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)
Union attempts to strong arm Meathead Movers
Since a local general contractor refused to hire a union company to install drywall at the future San Luis Obispo home of Meathead Movers, the tactics and aggressive antics of the rejected bidder’s union have reached a level that caused workers at the job site to call the police. ... (Continue Reading)
Suspended officer accused of elderly abuse
By KAREN VELIE A San Luis Obispo police officer, currently under a criminal investigation for attempting to bring contraband across the border from Mexico, has faced allegations of elderly abuse in the past, CalCoastNews has learned. Interviews with sources in the know say San Luis Obispo Police Chief Deborah Linden has either mishandled or ignored reports that officer Dan McDow, one of... (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)
CMC lieutenant flees from officer
By KAREN VELIE A California Men’s Colony (CMC) lieutenant slipped away from a Pismo Beach police officer who had arrived to break up a fight in which the intoxicated officer was involved at Harry’s Night Club and Beach Bar on April 17. Employees of the popular nightclub called for police to assist them in breaking up a clash CMC Lt. Charlie Romero... (Continue Reading)
Unequal justice favors sheriff in domestic fight
By KAREN VELIE Laws written to protect domestic abuse victims were apparently sidestepped by officials of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department in an attempt to protect the county’s top cop, Sheriff Pat Hedges. Hedges' wife, Sandy Oneal-Hedges, called a 911 operator in January after the sheriff, according to sources, blocked her exit from a room while screaming profanities at her. Frightened... (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)
Length of deputies’ visit to sheriff differs
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, depending on who provided the information, and when it was divulged. San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s deputies responded January 19 to... (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)
