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2009

Juror bails out De Vaul

Written on 24 Nov, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 45 comments

After voting Dan De Vaul guilty of safety and building code violations, juror number five posted bail for the rancher who chose to go to jail rather than evict the homeless from his property. “My son may not have the best... (Continue reading)

How to lose $200 million in 10 years

Written on 23 Nov, 2009 in Daily Briefs | 2 comments

How do you go broke, in style? [New York Times] First, you sell the family billboard sign business for millions of dollars.  Next, you funnel the funds into real estate, wineries, jet airplanes and a newspaper chain. When things start to look... (Continue reading)

Rancher chooses jail over displacing homeless

Written on 23 Nov, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 15 comments

Rancher Dan De Vaul was led away in handcuffs this morning after electing to go to jail, rather than accept Judge John Trice's offer of five years of probation. De Vaul, who instead will serve up to 90 days in... (Continue reading)

Update: DeVaul taken into custody

Written on 23 Nov, 2009 in Daily Briefs | 2 comments

Developing: Dan DeVaul was handcuffed and taken into custody this morning after refusing terms of probation offered by Judge John Trice. Details will be posted throughout the afternoon by CalCoastNews.... (Continue reading)

Another California crisis

Written on 23 Nov, 2009 in Daily Briefs | No comments

The San Jose Mercury News reports a bit of sobering news to kick off the week: cash-strapped California now will likely finish 2009 with its unemployment insurance fund $7.4 billion in the red.  The state fund has already been bailed... (Continue reading)

Facebook friends: Pastor Doug

Written on 22 Nov, 2009 in Discovered | No comments

BY DAVID CONGALTON (One in an occasional series where CCN readers meet some of my Facebook Friends) These have been a tough few weeks for Doug Carroll of San Luis Obispo. He’s battled progressive MS for a decade now and... (Continue reading)

Banker accused of stealing from children

Written on 22 Nov, 2009 in Daily Briefs | One comment

A 40-year-old Heritage Oaks Bank employee admitted to stealing $24,400 from a youth soccer account and transferring the funds to a personal account. [Tribune] The youth soccer group treasurer and bank employee, Douglas Smith, admitted the theft in an e-mail... (Continue reading)

SLO case of meningitis identified

Written on 21 Nov, 2009 in Daily Briefs | No comments

Monday Update: Public health officials announced Monday morning that the student with bacterial meningitis was an unidentified Cuesta College student. County public health officials have diagnosed a 19-year-old college student with having bacterial meningitis and “strongly suspect” he may have... (Continue reading)

Marijuana plant seizures skyrocket

Written on 20 Nov, 2009 in Daily Briefs | 4 comments

State officials report a staggering rise in the number of marijuana plants seized during this year’s growing season in California. Law enforcement agencies seized 4.4 million plants during the 2009 growing season which is a huge increase over the 2.9... (Continue reading)

How cold can PG&E be?

Written on 20 Nov, 2009 in Daily Briefs | 2 comments

The number of low-income households across California shut off by Pacific Gas & Electric after they fell behind on paying their utility bills jumped 75 percent according to a new state report released this week. The San Francisco Chronicle has... (Continue reading)