Suspicious Vehicle Accident

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Around 11PM Sunday, a call went out about a possible vehicle accident on the NB 101 freeway near the Salinas Street off ramp in Santa Barbara.

Initially, SBPD cruised by Old Coast Highway and discovered that indeed a vehicle had crashed through the fence, and a truck was discovered down the ditch in thick brush next to the freeway.

No one was found with the vehicle. Police set up a perimeter to search for a possible body or at least someone hurt. A K9 unit was brought in and police used a loud horn to call out to the suspected driver of the truck. At one point, police called out to anyone that was in the brush, that they needed to come out with their hands up or the dog would be released.

Additionally, Santa Barbara City Fire was called out to assist SBPD with thermal technology to help locate anyone that may have been hurt in the thick brush. As of yet, no one has been found near the crash site.

Police are still investigating the mysterious crash.

Anyone with any information may contact the Santa Barbara Police Department.

 

 

 

**UPDATE**

Ronald Anthony Beltran, age 39, of Santa Barbara, was arrested for attempted murder, auto theft, hit & run, and resisting or delaying an officer following an altercation with a family member.  The suspect and victim reside together in the same household.

On January 5, 2014 at 11:30 p.m., officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department responded to a call of a vehicle stolen from a residence on the 1100 block of N. Milpas Street.  Upon arrival the victim, a 46-year old male relative of the suspect, reported that Beltran had stolen his truck.  The victim also informed the investigating officers that Beltran had stabbed him during an altercation that occurred earlier in the day.

Beltran was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on the aforementioned charges and is being held without bail.  Photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Beltran would not reveal his motive for stabbing his relative; thus far the attack appears to have been unprovoked.  Investigation indicates that he took the victim’s truck in order to provoke another confrontation with the victim.  Relatives stated that Beltran had been drinking heavily prior to the incident.

Knife Wielding Man

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It was quite the scare when Santa Barbara Police converged at the Faulding Hotel on Haley and State Streets just after 12 p.m. Monday on reports of a man wielding a knife threatening passerbys.

The strong police presence could be seen around the city block by many shocked residents and tourists. Multiple reporting parties called 911 and shortly thereafter, a middle aged looking man in a black t-shirt was taken into custody without incident.

It was later learned that the suspect had a history of mental illness.

Despite interviewing all of the witnesses, authorities were unable to locate any victims and it was determined that no physical assault had taken place.

One lane on Haley Street was blocked off by police units but was soon re-opened.

Downtown Assault

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Monday night in Santa Barbara was anything but quiet. Several assaults plagued the city from its downtown corridor to the waterfront. It was a very busy night for police.

The first assault happened before 3PM when police found a man suffering from stab wounds to his back in the 900 block of E. Gutierrez Street. The incident prompted nearby Franklin School to go on a temporary lockdown while police searched the area. One person is in custody and it appears this incident may have been gang related.

Over at the intersection of Bath and Haley Streets, several subjects were seen involved in a physical fight that left one person injured just before 8PM. The victim was taken to Cottage Hospital for further evaluation.

Shortly after 9PM, a Latino man was reported with having a head injury stemming from a physical altercation involving an African-American man. It happened by the Bank of America in the 800 block of State Street. Paramedics arrived on scene soon after the call out but were unable to find the victim.

A witness was able to follow the suspect to the Mesa Fuel Depot on Carrillo and Chapala Street where police cornered him and questioned the assailant.

Several police units, along with Harbor Patrol and an AMR ambulance, were dispatched to the Dolphin Fountain at Stearns Wharf around 9:30PM. A man was taken to Cottage Hospital. No further details were provided.

Finally, minutes later, additional police units responded to calls of a possible assault at the intersection of Cabrillo Boulevard and Bath Street. Multiple subjects were seen talking to law enforcement.

Vehicle Rollover on Carrillo Street

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - An ugly traffic collision sent two people to the hospital Saturday afternoon.

It happened at the intersection of Carrillo and Castillo streets. A truck going at full speed ran a red light and collided with a Chevrolet Cavalier.

The occupants of the truck self extricated and are fine. However, the driver and passenger of the sedan had to be taken out with the Jaws of Life, and were transported to Cottage Hospital. Their injuries unknown.

Santa Barbara City Fire responded when Fire Chief Pat McElroy radioed the accident in as it happened in front of his eyes.

Santa Barbara Police and CHP led traffic control by closing streets, a block in each direction.

It’s still unknown as to why the truck ran the red light, but Fire Captain Mike De Ponce strongly cautions drivers to be alert when driving, and pedestrians should be aware of traffic and busy intersections.

 

Check out this Week's Urban Review Podcast

Transmitting aboard the Coast Starlight 11 train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara, check out this week's review of the stories that made headlines. From a fatal crash, to a man squaring off against law enforcement on Highway 101, to a grocery store manager embezzling money from his employer. These stories and more.

This Week's Podcast

A wanted felon is behind bars after a short pursuit; A youth pastor charged with child molestation and rape gets his bail reduced; The SWAT team shuts down a Downtown Santa Barbara street; and officers force a driver and two passengers out of their car at gun point. This and more stories on this week's episode of The Urban Review.


 

Stabbing Near Las Positas

SANTA BARBARA, Calif - A stabbing took place on the 1200 block of Crest Line Drive in Santa Barbara just after 7:30 Saturday night.

The victim was rushed to cottage hospital.

The condition of his/her injuries are unknown.

The suspect fled to an area near Elings Park. An initial report stated the suspect himself called law enforcement and told them if they had to shoot him to go right ahead.

Police were able to find and arrest the suspect without incident. No word yet on what prompted this act of violence.

**UPDATE**

Police say the victim is a 60 year old woman from unincorporated Santa Barbara, and was attending a dinner at the suspect's home when she was attacked from behind.

The victim suffered a twelve-centimeter long incision to her neck and was transported by paramedics to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for medical treatment. She is expected to recover from her injury.

The suspect has been identified as 20-year old Samuel Maphis of Santa Barbara. He has been booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail for attempted murder and terrorist threats.

Investigation reveals that mental illness may be a factor.

Bail is set at $2,500,000.00.

Urban Note Launches Podcast

I'm pleased to announce the addition of the Urban Note's newest extension, The Urban Review podcast.

This weekly podcast will be a recap of the week's top stories. There is also a topic discussion segment and a quick review of any upcoming community events.

The Urban Review podcast was launched this past weekend. Listen to the pilot episode here.

Water Main Break on Milpas Street

City workers have been working tirelessly since about nine Monday morning on a broken water main. Santa Barbara’s aging underground pipe system on Milpas Street finally gave out spilling gallons of dirty water onto the streets and surrounding neighborhoods, flooding the intersection of Cota and Milpas streets. The mean break was so intense that some people thought it was an earthquake. The violent episode even lifted part of the newly paved street, and sidewalks were left with thick mud that city workers had to clean up.

Some business were affected like Prestige Auto car wash, when the water was turned off. With no water, Prestige was forced to close for the day. A bulldozer was dispatched to the scene to help with the cleanup. Once the workers had the upper hand, they dug up an enormous hole on the street in order to reach the underground water pipe to repair it. Working into the late evening hours, workers were finally working on restoring water to the nearby businesses, and they still had plenty of work left to do. Not only do they have to fill that massive man-made whole on the street after the repairs, but they need to repave that stretch of Milpas Street once again.

Today’s incident caused quite an ordeal with a lot of frustrated drivers trying to navigate around the street closures. Expect more delays in the coming days ahead as repairs and cleanup to the damaged eastside streets continues.

Milpas Carl’s Jr. Reopens

For about five months, the lower Eastside’s Carl’s Jr. had been undergoing a renovation set to give the chain’s Milpas location a new facelift. On Wednesday, January 9, Carl’s Jr. opened its doors to welcome the community to its new and improved home. One of the first things you will notice is the welcoming environment. The Milpas Street Carl’s Jr. has better indoor lighting then before, and the windows are built to maximize the sunlight coming in. The sitting is more spacious as well. Long gone are the times when this fast food restaurant was crowded with tables taking up a lot of room. It seems that now, patrons have room to breath and stretch.

Other changes include the newly constructed restroom. It’s bigger and it allows for more then one person at a time. Definitely a welcomed addition. If you’ve ever visited the Carl’s Jr. location in Carpinteria, you will notice the staff is friendly and brings your food to your table. Not every location has this service but it is a service that is included in the newly reopened Carl’s Jr. About 60 employees are currently working here, more so then in the previous incarnation of the establishment, and that means a boost in jobs for locals. Employees seem genuinely happy, and with a state of the art facility, who wouldn’t?

The dual-branded Carl’s Jr./Green Burrito will reopen with a new addition to its breakfast menu: Hardee’s^® Made from Scratch Biscuits™. The rebuilt restaurant has been tooled up to include a biscuit-making station. This means that the biscuits are made fresh in the restaurant every morning so make sure you stop by and get yours today.

Double Fatality on Highway 154

Two people are dead in a late night vehicle accident that shuts down Highway 154 in both directions.

It happened near the Rancho San Marcos Golf Course and Live Oak Camp. According to CHP Officer Shayne Dickson on scene, around 11:48PM Friday night, a dispatch call was reporting a vehicle vs pedestrian. Upon arrival, the California Highway Patrol confirmed that two people had been struck by multiple vehicles and as a result, sustained fatal injuries. Santa Barbara County Fire and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff were among some of the other agencies responding to the scene. The two victims and a dog were the only occupants of their vehicle.

It’s believed the deceased were travelling west on Highway 154 from the Casino. The reasons as to why they exited their vehicle are remain elusive. Initial reports revealed that law enforcement officials had stopped a possible suspect at the Chumash Casino in connection with this incident, and someone was en route to question that driver. However, according to Officer Dickson, no one has been detained or arrested as of yet. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of the next of kin.

UPDATE:

Authorities have arrested 48 year old Martin Macarena of San Luis Obispo in connection with the fatality that occurred on San Marcos Pass late last night. CHP says Macarena took off shortly after striking the victims and was detained at the Chumash Casino soon after. He was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run and causing injuries.

The two drivers that pulled over to talk to authorities have been identified as Ma Guadalupe, 41 of Oxnard, and 45 year old and Oak View resident, Karen Gong.

Pedestrian Killed in SB and IV Robberies

It was certainly a tragic Saturday night when a woman and her dog were struck and killed by multiple vehicles on Highway 101 just after 11pm. The fatal accident happened next to the Milpas south off ramp where traffic was being directed to exit. Southbound Highway 101 was completely closed off at this location for several hours until law enforcement officials completed their investigation.

Captain Chris Mailes from the Santa Barbara Fire Department says two engines were dispatched to the scene. However, upon arrival, the California Highway Patrol had already declared the woman deceased. Both bodies on the road were covered up but that was no console for the multiple drivers that were witness to the tragic event. As a reader and witness states, “I drove past the severed body not knowing what it was til I saw the look on a woman's face that had pulled over. Most gruesome sight I have ever seen.” Officers were faced with the task of providing support for the traumatized drivers.

It is unclear what this woman was doing on the freeway with her dog, but a Santa Barbara police official pointed out to the fact that there are homeless camps around the area close to the highway. Some residents believe the dog perhaps wandered into the 101 with a concerned owner trying to retrieve it. Whatever the case may be, the facts of the case will not be known until law officials complete their investigation, and even then certain aspects of this tragedy may never be known.

In Isla Vista, a young woman reported she had a phone stolen from her while on Del Playa Drive around 1:20AM. She claimed a black male adult she had befriended earlier, about 5’4”, 130lbs, beach blonde hair and dark clothing, was the suspect. Minutes later, a man reported being robbed in the 6500 block of Segovia Rd. in Isla Vista when a dark red sedan pulled up next to him. According to the victim, the passenger in the sedan, described as a college age black mail with facial hair, made a motion that appeared as though he had a gun. The suspect then took the victim’s cell phone and wallet, although he left the cell phone before driving away.

According to scanner traffic, police were called to the downtown area near Carrillo St. around 2AM to investigate recent activity placed on a credit card that was believed to be the victim’s. Some time later, it appeared as though the red sedan associated with the IV robbery was stopped by police. UCSB sent out a reverse 911 informing students of the two crimes.

Santa Barbara’s Pinkest 10k & 5k Run

She is beautiful. Not just words you whisper to your girlfriend. I’m talking about the 1st Annual “She is Beautiful” run here in Santa Barbara. Hundreds of women and girls lined up at the at the Cabrillo Bathhouse starting line, all dressed in Pink. “On your mark, get set, go!” As the 10k run began at 8 o’clock this morning, friends and family watched as their loved ones paced themselves through the course that extended past the Santa Barbara Cemetery, along Channel Drive to Olive Mill Road, right on Danielson Road, to Jameson Lane, all the way to Humphrey Road before runners had to turn around and run back along the same route. The 5k run had a similar route, but the turn around was at the end of Channel Drive.

The She is Beautiful Pinkest 10k & 5k had been hosted in Santa Cruz in previous years, but this year marks the first time Santa Barbara hosts the event. “I’m excited to be part of the inaugural Pink run in Santa Barbara,” says Claire Scholl, amateur runner. The race benefits Girls Inc. of Santa Barbara. The event serves as a call to all women to stand in unity and become empowered.

Along the route, runners from different ethnicities, nationalities, creeds, and body types ran at their own pace. For some, this race was their first organized event, and for experienced runners like Claire, the excitement in the air was electrifying. “I couldn’t sleep at night. I felt like it was Christmas morning and I just wanted to get up and run.” Electronic chips attached to the runners’ shoes helped track their time, distance and other important statistics to determine how well they did in the event. After the race, participants were treated to free massages, Pink Berry delights, snacks, yoga, complimentary photos, and even a free t-shirt. The next She is Beautiful run is scheduled in March 2013 in Santa Cruz, California.

Watch video below:

Copyright 2012 Red Pacific Media

Old Spanish Days

The thousands of people that attended these year’s festivities will leave with long lasting memories and stories to tell the next generation as the 88th Old Spanish Days Fiesta has wrapped up five days of celebration with the official closing ceremony that featured a free concert by the West Coast Symphony.

Cleanup crews could be seen early Sunday sweeping up all of the cracked cascarones and confetti, empty wraps and other trash, left behind by children and adults alike strolling through the Mercado De La Guerra and the rest of downtown Santa Barbara, laughing, smiling and having the time of their lives taking in the sights and sounds of a small town transformed into a shared clash of Spanish, Mexican and American cultures demonstrating the rich tradition of Santa Barbara.

Celebrating the old Spanish days, however, has not always existed in Santa Barbara but is in fact a recent affair. The now famous Fiesta celebrations started back in the 1924 to keep tradition alive but after the devastating earthquake of 1925, Old Spanish Days helped to attract much needed tourism to start the rebuilding process following the natural disaster. The annual Fiesta fosters a unique spirit among the locals as the coming together of residents encourages community cooperation, collaboration and growth.

Locals and out-of-towners delighted themselves with the tastes of tamales, tacos and churros, and could not pass up the opportunity to join in all the carnival games. Even the good ol’ American hot dog got a revamp for Fiesta as bacon wrapped dogs were devoured by hungry visitors. The colorful traditional dances were definitely another fan favorite, and the ever so popular “Noches de Ronda” provided a venue for people to witness the beautiful decorative dresses of Spain and Mexico as they swayed back and forth at the firm taps from the heels of the dancers wearing them. Words cannot describe the beauty and joy that only the eye can witness during Old Spanish Days. So until next year,  QUE VIVA LA FIESTA!

2012 Copyright Red Pacific Media

For more pictures, check out: http://redpacificmedia.com/gallery16.html

Summer Solstice Celebration 2012

The contagious music, the colorful costumes, the crazy elaborate floats! Summer is here and thousands lined State Street to be witness to the 2012 Solstice Parade. The beautiful sunny weather could not have been more perfect to showcase such a unique and delightful event. Parking may have been hard to find but watching the parade was well worth the hassle of fighting through traffic and dealing with closed streets and detours.

Beautiful women in flamboyant, yet sexy, attire danced to the beat of the drums played by the very talented musicians that wield them, while an assortment of costumes ranging from parrots and flamingos, to angelic figures, to straw skirts and hula hoops could be seen. Stretching from Cota Street to Micheltorena Street, many of the parade’s participants wore makeup and masks that added to the element of fantasy, which is coincidentally this year’s theme for the Summer Solstice Celebration. The floats were just as amazing showcasing dragons and cages, temples, and thrones, and much much more. The Solstice Parade was a fantastic testament to the hard work and dedication of those that worked around the clock to make this year’s event a success.

For those in attendance that wanted to continue the party, Alameda Park was the place to be after the parade. The 2-block park was quickly flooded with people waiting to partake in the the festivities which included live musical performances, artisan work, several demonstrations, and of course, the long row of food tents and food carts. Police and AMR were making their presence known around the perimeter of the park in case things got too rowdy. There was a beer garden after all.

All in all, everyone had a good time, and year after year, the Summer Solstice Celebration draws thousands of people to Santa Barbara. Best of all, it’s free to attend. See you next year!

To view more photographs of this year’s Summer Solstice Parade, visit: redpacificmedia.com

Vehicle Into a Tree

Residents on Salinas Street may have witnessed a commotion last night around 8:30PM. A vehicle had collided with a tree at the intersection of Carpinteria and Salinas streets.

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There were no major injuries but the tree did sustain a broken branch. Santa Barbara City Fire was dispatched to the scene subsequently isolating the tree branch from becoming a danger to traffic and looky-loos.

This morning, Santa Barbara City Parks and Recreation visited the site with a tree chipper and told the Urban Note that a type of truck was the suspect vehicle in this crash. No other details were provided, and the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined.

In other news, Goleta police will be conducting a DUI check point tonight between 7PM and 3AM in an undisclosed location within city limits. Officers will be inspecting drivers passing through the checkpoint looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail time, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, court probation and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

According to Sgt. Kevin Huddle of the Goleta Traffic Unit, over the past year there have been 24 wrecks claiming three lives and injuring 18 people as a result of driving under the influence. These DUI checkpoints are an effort to reduce any more tragedies. So for everyone going out tonight, buckle up, stay safe, and most importantly, if you’re going to drink, don’t drive.

To Catch a Thief

Santa Barbara Police are looking for a man in connection with an auto burglary that occurred at a local athletic club.

Police say the thief used the victim’s credit cards to purchase several gift cards immediately following the burglary. He was seen driving a gray 2-door BMW convertible. Authorities do no provide any further details but are seeking the public’s help tonight. If you have any information about the crime or recognize the suspect in the photos, you are asked to contact SBPD Detective John Ingram at 805-897-2331 or call anonymously to 805-897-2386. Additionally, you may e-mail any information to jingram@sbpd.com.