Extreme heat is considered one of the deadliest climate-related hazards. Even though the Central Coast is known for its moderate climate, projections for the region show an increase in frequency and severity of heat waves in the coming decades. In this four-part series about extreme heat on the Central Coast, KCBX reporter Beth Thornton speaks with scientists, health experts and local nonprofit organizations about the different ways people can stay safe during high temperatures. This series is made possible by a grant from the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.

For the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s 2023 Data Fellowship, KCBX's Amanda Wernik delves into the connection between PTSD and homelessness in San Luis Obispo County.

Domestic Violence can be invisible since it often happens behind closed doors, and it can take a long time for a survivor to leave.In this three-part series about domestic violence in San Luis Obispo County, KCBX reporter Melanie Senn speaks with local advocates, survivors and law enforcement about ways people can find help.The series was produced as a project for the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s 2023 Domestic Violence Impact Fund.

Polling the People is a five-part series on voting rights, access and engagement in Santa Barbara County. Through in-depth feature storytelling, the series examines issues including Latino voting access, voter turnout across the county and ways to get undocumented people involved in the political process. Polling the People is made possible by a grant from the Sunflower Foundation.

For the third year in a row, San Luis Obispo County has extended its shelter crisis declaration. The declaration saved a transitional housing program from a potential closure.

What could be considered the worst fire disaster in the history of Los Angeles County is seeing some support from its neighbors to the north.

Central Coast animal shelters are stepping in to help as LA facilities struggle with pets displaced by the wildfires.

The birth of elephant seal pups is a hallmark event on the Central Coast, attracting wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and curious visitors, who gather each year to witness the multi-sensory spectacle.

Some Los Angeles Fire evacuees are fleeing to the Central Coast for shelter. One family escaped LA for San Luis Obispo.

San Luis Obispo County is holding a public workshop to hear from residents about what they need when disaster strikes.

The cleanup of contaminated soil at a Grover Beach construction project is on track to end Friday, but it’s not clear when a pervasive bad smell from the site will go away. City officials said the tar-like odor does not represent a health hazard.

As fires in Los Angeles continue to exact a devastating toll, much of Santa Barbara County remains under the threat of extreme fire conditions. In the meantime, local fire agencies are helping in the fight down south.

A strong Santa Ana wind event is bringing extreme fire risks to Santa Barbara County. Fire officials said they are on alert, fully staffed and ready to respond to potential fires that forecasters report could “threaten lives and property” due to the dangerous conditions.

Homelessness increased 3% in California in 2024, according to a CalMatters analysis of new federal data. Along the Central Coast, local counties report a mixed bag.