March, 2020

California drivers increase speeding on empty highways

With highways in California nearly empty, the CHP is warning about drivers taking advantage of the situation and traveling at excessive speeds. The Bay Area CHP office tweeted a photo of a collection of speeding tickets given to drivers clocked... (Continue reading)

Santa Barbara plans to lay off 400 city employees

Santa Barbara administrators are in the process of laying off approximately 400 employees because of the coronavirus health emergency. On Friday, the city sent out the first wave of layoff notices. The city is expecting a 25 percent reduction in... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles police arrest four for burglary, car theft

The Paso Robles Police Department arrested a suspected four-man crew of thieves out of Shafter on Saturday on charges of burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle and evading police. Shortly after 5 a.m., a homeowner discovered a man had opened... (Continue reading)

Cornavirus cases in SLO County jump to 67, increase in community spread

San Luis Obispo county hits 67 coronavirus cases, sees an increase in unknown community acquired transmissions. A week ago, most residents contracted the virus while traveling outside the country or from a family member and now most are community spread.... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo firefighters demonstrate patient safety

San Luis Obispo City firefighters are following strict safety protocols following every interaction with possible coronavirus patients. Earlier today, three firefighters created a video demonstrating the procedures they are currently taking. After every potential #COVID19 patient contact, your SLO City... (Continue reading)

Newsom grants clemency to Santa Barbara County man

California Gov. Gavin Newsom granted clemency to 26 inmates on Friday, including a Santa Barbara man convicted of murder in 2009. Kristopher Blehm, 35, has served nearly 12 years in prison for assisting in the murder of his criminal partner’s... (Continue reading)

SLO County struggling to procure ventilators

In the two weeks since San Luis Obispo County confirmed its first case of coronavirus, the number of new cases has been fairly consistent, averaging about five a day. As of Friday afternoon, 59 people in SLO County have tested... (Continue reading)

Prominent developers battle in court over SLO housing project

A pair of prominent local developers have become entangled in a legal battle, as one has filed a lawsuit accusing the other of misappropriating more than $3 million and the defendant is vowing to file a countersuit. [Tribune] The dispute... (Continue reading)

FBI arrests actor for peddling coronavirus cure

FBI agents carried out a sting Wednesday evening and arrested an actor who was promoting a purported prevention and cure for the coronavirus. Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 53, is accused of fraudulently solicited funds with promises of massive profits for a... (Continue reading)

Jobless claims surge in California, SLO County

By CCT STAFF More than 180,000 unemployment claims were filed in California for the week ending March 21, an unprecedented gain over two weeks earlier, according to the state. During the past few months, unemployed Californians sent in an average... (Continue reading)