Good morning, San Luis Obispo.

City officials are offering free parking in downtown structures every Sunday in December plus on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day—a move to boost holiday shopping—while local businesses report more visitors.

A new holiday guide details festive events happening across San Luis Obispo County through December, including parades, tree lightings and markets.

A SLO holiday parade will take place on Dec. 5 at 7:00 p.m. downtown, while other community celebrations are scheduled in various towns.

Dozens of families gathered at the Madonna Inn Tuesday night for the annual Children's Christmas Party hosted by Jack's Helping Hand.

The event featured scavenger hunts, music, food, a magic show and a visit from Santa that offered hope to children affected by cancer.

The Salvation Army is calling for volunteers for holiday bell-ringing donation collections at local stores (in San Luis Obispo), offering two-hour shifts until Dec.

24 to support neighbors and families in need.

Operation Santa (run by the County Department of Social Services) offers gift tags on decorated Christmas trees at local spots including Orange Theory in San Luis Obispo to help families in need during the holiday season; tags remain available until Dec.

22.

Gymnazo (720 Aerovista Place) will host a free community workout on Saturday, Dec.

6 from 9 to 10 a.m. to celebrate surpassing its $10K goal for the SLO Food Bank, with challenges like ice bucket dumps and bake-offs planned.

Hambly Farms announced that co-founder Milton Hambly won a gold medal at the 10th Annual International Lavender Oil and Culinary Competition for his Dutch Mill Lavender Essential Oil—his first contest entry—while continuing traditional distillation at the family farm in San Miguel.

Brass Mash, led by a Cal Poly graduate and music teacher, has risen to local fame by overcoming early setbacks — the band was voted Best Band in San Luis Obispo County in 2024 and now keeps local crowds dancing.

The award showcases the creativity of our local music scene.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is offering free in-home gas appliance safety checks and pilot light re-lights as winter approaches to help reduce carbon monoxide risks.

Customers can schedule an appointment by calling (800 743-5000) or visiting PG&E’s website.

Hospice SLO County announced that it has acquired a new home for the Dorothy D.

Rupe Center at 1305 Marsh St. in San Luis Obispo to reduce costs and improve accessibility while continuing free hospice and grief support services during the transition, which will be completed in early 2026.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns riders to stop using Rad Power Bikes’ e-bike lithium-ion batteries (models RP-1304 and HL-RP-S1304) after 30 fires.

Best Buy accepts returns now and local hazardous waste sites begin free disposal tomorrow (Dec. 5).

Tim Skipper, former UCLA and Fresno State interim coach, has been named the new head coach of Cal Poly Football.

He will be introduced at a press conference Monday, Dec. 8 at 10:30 a.m. inside the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center and will start recruiting in August.