May, 2024

California considering bill limiting self-checkout at grocery, drug stores

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A California bill reportedly aimed at preventing shoplifting could significantly restrict the use of self-checkout kiosks at large grocery and drug stores and lead to higher prices. Senate Bill 1446, introduced by state Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas in... (Continue reading)

Central Coast house sitters busted for credit card theft, other crimes

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three suspects last week for a series of crimes they allegedly committed, including credit card theft, at a Central Coast home that at least one of the individuals was hired to... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo seeking third pot shop, delivery service closes

By KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo is in the process of approving a third retail pot shop, this one located at the intersection of Broad and Woodbridge streets. Meanwhile, the city’s only licensed cannabis delivery service recently folded. During the... (Continue reading)

Firefighters rescue fisherman off Gaviota Beach

By KAREN VELIE Santa Barbara County Fire Department personnel rescued a fisherman off Gavota Beach on Friday. The man had spent several hours in the cold Pacific Ocean prior to his rescue. In the morning hours, the 72-year-old victim, who... (Continue reading)

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to slash 10,000 jobs, reduce state deficit

By KAREN VELIE California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans Friday to reduce the state’s budget deficit by slashing 10,000 vacant jobs and cutting spending. Through his revised budget proposal, Newsom plans to close both this year’s remaining $27.6 billion budget... (Continue reading)

Santa Maria police ask for help locating missing man

By JOSH FRIEDMAN The Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau is asking the public for help locating a missing 66-year-old man. Christopher Rocco was last seen at his home on night of April 26. The following day, his vehicle was... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles man convicted of sex crimes on a child

By KAREN VELIE A San Luis Obispo County jury this week found 48-year-old Noe Arce of Paso Robles guilty of four counts of committing sex crimes on a child under the age of 14, including three counts of lewd and... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles man facing child rape charges

By KAREN VELIE Paso Robles police officers arrested a 45-year-old man last week for allegedly raping a child under 10 years old and other sex crimes. After investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, officers tracked down and arrested Paso Robles resident... (Continue reading)

Union, Paso Robles school district agree to compromise on wages

By KAREN VELIE The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District and the teachers union have agreed to salary increases of 4% to 5% over three years, under an agreement that still requires the approval of union members and the district... (Continue reading)

California Supreme Court to weigh removing ballot measure aimed at impeding tax hikes

By JOSH FRIEDMAN The California Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments on Wednesday about whether or not to remove a measure from the November ballot that would require all new taxes and tax increases to be approved by voters.... (Continue reading)