Daily Briefs


Atascadero appoints new fire chief

By KAREN VELIE The city of Atascadero announced Thursday the appointment of David Van Son to head the Atascadero Fire Department. Van Son, currently a battalion chief, is slated to assume the role of chief on Sept. 19. Casey Bryson... (Continue reading)

Judge rules San Luis Obispo County murder suspect can stand trial

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A San Luis Obispo County judge ruled on Wednesday that enough evidence exists for a defendant to stand trial for the murder of a Santa Maria man on Highway 166 last November. Abel Angel Santiago, 23, is... (Continue reading)

Santa Barbara man allegedly injected teen with meth, assaulted her

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives arrested a 50-year-old man for allegedly injecting an underaged girl with methamphetamine. The suspect is also accused of sexually assaulting the teen. In May, sheriff’s detectives launched an investigation involving  Jeffrey Kyle... (Continue reading)

Man sexually batters stranger outside store in Lompoc, arrested

By KAREN VELIE Lompoc police officers tracked down and arrested a 29-year-old man who allegedly stuck his hands down a woman’s pants outside a store on Sunday. Shortly after 5 p.m. on Sunday, the victim and a family member were... (Continue reading)

Fire burns 300 acres in San Luis Obispo County, evacuations ordered

By KAREN VELIE A fire in rural San Luis Obispo County has burned 300 acres leading to evacuations, according to Cal Fire. Shortly after 3 p.m., a caller reported a blaze burning near Black Bear Road and Big Basin Trail... (Continue reading)

Nearly 12,000 attend Paso Robles Fourth of July celebration

By KAREN VELIE Nearly 12,000 people gathered at Barney Schwartz Park in Paso Robles on Saturday to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday, a record setting attendance at this annual event. The free community celebration featured a family fun... (Continue reading)

Heat advisory for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara counties

By KAREN VELIE Following light rain and pleasant temperatures over the July Fourth weekend, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from Tuesday morning through Friday evening in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Anticipate... (Continue reading)

Firefighters battling brush fire burning near San Luis Obispo

By KAREN VELIE A brush fire burning near San Luis Obispo Sunday has scorched 15 acres, with 30% containment. Shortly before noon, a caller reported the fire burning off O’ Connor Way northwest of San Luis Obispo. There are 55... (Continue reading)

Grover Beach police report decline in illegal fireworks yet issue 10 citations

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Grover Beach police officers issued 10 citations for illegal fireworks over the July 4 holiday, despite reporting a decline in their usage from prior years. Prior to this year’s Independence Day celebrations, the city of Grover Beach... (Continue reading)

Fire damages duplex in Paso Robles

By KAREN VELIE A fire damaged a duplex in Paso Robles on Saturday afternoon, but was extinguished before it caused major damage to the living quarters. Shortly before 3 p.m., a neighbor spotted smoke coming from the duplex on the... (Continue reading)