Tagged News

• Kelli Groves returns to the Central Coast, thanks rescuers

  August 20, 2012 1:41 PM

  It's been seven months since Kelli Groves and her two daughters were trapped inside their car, hanging over a bridge, in Buellton. On Sunday, Groves returned to Santa Barbara to give thanks to the first responders who helped save their lives. This was the first time Groves and... more »

• Former Santa Maria police explorer files lawsuit against city, Covarrubias estate

  August 10, 2012 12:58 AM

  In an exclusive interview with KSBY, we heard, for the first time, from the attorney of the former Santa Maria police explorer, who allegedly had a sexual relationship with Officer Albert Covarrubias Jr. KSBY has learned a federal lawsuit has been filed by the former explorer. Officer Covarrubias... more »

• Locals react to officer-involved shooting in Santa Maria, say crime is becoming too common

  June 28, 2012 10:36 PM

  UPDATE: We now know the identity of the man who was shot and killed in Santa Maria Thursday morning. Police say he is 22 year old Jose Luis Ortega, from Santa Maria. Ortega was killed after an officer-involved shooting this morning in Santa Maria. Police said the... more »

• Some local doctors say bath salts are becoming popular among young adults Play Video

  June 27, 2012 9:31 PM

  It's known as a designer drug. Some doctors on the Central Coast said it's becoming more popular. It's called bath salts. It's the same effect as if you take cocaine and methamphetamine. Since October 2011, it's been illegal in California to sell all designer drugs. Aggressiveness and... more »

• Santa Barbara County District Attorney finds Covarrubias Jr. shooting as lawfully justified Play Video

  June 19, 2012 4:47 PM

  The Santa Barbara County District Attorney has found the shooting death of Santa Maria Officer Albert Covarrubias Jr. as lawfully justified. District Attorney Joyce Dudley made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. Covarrubias Jr. was shot by another city officer when two supervisors tried to arrest him while on duty... more »

• Owner of local auto detailer shop worked on vehicle possibly involved in Montecito collision, alerted CHP

  June 12, 2012 10:06 PM

  The Santa Barbara County District Attorney filed charges Tuesday against 28 year-old L. Tyrone Richardson, in connection with the death of 26 year-old Allison Meadows, of Santa Barbara. Meadows was killed last Wednesday morning in Montecito; 25 year-old Lindsay Keebler was seriously hurt. On Friday, the California Highway... more »

• SMPD volunteers restore presidential humvee Play Video

  June 1, 2012 9:31 PM

  A humvee used by the secret service to protect president Ronald Reagan during the 1980's when he visited his Santa Barbara County ranch has been restored by police volunteers from Santa Maria. The vehicle was returned to the former "Western White House" ranch in a motorcade Friday morning from... more »

• Thousands of kids get their kicks at Elks Mini Rodeo

  June 1, 2012 11:16 AM

  It's a big weekend for Santa Maria. The 2012 Elks Rodeo has come to town. It kicks off Thursday night at 7 p.m. with bull riding and runs through Sunday. Thousands of people are expected to turn out this weekend and the stage is set for food, fun, and... more »

• New Fire Station No. 3 dedicated in Santa Maria

  May 30, 2012 9:12 PM

  Santa Maria has a new fire station. Fire Station No. 3 on the northwest side of town was officially dedicated Wednesday. Construction took a little more than a year to complete. The new $2.1 million facility on Preisker Lane will replace the old Fire House Three on College Drive. It's... more »

• City of Paso Robles hit with lawsuit from former police officer

  May 30, 2012 8:18 PM

  The city of Paso Robles was hit with a lawsuit Tuesday from a former, fire police officer. In the papers, Brennan Lux claimed former police chief Lisa Solomon made sexual advances towards him. Solomon resigned from her role in March, after allegations of sexual misconduct, as well as a... more »

• Person of Interest denies involvement in fatal hit and run Play Video

  May 29, 2012 9:32 PM

  The CHP is still trying to get answers as they investigate the deadly hit-and-run that happened this month in Nipomo, but the first person they've named in the case says investigators are looking in the wrong direction. The person of interest in the Nipomo hit and run case says... more »

• Los Osos mother plead for Sunny Acres support before her murder

  May 24, 2012 8:33 PM

  A letter has surfaced showing a Los Osos woman tried to help her mentally-ill son just months before investigators say he killed her. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputies say Michael Van Heuver, 23, assaulted his mother, Lisa Van Heuver, 56, last month at her home in the 1800... more »

• Hit and run suspect identified as son of local strawberry farmer

  May 23, 2012 10:09 PM

  New information in this month's fatal hit and run that killed a homeless man in Nipomo. We hit the streets today to search for more answers. Sources close to the investigation told KSBY News one of the persons of interest is the 23-year-old son of a prominent Central Coast... more »

• Jury finds Lee Leeds sane in Black Road Auto murders

  May 23, 2012 9:59 PM

  Four years after the crime, a jury has decided Lee Leeds was sane when he killed four people at Black Road Auto in Santa Maria back in 2008. Leeds went on a shooting rampage at the Black Road Auto shop four years ago. He admitted he killed his father... more »

• CHP identifies persons of interest in fatal hit and run

  May 22, 2012 8:39 PM

  New developments tonight in the hit and run in Nipomo that killed a homeless man on Mother's day. The CHP tells KSBY News it has identified persons of interest in the case. Investigators say Fabian Alexander, 46, was killed while walking across the offramp of Highway 101 North at... more »

• Righetti students selling art to fight cancer

  May 22, 2012 12:04 AM

  Students at Righetti High School in Santa Maria are holding an art show Monday and Tuesday night to help the fight against cancer. More than 700 pieces of student art will be on display at the school. The show includes all types of art including paintings, drawings, and ceramics.... more »

• New trail system opens in Orcutt

  May 21, 2012 11:58 PM

  Hikers can now blaze some new trails in Orcutt. After months of work, the Orcutt Trails Commission and Santa Maria Valley Open Space unveiled a new multi-use trail system in town. The ribbon-cutting ceremony happened this afternoon at the Orcutt Community Park. Organizers led hikes and explained the benefits... more »

• Marian Hospital set to open Tuesday

  May 21, 2012 11:52 PM

  The anticipation has been building for months. The new Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria will finally open its doors tomorrow. The original move-in day was set for March 27 but had to be pushed back until a state agency could finish inspecting the building. The emergency room... more »

• Arrest made in November shooting death of Oceano teen

  May 18, 2012 9:15 PM

  A 21 year-old Santa Maria man is under arrest Friday, accused in a drive-by shooting that killed one teenager and injured another in Oceano. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department arrested Armando Yepez after stopping him on Highway 101 in Nipomo. 17 year-old Gabriel Salgado was fatally... more »

• SMBSD remains focused on education, despite board distractions Play Video

  May 17, 2012 10:09 PM

  If you missed it on our late news Wednesday night, a lot of people were pretty fired up at the Santa Maria Bonita School Board Meeting. Their target? Outspoken School Board Member Will Smith. Community members packed Wednesday night's board meeting to show their disapproval with Smith. Board President... more »

• Construction in Paso Robles could cause extra traffic during wine festival weekend Play Video

  May 17, 2012 9:38 PM

  The Paso Robles Wine Festival starts Friday, and if you're going, you may want to give yourself some extra time. You could hit traffic due to construction. Since late last year, construction crews have been working on the Highway 46 East-Highway 101 interchange project. Crews are currently adding an... more »

• Central Coast schools try to tackle food waste in cafeterias Play Video

  May 16, 2012 8:46 PM

  It's a California State Food Code. Anything that goes on a student's plate, touched or untouched, must be thrown away if uneaten. According to the California Department of Education, schools across the state are reimbursed $2.77 per student for free and reduced lunches; that's whether they're eaten or thrown... more »

• Santa Maria Aiport announces direct service to Hawaii Play Video

  May 15, 2012 10:04 PM

  The wait is over. Pack your bags. The Central Coast is getting direct service from Santa Maria to the Aloha State. Flights will start November 17 on Allegiant Air between Santa Maria and Honolulu. The airline will offer one flight each way on Saturdays only. Fares start at about... more »

• CHP look at possible fatal hit and run, car fire connection

  May 14, 2012 10:01 PM

  A car fire in south Santa Maria have investigators looking at whether or not it could be connected to Sunday's fatal hit and run in Nipomo. A witness said a blue Chevy Corvette hit and killed a man walking across the off-ramp of Highway 101 North at the 166... more »

• Teens learn deadly lessons about drinking and driving

  May 14, 2012 10:00 PM

  With proms and graduations around the corner for many students, the risks of underage drinking come to the forefront of a lot of parents' concerns, especially if their kids are old enough to drive. Students at Righetti High School in Santa Maria are getting a visual lesson of the... more »

• Allegiant likely to announce direct flights from Santa Maria to Hawaii

  May 11, 2012 9:27 PM

  It would be huge if the talk is true. A direct flight to one of the most popular tourist destinations around, right in our own backyard. How does hopping on a plane from Santa Maria to Hawaii sound? The whispers have been going around town in Santa Maria for... more »

• Special Report: From Stem to Store

  May 11, 2012 9:08 AM

  They are some of the most popular fruit on the Central Coast. We're talking, strawberries, of course. The berries earned the top crop crown in both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County this year and some of the best come from Santa Maria. You'll likely have some... more »

• Group pushes to recall local school board member

  May 11, 2012 8:54 AM

  Some community members in Santa Maria have launched a campaign to recall Santa Maria Bonita School Board Member Will Smith. Smith was elected to the school board in November 2010. Since then, district officials say he has caused disruptions in school board meetings, and the police have been called... more »

• Survey: 49% of Americans aren't saving for retirement

  May 10, 2012 9:41 PM

  Saving for retirement is not something most Americans are doing these days. In fact, a new survey showed 49% of Americans aren't contributing to either a 401K or an IRA. The survey, conducted by LIMRA, a trade association for the financial services industry, said the numbers are higher among... more »

• Mother, children in deadly Buellton crash give first interview on TODAY Play Video

  May 9, 2012 11:35 AM

  Back in January, a big rig crashed into their car, trapping a Southern California mother and her two children inside as it hung on the edge over a bridge in Buellton. An 18-wheeler had smashed into their car, killing the big rig driver and leaving the family dangling more... more »

• Cal Poly President reaches out to students at Santa Maria High

  May 4, 2012 8:22 PM

  Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong spoke to parents and students at Santa Maria High School, letting them know how they can become future students at Cal Poly. Santa Maria High School is one of Cal Poly's partner schools. Fewer than 30 percent of the students at Santa Maria High... more »

• City to beautify empty lot in front of Town Center Mall Play Video

  May 3, 2012 10:07 PM

  A longtime eyesore for the city of Santa Maria could soon be gone this summer. The Recreation and Parks Department wants to landscape the corner at Broadway and Cook, in front of where the Gottschalks Department Store used to be. The mall keeps hoping to replace it with... more »

• San Luis Obispo shelter encourages public to not give money to panhandlers Play Video

  May 3, 2012 9:45 PM

  You see a panhandler on the corner begging for money, or just holding up a sign. So, do you give them money? Well, a San Luis Obispo homeless shelter is encouraging you not to do so. According to the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, there are about... more »

• San Luis Obispo shelter encourages public to not give money to panhandlers

  May 3, 2012 9:45 PM

  You see a panhandler on the corner begging for money, or just holding up a sign. So, do you give them money? Well, a San Luis Obispo homeless shelter is encouraging you not to do so. According to the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, there are about... more »

• Officials ease enforcement for some illegal immigrants Play Video

  May 3, 2012 1:25 AM

  Federal immigration officials are easing up on illegal immigrants who commit minor traffic violations, and that includes DUIs. The move reflects the Obama administration's recent efforts to crack down on high-risk or violent illegal immigrants as opposed to those with clean records. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court is... more »

• Downtown San Luis Obispo credit card meters brings revenue to city Play Video

  May 2, 2012 10:00 PM

  Parking in downtown San Luis Obispo has become a little easier thanks to some credit card meters installed mid-March. Those 400 meters are bringing in more money to the city. The soloar-powered meters were put in because the city decided to raise parking from a $1.25 to $1.50 in... more »

• 8th graders take up hair care challenge to fight cancer

  May 2, 2012 2:38 AM

  Eighth graders at St. Mary's school in Santa Maria are challenging themselves when it comes to hair care. They have decided not to use any hair products for an entire month. A student came up with the project she's calling "Step Towards Beautiful" with money benefiting cancer patients. Remember... more »

• Paso Robles officials ready for new police chief, ask Los Gatos firm for help Play Video

  May 1, 2012 10:57 PM

  Paso Robles officials told KSBY Tuesday that they're ready to find a new police chief, and have asked an executive search firm to help. It will cost the city just under $20,000 to get the help. This, after former police chief Lisa Solomon resigned back in early April. ... more »

• Bicyclist killed co-founded cycling club in Orcutt Play Video

  May 1, 2012 2:28 AM

  An elderly driver crashed into and killed bicyclist from Santa Maria over the weekend. James Hamlin, 58, was bike riding on the shoulder of Highway 1 near Vandenberg Air Force Base when he was hit from behind. The California Highway Patrol says the 84-year-old driver came out of a... more »

• Drug Take-Back Program takes place Saturday

  April 27, 2012 10:10 PM

  Got unwanted or expired prescription drugs sitting around? Local law enforcement agencies want to help you dispose of the pills properly. The Fourth Drug Take-Back event will take place Saturday from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. It's all part of a national effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration to improve... more »

• SMBSD board member wants meetings translated in Spanish Play Video

  April 27, 2012 2:22 AM

  A highly controversial school board member in the Santa Maria Bonita School District is making waves again. Recently, the school board voted to videotape its board meetings. Board member Will Smith says proposed the meetings also be translated in Spanish, but so far district leaders have denied his request.... more »

• Family of train crash victims prepares to bury loved ones Play Video

  April 25, 2012 10:50 PM

  It's been one week since a Santa Maria father and his daughter were killed in a deadly car crash with an Amtrak train near Guadalupe. Antonio Garcia Ortiz and his one-year-old daughter Azulmi were killed when their car backed onto the train tracks last Wednesday. None of the 132... more »

• Train collides with car, killing Santa Maria man Play Video

  April 19, 2012 2:37 AM

  A Santa Maria man is dead and his daughter is in the hospital after an Amtrak train crashed into their car. It happened around 4:15 Wednesday afternoon on Highway 1 near Division Road, not far from Guadalupe. Amtrak says it was Coast Starlight train heading from Seattle to Los... more »

• CHP: Driver charged with murder after crash kills passenger

  April 19, 2012 12:38 AM

  The California Highway Patrol identified the victim killed in a crash on Highway 1 early Wednesday morning as a 27-year-old Cayucos woman, and the man charged with murder for causing the crash. Ashley Malmen was a passenger in Michael Kessler's car. The CHP says 36-year-old Kessler was on drugs... more »

• Lompoc city leaders pass stricter sex offender ordinance Play Video

  April 18, 2012 3:22 AM

  The city of Lompoc is cracking down on sex offenders in the community,hoping to keep them farther away from children. City leaders unanimously passed a new ordinance at Tuesday night's city council meeting to clarify and expand Jessica's Law. The current law prohibits sex offenders from living within 2000... more »

• Last-Minute Tax Saving Tips Play Video

  April 17, 2012 3:25 AM

  Today is the deadline to pay your taxes. It's normally April 15th, but that fell on a Sunday this year and yesterday was a federal holiday in Washington D.C. According to Turbo Tax, about a third of Americans wait until the last two weeks to do their taxes. Like... more »

• Hundreds of volunteers expected to beautify Santa Maria Play Video

  April 13, 2012 9:31 PM

  City and church leaders in Santa Maria hope the skies stay clear for a huge community beautification project set for this weekend. Hundreds of volunteers have agreed to roll up their sleeves to help out in this year's "Serve Santa Maria Day." Those volunteers will be pitiching in to... more »

• Scolari's closing Central Coast grocery stores Play Video

  April 13, 2012 2:44 AM

  A popular grocery chain is closing on the Central Coast after more than 60 years. Scolari's Market announced Thursday it will shut down all four locations in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara. The Scolari family called its decision "gut-wrenching." We don't have exact numbers,... more »

• Cal Poly students bringing new life to Sunny Acres

  April 11, 2012 2:58 AM

  There is new hope tonight for local rancher Dan De Vaul and his embattled sober living facility, Sunny Acres. De Vaul has been battling San Luis Obispo County for years over the property off Los Osos Valley Road. Sunny Acres is currently under the control of a court-appointed receiver.... more »

• Trustees approve cuts and layoffs for Cuesta College Play Video

  April 5, 2012 2:23 AM

  The Board of Trustees for Cuesta College approved a budget reduction plan Wednesday night that includes more than a dozen layoffs and furlough days. The 2012-2013 budget proposal also asked 50 full and part time employees to take pay cuts. It's been a long road for Cuesta College and... more »

• Delta IV rocket lifts off with top secret satellite

  April 4, 2012 2:17 AM

  After a couple of delays, a Delta IV rocket lifted off without a hitch from Vandenberg Air Force Base Tuesday. Lift off was just before 4:15 this afternoon. The rocket was supposed to launch on March 29, but it was delayed so engineers could fix an issue with the... more »

• Overwhelming demand for 1940 census data nearly crashes website Play Video

  April 4, 2012 1:58 AM

  Just hours after the government released digital records of the 1940 census this week, the website nearly crashed. It's the largest collection of digital information ever released by the National Archives and it could help you learn more about your family's past. Many people were excited to look at... more »

• Local community speaks out against sexual violence Play Video

  April 3, 2012 2:52 AM

  April is "Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention" month. Monday night, a candlelight vigil in Lompoc aimed to focus attention on such violence in our communities. Dozens of people showed up to the 15th annual candlelight vigil put on by the North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center. Community... more »

• Cal Poly Professor cuts car from commute Play Video

  March 30, 2012 10:13 PM

  With no relief in sight from high gas prices, more people are relying on public transportation to get around. One Cal Poly professor says he's seeing the benefits firsthand. He has saved hundreds of dollars by cutting the car from his commute. About four years ago, Professor Dan Eller... more »

• Two boaters rescued after boat capsizes

  March 30, 2012 2:48 AM

  The Coast Guard rescued the two men early Thursday morning after a rogue wave hit their sailboat near Morro Bay shortly after midnight. The sailboat rolled over south of the harbor entrance, breaking its mast. Paul Bloch and Ken Price never expected their sailing trip from Marina Del Rey... more »

• Truck firebombed in Nipomo Play Video

  March 29, 2012 2:51 AM

  A truck is set on fire and it's all caught on camera. Now, investigators are trying to catch the man responsible. They are trying to figure out who it is in the surveillance video that started the fire in Nipomo. It happened in the Maria Vista Estates around 3:30... more »

• Camera catches criminal setting truck fire

  March 28, 2012 10:29 PM

  A truck is firebombed and it's all caught on camera. Now, investigators hope they can catch the criminal behind it. The truck fire happened in Nipomo and Cal Fire is calling it suspicious as well. It happened in the Maria Vista Estates around 3:30 this morning. It's a housing development... more »

• Mother of victim involved in building crash speaks to KSBY News

  March 28, 2012 3:42 AM

  San Luis Obispo Police have released the names of the two men who are in the hospital after their car slammed into a building on Higuera Street last night. Investigators say Michael Jones, 22, of San Luis Obispo was driving the car and is in serious condition. His passenger, Chris... more »

• Two men hospitalized after car slams into building in San Luis Obispo Play Video

  March 27, 2012 3:11 AM

  Two men are in the hospital tonight after their car slams into a building at the intersection of Madonna Road and Higuera Street. San Luis Obispo city firefighters say a man in his 20s lost control of his car around 8:15 Monday night. It happened when as was taking... more »

• Vandenberg unveils new launch training simulator

  March 24, 2012 3:04 AM

  Vandenberg Air Force Base is showcasing a new tool to give airmen hands-on training before they even step foot on the launch pad. It's called Bogart Bay and was built by members of the 4th Space Launch Squadron at Vandenberg to mirror the inside of a space launch complex. ... more »

• Car fire becomes house fire in Santa Maria Play Video

  March 24, 2012 2:48 AM

  Firefighters responded to a house fire in Santa Maria on the 3500 block of Bedford Place just after 6:30 Friday night. Fire officials say it started in the garage and quickly spread to the rooftops. Smoke blanketed Bedford Place as more than a dozen firefighters fought back the flames.... more »

• Community protests possible dismissal of principal at Templeton High Play Video

  March 23, 2012 3:24 AM

  Parents, students, and staff at Templeton High School are demanding answers as to why the district plans to dismiss the school's principal, Tom Harrington, at the end of the year. They showed up at Thursday night's school board meeting to voice their frustrations. District leaders say this is a... more »

• Locals react to new study about marriage

  March 22, 2012 10:07 PM

  A new government study that came out Thursday said only half of first marriages last 20 years. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there is a 52% chance that a first marriage for a woman will survive 20 years. For men, the number is a little higher... more »

• City will consider further studies before deciding on recycling facility Play Video

  March 22, 2012 2:49 AM

  The Santa Maria Planning Commission said it will not make a decision on a controversial recycling center until city staff determines whether further studies are necessary. SA Recycling wants to build the facility near Fesler and Depot streets. Last month, the planning commission postponed its decision on whether to... more »

• Some San Luis Obispo homeless can now legally park in facility off Prado Road Play Video

  March 21, 2012 10:31 PM

  Some homeless people in San Luis Obispo will now be able to park their cars and RV's overnight in the Prado Day Center, which is a facility for homeless people, located off Prado Road. The city council voted unanimously to allow 5 parking spots to become available. The... more »

• Local family shares personal story about suicide Play Video

  March 20, 2012 8:25 PM

  The mother of a 12 year-old Santa Maria girl who died by suicide last week is speaking out. She hopes her story will shed light on this social problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 36,000 people in the United States die by suicide each... more »

• KONY 2012 viral video sparks debate about non profit group Play Video

  March 9, 2012 3:26 AM

  A 30 minute YouTube video has gone viral with tens of millions of hits in just three days. We're talking about the Kony 2012 campaign being promoted by an organization called Invisible Children. Joseph Kony is the leader of a Ugandan guerrilla group called the Lord's Resistance Army, which... more »

• Awards dinner honors outstanding women in Santa Maria

  March 7, 2012 10:10 PM

  The Santa Maria Women's Network is honoring eight women Wednesday at its Women of Excellence dinner at the Santa Maria Inn. The women are being recognized for showing strength of character and work ethics, personal growth, and vision for the future. The theme of this year's event is "An... more »

• Majority show support for police chief at council meeting

  March 7, 2012 2:42 AM

  After a recent no-confidence vote by his officers, Santa Maria Police Chief Danny Macagni heard some voices of support at Tuesday night's city council meeting. Officer Albert Covarrubias Junior was shot and killed more than a month ago when officers tried to arrest him for alleged sexual misconduct with... more »

• San Luis Obispo house fire raises questions about safety codes Play Video

  March 6, 2012 10:28 PM

  A fire that swept through a San Luis Obispo house over the weekend has raised questions about the safety of older homes in the city. Nine people escaped the burning home on Johnson Avenue early Sunday morning. The Red Cross said one woman was transferred from a local hospital... more »

• Local Lego club weighs in on new toy line for girls

  March 3, 2012 3:49 PM

  Legos have been popular building blocks for generations of children, but recently, the company has come under fire regarding its latest line of toys targeting girls. It's called "Lego Friends" and opponents, including some women's rights groups say the new toys reenforce gender stereotypes. It's playtime at the Exploration... more »

• Sheriff's spokesperson Rob Bryn dies at 61 Play Video

  March 1, 2012 10:33 PM

  The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. Rob Bryn, 61, was found dead at his home just before 11 a.m. Thursday. Bryn was the agency's Public Information Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist. Deputies went to check on him after he... more »

• Predator could be paroled in San Luis Obispo County Play Video

  March 1, 2012 1:52 AM

  San Luis Obispo County is on the list of places, where a sexually violent predator could be headed. No decisions have been made, but the news is already raising red flags in the community. Tibor Karsai, 59, was convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl in northern California in 1980.... more »

• Sharks blamed for record number of sea otter deaths in local waters Play Video

  February 29, 2012 2:59 AM

  A record number of sea otters died last year in California and scientists are searching for solutions. The U.S. Geological Survey says 335 dead, sick or injured otters were found and one major culprit is sharks. One local biologist says it's an alarming trend. He is seeing the largest... more »

• City councilman and police chief react to "no confidence" vote Play Video

  February 28, 2012 2:41 AM

  Just three days after the majority of the Santa Maria police union members said they do not have confidence in Police Chief Danny Macagni, the chief gives his response. On Friday, the voting results were released. 93 members of the Police Officers Association returned their ballots. Of those, 85... more »

• 85 percent vote "No Confidence" in Santa Maria police chief

  February 25, 2012 2:24 AM

  A key vote tonight shows the majority of the Santa Maria Police Department is not happy with Chief Danny Macagni's leadership. The Police Officers Association counted the ballots and released the results shortly before 6:15 Friday night. The vote comes after two officers were shot by friendly fire three... more »

• Police Union vote expected Friday Play Video

  February 24, 2012 2:16 AM

  Results of a "No Confidence Vote" against Santa Maria Police Chief Dan Macagni are expected tomorrow. The chief has faced some tough questions recently regarding his leadership. Three months ago, two police officers were shot when they attempted to arrest a suspect who was eventually shot and killed. Just... more »

• Project Change works to change lives

  February 24, 2012 1:49 AM

  A sober-living facility in Santa Maria is reaching out to people who need help getting back on their feet. Project Change takes in the homeless, those with alcohol and drug addiction, and ex convicts. For ex-convict Frank Pintye, Project Change is his labor of love. "We house them,... more »

• FDA advisory panel backs local diet drug Play Video

  February 22, 2012 7:35 PM

  A major breakthrough for the doctor from Los Osos who's been trying for years to get the drug he created on the market. An advisory panel to the FDA gave the weight loss drug Qnexa the green light Wednesday. The panel showed overwhelming support for the drug by a... more »

• Spanish emergency preparedness class graduates first group of instructors Play Video

  February 22, 2012 3:01 AM

  A emergency preparedness program in Santa Maria graduated its first class of instructors ready to help educate the Hispanic community. The Listos program started in Santa Maria about a year ago and so far, around 200 people have completed the 12-hour course. It's run by the Santa Maria Fire... more »

• Santa Maria business owners to take survey about local economy Play Video

  February 21, 2012 8:38 PM

  The Central Coast is showing some signs of economic growth. Large chains, like Chipotle and David's Bridal, will open their doors this spring in Santa Maria. The city's Economic Development Commission is taking a survey to see how local businesses are doing, and how they feel going into the... more »

• Teen lifeguard pulls woman from Paso Robles pool Play Video

  February 21, 2012 2:30 AM

  A Paso Robles teenager is being hailed as a hero after helping save a woman's life at the municipal pool last Thursday. The woman was participating in an a water aerobics class for seniors when she had a medical emergency. The 17-year-old lifeguard on duty immediately came to her... more »

• Man with cat hospitalized after falling from cliff

  February 18, 2012 2:06 AM

  Emergency crews were called out to Shell Beach Friday night for a cliff rescue. A 43-year-old man slipped and fell down a steep cliff. It happened around 5:30 p.m. on Ocean Boulevard between Palomar and Capistrano. Cal Fire says the 43-year-old man is from Shell Beach and had been... more »

• Local plane entered no-fly zone during president's visit Play Video

  February 17, 2012 9:02 PM

  A Grover Beach man's plane strays into President Obama's no fly zone during his California visit and drugs are found once it lands. The president was onboard Marine One headed to Los Angeles. Two fighter jets forced the private plane to land in Long Beach yesterday after the pilot... more »

• Political candidates take questions at local forum Play Video

  February 17, 2012 1:50 AM

  Two Santa Maria city councilmembers campaigning to be the city's next mayor attended a candidates forum this evening at the Santa Maria Library. Public safety will be a top priority for both candidates, but nobody at Thursday night's forum asked any questions about the recent officer involved shooting. It... more »