2020

Armed man robs bank in Santa Maria

Police officers and FBI agents are searching for a man who robbed the Community Bank in Santa Maria at gunpoint on Friday. Shortly before 5 p.m., a man armed with a handgun robbed the Community Bank branch located at 11421... (Continue reading)

Comparing coronavirus cases in SLO County, to nearby counties

After having a minor escalation in new coronavirus cases in late April and early March, the number of new infections in San Luis Obispo County has slowed with only 13 during the past six days. At the same time, cases... (Continue reading)

Newsom rejects SLO County’s reopening plan

Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected San Luis Obispo’s proposed three step reopening plan, leading local officials to agree to work under state guidelines. On Thursday, Newsom announced that all counties could move partially into phase two of his reopening plan allowing... (Continue reading)

More than 800 inmates in Lompoc test positive for the coronavirus

The number of inmates with the coronavirus at the federal correctional complex in Lompoc has exploded, with 823 inmates and 25 staffers testing positive for the virus. The prison conducted widespread testing of inmates and staff, some of whom were... (Continue reading)

Multiple fires damage property in SLO County

At least three fires broke out in San Luis Obispo County in a span of less than 24 hours, with blazes igniting in South and North County, as well as in SLO. On Thursday morning, a shed on a property... (Continue reading)

SLO County court records support Biden sexual assault allegations

A San Luis Obispo County court record from 1996, which was obtained by the Tribune, provides additional support that Tara Reade told others that presidential candidate Joe Biden sexually assaulted her while she worked as a senate aide. Reade says... (Continue reading)

599 cases of coronavirus at Lompoc prison complex

Accelerated testing has revealed there is currently a total of 599 coronavirus cases at the Lompoc prison complex, a nearly six-fold increase from the previous count. The majority of the cases exist at the minimum-security prison camp, where 541 inmates... (Continue reading)

Arroyo Grande police searching for hit-and-run driver

A hit-and-run driver who struck and seriously injured a pedestrian in Arroyo Grande Wednesday morning remains on the loose. Shortly before 6:30 a.m., a vehicle struck a pedestrian in the intersection of E. Grand Avenue and El Camino Real, according... (Continue reading)

First coronavirus death reported at Lompoc prison camp

A 75-year-old prison camp inmate died Wednesday, marking the first coronavirus death at the minimum-security facility in Lompoc that is located adjacent to the federal penitentiary. On April 8, Jimmie Lee Houston informed health services staff at the prison camp,... (Continue reading)

What does the governor’s reopening plan mean for SLO County?

It appears San Luis Obispo County meets the criteria required to reopen restaurants with some restrictions sometime next week. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced earlier today that all counties can move partially into phase two of his reopening plan on Friday.... (Continue reading)