Central Coast
Plane to take coastal measurements
A low-flying airplane will begin collecting and recording geophysical measurements over the Central Coast starting today from north of Cape San Martin to Point Conception, and extending inland, officials said.
Cape San Martin is north of San Simeon, while Point Conception is south of Vandenberg Air Force Base. Inland areas to be covered include parts of the Cholame Hills in northeastern San Luis Obispo County and Los Padres National Forest.
The survey, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), will cover the cities of Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Lompoc and numerous other towns in the area.
The airplane, operated by EON Geosciences Inc. of Montreal under contract to the USGS, is flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained for low-level flying. Anyone observing the plane should not be alarmed when they see it fly over or pass below the horizon. Flights will continue for up to two months.
This survey is designed to remotely study geologic and hydrologic features below the surface of the land. It is part of an ongoing USGS program to identify features such as changes in rock types, ultimately providing a better understanding of the geology and hydrology of this area, officials said.
San Luis Obispo County
Smoke advisory gets health upgrade
A recent smoke advisory for San Luis Obispo County, which is continuing to be affected by numerous wildfires burning in Monterey County, has been upgraded to a health advisory.
Many of the fires are burning less than 40 miles north of the San Luis Obispo-Monterey county line, and the smoke from the blazes has been blanketing the county for a few weeks.
A low-pressure system that has been sitting off the coast for the past several days has been pushing the smoke north, but the weather pattern was expected to shift, possibly by today, resulting in an increase in smoke and ash present throughout the county, officials said.
County residents can expect smoky, foggy skies in the coastal areas in the mornings, clearing up in the afternoons when the winds increase, officials said.
Health officials are reminding county residents to use common sense and take precautions to reduce the harmful health effects associated with smoke exposure.
When it is obvious that there is smoke in the air, health officials continue to recommend that individuals avoid strenuous outdoor activity and remain indoors as much as possible.
Levels of particulate matter in the smoke may be high enough that the potential exists for even healthy people to be affected, officials said.
If a cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, exhaustion, light-headedness or chest pain occurs, outdoor activity should be stopped and the affected person should seek medical attention.
Santa Maria
P.L.A.Y. to get help with fundraiser
Santa Maria's gregarious mayor, Larry Lavagnino, along with the Singing Chef Andy Lorusso, are hosting an evening of music and food in an effort to raise money for the nonprofit group P.L.A.Y. (People for Leisure and Youth).
The event is slated for July 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St.
Tickets are $75 and are available at the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, 615 S. McClelland St., Dino's Deli, 750 E. Main St., and Dream Dinners, 230 E. Betteravia Road, Unit D.
P.L.A.Y. raises money for recreation activities in the city. For more information call the Recreation and Parks Department at 925-0951, Ext. 263.
San Luis Obispo County
Remains found at Oceano Dunes
County coroner's officials say a human skull and jawbone discovered Tuesday at Oceano Dunes are most likely those of an American Indian interred years ago.
The remains were discovered at 9 a.m. at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreational Area, according to a statement from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department. Officials said the site appears to have been uncovered naturally by the wind and shifting sands.
- From staff reports
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