Good morning, San Luis Obispo.

CoastHills Credit Union and ECHO launched a community towel drive in July to support families using ECHO’s residential shelter and free public shower programs.

Donations can be dropped off at the Atascadero branch or at ECHO locations, and a collection bin will be available during the Atascadero Chamber Mixer — the drive benefits over 130 people daily.

Local businessman Adam Verdin announced his run for County Supervisor in District 4 while the Madre Fire remains 35% contained after burning over 80,000 acres and Highway 166 is still closed, and Monday crews partially demolished the burned Templeton Feed and Grain building as locals rallied to support the business. In addition, Scripps News and Direct Relief are aiding Texas flood victims—donations via text and shipments of medical supplies—and Santa Maria has launched a 24/7 fire investigation unit after a series of suspicious fires left residents feeling unsafe.

Paul Flores filed a new appeal on Monday in the California Second Appellate District asking to reverse his 2023 conviction for the 1996 murder of Cal Poly freshman Kristin Smart because his attorney argued that trial errors such as not removing a biased juror and admitting uncharged evidence violated his rights. Flores remains at Corcoran State Prison and must pay over $346,000 in restitution to the Smart family (the 75-page brief outlines seven major points) as his appeal is reviewed.

A man in the Paso Robles area was taken into custody Tuesday evening after a standoff at a residence (800 block of Golden Meadow Drive) where law enforcement responded at 5:40 p.m. to a possible domestic violence incident, treating one victim for injuries while arresting him for alleged assault with a deadly weapon.

More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the Madre Fire burning in San Luis Obispo County as warmer, winder conditions return today and the blaze grows by hundreds of acres a day.

The fire has scorched 80,615 acres (35% contained), prompted multiple evacuations and a Highway 166 closure, and one firefighter was injured on Sunday.

Shiloh Marx filed a lawsuit on June 24 against the county clerk-recorder, Elaina Cano, after she did not supply voter registration data requested on March 11 and again on June 17 — the suit alleges her actions breached the Public Records Act.

The lawsuit seeks court orders to force the release of the withheld records.

Adam Verdin, a local business owner and flight instructor, announced his run for District 4 Supervisor in San Luis Obispo County ahead of the June 2026 election—he grew up in Oceano and worked with local non-profits to support community safety, prosperity, and affordability.

His campaign will focus on representing communities such as Arroyo Grande, Cuyama, Nipomo and others in the region.