2009

Local lawyer runs questionable charity

By KAREN VELIE A local attorney takes out more than 60 percent of monies donated to a nonprofit he oversees before sending the remaining monies to a self declared cleric alleged to have defrauded donors from throughout the world, according to... (Continue reading)

Investors torture financial advisor

A group of four seniors kidnapped, bound, and tortured a financial advisor who they claim was responsible for losing 2 million pounds they had invested in real estate projects. Capturing and binding the advisor took time as his kidnappers kept... (Continue reading)

UPDATE: Shores pays thousands to avoid paying investors

By KAREN VELIE North county developer Jimmie Shores, his brother Ronnie Shores, and Hurst Financial Inc. (HFI) President Jay Miller, in twisted and conflicting deposition testimonies and interviews, each maintains one of the others is responsible for paying back $700,000 to... (Continue reading)

UPDATE: Employees accused of pilfering county vehicles

By KAREN VELIE Randy Ghezzi and Max Keller remain on paid administrative leave while the San Luis Obispo County Human Resources Department investigates allegations the pair pirated county equipment, sources said. According to multiple sources, road crew supervisor Keller was caught using... (Continue reading)

Tribune exclusive, Wilcox accuses Edge of sexual harassment

The Tribune reports that Assistant County Administrator Gail Wilcox has filed a lawsuit that levels allegations of sexual harassment against deposed County Administrator David Edge. In May, CalCoastNews first broke the news that Wilcox had lodged allegations of sexual harassment against... (Continue reading)

Fraud lawsuit filed against Heritage Oaks Bank and Stewart Title

By KAREN VELIE Investors have filed a lawsuit alleging Stewart Title and Heritage Oaks Bank (HOB) aided and abetted and/or conspired with Hurst Financial Inc. (HFI) in defrauding hundreds of seniors through illegal investment schemes. The suit filed by more than 300... (Continue reading)

Con man misleads Hertel-Fowler bankruptcy trustee

By KAREN VELIE Bankruptcy court trustees are investigating claims that businessman Rob Rossi and the City of Atascadero are concealing assets of developer R.W. Hertel and Sons in an attempt to help the bankrupt home builder avoid paying creditors and taxes. Trustees... (Continue reading)

County employee threatens retaliation

By KAREN VELIE Under fire regarding alleged workplace transgressions, a San Luis Obispo County department manager has threatened to go after employees who divulged he is on paid administrative leave. “You can’t write this, it’s not public information,” said Road Maintenance and... (Continue reading)

Blackburn plans to view things through a lens

Dan Blackburn, co-editor and co-founder with Karen Velie of CalCoastNews.com, is moving on. Blackburn’s Central Coast News Agency (CCNA), which he formed in 2005, will concentrate on video production with emphasis on local and state issues of special significance. He will... (Continue reading)

Hertel and Fowler court ordered to appear

By KAREN VELIE Following an emergency motion, a federal judge ordered R.W Hertel and Sons’ principles Ronald Hertel and Robert Fowler to appear in bankruptcy court or face possible arrest, according to the June 4 order. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robin Riblet signed... (Continue reading)