Eight-Year-Old Girl Reports Suspicious Activity to Mother
An eight-year-old girl reported being confronted by two Hispanic males in a vehicle as she left Los Berros School, 3745 Via Lato, Lompoc, Wednesday. The girl also reported that this was the second time she was confronted by the same men, the previous incident occurred on Monday 4-16.
On both occasions the girl was leaving school at approximately 3 p.m. when the men asked her to get into their van. According to a press release issued by the police, the girl told her mother that she hid, and then walked home quickly after each incident. She described the vehicle as a white van, similar to a Dodge Caravan, with a sticker on the rear of the vehicle similar to a skull.
The men were described as being older Hispanic males with dark hair, one with a tattoo located on his shoulder. No other information about the vehicle or suspects was provided. Authorities are asking anyone who may have information regarding these incidents to contact Deputy Oliver or Detective O’Grady at the Lompoc Sheriff’s Station, 805-737-7737.
Man Suspected in Array of Sexual Batteries Remain at Large
Police are still investigating a series of sexual batteries plaguing Carpinteria. In the past several months there have been five reported incidents of sexual battery and one reported incident of indecent exposure.
The suspect, described as a Hispanic male in his mid to late 20s with brown hair and brown eyes, has allegedly been riding a bicycle northbound in the southern portion of Carpinteria off the 101.
A victim reported that the five foot five inch male rode up behind her on a bicycle and squeezed or slapped her buttocks then continued riding past
In the indecent exposure incident, the suspect lifted the victims skirt then exposed himself to her. The suspect was reported wearing a small red backpack and riding a dark colored bicycle, a red bicycle or a small BMX-type bike. If anyone has information about these incidents or the suspect, please call Detective Alvarez at 895-9021. If anyone sees the suspect, please contact Sheriff’s dispatch at 692-5743 or 911
Fatal Crash on Hwy 154 and 246
A 50-year-old female County Probation Officer from Solvang died after losing control of her vehicle while merging from Hwy eastbound 246 onto Hwy 154 southbound early Thursday morning.
Although the cause of the accident is still under investigation, police believe the driver Kathleen Morelli lost control while navigating the curve, driving into light gravel, and then overcorrecting, forcing the car of the road.
The 2000 Toyota Celica landed nose first into an embankment in the ditch then flipped over a fence landing in a nearby field, according to authorities. The driver who was not wearing a seat belt was thrown approximately 50 feet from where the vehicle rested.
Alleged Child Molester Apprehended in Santa Ynez
An arrest was made on Sanja Cota Rd Feb. 28th relation to a child molestation charge. Although authorities have not named the individual, Lt. Willis of the Solvang Police department said they where asked to assist Riverside Police in a search warrant which led to an arrest on the Chumash Indian Reservation. Riverside Police have not responded to numerous inquiries by the Valley Journal regarding the incident. Currently, there are 16 registered sex offenders throughout Santa Ynez Valley, most of which involved sex crimes against children. You can protect your family by frequently viewing registered offenders at the Megan’s Law website at: http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov. The easy to use site offers a search by zip code option which shows the individuals picture, neighborhood, and which type of sex crime they were found guilty of. The zip codes to view offenders in the Valley are: Santa Ynez 93460; Solvang 93463; Ballard 93463; Los Olivos 93441; Buellton 93427.Fund Opens for Victim of Helicopter Accident
Donations are being accepted for the Solvang pharmacist and Santa Maria resident, Neels Scholtz, who was in the tragic March 8 helicopter accident in Hawaii. People interested in giving a donation can contact the Santa Maria and Lompoc Washington Mutual’s, 2200 S Broadway St., Santa Maria, CA 93454, (805) 922-7333 and 1508 N H St., Lompoc, CA 93436, (805) 736-2381.
Fund Opens for Two Clos Pepe Drowning Victims
A fund has been established in memory of Rogelio Reyes and Ramon Cisneros, the two Clos Pepe workers who drowned … People interested in sending donations can contact First Republic Bank, if by mail please address the letter attention: Cisneros/Reyes Families Fund, 640 3rd Street Santa Rosa, CA 95404. In a recent press release the families of the departed and Clos Pepe Vineyards thanked those who took the time to send the hundreds of e-mails, letters, phone calls, and condolences during the difficult time. They also thanked law enforcement for their help and compassion as well as the press for showing respect when reporting a very difficult and emotional event. For more information contact Wes Hagen, Clos Pepe Vineyard manager, (805) 735-2196.
Anti-Expansion Group Member Receives Threats
Solvang Police responded to a call early Friday morning April, 13 2007 when an anti-expansion group member reported receiving threatening phone calls at her home. While police were there, the caller phoned the victim an additional two times to tell her “We are going to get you” and “We are going to take you out.” In addition they threatened they would damage her, smear her and make her life miserable. Little did the callers know, Solvang Police Officer Parker was on the other end of the phone listening in. Police and Verizon teamed up to put a trace on the victim’s phone line. Although the caller was identified by Solvang Police an arrest has not been made.
SYV Junior Golf to kick off first Classic Junior Golf Tournament
The Santa Ynez Valley Junior Golf will be kicking off its first tournament of the year on Sunday, April 22, at 12:00 noon at the River Course at Alisal. This non-profit organization founded in 1998, has an important mission that includes more than teeing off on the course. Their purpose is to provide an environment that is fun and enjoyable for 7 to 17 year olds. They challenge juniors to play to the best of their ability, while contributing to the personal development and character of each junior golfer. Their community programs encourage participation, personal integrity, leadership and competitive spirit in a friendly atmosphere that builds responsible citizens. For more information please visit: www.syvjg.org
Local Tech Club Continues Community Outreach
The Santa Ynez Valley Technology Club will hold its next meeting Tuesday April 24, at the Royal Scandinavian Meadows Lounge, 400 Alisal Road in Solvang. The SYV Tech Club was started by Deb Dadicki in 2005, and it continues to make headlines as it reaches out to Valley residents interested in knowing more about technology. The network of professionals travel to different sites to spread the tech bug. “Were reaching out to the community and were doing what we wanted to do by getting to know the community, mentoring kids and reaching out to the elderly,” Dadicki said. “I’m very jubilant and euphoric about the whole thing and the community outreach we’ve been able to perform.” The SYV Tech’s mission is to support men and women in careers in technology, financial independence, business and social networking as well as entrepreneurial endeavors. For more information visit the Web site at http://syvtechclub.org/index.htm or contact Deb Dadicki at debor19071@aol.com, (805) 686-8477.
Spring Winds Contribute to Plague of Wild Fires
North County experienced its second wild-fire in three weeks last Wednesday. The fire burned half an acre of hillside ravine in the residential block of Jonata Park Road. The fire was a result of residents burning waste piles. Authorities say winds played a role in both fires. No one was injured. The first fire, which happened near Hwy 154, ruined nearly 50 acres of wild land on April 2.
Solvang Starts the Month with a Ring of Burglaries
Suspects in four commercial burglaries and one petty theft break-in remain at large. All the incidents occurred on April 1 in the Solvang area. In all five of the burglaries, the suspect(s) gained entry to the premises by prying open the front door, forcing entrance through air vents or smashing dry wall. Authorities say that they do not have any suspects at this time and the incidents are still under investigation. “Based on the method used to gain entry and cash being the target, we believe there all related,” Erick Rainey, public information officer for the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, said. Anyone who may have information regarding the burglaries is asked to contact the Solvang Sheriff’s Department, 805-686-5000.
Police are in Search of Lompoc Prison Escapee
As of April 10, Lompoc Authorities are still on the look out for 37-year-old Gilfardo Olmos, who escaped from the Lompoc Penitentiary Minimum Security camp April 5. Olmos was serving 11 years for drug related charges. Lompoc Penitentiary representatives were unable to be reached for comment.
New “Black Box” Dance Theater Premieres in Santa Ynez
The Daughter of Zion Dance Company is introducing a new studio performance space called Studio DoZ. The new theater is Santa Ynez’s first black box theater. “We are excited to provide theater-goers with a new venue and innovative performance,” Rina van de Kamp, choreographer and dancer, said. “The Valley is hungry for something different in its own backyard and not needing to go Los Angeles for it. This is an opportunity to see performers push into new dimensions, right here in the Valley.” DoZ will present its new show “VISAGE II” from May 4-6. Friday’s show time is at 8 p.m. Saturday’s show times are 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday’s show time is at 2 p.m. For more information contact Studio DoZ, 3630 G Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez, (805) 698-9188 or visit the Web site www.daughterofzion.net.
Improvements to come for Cachuma Lake and Santa Ynez Airport
The County Board of Supervisors voted to approve an $854.4 million projects proposal presented by the Santa Barbara County Public Works, Parks and General Services Departments, April 3. The proposal is intended to fund various improvements throughout the County. The projects include $ 2.6 million for Cachuma Lake boat launch facilities as well as an additional $1.1 million for improvements to the lake’s recreational areas. It also shows a projected $2.1 million allotment to the Santa Ynez Airport. The Board will meet in June to adopt a final budget for the proposal.
Narcotics Detectives Arrest Heroin Dealer in Isla Vista
Last Thursday, after a month-long investigation, the Santa Barbara County Sherriff’s Narcotics Detectives arrested 41-year-old Aden Perez for suspected dealing of Heroin. Detectives served a search warrant at the alleged dealers apartment located on the 6700th Block of Abrego Road in Isla Vista. Detectives also seized a scale, approximately ½ an ounce of heroin and other paraphernalia associated with the sales of narcotics. Perez was arrested and taken to the Santa Barbara County Jail. His bail is set at $30,000. Narcotics Detectives say they have seen an increase in Heroin on the streets in Santa Barbara County over last several months.