Daily Briefs


Syphilis rates rising in SLO County amid medication shortage

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Syphilis rates in San Luis Obispo County have spiked over the last decade, culminating with the county recording nearly 100 cases of the infection last year. In 2013, SLO County had a total of 22 diagnosed cases... (Continue reading)

Scam leads Ravine Waterpark to stop selling tickets online

By KAREN VELIE The Ravine Waterpark in Paso Robles has stopped selling daily passes online because of an “exceptionally large amount of fraud.” Admission tickets are still available at the park. “Please be aware there is a scam going on... (Continue reading)

Fire near Creston has burned 100 acres, 60% contained

By JOSH FRIEDMAN The woodland fire that broke out Sunday along Highway 58 southeast of Creston has burned 100 acres and is 60% contained, as of Monday morning. Shortly before noon, a caller reported the blaze burning near the intersection... (Continue reading)

Fire near Creston burns 90 acres, 50% contained

By JOSH FRIEDMAN The woodland fire that broke out late Sunday morning along Highway 58 southeast of Creston has burned 90 acres. As of 7:30 p.m., the blaze is 50% contained, according to Cal Fire.  Shortly before noon, a caller... (Continue reading)

Fire burns 80 acres near Creston, spreading

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A woodland fire that broke out late Sunday morning is scorching an area along Highway 58 near Creston, northeast of Santa Margarita. Shortly before noon, a caller reported the fire burning near the intersection of Highway 58... (Continue reading)

Motorcyclist killed in head-on collision on Highway 166

By KAREN VELIE A motorcyclist was killed in a fiery, head-on collision on Highway 166 near Chimineas Ranch Road on Saturday evening. Shortly before 7 p.m., the motorcyclist crashed into a black Subaru Forester near the intersection of Chimineas Ranch... (Continue reading)

California having best fire season in 25 years

By KAREN VELIE The beginning of the 2023 fire season boasts the fewest acres burned in 25 years, according to an investigation by The Mercury News. While many feared that a wet winter would result in higher fuel loads and... (Continue reading)

PG&E conducting aerial patrols above San Luis Obispo County

By KAREN VELIE As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk, PG&E announced plans to conduct aerial patrols next week over portions of San Luis Obispo County. As part of PG&E’s Vegetation Management Program, helicopter patrols will search... (Continue reading)

Newsom appoints Michael Kelley SLO County Superior Court judge

By KAREN VELIE Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday the appointment of Judge Michael Kelley to a judgeship in the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. Kelley served as a judge at the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2018. He... (Continue reading)

Man airlifted to hospital after crash at Oceano Dunes

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A helicopter airlifted a man to the hospital following an ATV crash at the Oceano Dunes on Friday. [Tribune] Shortly before 11 a.m., a 59-year-old man was riding a rental ATV at the Oceano Dunes off-roading area.... (Continue reading)