July, 2011

Feds raid Sanger pot farm, destroy thousands of plants

Thousands of marijuana plants were seized and destroyed, and at least 50 workers arrested as federal agents and Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies raided a giant pot plantation near Sanger on Thursday. [Fresno Bee] The pot-growing operation had observation towers, neatly... (Continue reading)

Ken Hampian managing city of Bell

When the scandal struck city of Bell first advertised for a new city manager its reputation was so tarnished, no one applied. Nevertheless, former San Luis Obispo City Manager Ken Hampian is stepping up to the challenge, temporarily and for... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo Chamber mixer, event photos

The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s monthly mixer at Kevin Main Jewelry was attended by several hundred business owners and representatives. Attendees packed the store and Novo’s back patio to enjoy music, appetizers, and drinks. If you would like... (Continue reading)

George Ramos died of a heart attack

CalCoastNews editor and renowned Los Angeles Times journalist George Ramos died of a heart attack, the autopsy determined. He was 63 years old. San Luis Obispo County Coroner Investigator Jeff Nichols said the heart attack was caused by a blood clot... (Continue reading)

Weekend spotlight: Arroyo Grande Valley Car Sho

By KARLEE PRAZAK Brush off the old Chevrolet Bel Air, fill up the gas tank and lace up your dancing shoes because the Central Coast has everything from concerts to a car show to offer this weekend. As part of... (Continue reading)

Opposition to nukes in California grows

A new public opinion poll indicates that support for nuclear energy has dropped sharply in California. [SacBee] The poll by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reveals that nuclear energy, which had been enjoying an upswing in public support,... (Continue reading)

SLO City Council accused of Brown Act violations

San Luis Obispo City Council members and administrative staff have come under fire for alleged violations of open meetings laws that protect public access to information and participation. Several critics have filed or voiced complaints about the city council’s lack of... (Continue reading)

The fight over water continues in Paso Robles

OPINION By KAREN REED In the July 2011 issue of the Paso Robles Magazine, Paso Robles City Manager, Jim App said that the water rates proposed in 2007 were “virtually identical to those recently adopted”. After all the citizens of... (Continue reading)

Bryan Cave wants Estate Financial case dismissed

A request by Bryan Cave attorneys to have a $184.7 million malpractice suit filed by Estate Financial Inc. (EFI) bankruptcy trustees dismissed is headed to federal court in Los Angeles. [PacificCoastBusinessTimes] On April 29, Thomas Jeremiassen, one of the EFI... (Continue reading)

O’Connell: Improved outlook for schools

Jack O’Connell, former State Superintendent for Public Instruction, said Tuesday that he believes the future for education in California is improving. [California Watch] O’Connell, who still maintains a home in San Luis Obispo, made the remarks to a group of... (Continue reading)