Good morning, San Luis Obispo.

Today local officials opened a cooling center at 40 Prado Road from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for residents and pets—fire crews nearly completed containing the Gifford Fire using water from nearby lakes while northbound 101 near Avila Beach has a right-lane closure from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for roundabout construction. Officials are considering plans for the Chapman Estate in Pismo Beach amid preservation concerns, firefighters saved a historic ranch in Arroyo Grande, and Pacific Wildlife Care is building a new $8.4 million wildlife rehab center along Buckley Road to treat more animals.

The Pioneer Day Committee is accepting entry forms for the 95th Annual Paso Robles Pioneer Day Parade, inviting floats, tractors, wagons, bands, and civic groups to show their theme called 'The 95th Pioneer Playlist.' The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Oct.

11 in downtown Paso Robles and will be followed by events including a bean feed and tractor demonstrations — the best float theme will earn a $500 cash prize.

The El Camino Homeless Organization will hold its Long Walk Home fundraiser on Sept.

20 from 10 a.m. to noon in Atascadero—participants will join an awareness walk and community barbecue to support emergency shelter, housing, and supportive services.

On Oct. 4 at 7:30 a.m., the 5th Annual Rubber Ducky Derby will take place in Morro Bay to raise funds for school scholarships and community projects.

Participants can buy rubber ducks for $10 each—cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third will be awarded.

Local business Templeton Glass has donated over $2,000 this year to Habitat for Humanity SLO County as part of its pledge to donate $5 for every window installed and aims to reach a $4,000 target by year-end.

This weekend, many events will take place across the Central Coast as car shows start in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande for a fundraiser, a pride festival runs in Santa Barbara, and Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo hosts a free movie night; other events include a Bloody Mary contest in Creston, a scavenger hunt in Solvang, a history tour in Lompoc, and live music at Mission Plaza and Sea Pines, offering fun for all ages.

The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District has named Melissa Godsey (with over 15 years of marketing experience) as its new public information officer and she will begin her role in August (to enhance school communications).

The 41st annual Cuesta College Central Coast Writers’ Conference will be held Sept.26-27 and offers scholarships, contests, and a new teen program—application deadlines are Sept.5 and Sept.10 for writers of all levels.

The event is supported by local sponsors and community partners to help open opportunities for aspiring writers.

Cal Poly Men's Soccer began its season on August 21 with a road game at San Jose State after winning its first Big West Title, and coach Oige Kennedy said his team, led by top goalkeeper Nicky McCune, is set to face four tough matches before hosting home games on September 11 — a schedule that will test their skill and effort. This season, returning starters and new talent will work hard to build on last year's success.