Daily Briefs


California leads housing gain

A sharp drop in new defaults shows that California is recovering from the housing collapse faster than any other state, according to a report by a home-loan data specialist. That’s somewhat ironic, as California led the U.S. into the bust.... (Continue reading)

Spending soars on state ballot measures

The top 10 donors to California’s November ballot measures have already spent a total of more than $150 million on the various campaigns [California Watch]. Major donors include politically opposed siblings, a 91-year-old billionaire and a teachers union that has... (Continue reading)

Number two reactor down at Diablo

The number two reactor at Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant shut down Thursday afternoon due to an electrical disturbance. [KCOY] The disturbance occurred at around 12:08 p.m., and it automatically triggered a shutdown of the reactor. Reactor one, however, remains... (Continue reading)

Oakland tackles fed marijuana busters

While community leaders in this county exploit every possible method to shutter medical marijuana dispensaries and delivery systems, the city of Oakland is setting legal precedent by suing federal pot enforcers for their aggressive repression. (San Francisco Chronicle) The action... (Continue reading)

Fleeing parolee leads deputies on wild chase

A parolee driving a stolen car fled from law enforcement officers Wednesday evening in Pismo Beach led to a multi-agency chase that ended in a Grover Beach backyard. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office sought Leon Clowers III Wednesday... (Continue reading)

Gang members arrested for attempted murder and torture

Santa Maria police arrested two gang members Wednesday for attempting to murder and torture of a man in June [KSBY]. Simon Gutierrez and Johnny Lugo stabbed the man, also a gang member, on North Broadway in Santa Maria, police said.... (Continue reading)

Sheriff offering $500 for sex offender

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is offering $500 for information leading to the arrest of a convicted sex offender who failed to register and appear in court. Matthew James Booker, 37, previously a resident of Templeton, committed lewd... (Continue reading)

Mysterious man behind anti-Muslim film to appear in court

A California man credited with producing an anti-Muslim film that has led to violent protests across the Middle East will appear in court Wednesday for arraignment on probation violation charges. Mark Basseley Youssef, who claims to have written the script... (Continue reading)

Arroyo Grande bans mobile pot shops

The Arroyo Grande City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban mobile medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. [KCOY] In 2008, Arroyo Grande adopted an ordinance banning brick and mortar dispensaries only. Following a San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury report... (Continue reading)

Free flu shots Sunday in San Luis Obispo County

With a goal of vaccinating at least 2,000 people, San Luis Obispo County Health Agency will offer free flu shots to all county residents ages two years and older on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the South... (Continue reading)