2012

Brown down, tax plan up

Gov. Jerry Brown’s popularity is slipping, but support for his tax initiative proposal is gaining traction . [Sacramento Bee] Poll results from the Public Policy Institute of California show that for the first time since taking office, Brown’s approval rating... (Continue reading)

County schools drowning in deficits

Five San Luis Obispo County school districts have made the state’s list of most fiscally endangered, and California Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson said those districts, and more than 180 others in this state, face bankruptcy — a record number.... (Continue reading)

Gilman may not defend Paso Robles council post

By DANIEL BLACKBURN First-term Paso Robles City Council member Nick Gilman said Tuesday he is uncertain if he will try to protect his council seat in November, saying, “I have been disappointed by my inability to help.” Gilman, fellow council... (Continue reading)

Attempted murder in Oceano

Police arrested a man on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to shoot a man in Oceano on Tuesday at about 5:15. Brandon  Rietkerk, 28, was arrested for allegedly pulling a gun, and pulling the trigger in an attempt to shoot a ... (Continue reading)

Court says cities can ban pot stores

A federal appeals court known for its liberal leanings has affirmed a city’s ability to ban medical marijuana dispensaries without violating disability mandates. [San Francisco Chronicle] The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco issued its ruling Monday,... (Continue reading)

Grover Beach rejects Arroyo Grande police merger

By KAREN VELIE Grover Beach City Council voted unanimously to reject an offer from Arroyo Grande to consolidate their police departments on Monday primarily because the proposal was akin to a bait and switch. Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach city... (Continue reading)

Air district staff wants to raise fees

Staff at the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District is asking its board on Wednesday to approve a handful of fee increases in order to cover its growing budget needs, according to the agenda. Staff is requesting increasing... (Continue reading)

Arroyo Grande cross burners sentenced to prison

Three of the four defendants accused of committing a hate crime against a black teen in Arroyo Grande last year were sentenced to prison on Monday. San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Jacquelyn Duffy sentenced Jason Kahn, 36, to 12... (Continue reading)

Pismo Beach attorney sentenced to probation

The Pismo Beach attorney who plead no contest to charges he embezzled more than a quarter-million dollars from a deceased client’s estate was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay restitution on Monday. Judge Barry LaBarbera credited William... (Continue reading)

Oceano board member resigns following DUI arrest

Oceano Community Services District Board Member Richard Searcy wrote a letter of resignation and plans to step down at Wednesday’s board meeting, sources said. CHP officers arrested Searcy, 59, on Thursday for DUI after he swerved off U.S. Highway 101,... (Continue reading)