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Sadie Dittenber

@sadiedittenber.bsky.social
169 followers 206 following 39 posts

Education (and Paso Robles!) reporter for the SLO Tribune | UC Berkeley Local News Fellow Send news tips to: sdittenber@thetribunenews.com

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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
I'll be covering tonight's meeting, so stay tuned for additional coverage!
sanluisobispo.com
Atascadero school board announced its pick for superintendent. Why are teachers worried?
The board appears poised to approve the hire Tuesday night, despite concern among the community.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
It's getting a little bit easier for students on the Central Coast to earn a bachelor's degree, thanks to a new partnership between Cal Poly and Allan Hancock College:
sanluisobispo.com
Can’t go to Cal Poly? New community college program adds degrees from SLO university
With the university growing more competitive, some local Central Coast students have been stuck in limbo.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
More of a visual person? Check out our collection of photos and videos here:
sanluisobispo.com
Thousands pack Cal Poly concert, neighborhoods empty: See photos, video of St. Fratty’s in SLO
Roughly 6,000 people attended an on-campus concert early Saturday morning, while efforts to start a street party in off-campus neighborhoods were unsuccessful.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
What did students think of the police presence? Find out here:
sanluisobispo.com
SLO, Cal Poly beefed up enforcement for St. Fratty’s Day. Did students stay off the street?
As dawn crept over the San Luis Obispo neighborhoods near Cal Poly, students scattered to avoid police patrols.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
What did students think of the St. Fratty’s music festival? Find out here:
sanluisobispo.com
6,000 St. Fratty’s Day revelers turn out to dance the morning away at Cal Poly music festival
The university said the event went “generally smoothly,” despite students pushing through the security barricades just before 6 a.m.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
@clojooo.bsky.social @joanlynch.bsky.social @joetarica.bsky.social @kaytlynleslie.bsky.social and I woke up in the wee hours this morning to provide live updates on the St. Fratty’s Day revelry. Here’s a play-by-play of the day’s events 🧵
sanluisobispo.com
‘Go home or you get arrested.’ See live updates from St. Fratty’s Day in SLO
Several hundred people began crowding a street in a San Luis Obispo neighborhood midway through Saturday morning.
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Reposted by Sadie Dittenber
Joe Tarica @joetarica.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
The Tribune had 5 people working St. Fratty's in SLO this morning. Here's our complete coverage starting before dawn. www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/e...
sanluisobispo.com
‘Go home or you get arrested.’ See live updates from St. Fratty’s Day in SLO
Several hundred people began crowding a street in a San Luis Obispo neighborhood midway through Saturday morning.
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Reposted by Sadie Dittenber
Kaytlyn Leslie @kaytlynleslie.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Important note: The paywall has been dropped on these stories to make them available to all readers in the interest of promoting public safety. Please consider supporting local journalism and similar coverage with a subscription to @sanluisobispo.com. www.sanluisobispo.com/subscribe
sanluisobispo.com
Subscription Rates & Offers | The Tribune
Stay informed with a subscription to The Tribune! Enjoy digital access to breaking news, exclusive stories, and in-depth coverage from your area.
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Reposted by Sadie Dittenber
Kaytlyn Leslie @kaytlynleslie.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
What do we know about the plans for St. Fratty's this weekend? Here's a look at our @sanluisobispo.com coverage so far (thread)
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
The Tribune filed legal action against the city of Paso Robles and Councilmember Chris Bausch on Tuesday. Get the details here:
sanluisobispo.com
Tribune sues city of Paso Robles, Chris Bausch after councilman refuses to release records
Bausch has refused to release records from his personal devices and accounts related to Ty Lewis’ conspiracy allegations.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Do you think this SLO County town has the best main street in the country? Cast your vote
sanluisobispo.com
Is this SLO County main street the best in the country? You can help decide
Readers can vote for their favorite pick once a day until early April.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Why is Cal Coast News' Karen Velie being sued for defamation? Story from @clojooo.bsky.social www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/a...
sanluisobispo.com
Cal Coast News reporter Karen Velie sued for defamation — again. Here’s why
Cal Coast News and Karen Velie were previously ordered to pay a $1.1 million judgment after a jury unanimously found her liable for libel and defamation.
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Reposted by Sadie Dittenber
Eric Umansky @ericumansky.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
New: DOGE's spending has been secret. No longer. My colleagues have uncovered it. www.propublica.org/article/doge...
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Five counselors will be spared in the San Luis Coastal school district, after parents and staff pleaded with trustees and administrators.
sanluisobispo.com
SLO County school district won’t cut counselors amid budget woes — but other jobs will go away
The district will move forward with $5.3 million in staff reductions, about $1 million short of curing the deficit.
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Adam Steinbaugh @adamsteinbaugh.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Wow: City of Clarksdale, Mississippi got a court order yesterday directing a newspaper to delete an editorial criticizing city officials -- without a hearing. Here's the TRO issuing the prior restraint:
THIS MATTER having come before this Court on the verified Petition of the City of Clarksdale requesting a temporary restraining order or a hearing on a preliminary injunction and after review of the verified Petition and Attorney Certification, the Court finds that the Petition is
well taken. The injury in this case is defamation against public figures through actual malice in reckless disregard of the truth and interferes with their legitimate function to advocate for legislation they believe would help their municipality during this current legislative cycle. The
Respondents are well aware of the accusations against them as they have already received a draft of the verified Petition and further notice is not needed until such hearing. The Temporary
Restraining Order for Respondents to remove the article "EDITORIAL: SECRECY AND DECEPTION ERODE PUBLIC TRUST" from their online portals and make it inaccessible to the public is hereby granted. Petitioner shall post a bond in the amount of $100.00 as security for any damages that Defendant may incur should it be determined that this Temporary Restraining Order was wrongfully issued. This Court further orders that a hearing on the City of Clarksdale's request for a preliminary injunction is hereby set for February 27, 2025, at 9:30 am(Conclusion of the court order.)
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
The federal notice said the programs supporting local schools, teachers and students were "inconsistent with" Department of Education priorities.
sanluisobispo.com
Latest victim of federal cuts? $5 million in Cal Poly grants supporting SLO County teachers
“It’s clearly not about producing a better working system,” an associate professor said. “It’s just about being chaotic and disruptive and punitive.”
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Reposted by Sadie Dittenber
Melissa Davlin @davlin.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Hi, media friends. It's me, your Journalist Work Mom Pal. Do things seem overwhelming right now? Is there too much to cover and not enough time or resources? Here are some things that have helped me.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
amazing work
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Kaytlyn Leslie @kaytlynleslie.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Want live updates as this #atmosphericriver #storm continues to drench #SLOCounty? We've got you covered right here! www.sanluisobispo.com/news/weather...
sanluisobispo.com
Live storm updates: Thousands without power in SLO County, numerous roads flooded
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement warning of hail in part of the county Thursday.
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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Analysis: This week was just another week in Idaho’s DEI legislative session. An outsized focus on red-meat higher ed politics, fully aligned with the national zeitgeist. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ana...
idahoednews.org
Analysis: Dispatches from the higher education culture wars
This week was just another week in Idaho’s DEI legislative session. An outsized focus on red-meat higher ed politics, fully aligned with the national zeitgeist.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Thuesday is so real 😭
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
A nearly $5 million structural deficit in the Paso Robles school district will result in layoffs, trustees confirmed Tuesday. See which positions are on the chopping block:
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles schools to cut 54 jobs. What exactly will that look like?
The district is trying to handle a lot of the reduction through attrition, but some layoffs are likely.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
While the governor's budget has not been finalized, the university is taking precautions. Get the details here:
sanluisobispo.com
Cal Poly could lose $24 million in proposed Newsom budget — and layoffs aren’t off the table
The necessary budget cuts would be “extremely detrimental” to the university, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong said.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
The Tribune is waiting on at least four unfulfilled public records requests from the city of Paso Robles, and one councilmember appears to be the common denominator in each of them. See where the city stands here:
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles calls out councilman, says he ‘explicitly refused’ to comply with public records law
But Chris Bausch says the city is “wrong” regarding his response to Tribune Public Records Act requests in the Ty Lewis case.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
SLO County parents, I want to hear from you! Use this survey to let me know your story ideas!
sanluisobispo.com
Parents of SLO County, how can local news best serve you? Let us know
Fill out our survey to let us know what stories you want covered.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
School leaders want to lobby PG&E for around $10 million in funding to avoid having to cut nearly 70 jobs, including teachers, counselors and support staff. www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/e...
sanluisobispo.com
SLO County school district plans drastic cuts to fix budget woes. Could PG&E funding help?
The district is wrestling with a $6 million budget deficit heading into next school year.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
The properties are located in Los Osos and Morro Bay.
sanluisobispo.com
SLO County school district plans to sell 2 former school sites. What will happen to them?
Both properties have been leased to other organizations after closing in the early 2000s.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Cal Poly’s notorious street party could look a little different this year — or so city leaders and university officials hope.
sanluisobispo.com
St. Fratty’s Day is coming, and Cal Poly has a plan to move the party on campus. Here’s how
The university is hoping to draw thousands of students away from the residential streets of SLO. Will it work?
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Paso Robles city manager Ty Lewis will retire, ending one chapter in the months of turmoil that followed his $2.275 million claim against the city.
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles city manager to retire with settlement after filing conspiracy claim
Ty Lewis reached a settlement with the city on Monday after it denied his $2.275 million claim accusing Councilman Chris Bausch of harassment and creating a hostile workplace.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
I followed up on a tip that Cal Poly was closing it's DEI office. See what's changing:
sanluisobispo.com
Is Cal Poly’s diversity and inclusion office closing? Here’s a Reality Check
President Trump ordered the termination of federal DEI programs Monday. The same week, Cal Poly announced a sudden change.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Do you have any questions about private schools in SLO County? DM me or email at sdittenber@thetribunenews.com
sanluisobispo.com
Major changes are coming to this SLO County private school. See what’s in store
The school will offer a new classical education model and serve students all the way through 12th grade.
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Joe Tarica @joetarica.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Good news for SLO parents of young kids: San Luis Coastal won't end its transition kindergarten program amid major budget cuts. @sadiedittenber.bsky.social www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/e...
sanluisobispo.com
SLO County school district won’t cut pre-K program after all. Why it’s off the chopping block
The district is confronting a multimillion-dollar deficit, administrators said last week.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
What's the story behind the Ty Lewis hot tub photo? @clojooo.bsky.social and I got the facts. Get the latest on the Paso Robles saga here:
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles city manager condemns new Cal Coast News allegations, hot tub photo
Karen Velie’s final “Eye on Ty” article was accompanied by a photo of Ty Lewis in a jacuzzi with a woman he used to date. But why?
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
The district is battling a multimillion-dollar deficit as enrollment stagnates and COVID relief funding expires.
sanluisobispo.com
SLO County school district could cut transitional kindergarten — and parents are furious
“We cannot afford your temper tantrum with the state,” one parent said during a budget meeting Tuesday night.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
A few forums will be held next week to give community members the chance to offer feedback.
sanluisobispo.com
Is your kid’s school ready for a disaster? SLO County education office wants input on risk plan
Here’s how to weigh in.
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Chloe Jones @clojooo.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Cal Coast News reporter Karen Velie posted two different versions of the "full" recording of a meeting among Paso Robles city official. Her statements about the recordings have also been inconsistent. Reality check investigation with @sadiedittenber.bsky.social www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/a...
sanluisobispo.com
Cal Coast News posts conflicting recordings of Paso Robles cafe meeting in Ty Lewis case
As part of its Reality Check series, The Tribune examined two differing recordings that claim to be the “full” audio of a meeting at a Paso Robles bakery — along with Karen Velie’s account of the reco...
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Joe Tarica @joetarica.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Excellent Reality Check on Cal Coast News' recording of the meeting among Ty Lewis, Chris Bausch and John Hamon at a Paso cafe by @clojooo.bsky.social and @sadiedittenber.bsky.social. This is what local public service journalism looks like. www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/a...
sanluisobispo.com
Cal Coast News posts conflicting recordings of Paso Robles cafe meeting in Ty Lewis case
As part of its Reality Check series, The Tribune examined two differing recordings that claim to be the “full” audio of a meeting at a Paso Robles bakery — along with Karen Velie’s account of the reco...
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
The latest development in the saga from Paso Robles: city manager Ty Lewis was granted a restraining order against alleged conspirator Glenn O'Hagan, a longtime Lewis critic. More from @clojooo.bsky.social here.
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles city manager gets restraining order against man named in alleged conspiracy
Ty Lewis accused Glenn O’Hagan of harassing and stalking him, a temporary restraining order shows.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
The agreement was announced after an hour-long closed session discussion at a last-minute special meeting held Wednesday night after a two-hour meeting Tuesday. You can find our coverage of Tuesday's meeting here:
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles City Council meets in private to discuss legal threats, conspiracy claims
And the council isn’t finished. It quickly scheduled another special meeting for Wednesday.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
The Paso Robles councilman at the center of $2.275 million claim against the city agreed Wednesday night to search his personal devices for public records. The search is largely honor-based, but he'll be asked to sign an affidavit testifying to his compliance with the law.
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles councilman agrees to search his devices for public records, amid legal threats
The concerns stem from a leaked recording of a March meeting among three city officials.
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Reposted by Sadie Dittenber
EdSource @edsource.org · 09/01/2025
The California Department of Education is partnering with SupplyBank.org Disaster Relief Fund to provide assistance for students, teachers, and school staff impacted by the devastating fires blazing through Southern California. Learn more: bit.ly/40B0p1D
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Another meeting was quickly scheduled for Wednesday night.
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles City Council meets in private to discuss legal threats, conspiracy claims
And the council isn’t finished. It quickly scheduled another special meeting for Wednesday.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Why are SLO County school districts cutting their budgets? And what should families and staff expect?
sanluisobispo.com
SLO County school districts face layoffs due to budget cuts. What will it look like?
“To think that this isn’t going to have an impact would be really foolish,” said one district superintendent.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
"If you’re coming to experience Paso Robles wine country, an evening at Somm’s Kitchen is the best gateway," said one guest. Read more at: www.sanluisobispo.com/living/food-...
sanluisobispo.com
Inside the exclusive Paso Robles restaurant that serves only 16 guests a night — at $200 a pop
The restaurant’s wait list is usually booked up several months in advance.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
While some students are respectful and understanding of how the clash of lifestyles affects longtime residents, others — often lubricated by alcohol — can be crude and hostile. Read more at: www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/e...
sanluisobispo.com
Illegal frat houses wreak havoc on SLO neighborhoods, residents say. Can they be stopped?
City leaders are frustrated by what they call Cal Poly’s “hands-off” approach to helping manage the problem.
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Reposted by Sadie Dittenber
Chloe Jones @clojooo.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Paso Robles city manager Ty Lewis accused Cal Coast News reporter Karen Velie and her associate, Glenn O'Hagan, of extortion. Here's everything we know so far: www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/c...
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles city manager accuses Cal Coast News reporter, associate of extortion
Ty Lewis said he was sent a threatening message on Nextdoor following an email from Karen Velie that contained “salacious” questions and accusations.
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Here's a thread of our past coverage of the Paso Robles conspiracy claims: bsky.app/profile/sadi...
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Sadie Dittenber @sadiedittenber.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
How does a city go about locating records potentially held on an official's personal device? @clojooo.bsky.social and I looked into that question as part of our Reality Check series and ongoing investigation into claims of a conspiracy in Paso Robles. www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/a...
sanluisobispo.com
Paso Robles has not released leaked recording of meeting at bakery. Did it violate the law?
As part of its Reality Check series, The Tribune investigated whether a recording reportedly taken by Councilman Chris Bausch was not made available as a public record.
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Joe Tarica @joetarica.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
There's not better public university for your buck in Californai than Cal Poly SLO, a new study found. Not only that, it's No. 4 on the list, right behind Stanford. @sadiedittenber.bsky.social www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/e...
sanluisobispo.com
Only 3 elite private universities are a better value than Cal Poly, new California list says
At No. 4, Cal Poly is the best public university for your money in California, beating out every other UC and CSU campus.
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Kaytlyn Leslie @kaytlynleslie.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
🚨Weather Alert 🚨High tides could bring flooding to SLO County beaches. Read more in this story from @sadiedittenber.bsky.social : www.sanluisobispo.com/news/weather...
sanluisobispo.com
High tides could bring flooding to SLO County beaches. Here’s what to know
A surf advisory is in effect from Friday through Sunday.
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