This is an exciting time for the kids where all their hard work comes to fruition.”
The end of the fair brings the actual livestock auction and sale. “After all this excitement, at the end of the week on Saturday, July 26, at 8 a.m., the California Mid-State Fair will hold the Junior Livestock Auction,” Aiden said. “This is where you help come into play whether you want to fill your fridge with delicious meat, or simply give a donation [called a add-on] to help offset the cost of the project. All my proceeds will be reinvested into next year’s market hog.”
This year, on June 29, Morro Bay 4-H also hosted a pre-Fair buyer’s event, where they invited local folks to come see their pigs before they go to the fair. It was a chance to get an early look at the little piggies going to market and to support 4-H with a donation. If readers would like to possibly participate in the Junior Livestock Auction, visit midstatefair.com/ fair/livestock.php to find instructions on signing up to bid on the beef, sheep, and pig sales. And if anyone has questions for Aiden, you can email him at Haylo85@gmail.com
Morro Bay 4-H Club Reporter Aiden Foerst and his market hog Kyrone are ready for the California Mid-State Fair, set for July. Contributed
‘A Hard Day’s Night’ to screen on June 21
The Rock community radio hosts fundraiser at Bay Theater featuring classic Beatles film, ’60s costume contest, and local brews
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
Local community radio station 93.7 FM The Rock will take you back to the 1960s and the height of “Beatlemania,” with a special fundraiser screening of the Beatles’ “A Hard Days Night,” at Morro Bay’s iconic Bay Theater.
The film is set to show at 6 p.m. Monday, July 21, at The Bay Theater, 464 Morro Bay Blvd. Doors open at 5.
Tickets are $15 a person and available online at TheRockCommuni tyRadio.org, my805tix.com, or at the door. Seating is limited, and early
purchase is encouraged.
All proceeds benefit the nonprofit, non-commercial, all-volunteer, public radio station, 97.3 FM in the Estero Bay Area and 107.9 FM in Paso Robles.
Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential musical films of all time, Director Richard Lester captured The Beatles at the height of “Beatlemania” and follows John, Paul, George, and Ringo through a fictionalized day in their lives.
The film is filled with humor, charm, and timeless songs like the title cut, “And I Love Her,” “I Should Have Known Better,” and more.
This is a rare chance to see the beloved classic on the big screen and promises to be a night of nostalgic entertainment for fans of all ages.
“We are incredibly excited to bring this cinematic masterpiece back to the big screen for such a worthy cause,” said The Rock founder Hal Abrams. “The Beatles’ music transcends generations,
and this film is a joyous celebration of their impact. We believe it’s the perfect way to bring the community together while supporting The Rock.”
In addition to the film, there will be a costume contest for the best ’60s attire, a raffle, beer from Firestone Walker, and locally produced wine available for purchase.
This is The Rock’s latest in a series of fun evenings watching some classic movies. Past films have included “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “The Big Lebowski,” and “Pulp Fiction.”
The fundraising events help support freeform radio on the Central Coast.
The Rock Community Radio, 97.3/107.9 FM, is a nonprofit organization operated and supported by listeners and residents of San Luis Obispo County. The Rock connects the Central Coast with hyper-local, engaging, creative, community-based FM radio and online programming. They also provide public safety programming, emergency preparedness education, and emergency alert
Coastal News Briefs
MORRO BAY
City of Morro Bay seeks planning commission applicants
The City of Morro Bay is now accepting applications to fill a mid-term vacancy on its Planning Commission. The appointed volunteer will serve through January 31, 2027.
Interested residents are encouraged to apply by the deadline of Friday, August 1, at 5 p.m. Eligibility requirements and the application form are available on the City Clerk’s website.
To apply or learn more, visit morrobayca. gov/268/Boards-Committees-Commissions
Morro Bay Transit seeks public input through online survey
Morro Bay Transit, in partnership with the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA), is inviting community members to participate in an online survey to help shape the future of local transit.
Whether you’re a regular rider or never use the bus, your feedback is valuable. The survey aims to identify service improvements and understand barriers to ridership.
The survey is open through July 31:
• English survey: surveymonkey.com/r/ MBTCommunitySurvey
• For questions, contact Ari Keplinger at Ari@lsctrans.com or (530) 583-4053
Jim Dantona launches campaign for SLO County Board of Supervisors
Jim Dantona, President and CEO of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, has officially announced his candidacy for the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, aiming to represent the Second District in the 2026 election.
Dantona, a longtime Democrat and Cayucos resident, enters the race as current Supervisor Bruce Gibson prepares to retire after nearly two decades of service. The Second District includes communities such as Morro Bay, Cambria, Los Osos, Cayucos, San Simeon, and part of San Luis Obispo.
In his announcement, Dantona emphasized the importance of balancing environmental protection with economic opportunity.
“I’m running for Supervisor because I believe San Luis Obispo County can be a model for what’s possible. We have the tools, the talent, and the values to protect our environment and coastline while building something even better,” said Dantona. “With smart planning and bold leadership, we can grow an economy that creates good-paying jobs and affordable housing,
supports working families, and ensures the next generation has every reason to stay.”
A community advocate and nonprofit volunteer, Dantona has pledged bold leadership focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and a future-ready local economy.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Atascadero man sentenced to 7 years for DUI crash that killed 11-year-old student
Zachary Tomas Bernal, 32, of Atascadero, was sentenced to seven years in state prison on Wednesday, June 25, for driving under the influence of fentanyl and fatally striking 11-year-old Jose in a hit-and-run crash earlier this year.
The tragic incident occurred on March 15, when Bernal veered onto a sidewalk, killing the young boy and fleeing the scene. Bernal pleaded guilty last month to multiple felony charges, including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and possession of fentanyl.
Bernal admitted an additional allegation that he fled the scene after committing the crime of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. This admission subjected him to an additional five years of incarceration. Bernal entered his guilty pleas “open” to the court without any agreement on what his sentence would be. Based on the crimes he pled guilty to; Bernal faced a maximum sentence of nine years.
The crimes occurred on March 15, 2025, shortly before 3 p.m. when Bernal, while driving under the influence of fentanyl, drove onto the sidewalk striking and killing 11-year-old Jose. At the time of the collision Jose was walking with his friend, Orlando. Immediately before the collision, Jose exclaimed “mira” (Spanish for look or look out). Orlando was able to quickly move and avoided being struck. Bernal fled the collision scene and abandoned his vehicle.
He was apprehended four and a half hours later by the Atascadero Police Department. Personal use quantities of fentanyl were found in Bernal’s abandoned vehicle and in his proximity when he was arrested. A Drug Recognition Evaluation was conducted on Bernal and the evaluation results indicated he was under the influence of controlled substance(s). A forensic blood test was taken about 8 hours after the fatal collision revealing a high level of fentanyl and a lesser level of methamphetamine in his blood. It is believed that Bernal used fentanyl prior to the collision and again
used fentanyl and methamphetamine after the collision.
At the sentencing hearing the judge heard victim impact statements from Jose’s father, mother, and aunt describing the devastating affects of the crimes. Bernal addressed the court taking full responsibility and expressing extreme remorse for what he did.
“Our hearts are with Jose’s family, friends, and rest of the affected community. This is a terrible, yet completely avoidable tragedy,” said Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth. “As this incident so heartbreakingly illustrates, driving while impaired puts every life on the roadway in peril. We are mindful that the law provides a sentence that seems wholly inadequate for Bernal’s conduct that resulted in the loss of a precious child but are hopeful that completion of the criminal case will provide family and friends with the space necessary to begin the long process of healing.”
Viva La Quebradita tour to electrify California Mid-State Fair on July 20
The California Mid-State Fair is turning up the heat this summer with the Viva La Quebradita Tour, coming to the Chumash Grandstand Arena on Sunday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. The high-energy concert will showcase a powerhouse lineup of regional Mexican talent: El Mexicano, Arkangel R-15, and Ezequiel Peña Jr. y Su Vallarta.
Tickets go on sale Monday, June 30, at 10 a.m. and will be available at MidStateFair.com and Ticketmaster. Prices are set at $40 and $50 for reserved seating. Please note, fair admission is sold separately and required for entry.
Viva La Quebradita is more than just a concert — it’s a celebration of the vibrant Mexican quebradita movement, a style known for its technobanda rhythms, lively beats, and flashy dance moves. The tour brings together legends of the genre and rising stars, all paying tribute to the cultural phenomenon that took off in the 1990s and continues to inspire new generations. Featured artists include:
• El Mexicano, pioneers of the technobanda sound with hits like “Ramito de Violetas” and “Feliz, Feliz”
• Arkangel R-15, credited with helping launch the quebradita craze with energetic anthems like “Bailame Suavito” and “La Quebradita.”
• Ezequiel Peña Jr. y Su Vallarta, bringing
announcements for the cities of Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Los Osos, and Cayucos.
The Beatles, (from left) Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon, are shown in a scene from “A Hard Day’s Night,” which will be shown at the Bay Theater on Monday, July 21. Contributed photo
youthful flair to classic charro style, continuing the legacy of his famed father, Ezequiel Peña.
The 2025 California Mid-State Fair runs from July 16 through July 27, with this year’s theme: “Off to the Races!”
Former priest arrested in Los Osos for aggravated sexual assault of children
On June 12, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office arrested 61-year-old Theodore Edward Gabrielli of San Diego on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a minor. The arrest follows an extensive investigation launched in August 2024 after the Sheriff’s Office received a report of child abuse dating back more than 30 years.
Detectives with the Special Victims Unit identified three male victims, all under the age of 14 at the time of the alleged assaults. The boys, members of the same family, were living in Mexico when they became acquainted with Gabrielli, a Catholic priest who took them on trips to California, including to his parents’ home in Los Osos. It was there, the victims reported, the abuse occurred over a period of eight years.
Gabrielli has served in various roles in churches and ministries across San Jose, Los Gatos, and Los Angeles. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information or who may have been a victim to contact the Sheriff’s Detective Division at (805) 781-4500 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP (7867), via the P3 Tips mobile app, or online at slotips.org
The investigation remains ongoing.
Sheriff’s Office warns of ongoing phone scam in SLO County
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to an ongoing phone scam targeting local residents. Each day, the Sheriff’s Office receives multiple reports from individuals who have been contacted by scammers falsely claiming to be law enforcement officials.
The callers often claim there is a warrant for the person’s arrest — frequently for missing federal jury duty — and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest. Scammers have gone so far as to use the names of real Sheriff’s Office employees to lend credibility to the scheme. Victims are sometimes instructed to report to the Sheriff’s Office or threatened with arrest if they hang up. Payments are typically requested via gift cards or other untraceable methods.
Authorities stress that this is a scam. The Sheriff’s Office does not call individuals to demand payment, collect bail, or resolve warrants, and will never request gift cards or money over the phone.
Anyone receiving such a call is urged to hang up and report it to their local law enforcement agency. The public is encouraged to share this information with family, friends, and especially vulnerable individuals in the community.
Stolen firearms seized from convicted felon in Nipomo
On June 12, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant at the residence of Robert Ramirez, 42, of Nipomo, as part of an ongoing investigation. Ramirez, a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of six firearms, including two confirmed stolen. The warrant was executed in the 200 block of Chaparral Lane. The case has been
forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Scarecrows to take over October in Cambria
The beloved Cambria Scarecrow Festival is back this October, transforming the streets of Cambria and San Simeon into a whimsical, artistic wonderland. What began in 2009 as a modest event featuring just 30 scarecrows has blossomed into a month-long celebration with over 200 imaginative a nd handcrafted creations on display throughout the region.
During the entire month, visitors can explore the scarecrows throughout Cambria Village, along Moonstone Drive, and on Castillo and Hearst Drives in San Simeon.
Back by popular demand are the interactive “Fun and Games” display, the ever-rocking KISS band sca recrows together for their farewell concert, and crowd favor ite Blowin’, who is grabbing onto a pole so he won’t fly away in the Cambria winds.
A highlight of 2025 is the all-new “Fantastical Cove” i n San Simeon — a mag ical, immersive display filled with myst ical creatures including a sea serpent, a jolly troll, a unicorn, and an enchanting collection of colorful mushrooms and gnomes.
The Cambria Scarecrow Festival continues to be a community-driven event, made possible by the generosity of local residents and businesses. Through the Friends of the Cambria Scarecrow Festival Program, individuals and organizations can make tax-deductible donations and even adopt a scarecrow. Donations support the creativity and growth of this unique event and can be made online at cambriascarecrows.com/give
SLO County Airport to increase daily parking rate to $25 starting July 1
Beginning July 1, the SLO County Airport (SBP) will adjust its daily parking rate to $25 per day. The hourly rate of $2 a nd ADA-acce ssible pa rking rate of $13 pe r day will remain unchanged.
This adjus tment reflects incre asing demand for on-site parking as more travelers fly throu gh SBP. With parking frequently reaching capacity, the updat ed rate is intended to help manage avail ability and ensure t he airport can conti nue investing in critical infrastructure , enhanced amenities , and long-term serv ice improvements.
“ We’ve seen record-br eaking growth at SBP, and this rate upda te is one step in ke eping pace with the demand,” said Superv isor Dawn Ortiz-Legg , Chair of the San L uis Obispo County Bo ard of Supervisors.
“It allows us to sup port travelers by ma intaining and improv ing the airport expe rience now and into the future.”
Airpor t officials encourag e travelers to plan ahead, arrive early, and review parking options prior to the ir trip. A full park ing map is available at sloairport.com to assist with planni ng.
“With limited s pace and more passengers choosing to fly local, this update helps us better mana ge capacity and rein vest in the services our community expec ts,” said Courtney J ohnson, Director of Airports.
“We remain committed to provid ing a smooth and rel iable airport experience.”
Travelers ar e reminded to arrive at least two hours before their schedul ed departure to allo w time for parking, check-in, and security screening.
To en sure a smooth start to their journey, tr avelers are reminded to arrive at least two hours before the ir flight’s schedule d departure, allowin g enough time for pa rking, check-in, and security screening.
For more information about SBP, including flight schedules and upcoming initiatives, visit sloairport.com
1. TELEVISION: What is the name of the bar where Homer Simpson hangs out?
2. MUSIC: What are the first names of the Jackson 5?
3. MOVIES: What prop is found in almost every scene in "The Fight Club"? 4. ANATOMY: What does the term "hallux" refer to in human anatomy? 5. GEOMETRY: What is the perimeter of a circle called?
6. LITERATURE: What is Ron Weasley's patronus in the "Harry Potter" book series?
7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many tusks does a warthog have? 8. GEOGRAPHY: How many states does the Pacific Crest Trail cross? 9. SCIENCE: What is a common name for iron oxide?
10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president was awarded the Distinguished
By Emi Burdge
OLIVE
By Emi Burdge
Saved by Search and Rescue BEHIND The BADGE
In our line of work, time can mean the difference between life and death. And when a call for help comes in, especially from a neighboring agency, we don’t hesitate. We move. We mobilize. We serve.
Recently, the Sheriff’s Office received a mutual aid request from the Pismo Beach Police Department. They needed assistance in locating a missing 64-year-old man who had walked away from his home two days earlier. The man was considered at-risk due to a cognitive disability, a hearing impairment, and a known history of wandering. The stakes were high, and time was not on our side.
Immediately, our San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) unit went to work. Using cellphone data, they narrowed down a potential area of interest before the man’s phone died. Even with this limited data, 20 members of our SAR team braved rugged terrain, searching tirelessly to bring this man home. Their efforts, though courageous, were unfortunately unsuccessful. But no one gave up.
At sunrise the next day, our SAR members returned to the field,
this time joined by specialized K9 teams and our Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) team. The UAS team deployed drones — an increasingly vital tool in modern search and rescue efforts — to scan areas inaccessible or unsafe for foot searchers.
Thanks to their efforts, the missing man was located near a creek bed, hidden in thick brush and overgrown trees. He was alive — but just barely. Severely dehydrated and disoriented, he was quickly evacuated and transported to a nearby hospital. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery. But make no mistake: without the relentless determination of our SAR team and the advanced support of our drone unit, the outcome could have been tragic. He likely would not have survived.
I couldn’t be prouder of our Search and Rescue unit.
These men and women are volunteers — yes, volunteers — who donate countless hours of their time, undergo rigorous training, and respond at a moment’s notice, often in the worst weather and the most dangerous conditions. They are trained in everything from wilderness survival and land navigation to rope rescues and emergency medical care. Many are certified in advanced tracking, swift water rescue, and technical rope operations. They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they care.
The SAR team is a division of the Sheriff’s Office, but it’s entirely composed of community members who step forward to serve others in their greatest moment of need. Their dedication is nothing short of heroic. It’s not glamorous work. There are no flashing lights, no press conferences. But it is lifesaving work. And that’s what matters most.
To those 20 volunteers who dropped everything to find a stranger in need — thank you. You are the embodiment of service above self. To the K9 handlers and drone operators, your expertise and precision were vital to this mission’s success. To the residents of San Luis Obispo County: know that behind the scenes, you have a team of committed professionals and selfless volunteers working
day and night to keep our communities safe.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a meaningful difference, consider joining the SAR team. Whether you have experience in the outdoors, a passion for helping others, or technical skills that can aid in complex searches, there is a place for you. More information about how to get involved is available on our Sheriff’s Office website at slosheriff.org. All you have to do is click on the drop down menu “About Us” and choose “Volunteer.”
This mission was a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with purpose and determination. One man is alive today because of it.
The SLO CTE Foundation
JAMES BRESCIA, ED.D.
SLOCOEDU SUPERINTENDENT
Learning is more effective when it is an active rather than a passive process.” — Euripides
When I answered the call to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools, I committed to supporting Career & Technical Education (CTE), the arts, and innovative educational approaches. The future of humanity depends on success in fostering the next generation’s healthy intellectual development and curiosity. Today’s students who live in our community are the citizens, leaders, workers, and parents of tomorrow. If we invest wisely in these young
people who are our greatest assets, the next generation will pay that investment back with productivity, civic engagement, and responsible citizenship. Tools for fostering engagement, such as apprenticeships, internships, CTE, and student summer employment, are programs that promote a path for today’s youth. The SLO County CTE Foundation collaborates with SLO Partners to support CTE, job training programs, and the arts. The foundation is funded by local donors, grants, and private businesses focused on CTE. Additional information can be found on the SLO CTE Foundation website.
The training programs facilitated by SLO Partners teach in-demand skills to help locals train for excellent positions with local employers. The programs are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways developed in partnership with employers. These programs, often called internships, job awareness programs, or work experience, create a path for locals to gain or maintain employment in San Luis Obispo County. Many pre-apprentices, interns, and on-the-job learning participants become regular or seasonal employees with local employers. San Luis Obispo County employers report that these programs provide a pipeline of skilled employees, reduce recruiting costs, and help match employee skills with workplace needs.
“The level of these candidates has already been established and vetted... you know they can be part of a team.” — Dean Mitchell, Lead Developer, Stream Guys.
Simply put, upskilling provides someone with more advanced skills through education and training. For employers, this means providing opportunities for employees to learn new skills to fill a gap in their organization. Thismeans obtaining new skills to help individuals advance or pursue new career opportunities. Upskilling gives localresidents new skills to keep them relevant in ever-evolving industries and helps them qualify for higher-wage jobs. Upskilling expands people’s skills to address gaps. Upskilling can reduce the need to hire new people by building the talents of existing team members. Upskilling also helps the local economy as residents and businesses thrive together in the community.
The recent introductory Dental Assistant Training Program is a seven-week course designed to kickstart a career in the dental field. According to Jose Angel Licona, a recent graduate, “Everyone at the program was great, very informative and very nice and welcoming, and this changed my trajectory of my career.”
Breanna Florentino reported, “Not even a week after the course ended, I already got multiple job offers. I am so grateful that I took this course.” Work-based learning opportunities, including internships and pre-apprenticeships, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education (SLOCOE) and SLO Partners, assist students in developing soft skills, basic job skills, and work experience skills expected of applicants in highly competitive hiring processes seen among many San Luis Obispo County employers. SLOCOE and SLO Partners have data-supported programs that also serve students who are disabled, second-language speakers, disadvantaged, and underrepresented in exploring career pathways. The collaborative efforts of our community provide space for employers across the county to facilitate career pathways. In 2018, we renovated a building on the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education campus to provide a training center, and this summer, the SLO CTE Foundation and SLOCOE leased a building in Paso Robles to expand offerings with a North County center. It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools.
IAN PARKINSON
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF
Fourth of July on the North Coast
Cayucos leads the celebration with full day of festivities and fireworks; Cambria and Morro Bay offer family fun without the big bang
By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life
The Fourth of July is the first big weekend of the summer on the North Coast and falls on Friday in 2025, but this year, once again only one community will have a public fireworks show.
Cayucos
The Cayucos Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club work together every year to put on a fantastic, all-day celebration with tons of great fun to be had, starting at the crack of dawn with the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest on the beach at the Cayucos Pier.
If you’d like to take part in this cool event, you’ll have to beat the rooster’s crowing, and arrive around 4 a.m. to sign up, stake out a spot on the beach and get to work. Bring tools — buckets, spades, plastic shovels, etc., needed to make your creation(s).
These sculptures are wildly creative, celebrating the freedoms we all enjoy. Sand sculptures range from the classic sand castles with drawbridges, turrets and moats, to whimsical depictions of futuristic cities and mythical creatures. Prizes awarded for adult and kid sculptors.
The Sculpture Contest wraps up by 10 a.m., just in time for the Annual Lions Club Independence Day Parade.
The parade, which features over 40 floats and entries, is watched by upwards of 25,000 people lining Ocean Avenue. Arrive early and bring a chair to sit on. For those who try and stake out a viewing spot even earlier, rules don’t allow you to park a chair on the street nor to block sidewalks with chairs. So to avoid any unanticipated problems, come early and bring your chairs with you.
Also at 10 a.m., the Front Street Fair opens with various food and arts and crafts vendors lining Front Street overlooking the beach. The fair runs from 10 to 6 p.m.
There will also be a Lions Club barbecue to raise money for next year’s fireworks show. This should be the last year without use of the Cayucos Vets Hall, which is pretty much finished being rebuilt and just awaiting signoffs on some of the details of the massive reconstruction project that’s been ongoing for over two years.
Normally, the Cayucos Lioness Club plays Bingo in the Vet’s Hall on the 4th of July.
And then at dusk (about 9 p.m.) a public fireworks show will be shot off the pier. Get to the beach early to pick out a spot for the show.
The Chamber put out a friendly word of caution to folks coming in for the 4th of July: “If you’re visiting Cayucos on the 4th, do your part to keep illegal fireworks away, park only in legal spots, pack out
your trash, respect everyone’s safe space and celebrate responsibly.”
Cambria
Once again, Cambria will not have a fireworks show, because of previous erosion on the beach at Shamel Park. The fireworks show was also canceled last year, but it’s hoped they can find a new spot to launch the fireworks for 2026, when the whole nation will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776).
However, the local American Legion will still be putting on the Annual Family Fun Picnic at Shamel Park.
There will be lots of fun activities for the kids, live music, and of course barbecue fare. The Fun Day runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to attend.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay, too, will not have fireworks again this year. The Recreation Department is holding the Annual Family Fun Day at Tidelands Park.
Festivities start early with the return of the Morro Bay Mile Skateboard Push, a race from Morro Bay High School to Tidelands Park. Organized by Skateboard Hall-of-Famer Jack Smith, signups start at 9 a.m. at Morro Bay High School (West entrance) and the race kicks off at 10 a.m.
Ride with the local skate crew, made up of skaters of all ages. Bring your safety gear — helmets, kneepads, etc. — and
your board, too. Push down Atascadero Road, over the Morro Creek Bridge, and up the Embarcadero to Tidelands Park. Prizes to Best Man, Boy, Woman, Girl, Oldest, Youngest, and Best Costume (hint).
Then at 11 a.m. is the Annual Red, White & Blue Bike Parade, starting at the Morro Creek Bridge (the North Pit) and parading up the Embarcadero to Tidelands Park. Dress in your favorite patriotic garb
and decorate your bike in red white, and blue to celebrate Independence Day. The parade is free.
At Tidelands Park on the north end of the Embarcadero, the City Recreation Department’s Family Fun Day starts with live music at 11 a.m. with Rosewood & Honey with a flag ceremony led by the Coast Guard Station Morro Bay at noon.
The day continues with fun games, contests, a kids’ carnival, and bounce house ($5 carnival wristbands available).
Bring a folding chair to sit on or a blanket and sit on the grass.
There will be lots of food and drinks, and a beer garden with 3 Stacks & a Rock Brewery for those over 21. At 1 p.m. The Michael Arriola Project takes the stage and will play until 4 p.m.
The party is over around 4 p.m. giving everyone plenty of time to grab some dinner at your favorite Embarcadero restaurant, and hustle up to Cayucos for the fireworks show at dusk (9 p.m.)
This group of happy co-eds was dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue at a previous Cayucos Independence Day Parade, and having just too much fun. Photos by Neil Farrell
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson pulled on his cowboy boots and saddled up his horse to ride in a previous Independence Day Parade.
Calendar of Events JULY
JUNE 27-JULY 14
CIRCUS VARGAS: HOLLYWOOD DREAMS
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo
Various showtimes daily
Step into the golden age of Hollywood with Circus Vargas’ thrilling new show featuring aerialists, acrobats, and dazzling stunts under the Big Top. Family fun and unforgettable excitement!
JUNE 29-AUGUST 4
BY THE SEA & PRESSING FORWARD EXHIBITS
Art Center Morro Bay
835 Main St, Morro Bay 12-4pm (daily)
Explore ocean-inspired works and handcrafted prints in this dual exhibit showcasing the beauty of the sea and the art of traditional printmaking. Free admission, all ages welcome.
JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY
FAMILY FUN DAY
Tidelands Park, Morro Bay
10 a.m.
Beginning at 10 a.m. with a decorated bike parade, followed by music, flag ceremony and magic show, it will be a fun day for all to celebrate. There will be a beer garden, food and activity wristbands for purchase.
JULY 4TH IN CAYUCOS
Downtown Cayucos
Parade route along Front Street and Cayucos Pier 10am
Celebrate Independence Day in Cayucos with early-morning sand sculpting, a festive parade, street fair, BBQ, and spectacular pier fireworks. Community-driven and family-friendly.
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach
Enjoy the 4th of July and fireworks show on the pier.
JULY 4 AT SHAMEL PARK
Shamel Park, 5455 Windsor Blvd., Cambria
Enjoy the firework show on the beach in Cambria.
JULY 4 IN PASO
BARNEY SCHWARTZ PARK, 2970
UNION ROAD, PASO ROBLES
2–10 p.m.
The City of Paso Robles, along with Travel Paso, is offering a family-friendly event throughout the day and culminating with a fireworks show at night. There will be a Family Fun Zone and live music with the Stephen Styles Band followed by the Young Dubliners, all beginning at 5:30 p.m. The City of Paso Robles, along with Travel Paso, ishosting a 4th of July Celebration at Barney Schwartz Park!
FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
Downtown Templeton 7am-3pm
Details: Start the day with the Pancake Breakfast at 7am, and then grab a seat for the hometown parade at 10am
BLUEGRASS FREEDOM FESTIVAL
ATASCADERO LAKE PARK, ATASCADERO
2–8 p.m.
Presented by Colony Days and the Printery Foundation, the 4th of July Bluegrass Freedom Festival will offer music, boating, bounce houses, games and more. There will be food, bear and wine available for purchase. For information, visit atascaderofourthofjuly.com
JUNE 5, 26, 26
SATURDAYS IN THE PARK
Atascadero Lake Park
6:30-8:30pm
Enjoy the “Saturdays in the Park” Summer Concert Series with free concerts from every Saturday, featuring various genres like rock, blues, and R&B. Bring your family!
JULY 10–AUGUST 28
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Paso Robles City Park
6-8pm
Paso Robles Concerts in the Park is a long running, popular, free community event for all ages. The concert series takes place on Thursday evenings through the summer and typically draws approximately 2,500 visitors to the Downtown City Park.
JUNE 11
MOVIES IN THE PARK
Colony Park
5599 Traffic Way, Atascadero
8-10pm
Enjoy a family-friendly movie night under the stars at Colony Park! Pre-movie activities start at 7pm, with games like frisbee and wiffle ball. Movies begin around 8pm. Free admission!
JULY 12
BRIAN WATERBURY ROCK TO PIER RUN & HALF MARATHON
Morro Rock
7am
The Rock to Pier Run and Half Marathon returns, featuring beach routes between Morro Bay and Cayucos for runners of all ages and abilities.
JULY 16-27
CALIFORNIA MID-STATE FAIR
Paso Robles Event CentThe California Mid-State Fair is held annually and runs for 12 days at the end of July. The Fair has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry.
JULY 24
FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Paso Robles City Park
7:30-10:30am
The Paso Robles Main Street Association hosts a free pancake breakfast for the community as a
