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Hey San Luis Obispo, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Overnight lane repairs, a free outdoor screening of inside out 2, and 80s hits by the Molly Ringwald Project + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Overnight lane repairs ahead: Caltrans plans four overnight closures of the Highway 101 on-ramp at Highway 58 in Santa Margarita, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., with detours. The on-ramp remains open during the day -- read the full closure details.
Late-summer pool offerings: Atascadero’s Sunday Aquatics Program will start August 9 and continue through August 30 with $5 drop-in swims or a 10-swim pass for $45. Residents can book private lessons for $191 -- see how to register.
Local drivers feel the squeeze: San Luis Obispo County gas prices rose two cents last week to $5.92 a gallon, while the national average fell to $4.09, with crude near $80 amid Hormuz tensions -- read the full update.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Finds with a cause: Score thoughtfully curated, boutique-level thrift at Lumina Thrift Store and help power Lumina Alliance’s no-cost services for survivors in our community. The beloved Hope Chest crew is behind the racks, so expect gems you actually want to wear while doing real good.
Refresh your fixtures: Whether you’re swapping a leaky faucet or finally tackling that bath revamp, Pacific Coast Kitchen & Bath has the county’s largest selection of quality sinks, tubs, faucets, and hardware from brands like Kohler, Toto, and Hansgrohe. Locally owned since 1990, their crew helps you choose smart, not just click add to cart.
Brows that behave: If your arches are staging a coup, Michelle Landis Cosmetics delivers microblading, brow lamination, and even faux freckles, all tailored to your natural hair color and a balanced shape. Owner-artist Michelle apprenticed under renowned cosmetic artist Audrey Glass, so results look sharp, natural, and very SLO-ready for the week ahead.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏃 adidas Pub Run @ Shindig Cider | Wednesday (8/5) at 5:30 PM – adidas and Running Warehouse are lacing up a 3-mile community run from Shindig Cider, where the reward is on tap. Walkers welcome, egos optional, waivers inevitable. Try the latest shoes, snag a free drink for the first 100, then linger for prizes and bragging rights.
🃏 Wednesday Night Social Bar Poker @ BA Start Arcade Bar | Wednesday (8/5) at 6:00 PM – Wednesday nights, BA Start turns into SLO’s friendliest poker room, no gambling, just bragging rights, prizes, and those Bar Poker Open tokens. Beginners fit right in, sharks can still flex, and the arcade, cold beer, and decent grub keep it fun.
🛒 Downtown SLO Thursday Night Farmers' Market @ Downtown SLO Farmers' Market | Thursday (8/6) at 6:00 PM – SLO's Thursday night ritual takes over five blocks with over 100 vendors slinging peak produce, famous tri-tip, baked goods, crafts, and street entertainment. You go for strawberries, you leave with dinner, a basil plant, and a story about the magician who also sells hot sauce.
🎶 The Mother Corn Shuckers & Noach Tangeras @ Mission Plaza | Friday (8/7) at 5:00 PM – Plaza season calls for free live music downtown, cold drinks, bites, and that reunion where you run into everyone you know. Noach Tangeras warms things up, then The Mother Corn Shuckers bring the toe-tapping, boot-stomping stuff. Family-friendly, bike valet on hand, pets stay home.
🎨 Art After Dark @ The Monday Club | Friday (8/7) at 5:00 PM – Whether you can spot a watercolor from ten paces, or you just want the complimentary pour, Art After Dark at The Monday Club delivers. Wander Julia Morgan's gem, meet seven local artists across paint, clay, silver, and more, enjoy live music, and feel delightfully cultured.
🎬 Movies @ the Market @ SLO Public Market | Friday (8/7) at 8:15 PM – Give the couch a night off with a free outdoor movie in the courtyard. Inside Out 2 is on deck, so let Pixar teach feelings to the kids while you grab dinner from the restaurants, bring your blankets and chairs, and enjoy free entry and parking.
🎸 The Molly Ringwald Project @ The Cliffs Hotel and Spa (Pismo Beach) | Sunday (8/9) at 1:00 PM – Think you still know every 80s chorus? The Molly Ringwald Project turns The Cliffs lawn into a free oceanfront throwback, with synth riffs and big hair energy. Bring low-back chairs, not a picnic, grab food and drinks, then dance like prom never ended.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — San Luis Obispo report Weather forecastToday — High: 76°F — Low: 53°F — Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Patchy fog between 11pm and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 79°F — Low: 55°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 79. Later: Patchy fog between 11pm and 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. This house is wildThis 3,100± sq. ft. San Luis Obispo gem pairs architectural drama with everyday comfort, just blocks from downtown. Soaring ceilings, skylights, travertine floors, and a rock-backed gas stove set the tone, while Caesarstone counters, Monogram appliances, a private primary deck, and a lush garden oasis with fruit trees keep the vibe polished and playful.
Take a peek inside → |
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