Good morning, San Luis Obispo.

Must! Charities hosted its annual Purpose event at Epoch Estate Wines and raised nearly $2.5 million, boosting its five-year total to over $10 million.

A Fund-a-Need segment raised $1.1 million for the SLO Food Bank—helping 47,000 county residents get fresh food.

Today, Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo has relocated Trooper—a two-year-old cat looking for his forever home—to its shelter off Oklahoma Avenue, where visitors can meet him from noon to 4 p.m. He loves watching people and is best as the only cat in a home with an adoption fee waived.

The Central Coast Cider Festival will take place Saturday, Aug.

23 at the Sunken Gardens in Atascadero where over 20 cider makers will offer tastings, food, games, and live music—organized by the Central Coast Cider Association. Tickets range from $20 to $100 with VIP options available.

Alta Colina Vineyards & Winery will host two public events at its Trailer Pond on Aug.

22 and Aug. 23 with a Summer Hangouts tasting from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a Golden Hour Tasting at 6 p.m.—guests must be 21 or older and reserve their spot by purchasing one bottle of wine per every two attendees.

San Luis Obispo County unemployment rose from 4.8% in June to 5.2% in July — government jobs dropped by 1,500 as the workforce increased to 134,700 and the information sector added 100 jobs.

The Gifford Fire burned 132,605 acres, destroyed five structures and injured 12 people in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties and was 69% contained by Friday.

Firefighters used southwesterly winds to push flames toward previously burned areas and will reinforce containment lines tonight—threatening 1,399 structures.

The California Department of Public Health reported over 5,500 valley fever cases in the first half of 2025 after nearly 12,500 were recorded in 2024—officials warn that people with cough, fever, or trouble breathing should see a doctor and take care in dusty areas of the Central Valley and Central Coast.

On August 15, 2025, 13-year-old Kelly Zhang won her first American Junior Golf Association championship at Hunter Ranch Golf Course by finishing 10-under-par.

In the tournament, 14-year-old Richard Ding won the boys' title with a seven-under-par score among 78 competitors.