As a coastal area and military hub, the Central Coast was profoundly affected by World War II, from the forced removal of residents of Japanese descent to widespread “blackouts” meant to protect the area from attacks. An upcoming exhibit at the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History will explore the World War II era on the Central Coast.
– A new exhibition opening at the Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History examines the impact of World War II on the Central Coast, and especially on the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. This exhibition, sponsored by the Central Coast State Parks Association, will launch on April 27 and will remain on display through summer 2022.
On the morning of April 13, just hours after Paul and Ruben Flores were arrested for their alleged involvement in Kristin Smart’s disappearance and death, Cal Poly University freshman Michelle Mueller cried and lit a candle for Smart.
Smart was a Cal Poly freshman when she disappeared in May 1996 after attempting to return to her dorm room after a party on Memorial Day weekend. She was last seen with Paul Flores, another Cal Poly freshman, who reportedly said he’d walk with Smart to her Muir Hall dorm room.
Now 44, Paul Flores is charged with first-degree murder, although Smart’s body has not been recovered. She was declared dead in 2002. Paul Flores’ 80-year-old father, Ruben, is being charged with accessory to the murder after the fact. Both have entered not-guilty pleas, and Ruben Flores was ordered released on $50,000 bail Wednesday.