Moved from Euchlaena.
Thanks for the thorough explanation!

I'm rather sure this is actually Sabulodes aegrotata. My reasons why I don't think it is Euchlaena mollisaria:

1. Euchlaena mollisaria has strongly toothed wing margins, but this individual definitely does not.

2. General difference in pattern: It's hard to point out exact differences, but the lines (and maybe also the colors) on E. mollisaria are a lot sharper and more defined, whereas this specimen has much softer, blurrier markings. Also, notice the tiny black dots along the PM (I think) line on the hindwing and forewing, E. mollisaria does not have these.

3. Euchlaena mollisaria has not been recorded before in SLO county, or any of the neighboring counties (MPG and CA Moth Specimens Database).

4. On both MPG and CA Moth Specimen Database, Euchlaena mollisaria has been found from May to September in CA, but this sighting is from mid-March.

Reasons why I think it is Sabulodes aegrotata:

1. Sabulodes aegrotata's pattern and coloration matches with this sighting very well, notice the thick, kind of blurry lines, the overall cream color, the apex or point on each wing, the smooth margin, and the tiny black dots along the PM (I think) line on the hindwing and forewing.

2. Sabulodes aegrotata has been recorded in SLO county, and all but one of the neighboring counties (MPG and CA Moth Specimens Database).

3. Sabulodes aegrotata, has records for every month of the year on MPG, and February to November on the CA Moth Specimen Database (As a side note, the CA Moth Specimen Database even lists a Sabulodes aegrotata specimen collected in Morro Bay)

.... Hodges' Number 6730 - Euchlaena mollisaria. I seem to be unable to locate another photo of the species on the Internet, so this is really good to have available.