Good morning, San Luis Obispo.

Public and private leaders in San Luis Obispo are offering a one-time funding boost—over $2.2 million—to help nonprofits that lost 30-50 percent of their budgets last year.

The initiative, called Together for SLO County, invites qualifying organizations to apply this month with winning grants announced in December.

Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association for Fire Prevention Week—Oct.

5 to 11—to teach residents how to handle lithium-ion batteries safely. The department advises buying certified products, charging on hard surfaces, and recycling batteries properly to help prevent fires.

Creston Village Assisted Living will host its second annual Trunk or Treat on Oct 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.—the event in the facility's parking lot will let children collect candy from decorated car trunks and families enjoy hot dogs and drinks—and it will also support the Alzheimer’s Walk team with a planned donation for November.

Candy is a playful, affectionate, buff-colored 6‑month‑old kitten available for adoption at Woods Humane Society (Atascadero).

She enjoys chasing toys and greeting visitors with gentle purrs.

Local online bookstore The Cove is hosting two free Halloween events to support Pacific Wildlife Care — a spooky bookfair on Oct.

24 at Two Broads Ciderworks and a spooky author talk on Oct. 25 at Atascadero Library with thriller writer Nicholas Belardes and 13 free books given away.

The 29th annual Nutcracker: A Storybook Ballet will be held at Spanos Theatre at Cal Poly on December 5 at 7 p.m., December 6 at 5 p.m., and December 7 at 2 p.m., featuring 70 local dancers and guest artists.

The event—directed by Cheryle Armstrong and Rachel Connerton—will support dance programs through scholarship and community outreach.

The North County Dance & Performing Arts Foundation will host the Nutcracker Soirée: A Festive Holiday Gala on Nov.

14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Vina Robles Tasting Room—tickets are on sale now with early discount rates available through October and proceeds will support youth arts in our community.

Downtown San Luis Obispo businesses face rising costs from federal tariffs on imported goods—Central Coast Surfboards and SLO Olive have had to raise prices or absorb extra costs, and some owners worry that these tariffs will hurt holiday sales and local shopping.

Some business owners hope a favorable court decision will ease the extra charges soon.

Cal Poly students face a changing job market as AI takes over tasks once done by workers + senior Nashali Vicente Lopez said she is now studying privacy and security to keep her future safe.

Cal Poly will hold a Computing and AI Career Fair on Oct 21 to help students learn the skills employers now require.

Cal Poly Maritime Academy merged its administration with Cal Poly on July 1 to secure more funding and improve hands-on learning for students.

New leaders Corey Cook and Eric Jones are planning future projects—such as a new ship called the Golden State—to expand programs for local learners.

Applications are now open for fall 2026 at Cal Poly and other CSU campuses via the Cal State Apply portal; the window opened on October 1 and closes on December 1.

High school seniors and transfer students must meet course and GPA requirements (residents need a 2.5 minimum) and pay a $70 application fee per campus (waivers may be available).

Cal Poly women’s soccer made history by starting the season unbeaten as head coach Bernardo Silva used his G.R.I.T. method that stresses grind, respect, integrity, and team spirit—leading the team to a record 2-0-7 in nine nonconference games and setting the stage for a new era as Cal Poly 2.0.

Student athletes from Bearcat Softball and Baseball are hosting a Wood Mountain Christmas tree, wreath, and garland fundraiser with orders available online until Nov.

15—pickup is scheduled for Dec. 5 when delivery arrives and on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon, while baseball will offer tree delivery for a donation.