Josh Friedman
Writer Josh Friedman may or may not live in San Luis Obispo County.
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Hill changes course on homeless, Torres-Hill gets funding
By JOSH FRIEDMAN San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill has altered his stance on solving the county’s homeless crisis, shifting from advocating for a new shelter to pushing for permanent housing. Hill’s stance has changed as his wife, Dee Torres-Hill, has transitioned from working for the agency building the shelter to running her own […]... (Continue Reading)
Proposed raise exposes Cambria’s financial blunders
By JOSH FRIEDMAN Less than two months after public outrage prompted the Cambria Community Services District to table a staggered 38 percent pay raise for the CSD general manager, the salary hike is again up for a vote. This time, the district board is only considering a 6 percent salary increase. In June 2011, the […]... (Continue Reading)
PG&E to close Diablo Canyon
By JOSH FRIEDMAN Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced plans to close Diablo Canyon power plant when the licenses to operate its two nuclear reactors expire in 2024 and 2025. The decision is being celebrated by environmental groups as the end of nuclear power in California, while others are concerned about the ensuing financial impact […]... (Continue Reading)
Paso Robles councilman accused of using position for profit
By JOSH FRIEDMAN Paso Robles Councilman John Hamon is accused of violating conflict of interest rules because he participates in government decisions that allegedly impact his business interests and income. Hamon is currently running against three other candidates for the San Luis Obispo County District 1 supervisor seat. Hamon leases property from Paso Robles at […]... (Continue Reading)
Arnold, Hill, Peschong lead campaign contribution battles
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 San Luis Obispo County supervisor races. Incumbent supervisors Debbie Arnold and Adam Hill have both […]... (Continue Reading)
Local nonprofits plagued by financial irregularities
By JOSH FRIEDMAN and KAREN VELIE Two politically-connected nonprofits in San Luis Obispo County have broken federal or state laws, failed to report revenue and refused to comply with financial disclosure rules. The president and founder of one of the nonprofits has also used city government offices to solicit business for her organization — creating […]... (Continue Reading)
Friends of Oceano Dunes sues the Coastal Commission
By JOSH FRIEDMAN An off-roading organization that is attempting to overturn the Oceano Dunes dust rule has sued the California Coastal Commission over the agency’s role in implementing the controversial regulation. The lawsuit also names California state parks as a co-defendant and the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) as a party […]... (Continue Reading)
Banished superfan returns to SLO in new colors
By JOSH FRIEDMAN Two years after bringing UC Irvine banners, costumes and masks to San Luis Obispo, superfan Keith Franklin is returning to Baggett Stadium to cheer on Irvine’s biggest rival. Franklin, 51, is now an avowed “anarchist” and a Cal State Fullerton fan. Cal State Fullerton (17-11), the reigning conference champion and a 2015 […]... (Continue Reading)
Morro Bay mayor recuses himself, then lobbies council
By JOSH FRIEDMAN Morro Bay Mayor Jamie Irons removed himself from a vote on housing regulations last week to avoid a financial conflict of interest. However, Irons then lobbied the council both orally and in writing to vote in a manner that would benefit him financially. Following Irons’ lobbying efforts, the remaining council members voted 3-1 […]... (Continue Reading)
Oceano Dunes dust rule still valid, judge rules
By JOSH FRIEDMAN Less than a year after a California appellate court struck down a key provision of the Oceano Dunes dust rule, a San Luis Obispo judge has ruled the rest of the controversial regulation should remain intact. San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) dust rule, formally called Rule 1001, requires […]... (Continue Reading)
