Daily Briefs


Paso Robles couple pleads to harboring illegal aliens

A Paso Robles couple pleaded guilty late this afternoon to federal charges of harboring illegal aliens who were smuggled into the United States and worked under sub-standard conditions at the couple’s elder care facilities. Maximino Morales, 45, and Melinda Morales,... (Continue reading)

California ranks worst state for business

For the seventh year in a row, California tops the list as the worst state to do business, according to Chief Executive magazine's annual "Best & Worst States" survey which took the pulse of 550 CEOs across America. The executives evaluated... (Continue reading)

Cal Poly tops own patent record

Cal Poly reports that three patents have been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to university faculty this academic year—a record number of patents earned for a single year. In an announcement this week, Cal Poly’s Research and... (Continue reading)

Congress discussing off shore oil drilling

Nearly a year after a BP oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico and created one of the largest environmental catastrophes of all time, federal lawmakers are considering encouraging drilling off the West Coast, including the rich oil beds... (Continue reading)

Hospital offers emergency room appointments

In need of medical care, but not wanting to risk a long wait in a hospital emergency room? Patients can now call ahead and set an appointment for a visit to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center’s emergency room in San... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo Council votes for youth curfew

San Luis Obispo City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday to make it illegal for minors to be out late at night. The curfew, sought by Police Chief Deborah Linden, makes it illegal for minors to be in public places without an... (Continue reading)

Thirteen arrested for drug trafficking

Thirteen men from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties were arrested on narcotics and gang related charges, the result of a year-long investigation involving local, state and federal law-enforcement agencies. The men are suspected members of a Lompoc-based subset... (Continue reading)

Oceano’s flooding debate continues

San Luis Obispo County Public Works officials discussed the history of Oceano’s flooding problems and possible solutions before a turnout of about 50 people, many state and local government employees, at a public meeting on Saturday. Members of the public... (Continue reading)

Racial graffiti at Orcutt school labeled a hate crime

Racial graffiti scrawled on walls at an elementary school in Orcutt makes for the second incident of a hate crime at the school and the fourth on the Central Coast during the past month and a half. [Noozhawk] A janitor... (Continue reading)

Weather forecast for Monday May 2

By JOHN LINDSEY from PG&E A 1,030 millibar Eastern Pacific High is centered about 700 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo while a thermal low remains over Southern California. Gentle to moderate northeasterly (offshore) winds are producing clear skies and... (Continue reading)