Daily Briefs


Tree falls, starts fire, knocks out power from Templeton to Lake Nacimiento

By KAREN VELIE A tree fell near Lake Nacimiento sparking a small fire and knocking out power for PG&E customers from Running Dear Ranch to Templeton on Friday afternoon. Shortly before 1:30, the tree knocked down a power line on... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo officers arrest man for botched bank robbery

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Police officers arrested an unarmed, would-be robber who fled without any money after allegedly demanding cash from Mechanics Bank in San Luis Obispo on Thursday. Shortly before 4:40 p.m.,Tyler Kenneth Ferguson, 40, of SLO walked into Mechanics... (Continue reading)

Police seeking the public’s help in finding Grover Beach man

By KAREN VELIE Grover Beach police are asking the public for help with locating a missing man who is said to be having mental health challenges. Claudio Robert Jara, 55, left the city of Torrance on August 1. Jara has... (Continue reading)

Man sets mental health facility in Lompoc on fire with people inside

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A man allegedly set a Lompoc mental health facility on fire on Tuesday while people were inside. Shortly before 12:45 p.m., the suspect was allegedly attempting to assault staff at a facility in the 1000 block of... (Continue reading)

First case of monkeypox confirmed in Santa Barbara County

By KAREN VELIE The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department confirmed the county’s first case of Monkeypox on Wednesday. Risk to the public, however, remains low. The adult who tested positive had exposure to the virus outside of Santa Barbara... (Continue reading)

Goleta teen arrested for brandishing ghost gun at a party

By KAREN VELIE A Goleta teen is in custody after he waved a ghost gun he was carrying at a party on Saturday in Isla Vista. Shortly after 11 p.m., a caller reported an attendee at a party on Del... (Continue reading)

Fire destroys 2 apartments in Paso Robles

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A fire destroyed two apartments and damaged others at a complex in Paso Robles Wednesday morning, displacing residents. Shortly before 11 a.m., a caller reported the fire burning at an apartment complex in the 100 block of... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo County COVID cases rising, 7 new deaths

By KAREN VELIE The average number of new COVID infections in San Luis Obispo County rose slightly last week, according to the SLO County Health Department. Following locals gathering at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, the county reported... (Continue reading)

Only woman on the Paso Robles City Council resigns

By KAREN VELIE The only woman on the Paso Robles City Council, Maria Garcia, resigned her seat effective immediately because of a change in residency, the city announced Wednesday. The council plans to call a special meeting to discuss filling... (Continue reading)

Commission confirms Judge Hernaldo Baltodano Court of Appeals appointment

By KAREN VELIE The Commission on Judicial Appointments on Wednesday announced the confirmation of Judge Hernaldo J. Baltodano to the Court of Appeals in Ventura. The nominee was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the three-member commission, which includes Chief... (Continue reading)