2009

GPS device designed for illegal immigrants

A new cell phone device, developed by two professors at the University of California San Diego, is being offered to help illegal immigrants crossing the desert into the U.S. find water and also hear encouraging poetry.  [San Francisco Chronicle] The... (Continue reading)

Sheriff deputy accused of shaking down Roman Catholic priest

A San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s deputy has filed a civil claim seeking an unspecified amount of money against a Roman Catholic priest whom he said emotionally traumatized him during an undercover sting operation. Claiming personal injuries, Sheriff's Deputy John Franklin filed... (Continue reading)

Dunes activists plan new campaign

Citizens for a Vehicle Free Nipomo Dunes (CVFND) plan to mount a door-to-door campaign across the Nipomo Mesa in January. CVFND spokesperson Dr. Nell Langford said that volunteers will be urging residents to attend the next county Health Commission meeting,... (Continue reading)

“Red Sharpie” bank robber arrested

Law enforcement officials today announced the arrest of a man alleged to be the “Red Sharpie” bank robber, suspected in a string of bank robberies on the Central Coast and in southern California. Anthony William Frisco, 44, who recently resided... (Continue reading)

Saving for a rainy day

BY JEFF BLISS We have become 99 percent money mad. The method of living at home modestly and within our income, laying a little by systematically for the proverbial rainy day which is due to come, can almost be listed... (Continue reading)

Horse sanctuary foreman fined for killing wild pigs

By KAREN VELIE Dancing Star Foundation reportedly levied fines against its foreman for illegal poaching at the sanctuary, situated south of Harmony on 700 rolling acres along U.S. Highway 1, sources said. Former employees of the Dancing Star Sanctuary told... (Continue reading)

De Vaul vs. Gibson on KGO radio

Controversial San Luis Obispo rancher Dan De Vaul and Bruce Gibson, chair of the SLO County Board of Supervisors, made separate call-in appearances Monday night on the Gene Burns radio show. Burns, who hosts a weeknight talk show on KGO... (Continue reading)

Small-business bankruptcies rise 81 percent

More grim economic news for the Golden State: The L.A. Times reports that small-business bankruptcies in California are up 81 percent for the 12 months ending Sept. 30, compared with the previous year. That compares to 44 percent for filings... (Continue reading)

A constitutional convention?

Next November’s ballot could be brimming with various propositions. There’s already talk of voters being asked to decide legalization of marijuana and gay marriage. Now add a possible call for a statewide constitutional convention in Sacramento to the growing list.... (Continue reading)

Schwarzenegger awards Nipomo man Medal of Valor

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger presented a Nipomo man with the Silver Medal of Valor on Dec. 10 for his heroic acts in protecting fellow motorists and helping to save the life of a Fish and Game employee. [Noozhawk] On June 9,... (Continue reading)