Good morning, San Luis Obispo.

Cal Fire crews have raised containment of the Gifford Fire to 91% and are using drones that drop Dragon Eggs to protect firefighters as evacuations fell from over 200 to 63—Avila Beach Drive is closed for 40 days starting today.

Other updates include higher Santa Barbara MTD fares, community opposition to an Anthem Church project near Stow House, and a pet Spayathon that offered free surgeries in Santa Maria.

Vina Robles Winery will host its first National Dog Parade Day on Aug.

26th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to support Novy’s Ark Dog Rescue and Adoption. Tickets cost $25 and include two glasses of wine, a dog treat, a custom bandana and a $5 donation—each sale will fund rescue efforts.

Paso Robles Recreation Services has released the 2025-26 North San Luis Obispo County Senior Resource Guide, a free directory that lists key services like education, meals, housing, and health care for seniors and caregivers.

The guide is available in English and Spanish at the Paso Robles Senior Center at 270 Scott Street and online under the Senior Services tab.

People’s Self-Help Housing celebrated its 55th anniversary this month and marked decades of work building over 2,200 affordable rental units on the Central Coast; CEO Ken Trigueiro said the organization honored past achievements—plans for future projects will support more families.

Monday afternoon, a vegetation fire broke out in northern San Luis Obispo County along the 8600 block of San Carlos Road west of Highway 101 and south of Highway 41 as firefighters responded shortly after 2 p.m. (CAL FIRE reported about 10 acres were burned just before 3 p.m.).

A fire destroyed an attached garage, a vehicle and damaged a home on Orchard Road in Nipomo Saturday afternoon—Cal Fire said firefighters stopped the flames from spreading further.

Caltrans will close Highway 41 between Highway 46 and Highway 33 from Tuesday, Aug.

26 until Thursday, Aug. 28 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to complete the new interchange connection—travelers on both highways are directed to detour via Reef Station and delays will not exceed 45 minutes.

KSBY will host the annual Be a Hero Blood Drive on August 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at its San Luis Obispo station and at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santa Maria—donors will receive tacos, a $10 Rewards gift card, a free t-shirt and treats while the event helps ensure blood is available for patients during the busy Labor Day weekend.

Marian Regional Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital are hosting the 12th annual Day of Hope fundraiser on August 27 to support Central Coast cancer patients at Mission Hope Cancer Center.

Day of Hope teams will sell special edition Santa Maria Times newspapers for a $1 donation or more from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Santa Maria and the Five Cities + proceeds will fund patient equipment and outreach programs.