Sheriff didn't find Kristin Smart's remains

Author

Carly Heltzel
May 11, 2026

Good morning. It’s Monday, and I’m reading about one arrest story from the infamous 1990 Poly Royal Rodeo. Onto the five Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

The sheriff did not find Kristin Smart’s remains at the home of her convicted killer’s mother in Arroyo Grande last week. They wrapped up the investigation on Friday and are continuing to evaluate evidence gathered, including soil vapor tests that came back indicating human decomposition. Susan Flores, the mother whose home was searched, is still a person of interest in the case. The sheriff said the body seems to have been moved several times. 

2.

City council member Michelle Shoresman announced she will be running for reelection this year, and she already has the endorsement of Mayor Erica Stewart. Both gave speeches at the steps of city hall last Thursday at the announcement, noting her dedication to preserving the quality of life in SLO. Shoresman filled a vacant seat in 2021 before being officially elected in 2022 for a four-year term. Prior to that she was at the county public health department for 24 years. 

3.

Cal State may soon offer three new three-year bachelor’s degrees, targeted toward working-age students: a Bachelor of Education for aspiring teachers, a Bachelor of Professional Studies for employees looking to go into management and a Bachelor of Applied Studies for those to build on vocational training. The Cal State board voted last week to allow campuses to implement these programs; campuses may start planning them as soon as this fall for a 2027 or, more likely, 2028 debut. 

4.

Cal State campuses retain millions of Native American cultural items and remains, and the effort to repatriate them is filled with red tape — especially for non-state or federally recognized tribes. An updated list shows campuses hold 2,000 Native American remains, 1.57 million artifacts and another 500,000 collections awaiting review. Federal law requires their return, but there’s no official deadline. A database shows Cal Poly only has collections from tribes in SLO County.

5.

Central Coast wineries want your business, bad. Especially if you’re a Gen Zer who is less likely to drink wine than any generation before. Some of their marketing ploys include upping the experiential aspect of wine tasting — think live music, food and wine pairing nights, overnight lodging and an AI model that doles out personalized wine recommendations. Some get more adventure-y with horseback riding, motorcycle sidecar tours and even ziplining.