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Uncovered SLO


UPDATE: Shores pays thousands to avoid paying investors

Written on 23 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

By KAREN VELIE North county developer Jimmie Shores, his brother Ronnie Shores, and Hurst Financial Inc. (HFI) President Jay Miller, in twisted and conflicting deposition testimonies and interviews, each maintains one of the others is responsible for paying back $700,000 to... (Continue reading)

UPDATE: Employees accused of pilfering county vehicles

Written on 19 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

By KAREN VELIE Randy Ghezzi and Max Keller remain on paid administrative leave while the San Luis Obispo County Human Resources Department investigates allegations the pair pirated county equipment, sources said. According to multiple sources, road crew supervisor Keller was caught using... (Continue reading)

Tribune exclusive, Wilcox accuses Edge of sexual harassment

Written on 18 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

The Tribune reports that Assistant County Administrator Gail Wilcox has filed a lawsuit that levels allegations of sexual harassment against deposed County Administrator David Edge. In May, CalCoastNews first broke the news that Wilcox had lodged allegations of sexual harassment against... (Continue reading)

Fraud lawsuit filed against Heritage Oaks Bank and Stewart Title

Written on 15 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

By KAREN VELIE Investors have filed a lawsuit alleging Stewart Title and Heritage Oaks Bank (HOB) aided and abetted and/or conspired with Hurst Financial Inc. (HFI) in defrauding hundreds of seniors through illegal investment schemes. The suit filed by more than 300... (Continue reading)

Con man misleads Hertel-Fowler bankruptcy trustee

Written on 12 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

By KAREN VELIE Bankruptcy court trustees are investigating claims that businessman Rob Rossi and the City of Atascadero are concealing assets of developer R.W. Hertel and Sons in an attempt to help the bankrupt home builder avoid paying creditors and taxes. Trustees... (Continue reading)

County employee threatens retaliation

Written on 10 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

By KAREN VELIE Under fire regarding alleged workplace transgressions, a San Luis Obispo County department manager has threatened to go after employees who divulged he is on paid administrative leave. “You can’t write this, it’s not public information,” said Road Maintenance and... (Continue reading)

Blackburn plans to view things through a lens

Written on 9 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

Dan Blackburn, co-editor and co-founder with Karen Velie of CalCoastNews.com, is moving on. Blackburn’s Central Coast News Agency (CCNA), which he formed in 2005, will concentrate on video production with emphasis on local and state issues of special significance. He will... (Continue reading)

Hertel and Fowler court ordered to appear

Written on 7 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

By KAREN VELIE Following an emergency motion, a federal judge ordered R.W Hertel and Sons’ principles Ronald Hertel and Robert Fowler to appear in bankruptcy court or face possible arrest, according to the June 4 order. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robin Riblet signed... (Continue reading)

Paso Robles Police officer presides over fraudulent charity

Written on 3 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

By KAREN VELIE State Attorney General Edmond G. Brown filed a lawsuit against the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs (COPS) alleging they engage in “unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent business practices,” on May 29. Paso Robles Police officer Nicki Woods currently holds... (Continue reading)

U.S. Marshals seize Hertel and Fowler’s yacht, guns, and ammunition

Written on 1 Jun, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | One comment

By KAREN VELIE Federal authorities seized bankrupt developers Ronald Hertel and Robert Fowler’s 2005 Bertram yacht including guns and ammunition, and a 1988 Broward yacht under purchase by Hertel earlier this year as part of an ongoing effort to recoup funds... (Continue reading)