[TaMoDee]

There were mercury mines in the coastal mountains from Paso Robles north. Some were still active into the 1960’s.
Had a neighbor who worked in one in 1965.

[BlueDragon]

The one near Paso (that was restarted by H. Biaginni)?

Buena Vista, and Klau.

I know that place very well, even though it's been 5 years or so since I've been there.

[Georgia Girl 2]

They will eat anything. Maybe got into some blue dye.