SLO appoints new fire chief

Author

Carly Heltzel
May 19, 2026

Good morning. It’s Monday, and I’m reading about a gnarly crash between a corvette and a tour bus on Pebble Beach’s iconic 17-mile drive. Onto the five Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

SLO appointed a new fire chief, permanently hiring interim chief Randy Harris who had served since January. Harris came back to the department this year after retiring in 2025, and he filled the interim role following the resignation of former chief Todd Tuggle in December. A national search failed to fill the position. Harris said he offered to continue as chief to provide leadership on critical issues SLO’s department will face in the coming years. 

2.

Early voting registration closed yesterday for the June primary election. But if you missed it, don’t fret. You can still complete a same-day voter registration ballot on election day at any polling location. Those ballots will then be assessed for eligibility and counted as soon as they’re verified. Every early voter will get a mail-in ballot sent to the home address they listed, which can be returned via mail, drop box or in person on election day.

3.

Community colleges are cracking down on rampant financial aid fraud — and data shows it’s working. Between January and March 2025, scammers stole $5.6 million from the U.S. government and $900,000 from California. This year, in the same period, they stole less than $1.5 million in federal dollars and $330,000 from the state. Scammers typically pose as students, create portals, enroll in classes and receive federal or state aid and then disappear. New software, ID policies and more helped move the needle.

4.

A quick-spreading fire on one of the Channel Islands has burned over 10,000 acres since it sparked on Friday, now forcing the evacuation of 11 National Park employees. The fire is in a highly remote part of the island and is zero percent contained as of yesterday. Officials say the fire began when a man ran his sailboat aground; he was rescued safely. The fire burned two historic structures already and threatens several endangered species and cultural resources.

5.

Cal Poly Baseball wrapped up its season as co-Big West Champions with UCSB. Both teams rounded out their last series with a clean sweep. Overall, the Mustangs won 22 and lost 8 of their regular season games and will be seeded No. 2 in the Big West tournament next weekend because UCSB has the tiebreaker. Cal Poly’s first game will be against No. 3 UCSD.