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• Two police officers injured in car accidents this week Play Video

  July 14, 2010 8:19 PM

  Two Santa Maria police officers have been injured in car crashes in a matter of three days. The most recent happened on Morrison Avenue, near Pine Street Tuesday night. Forty-year-old officer Jeff Lopez was side-swiped while taking someone he arrested to the station for processing. Lieutenant Rico Flores says the... more »

• Firework stands open in Santa Maria

  June 28, 2010 9:19 PM

  Fireworks stands opened on Monday throughout Santa Maria. So, a reminder for you of where they're legal on the Central Coast. In Santa Barbara County, "safe and sane" fireworks are only allowed in the cities of Santa Maria and Guadalupe. In San Luis Obispo County, they're legal in Arroyo Grande,... more »

• Visitors will soon have to pay more for hotel rooms

  June 16, 2010 8:42 PM

  Tourists will soon have to pay more to stay the night in the Santa Ynez Valley. What's called the tourism improvement district assessment will be added to their bills. Visitors will pay an extra $2 per room, per night. The Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association is estimating it could generate... more »

• Santa Maria schools losing valuable officer

  June 15, 2010 8:23 PM

  Santa Maria schools will be losing a valuable asset when it comes to keeping campuses safe. Santa Maria police say next school year, there will be one less resource officer. A resource officer is also a Santa Maria police officer. They're part of the department's community outreach program and... more »

• Farm worker overtime bill drawing mixed reaction Play Video

  June 14, 2010 8:43 PM

  A proposed bill that addresses overtime for farm workers could have some big impacts on the Central Coast. Currently, farm workers only get paid overtime if they work more than 10 hours a day or 60 hours a week. Senator Dean Florez wants to change that and some agree with... more »

• Making a difference in the lives of animals and people Play Video

  June 13, 2010 11:11 PM

  They're volunteers who generously dedicate their time and energy to rescuing abused and neglected animals. Heaven Can Wait Equine Rescue and Sanctuary held on Saturday it's 4th Annual Open House in San Miguel. Currently, the non-profit organization has 27 equines which include 21 horses and 6 donkeys. It's at capacity.... more »

• Helping Animals and People

  June 13, 2010 8:33 PM

  They're volunteers who generously dedicate their time and energy to rescuing abused and neglected animals. Heaven Can Wait Equine Rescue and Sanctuary held on Saturday it's 4th Annual Open House in San Miguel. Currently, the non-profit organization has 27 equines which include 21 horses and 6 donkeys. It's at capacity.... more »

• Parole delayed for repeat sex offender Play Video

  June 11, 2010 8:55 PM

  A four-time convicted sex offender was in a Santa Maria courtroom to find out if he would be paroled back in the community or sent to a state psychiatric hospital as a "sexually violent predator." On Friday, 56-year-old John Everett Fisher was arraigned on a petition that alleges he... more »

• Largest fundraiser for HIV/AIDS Play Video

  June 10, 2010 9:03 PM

  Hundreds of bicyclists are making their way through the Central Coast to raise funds and awareness about a deadly disease. It's the 9th Annual AIDS/LifeCycle ride and the world's largest annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser. The event is expected to raise $10 million. The 545-mile journey started in San Francisco and ends... more »

• Mixed reactions over proposed plastic bag ban Play Video

  June 3, 2010 9:25 PM

  California could be the first in the nation to ban plastic bags. The California Assembly passed legislation on Wednesday. If signed into law, it would prohibit pharmacies, grocery, liquor and convenience stores from giving out plastic bags. The bags are not biodegradable and often wind up in rivers and in... more »

• California could be first in the nation to ban plastic bags

  June 3, 2010 7:32 PM

  The California Assembly passed legislation on Wednesday prohibiting pharmacies, grocery, liquor and convenience stores from giving out plastic bags and that bill is drawing mixed reactions. The controversy for consumers is the price they may have to pay if it becomes law. KSBY News Reporter Monica Quintero talked with... more »

• Apparent murder-suicide sparks concerns for caregivers Play Video

  June 2, 2010 1:18 AM

  An apparent murder-suicide of a couple near San Miguel has sparked concern for those living with a loved one with Alzheimer's. The shootings happened in the 2400 block of Rock Ridge Lane Tuesday morning. A neighbor told KSBY News a retired couple lived at the home and that the woman... more »

• Neighbors shocked after apparent murder-suicide near San Miguel

  June 1, 2010 7:39 PM

  A local couple is dead after what sheriff's deputies are calling an apparent murder-suicide near San Miguel. Sheriff's Deputies said it all happened on the 2400 block of Rock Ridge Lane around 9:45 Tuesday morning. Denny Colbert, a neighbor, was shocked to see a swarm of investigators at his... more »

• Local rally to protest Arizona immigration law Play Video

  May 27, 2010 12:52 PM

  A rally will be held on Thursday in Santa Barbara to protest Arizona's new controversial immigration law. Local students, professors and community members are demanding immediate repeal of what they call the "racist" Arizona law and of all repressive anti-immigration legislation. Protesters will gather in downtown Santa Barbara... more »

• Another Cal Poly presidential candidate pays a visit Play Video

  May 26, 2010 1:17 AM

  Another candidate to be the next president of Cal Poly rolled through town on Tuesday, doing his best to connect with students and staff. Currently, Dr. Carlo Montemagno is the dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati. He's one of three candidates... more »

• Local woman receives $20,000 after she says officers destroy medical marijuana

  May 25, 2010 10:57 PM

  A local woman is receiving a big payout after she said sheriff's deputies destroyed her medical marijuana. $20,000-- that's how much a Los Osos woman was paid on behalf on the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department. Even though the woman received a settlement, the county believes law enforcement did... more »

• Non-toxic waste water found at hazmat scare

  May 25, 2010 6:42 PM

  A hazmat scare in Pismo Beach closes a road there for hours. But in the end, it was just a false alarm. Cal Fire reported a 55 gallon barrel was found with an unknown substance. It was discovered at the end of Frady Road behind the wastewater treatment plant around... more »

• Santa Maria police have a warning for drivers

  May 24, 2010 8:48 PM

  It's dangerous and can turn deadly. The Santa Maria police chief said texting and talking on cell phones while driving is quote-- "out of control" in the city. It's been almost two years since the hands-free law went into effect. Since then, Santa Maria police have issued around 3,000... more »

• Santa Maria police chief says talking and texting while driving is out of control Play Video

  May 24, 2010 6:10 PM

  It's dangerous and can turn deadly. The Santa Maria police chief said texting and talking on cell phones while driving is quote-- "out of control" in the city. It's been almost two years since the hands-free law went into effect. Since then, Santa Maria police have issued around 3,000 citations... more »

• Largest Gang in Santa Maria busted Play Video

  May 7, 2010 8:25 PM

  Santa Maria police come down hard on what they say is the largest gang in the city, the "West Park Criminal Street Gang." They arrested 35 people associated with the gang in the past 30 hours alone. They also showed us a sample of what they seized. The chief of... more »

• Major drug and gang bust in Santa Maria

  May 7, 2010 6:09 PM

  Santa Maria police announce a major drug and gang bust. They say they started the investigation a year ago. As a result, 35 people associated with the case have been arrested in the past 30 hours alone. Additional arrests are expected in the days and weeks to follow. Investigators also... more »

• Getting a job at Vandenberg AFB Play Video

  May 6, 2010 8:27 PM

  We continue our special series "Getting Hired" with a look at a major employer that may not be on your radar. Vandenberg Air Force Base is home to thousands of enlisted airmen but also hundreds of civilian employees. In fact, the base employs about 1,200 civilians in fields like... more »

• How to get a job at Vandenberg AFB Play Video

  May 6, 2010 6:06 PM

  It's one of the largest employers on the Central Coast but landing a job at Vandenberg AFB takes quite a bit of work. As far as civilian employees, there are around 1,200 at the base. Vandenberg typically has about 300 new hires a year for civilian positions. But those... more »

• "Getting Hired" - Vandenberg Air Force Base Play Video

  May 6, 2010 2:25 PM

  We continue our special series "Getting Hired." Thursday night, we'll be highlighting one of the largest employers on the Central Coast. Vandenberg Air Force Base employs thousands including around 1200 civilian employees. KSBY News Reporter Monica Quintero found out what it takes to land a job with this prestigious employer.... more »

• Orcutt announces new superintendent Play Video

  May 5, 2010 8:27 PM

  Orcutt Union School District announced on Wednesday its new superintendent and he knows he'll have a big challenge when it comes to the budget. Bob Bush takes over for current superintendent Sharon McHolland on July 1st. McHolland is retiring. Bush said the district is expecting to have to make... more »

• Nipomo boy nearly drowns; tips to prevent this Play Video

  May 5, 2010 1:08 AM

  A San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Deputy comes to the rescue of a Nipomo boy who nearly drowned in a backyard pool. It happened Tuesday afternoon on the 900-block of Orchard in Nipomo. Deputies said the boy's mother had put him down for a nap. Then, sometime later she found... more »

• Getting Hired: Allan Hancock College Play Video

  May 4, 2010 7:14 PM

  Excellent pay and great benefits that's what one Central Coast college says it has to offer folks looking for work. Allan Hancock College employs nearly 1,000 people. Typically, it hires between 40 and as many as 75 employees on a yearly basis. But since the economic troubles, the college... more »

• Getting Hired: Allan Hancock College

  May 4, 2010 5:22 PM

  One Santa Maria college says its got excellent pay and great benefits. On Tuesday night, KSBY News continues its special series "Getting Hired." Allan Hancock College employs nearly 1,000 people. KSBY News Reporter Monica Quintero will have an inside look at what it takes to get a job at... more »

• Santa Maria's latest unemployment figures Play Video

  May 3, 2010 9:37 PM

  The latest unemployment figures and news of a big company closing in Santa Maria have many in the area worried more than ever about jobs. New figures show Santa Maria now has a 15.3% unemployment rate. It's quite a bit higher than Santa Barbara County's unemployment rate, as of... more »

• Another deadly accident along Highway 154 Play Video

  April 29, 2010 7:53 PM

  Two deadly accidents along Highway 154 in just one week. The latest took place around midnight on Highway 154 near Windy Gap. CHP said it happened after the driver, 38-year-old Bert Berrera of Malibu, tried to avoid rocks in the roadway. The passenger, a 45-year-old male from Malibu died.... more »

• Two deadly accidents in one week along Highway 154 Play Video

  April 29, 2010 1:22 PM

  Two deadly accidents along Highway 154 in just one week. The latest happened around midnight on Highway 154 near Windy Gap. CHP said the driver, 38-year-old Bert Berrara of Malibu, tried to avoid rocks in the roadway. At that point, Berrara lost control of the vehicle and ran off the... more »

• Santa Maria family almost victim of a foreclosure scam Play Video

  April 27, 2010 8:14 PM

  A Santa Maria family was almost the victim of a foreclosure scam. They said they gave a $2,500 check to 41-year-old Irma Diaz. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney has filed a multi-count felony complaint against Diaz for violating foreclosure consultant laws. The DA said the Los Angeles... more »

• Santa Maria family wants to warn others of foreclosure scam Play Video

  April 27, 2010 6:30 PM

  A Santa Maria family was almost the victim of a foreclosure scam. They said they gave a $2,500 check to 41-year-old Irma Diaz. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney said Diaz would obtain the power of attorney from victims whose homes were in or nearing default. So far, two... more »

• Beware of foreclosure scams

  April 27, 2010 12:47 PM

  A Santa Maria woman says she was the victim of a foreclosure scam and the woman she claims is responsible was in court last week. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney has filed a multi-count felony complaint against Irma Diaz for violating foreclosure laws. They said Diaz obtained Quit... more »

• Texting while driving a tragic reminder for one Santa Maria family

  April 26, 2010 8:39 PM

  The latest incident of texting and driving serves as a grim reminder for a Santa Maria family who's loved one was killed by a distracted driver. Eric Okerblom graduated from St. Joseph High School. He was a standout athlete and National Merit Scholar. The 19-year-old had just finished his... more »

• Santa Maria students get firsthand view of drinking and driving

  April 26, 2010 8:36 PM

  It's the scene of a deadly alcohol-related accident in Santa Maria. The incident was simulated by local emergency personnel and officers at St. Joseph High School. It's part of the "Every 15 Minutes Program" and is meant to educate students about the dangers of drinking and driving. Heather Hourdequin,... more »

• Texting and driving serves as a grim reminder for a local family Play Video

  April 26, 2010 3:42 PM

  The latest incident of texting and driving in San Luis Obispo over the weekend serves as a grim reminder for one local family. They believe the practice is to blame for the death of their son. Eric Okerblom was killed while riding his bike in Orcutt after a woman struck... more »

• Judge denies Wollett new trial

  April 23, 2010 9:09 PM

  The man found guilty in the 2007 murder of a former Cal Poly professor's son is denied a new trial, and the victim's family disagrees with the decision. Twenty-year-old Patrick Wollett was convicted of murdering Joshua Houlgate last summer. Another man, Chad Westbrook, has already been sentenced for shooting Houlgate.... more »

• Mixed economic outlook for Santa Barbara County Play Video

  April 22, 2010 8:49 PM

  The economy is still the focus for many Central Coast residents and on Thursday, Santa Barbara County's Economic Outlook for 2010 was released. The economic forecast project is conducted by UC Santa Barbara. Among the findings-- despite going into the recession later than neighboring counties, the County will rise... more »

• Santa Maria school gets a surprise

  April 22, 2010 8:46 PM

  A Santa Maria school got quite a surprise on Thursday. We visited Mrs. Tammie Shiffer's classroom at Pioneer Valley High School. It's all part of KSBY and Century 21 Hometown Realty's efforts to help teachers across the Central Coast "One Class at a Time." That's where realtor Shea... more »

• Mixed economic outlook for Santa Barbara County

  April 22, 2010 2:10 PM

  From predictions on the building industry to the wine industry, the UCSB Economic Forecast for 2010 in Santa Barbara County was released Thursday morning. The report which is more than 100 pages states that the return growth for the building industry will be very slow. It also states there... more »

• Jack Ready Park moves forward Play Video

  April 21, 2010 8:15 PM

  A park for physically and mentally challenged kids is one step closer to becoming a reality. The proposed park is located on the Nipomo Mesa at the end of Illinois Way. The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors moved it forward earlier this week. But it's still early in... more »

• Jack Ready Park one step closer to reality Play Video

  April 21, 2010 1:40 PM

  For the Ready family it would be a dream come true. The San Luis Obispo family has been working to get approval for a 30-acre park on the Nipomo Mesa. The "Jack Ready Park" is named after their son who died of brain cancer in 2004, at the age of... more »

• Mardi Gras will not be the only holiday where fines increase

  April 21, 2010 1:21 AM

  San Luis Obispo City Council unanimously passed expanding the Safety Enhancement Zone Ordinance already in place for Mardi Gras. There will be stricter penalties now for those who break the law during two other holiday's -- St. Patrick's Day and Halloween. Steven Clark, Cal Poly student, said, "I disagree with... more »

• Orcutt family giving to 'Locks of Love' Play Video

  April 20, 2010 8:39 PM

  An 8-year-old Orcutt girl is giving a gift to "Locks of Love" and she's getting help from her siblings. "Locks of Love" is a non-profit organization that provides hair pieces to financially disadvantaged children. They're children in the United States and Canada who are suffering from long-term medical hair... more »

• Man stabbed to death in Santa Barbara identified

  April 16, 2010 7:34 PM

  Santa Barbara County Sheriff's identified the victim of a deadly stabbing on Thursday as 44-year-old Robert Burke Simpson of Santa Barbara. They're still searching for the person responsible for the homicide. The incident happened Thursday night near Arroyo Burro Beach in Santa Barbara. Friends gathered on Friday to... more »

• Autism is rising in epidemic proportions Play Video

  April 15, 2010 9:00 PM

  Autism has risen dramatically and there are thousands of people diagnosed with autism on the Central Coast. In Santa Barbara County, it's estimated to be around 4,000. In San Luis Obispo County, there are approximately 2,500 with autism. April is autism awareness month. A conference was held in Buellton... more »

• Local autism conference looks at education and health care

  April 15, 2010 12:38 PM

  Can children with autism thrive in public school? That's just one of the questions that will be addressed at a conference being held in Buellton on Thursday. April is autism awareness month and this conference called: "Autism: Moving from Science and Research to Practice" will feature discussions on national autism... more »

• Cal Poly counselors stress drug and alcohol services are available Play Video

  April 14, 2010 9:23 PM

  Cal Poly's health and counseling services offers both peer and professional counseling for students with alcohol and drug problems. Counselors said many students find that choices related to alcohol and drug use are a challenging part of their college experience. But they stress there is help available. Mary Peracca, a... more »

• Cal Poly student death highlights a shortage of student transportation options Play Video

  April 14, 2010 9:17 PM

  The Cal Poly student who was killed while crossing Highway 101 on Easter Sunday had been drinking and using drugs. That's according to a newly-released toxicology report from the CHP. It said 21-year-old Matthew Hurlbutt had cocaine, marijuana, and a high level of alcohol in his system when he was... more »

• Arroyo Grande City Council may ask Arnold to resign Play Video

  April 14, 2010 1:10 AM

  For months, the Arroyo Grande City Council has refused to speak about Ed Arnold's future on the council. But it was at the top of their agenda Tuesday night in light of new charges against him. The District Attorney's office said it's filing child pornography charges against Arnold. Investigators said... more »

• Magician learns his fate Play Video

  April 13, 2010 8:27 PM

  A world-renowned magician learned his fate on Tuesday. Claude Yarbrough was sentenced to five years felony probation and was then released from custody. The Distric Attorney said Yarbrough must also pay fines and restitution and perform 20 hours of community service. He is no longer allowed to use weapons in... more »

• Census funding dramatically cut for outreach

  April 12, 2010 8:05 PM

  State and local governments hammered by the recession have dramatically cut spending on outreach for the 2010 Census. California dedicated $24.7 million to the 2000 Census campaign. But the 2010 Census outreach budget is only $2 million. This despite, an under count that could cost the state billions in federal... more »

• Spending on Census dramatically cut Play Video

  April 12, 2010 5:45 PM

  State and local governments hammered by the recession have cut spending on outreach for the 2010 United States Census. The funding cutbacks have come at all levels and some say at a cost. For Example, California dedicated $24.7 million to the 2000 Census campaign. This year's outreach budget is only... more »

• Lompoc's Jump Start Career Camp

  April 10, 2010 1:16 AM

  The tight economy has many searching for jobs and that can be even more difficult for young people. So, the City of Lompoc is helping teenagers prepare themselves to find a job with a special camp. Teens are our future and they know finding a job isn't easy. Alberto Reyes,... more »

• Local teens are getting a jump start on finding a job

  April 9, 2010 7:56 PM

  It's a five day camp to teach young people how to be the best candidate for the job. The event is the Jump Start Career Camp and is sponsored by Lompoc Parks & Recreation. KSBY's Monica Quintero will have more on this story on KSBY News at 6:00. more »

• Animal lovers gear up for Wine 4 Paws fundraiser

  April 8, 2010 1:31 PM

  The 2nd Annual "Wine 4 Paws" is taking place April 10th -11th to help raise funds and awareness for Woods Humane Society. Those who participate will also enjoy the beautiful Central Coast Wine Country. Wineries throughout San Luis Obispo County have joined together for an event that helps Woods... more »

• Forum tonight for San Luis Obispo County Sheriff candidates

  April 8, 2010 1:21 PM

  It's expected to be a tight race. Six candidates are running for San Luis Obispo County Sheriff. You have a chance to hear from the candidates at a forum taking place Thursday night between 6 and 9 p.m. The forum will be located at the South County Regional Center on... more »

• E-Verify approved in Santa Maria

  April 7, 2010 8:39 PM

  The Santa Maria City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to approve the use of the E-Verify program. It will be used for hiring city employees. E-Verify is a federal program designed to help employers determine whether prospective employees are legally entitled to work in the U.S. The program will... more »

• Revised oil drilling agreement drawing controversy Play Video

  April 7, 2010 8:36 PM

  Environmental groups and a Texas oil company (PXP) have struck a deal that would expand oil drilling in Santa Barbara County. They made some changes to a 2008 plan that got side tracked because of concerns the plan was not made public. This time, leaders made the agreement public and... more »

• Stricter smoking rules in San Luis Obispo

  April 7, 2010 1:23 AM

  The San Luis Obispo City Council has voted four to one to revise a smoking ban ordinance. The city now joins more than 100 others in California that have adopted stricter rules banning smoking in outdoor recreation areas. Those areas were expanded to include streets, sidewalks, parking lots and parking... more »

• "Unruly gathering" ordinance being discussed in San Luis Obispo Play Video

  April 6, 2010 8:37 PM

  San Luis Obispo partiers better keep things under control. Steep fines could be imposed if they don't in the near future. A proposed ordinance, referred to as the "unruly gathering" ordinance, will be discussed at the San Luis Obispo City Council meeting Tuesday night. Under the proposed ordinance, someone could... more »

• San Luis Obispo City Council will discuss "Unruly Gathering" Ordinance

  April 6, 2010 6:15 PM

  San Luis Obispo police could have another tool to keep noise down in local neighborhoods. A proposed ordinance, referred to as the "Unruly Gathering" Ordinance, will be discussed at the San Luis Obispo City Council meeting on Tuesday night. Under the proposed ordinance, someone could be fined the first... more »

• Strawberry prices hurting local growers and helping consumers Play Video

  April 5, 2010 8:34 PM

  You may have noticed, strawberry prices are cheaper than usual. It's good news for consumers and bad news for local growers. One Santa Maria grower said he's been losing thousands of dollars per day for the past two weeks. However, he couldn't give an exact figure. The reason for this... more »

• Strawberry lovers are having a good spring

  April 5, 2010 2:26 PM

  Strawberry lovers are having a good spring with unusually low prices for the fruit in many places. At local supermarkets on Florida's Gulf Coast, shoppers can buy a pound of locally grown berries for $1.25. Prices elsewhere were a bit higher such as a $1.49 a pound at Sam's Club... more »

• Salmon season returns to the California coast

  April 2, 2010 1:00 PM

  Good news for fishermen, salmon season kicks off on Saturday for the first time in three years off the California coast. It's the opening of the recreational salmon season. For sports fisherman, it's a chance to get back on the water after the conservation-driven closure. For commercial fishermen, they... more »

• Students look at career options at a Santa Maria school Play Video

  April 1, 2010 8:39 PM

  One Santa Maria school is giving its students a close-up look at different careers. KSBY's Monica Quintero was one of many guest speakers at the "career day" event. It took place at Fesler Junior High School. Students asked Monica questions about what it's like to be a journalist. Michael... more »

• Santa Maria jazz band winning top honors Play Video

  April 1, 2010 8:35 PM

  Just four years ago, Santa Maria High School had no band program. But now, they're receiving some top honors. In 2007, the band program was revived at the high school. It now has three different bands which include two jazz bands and a concert band. What's interesting is that the... more »

• Illegal fake weed being sold on the Central Coast Play Video

  March 31, 2010 8:52 PM

  It seems to be the latest craze for those seeking a high and there's a lot of confusion over whether or not it's legal in California. The most popular name for the leafy substance is K2. It's sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the active ingredient in... more »

• Local teen will receive bone marrow transplant from her brother Play Video

  March 30, 2010 8:12 PM

  A local family shared their emotional story in hopes of encouraging Central Coast residents to register as a bone marrow donor. Madelyn Cofield, 15-years-old, was recently diagnosed with leukemia and her family feels fortunate to have found a match. The match is her 12-year-old brother Nathan. Warren Cofield, Madelyn's... more »