About Us

The ROCK is a San Luis Obispo County, California-based online publication that delivers the latest news and events happening around the county: from North County and the North Coast to South County and the South Coast. The publication also provides articles on culture, businesses, people, and politics. We serve local readers who want to know what’s happening around them — and we like to provide information about local resources and fascinating people.

Founded in March 2006, The ROCK started as a print publication with a circulation of 10,000. Former Billboard Magazine journalist Ed Ochs, co-founder and publisher, started The ROCK as a way to fill in the void of news. The ROCK started as a news publication that extensively covered the controversial Los Osos wastewater project, but the publication was mostly known for its unique style of sharp-witted journalism and humor. The ROCK was the first to locally provide citizen journalism, which captured the soul and essence of the issues — and the people who were living through it.

Aaron Ochs, son of Ed Ochs, is a co-founder of The ROCK. As Managing Editor and Lead Designer, Ochs envisioned a newspaper that went beyond the news. He formulated a plan to deliver quality editorial that could be used as long-lasting resources for the community, unlike the traditional media, which focused heavily on delivering disposable “shock and awe” content. Since The ROCK was founded in March 2006, Ochs became an outspoken speaker, writer and columnist. In September 2008, Ochs formed Razor Online, a sharp commentary and analysis blog that covers a variety of interests including local issues. On Razor Online, Ochs occasionally breaks news and publishes in-depth investigations. Thousands of readers look for his columns, which are published bi-monthly.

The ROCK is also available on Facebook and Twitter (@rockofthecoast)!