2010

Jerry Brown enters governor’s race on Tuesday

California Attorney General Jerry Brown is expected to formally announce his candidacy for governor on Tuesday. [Los Angeles Times] Brown, 71, previously served as governor from 1974 to 1982, but is eligible to run for office again because today’s term... (Continue reading)

Director of state hospital accused of raping children

The executive director of Napa State Hospital was arrested and charged with 35 felony counts including 22 counts of forcible oral copulation, 11 counts of sodomy by use of force and two counts of forcible lewd acts on a child,... (Continue reading)

High state worker payments cost millions

A new investigation reveals that California state employees have routinely been allowed to amass unused vacation time, enabling hundreds of workers to retire with payouts of over $100,000. [Ventura County Star] In one particular case, a state employee was able... (Continue reading)

Tips on living from “Octo-Man”

By BILL DENNEEN Most of you are probably not in this age category right now, but all indications are you will be someday. In 1950, there were only 15 million folks over the age of 80, but for 2050  a... (Continue reading)

SLO County ranked third most expensive place to live

A recent report places San Luis Obispo County third on the list when it comes to being the least affordable place to live in the United States. [SantaMariaTimes] The study, conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, focuses on... (Continue reading)

California’s worst tsunamis

Expected tsunamis, generated by yesterday’s 8.8 magnitude Chilean earthquake, prompted the evacuations of thousands of people. However, while the surge could be seen in some areas, damage was minimal and in California little or no change in wave size was... (Continue reading)

Maldonado becomes “a political orphan”

State Senator Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) is the subject of a profile in Sunday’s column by Steve Lopez. [Los Angeles Times] Calling Maldonado a “political orphan in Sacramento,” Lopez richly details our local state senator’s awkward situation:  “Maldonado is the... (Continue reading)

Is Cal Poly ignoring endowments?

At a time when the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo is mired in as much as a $1-million operating budget deficit, the popular college, which attracts more than its share of generous donations,... (Continue reading)

Sewage spill closes Moonstone Beach

Public health officials closed Moonstone Beach in Cambria Saturday as the result of a sewage spill that occurred at around 12:15 a.m. A mudslide that ruptured water and sewer lines was determined to be the culprit in the 10,000 gallon... (Continue reading)

8.8 earthquake rocks Chile; tsunami warnings issued for Hawaii and California

A devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile Saturday morning, setting off a tsunami threatening California, Hawaii, and every Pacific Ocean nation. [Washington Post] Interior Minister Edmundo Perez Yoma said this morning’s quake was the most powerful tremor to hit his... (Continue reading)