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2009

Heritage Oaks Bank versus the investors

Written on 4 Apr, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

By KAREN VELIE and DANIEL BLACKBURN Heritage Oaks Bank is battling with Estate Financial Inc. and Hurst Financial investors over first place in the quest for financial compensation. Attorneys for the bank are chasing first position in the pursuit for assets of... (Continue reading)

Chancellor immobilizes Cal Poly’s proposed fee increase

Written on 1 Apr, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

By KAREN VELIE California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed informed California Polytechnic State University President Warren Baker that he will not approve a student fee increase at this time, said Cal Poly Provost Bob Koob Tuesday. Students voted earlier this month... (Continue reading)

Atascadero’s C.R. Lara loses $750,000 judgment

Written on 30 Mar, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

By DANIEL BLACKBURN A trusted financial advisor alleged to have systematically looted a client’s account over a four-year period has been ordered to pay more than $750,000 to Liz Berman, owner of an Atascadero mobile home park. The February order against... (Continue reading)

McCarthy bagged $56 million in earmarks

Written on 30 Mar, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

Remember just last week, when Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) labeled his peers who are taking earmarks as bank robbers, and voiced his strong opposition to project funding requests? It turns out that the congressman sponsored $56 million in legislative earmarks... (Continue reading)

BULLETIN: FBI, local law seeking bandit

Written on 27 Mar, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

Federal authorities and investigators from San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay police departments are seeking a man dubbed the “Sleeves Bandit” who is suspected of robbing a long list of at least 15 California banks, including several in this county. He’s... (Continue reading)

U.S. trustee objects to EFI fees

Written on 25 Mar, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 10 comments

By KAREN VELIE and DANIEL BLACKBURN A federal bankruptcy judge overseeing the division of assets of failed North County hard money lender Estate Financial Inc. (EFI) balked Wednesday at professional fee requests totaling nearly $4 million and said she will examine... (Continue reading)

Unequal justice favors sheriff in domestic fight

Written on 25 Mar, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 4 comments

By KAREN VELIE Laws written to protect domestic abuse victims were apparently sidestepped by officials of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department in an attempt to protect the county’s top cop, Sheriff Pat Hedges. Hedges' wife, Sandy Oneal-Hedges, called a 911... (Continue reading)

EFI financial battle hints at new suspects

Written on 24 Mar, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 4 comments

By KAREN VELIE A third figure emerged as a possible suspect in fraud precipitating the collapse of hard money lender Estate Financial Inc. (EFI) during yesterday's courtroom squabble over the remains of the once rich and influential entity. San Luis Obispo County... (Continue reading)

AG asked to probe Dancing Star animal slaughter

Written on 23 Mar, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

By KAREN VELIE Systematic killing of protected animals at the Dancing Star Foundation’s Cayucos sanctuary and excessive salaries of a husband-wife team of self-proclaimed environmentalists may violate the non-profit corporation’s filings with the state of California. Lucy Sheldon, a with assistance from... (Continue reading)

Sheriff’s spokesman Bryn in Parkinson’s corner

Written on 22 Mar, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

By DANIEL BLACKBURN Sheriff Pat Hedges won’t endorse a successor just yet, but his department spokesman isn’t bashful about trumpeting his choice. Rob Bryn wrote and distributed a press release last week announcing the candidacy of Ian Parkinson, a captain in... (Continue reading)