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Uncovered SLO


Sanctuary becomes killing field for “protected” animals

Written on 17 Feb, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 9 comments

By KAREN VELIE A husband and wife team of internationally known environmentalists, paid handsomely to oversee a San Luis Obispo County sanctuary for infirm animals, has ordered the accelerating slaughter of many of their wards. Former and present employees of the Dancing... (Continue reading)

What’s changing for medical pot under Obama?

Written on 13 Feb, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

By DANIEL BLACKBURN Signs abound that federal interest in medicinal marijuana use may be diminishing under the Barack Obama Administration. There’s also no indication that such a relaxation in enforcement by U.S. drug authorities would impact San Luis Obispo County much. Or... (Continue reading)

Gearhart files bankruptcy

Written on 12 Feb, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

By KAREN VELIE Kelly Gearhart, a North County developer with ties to hard money lender Hurst Financial, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in Ohio. Gearhart and his wife, Tamara Lowe, filed the bankruptcy petition on Wednesday, stating $6.5 million in... (Continue reading)

Deputies seeking sheriffs’ union split

Written on 10 Feb, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 3 comments

By KAREN VELIE Members of the county’s largest and most influential union have mounted an aggressive campaign to divide the Deputies Sheriff’s Association (DSA) into two separate unions. If the action is successful, one union would be comprised of sworn peace officers,... (Continue reading)

Developer blames downturn in the market

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

Robert Fowler forgot to pay some taxes on his 100 acre property near the Santa Margarita Ranch development. In 2005, at the top of the market, Fowler failed to pay $619,000 in taxes and penalties. While Tom Daschle threw his... (Continue reading)

EFI victims question attorney’s actions

Written on 4 Feb, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 6 comments

By KAREN VELIE and DANIEL BLACKBURN An attorney with a prominent San Luis Obispo law firm who injected himself into the ongoing hard money lending scandal has assembled a group of investor clients with apparently competing interests. Roger Frederickson of the Sinsheimer... (Continue reading)

No buts about it: Inmate cell phone use up

Written on 31 Jan, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 2 comments

By DANIEL BLACKBURN In agony from abdominal cramps, the California Men’s Colony (CMC) inmate was bent over groaning when correctional officers discovered him, and though initially reticent, the man finally confessed to smuggling. He had a contraband cell phone and its... (Continue reading)

Guth, Yaguda still stewing; more arrests hinted

Written on 30 Jan, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 5 comments

By KAREN VELIE Prosecutors and defense attorneys today asked a judge to postpone arraignment and bail hearing for Estate Financial Inc. principles Karen Guth and Joshua Yaguda for the fourth time. San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Charles Crawford agreed to... (Continue reading)

EFI investor prospects dismal

Written on 28 Jan, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 6 comments

By KAREN VELIE and DANIEL BLACKBURN Investors in both the Estate Financial Mortgage Fund (EFMF) and Estate Financial Inc (EFI) received gloomy reports from trustees regarding recouping investments through the bankruptcy court. The bad news was contained in a letter sent... (Continue reading)

Length of deputies’ visit to sheriff differs

Written on 27 Jan, 2009 in Uncovered SLO | 3 comments

By DANIEL BLACKBURN and KAREN VELIE How long did sheriff’s deputies spend at the home of Sheriff Pat Hedges and his wife, Sandy Oneal-Hedges, following a reported domestic disturbance? Official reports vary from more than an hour, to just 15 minutes,... (Continue reading)