2023

Hype springs eternal in San Luis Obispo

OPINION by RICHARD SCHMIDT The news e-blast from San Luis Obispo city‘s department of propaganda announced the “long-awaited” 396-space downtown parking garage at Nipomo and Palm streets is about to start taking shape. “Starting this week, the City . .... (Continue reading)

Man with gunshot wounds exits hospital, gets arrested in Santa Maria

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Shortly after a man exited a hospital on Monday following a weeklong treatment for gunshot wounds, Santa Maria detectives arrested him on weapons and drug charges.  On May 1, at about 1 a.m., a 911 caller reported... (Continue reading)

SLO County prosecutors warn of real estate fraudsters

By KAREN VELIE The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office is warning real estate professionals and members of the public to be on alert for criminal fraud by thieves pretending to be property owners. In recent weeks, criminals posing... (Continue reading)

Suspects allegedly tried to lure young girls into cars in SLO

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Twice over the past two weeks, unknown male suspects allegedly attempted to lure elementary school children into vehicles in San Luis Obispo. On April 27, a girl reported that a white male inside a white van asked... (Continue reading)

Four people injured in DUI crash near SLO, video

By KAREN VELIE and JOSH FRIEDMAN Three people suffered major injuries and one man suffered minor injuries in a head-on DUI crash near San Luis Obispo on Monday evening, according to the California Highway Patrol. Shortly after 7 p.m., a... (Continue reading)

Man facing two homicide charges over Lompoc shooting

By JOSH FRIEDMAN The suspect in a fatal shooting in Lompoc late last month is now facing two homicide charges after a man shot and wounded in the incident died of his injuries. Shortly after 3 a.m. on April 30,... (Continue reading)

Nipomo man found not fit to stand trial for arson

By KAREN VELIE A judge ruled a Nipomo man who allegedly broke into the Santa Maria courthouse on Feb. 18 and started a fire is not competent to stand trial. On April 20, a judge ruled 31-year-old Eric Spies was... (Continue reading)

Are San Simeon officials cleaning house?

By KAREN VELIE Four months after cutting ties with its legal counsel, the San Simeon Community Services District Board of Directors is looking for a new general manager. The board voted earlier this year to bifurcate general manager and operational... (Continue reading)

Veterans on a train

Editor’s Note: The following series, “Life in Radically Gentrifying Cayucos by the Sea,” to be posted biweekly includes the notes, thoughts, and opinions of an original American voice: author Dell Franklin.  Franklin’s memoir, “Life On The Mississippi, 1969,” is currently... (Continue reading)

California panel calls for billions in reparations for black residents

By KAREN VELIE A California panel on Saturday approved recommendations for reparations to black residents for decades of discrimination and repression. The nine-member committee will provide their proposed recommendations to the state legislature for review. Proposed reparations could run up... (Continue reading)