Can I get some help here? I'm a bit embarrassed! Former Mazda Parts Dept. Manager can't look-up parts, not even a %@&# oil filter!

Now that’s service! Awesome!
That’s what I’m seeing… Mazda dealers using 0w-20 Castrol Edge Full Synthetic.

I’m sure my daughter will use the dealer until the warranty is up, as I stated. Perhaps if she can’t get free oil changes then she can use promotions or coupons.

Lots of dealers are trying to get cars into their shops. One, they get the customers in that habit, and two, they check the cars over to see if they can sell some additional service. Smart.
CSA

You aren’t alone. I couldn’t find the Mazda OEM part number for the oil filter either. I presume you just have to go to a Mazda dealership and buy the filter there.

Almost certainly the aftermarket hasn’t had time to make knock-off parts (no disrespect meant; just not OEM) for a 2017, so unless it takes a “legacy” filter, you’re out of luck.

My advice is to see if the 2017 is a “continuation” of a 2016 model, or at least a continuation of the same engine. That would give me a good start for a filter, as MFRs don’t tend to re-design the oil filter assembly on an extant vehicle. (The only time I’d see it happening is for “fitment” issues.)

I believe that is the case (2016 & 2017). I believe the 2018 is a different machine. I believe my daughter knows this and her purchase decision was based partly on the fact that Mazda is blowing these vehicles out at clearance prices.
CSA

Autozone did not seem to have any trouble finding parts for different 2017 cx-5 models. Did not check oem or not.\Rock auto seems ok too,
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/mazda,2017,cx-5,2.5l+l4,3436925,engine,oil+filter,5340, and they give you the oem part number and you can search by that
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Mazda-1WPE-14-302-Filter-Cartridge/dp/B00KWELWOW