Daily Briefs


Arroyo Grande woman wins $10,000 in radio contest

An Arroyo Grande woman won $10,000 Saturday afternoon in the “Break the Bank” contest sponsored by El Dorado Broadcasters. Arica Cain stunned the assembled crowd in the Harley Davidson showroom in Santa Maria when she won the cash prize within... (Continue reading)

California woman receives college diploma at 94

A 94-year-old Bay Area woman is the second oldest person ever to receive a college diploma. [San Francisco Chronicle] Hazel Soares of San Leandro was one of about 500 students to receive a diploma Saturday from Mills College in Oakland.... (Continue reading)

California marijuana prices plummet

Northern California pot growers are facing a new and serious challenge: Falling prices. [California Watch] With a more tolerant legal environment and a rush of new growers, wholesale prices for marijuana cultivated in outdoor pot gardens have plummeted this year... (Continue reading)

Poor to suffer most under governor’s proposed budget

Gov. Schwarzenegger outlined his new budget on Friday, a proposal that would eliminate the state’s welfare-to-work program and most child care for the poor. [Los Angeles Times] The governor’s $83.4 billion plan would also freeze funding for local schools, further... (Continue reading)

Central Coast Magazine may be folding

Central Coast Magazine (CCM), unofficial chronicler of the lifestyles of the local rich and famous, may be publishing its final issue. [Tribune] The glossy publication, originally started in 2003, faces mounting debt, a loss of advertising revenue, and legal infighting.... (Continue reading)

New Times, old photo?

In a much to do about nothing scenario, New Times co-publisher Alex Zuniga sent out e-mails that said both CalCoastNews and Arroyo Grande High School had broken copyright laws because they had put a New Times photo of the high... (Continue reading)

Parents of truant children face jail

The California Senate passed a bill Thursday that allows prosecutors to send parents of children in kindergarten through eighth grade to jail if their kids miss too much school [FresnoBee] Senate Bill 1317 allows prosecutors to charge parents with misdemeanors... (Continue reading)

In-N-Out will be In Arroyo Grande by end of year

The hugely popular In-N-Out restaurant chain is expected to open in Arroyo Grande by the end of the year. [Tribune] Approved by the city planning commission last December, the new In-N-Out restaurant will occupy space near the old Sizzler on... (Continue reading)

Governor to announce tough budget cuts today

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is unexpected Friday afternoon to unveil his latest proposals for closing the multi-billion dollar budget gaps–the emphasis is expected to be on deep budget cuts and elimination of key programs. [Los Angeles Times] Administration spokesperson Aaron McLear... (Continue reading)

School lockdown after shots fired

Atascadero Police have identified the person responsible for shooting a gun near an elementary school two mornings in a row as an 11-year-old neighbor of Santa Rosa Academic Academy.[KEYT] Shortly after 8 a.m., shots rang out and the school went... (Continue reading)