Daily Briefs


Judge sentences Pismo Beach man to 120 years for child molestation

By KAREN VELIE A judge recently handed a Pismo Beach man a sentence of more than 120 years in prison for molesting three minors under the age of 14. Todd Anthony Hortillosa, 44, sexually abused the children over a nine-year... (Continue reading)

More than 10,000 gallons of sewage spill in San Luis Obispo

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A water main break near an open sewer line resulted in more than 10,000 gallons of water and sewage combined flowing into a creek in San Luis Obispo on Monday. The 11-inch potable water main broke near... (Continue reading)

Monkey living outside Paso Robles dials 9-1-1

By KAREN VELIE While law enforcement in San Luis Obispo County deal with their fair share of “monkey business,” a 9-1-1 call from a small, hairy primate surprised sheriff deputies. On Saturday night, county dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call, but... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo County reports first case of monkeypox

By KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo County health officials reported that for the first time a county resident has tested positive for monkeypox, following an uptick in cases globally and in California. The risk to the general public from this... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles burglary suspects flee driving wrong way on Highway 101

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A commercial burglary in Paso Robles early Monday morning led to a chase on Highway 101, as well as a police search in the Salinas Riverbed and elsewhere, resulting in one crash and three arrests. At about... (Continue reading)

U.S. Supreme Court to hear arguments on California pig law in October

By JOSH FRIEDMAN The United States Supreme Court in October will hear oral arguments in a challenge to California’s Proposition 12, a law that requires each pig to have 24 square feet of space. Prop. 12 also bans the sale... (Continue reading)

Gas costs continue dropping, find the lowest prices

By KAREN VELIE Since June, the average price of gas has continued a steady decline as domestic gas stocks continue to increase. During the past week, the average price of gas in San Luis Obispo County dropped nine cents to... (Continue reading)

Consider the risks of operating an old nuclear power plant in SLO County

OPINION by TERRY LAMPHIER Our national government and several prominent figures have recently declared support for extending the operating license of Diablo Canyon in Avila Beach, and other aging nuclear power plants. Because of the grave threats posed by climate... (Continue reading)

Teen shot and killed in Santa Maria

By KAREN VELIE A 19-year-old man was shot and killed in Santa Maria early Sunday morning. Shortly after midnight, a caller reported hearing shots fired in an alleyway near the 300 block of W. Newlove Drive. Officers arrived to find... (Continue reading)

Crash on Highway 101 in SLO leaves one person with major injuries

By JOSH FRIEDMAN One person suffered major injuries in a crash on Highway 101 in San Luis Obispo early Saturday morning. Shortly after 3 a.m., a caller reported a single-vehicle crash on southbound Highway 101 near the Monterey Street offramp,... (Continue reading)