Daily Briefs


Katcho, Parkinson have big nights

BY THE CALCOASTNEWS STAFF It took the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder’s office almost five hours to post all the local election results on-line Tuesday night, but after the dust finally settled, there were some big winners, some big losers,... (Continue reading)

Maldonado appears unAbel to win

Former Central Coast state Senator and current California lieutenant governor Abel Maldonado appears headed for defeat in his bid to keep the second most powerful political position in the state. [San Francisco Chronicle] Maldonado’s opponent, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom... (Continue reading)

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss

Democrat Jerry Brown made history Tuesday night, becoming the oldest candidate to be elected governor of California after serving two terms decades ago as the state’s youngest chief executive. Brown, 72, who spent less than $25 million on his campaign,... (Continue reading)

Dumb criminal of the week

Our dumb criminal of the week award goes to a man who turned himself in for an outstanding warrant with a body in the trunk of his car in suburban Denver. [KRDO] Robert L. Johnson, 40, went to jail on... (Continue reading)

Duh! Welfare cards banned at massage parlors, pot clubs

California welfare recipients will no longer be able to use their state-issued debit cards at medical marijuana shops, psychics, massage parlors and other businesses. [Los Angeles Times] The governor’s office sent a letter to county welfare directors on Monday announcing... (Continue reading)

UPDATE: Bomb squad at C.L. Smith Elementary School

School officials are asking parents to keep their children away from C.L. Smith Elementary School while the San Luis Obispo Police bomb squad examines a “suspicious item” found on the school grounds Monday morning. UPDATE: Police investigators have determined the... (Continue reading)

Winholtz files police complaint after losing council vote

Morro Bay City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Betty Winholtz took the unusual step Friday of filing a formal complaint with the city police chief against three fellow councilmembers following a controversial council vote. Observers say the incident stems from last... (Continue reading)

Tony Cipolla to KCOY? See for yourself

Former KSBY news anchor Tony Cipolla appears to be heading to Santa Maria for a new TV gig with arch rival KCOY Channel 12. At least, that’s the clear impression from this television spot that has been airing on KCOY. Cipolla... (Continue reading)

Cal Poly Pomona suspends fraternity

Cal Poly Pomona has suspended the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity over allegations of hazing. [Chronicle] Administration officials say that fraternity members were blindfolded and branded last December. The exact number of students involved is not known, though one student reported... (Continue reading)

Brush fire in Santa Margarita

Firefighters are battling a 50 acre brush fire in a rural area of Santa Margarita near the top of California State Route 229 within less then a mile from homes. The fire was started by fire crews burning brush. The... (Continue reading)