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Uncovered SLO


Gearhart’s casino – the final gamble

Written on 10 Dec, 2010 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 40 comments

Amidst assurances that then President George W. Bush was poised to sign off on the first step towards the development of an Indian owned casino in Paso Robles, the Salinan Indian Tribal Council entered into an agreement with four venture... (Continue reading)

Gearhart’s control of Atascadero

Written on 1 Dec, 2010 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 120 comments

As he built his empire, Kelly Gearhart’s relationships with public officials made it possible for him to skirt building requirements, thereby saving him hundreds of thousands in development costs. These exceptions risked public safety, cost the county revenue and negatively impacted... (Continue reading)

San Luis Obispo employee accused of bilking city

Written on 24 Nov, 2010 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 67 comments

A San Luis Obispo Public Works inspector is under investigation for misappropriating public property for his own profit. Sources claim Ron Faria, president of the San Luis Obispo City’s Employee Association, asked his supervisor if a mower that had been previously... (Continue reading)

Kelly Gearhart: Fraud, arson and betrayal

Written on 18 Nov, 2010 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 140 comments

Amid a federal investigation into racketeering, money laundering and mail fraud, developer Kelly Gearhart’s stepmother claims her notorious stepson’s illicit activities also included forgery, bribing public officials and arson. The latter exploit was one that helped fund Gearhart’s transition from being... (Continue reading)

Cal Poly courting out of state students

Written on 16 Nov, 2010 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 11 comments

In an attempt to bolster its budget, California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo has taken the controversial step of increasing recruitment efforts for more out-of-state students while enrolling fewer in-state applicants. By doing so, Cal Poly is chasing the extra dollars... (Continue reading)

Judge dismisses Gearhart’s bankruptcy protection

Written on 10 Nov, 2010 in Uncovered SLO | 37 comments

A federal judge has ruled that Atascadero developer Kelly Gearhart’s bankruptcy was applied for fraudulently and as of October 7 his creditors may legally go after his future earnings, according to a November 8 court order. “They can sue him for... (Continue reading)

New local economic forecast based on misleading numbers

Written on 6 Nov, 2010 in Uncovered SLO | 31 comments

Economists hired by business leaders in San Luis Obispo County said the local economy appears to be showing signs of recovery while providing seemingly misleading numbers to attendees at the first annual Central Coast Economic Forecast held at Embassy Suites... (Continue reading)

Oceano’s jobless rate highest in San Luis Obispo County

Written on 4 Nov, 2010 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 25 comments

Several south San Luis Obispo County communities have the areas highest unemployment rates, according to figures released by the state’s Employment Development Department. Oceano leads the county with an 18.4 percent jobless rate for September. Trailing is Nipomo at 13.2 percent,... (Continue reading)

Pot doctors in trouble with medical board

Written on 2 Nov, 2010 in Uncovered SLO | 6 comments

A Central Valley marijuana clinic owned by a Morro Bay locksmith is under fire for hiring doctors on probation with the California Medical Board. [Fresno Bee] Pacific Referral owner Kim Valois hired Dr. Juanita Gandy of Morro Bay and Dr.... (Continue reading)

Robert Fowler files $127 million personal bankruptcy

Written on 31 Oct, 2010 in Featured, Uncovered SLO | 16 comments

Developer Robert Fowler, a partner in the failed R.W. Hertel and Sons, filed for personal bankruptcy listing $127.6 million in debt, on Sept. 26. Fowler said $105.6 million are personal guarantees he made on business loans, according to his bankruptcy filing.... (Continue reading)