Articles Tagged With ‘Central Coast’




Big Lots closing three stores on the Central Coast

By KAREN VELIE Big Lots plans to close up to 40 stores nationwide, including three on the Central Coast. Big lots in Atascadero, Santa Maria and Lompoc have posted closure signs. Local Big Lot stores are currently offering 20% savings... (Continue reading)

Central Coast elementary school teacher accused of recording children changing

By KAREN VELIE Deputies arrested a Central Coast elementary teacher on Saturday after investigators discovered he was secretly recording children, including some who were changing their clothes. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 54-year-old Steven Schapansky, a fifth and sixth... (Continue reading)

Bankrupt solar company leaves Central Coast residence with liens

By KAREN VELIE A company that installed solar panels and batteries on Central Coast rooftops at no cost to homeowners, Electriq Power, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy two months ago prompting an unpaid installer to put liens on multiple properties.... (Continue reading)

The life and perils of a Central Coast farmer

OPINION by ANDY CALDWELL Family farms are disappearing across America including here on the Central Coast. That is because farming is subject to more risk than virtually any other sector of our economy. Nonetheless, two organizations have published a “study,”... (Continue reading)

Sick pelicans reported along California’s Central Coast

By KAREN VELIE Wildlife organizations report a large increase in the number of sick and dying brown pelicans along California’s Central Coast during the past five days. Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network rescued 22 emaciated, weak and disoriented pelicans. Of... (Continue reading)

Drug dealer admits conspiring to sell drugs on the Central Coast

By KAREN VELIE A 40-year-old man pleaded guilty on Monday to conspiring with a Santa Maria man to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin on the Central Coast, according to federal prosecutors. From Oct. 2016 through Jan. 2017, Jose... (Continue reading)

Central Coast man found guilty in fentanyl death

By KAREN VELIE A jury found a Central Coast man guilty on Friday of aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl that resulted in the death of a fellow inmate at a Santa Barbara County jail and in the serious... (Continue reading)

Foundation awards grants to 16 Central Coast restaurants

By KAREN VELIE Christmas came early for 16 Central Coast restaurant owners. The California Restaurant Foundation  awarded $5,000 grants to three independently owned restaurants in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties and 11 in Ventura County. SLO County... (Continue reading)

Central Coast sailor pleads guilty to selling secrets to China

By KAREN VELIE A U.S.Navy sailor stationed on the Central Coast pleaded guilty on Tuesday to transmitting sensitive information to a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for bribery payments, according to the U.S, Department of Justice. Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao,... (Continue reading)

Central Coast district attorney charges massage parlor owners with pimping

By KAREN VELIE Two Central Coast massage parlor owners were arrested on felony pimping charges after an investigation by the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force, the District Attorney’s Office announce Monday. Prosecutors charged 47-year-old Shuzhi Fan and 43-year-old Qiuju... (Continue reading)