November, 2018

SLO County fracking ban fails, state gas tax to remain

San Luis Obispo County voters rejected Measure G, the proposal to ban fracking and new oil wells in unincorporated areas of the county. [Cal Coast Times] The initiative appears to have failed by a margin of more than 10 percent.... (Continue reading)

California Men’s Colony escapee remains on the loose

A week after an inmate escaped the California Men’s Colony, possibly using a prison vehicle as a getaway car, authorities still have yet to capture the fugitive. [Cal Coast Times] On the morning of Oct. 30, prison staffers determined minimum-security... (Continue reading)

Key local races to watch in SLO County

By JOSH FRIEDMAN While it may not amount to “Judgement Day,” as the 2018 midterms have been dubbed by some media, Election Day in San Luis Obispo County does consist of several competitive mayoral and council races, as well as... (Continue reading)

Widow of mentally ill man sues SLO County for jail death

By JOSH FRIEDMAN San Luis Obispo County has been hit with another lawsuit over a jailhouse death, this time over a man who died behind bars after stabbing his wife during a mental illness episode. [Cal Coast Times] Margo Benson-Hammer,... (Continue reading)

Santa Barbara cold case killer sentenced to prison

With the help of DNA evidence found under the victim’s fingernails, the court sentenced Eutimio Oswaldo Aispuro to 16 years to life in state prison for the brutal murder of Samuel Bautista Justo in Santa Barbara in 2010. [Cal Coast... (Continue reading)

California music teacher arrested after punching student

A 64-year-old music teacher took numerous swings at a 14-year-old student who appeared to be acting belligerently at a Los Angeles area high school on Friday. [Cal Coast Times] The fist fight resulted in the teacher’s arrest. However, numerous people... (Continue reading)

Fire scorches 25 acres south of SLO

A fire broke out close to Highway 101 south of San Luis Obispo on Sunday and burned 25 acres. [Cal Coast Times] At about 10 a.m., the fire started in vegetation at 6295 Ontario Road near Johnson Ranch, according to... (Continue reading)

Who’s paying for all those Arroyo Grande mailers anyway?

Opinion by Arroyo Grande Mayor Jim Hill By now we’re getting used to the false statements and spin from Arroyo Grande mayor candidate Caren Ray- like the one accusing me of “misconduct.” Let’s see- Ray’s confederate Patty Welch falsely accused... (Continue reading)

Dark fundraisers, marijuana and local city elections

By KAREN VELIE Amid allegations of pay-to-play in the lucrative cannabis industry, marijuana mogul Helios Dayspring and his marijuana brand Natural Healing Center hosted a fundraiser on Oct. 28 for eight politicians from local cities planning to open cannabis shops... (Continue reading)

Harold J. Miossi trust gives children hope and promise

Opinion by Jenny Luciano, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County CEO As an agency built on the mission of mentoring, there is no better role model than the late Harold J. Miossi. Through the Harold J. Miossi... (Continue reading)