Political sign thefts mar races in Pismo Beach, Paso Robles

October 4, 2026

By KAREN VELIE

Sign thefts are the latest accusations in the campaigns for mayor races in Pismo Beach and Paso Robles as candidates battle over two open seats.

After more than a decade, Pismo Beach Mayor Ed Waage elected not to run. Three candidates are running for the top spot on the Pismo Beach City Council – Councilman Scott Newton, Cynthia Replogle, and Shelby Bowen.

Over the past two nights, a thief or thieves ripped 50 signs belonging to Newton out of the ground. In addition to taking Newton’s signs, the thief also snatched signs for Pismo Beach City Council candidate Manuel Olivas.

Piles of Newton and Olivas signs were found in several locations near neighborhoods that were cleaned out during the dark of night. The Pismo Beach Police Department is looking into the thefts.

Three candidates are vying for the top seat on the Paso Robles City Council after Mayor John Hamon announced he would not run again – Dr. Faith Frankel, Bill Britton, and Chris Rogalla.

Councilman Steve Gregory endorsed Britton and helped put out Britton’s political signs.

After putting out signs for his daughter, Dr. Warren Frankel spotted Gregory removing Faith Frankel’s political signs a few weeks ago. He later confronted Gregory who told him where he put the signs, according to the doctor.

However, during a city council meeting, after a resident chastised Gregory for taking a candidate’s signs, Gregory said the signs were not properly placed and claimed city workers took the signs.

Aside from city staff,  it is a crime to take a candidate’s signs. After talking with law enforcement, Dr. Faith Frankel said she did not want to press charges.

Ballots for the Nov. 3 election are in the mail and expected to arrive in mailboxes this week.

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