Daily Briefs


Obama ratings drop in California

More bad news for President Barack Obama: His approval rating in California has dropped as voters become increasingly skeptical of his proposed health care reforms. [San Francisco Chronicle] A new statewide Field Poll shows that 56 percent of Californians support... (Continue reading)

Republicans target Senator Barbara Boxer next

Tuesday’s upset victory by Republican Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race reverberated all the way to California, as gleeful GOP members vowed that Senator Barbara Boxer is next. [San Francisco Chronicle] Boxer, seeking her fourth term in the U.S. Senate... (Continue reading)

Supreme Court blocks early release of prisoners

The Supreme Court temporarily blocked an attempt to allow the early release of 40,000 prisoners in California. [Los Angeles Times] The early release is being advocated as a way to reduce prison overcrowding in California. However, the Supreme Court decided... (Continue reading)

Buy a shirt, save a life in Haiti

A San Luis Obispo businessman has come up with a novel way to raise money for the Haitian relief effort. Mark Coudray, owner of a T-shirt printing business called Coudray Serigraphics, is partnering with other printers around the country, trying... (Continue reading)

Storm Summary: Day two

Heavy rain and winds crisscrossed San Luis Obispo County Monday morning, disrupting power lines and creating power outages. Winds as strong as 80 m.p.h. were recorded. Highway 41 between Morro Bay and Atascadero closed for part of the afternoon due... (Continue reading)

Meathead Movers collecting for Haitian relief

Meathead Movers are packaging and sending relief supplies to Kansas City for Heart to Heart International to send on to Haitian earthquake victims. They are asking the community to donate “care kits,” on Jan. 20 between 9 a.m. and 6... (Continue reading)

A good day to stay home

Monday is an official holiday, with the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Day. Expect the following to be closed today: Banks, schools, post offices, libraries, and most government offices. Cal Poly and Cuesta College are also closing down. Meanwhile,... (Continue reading)

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)