County News

District Attorney graphic titled "Letter to Governor Newsom" in gold. Two District Attorney seals sit on either side of a navy panel that reads "A Slap in the Face to Every Victim."
10/23/2026

District Attorney Dan Dow Urges Governor Newsom to Reject Blanket Commutation of California's Death Sentences

District Attorney Dan Dow announces that he has sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to reject a blanket commutation of all 563 death sentences in California, and to name the victims in every clemency decision he makes.
Image of Nipomo with the words "Nipomo Community Plan Update" in blue with a green leaf
10/23/2026

Help Guide the Future of Nipomo: Draft Nipomo Community Plan Released for Public Feedback

Residents are encouraged to weigh in on the updated draft plan, which will guide investment in parks, transportation, and other community projects, during the public review period now through November 30, 2026. A community workshop will be held on November 8 at Nipomo High School.
Driving Under the Influence, Michael Anthony Calderon (DOB 06/30/1994) Guilty
10/22/2026

Jury Convicts Santa Maria Man of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

District Attorney Dan Dow announces that a jury convicted Michael Anthony Calderon of Santa Maria of misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol, and that he was sentenced immediately after the verdict.
GIS Day - Exhibits - Map Gallery - Networking
10/22/2026

GIS Day 2026

Whether you are an expert, occasional user, or just interested in understanding what GIS is, come see how GIS is used locally by government, academic, and private industry professionals.
Ocean water
10/22/2026

Stay Out of the Ocean During and After Significant Rainstorms

County Public Health advises avoiding ocean water for at least three days after heavy rain.
A library booth set up in a park
10/21/2026

County of SLO Public Libraries Offer Books and More at Two County Parks

Readers can borrow and return books, renew library cards
Panoramic view of a blue lake surrounded by rolling green hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.
10/21/2026

County to Temporarily Switch Drinking Water Disinfectant to Free Chlorine in the Five Cities Area

The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Works will temporarily change the disinfectant used in the Lopez Water Project distribution system from November 4 through December 2, 2026.
A white van in a parking lot alongside an image of colorful graphics on a worktable
10/20/2026

Elections Office To Launch SLO County Votemobile with Drive Up, Drop Off Ballot Collection Event

The SLO County Elections Office has used state funding to acquire and deploy a Votemobile during this general election cycle. The vehicle, which will be driven to communities around the county, will serve as an official mobile ballot drop box -- offering another secure way for county residents to cast their vote.
John Stephen O’Brien (DOB 03/23/1979) DMV Photo Sentenced Today
10/19/2026

X-Ray Technician Sentenced to 120 Days in Jail and Sex Offender Registration for Sexual Battery of Patient

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that John Stephen O’Brien, a local X-ray technician convicted by a jury of misdemeanor sexual battery against a patient, has been sentenced to 120 days in county jail, one year of formal probation, and a minimum of 10 years of sex offender registration.
A narrow paved road crosses a small bridge with concrete guardrails and black-and-yellow hazard markers, surrounded by dense trees and vegetation.
10/16/2026

Traffic Delays Expected for Bridge work on Toro Creek Road

CAYUCOS, Calif. – Motorists can expect traffic delays up to 30 minutes as the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Works performs bridge repair work on Toro Creek Road in Cayucos from October 26 through November 6, 2026.
Prop 36, Repeat Theft Spree, nine years state prison. Photo: Lauren Pamela Johnston (DOB 07/02/1991), Booking Photo (12/10/2025)
10/15/2026

Voters' Prop 36 Delivers Accountability: Repeat Thief Sentenced to 9 Years in State Prison, With 2 More Years Pending, for Holiday-Season Car Break-In and Identity Theft Spree in North County

District Attorney Dan Dow thanks San Luis Obispo County voters, who approved Proposition 36 with 66 percent of the vote, and says the case shows the law is working.
Booking Photo (03/05/2026) Genaro Santana Avalos (DOB 07/23/1984) Guilty
10/14/2026

Jury Convicts Man Who Arranged to Meet a 15-Year-Old Girl for Sex in Sheriff's Online Child Predator Operation

District Attorney Dan Dow announces the conviction of Genaro SantanaAvalos (42) for contacting a person he believed was a 15-year-old girl online and traveling to a San Luis Obispo park to meet her for sex.
Booking Photo (01/06/2025) Vanessa Rose Noblitt (DOB 10/31/1980) Sentenced
10/14/2026

Vanessa Rose Noblitt Sentenced to 9 Years, 8 Months in State Prison for DUI Crash That Killed Cyclist Saul Goldberg

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Venessa Rose Noblitt (45) was sentenced to state prison for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for the 2024 fatal hit and run of Avila Beach resident Saul Goldberg.

A paved road crosses a narrow bridge with guardrails and white posts, surrounded by leafless trees under a clear blue sky.
10/13/2026

Temporary Closure Scheduled to North River Road Bridge During Repair Work

PASO ROBLES--The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department will close North River Road Bridge to traffic to perform repairs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., October 27 to October 29, 2026. The bridge will be open outside of those hours.
10/12/2026

Statement Regarding Recent ICE Activity

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 8, 2026
San Luis Obispo County Partners Move to Host FREE Clean Slate Clinics on Quarterly Basis
10/8/2026

Clean Slate Clinic Moves to Rolling Quarterly Enrollment for Eligible Residents Who Have Completed Their Sentences

San Luis Obispo County Partners announced they will continue to offer free legal clinics, but will be moving to a new, expanded schedule offering services on a quarterly basis. Petitions continue to receive individual review by Probation and the District Attorney's Office before any request goes to the court.
Landscape of SLO County hills
10/8/2026

SLO County Public Health Confirms First Measles Case of 2026

Community members should check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms
A hay bale spray painted red, white, and blue is in a field.
10/6/2026

2025 Annual Crop Report Statistics Released

2025 Crop and Livestock Statistics Are In: Local Agriculture Hits a Record-Breaking $1.1 Billion in Gross Production Value, Highlighting Continued Strength and Resilience
A group attends a meeting in a wood-beamed room, facing a presenter and projection screen.
10/6/2026

Second Public Meeting for the Buckley Road Corridor Plan Scheduled

The Public is invited to the second public engagement meeting for the second phase of development for the County’s Buckley Road Corridor Plan at 5:00 p.m., October 15 at the Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo.

Katcho Achadjian Government Center
10/2/2026

13-year Lawsuit with Steinbeck Vineyards Resolved

Santa Clara Superior Court issued its final judgment in Steinbeck Vineyards v. County of San Luis Obispo