Home  »  Archives

Daily Briefs


State auditor criticizes high-speed rail project

Written on 30 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | 3 comments

A new report by State Auditor Eileen Howle raises serious concerns about California’s plan to build a multi-billion dollar high-speed rail line to connect major cities. [California Watch] The report, commissioned last year by the Legislature, accuses the California High-Speed... (Continue reading)

Blakeslee to run for State Senate

Written on 29 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | One comment

To the surprise of no one, Sam Blakeslee has decided to seek the California State Senate seat vacated by Abel Maldonado’s recent elevation to lieutenant governor. [Tribune] Blakeslee is expected to make a formal announcement Friday morning at his Pismo... (Continue reading)

Anthem Blue Cross drops request for rate hikes

Written on 29 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | No comments

California’s largest for-profit insurance company is withdrawing rate increases of as much as 39 percent for thousands of policyholders statewide. [Los Angeles Times] The action by Anthem Blue Cross on Thursday came after state insurance regulators rejected the proposed increases.... (Continue reading)

Billionaire banker buys Pacific Capital Bancorp

Written on 29 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | 6 comments

Billionaire banker Gerald Ford has agreed to buy a 91 percent interest in Pacific Capital Bancorp, the parent company of First Bank of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, for $500 million. [Rueters] The company plans to... (Continue reading)

Arnold resigns from Arroyo Grande city council

Written on 28 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | 2 comments

The Arroyo Grande City Council will move quickly to fill a vacancy following Tuesday’s announcement by councilman Ed Arnold that he will resign. [Tribune] Arnold made the announcement at the start of last night’s meeting. “It’s a very sad time... (Continue reading)

Robbery suspect admits to assaulting sex offenders in Grover Beach

Written on 27 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | 15 comments

A man shot and wounded by a Grover Beach police officer last Friday morning may have been involved in a self-styled vigilante spree, targeting convicted sex offenders posted on the Megan’s Law website. Police believe David Jordan Griffin, 24, who... (Continue reading)

Sheriff candidates to debate Wednesday night

Written on 27 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | 12 comments

The six candidates for County Sheriff are scheduled to meet in a public forum Wednesday night at Embassy Suites in San Luis Obispo. Mark Adams, Joe Cortez, Ben Hall, Jerry Lenthall, Ian Parkinson, and Mike Teixiera will participate in the... (Continue reading)

Maldonado to be sworn in Tuesday as lieutenant governor

Written on 27 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | 3 comments

Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) is expected to make a little Central Coast political history on Tuesday when he is sworn in as California’s new lieutenant governor. [Los Angeles Times] Maldonado’s expected ascension marks the highest any Central Coast politician has... (Continue reading)

San Francisco calls for boycott of Arizona over immigration law

Written on 26 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | 13 comments

Top city officials in San Francisco are calling for a boycott of Arizona to protest the state’s new law regarding illegal immigration. [Associated Press] Arizona’s governor signed a new law last Friday, making it a crime to be in the... (Continue reading)

PG&E biggest spender on lobbying in California

Written on 26 Apr, 2010 in Daily Briefs | 24 comments

California companies spent more than $66 million lobbying state officials and Congress during the first quarter of 2010–and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is at the top of the list. [California Watch] The report, maintained by the U.S. Senate, shows... (Continue reading)