Daily Briefs


Mason detractors protest rehire of SLO firefighter

About 20 people protested the city of San Luis Obispo’s rehiring of embattled firefighter John Ryan Mason on Monday. Prior to a city council budgeting meeting Monday evening, protesters gathered outside City Hall holding signs criticizing SLO Fire Chief Charlie... (Continue reading)

Former Cal Poly professor sentenced for flashing students

A former professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo was sentenced to three years of formal probation for exposing his genitals to people at the campus library in May 2012. [KSBY] At the time of the alleged indecent exposure, Shaun... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles alligator causes stir in Antelope Valley

A “Zoo to You” alligator and resident of Paso Robles opportunely defecated in its cage last week on a ride home from an Antelope Valley elementary school. [LA Times] On June 4, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies held a photo-op... (Continue reading)

Protest planned following firefighter’s rehiring

A group of San Luis Obispo residents are planning a peaceful protest on Monday afternoon to support Jory Brigham and to voice disapproval of the city’s controversial decision to reinstate John Ryan Mason to the SLO Fire Department. On June... (Continue reading)

Californians now favor gay marriage

Nearly six in 10 voters in California favor legalization of gay marriage in the Golden State, according to a recent USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll. (Los Angeles Times) That represents a radical change in attitudes statewide on the same-sex issue... (Continue reading)

First California Bank merger closes

PacWest Bancorp’s announced its May 31 purchase of First California Financial Group and its plans to close seven banks and consolidate two branches on June 14. First California has nine branches that overlap with PacWest branches. Among those is one... (Continue reading)

Vandals break stained glass windows at Los Osos church

A Los Osos church that has been the target of vandalism for about four years has broken stained glass windows following an attack Saturday morning. [Tribune] Early Saturday morning, the resident priest of St. Elizabeth Catholic church at 2050 Palisades... (Continue reading)

Cal Poly gay makeout session goes viral

A woman preaching anti-gay sentiments at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo was rendered speechless when two students began kissing. The kiss was caught on video Tuesday and posted on YouTube where it has received more than 314,000... (Continue reading)

Injured man files lawsuit against SLO firefighter

The man beaten unconscious by a San Luis Obispo firefighter filed a civil lawsuit on May 31. [Tribune] In June 2011, John Ryan Mason, 34, allegedly beat Jory Brigham, 32, unconscious in a bathroom after an eight-month rift stemming from... (Continue reading)

Building in Atascadero explodes

As firefighters were rushing to a fire at a fiberglass repair shop in Atascadero on Friday evening, the building exploded. [KCOY] At about 6 p.m., a fire was reported at the building located off Sycamore and Curbaril roads. Firefighters are... (Continue reading)