County Roundup

Oceano Dunes

Park rangers on Thursday were looking into a suspicious death at the Oceano Dunes that occurred the previous evening.

An woman identified only as a 53-year-old local transient died around 7:30 p. m. Wednesday after she was found not breathing, according to Supervising Park Ranger Michael Lack.

Park officials found the woman unresponsive in a camping area, where a nearby camper was giving her CPR.

She was rushed to Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, where she died on arrival, Lack said.

The circumstances surrounding her death were unknown Thursday, Lack said. The woman was with a group of three men, but their relationship with her was unknown.

Lack said investigators are considering the death suspicious because it was unclear how the woman died and there were no obvious signs of injury on her body.

The woman’s name was not disclosed because coroner’s officials had not yet contacted her family.

An autopsy was scheduled Thursday, according to sheriff’s Spokesman Rob Bryn.

The three men were arrested on unrelated charges and are being held at County Jail, Lack said.

—Leslie Parrilla

Paso Robles

The Paso Robles school board will appoint a successor to resigning board member Pat Johnson, who will step down in June.

Johnson’s replacement will serve until the next school board election in November 2008.

Prospective applicants for the seat must be a registered voter in the school district. Boundary information is available from the district office.

Interested and qualified candidates should contact the district office for an application, due by 4 p. m. May 30.

Call 238-2222 for more information.

—Leah Etling

Morro Bay

The Chamber of Commerce will host its first Mermaid and Pirate Festival this weekend to celebrate the city’s newly constructed Harbor Walk.

Prizes will be awarded in three age categories for best

mermaid or merman costume and best pirate or pirate queen costume. Age categories include 6 and under, 7-12 and 13-18.

The event includes a parade along the Harbor Walk. Participants will gather at Morro Rock at 9:30 a. m. Saturday.

All children participating in the parade will receive a free lunch from Dockside Restaurant. Corn dogs, seadogs, mini bread bowls and drinks will be served.

To participate in the contest contact the Chamber of Commerce at 772-4467.

—Sona Patel