Cannabis business to pay $620,000 over environmental violations
By KAREN VELIE A cannabis company located near Buelton has agreed to pay a $620,000 settlement for violating environmental regulations regarding diesel generators, according to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors filed an environmental protection lawsuit against Central Coast Agriculture Inc. and several related companies, which operate cannabis...
Gifford Fire nearly 70% contained, 132,605 acres burned
By KAREN VELIE There was no increase in the acreage burned by the Gifford Fire on Friday. The fire is currently 69% containment. Burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, the fire has scorched 132,605 acres, destroyed five structures and injured 12 people, according to the Friday evening...
Valley fever case rising in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties
By KAREN VELIE California health officials report huge increases in valley fever cases in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties from 2023 to 2024, according to the California Department of Public Health. San Luis Obispo County cases increased 49% from 2023 to 2024: 2023 cases – 56 (though...
Teen crushes golf tournament at Hunter Ranch in Paso Robles
By KAREN VELIE A 13-year-old won her first American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) championship tournament on Thursday at the Hunter Ranch Golf Course in Paso Robles. Kelly Zhang from Hillsborough, California claimed the girl’s title finishing 10-under par. Richard Ding, 14, from Pleasanton, California won the boy’s title finishing seven-under...
Losses in Government jobs, jump in SLO County unemployment rates
By KAREN VELIE After half a year of falling unemployment, rates skyrocketed in San Luis Obispo County in July to 5.2%, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday. While unemployment numbers climb, the size of the county workforce is increased from 133,200 in July 2024 to 134,700 in July 2025....
Gifford Fire scorches over 132,600 acres, another firefighter injured
By KAREN VELIE The Gifford Fire burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties has scorched 132,605 acres, destroyed five structures and injured 12 people, according to a Thursday evening update. The fire is currently 51% containment. Firefighters completed strategic firing operation on the north side on Thursday, which...
California’s crime spree and Gov. Gavin Newsom
OPINION by ANDY CALDWELL While Gov. Gavin Newsom is closing one prison after another in California, criminal activity has not abated in our state for a myriad of reasons. In the City of Santa Barbara, at their recent annual Old Spanish Days Fiesta celebration, one person was murdered while two...
