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Uncovered SLO


Did Grover Beach mayor purposely conceal campaign donations?

Written on 12 May, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 29 comments

By JOSH FRIEDMAN Grover Beach Mayor John Shoals committed 52 violations of state campaign finance laws during his 2014 mayoral campaign, according to a complaint filed with the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). The complaint alleges Shoals’ failure to... (Continue reading)

Lucia Mar bars teen with brain tumor from going to prom

Written on 10 May, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 36 comments

By JOSH FRIEDMAN A high school senior who is battling a brain tumor and recovering from a broken hip managed to score a date, as well as a black tuxedo with a pink tie, for the Arroyo Grande High School... (Continue reading)

AG City officials tussle in escalating fight over grocery store

Written on 9 May, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 56 comments

  By KAREN VELIE While the former space of Arroyo Grande’s only full-service grocery store remains empty, city officials are tussling over what should be done. In late October, as part of a bankruptcy, Haggen Food and Pharmacy shuttered its... (Continue reading)

Grand Jury investigating Rabobank in money laundering probe

Written on 5 May, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 16 comments

By KAREN VELIE A federal grand jury is questioning former and current employees of Rabobank branches in San Luis Obispo County as part of an investigation into allegations of money laundering for Mexican drug cartels. Beginning in about 2010, bank... (Continue reading)

SLO proposed 75-foot-high project scrapped

Written on 4 May, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 28 comments

  By KAREN VELIE Developers Nick Tompkins, Andrew Firestone and Jess Parker have withdrawn their plans to build a 75-foot high development in San Luis Obispo that would have included an 80-room hotel, residential units, offices, retail space and a... (Continue reading)

Rob Rossi files suit against ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66

Written on 3 May, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 15 comments

By KAREN VELIE Rob Rossi, an owner of the more than 14,000 acre Santa Margarita Ranch, filed a lawsuit against ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66 on Friday for allegedly operating a pipeline that has contaminated a portion of the ranch. Phillips... (Continue reading)

SLO City manager and attorney to get bonuses

Written on 2 May, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 49 comments

By KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo City staff is recommending the council vote Tuesday to give City Manager Katie Lichtig and City Attorney Christine Dietrick $5,000 retention bonuses, Dietrick’s fifth bonus or raise in five years. Staff based the requests... (Continue reading)

Arnold, Hill, Peschong lead campaign contribution battles

Written on 30 Apr, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 15 comments

Note: Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin posted his campaign finance disclosure after this story was posted. The story has been updated to include Martin’s campaign contributions. By JOSH FRIEDMAN A clear fundraising leader has emerged in each of the three... (Continue reading)

Cambria general manager’s raise scrapped, for now

Written on 28 Apr, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 26 comments

By KAREN VELIE Amid growing outrage, the Cambria Community Services District will not be voting Thursday to approve a contract giving the district’s general manager a 38 percent pay increase. The agenda change appears to be prompted by public complaints... (Continue reading)

Cal Poly gives TV deal to president’s friend

Written on 26 Apr, 2016 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 34 comments

By KAREN VELIE (Editor’s note: In the interest of transparency, readers should know that Cal Coast News editor Bill Loving is a tenured professor in the journalism department at Cal Poly. A recording of an interview with Cal Poly President... (Continue reading)