Judge rules gang members can stand trial for downtown San Luis Obispo assaultAugust 11, 2026By JOSH FRIEDMANEnough evidence exists for three defendants to stand trial over a 2024 assault in downtown San Luis Obispo that left the victim lying unconscious in the street, a judge recently ruled. The victim was identified as a member of a rival Santa Maria gang, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office. On Oct. 6, 2024, Alex LopezRamirez, Miguel Mendez and Brian RamirezLopez were involved in a group assault in downtown San Luis Obispo near Hotel Cerro, prosecutors say. “Gang violence has no place in San Luis Obispo County,” District Attorney Dan Dow said in a statement. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17 in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.