The (San Luis Obispo) Tribune week in review

SLO sandwich shop vandalized on soft launch day

High Street Deli’s original San Luis Obispo location was vandalized overnight Monday, with light blue marker covering outdoor furniture, tables, and a vintage family heirloom sign, owner Randy “Doobie” Coates told The Tribune. The incident occurred the same day the local chain held a soft launch of its second SLO location. Most writing was scrubbed off before the Tuesday opening, but a red vintage sign from Coates’ great-grandparents’ Gibson House hotel will require professional restoration. Coates estimated cleanup and restoration costs at a couple of thousand dollars. Security footage showed a suspect police say they were already familiar with — a local homeless resident, according to Coates. San Luis Obispo Police Department spokesperson Christine Wallace confirmed a suspect has been identified and the investigation is ongoing. Several other local businesses also reported similar recent vandalism incidents.

Reported by Chloe Shrager, published June 30

Car flips after running red light in SLO crash

A car running a red light caused a collision at a busy San Luis Obispo intersection on Wednesday evening, according to the San Luis Obispo Police Department. The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m., when the vehicle ran a red light on Madonna Road while turning left onto northbound Highway 101. The car then collided with another vehicle and flipped onto its roof. Fortunately, the crash did not result in any injuries. Police also indicated they do not suspect that driving under the influence was a factor in the crash.

Reported by Stephanie Zappelli, published June 25

California billionaire tax heads to November ballot

A proposed 5% tax on California billionaires’ assets will appear on the November ballot after negotiations to sideline the measure collapsed. Backed by SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, supporters say the measure would raise $100 billion to offset healthcare cuts stemming from federal legislation. SEIU-UHW President Dave Regan said talks with Gov. Gavin Newsom broke down because Newsom would not consider any proposal that taxes billionaires. Critics, including the California Teacher’s Association and the California Business Roundtable, warn the measure could drive high earners out of the state and harm long-term revenues. A Public Policy Institute of California poll showed 54% of likely voters support the tax, with 45% opposed. Ballot strategist Brandon Castillo suggested spending on one side of the fight could reach $400 million.

Reported by Ben Paviour , published June 26

One dead after vehicle falls off Highway 166 cliff

One person was found dead after a vehicle plummeted off the side of Highway 166 near the San Luis Obispo-Santa Barbara county line Friday evening. According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, units responded at approximately 5:06 p.m. for a reported single-vehicle accident where the vehicle went over the side of the highway approximately 200 feet. An extensive search was launched for any additional occupants. Responding units included Los Padres National Forest, SLO County, and Santa Maria fire personnel. Highway 166 was reduced to one lane as of 6:14 p.m., with motorists advised to use alternate routes. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, authorities say.

Reported by Kaytlyn Leslie, published June 27

SLO LGBTQ+ director sentenced for embezzling funds

Dustin Colyer-Worth, the former executive director of the GALA Pride and Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo County, was sentenced to 90 days in jail and two years of probation after pleading guilty to two felony counts of grand theft. He was accused of embezzling from the nonprofit between November 2022 and August 2024. As part of a plea deal, two of the original four felony charges were dismissed. Colyer-Worth was required to repay $59,302 to the organization before sentencing, which his attorney confirmed was paid in full via a loan. Board president Julia Thompson, speaking as a victim representative, described the harm as a “heartbreaking betrayal” that damaged community trust and cost GALA donors and funding opportunities beyond the financial loss. Colyer-Worth must surrender to jail custody by September 30.

Reported by Chloe Shrager, Claire Cleary, published June 25

Melo Mela Kitchen opens at Bianchi Winery in Paso Robles

A new Italian-California restaurant, Melo Mela Kitchen, has opened inside Bianchi Winery in Paso Robles, marking the realization of a decade-long vision by father-and-son owners Glenn and Beau Bianchi. The restaurant’s name honors Beau’s great-grandparents Carmelo and Carmela, and its menu draws inspiration from Carmela’s traditional recipes. Dishes include lamb meatballs, picanha steak, wagyu burger, halibut, and carbonara, with ingredients sourced from local vendors. A standout offering is a non-dairy, wine-infused ice cream made from lentil beans, available in flavors like berry vanilla with cabernet and peach with champagne. Future plans for the winery include eight shipping container guest homes and potential additions such as a pool, edible garden, and mini golf.

Reported by Leila Touati, published June 29

This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 3:02 PM with the headline "The (San Luis Obispo) Tribune week in review."