Daily Briefs


More Californians turn to food stamps

The number of Californians receiving food stamps has increased 42 percent since 2007, according to a new report. [San Bernadino Sun] According to the California Budget Project, nearly 3 million state residents received food stamps last fall. By contrast, in... (Continue reading)

Students injured in strong arm robberies

San Luis Obispo police arrested three men early Saturday morning in connection with a string of strong-armed robberies that unfolded after midnight. The two Cal Poly students received injuries. Neither victim was hospitalized, though one did require medical treatment. At approximately 2:19... (Continue reading)

Arizona to close most state parks

In a scenario all too familiar to Californians, the state of Arizona has announced plans to close most of its state parks. [Los Angeles Times] The Grand Canyon State, currently wrestling with a multibillion-dollar deficit, plans to close 13 parks... (Continue reading)

Reward offered in AG horse shooting

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information in the recent shooting of two horses in Arroyo Grande. Police continue to search for leads in the case. The two horses were shot, one fatally, at Varian Arabians on Corbett Canyon... (Continue reading)

Possible deal between county and De Vaul?

Steps were taken behind closed doors on Thursday in an attempt to resolve the long-simmering standoff between controversial rancher Dan De Vaul and San Luis Obispo County. De Vaul and his advisers met for several hours with county officials. Sunny... (Continue reading)

Major storms approaching

County emergency officials are warning of "a very serious, strong weather series of events next week." Based on data from the National Weather Service in Oxnard and PG&E meteorologist John Lindsey, they expect a series of storms to hit the... (Continue reading)

Does California owe you money?

More than 89,000 California residents and businesses are currently sitting on an estimated $50 million in uncashed I.O.U’s.  [New York Times] The state issued about 450,000 I.O.U.’s, valued at roughly $2.6 billion, to taxpayers, vendors, and contractors last July during... (Continue reading)

Governor seeks to terminate environmental restrictions

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants 100 major construction projects across the state exempted from California environmental laws. [Capitol Weekly] The plan, already coming under heavy attack, would block the power of the courts to review 25 projects each year, from 2011... (Continue reading)

Beaches re-open after sewage spills

Environmental health officials have re-opened both Oceano Beach and Avila Beach after two separate sewage spills this week caused environmental health officials to close the beaches. Public health officials closed Oceano Beach on Wednesday after the San Luis Obispo County... (Continue reading)

Paso police bust suspected pot grower

Paso Robles police arrested a man in connection with an alleged marijuana sales and cultivation operation. Shaun Michael Sweetin was taken into custody Jan. 7, following a search of his home at 813 Oxen in Paso Robles. Police conducted a... (Continue reading)