Daily Briefs


Scientists sent to help clean up oil spill to get minimum wage

A dozen California scientists currently working on the major BP oil spill in the Gulf are scheduled to have their pay slashed to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour by order of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. [Capitol Weekly] The... (Continue reading)

Fraternity members sentenced in hazing death

Two more Cal Poly fraternity members have been sentenced to jail for their part in the fatal hazing death of 18-year-old pledge Carson Starkey. [KSBY] Starkey died in December 2008 after drinking too much alcohol as part of hazing ritual... (Continue reading)

State employees still allowed to accrue unused vacation time

Despite warnings, Sacramento continues to offer members of four different state employee unions the chance to rack up large amounts of unused vacation time. [California Watch] Tentative agreements on new contracts have already been reached with unions representing state patrol... (Continue reading)

Proposition 19 likely to decrease marijuana costs, increase consumption

A new report suggests that if Proposition 19 passes in November, the cost of marijuana in California could drop as much as 80 percent, and consumption would rise. [LA Times] Researchers at Rand’s Drug Policy Research Center issued a new,... (Continue reading)

Mountain lion killed in San Luis Obispo

A mountain lion was shot and killed in the backyard of a San Luis Obispo residence on the city’s northeast side on Tuesday night. [KEYT] San Luis Obispo Police responded to a 911 call that reported a cougar was in... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles woman shot by ex-boyfriend

An Atascadero man is in jail after he allegedly shot his ex-girlfriend in the back of the neck in front of their four-year old child on Tuesday night at around 11:45. [KSBY] Paso Robles police responded to a home on... (Continue reading)

Field Poll: Brown and Whitman are tied

A new California Field Poll shows that Republican Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry Brown are essentially tied in the race for governor. [Politico] Brown currently holds a single digit lead over the former eBay CEO, 44 percent to 43 percent.... (Continue reading)

Stamps may go up to 46 cents

The U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday proposed a 2-cent increase in the price of a first-class postage stamp to 46 cents. If approved, the change would go into effect  Jan.2, 2011. [CNN] The proposed rate hike underscores the deep financial... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo Fire Chief John Callahan announces retirement

John Callahan, San Luis Obispo Fire Chief for the last five years, has announced plans to retire in November. The announcement came in an email from City Manager Katie Lichtig to employees. Callahan also sent out a separate email announcement... (Continue reading)

Marijuana legalization battle now waged on Facebook

The fight to legalize marijuana in California this November has now landed on Facebook. [Sacramento Bee] Proposition 19 supporters announced that their Facebook page already boasts more than 106,000 fans, compared to the mere two dozen who have signed up... (Continue reading)