Downtown San Luis Obispo

The City of San Luis Obispo has increased the fee to park downtown, and will be decreasing the hours of free street parking in the next couple of weeks. While the city said the increase will help fund a parking garage project, some downtown business owners and employees are opposing the changes.

Among the dozen ballot measures this election, California voters are deciding on Proposition 17 and Proposition 15: we hear more about those two measures. John Laird and Vicki Nohrden are vying for termed-out Bill Monning’s state senate seat. Assemblywoman Shirley Weber chairs the California Black Legislative Caucus, and speaks about which laws she believes can help address systemic racism. We look at the long-term impacts of wildfire on the Central Coast, and we get a look at the local aviation industry. Two elderly friends talk about the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II and how they adjusted to life afterward. And, we hear from a fourth-generation resident about the changes downtown San Luis Obispo has experienced over the years.

Bars, breweries and wine tasting venues are closing their doors Thursday night in San Luis Obispo after the city issued temporary restrictions for the 4th of July holiday.

On this week's Issues & Ideas, we hear about the Hourglass Project, a new economic vitality venture aimed at bringing future jobs and industries to San Luis Obispo County. We'll also hear two sides of the ongoing conversation about downtown San Luis Obispo, and what should be done to encourage a wide-range of businesses while nurturing the city's unique characteristics. UCSB neuroscientist Kenneth Kosik talks about studying a genetic mutation that causes early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and our colleagues at KCRW explore what's behind California's current wildflower super bloom, and where you can see carpets of spring flowers. 

A local group is pushing for the City of San Luis Obispo to reject a project that would bring a bowling alley to the city's downtown core.

The City of San Luis Obispo is not taking any chances that St. Patrick's Day partiers could get out of hand Tuesday.

However, this year's celebration is expected to be more tame than in years past. Those celebrating in downtown San Luis Obispo will not be hearing the traditional Irish sounds from the Central Coast Pipes and Drums this year.

The group that has annually entertained crowded bars is taking this year off. The group's Pipe Major Paul Dunn said that they don't want to encourage the college student party atmosphere following this month's roof collapse.