Karen Velie
Karen Velie lives in San Luis Obispo County.
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Judge asks why Cuesta Title was not indicted
By KAREN VELIE During the first day of former North County developer Kelly Gearhart’s sentencing hearing, Gearhart’s attorney attempted to paint his client as a previously honest man whose missteps were a result of the downturn in the market while the judge questioned why Cuesta Title had not been indicted in the criminal actions. In […]... (Continue Reading)
Kelly Gearhart blames lenders, claims he is a victim
By KAREN VELIE Former North County developer Kelly Gearhart contends that employees of Heritage Oaks Bank and Hurst Financial were primarily responsible for defrauding more than 1,200 investors out of more than $100 million. The prosecution argues that Gearhart lulled the victims through misinformation and as such is responsible for their losses. In 2014, Gearhart, […]... (Continue Reading)
Sex offender files lawsuit against Grover Beach
By KAREN VELIE A registered sex offender filed a federal lawsuit last week against the city of Grover Beach challenging an ordinance that makes it a crime for sex offenders to set up residency in most of the city. The law suit is the first filed against a city since the California Supreme Court’s decision […]... (Continue Reading)
Cuesta College breach led to drug bust
By KAREN VELIE While serving a search warrant at the home of a Cuesta College Human Resources analyst suspected of misappropriation of employee personal information, investigators discovered more than four pounds of methamphetamine and heroin. On May 31, a Cuesta College employee allegedly breached the campus data system and then emailed employee names, home addresses, […]... (Continue Reading)
Cal Poly faculty unrest leads to vote of no confidence in Ag dean
By KAREN VELIE Faculty discontent boiled over in the College of Agriculture with a majority of faculty giving Agriculture Dean Andrew Thulin a vote of no-confidence. It is the latest development in a spring of faculty and staff resentment over perceptions of unequal pay and administrative attitudes. At issue in the College of Agriculture, are […]... (Continue Reading)
Cuesta College losing 35,000 gallons of water daily
By KAREN VELIE Amid a four-year drought, Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo has nearly doubled its water usage primarily because of a leaking pool. And college officials plan to keep the pool open while putting off any substantial repairs for at least six months. Cuesta College Director of Facilities Terry Reese said he has […]... (Continue Reading)
Rod Jarmin and Tammy Jordan’s trial starts Monday
By KAREN VELIE Four years after they were arrested for seven counts of fraud and embezzlement, Real Property Lenders (RPL) of Paso Robles principals Rod Jarmin and Tammy Jordan’s trial will begin on Monday. In April 2014, Jarmin, 76, and Jordan, 53, were arrested in connection with a scheme in which they allegedly swindled more […]... (Continue Reading)
Victims chastise Kelly Gearhart at hearing
By KAREN VELIE Former North County developer Kelly Gearhart sat stone-faced Monday as eight of his financial fraud victims told a federal judge in Los Angeles how Gearhart showed no mercy for the elderly victims he preyed upon. Each of the victims then asked United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II to give Gearthart […]... (Continue Reading)
KVEC producer getting kicked for soccer comments
By KAREN VELIE Comments made on a local radio talk show Thursday night have turned into a public chastising of producer and on-air sidekick Craig Hill. The incident took place during the 6 o’clock hour of “The Dave Congalton Show” on KVEC 920 AM, which features an “open-line” discussion between Congalton and Hill on current […]... (Continue Reading)
Investigation further sullies SLO interim director
By KAREN VELIE A recent investigation into the management practices of a former Carmel city manager, who is currently working for the city of San Luis Obispo, revealed multiple violations of municipal code and financial mismanagement. In December, SLO City Manager Katie Lichtig hired Jason Stilwell to develop the city’s 2015 through 2017 financial plan […]... (Continue Reading)
