Daily Briefs


Three teens killed in four-car crash on Highway 1

By KAREN VELIE Three teens were killed in a four-car crash on Highway 1 near Lompoc on Sunday, according to the California Highway Patrol. Shortly before 6 p.m., 18-year-old Jake Curtis of Goleta was driving a Toyota Yaris southbound on... (Continue reading)

Neighbors help neighbors fight fire in rural Santa Margarita

By KAREN VELIE A couple with a home in rural Santa Margarita spotted smoke at a neighbor’s property, called 911 and then proceeded to stomp on the fire on Monday afternoon. Within minutes, five people were working on the half... (Continue reading)

Santa Maria investment advisor sentenced to more than 10 years in prison

By KAREN VELIE A financial advisor from Santa Maria, who pleaded guilty to defrauding her clients and an out of state business out of millions of dollars, was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison. Julie Darrah,... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo County gas prices rising, find the lowest costs

By KAREN VELIE The average gas price in San Luis Obispo County saw few changes last week, going up two cents to $5.10 a gallon amid seasonal increases in sales, according to figures from AAA. “Gas prices are creeping back... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles firefighters rescue dog, extinguish house fire

By KAREN VELIE Paso Robles firefighters rescued a dog from a burning residence on Friday, and then quickly extinguished the fire. Shortly after 8 p.m., firefighters responded to a report of a home on fire at 818 Sycamore Canyon Road.... (Continue reading)

Arroyo Grande police holding DUI checkpoint Saturday night

By KAREN VELIE Arroyo Grande police plan to conduct a DUI checkpoint in the South County city at an undisclosed location on Saturday evening from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Officers select the DUI checkpoint location based on a history... (Continue reading)

SLO County unemployment drops to lowest level in nearly a year

By KAREN VELIE Hiring in the hospitality industry in April helped drop San Luis Obispo County’s unemployment rate to its lowest level in nearly a year, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday. SLO County’s jobless rate was 3.8% in... (Continue reading)

Morro Bay City Council votes in controversial flag ordinance

By KAREN VELIE The Morro Bay City Council voted Tuesday for a new flagpole ordinance that permits only flying the United States, California or the City of Morro Bay flags at City Hall. In 2022, the council voted to allow... (Continue reading)

Sword wielding man starts fire while fleeing Santa Barbara County deputies

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Authorities arrested a man armed with a sword who allegedly started a brush fire while fleeing Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday evening. Shortly after 5 p.m., a witness reported a suspect exhibiting odd behavior in... (Continue reading)

Mother and daughter arrested for embezzling more than $550,000 from Carpinteria business

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday arrested a mother and daughter duo who allegedly embezzled more than $550,000 from a Carpinteria financial services business over a a period of nearly 20 years. In February, detectives began... (Continue reading)