Josh Friedman
Writer Josh Friedman may or may not live in San Luis Obispo County.
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Widow of mentally ill man sues SLO County for jail death
By JOSH FRIEDMAN San Luis Obispo County has been hit with another lawsuit over a jailhouse death, this time over a man who died behind bars after stabbing his wife during a mental illness episode. [Cal Coast Times] Margo Benson-Hammer, the widow of Russell Hammer, is suing the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff […]... (Continue Reading)
Twin Cities nursing chief accused of murdering his wife
By JOSH FRIEDMAN The man Twin Cities Community Hospital in Templeton hired earlier this year to be its chief nursing officer allegedly murdered his wife, a successful lawyer with a $1 million life insurance policy, in attempt to collect large sums of money that would allow him to continue living a luxurious lifestyle, which included […]... (Continue Reading)
Debbie Arnold at the White House, Trump makes surprise appearance
By JOSH FRIEDMAN San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Debbie Arnold attended a White House event for local government officials on Tuesday at which President Donald Trump made a surprise appearance and reportedly offered his assistance in tackling a variety of issues. [Cal Coast Times] The White House is anxious to work with local officials to […]... (Continue Reading)
Nipomo man suspected of threatening to shoot up convalescent home
By JOSH FRIEDMAN A Nipomo man who had multiple firearms on his property threatened to shoot up a Santa Maria convalescent home where his elderly mother was receiving care, according to the Santa Maria Police Department. [Cal Coast Times] On Thursday afternoon, Robert Clement, 56,made multiple angry calls to the convalescent home. Over the course […]... (Continue Reading)
Deputies arrest 2 teens for burglary spree in Los Osos
By Josh Friedman A teen burglarized three Los Osos businesses this week and attempted to burglarize a fourth prior to getting caught and arrested, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. The teen is also accused of stealing a car, and a second teen is, too, in custody over a couple of the […]... (Continue Reading)
Carrari family feud – The life and times of Joe Carrari
Editor’s note: This is the second in a series about winemaker Joe Carrari, his family’s attempts to have him found incompetent, battles over a $50 million estate, accusations of murder and a home invasion that left two people in the hospital. Read the first in the series here. Joe Carrari distinguished himself as one of […]... (Continue Reading)
Carrari family feud – The Christmas morning home invasion
By JOSH FRIEDMAN and KAREN VELIE Editor’s note: This is the first in a series about winemaker Joe Carrari, his family’s attempts to have him found incompetent, battles over a $50 million estate, accusations of murder and a home invasion that left two people in the hospital. Vintner Joe Carrari thought the day could not […]... (Continue Reading)
Jan Marx accused of breaking SLO campaign finance law
By JOSH FRIEDMAN A campaign finance complaint was filed against former San Luis Obispo mayor Jan Marx over multiple violations of campaign contribution laws she helped put in place. And while allegedly breaking election finance rules, Marx lectured her opponent on accepting contributions from donors Marx deemed questionable. On Wednesday, activist and government watchdog Kevin […]... (Continue Reading)
Employee costs and pension liabilities accelerating in SLO
By JOSH FRIEDMAN The city of San Luis Obispo’s unfunded pension liabilities have risen to $126 million, more than the rest of the cities in SLO County combined. After the bottom fell out of the housing market, the majority of cities in California tightened their budgets to work under reduced tax revenues while a few […]... (Continue Reading)
Arroyo Grande mayoral candidate suing brother, sister and son
By JOSH FRIEDMAN Arroyo Grande mayoral candidate Richard Waller says he will be able to unite the community and bring civility to the council if he’s elected. Waller touts his family’s long-term ties to the community and his ability to promote open discussions. But a family fight over his mother June Waller’s estate has spilled […]... (Continue Reading)
