CARP SUSPECT ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS CARPINTERIA, July 12, 2007 — Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a 17-year-old male accused of multiple counts of sexual battery in the Carpinteria area since March, according to a statement from the department on Thursday. The suspect, who authorities declined to identify by name because of his age, allegedly assaulted a number of female victims near Casitas Pass Road, grabbing them in the rear. He also allegedlu exposed himself on at least one occasion, authorities said. Deputies made the arrest Wednesday evening after combing the area for a suspect wanted in connection with an assault that took place near Poplar and Via Real earlier in the day. In that case, the suspect allegedly approached the victim on bicycle, grabbing her buttocks as she walked, authorities said. He then fled the area, according to deputies. Connected to a string of similar assaults that occurred on the bike path between the 5600 block of Carpinteria Avenue and Via Real, the suspect was taken to juvenile hall and charged with sexual battery. -Barney McManigal
BUELLTON COUNCIL REJECTS EXPANSION STUDY
BUELLTON, July 12, 2007 — With a crowd of 250 people in attendance, the Buellton City Council on Thursday voted 3-2 not to take the first steps towards annexing 2,000 acres of farmland on three sides of town. The council majority — Mayor Diane Whitehair, Mayor Pro Tem Russ Hicks and Councilwoman Victoria Pointer — said that initiating a study on whether to expand Buellton’s “sphere of influence” on either side of Highway 101 would open the door to sprawl and and spoil their bucolic valley. After the meeting, Joan Hartmann, a resident who helped collect more than 1,000 signatures on a petition against the study, said she was proud to be in Buellton, “despite its funny name.” “The councilmembers who voted to terminate this were very courageous,” she said. “They understand that the best way to plan is with the community, not with the bureacrats.” Buellton presently covers 1,25 acres and has a population of 4,500. Residents who favored going forward with the study, including councilmembers Dale Molesworth and Ed Andrisek, said the future annexation of 2,000 acres would prevent the county from “usurping” local control and building high-density, low-cost housing just outside of Buellton. — Melinda Burns BIG STINK AT THE BIRD REFUGE
SANTA BARBARA, July 11 -- Noxious odors emanating from the Andree Clark Bird Refuge, at Cabrillo Boulevard and Los Patos Way, have been reported in recent days from as far away as Riviera neighborhoods and noted by motorists passing by on Highway 101. City officials said the smell is the result of "significant algal blooms" due to the pond's poor circulation and lack of natural fresh water input. The Bird Refuge, a 29-acre pond, is particularly susceptible to algal blooms, or the process of "eutrophication," in the summertime, officials said, adding that the spell of warm weather, following the below-average rainfall last winter, contributed significantly to the problem. In an effort to alleviate the odor and improve water quality, the city has released more than 4 million gallons of potable water into the pond since Friday. It is hoped that the added water, combined with the operation of a small boat to increase aeration, will reduce the odor and offset future algae blooms. Blending fresh water with pond water at the Bird Refuge is an annual management practice of the Parks and Recreation Department. The cost to release the potable water each year can reach $20,000. So far this year, the water releases have cost more than $12,000. Conditions are expected to improve by the weekend, officials said. In the long term, the city is assessing the feasibility of installing solar powered aerators to improve water quality and habitat at the pond. - SBN COPS: MEN IN CAMO DROP POUNDS OF POTSANTA YNEZ VALLEY, July 12, 2007 — A rancher interrupted a marijuana harvesting operation when he stumbled upon a group of men carrying duffle bags full of the plant who were trespassing and walking out of the hills toward a nearby road, officials said. Armed with a rifle and searching for coyotes, the rancher observed eight Latino men in the early hour of Tuesday, said Santa Barbara Sheriff's Sgt. Erik Raney, a department spokesman. "The suspects were wearing camouflage clothing and carrying military style duffle bags," Raney said in a statement. "When he first saw the suspects, they were walking out of the brush. He assumed they were poachers, and ordered them to stop." The unidentified rancher checked one of three bags left behind and observed it full of marijuana, Raney said, adding the total amount was 100 pounds. "All of the subjects fled in different directions, but some left there duffle bags behind." They were described as ranging in age from 18 to 35. Deputies searched but did not find the men, Raney said. - Tom Schultz
SUSPECTED HABITUAL SHOPLIFTER NABBEDSANTA BARBARA, July 10 -- After a monthslong investigation, police on Tuesday arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of being the culprit in a string of local shoplifting incidents.
James Edward Harris was taken into custody around 1 p.m. at his residence on Cottage Grove, police said. Harris allegedly pilfered from stores such as Sur la Table and Achor Blue – both on the 800 block of State Street – and Victoria’s Secret in the Paseo Nuevo Mall, said Santa Barbara Police Lt. Paul McCaffrey, a department spokesman.
The stolen items allegedly included French cooking pots, jeans, perfume and intimate apparel, McCaffrey said.
"He is also charged with violation of his parole terms, which stem from theft and narcotics convictions," McCaffrey said in a statement. "Anyone with additional information on James Harris’ activities is urged to contact Detective Mark Suarez at 897-2309."
- Rob Kuznia
STABBING IN SANTA MARIA PARK INJURES MAN
SANTA MARIA, July 10 -- A stabbing in Santa Maria left a 27-year-old man with a non-life-threatening slash wound to the neck, police said Tuesday. Authorities were searching for suspects. Fernando Ward told Santa Maria Police he was walking through Atkinson Park around 7 a.m. Tuesday when he was approached from behind by two people, whom he could not identify. The culprits reportedly grabbed Ward, searched him for valuables and sliced his neck. Police said they did not know whether the assailants used a knife.
- Rob Kuznia
COPS: BOY HIT BY CAR IN GANG FIGHT
SANTA MARIA, July 8, 2007 — A 15-year-old boy was intentionally hit by a small white car in an apparent gang fight late Saturday near the intersection of Bunny Avenue and McClelland Street, officials said. He was treated at the scene and transported to Marian Medical Center, where he remains in serious condition with major head injuries, according to the Santa Maria Police Department. Gang Detectives were called in and were working leads, according to police. — Tom Schultz TWO ARRESTED IN ALLEGED COUNTERFEIT CAPER SANTA BARBARA, July 6, 2007 — Two Los Angeles men have been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell counterfeit power tools in San Roque this week, police said Friday. Alerted by a call from the neighborhood, police found the two men in a 1997 Honda on Thursday, Santa Barbara Police Lt. Paul McCaffrey said.
The foreman at a construction site in the vicinity said that one of the men, Ever Argueta, 31, had offered to sell him a Hitachi demolition impact hammer for $350. The foreman said he knew the list price to be closer to $1,000, according to officials.
Upon questioning, McCaffrey said, Argueta denied that the tool had been stolen and showed the police three expensive power tools for sale — two Hitachi demolition hammers and a Bosch construction-grade drill that retails for $700. The driver of the Honda, Pablo Alfaro Munoz, 25, told police he had driven Arugeta and the tools up from Los Angeles for $60, McCaffrey said. The police then called in Robert Good, an employee of the Buena Tool Co., who identified the tools as counterfeits that had been manufactured in violation of copyright rules. Later, McCaffrey said, police contacted a Buellton businessman who last month reported buying two power tools from a man for $350, only to watch them break the next day. Those tools, too, are believed to be counterfeit, McCaffrey said. — Melinda Burns
SCHOLARS GATHER TO STUDY RELIGIOUS PLURALISM UCSB, July 6, 2007 — Eighteen scholars from around the world have gathered at UCSB this summer to study the religious diversity of the United States and learn first-hand how people with widely differing beliefs can get along, university officials said Friday. The program, now in its sixth year, was developed by the UCSB Department of Religious Studies and is funded by the U.S. State Department. This year’s participants come from universities in 18 countries, including Algeria, Botswana, Czech Republic, Egypt, Indonesia, Niger, Norway, Taiwan, Uganda and the West Bank. A key focus is the study of how people of different faiths can work toward common goals in a single society, organizers said. The student-scholars can compare the U.S. experience with pluralism in their own countries, said Wade Clark Roof, a UCSB professor of religious studies who heads the international program. As many as 2,000 different religions are practiced in the U.S., he said. “We also want to look at how religion can contribute to a civil society and democratic ideals, such as respect for others, human rights, freedom and equality, all of which have deep roots in religious traditions,” Roof said. — Melinda Burns ALL OPEN FIRES PROHIBITED
COUNTYWIDE, July 3, 2007 — The Santa Barbara County Fire Department, in conjunction with all other Fire Departments in the county, announced on Tuesday a total ban of open burning anywhere in Santa Barbara. This prohibition includes all cities within the county until further notice and comes amid high-fire alerts, officials said. All permit burning also was suspended, and campfires were restricted to established facilities within established campgrounds. — Tom Schultz
TRUCK DRIVER DIES ON HIGHWAY 101 GOLETA, July 3, 2007 — A truck driver from Lompoc was killed in a hit and run accident in Goleta in the early hours of Tuesday morning, authorities said. A Goleta man was later arrested in connection with his death. Miguel Angel Cabrera, 45, was standing next to a tractor-trailer rig that was stopped on the shoulder of Highway 101, just south of Los Carneros Road, when he was struck by a pickup truck, which also hit the rig, according to the CHP. The driver of the truck, who was later identified as 38-year-old Andrew Palmer Swanson of Goleta, did not stop after the accident, officials said. He reportedly was arrested at his home several hours later. Swanson was arrested early Tuesday morning on suspicion of felony DUI and felony hit and run, according to the CHP. Cabrera died from his injuries a short time later, meaning that Swanson may also face a charge of gross vehicular manslaughter. Witnesses told investigators that the hood of the tractor-trailer rig that Cabrera driving was up at the time of the accident, suggesting that it may have had mechanical difficulties, officials said. — Anna Davison ARRAIGNMENT POSTPONED IN TEACHER-STUDENT POT CASESANTA BARBARA, July 3, 2007 — The arraignment of a temporary Goleta Valley Junior High School teacher suspected of smoking marijuana with a 14-year-old student was postponed Tuesday until July 16, Prosecutor Joyce Dudley said. Melissa Dunning, 31, was recently charged by the District Attorney's Office with furnishing a student with marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, authorities said. Parents of the teenager suspected their son had been smoking marijuana with Dunning, who was tutoring him at her Santa Barbara home, and notified the Sheriff's Department in late May, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.
During the investigation, detectives learned Dunning allegedly smoked marijuana with the teen on three separate occassions, including one in which which another 14-year-old also allegedly participated, officials said.
In addition to working at the junior high, Dunning reportedly worked in various capacities throughout the Santa Barbara School District. — Tom Schultz BANK ROBBER ON THE LOOSE IN SANTA MARIASANTA MARIA, July 2, 2007 -- Police searched for a man who robbed a bank Monday afternoon in Santa Maria, officials said. Around 3 p.m., officers responded to a call at Mid-State Bank, located at 519 E. Main Street, where witnesses reported that a lone male had slipped the teller a note demanding cash. The teller complied, and the man made off with an undisclosed sum, authorities said. Witnesses described the man as white with a medium-to-heavy build and standing about 5-feet, 7-inches tall, Santa Maria Police officials said. Witnesses told police that the man appeared to be in his 20s or early 30s. He reportedly wore a bright yellow baseball cap, gray hooded jacket, light-colored blue jeans and gloves. The hair on his chin and sideburns appeared to be dark, but may not have been real, police said. Anyone with information can ccall 928-3781, ext. 165. -Rob Kuznia GANG SWEEP BRINGS 15 ARRESTS Numerous weapons were seized including eight rifles, two handguns a shotgun with pistol grip pump action, approximately 300 rounds of varying caliber ammunition and numerous hunting style knives. Photo by S.B. County Sheriff's Department GOLETA VALLEY, June 28, 2007 — A wide gang sweep Thursday resulted in 15 arrests for narcotics and weapons possession, probation and parole violations and other charges, authorities said. Numerous weapons were seized including eight rifles, two handguns a shotgun with pistol grip pump action, approximately 300 rounds of varying caliber ammunition and numerous hunting style knives, authorities said.
The operation against members of the "Goleta 13" gang follows an increase in violence among its members, said Santa Barbara Sheriff's Sgt. Erik Raney, a department spokesman.
The majority of 27 locations served with a "large-scale gang assocation" warrant by the department were in the city of Goleta, Raney said in a statement. Other locations were outside city limits and one was in Oxnard.
"Approximately 120 deputies and officers from agencies all over Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties as well as state and federal agencies assisted in the warrant service," the sergeant said. Five of the arrests were made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers for immigration violations, Raney said. — Tom Schultz MAN ARRESTED IN SEX ASSAULT ON GIRL Leobardo Alatorre GOLETA, June 28, 2007 — A man was arrested late Wednesday on suspicion of kidnapping, lewd acts upon a child and public intoxication after authorities called to the area of Girsh Park used a dog to track him to a drainage culvert near the railroad tracks at the Storke Road overpass at Highway 101, oficials said. Leobardo Alatorre, 38, allegedly attacked an 8-year-old girl, said Sgt. Erik Raney, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.
The girl told police she was riding her bicycle around the park while her father and brother played basketball at the nearby courts, Raney said.
"A man approached her as she was riding, and grabbed her handlebars," he said. "The suspect led the victim down a path toward a secluded area of the park where he allegedly kissed her on the mouth and ran his hand up her leg and under her shorts."
During the attack, the girl reportedly told the man to let her go, authorities said. The man released the girl and ran off when she said she would tell her father, authorities said.
Alatorre was found asleep, Raney said.
"While random assaults of this nature are rare in Santa Barbara County, this incident serves as a reminder to all parents and guardians of young children," the sergeant said. "Be aware of your surroundings and the location of your children at all times when in public places."
— Tom Schultz
MAN SPENDS NIGHT TRAPPED IN CAR
SANTA BARBARA, June 28, 2007 — A man was found Wednesday in a car that plunged down an embankment after he spent the previous night trapped in the vehicle, authorities said.
James Victor, 57, of Santa Barbara, was headed east on East Camino Cielo near Gibraltar Road, according to the CHP.
"Mr. Victor was traveling too fast and failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, running off the road and traveling approximately 150 feet down an embankment," according to a statement from the agency. "Mr. Victor wears a prosthetic right leg which became detached during the collision and rendered him unable to extricate himself."
He was found after a U.S. Geologic Survey work crew heard calls for help, officials said, adding Victor suffered dehydration. He reportedly wore his seat belt during the crash.
— Tom Schultz
TEACHER ALLEGEDLY SMOKED POT WITH STUDENT
GOLETA VALLEY, June 28, 2007 — A temporary Goleta Valley Junior High School teacher on Wednesday was charged by the District Attorney's Office with furnishing a student with marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, authorities said.
Melissa Dunning, 31, allegedly smoked marijuana with the 14-year-old, according to a statement from Santa Barbara Sheriff's Sgt. Erik Raney, a department spokesman.
Parents of the teenager suspected their son had been smoking marijuana with Dunning, who was tutoring him at her Santa Barbara home, and notified the Sheriff's Department in late May, Raney said.
During the investigation, detectives learned Dunning allegedly smoked marijuana with the teen on three separate occassions, including one in which which another 14-year-old also allegedly participated, Raney said.
In addition to working at the junior high, Dunning reportedly worked in various capacities throughout the Santa Barbara School District.
- Tom Schultz
MOTHER ARRESTED IN CHILD ENDANGERMENT CASE
GOLETA, June 27, 2007 — A mother was arrested after she allegedly left her two toddlers in a locked vehicle on Tuesday in the hot afternoon sun at the Calle Real Shopping Center for at least 45 minutes, authorities said.
Pamela Dillman, 47, was taken into custody after Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a lunchtime call from the Calle Real Shopping Center, said Sgt. Erik Raney, a deparment spokesman.
"A passerby observed the children, then spent approximately 15 minutes trying to find the responsible parent or guardian before calling 911," Raney said in a statement.
Deputies found the twin boys, approximately two years old, sleeping in their car seats, Raney said.
"They appeared lethargic and were sweating," he said.
The twins were taken to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital for evaluation and later released to their father, Raney said.
Sheriff’s deputies were on scene for approximately 30 minutes when the mother of the toddlers came back to the car with her five-year-old daughter.
"Based on the temperature both inside and outside of the car, the apparent length of time the children were left alone, and the physical condition of the children, deputies determined that the mother placed the children in a situation that could have resulted in serious bodily injury or death, and took her into custody," Raney said.
Dillman was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail and held on $100,000 bail, officials said.
— Tom Schultz
COTTAGE GETS BIGGEST CORPORATE GIFT IN ITS HISTORY
SANTA BARBARA, June 27, 2007 — The Cottage Health System has received the largest donation in the history of the nonprofit hospital chain, announcing a $2.5 million pledge this week from SAGE Publications.
The contribution from the book and electronic media publishing house based in Thousand Oaks will go toward the ongoing reconstruction of Cottage Hospital at Bath and Pueblo streets, and brings total pledges and gifts raised in that campaign to more than $74 million. The overall project will cost more than $500 million and be paid for through a variety of revenue sources.
Cottage will name a new medical library in honor of SAGE, hospital spokeswoman Janet O'Neill said.
The publishing house led by Chairwoman Sara Miller McCune, who serves on several community boards, maintains offices in Califfornia, London, New Delhi and Singapore.
“We’re committed to remaining closely connected to libraries," company president and CEO Blaise R. Simqu said in a statement. "We are pleased to partner with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in the quest to bring premier health services to the tri-counties and to support the new SAGE Medical Library.”
— Tom Schultz
BLAZE DESTROYS MOBILE HOME; 2 WOMEN ESCAPE
GOLETA, June 26, 2007 — Two women escaped from a mobile home fire early Tuesday that consumed their mobile home, authorities said.
The names of the women, one of whom suffered minor injuries, were withheld for "privacy reasons," said Capt. Eli Iskow, spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. The names may be released later, he added.
Around 1:20 a.m., firefighters responded to panicked calls from several residents who feared the women were trapped in the burning double-wide at 333 Old Mill Road, No. 134.
By the time the first of five engine companies arrived, the unit was completely engulfed in flames, threatening the structures on both sides, Capt. Iskow said.
One of the two women was treated for a minor injury by paramedics at the scene, he said in a statement. It took about 40 minutes to knock down the blaze, he said.
“Homes on both sides of the structure were damaged, one significantly, by the radiant heat,” he said. “The American Red Cross has been called for the possible need for assistance for the occupants and the resident of one of the adjoining damaged structures."
Authorities said the home was equipped with a working smoke detector. The damage was estimated at $150,000, and the cause of the fire is under investigation, Capt. Iskow said. No firefighters were injured, he said.
- Rob Kuznia
FEWER DRIVING ALONE TO WORK, SURVEY SAYS SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, June 21, 2007 — A recent survey of 3,000 residents in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties reveals that in every county the percentage of commuters driving alone has dropped slightly in the past five years, though driving alone is still by far the most popular way of getting to work. Of 1,000 people contacted by phone in Santa Barbara County, 70.7 percent said they drive alone to work, down from 77.5 percent in 2002, the survey found. At the same time, 14.4 percent said they are carpooling this year, up from 11.9 percent in 2002, and their carpools are larger than they were five years ago. According to the survey, which was conducted by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, a regional transportation agency, these modest moves away from driving alone reflect an increase in the Latino population in Santa Barbara County. More Spanish-speaking people contacted for the survey said they regularly carpool to work, the survey said. In 2005, Latinos represented 37 percent of the county’s population, up from 34 percent in 2000. Commuting by bus was up this year, too, in all three counties, the survey found. In Santa Barbara County, bus riders increased from 2.6 percent of commuters in 2002 to 3.8 percent this year. The reason most often given for carpooling, walking, biking or riding the bus to work was not owning a car. The survey also found that workers at firms where the employer encouraged alternatives to commuting alone were less likely to do so. Extrapolating from the pool of participants, the survey estimated that more than 9,000 residents of Santa Barbara County commute to jobs in San Luis Obispo County and 3,000 commute to Ventura County. Commuters coming in to Santa Barbara County include 15,500 from Ventura, or about 450 fewer than in 2002; and 10,100 from San Luis Obispo, or nearly 1,000 more than in 2002. -- Melinda Burns
MAN INJURED IN WEEKEND ACCIDENT DIESSANTA BARBARA - June 21, 2007 - An elderly man who was a passenger in a car that crashed into a house on Cliff Drive on Saturday has died, authorities said. The passenger has been identified as 77-year-old Warren Fuller, authorities said Thursday. He had been in the Intensive Care Unit at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital since the accident, authorities said. The woman driving the car, Esther Argenal, 62, had minor injuries. According to police, she lost control of the Nissan Maxima she was driving about 12:15 p.m. Saturday and crashed through the bedroom wall of a house in the 1300 block of Cliff Drive. Fuller was the only passenger in the car.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, which was the third on Cliff Drive in as many days.
- Anna Davison
BICYCLIST STRUCK BY SUV IN LOMPOC
LOMPOC - June 21, 2007 - A bicyclist was injured in Lompoc Thursday evening when he was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of E. Ocean Avenue and G Street shortly before 7 p.m.
The 55-year-old man was taken to Lompoc District Hospital with what police described as minor injuries.
He was traveling south on G Street on the west crosswalk across Ocean Avenue when he was struck by a GMC Denali that was making a left turn. After sideswiping the bicyclist, the SUV, which was being driven by a 15-year-old male, crashing into two traffic signals, knocking out power to the lights at the intersection.
The driver of the GMC and four passengers were taken to Lompoc District Hospital. A 13-year-old who sustained head injuries was the most seriously injured, according to the Lompoc Police Department. The 15-year-old driver did have a driver's permit and there was a licensed adult in the vehicle at the time of the accident, authorities said.
Anyone with information on the accident is asked to call the Lompoc Police Department at 736-2341. - Anna Davison
HWY. 101 ACCIDENT VICTIM IDENTIFIED
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, June 20, 2007 -- The woman killed Tuesday night on U.S. 101 near Refugio State Beach was identified as Carly Nichole Shelton, 25, of Canoga Park, Don Clotworthy of the California Highway Patrol said Wednesday.
According to CHP investigators, the pickup was traveling southbound just after 9:30 p.m. when the driver apparently lost control and it overturned into the center divider. Shelton was thrown out into the northbound traffic lanes where she was struck by a Nissan Altima driven by Wilward Edward Smith, 45, of Santa Maria. Smith, who was uninjured, stopped at the scene, Clotworthy said, adding that witnesses said more than one vehicle may have struck the victim. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shelton's passenger, Kimberly Charleen Scott, 22, of Woodland Hills, was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where she was treated for lacerations and contusions.
According to CHP investigators, Scott was wearing a seatbelt but Shelton was not. The collision remains under investigation.
--SBN
'SUPER STAR' ZOO PROGRAM
SANTA BARBARA, June 20, 2007 -- Corinne Santini of Santa Barbara Zoo won the first place "Super Star" award from the Santa Barbara Human Resources Association at its 10th annual Innovative Solutions Awards luncheon Wednesday.
Santini coordinates the zoo's Guest Experience Specialist Program, which provides training for the extra part-time workers needed in the summer tourist season. It's a professional development program for entry-level employees, many of whom are starting their first job. Judges mentioned the program as a standout because it enhances the experience of the employees, the organization and the entire community.
Kerry McCoy of HRxpress won the second place "Shining Star" award for her New Parent Kit which helps employers welcome employees' new babies and explain the rights, policies and other concerns of parenthood in the workplace.
The third place "Rising Star" award went to Christina Collier, of Clipper Windpower, for "Get Plugged In," a communication program for sharing information with employees in the growing company.
Honorable Mentions went to Four Seasons Biltmore and Inogen, Inc.
Judging criteria included innovation, application to other businesses, and measurable results of the program. Also considered was whether the program was aligned with the overall goals of the organization.
The Innovative Solutions program showcases local human resources best practices. Entries were submitted from businesses throughout the community. This year's judges were Alice Bourland, Sarah Sinclair, Marilyn Weixel and Das Williams. The award winners presented their entries at the lunch meeting in order to share them with their industry peers.
-- SBN
CAPPS CRITICIZES BUSH VETO WASHINGTON, D.C., June 20, 2007 -- Congresswoman Lois Capps, D-Calif., responded sharply Wednesday to President Bush's veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act -- legislation to support embryonic stem cell research.
"It is unfortunate that the President has once again denied the hopes of millions of Americans whose lives could benefit from embryonic stem cell research by vetoing this important legislation," Capps said. "For the second time in less than a year the President has chosen to reject the will of the vast majority of Americans and ignore the clear scientific consensus in support of this life-saving research. His executive order fails to adequately advance stem cell research, being more of a political gesture than anything else. The Democratic-led Congress will not give up its fight to expand embryonic stem cell research."
Capps said she hoped that other legislators would join her in voting to override the veto. -- SBN
ENTREPRENEURS HONORED SANTA BARBARA, June 20, 2007 – Five entrepreneurs have been honored as "Women of the Year" by Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), the group announced Wednesday. Awards were in three categories: "Start-up: up to two years in business; "Up and Running," one to three years, and "Taking the Leap," four to 10 years in business.
The honorees are Martha Townsend, President of MarketReady Rx, and Glenda Lopez, owner of Glenda’s Cleaning Services, for "Start-up," Zdena Jiroutova, owner of Z Folio Gallery in Solvang, "Up and Running," and Barbara Lanz-Mateo and Christine LoMonaco, founders of Coastal Woman, "Taking the Leap."
WEV offers services to help women launch and build their own businesses, such as business counseling, training, networking, and loans. The organization lists more than 1,000 businesses in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties run by graduates of WEV’s Self-Employment Training program or recipients of WEV small business loans. Information: www.wevonline.org.
-- SBN
EMPLOYEE ARRESTED ON EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGES
SANTA BARBARA, June 19, 2007 — Authorities arrested a man on suspicion of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his employer after he surrendered himself to detectives at the Santa Barbara Police Station, officials said Tuesday.
Patrick Joseph Roche, 33, allegedly stole $324,000 from Select Remedy, an employment agency located at 3820 State St., Police Lt. Paul McCaffrey said in a statement.
The investigation began in April, when a co-worker noticed irregularities in how the account books were managed, McCaffrey said. "When questioned, Roche told a co-worker that he embezzled $80,000. He was fired that day."
Roche had worked at the company since 1999, hired on as the collections and credit manager, McCaffrey said.
"This gave him the opportunity to control funds being returned to companies as overpayments," the lieutenant said. "Roche had established a dummy company named ‘California Consulting Group.’ He altered the company books to reflect that this dummy company was due large refunds from overpayments."
Police suspect that over a six-year period Roche allegedly funneled 38 checks ranging from $2,200 to $18,800 into the "dummy" company’s account.
"As the account holder," McCaffrey said, "he was able to withdraw the money at will."
So far, Detective Hansen determined that Roche allegedly spent large sums online at E-Trade, electronics and technology stores, a private gym membership, utilities and gasoline, and adult entertainment in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, McCaffrey said.
Roche was booked on suspicion of grand theft by embezzlement. He is being held in the County Jail in lieu of $324,000 bail, officials said.
In addition, the district attorney added charges of grand theft with a special allegation called “excessive taking” — defined as any amount over $100,000. If convicted, this can result in added time to Roche’s sentence, McCaffrey said.
— Tom Schultz
MAN ARRESTED IN MOLESTATION CASE
SANTA MARIA, June 19, 2007 — A man was arrested Monday on suspicion of long-term and continuous molestation of a girl under the age of 12, officials said.
Gary Townsend Boyd, 62, of Santa Maria, a registered sex offender, was arrested at his home on the 1700 block of N. Miller Street after a search warrant was served, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.
Boyd was booked into the county jail with bail set at $500,000, officials said.
— Tom Schultz THREE CAR ACCIDENTS IN CLIFF DRIVE AREA SINCE SATURDAY; ONE FATAL
In one of three car crashes on or near Cliff Drive since Saturday, a 72-year-old woman died when she apparently pulled a Pontiac Grand-Am out of a driveway on the 1500 block of Cliff Drive and into the path of an oncoming Jeep Grand Cherokee, authorities said.
Shortly after the accident at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Juanita “Janie” Owens was pronounced dead at the scene from apparent head trauma, Police Lt. Paul McCaffrey said in a statement. The driver of the Jeep, 54-year-old Harry Atterbury, was listed in stable condition with head and leg injuries, he said.
“His Jeep squarely broadsided her driver’s side door,” McCaffrey said. “The posted speed limit is 40 mph; however the speed each vehicle was traveling remains under investigation.”
The first accident occurred around 12:15 p.m. Saturday. A Nissan Maxima driven by 62-year-old Esther Argenal drifted off the roadway and crashed into the residence at 1310 Cliff Drive, fully penetrating into a bedroom.
“Fortunately, no one was home,” McCaffrey said.
Argenal suffered minor injuries. Her passenger, 77-year-old Warren Fuller, was hospitalized in critical condition with major chest injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, police said.
The third crash occurred around 1 p.m. on Monday, at Meigs Road near Cliff Drive. A motorcycle was struck by a small pickup entering Meigs from the business parking lot near McDonald’s restaurant. The motorcyclist was taken to Cottage Hospital with an apparent broken leg. Police did not release the names of the people involved on Monday.
- Rob Kuznia
ATTEMPTED MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED
LOMPOC, June 16, 2007 — A man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of attempted murder following an early morning fight and stabbing along the 400 block of West North Avenue, officials said.
Mark Anthony Adams Jr., 23, was held for alleged assault with a deadly weapon and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail with no bail, according to the Lompoc Police Department.
Authorities said the victim in the 1:49 a.m. stabbing was recovering from abdominal wounds. His name was not released.
Officials said the incident was not gang related.
— Tom Schultz
DRIVER PLOWS INTO S.B. HOME
SANTA BARBARA, June 16, 2007 — A woman was in stable condition and a man in critical condition Saturday after a car plowed into the interior of a home on the Mesa along Cliff Drive, officials said.
The eastbound driver, 62, lost control of the Nissan Maxima along the 1300 block of Cliff for unkown reasons, according to the Santa Barbara Police Department.
Both she and her passenger, a man in his 70s, were rushed to Cottage Hospital with injuries, officials said.
Nobody was home at the time, according to police.
— Tom Schultz
HOMELESS MAN IDENTIFIED IN SUSPECTED HOMICIDE
SANTA BARBARA, June 15, 2007 — Authorities on Friday said Charles Eugene Johnson, 49, was the homeless man found dead one day earlier in a suspected homicide.
Three men were arrested by Santa Barbara Sheriff's deputies in connection with the alleged beating-to-death of Johnson, whose body was found early Thursday near a transient encampment where Upper State Street crosses Highway 101, officials said. The suspects include Brian Rose, Russell Mell and Robert Sladek, according to a authorities.
— Tom Schultz
SUPERVISORS RENEW CONTRACT FOR CEO MIKE BROWN
SANTA BARBARA, June 15 -- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors narrowly approved an additional two-year contract for County Executive Mike Brown, who earns roughly $220,000 per year as the jurisdiction’s top administrator, according to an announcement Friday. Supervisors Joe Centeno, Brooks Firestone and Joni Gray supported the renewal, with Supervisors Salud Carbajal and Janet Wolf voting no. Brown’s contract also extends his severance compensation to nine months from four. And it would create a special 401(a) retirement account for Brown to receive pension benefits. With Brown's contract set to expire in 2009, officials extended it to 2011. -Barney McManigal
CHILD'S PLAY STARTED GOLETA FIRE
GOLETA, June 15 -- A five-year-old child playing with fire caused the inferno that destroyed one apartment, damaged others and displaced 19 residents in a building on Linwood Avenue in Goleta, according to county fire officials. The fire, which took place Thursday at 499 Linwood Place, ignited after a child played with matches inside a storage closet. County Fire Department investigators reached that conclusion after interviewing witnesses and assessing available evidence. -Barney McManigal
COPS: A TOBACCO STING WITH NO OFFENDERSLOMPOC — June 15, 2007 — Authorities conducted a tobacco sting Friday, but no merchants succumbed to the operation, officials said.
In a three-hour period, 38 businesses were asked to sell tobacco to minors under the age of 18. No business sold to the decoy minor, according to the Lompoc Police Department.
"The Lompoc Police Department would like to congratulate the businesses that DID NOT sell to the minors and would like to remind businesses that we will be back out in the future," according to a statment.
— Tom Schultz
CARP STUDENT DETAINED IN ALLEGED THREAT
CARPINTERIA, June 15, 2007 — A Carpinteria Middle School student was arrested Thursday for allegedly threatening to "kill everyone" after he reportedly learned he was going to be held back a year, authorities said. The student, whose name authorities would not release because he is a minor, was booked into Santa Barbara County Juvenile Hall, officials said.
After searching the teenager's home, detectives determined he did not have access to any weapons, said Sheriff's Sgt. Erik Raney, a department spokesman.
Reports of threatening statements directed at counselor drew deputies to the campus at 10 a.m. Thursday, officials said.
The unidentified 14-year-old had just been informed that he may be held back in the 7th grade, officials said.
"The Sheriff’s Department and the schools take threats of any kind seriously," Raney said.
— Tom Schultz CARP STUDENT DETAINED IN ALLEGED THREAT
CARPINTERIA, June 15, 2007 — A Carpinteria Middle School student was arrested Thursday for allegedly threatening to "kill everyone" after he reportedly learned he was going to be held back a year, authorities said.
The student, whose name authorities would not release because he is a minor, was booked into Santa Barbara County Juvenile Hall, officials said.
After searching the teenager's home, detectives determined he did not have access to any weapons, said Sheriff's Sgt. Erik Raney, a department spokesman.
Reports of threatening statements directed at counselor drew deputies to the campus at 10 a.m. Thursday, officials said.
The unidentified 14-year-old had just been informed that he may be held back in the 7th grade, officials said.
"The Sheriff’s Department and the schools take threats of any kind seriously," Raney said.
— Tom Schultz
MAN STABBED AT BEACH-SIDE PIZZA PARLOR
SANTA BARBARA, June 13, 2007 — An alleged gang fight broke out at Rusty’s Pizza on Cabrillo Boulevard Tuesday night, sending one man to the hospital with stab wounds to his upper left arm and chest, police said.
Shortly after the melee, Robert Joseph Martinez, 20, walked into Cottage Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and then released, authorities said.
The alleged gang fight is another in a flurry of ongoing violent disputes between Westside and Eastside gang members that began months ago with the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy on State Street.
The lastest brawl started around 8:25 p.m. outside the restaurant, located at 15 E. Cabrillo Blvd., before moving inside, authorities said. In the restaurant, witnesses reported seeing at least two people brandishing knives, and others throwing chairs, authorities said.
The suspects fled the restaurant after a couple of minutes, but the fight resumed minutes later near 200 Castillo St., Santa Barbara Police Lt. Paul McCaffrey said in a statement.
Police responded but did not make any arrests, he said. However, 15 minutes after the initial fight, Martinez arrived at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with three stab wounds to his upper left arm and chest, McCaffrey said, adding that Martinez was stitched up and released. "The wounds were described as 'slashing' type, and are not life threatening," he said. “Martinez is a known gang member. Martinez did not cooperate with the investigation; however, police believe his injuries were sustained in the fight.”
- Rob Kuznia
TORCH RUN RAISES $101,000
SANTA BARBARA, June 13, 2007 - The Law Enforcement Torch Run through southern Santa Barbara County raised $101,000 for the Special Olympics.
The torch arrived at the County Sheriff's Headquarters on Calle Real Wednesday afternoon where the check was presented to the organization by Sheriff Bill Brown and Santa Maria Police Lt. Ken George. Sheriff’s staff, Special Olympics athletes and staff attended the ceremony.
The Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff's Association also donated $2,500.
The athletes held the Special Olympics banner behind Sheriff Brown as he addressed the crowd. The athletes ended the ceremony by reciting the Special Olympics pledge.
This year's Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run involved more that 3,500 officers who carried the Special Olympics Torch more than 1,500 miles and through more than 200 communities.
The officers, representing law enforcement agencies throughout the state, collected donations for their participation and were sponsored by civic groups, businesses and friends.
The local law enforcement agencies raised money through "Tip-a-Cop dinners" and other special events.
The officers volunteered their time, so all the funds they raised will be directed into program support and development, expenses for athlete participation in local, regional, state and international competition, as well as training workshops and conferences.
Nationally, in 2006, some 85,000 law enforcement personnel raised more than $25 million to support community-based sport programs for the Special Olympics. The Torch Run has become its largest grassroots fundraising event.
— SBN
'LOTTO SCAM' INVESTIGATED
CARPINTERIA, JUNE 13, 2007 - Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a May 9 grand theft in which the victim was reportedly bilked of $3,000 cash by two men using the “Lotto Scam.” The victim and one of the men were caught on a video surveillance tape in a Carpinteria grocery store, authorities said.
The victim, a 70-year-old Hispanic male, was approached at 2:15 p.m. by two Hispanic men in the Casitas Pass Shopping Center, according to the sheriff's report.
They reportedly told the victim they were in possession of a winning lottery ticket, but could not collect the winnings because they were illegal aliens, authorities said.
They allegedly promised him a percentage of the winnings if he would help them by withdrawing $3,000 from the bank, and secure it in the glove box of his car with a portion of the suspects' own money as collateral, authorities said.
One of the men feigned an illness, and the victim and the second man went into the Albertsons store in Casitas Village to get water, authorities said.
While inside the store, the second man reportedly told the victim he was going to check on his friend. The victim came out of the store a few minutes later and found the two men and all of the cash in his glove box gone, authorities said.
The sheriff's report said that the robber caught on tape is about 5-foot-11-inches, weighing about 210 pounds, and was wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and a black hat and glasses. The second robber is described as 5-foot-11-inches, weighing about 170 pounds, and was wearing a red shirt, shorts, a hat and glasses.
Authorities ask that anyone with information about this crime call the Carpinteria Sheriff’s Station, 568-3399.
— SBN
BURGLARY SUSPECTS NABBED
SANTA MARIA, JUNE 13, 2007 - A possible vehicle burglary in progress in the 2200 block of North Diesel was reported by a caller after seeing a suspect in a neighbor's car, police said.
The witness allegedly saw the suspect leave in a black Ford T-Bird and followed him while calling the Santa Maria Police Department around 2 a.m. Wednesday, authorities said.
Officers located the suspect’s car in the 900 block of West Winston Drive. The driver, Jorge Mata, 20, of Santa Maria, fled on foot, police said. A passenger, Jose Alvarado-Linares, 19, also of Santa Maria, was detained. He reportedly had "brass knuckles" in his possession. Officers said they pursued Mata on foot and apprehended him near Kingston Drive and Western Avenue.
The suspects were allegedly attempting to steal the car stereo when the reporting person called the police, authorities said. Several tools found in the suspect's car had been reportedly stolen from various vehicles within the city, authorities added.
Both men were booked into jail. The investigation was continuing and the victims of the thefts have not yet been identified.
— SBN
CAPPS APPLAUDS ACTION ON GUN SAFETY
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 13, 2007 - Congresswoman Lois Capps Wednesday applauded passage of the McCarthy-Dingell National Instant Criminal Background Check Improvement Act (H.R. 2640) in the House of Representatives.
"This bill is a good step toward preventing future tragedies involving people who simply should not have guns," Capps said. "It is long past time to enact some smart gun safety legislation to keep our communities safer. No one wants to see another Virginia Tech type tragedy and this bill will help avert one."
The bill would ensure that the provisions of the 1968 Gun Control Act are enforced by the states and authorizes $375 million a year for three years to provide grants to states and their courts to import the records of those barred from purchasing a firearm under the 1968 Gun Control Act into the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
The legislation enhances the national background check system in a way that protects the privacy of all records, including mental health records, by prohibiting the use of these records for any purpose outside of NICS.
Seung Hui Cho, the shooter in the Virginia Tech rampage, had been adjudicated mentally ill; however, the NICS did not have the appropriate records to keep him from buying the firearms he used.
— SBN
SHOT MAN FOUND IN LOMPOC ALLEY; COPS SEEK INFO
LOMPOC, June 12, 2007 -- A 25-year-old Lompoc man was rushed to the hospital after being shot multiple times late Monday night, police said.
Around 11 p.m., police found Michael Jason Spradling lying in an alley between North L and M streets, police said. Spradley was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, and as of Tuesday was in critical condition, police said.
Police are asking that anyone with information contact the Lompoc Police Department at (805) 736-2341 or the Crime Stopper Hotline (877) 800-9100.
- Rob Kuznia
SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN WESTSIDE STABBINGSANTA BARBARA, June 12, 2007 — Police arrested two men Tuesday in connection with a stabbing and robbery that occurred Monday on the Westside.  Gonzalo Rojas Gonzalo Rojas, 27, was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery; and Christian Botello, 26, was booked for alleged assault with a deadly weapon and burglary, according to Santa Barbara Police Lt. Paul McCaffrey. The stabbing victim, a 34-year-old painter who shares a bedroom with Rojas on the 1100 block of San Andres Street, suffered a "defensive slash wound" to one hand and a cut to his forehead, McCaffrey said in a statement. "The victim and Rojas have been feuding over Rojas’ propensity of frequently coming home late and making too much noise," McCaffrey said. "The victim is a working man who goes to bed and gets up early for work."
In an attempt to resolve their differences, the two agreed that Rojas would move out and find a new residence, McCaffrey said.
"Although he agreed to the move, Rojas grew upset about being the one to move out," McCaffrey said.
 Christian Botello Consequently, Rojas, with his friend Botello accompanying him, decided to confront the victim, he said. At 11:45 a.m. Monday, Rojas burst into the victim’s bedroom and threatened him with a knife, demanding cash.
"Meanwhile, Botello eyed small valuables in the room including a digital camera, an iPod, and Walkman stereo," McCaffrey said. "Botello bundled up several small items in a blanket. The victim struggled with Rojas, who responded by slashing at him with the knife."
Rojas and Botello ran from the residence with the stolen property, closely pursued by the victim, McCaffrey said.
"The suspects tried jumping into a waiting get-away pickup truck manned by a third party," McCaffrey said. "They couldn’t get in because the doors were locked. The victim charged at them so vehemently that the pickup driver took off, abandoning the two suspects. The angry victim chased the two suspects across the street. Rojas was still armed with the knife and Botello armed himself with a large screwdriver."
The commotion attracted the attention of several passersby, including a man and woman couple, McCaffrey said.
"The suspects split up, allowing the victim to focus solely on Rojas," he said. The victim shouted for assistance, and was joined by the man and woman witnesses.
"Together the three of them chased Rojas around the corner, across a parking lot, and to a dead-end behind the Carrillo Market at 626 W. Carrillo St. Although armed with the knife, Rojas was held at bay until police arrived to take him into custody."
Police recovered the knife Rojas allegedly tossed the knife just prior to his arrest. — Tom Schultz MAN DIES IN HIGHWAY CRASHNORTH COUNTY, June 12, 2007 — A man died early Tuesday when the car he was riding in entered a closed lane of Highway 101 north of Highway 154 and slammed into the front scoop of a back hoe, authorities said. The 77-year-old passenger, of Santa Maria, died en route to Cottage Hospital shortly after the 3:40 a.m. accident, according to CHP Officer Kurt Schmidt, a department spokesman. Authorities said they are not releasing the victim's name until his family is notified of his death. The driver of the 1994 Ford Tempo, Patrick Utitus Jr., 50, of Santa Maria, reportedly suffered minor injuries, authorities said. For unknown reasons, Utitus failed to see cones that marked off an area for roadwork in the left lane, Schmidt said. A Caltrans contract worker was grazed in the incident, and suffered minor injuries, Schmidt said. — Tom Schultz
BIG RIG CRASH BLOCKS EARLY MORNING TRAFFICGAVIOTA, June 12, 2007 — An overturned big rig that dumped a load of broccoli onto the southbound Highway 101 along the Gaviota Coast blocked traffic for several hours early Tuesday, officials said. The driver lost control at a curve and slid for 200 feet, according to the CHP. The agency reported no injuries. It is unclear what caused the wipe out. The left lane was blocked for more than an hour, and the right lane until 6:30 a.m. as crews cleaned up the vegetable debris, officials said. — Tom Schultz UCSB GRADS GET TOP AWARDSSANTA BARBARA, June 11, 2007 — UCSB announced three winners of top awards to graduates for academic achievement, community service and personal courage. Areo G. Saffarzadeh, of Sherman Oaks, is the winner of the Thomas More Storke Award, the campus's highest student honor, for outstanding scholarship and extraordinary service to the university, its students, and the community. David Benjamin Landes, of Redwood City, is the winner of the Jeremy D. Friedman Memorial Award for outstanding leadership, superior scholarship, and contributions to undergraduate life on campus. Brittany Lakeisha Logan, of Plasencia, is the winner of the Alyce Marita Whitted Memorial Award in recognition of endurance, persistence, and courage in the face of extraordinary challenges. These and other student-award winners will be honored at a reception from 3:30 p.m to 5:30 p.m. Friday at Corwin Pavilion. — Tom Schultz SHERIFF ISSUES WARNING TO COLLEGE COUCH BURNERS
ISLA VISTA, June 11 -- To those in Isla Vista keen on continuing a long end-of-the-year college tradition of setting their couches ablaze, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department has a warning: You will be punished. The last week of school – which is this week – has long been dubbed “couch burning week” in the college town, but the Sheriff’s Department is trying to put an end to it, Sgt. Erik Raney said in a statement. The department’s concerted effort began last year, when deputies arrested 19 people in connection with couch fires. The year before, they’d arrested only one, Raney said. Penalties include time in jail, restitution for response costs and “administrative sanctions” from UCSB, Raney said. “In the past, subjects have been injured by the fires and personal property not intended to be burned has been damaged,” he said. - Rob Kuznia
PLANE SKIDS AT SANTA YNEZ AIRPORT
SANTA YNEZ, June 10, 2006 — A small plane skidded 200 feet to a stop on its belly without injuring two men on board when its landing gear malfunctioned during takeoff Saturday morning at Santa Ynez Airport, officials said. Rescue crews were called to the scene at 9:26 a.m. to evacuate the 4-passenger Piper Comanche 250, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. - Tom Schultz
GANG FIGHT LEADS TO ARRESTSCARPINTERIA, June 8, 2007 — Five alleged gang members were arrested following a fight in Carpinteria in which a witness who called 911 suffered in retaliation internal bleeding, a broken rib and a sprained knee, officials said Friday. The altercation occurred at 9 p.m. Wednesday along Carpinteria Avenue at Eugenia Avenue, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. Arrested shortly after the fight were: Lawrence Brennen, 19, of Carpinteria; David Jimenez, 20, of Carpinteria; and Daniel Jimenez, 23, of Carpinteria, according to Sheriff’s Sgt. Erik Raney, a department spokesman. All three suspects were reportedly booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of battery with a gang enhancement and held in lieu of $250,000 bail. On Thursday morning, Sheriff’s detectives arrested two additional suspects: Juan Alcala, 21, of Carpinteria and Anthony Garibay, 26, of Carpinteria, officials said. The pair was reportedly booked for robbery, battery with serious injury and dissuading a witness with a gang enhancement. Alcala was held in lieu of $250,000 bail and Garabay, who was recently released from prison, was held without bail, Raney said. Authorities said they continued searching for another suspect: Edward Galvez Jr., 28, of Carpinteria. — Tom Schultz
SEA SPONGE STUDY BRINGS EVOLUTION REVELATIONSSANTA BARBARA, June 8, 2007 — UCSB researchers say they’ve found clues to the evolutionary origin of the nervous system by studying sea sponges, some of the most ancient animals on the planet. Their work suggests that the genetic components of the nervous system evolved much earlier than scientists had previously thought. Although sponges don’t have nervous systems, the scientists found that they have some of the building blocks that make up the complex nervous systems that allow humans to read, write and play baseball. “We found a lot of genes to make a nervous system present in the sponge,” Ken Kosik, co-director of UCSB’s Neuroscience Research Institute, said in a statement on the research, which was published online (www.plosone.org/doi/pone.0000506) this week by the Public Library of Science. Several other UCSB scientists participated in the research: Todd Oakley, an assistant professor, Onur Sakarya, a graduate student and I-Fan Wang, a postdoctoral fellow. Former UCSB postdoctoral fellow Bernard Degnan was also involved. — Anna Davison FIREFIGHTERS RALLY FOR BURN VICTIMS
 A donation of $1,000 from Santa Barbara County firefighters Local No. 2046 is delivered from County Air Support Helicopter 309 by Firefighter and Paramedic Tim Gailey. Photo by Capt. Eli Iskow / S.B. County Fire Dept. COUNTYWIDE, June 7, 2007 — Firefighters traveled from station to station in an emergency vehicle motorcade with CHP escort Thursday, collecting more than $32,000 to aid burn victims and their families. Known as the Firefighter's Quest for Burn Survivors Rally, the event culled donations for burn survivors, burn centers, prevention programs and trips for children to a burn camp, said Santa Barbara County Fire Capt. Eli Iskow, a department spokesman. The event was to begin in Santa Maria and end with a barbecue with Ventura County personnel in Fillmore. Burn injuries are devastating, officials said, adding many can take a lifetime to heal. In addition, they said, the physical and emotional pain the victims suffer is something firefighters see on a regular basis. — Tom Schultz
HEALTH CARE MARCH MOVES UP STATE STREETSANTA BARBARA, June 7, 2007 — A parade of demonstrators marched up State Street Thursday afternoon, campaigning for health care reform. Several of participants held signs for "OneCareNow.Org," an organization campaigning for universal health care up and down the state. "Teams in more than 365 California cities are conducting grassroots educational and public awareness 'action' events -- one event per day, in a different city, for one year -- to demand quality, affordable healthcare for all Californians," according to the group's Web site. In particular, the OneCareNow campaign backs SB 840. The bill creates one plan and a public trust fund to cover the health costs of citizens, according to the organization. — Tom Schultz WIND-DRIVEN SEARCH FOR MISSING PERSON AT SEA
SANTA BARBARA - June 6, 2007 - In high winds late yesterday afternoon, the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard were searching for a "possible kite- or sailboarder" reported missing offshore around 2 p.m., Harbor Patrol Officer Ryan Kelly reported.
The search, from the coastline to five miles out and from Butterfly Beach to Leadbetter Beach, was continuing, Kelly reported at 6 p.m.
- SB Newsroom
UCSB WINS $2.26 MILLION GRANT FOR STEM CELL RESEARCH FACILITIES
SANTA BARBARA, June 6, 2007 - The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is awarding $2.26 million over three years to UCSB to construct laboratory facilites for stem cell research.
UCSB is one of 17 institutions in the state to be awarded a total of $50 million in CIRM grants. Its grant will be used to support the design and development of a shared laboratory to expand existing stem cell studies and to stimulate new investigations of the biology and engineering of stems cells at UCSB and other nearby research institutions.
"The new shared stem cell lab will be a crucial cornerstone for stem cell research at UC Santa Barbara and at neighboring institutions on the Central Coast," said Dennis O. Clegg, a professor and chair of the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. "Over 20 researchers from UCSB, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, and Cottage Hospital have
plans to use the facility, and it will allow us to use newer human embryonic stem cell lines that are federally restricted."
- SB Newsroom
CAPPS OPPOSES COURT'S DECISION
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 6, 2007 - Congresswoman Lois Capps Wednesday spoke out against the recent Supreme Court decision, Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, that she said endorses pay discrimination.
"Women, on average, are paid less than their male counterparts," Rep. Capps said in her speech to the House of Representatives. "Unless you can look me in the eye and say that women are less intelligent and less capable than their male counterparts in the same fields, the most glaring explanation for this discrepancy is discrimination."
The court's decision to limit a worker's ability to sue for pay discrimination "is a setback to all our civil rights and reminds us of how much further we have to go," Rep. Capps said, urging her fellow members of congress to support legislation preserving workers' right to be compensated for discrimination.
The court's recent interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, she said, "completely ignores the reality of the workplace and is based on the illogical conclusion that a victim of pay disparity will be able to document - despite the typical office secrecy over income - a discriminatory difference in the salaries within six months."
- SB Newsroom
400 COMPLETE DARE PROGRAM
SANTA BARBARA - June 7, 2007 CA – More than 400 fifth and sixth grade students from eight schools completed the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program and were recognized in a special event Wednesday at the Arlington Theater.
The students wrote essays about what they learned in the program. Eight were honored as their school's essay winner: Luke Ming, Roosevelt Elementary School; Dana Sloan, Washington Elementary School; Jair Alexis Herrara, McKinley Elementary School; Diana Tapia, Monroe Elementary School; Rocio Pacheco, Harding Elementary School, Erika Cortes, Adams Elementary School; Kaitlin Neer, Notre Dame School, and Libby Sestak, El Montecito Upper School.
The Santa Barbara High School Jazz Band provided music for the event. The students are among 16,600 who have graduated from DARE since the Santa Barbara Police Department began the program in 1987.
- SB Newsroom
SANTA MARIA MAIL CARRIER SURVIVES PIT BULL ATTACK
SANTA MARIA, May 24, 2007 — Three pit bulls attacked a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Thursday shortly after noon as he was working his route along the 1700 block of North Lincoln Avenue, officials said.
"The carrier attempted to use his |
