Good morning, San Luis Obispo.

Drivers face rising gas costs as prices top $4 nationally and $5.89 in California today, while a new proposal aims to build thousands of homes along the Central Coast and five Arroyo Grande business owners have formed a Merchant Guild (to boost local shop support).

Two winery gems in Paso Robles invite visitors to taste local history and unique wines: V1NO JUAN opened its tasting room on 840 11th Street (a new local pride spot) in September, and Dunning Vineyards offers handcrafted wines and historic tours led by pioneer Bob Dunning.

Reservations are suggested.

Hambly Lavender Farm in San Miguel launches its season on May 10 with lavender U-Pick on Fridays-Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and sunset events on Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering guided tours + private group experiences through Sept.

7.

The Concerts in the Park series will run from June 11 to Aug.

20 at City Park on Thursdays at 6 p.m. Organized by the Paso Robles Recreation Foundation and Recreation Services, the *family-friendly* concerts will feature diverse music and support local park improvements and a recreation scholarship fund.

Novel Pairings is hosting its first in-person silent book club event on April 22 at Hope on Park in Paso Robles.

Attendees will bring their own books and enjoy a wine pairing chosen by founder Erin Kirschenmann based on the reading genre.

Transit agencies will roll out the new Tap2Ride system on April 6 to simplify fare payments in San Luis Obispo County; riders will use contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) and mobile wallets while cash and pass options remain available.