Daily Briefs


Goleta man dies during dirt bike trip near Pozo

Search and rescue personnel found a 57-year-old Goleta man dead after he was reported missing while dirt biking near Pozo on Sunday. Joseph Dean Echavarria appears to have died of natural causes, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s... (Continue reading)

Accident at Orcutt groomer leads to dog’s death

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s and Animal Services departments are investigating the death of a small dog during an afternoon grooming at a shop in Orcutt. Jeremy Miller took his two dogs, Crispy and Bella, for a grooming appointment at Dog-Gone... (Continue reading)

SLO woman arrested for slashing Atascadero man’s throat

A 40-year-old San Luis Obispo woman is in jail after allegedly slashing her boyfriend’s throat during a Saturday evening hike on Bishop Peak. The victim, a 55-year-old Atascadero man, was treated for his injury at a local hospital and released.... (Continue reading)

Are California Democrats manipulating the system?

Amid objections from Republican lawmakers, California Democrats slipped a provision into a budget related bill on Thursday that will help thwart an attempt to recall Josh Newman, D-Fullerton, further fanning allegation of wrongdoing by both parties. After Newman voted to... (Continue reading)

SLO attorney accused of theft

FBI agents arrested a San Luis Obispo attorney Thursday on 28 counts of wire fraud related to allegations he stole approximately $250,000 from the trust account of a client to spend in gambling casinos. Stephen Ronca then pleaded not guilty... (Continue reading)

Dystiny Myers story aired as episode of murder show

The premiere of the second season of “Murder Among Friends”, which aired this week, showcases the Dystiny Myers murder, albeit with a slightly altered storyline. Set in “Nipomo County,” the episode consists of characters playing Myers, Rhonda Whisto, Ty Hill,... (Continue reading)

California tries to clarify its marijuana rules

As part of the state budget bill, the California Legislature passed a new set of marijuana rules that includes allowing marijuana samplings, according to the new rules that passed the state Senate and moved onto Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk on... (Continue reading)

Climber summits Morro Rock

A climber made it to to the top of Morro Rock Thursday afternoon and then got down on his own, despite there being numerous public safety personnel and a helicopter preparing to conduct a rescue. Morro Bay fire officials say... (Continue reading)

Morro Bay residents show support for pot dispensaries

At a community workshop held Wednesday, Morro Bay residents indicated they support having medical marijuana dispensaries and delivery services operating in the city. [KSBY] During a gathering at the veterans’ hall, Morro Bay officials asked city residents to place dots... (Continue reading)

Santa Maria probationer found with stolen passports and drone

While conducting a probation check at a Santa Maria home on Tuesday, authorities found drugs and a wide variety of stolen items, including passports, checks and a drone. Around 3:30 p.m., Santa Barbara County probation personnel and the Compliance Response... (Continue reading)