New Evidence in Kristin Smart Case

Nearly 30 years after Cal Poly freshman Kristin Smart vanished from campus, investigators searching an Arroyo Grande home tied to convicted killer Paul Flores’ mother have turned up soil test results consistent with human remains.

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson confirmed the findings Friday at a news conference outside the East Branch Street property of Susan Flores, saying investigators also identified new anomalies using ground-penetrating radar. He stressed that Smart herself has not been recovered.

Paul Flores was convicted of first-degree murder in 2022 despite Smart’s body never being found. The renewed search was prompted by newly developed leads that met the legal threshold for a fresh warrant, with investigators prepared to continue through the weekend.

FEMA Holds Back California Wildfire Funds

The Trump administration has slowed wildfire prevention grants for California and other blue states, while thousands of LA fire survivors still await federal disaster recovery aid.

A Washington Post analysis published Friday found FEMA withheld grants meant to help states prepare for and prevent wildfires, with California counties among those waiting on millions for home-hardening and vegetation-clearing projects. The delays arrive as the state enters peak fire season with drought worsening.

Separately, Governor Newsom formally asked the federal government to extend FEMA disaster funding for LA wildfire survivors, citing ongoing insurance delays and housing shortages affecting thousands of families still displaced from the January 2025 fires.

New LA Metro Line Links Downtown to Beverly Hills

After years of construction and delays, Metro’s D (Purple) Line extension officially opened to riders Friday, adding three new underground stations along the Mid-Wilshire corridor: Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega.

The expansion connects downtown Los Angeles to the edge of Beverly Hills in roughly 20 minutes, extending the line west from Koreatown. Metro celebrated with a grand opening ceremony Friday morning at the rooftop of the Petersen Automotive Museum.

A second phase extending the line further west to Westwood and the VA campus is still under construction, with the full corridor expected to be completed ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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➤ West Sacramento: The city council approved a property purchase near Sutter Health Park, advancing the next phase of Bridge District redevelopment along the Sacramento River. (More)

➤ San Jose: A wildfire in Santa Clara County has been brought to near-full containment—welcome news as a dangerous heat wave approaches the Bay Area this weekend. (More)

➤ Napa: Napa County supervisors are weighing a year-round glamping resort at Lake Berryessa as the long-planned Margaritaville project appears to be fading. The proposal would revive lodging at the lake’s dormant Spanish Flat area. (More)

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➤ Fresno: A yearling bear was caught on surveillance cameras roaming a northwest Fresno neighborhood early Thursday—wildlife officials are monitoring the situation. (More)

➤ Central Valley: California water agencies are on alert as below-normal Sierra snowpack and worsening drought conditions raise concerns for agricultural water supply this summer. (More)

➤ Tejon Ranch: The Outlets at Tejon near the Grapevine saw a 22% jump in traffic and 12% rise in sales per square foot after Hard Rock Casino Tejon opened last November, with Tejon Ranch CEO Matt Walker crediting the spillover from the new neighbor. The company posted $9.5 million in revenue and a $150,000 net income in Q1—a swing from a $1.47 million loss the same period last year. (More)

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➤ Los Angeles: Governor Newsom formally requested an extension of FEMA disaster funding for LA wildfire survivors, citing ongoing displacement, insurance delays, and housing shortages still affecting thousands of families from the January 2025 fires. (More)

➤ San Diego: San Diego County’s complete guide to the June 2 primary ballot is now available, covering how to register, which races are on the ballot, and where to vote—by mail or in person. (More)

➤ Palm Springs: Vogue named the desert city one of California’s most compelling getaways, spotlighting its mid-century modern architecture, Indigenous Cahuilla history, and a hotel scene ranging from the maximalist Parker to the lantern-lit Korakia Pensione. Top eats and hikes round out the guide. (More)

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➤ Long Beach State and UC Irvine both play in the NCAA men’s volleyball semifinals today for a spot in the National Championship game. UC Irvine faces Ball State, while Long Beach takes on Hawaii. (More)

➤ Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is playing on a rehab assignment this weekend and could rejoin the team as early as Monday if all goes well. He’s been out since April 6 with an oblique strain. (More)

➤ The Lakers return to LA tonight for Game 3 of their playoff series against the Thunder. They’re trailing 2-0 after losing 125-107 on Thursday. (More)

➤ Former 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings signed a one-year deal worth up to $13 million with the Minnesota Vikings after spending six seasons in San Francisco. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | WNBA | NHL | MLB | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer | Golf

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➤ Pine Mountain Club’s 41st annual Lilac Festival returns May 16–17 with a parade, Beatles tribute band, aerobatic acts, artisan vendors, food trucks, and enough lilac fragrance to compete with the sugar pines. (See Details)

➤ Kern County’s 12th Annual CASA Derby Party returned to Gardiner Ranch with big hats, live auctions, and an extra jolt of excitement—the crowd watched history unfold as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby in the race’s 152-year run. All proceeds benefit CASA of Kern County’s volunteer advocates for local foster youth. (More)

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With the June 2 primary weeks away, who would you vote for as California’s next governor?

1. Tom Steyer
2. Xavier Becerra
3. Steve Hilton
4. Chad Bianco
5. Katie Porter

Yesterday’s Results:

Are you planning to vote in the June primary?

1. Yes, by mail ballot: 54%
2. Yes, in person: 31%
3. Probably not: 15%

What California location holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded?

Show me the answer