Karen Velie
Karen Velie lives in San Luis Obispo County.
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Superintendent under investigation for inappropriate relationship with student
San Miguel Joint Union School District board officials have hired an investigator to look into allegations that 55-year-old Supt. Dean Smith had an inappropriate relationship with a former student. “The school board is concerned and they are investigating, but we are not permitted to discuss the issue at this time,” a board member said. ... (Continue Reading)
Police raid home and business of postal worker
By KAREN VELIE In a page right out of the Keystone Cops, police kicked down the door of an unlocked home and then ransacked the property based on a bad tip from an informant. At around 7 p.m. on Monday, an officer yelled “search warrant” outside a large plate glass window at Fashion Dry Cleaners in Atascadero. Moments later, an officer hit... (Continue Reading)
Sheriff candidate allegedly cheated on test
By KAREN VELIE Former police officers have charged that sheriff candidate Ian Parkinson’s brother provided him the answers to sergeant promotion essay questions in 2001. Police officers, vying for one open sergeant position, answered three essay questions designed to test their writing and leadership abilities. For applicants, the essay questions, a multiple choice written exam, and an oral test offered not only... (Continue Reading)
Deputies seeking sheriffs’ union split
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, the other of non-sworn sheriff personnel. A break would damage the effectiveness of the association, said DSA President Dale Strobridge. “The... (Continue Reading)
War of the Hedges
By KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo County Sheriff deputies responded Monday to a domestic disturbance call at the North County home of Sheriff Pat Hedges and his wife, Sandy Oneal-Hedges, according to the sheriff’s log. Sandy Oneal-Hedges called 911 at 5:36 p.m. to report her husband was screaming at her and asked for assistance, said Undersheriff Steve Bolts. “A sergeant and a beat... (Continue Reading)
Housemate cops cruising to cash in
By KAREN VELIE Atascadero City Manager Wade McKinney probably isn’t feeling very gay this holiday season after getting some straight talk about a looming and large payout of taxpayer money to settle a police department dispute. McKinney, who heads SLO county’s most litigious city, learned recently that a mediator’s decision that favors Police. Lt. Carole Robinson will cost the city heftily, according... (Continue Reading)
Santa Margarita School principal convicted of DUI
By KAREN VELIE Santa Margarita Elementary School Principal Melanie Karp has been sentenced to two days in the county jail and three years probation for driving under the influence of alcohol. Commissioner Stephen B. Sefton also levied a fine of $1,726 and ordered the school official to attend alcohol abuse classes after she pled no contest to a drunk-driving charge.... (Continue Reading)
FBI busts sheriff’s deputy Goossens for child porn
By DANIEL BLACKBURN and KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo County Deputy Sheriff Bryan Goossens was arrested Monday by federal agents as part of a widespread roundup of suspected members of a child pornography ring. Two other county men also have been named and face charges. Officials said the suspects used the Internet to trade photographs. Goossens, who caused a five-car accident in Atascadero... (Continue Reading)
FBI agents seize deputy sheriffs computer
By KAREN VELIE and DANIEL BLACKBURN A San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s deputy is the target of an FBI investigation which has included a search of the deputy’s house and the seizure of his computer. Bryan Goossens, a 20-year employee of the sheriff’s department, was placed on paid administrative leave July 11 by Sheriff Pat Hedges.... (Continue Reading)
Sheriff’s deputy slams four parked cars
By KAREN VELIE and DANIEL BLACKBURN A San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s deputy on administrative leave drove into four parked vehicles before flipping and rolling his pickup truck in a July 19 mishap. Deputy Bryan Goossens was northbound on Traffic Way in Atascadero at 8:50 a.m. when the chain-reaction collision occurred. Currently on paid administrative leave in an unrelated matter, Goossens was not... (Continue Reading)
