scoops

Easy as ABCD5

Battling it out for D5 Supervisor are two women with vastly different ideas in a race that’s recently become a wee bit duurtay. Incumbent Debbie Arnold takes on progressive challenger Ellen Beraud in what looks to be to be the most competitive & highest spending campaign this election cycle. Arnold has served two terms in the conservative majority and has her priorities for the County, while Beraud touts her “smart, honest leadership” and her own priorities. Email Arnold or Beraud. 

Don’t forget D1 Supervisor: incumbent John Peschong squares off against challenger Stephanie Shakofsky for N County. Get their take on water woes and those without homes.

We can all take a deep breath, tho

Local environmentalists leapt into action after Mustang News reported on a December decision from the Federal Bureau of Land Management to open new oil leases covering SLO and 7 other counties. But don’t freak out, yet! The State of CA and others have filed lawsuits challenging the decision so IF a lease were to be issued after the lawsuits are resolved, the typical years-long environmental review would still happen. Phew for now. 

As for our beloved Montaña de Oro, BLM doesn’t hold any leases within the state park, but in the Trish Hills around it and Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Not so likely that oil extraction tech associated with increased seismic activity would be approved miles from an (even decommissioned) nuke site. BLM supposedly recognizes how precious our coast is, as it’s designated a National Monument AND protected as National Conservation Lands. So this fight could get huge, but for now, y’all can breathe easy and take a hike!

But SRSLY, find Kristin Smart

ICYMI, last week the Your Own Backyard podcast confirmed spankin’ new evidence in the Kristin Smart case: 2 prev missing Flores fam trucks. [collective gasp] Public faith in the case has wavered, but SLO Sheriff’s office told the podcast they + FBI have spent 7,500 hours on the case in recent years. Not that they felt they had somethin’ to prove. The podcast has inspired local residents to demand more + share anonymous tips. And just this week, literal red tape went up around the Flores’ AG homes… we’re thinkin person-of-interest Paul Flores is shakin’ in his boots. Ponder that while jamming out to Kristin’s seriously 90s mixtape. 

Get woke on local Black voices

SLO loves to talk about diversity, buuut … here’s something that’s more than just lip service. Show up for Black History Month by gettin’ yourself to the multimedia BELONGING project by R.A.C.E. Matters SLO. This anti-racist series is helping SLO wake up by amplifying local black voices. Portraits & Perspectives offers potent truths about the Black experience in SLO unveiled through powerful photos, unflinching quotes and real life stories. Also, you can celebrate during Art After Dark while sippin’ on wine from Black winemakers & Black-owned wineries on 2/7 at Dtown SLO’s new[ish] space.

We likey private rooms

When you think of a hospital, what comes to mind – starchy hospital gowns, gross food? Probably not humankindness or carism, but that’s what drives the folks at French Hospital. Hoping to merge their touchy-feely Beyond Health mission with world class services, the upcoming $125 mill. expansion + new emergency room could create 300 new jobs, 95 more private rooms, more advanced newborn services PLUS a choppa-pad. Who knows, they may just manage to transcend our broken sick care system. The catch? To make this a reality, $30 mill. must be raised for the foundation. Chip in or attend an event today.

Will you accept us into your heart…and inbox?

How does one possibly have time for all of the pertinent politics, hot development dish, awesome community events, local business news and other fab fare that makes SLO County such a divine place to live? I mean, there are memes to scroll, people! Some of us do…because some of us know the Scoop! Turn to us when you’re looking for a quick, bi-weekly dose of relevant local news delivered with a mighty fine dollop of snark and #OKBoomer zeal. As we close in on our 100th(!!!!!!) issue, we want to make sure you’re getting the scoop–Subscribe today. 

If you’re hoping to hear younger, more diverse voices on our City Council, then your attendance is def needed as they debate increases to council compensation. Earning 53% of the median income may not sound like a lot, but we think it’ll go the extra mile in encouraging more folks to run. Help the current Council not feel like jerks since we force them to vote on their own compensation. More importantly, help future generations who want to run and won’t have to wait until their old and independently wealthy. Email your thoughts ASAP!

Not your parents UB40

Red, red wine makes me feel so fine, but ya know what doesn’t feel fine? Looming elections and new policies on the horizon that you know nothing about. There’s a shit ton happening in 2020 and you don’t wanna feel helpless. U40s, meet SLOU40 – a local non-partisan org bringing the under 40s together with a drive to improve our lives on the Central Coast. Via engagement, conversation and action, they’re informing and inspiring us to make changes on issues that affect our demo. Check out their local Candidate Forum 2/6 at Madonna Inn 6-8pm. And just like that wine, SLOU40 will keep you rockin, all of the time.

YIMBYs unite for housing

That Dorothy was onto something. And altho homes in Kansas [and prob Oz] are more damn affordable than SLO, SLO Co YIMBY is fighting the good fight for affordable, accessible housing. The regional arm of CA YIMBY started by a fellow U40, these local Yes-In-My-Back-Yard’ers are advocating for subsidized housing, better transportation options, walkable cities, and the end of restrictive zoning that makes neighborhoods pricier and further from our J-O-Bs. Join their fight for an affordable and sustainable future, where everyone has a place to call home. Even a girl in gingham. And her little dog too.

Cheers to 14 years!

2020 marks year 14 for the Young Professionals Networking Group. WHOA! Dedicated to connecting SLOcals, hosting community events and skill-building workshops, everyone 21+ is welcome to attend the monthly mixers and hikes. After raising a whopping $32k+ for charity over the last decade, a $30 tax-deductible ticket snags you a spot at the Gala in the Garden on 3/21 at SLOBG to benefit Family Care Network. Got plans for the leap year? Ya do now! Sign up today for the Cornhole Tournament at CCB. Need to buff up your resume? Apply for the board and flex your leadership. Find out about all the things.