Daily Briefs


CSU system to offer online university

The California State University system is slated to launch a system-wide online university in 2013 that could eventually expand enrollment by 250,000 students. [InsideBayArea] Budget cutbacks to California’s state-funded universities have resulted in fewer classes and reduced student enrollment. The... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo man rescues motorcyclist from fire

A San Luis Obispo man pulled a motorcyclist trapped under his burning bike to safety early Saturday morning likely saving the man’s life. Michael Sumrall was driving on Ontario Road in SLO at about 4:30 a.m. when he collided with... (Continue reading)

Bird dies of West Nile Virus in San Luis Obispo

A bird infected with West Nile virus has been found in San Luis Obispo. This is the first confirmed case of the disease this year in San Luis Obispo County. The County Health Agency said there had been 34 cases... (Continue reading)

22,400 marijuana plants seized near Nacimiento Lake

Federal and San Luis Obispo County law enforcement officers raided three marijuana grows with a total of 22,400 plants west of Nacimiento Lake in the Lime Mountain area on Thursday. No arrests have been made and the pot has been... (Continue reading)

CEQA faces changes

A proposal to loosen the California Environmental Quality Act is expected to be introduced in Sacramento as soon as Thursday, giving the public and lawmakers only about a week to debate and consider the controversial legislation’s fate. [SFGate] Backers of... (Continue reading)

Lead found in Red Vine Black Licorice

The American Licorice Co. voluntarily recalled 1-pound bags of its Red Vines Black Licorice Twists after the candy was found to have levels of lead that exceed the state standards. Company officials identified the product as having a “best before”... (Continue reading)

Former Cal Poly coach charged with two felonies

A former Cal Poly assistant coach who was arrested for allegedly attacking another man with a beer bottle at Harry’s Nightclub & Beach Bar in Pismo Beach was formally charged with two felonies on Tuesday. Randy Allan Hanson, 44, is... (Continue reading)

Arroyo Grande oil extraction project denied

San Luis Obispo County Supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday against Excelaron’s plans to drill for oil in the Huasna Valley and in support of the planning commissions’ March rejection. The plan called for drilling as many as 12 wells on the... (Continue reading)

Gere Sibbach announces retirement

San Luis Obispo County Auditor-Controller Gere Sibbach announced Tuesday he will retire with two years left in his four-year term. Sibbach was first elected Auditor-Controller in 1990, and reelected in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010. The SLO County Board... (Continue reading)

Los Osos daycare closes amid child abuse probe

A Los Osos daycare center has been shut down amid allegations of child abuse. [KCOY] Last month, The Early Care and Education Center’s director reported allegations of abuse to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff deputies have since... (Continue reading)