Gifford Fire destroys two structures, concerns mount over wilderness area
By KAREN VELIE The Gifford Fire burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties has destroyed two structures, scorched 111,557 acres and injured eight people, three civilians and five firefighters. The blaze is 21% contained. The heaviest fire activity overnight was in the northwest area of the blaze, moving...
Police investigators expose Lompoc man’s extortion scheme
By KAREN VELIE Police officers arrested a 41-year-old Lompoc man on Thursday for allegedly operating an online extortion scheme in which he would threaten to post damaging information on social media unless his victims agreed to give him money, police said. In July 2024, a victim informed the Lompoc Police...
Burglar arrested after standoff in Santa Maria
By KAREN VELIE Santa Maria police arrested a 23-year-old alleged burglar following a standoff on Friday afternoon. Shortly after 12:30 p.m., a caller reported a suspicious person on Silverado Avenue. Officers arrived and spotted a man matching the suspect’s description entering a home on Muirfield Court. The 23-year-old Santa Maria...
Gifford Fire burns 104,590 acres with 21% containment
By KAREN VELIE Firefighters increased containment of the Gifford Fire to 21% with significant progress made in the south end of the fire burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. The blaze has scorched 104,590 acres. “Hot and dry conditions will continue across the area through early next...
Is the United States becoming more like Russia under Trump?
OPINION by ALLAN COOPER I and others here in the United States are looking into a future where the similarities between our country and Russia are becoming more and more resoundingly clear. The following are a dozen ways that the United States and Russia, under the present Trump administration, are beginning...
San Luis Obispo MMA fighter Steven Sainsbury to compete in Chico
By KAREN VELIE San Luis Obispo Mixed Martial Arts fighter Steven Sainsbury is competing in his sixth professional bout on Aug. 9 – Spirit Warrior in Chico. After four fighters dropped out at the last minute, Sainsbury agreed to fight in the Pure Combat promotion at the Mechoopda Indian Casino...
Newsom appoints Kenneth McDaniel SLO County Superior Court judge
By KAREN VELIE Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday the appointment of Commissioner Kenneth McDaniel to a judgeship in the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. McDaniel has served as a commissioner at the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court since 2022. He was a sole practitioner at the Law Office...
