Deputies arrest man brandishing a machete in Santa Maria
By KAREN VELIE Santa Barbara County Sheriff deputies arrested a man brandishing a machete following a five-hour standoff in Santa Maria on Tuesday, the suspect’s second arrest in less than three months. Shortly after 10 a.m., deputies responded to the 400-block of Ray Road for reports of a man brandishing...
Grover Beach woman arrested for threats at Hotel Cerro in SLO
By KAREN VELIE A Grover Beach woman is in jail for making criminal threats following a standoff at the Cerro Hotel in San Luis Obispo on Tuesday morning. Staff at the Hotel Cerro called law enforcement at about 9 a.m. to report Patricia Castaneda, who had stayed the previous night,...
Standoff at Hotel Cerro in San Luis Obispo
By KAREN VELIE There is a standoff at the Cerro Hotel in San Luis Obispo between law enforcement and an individual who barricaded themself in a hotel room on Tuesday morning. Shortly before 11 a.m., the SLO Police Department asked the public to avoid the 1100 block of Garden Street...
San Luis Obispo County waste agency’s financial troubles continue
By KAREN VELIE The latest audit for San Luis Obispo County’s waste agency found “inadequate internal controls over payroll during an employee’s leave of absence.” The SLO County Integrated Waste Management Authority board is scheduled to discuss the 2023-2024 fiscal year audit on Wednesday. The certified public accounting firm Brown...
Pismo Beach, Avila Beach ranked as California’s most beautiful beaches
By KAREN VELIE Both Pismo Beach and Avila Beach won top rankings for the most beautiful beaches in California by Sunset Travel Awards. Known for its great views, Pismo Beach sports wide sandy shores, and laid-back California charm. Activities include surfing, paddleboarding, whale watching, wine tasting and exploring the nearby...
The sour grapes of socialists
OPINION by ANDY CALDWELL John Steinbeck’s classic “The Grapes of Wrath,” published in 1939, got its title from the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The hymn’s line is, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord: He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of...
Senate Bill 577 ends protections for child sexual assault victims
Opinion by San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow I must respectfully oppose Senate Bill 577. If signed into law, it will result in a significant rollback of victim protections established by the Justice for Survivors Act just two years ago (Assembly Bill 452 – Addis). Further, SB 577...
