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Gifford Fire destroys two structures, concerns mount over wilderness area

Written on 9 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | 4 comments

By KAREN VELIE The Gifford Fire burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties has destroyed two structures, scorched 111,557 acres and injured eight people, three civilians and five firefighters. The blaze is 21% contained. The heaviest fire activity... (Continue reading)

Police investigators expose Lompoc man’s extortion scheme

Written on 9 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | No comments

By KAREN VELIE Police officers arrested a 41-year-old Lompoc man on Thursday for allegedly operating an online extortion scheme in which he would threaten to post damaging information on social media unless his victims agreed to give him money, police... (Continue reading)

Burglar arrested after standoff in Santa Maria

Written on 9 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | No comments

By KAREN VELIE Santa Maria police arrested a 23-year-old alleged burglar following a standoff on Friday afternoon. Shortly after 12:30 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious person on Silverado Avenue. Officers arrived and spotted a man matching the suspect’s description... (Continue reading)

Gifford Fire burns 104,590 acres with 21% containment

Written on 9 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | One comment

By KAREN VELIE Firefighters increased containment of the Gifford Fire to 21% with significant progress made in the south end of the fire burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The blaze has scorched 104,590 acres. “Hot and... (Continue reading)

Is the United States becoming more like Russia under Trump?

Written on 8 Aug, 2025 in Featured, Opinion | 26 comments

OPINION by ALLAN COOPER I and others here in the United States are looking into a future where the similarities between our country and Russia are becoming more and more resoundingly clear. The following are a dozen ways that the United... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo MMA fighter Steven Sainsbury to compete in Chico

Written on 8 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | No comments

By KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo Mixed Martial Arts fighter Steven Sainsbury is competing in his sixth professional bout on Aug. 9 – Spirit Warrior in Chico. After four fighters dropped out at the last minute, Sainsbury agreed to fight... (Continue reading)

Newsom appoints Kenneth McDaniel SLO County Superior Court judge

Written on 8 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | 8 comments

By KAREN VELIE Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday the appointment of Commissioner Kenneth McDaniel to a judgeship in the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. McDaniel has served as a commissioner at the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court since... (Continue reading)

SLO County law enforcement seized more than 600 pounds of fireworks

Written on 8 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | 2 comments

By KAREN VELIE Under San Luis Obispo County’s new firework ordinance, law enforcement seized more than 600 pounds of illegal fireworks from July 3 through July 6. SLO County sheriff deputies issued 24 notices of violation and seized more than... (Continue reading)

Evacuations increase as Gifford Fire rages towards homes

Written on 8 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | One comment

Correction: It is federal, not state environmental laws, that do not permit firefighters to move equipment into wilderness areas. By KAREN VELIE As the Gifford Fire rages through northern San Luis Obispo County, the number of people ordered to evacuate... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo police seek help identifying thief

Written on 7 Aug, 2025 in Daily Briefs, Featured | 2 comments

By KAREN VELIE The San Luis Obispo Police Department announced Thursday it is seeking the public’s help identifying a thief who ripped off the Madonna Inn Boutique. On Aug. 4, the alleged thief was captured on security cameras taking merchandise... (Continue reading)