MORRO BAY
Addis calls for investigation of Moss Landing Fire
On Wednesday, Jan. 23, Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) urged the California Public Utilities Commission to conduct an independent investigation on the fire at the Vistra Battery Energy Storage System at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County.
Addis sent the following letter to Alice Busching Reynolds, the President of the California Public Utilities Commission:
January 22, 2025
Alice Busching Reynolds, President
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear President Busching Reynolds,
We are writing to formally request an independent investigation and action in regards to the January 2025 fire that lasted five days at the Vistra Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Moss Landing Power Plant in Monterey County. Specifically, we are asking for a fully transparent and independent investigation, updated safety enforcement, prevention enhancements, and for the Vistra BESS to remain offline until safety is guaranteed. I thank Governor Newsom and my colleagues at the local and state levels for joining ongoing calls for such an investigation.
As state legislators, we have the honor of representing hundreds of miles of California’s coastline from the Santa Cruz harbor to the southern San Luis Obispo County line. We have been working to move California away from carbon producing energy and towards meeting our critical climate goals. It is imperative that as we transition, we ensure safety for our communities and our environment.
The Vistra BESS is located on the northern Monterey County Coast. It is surrounded by the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, critical marine educational and research facilities, important agricultural lands, residences, and businesses. The BESS also sits next to the Highway 1 corridor, and is just miles from tourist destinations that bring tens of millions of dollars to the California economy, such as the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Pebble Beach, and Big Sur. We must protect these sensitive and valuable assets within our community.
The January 2025 fire is the fourth BESS safety incident at Moss Landing since 2019. It is the third safety incident on the Vistra property, and the second time Highway 1 has been closed due to a Moss Landing BESS fire. We are deeply concerned for the health and welfare of local residents, businesses, visitors, first responders, wildlife, and environmentally sensitive habitat that surround the Moss Landing Power Plant.
We ask that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC):
- Conduct a fully transparent investigation into the root cause of the January 2025 fire
- Evaluate the environmental and public health impacts
- Enact and enforce safety standards for battery energy storage facilities per SB 1383 (Hueso, Chapter 725, Statutes of 2022);
- Assess systemic and technological risks;
- Provide actionable prevention recommendations;
- Ensure transparency;
- Collaborate with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the California Energy Commission and local partners.
California must never have a disaster like this again. Vistra and its vendors should cooperate with any and all state investigations by sharing their data and allowing access to the site. Additionally, the Vistra BESS at Moss Landing should remain completely offline until the cause of the fire is determined and safety is guaranteed for our community and natural habitats.
The Moss Landing facility has represented a pivotal piece of our state’s energy future, however this disastrous fire has undermined the public’s trust in utility scale lithium-ion battery energy storage systems. If we are to ensure California moves its climate and energy goals forward, we must demonstrate a steadfast commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, transparency, accountability, and emergency prevention.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Dawn Addis
Assemblymember, District 30
Gail Pellerin
Assemblymember, District 28
John Laird
State Senator, District 17
Free art demo with Andrew Cook to be held at Morro Bay Art Association
The Morro Bay Art Association is hosting a free art demonstration featuring Andrew Cook, North American Education Manager for Fabriano Paper, Sennelier Colors, and Isabey Brushes. Join Cook as he explores the history and unique qualities of these iconic art materials. He will also demonstrate the use of Sennelier Artist L’aquarell Watercolor on Fabriano Artistic Paper with Isabey’s latest brushes.
Attendees will have the opportunity to experiment with samples, while supplies last. Join them for a free art demo with Andrew Cook on Feb. 2 at 1 p.m. at the Art Center Morro Bay, located at 835 Main St., Morro Bay. This event is free and open to the public, with walk-ins welcome. For more information, visit ArtCenterMorroBay.org or call (805) 772-2504.
Morro Bay surveys residents on city goals and budget priorities
Morro Bay residents are invited to share their input on priorities for the city’s policy goals and objectives for the next two budget years. The city’s biennial survey helps establish top initiatives to guide the development of the budget for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027.
“Every two years, the city launches a survey inviting our community to share input for development and prioritization of the city’s biennial goals and objectives,” the city stated.
The survey is quick to complete and available online at polco.us/s5tryz. Responses will be accepted until Saturday, Feb. 15.
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Cuesta College welcomes Dr. Todd Hampton as assistant superintendent/vice president
Cuesta College has appointed Dr. Todd Hampton as its new assistant superintendent/vice president of administrative services, effective Jan. 13. The San Luis Obispo County Community College District Board of Trustees approved the decision in December, following a national search and recommendation from Superintendent/President Dr. Jill Stearns.
Hampton brings over 14 years of experience in the California Community College system, including his recent role as acting superintendent/president at Taft College. He has served in various faculty and administrative roles and is committed to advancing student success by removing educational barriers.
“Dr. Hampton’s extensive leadership experience and passion for student success make him an excellent fit for Cuesta College,” Stearns said. “His commitment to removing barriers to education aligns perfectly with our mission to empower students and community.”
As a first-generation college graduate and California native, Hampton holds a doctorate in educational leadership from CSU Northridge, an MBA, and a BS in management information systems.
“I am so excited to join Cuesta College, an institution with a great reputation and welcoming community,” Hampton said. “This move marks an exciting new adventure for my family and me, and I look forward to helping where I can and working with the team at Cuesta to bring about any positive change together.”
Atascadero releases 2025 event calendar
The City of Atascadero has released its 2025 Event Calendar, packed with a wide range of community gatherings, signature events, and ticketed experiences for residents and visitors. Highlights include the At Her Table Street Festival on March 9, the Central Coast Craft Beer Festival on March 22, and the popular Tamale Festival Weekend from May 2-3. Summer events feature the “Saturday in the Park” Concert Series, Movies in the Park, and the Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival on June 21.
Fall brings the Colony Days Parade on Oct. 4, the Zoo Boo on Oct. 24-25, and the Atascadero Fall Festival from Nov. 14-16, culminating in the Winter Wonderland on Dec. 12.
Stay updated on events and entertainment by visiting VisitAtascadero.com/events. For vendor, band, or sponsorship inquiries, contact (805) 470-3360 or email events@atascadero.org
Detached residential garage catches fire
A residential garage fire was reported by multiple next-door neighbors on Saturday, Jan. 18, at approximately 9:27 a.m. The fire started at 9177 Maple St. in Atascadero.
Fire engines from Atascadero, Paso Robles, Templeton, the State Hospital, and Cal Fire were dispatched to fight the fire. A battalion chief from Atascadero and one from Cal Fire were also sent to fight the blaze.
On arrival, the first engine on the scene encountered heavy fire coming from the interior and rear of the garage structure. Initial access to the fire was difficult due to both fences and debris surrounding the property. Still, the fire was extinguished in an hour.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
SLO County Airport celebrates record-breaking passenger total
The SLO County Airport (SBP) is proud to announce its largest annual passenger count to date, with 746,764 travelers passing through the airport in the calendar year of 2024. This milestone represents a remarkable 13 percent increase compared to the prior year’s total of 660,745 passengers.
This record-breaking achievement highlights the airport’s growing role as a vital transportation hub for the Central Coast, providing convenient and efficient air travel options for both residents and visitors. The increase reflects ongoing partnerships with airlines, expanded flight options, upgauging of aircraft, and the community’s support for local air service.
“Achieving this milestone is a reflection of the incredible teamwork and dedication of everyone who makes SBP thrive,” said Director of Airports Courtney Johnson. “Whether it’s the airport team who go above and beyond every day, our airline partners, or the guests who trust us with their journeys — this growth wouldn’t be possible without each of you. Thank you for being part of our mission to provide an exceptional air travel experience and for your unwavering support of local air service.”
SBP has continually invested in improving its facilities and services to meet the needs of its growing passenger base. As the airport moves forward, it remains committed to sustainability, innovation, and fostering strong relationships with its community and stakeholders.
For more information about SBP, including flight schedules and upcoming initiatives, visit sloairport.com
San Luis Obispo AARP Tax-Aide announces free tax preparation services for tax year 2024
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide of San Luis Obispo County is pleased to announce the initiation of tax preparation services for the 2025 tax season. Services are free and, while funded through the AARP Foundation, are available to all seniors and low to moderate-income residents, not just AARP members. There is also no age limit for using the service.
Tax return preparation services will be offered from Feb. 1 through early April 10.
AARP Tax-Aide offers an online self-booking appointment system for taxpayers. Beginning Jan. 20, taxpayers can go to CCFREETAX.ORG to book their appointment online. Taxpayers without a computer, tablet, or smartphone can call the appointment line at (805) 931-6308 beginning Jan. 27. Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to use the online appointment system.
AARP Tax-Aide has nine locations in San Luis Obispo County, including Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo. Please go to CCFREETAX.ORG for location addresses and hours of operation. All sites are by appointment only.
AARP Tax-Aide has been providing tax preparation services to Central Coast residents for more than 30 years. Our over 75 AARP Tax-Aide counselors and other volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year.
The program was started in 1968 by four volunteers. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is now the nation’s largest free, volunteer–run tax preparation service. By using these services, seniors and low to moderate-income taxpayers avoid preparation and electronic filing fees.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS. In prior years, our local Tax-Aide program in San Luis Obispo County prepared approximately 3,600 tax returns, resulting in over $2.1 million in refunds being returned to the local economy.
Sheriff’s Office reaches settlement over allegations in DOJ jail report
The Sheriff’s Office announced today that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve allegations in their 2021 Findings Report, which focused primarily on jail conditions prior to February 2019. The Sheriff’s Office has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Department of Justice from the outset of their investigation to address any alleged deficiencies.
The jail has since been recognized as a leader in jail services statewide and nationally. In 2019, the sheriff entered into a comprehensive contract with a private entity to provide physical, mental, and dental health care in the jail. The department added a full-time sheriff’s chief medical officer to oversee the contract.
Later, in 2019, the jail and San Luis Obispo County were recognized as an Innovator County in mental health services through the National Stepping Up Initiative focused on reducing the number of people with mental illness in jails.
In 2020, the California State Association of Counties recognized the San Luis Obispo County Jail with the Award for Excellence for its Behavioral Health and Incentive Program, which improves behavior and social integration among the mental health population. This is an annual statewide award honoring innovation and best practices in county government.
The jail then attained healthcare accreditation by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care in 2022. NCCHC writes the standards for correctional healthcare, and its accreditation comes by objective third-party assessment for jails and prisons nationwide.
They are pleased with the settlement agreement, as it not only highlights the significant advancements they’ve achieved over the years but also underscores the progress they are committed to maintaining.
Kidnapping and sexual assault charges filed against man posing as rideshare driver
SLO County District Attorney Dan Dow announced that Angel Munoz Quintana, 32, of Nipomo has been charged with multiple felonies based on two incidents that occurred early this week in neighborhoods near Cal Poly.
Charges allege that Munoz Quintana was posing as a rideshare driver when he picked up one victim and sexually assaulted her, and in a separate incident, he picked up another victim and held her against her will. Munoz Quintana was arrested by the San Luis Obispo Police Department on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Munoz Quintana has been charged in a criminal complaint with kidnapping, assault with the intent to commit rape, forced oral copulation, oral copulation of a victim impaired by alcohol, criminal threats, and false imprisonment. He remains in jail custody with an enhanced bail amount of $1.2 million.
Given the nature of the alleged offenses, the District Attorney’s Office is seeking the public’s help in gathering additional information. If you have any information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation, please immediately contact San Luis Obispo Police Detective Magana at (805) 594-8025. Together we make this a safer community.
Scholarships available for first-time arts and music programs
Reprise Foundation for the Arts, in partnership with Central Coast Funds for Children (CCFC), has launched the “Start in the Arts” program, offering scholarships for children in San Luis Obispo County to participate in their first formal arts and music experiences. Funded by a grant from CCFC, this initiative seeks to make arts education more accessible for families facing financial barriers.
“Our community offers a great variety of child and family-centered arts, movement, and music programs,” said Alexis Lewis, vice president of Reprise Foundation. “But registration fees can be a burden for some families, delaying exposure to these enriching early childhood experiences. With Start in the Arts, we hope to help families comfortably try something new, while connecting them with San Luis Obispo County’s strong community of artists and musicians.”
The program is open to children under 19 enrolling in art, theater, music, or other creative classes, camps, or private lessons. In addition to “Start in the Arts,” Reprise offers two other scholarships: the quarterly Arts Scholarship for all ages and the Shirley McNamara Memorial Arts Scholarship for high school seniors pursuing the arts post-graduation. A Business Support Fund also helps local businesses launch or grow arts programs.
Reprise Foundation, established in 2023, operates with a mission of “Making music, art, and community,” aiming to eliminate barriers to arts access for all. Donations and scholarship applications are available at RepriseFoundation.org
CCFC, a volunteer-led organization with a 30-year legacy, has provided over $2 million in funding to child-centered initiatives in San Luis Obispo County. For more on CCFC, visit CentralCoastFundsForChildren.org
CALIFORNIA
Palisades Fire nears full containment amid flooding and recovery efforts
The Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,448 acres over 20 days, is now 94 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. Crews, aided by air tankers and over 1,000 personnel, continue to manage the blaze as its cause remains under investigation.
Late January rains provided relief but triggered flooding and mudflows, leading to road closures, including Pacific Coast Highway near Las Flores Canyon, Malibu Canyon, and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Schools in the Malibu Unified School District are closed today due to hazardous conditions. Recovery efforts are underway, with the LA County Disaster Recovery Center assisting residents at UCLA Research Park.
While containment progresses, officials warn of ongoing mudslide risks in burn areas. Containment and other fire data are continuously updated. For updated information, residents can contact the Malibu Emergency Operations Center public hotline at (310) 456-2489 or visit recovery.lacounty.gov
NATION
Donald Trump sworn in as 47th President of the United States
On Monday, Jan. 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, marking his return to the White House for a second, nonconsecutive term. Accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, Trump took the oath of office in a scaled-down ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to frigid weather. The day highlighted a peaceful transfer of power and the resilience of American democracy.
President Joe Biden departed Washington after a farewell filled with gratitude and reflection. His final day included a ceremony at the White House and a traditional handwritten letter left for Trump on the Resolute Desk. In his farewell speech at Joint Base Andrews, Biden emphasized accomplishments such as managing the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding healthcare access, and restoring global alliances. Calling for continued unity, Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden departed for Santa Ynez, closing a chapter in American leadership.
The inauguration ceremony, steeped in tradition and symbolism, featured musical performances and invocations by Timothy Cardinal Dolan and Rev. Franklin Graham. Vice President Vance, sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, pledged to fulfill campaign promises focused on economic revitalization and national security. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the presidential oath to Trump, who vowed to “restore America’s strength” through bold reforms and government accountability.
Post-ceremony events included a troop review and an indoor parade at Capital One Arena, where performances celebrated the nation’s diversity. An inaugural luncheon followed, attended by members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, and dignitaries. In his remarks, Trump called for unity, declaring the day the start of “a new era of American greatness.”
Within hours, Trump began implementing his agenda by signing executive orders on energy policy and immigration, including reauthorizing the Keystone XL pipeline. While supporters praised his decisive start, critics warned of potential division. Vice President Vance reaffirmed their commitment to campaign promises, emphasizing economic growth and security reforms.
Biden’s presidency, marked by significant challenges, included achievements like healthcare expansion and climate action. Critics, however, pointed to inflation and immigration struggles. In his farewell, Biden expressed gratitude and optimism for America’s future.
As Trump begins his second term, his leadership will shape the nation’s path forward. The inauguration underscored the enduring strength of democracy and the potential for renewal amid a divided political landscape.
