News

Templeton Area Advisory Group Chair Brought into Custody

Sammy Nishihama, Co-Editor-In-Chief

April 9, 2026

Recently appointed TAAG Chair David Leader was arrested on 21 counts of disobeying a court order, along with counts of vandalism and petty theft (Source: SLO Tribune)

On April 3, 2026, the chair of the Templeton Area Advisory Group (TAAG) was taken into custody for violating multiple restraining orders. As a recently appointed member, David Leader was the advisory board chair of TAAG, a group that “makes recommendations to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors on land use and development in Templeton,” according to the SLO Tribune.

Previously, Leader, along with his neighbors, was involved in a disagreement regarding road usage and ownership. According to Leader’s neighbors, he shouted obscenities, trespassed, made threats, and even carried a firearm at times. Because of these accusations, the courts granted three total restraining orders, intended to protect eight different neighbors.

Despite these restraining orders, neighbors still reported that Leader went on their property and violated the orders’ restrictions. “The neighbors then put up video cameras which allegedly captured Leader repeatedly violating the court orders, including taking a neighbor’s surveillance camera,” according to Cal Coast News.

Ultimately, the SLO County District Attorney’s Office charged Leader with 24 total charges, including counts of vandalism, petty theft, and disobeying a court order. With his court date set on March 2, 2026, the public waited to see what would happen to Templeton’s newly appointed chair.

On April 3, Leader was officially booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail after Judge Erin Childs found that he had violated these restraining orders. Leader was released later that evening on a $270,000 bail. His jury trial is scheduled to begin on Apr. 27, 2026, determining whether or not he will be officially prosecuted on these charges.

Sources: SLO Tribune, Cal Coast News, New Times

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About the Contributor

Sammy Nishihama, Co-Editor-In-Chief

Senior Sammy Nishihama has a busy and exciting final year ahead. As someone who has always loved science, Sammy is taking AP Biology after completing AP Chemistry last year. After graduation, she plans to major in biology and intends to go into forensic science. “I really like science. I was sure that I wanted to do something in that field. And I also really like true crime and wanted to combine both,” she said. “Sammy is a really intelligent and empathetic person,” her girlfriend Naomi Gonzalez said.“She is probably one of my biggest supporters and helps me in so many different ways. She is also my best friend, and I am so grateful for that.” Outside of class, Nishihama likes painting, especially recreating pictures she finds online. She is also involved in the varsity golf team at Morro Bay High School and the theater department, where she participates in the costume crew, as well as is the club’s secretary. She shared that she really likes the community in her drama club. “It is a little chaotic, but I really think that brings us all closer together. And that kinda makes the club what it is,” she said. This is Nishihama’s fourth year in Journalism and her second year as an editor-in-chief.“I have written a lot of articles, but my favorite thing is helping people improve their writing,” she said. “It’s fun to see them being proud of their articles.” When asked what she likes most about the MBHS, Nishihama talks about the community. “I know almost everyone here,” she said. “I grew up with most of these people, and it’s nice to recognize familiar faces in the hallways.” Despite her many achievements, Nishihama has faced challenges too. “During my sophomore year, I struggled with anxiety and found it difficult to give presentations in front of the class,” she said. However, she was able to overcome them in her junior year and was able to handle them much better. Nishihama looks forward to enjoying her last year of high school. “I am just looking forward to having fun and making a lot of good memories because I am a senior and gonna be leaving,” she said. Her creativity and talent make her an important part of both the theater and Spyglass.