Uncovered SLO


High-stakes airport contract stayed because of poor communications

By KAREN VELIE In a joint meeting with the Airport Commission last week, the Paso Robles City Council decided to delay the procurement process for a highly lucrative contract to operate concessions at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport because staff... (Continue reading)

Court records reveal Cal Poly students’ campus shootings

By KAREN VELIE The two 19-year-old Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students arrested for having a cache of weapons in their dorms allegedly shot their guns on campus four times while joking about shooting someone, according to court records. Cal... (Continue reading)

With feds on his tail, SLO developer Wright allegedly started new scam

By KAREN VELIE While under a federal investigation into bribery and civil allegations of fraud, San Luis Obispo County developer Ryan Wright allegedly executed a scheme to defraud investors through a development project in Texas, according to a superseding indictment... (Continue reading)

Belsher, Wright’s legal woes reveal justice system theater

By KAREN VELIE The ongoing legal battles of San Luis Obispo County developers John Belsher and Ryan Wright reveal a multitude of ethical lapses, including ordering witnesses not to comply with subpoenas and allegedly suborning perjury. Belsher and his business... (Continue reading)

Another SLO High School teacher accused of misconduct

By KAREN VELIE A San Luis Obispo High School math teacher was recently placed on administrative leave amid allegations he sent inappropriate text messages to a student, sources said. Several students informed school staff that Ethan McSwain had allegedly “engaged... (Continue reading)

Misinformation fuels discord over Paso Robles school closure

By KAREN VELIE Parents and students implored committee members not to shut down Winifred Pifer Elementary School in Paso Robles during a meeting on Thursday night. Concerns school officials said were based on rumors and not fact. In August, Paso... (Continue reading)

Officials vote to extend life of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

By KAREN VELIE California energy regulators voted Thursday to allow Diablo Canyon nuclear plant in Avila Beach to continue producing energy through 2030. After agreeing to shut down the nuclear power plant in 2025, PG&E received backing from both federal... (Continue reading)

Protest fails, Grover Beach to raise water rates 112%

By KAREN VELIE Following a combative hearing on Monday, the Grover Beach City Council voted 3-2 to raise water and sewer rates by 112% over four years, with council members Robert Robert and Clint Weirick dissenting. During public comment, more... (Continue reading)

This week’s San Luis Obispo County government meetings

By CalCoastNews staff The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors will meet at 9 a.m. on Dec. 12 at the county building. Under Item 24 on the agenda, the board is scheduled to hear a presentation on the county’s... (Continue reading)

SLO County administrator touched women first week on the job

By KAREN VELIE Two San Luis Obispo County employees lodged complaints of inappropriate touching against John Nilon four days after he began working as interim administrative officer, according to county documents that detail the alleged misconduct. More than six months... (Continue reading)