One of SLO County woman’s nine election fraud convictions nullified
By JOSH FRIEDMAN One of the nine election fraud counts on which a San Luis Obispo County jury convicted Gaea Powell has been nullified because the verdict was not read in court. Last month, a jury convicted Powell of nine counts — eight felonies and one misdemeanor — for election...
Intoxicated driver with BuzzBallz cans arrested in San Luis Obispo
By JOSH FRIEDMAN San Luis Obispo police arrested a driver Wednesday morning who allegedly had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit and a stash of empty cocktail cans in his car. Shortly after 10 a.m., officer Parsons stopped a driver on Madonna Road who was texting...
Former San Luis Obispo mayor Harmon wins appeal
By KAREN VELIE After leaving her job as the mayor of San Luis Obispo, Heidi Harmon accused her new employer of racism and for using an incorrect pronoun – issues that prompted Harmon to file a lawsuit she lost through a summary judgement in 2025. Harmon appealed the ruling and...
Lowest violent, property crime rates in San Luis Obispo in 5 years
By KAREN VELIE At the lowest level in five years, violent and property crime rates continue dropping in San Luis Obispo, according to the SLO Police Department’s annual report. Key accomplishments include a 16% decrease in violent crimes such as forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault; and a 24% decrease in...
Woman hit by car at San Luis Obispo gas station, Paso Robles man arrested
By JOSH FRIEDMAN Officers arrested a Paso Robles man who allegedly struck a 62-year-old woman with his car at a San Luis Obispo gas station on Saturday, and then fled the scene. At about 3 p.m., a caller reported a car struck the woman in the parking lot of Conserve...
San Miguel murder suspect identified
By JOSH FRIEDMAN The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has identified Jose Sevilla Ruiz, 66, as the man who allegedly shot and killed his wife in San Miguel Monday night. Ruiz is accused of killing 60-year-old Reyna Espinosa, according to the sheriff’s office. The murder suspect was arrested Tuesday...
Popular Spencer’s Fresh Markets celebrates 30th anniversary
By KAREN VELIE Looking for a great deal on groceries? Head to Spencer’s Fresh Markets and celebrate their 30th anniversary with specials throughout their stores in Morro Bay, Orcutt and Lompoc. While still a student at Righetti High School in Santa Maria, in 1971 John Spencer stated his career in...
