Daily Briefs


Rocket explodes following launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A rocket exploded over the Pacific Ocean after its launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base Thursday evening, possibly scattering debris along the Central Coast. Firefly Aerospace’s first-ever test flight of its Alpha rocket ended abruptly, shortly after... (Continue reading)

California teacher out after supporting Antifa ideologies

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A California high school teacher who openly supported the Antifa movement, and incentivized his students to participate in some of its activism, has been placed on administrative leave and will be fired, according to the district he... (Continue reading)

Nipomo woman killed in crash identified

By KAREN VELIE The California Highway Patrol has identified the 60-year-old woman killed Wednesday after a excavator fell on top of her vehicle as Pyong Yun Song of Nipomo. Shortly after 4 p.m., David Edmunson of Arroyo Grande was driving... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles sex offender arrested for bank robbery, again

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A Paso Robles man attempted to rob a bank in the North County city at gunpoint on Wednesday, but ended up fleeing without being handed any money and getting caught shortly thereafter. Andrew Gilbertson, 46, was previously... (Continue reading)

Man wields gun at football game at Santa Maria High School

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Police are seeking help from the public in identifying a man who pulled a gun during a fight at a youth football game at Santa Maria High School on Saturday. Santa Maria police are also trying to... (Continue reading)

Arroyo Grande woman facing 10 years in prison for embezzlement

By KAREN VELIE A 56-year-old bookkeeper from Arroyo Grande pleaded guilty to six counts of embezzlement on Wednesday with an agreement that she will be sentenced to 10 years in state prison. Ginger Lee Mankins allegedly stole more than $5... (Continue reading)

Excavator crushes car in Nipomo, 1 person killed

By KAREN VELIE One person was killed Wednesday afternoon in Nipomo after a excavator fell on top of their vehicle. Shortly after 4 p.m., a semi-truck headed northbound on Highway 101 crashed into a guardrail causing the truck to lose... (Continue reading)

SLO County officials issue new indoor mask mandate

By KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo County is bringing back an indoor mask mandate for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Health officer Penny Borenstein announced on Tuesday that masks – which will be required starting on Wednesday – are needed... (Continue reading)

Multiple power outages impact more than 1,500 SLO County residents

By JOSH FRIEDMAN More than 1,500 Atascadero residents lost power Tuesday morning, and several communities across San Luis Obispo County are experiencing small outages, as well. As of 11 a.m., 1,599 customers are without power in southern Atascadero, according to... (Continue reading)

Former SLO County waste management employee posts bail

By KAREN VELIE After learning that she was charged with 10 felonies, the former board secretary of San Luis Obispo County’s waste disposal agency posted a $20,000 bail. Carolyn Goodrich faces a maximum of 31 years in prison if convicted... (Continue reading)