Santa Barbara Bank
and Trust adds security guard
The
Solvang Santa Barbara Bank and Trust branch has added a security guard in
response to the recent robberies and the holiday rush.
“It’s
nothing specific to that location,” said Debbie Whiteley,
executive vice president and public relations director for the bank. “The
security department takes extra precautions during the holidays. We are always
looking for ways to ensure the safety of our customers and branch staff.”
Though
it is not known whether the added security will be a permanent fixture at the
bank, Whiteley said that the bank has heightened its
security in a number of ways.
Home Depot worker
arrested for embezzlement
Sherriff’s
deputies arrested 21-year-old Aarone Perez on Dec. 26
for allegedly embezzling over $2,600 worth of merchandise from his former employee,
Home Depot. According to police, Perez’s friends would collect various items
and proceed to the cash checkout where Perez was working. Perez is accused of
deleting items scanned and letting his friends walk away with merchandise they
didn’t pay for. He was taken to the Santa Barbara County Jail.
Highway 227 sees speed
limit reduction
Caltrans
announced a speed limit reduction for portions of highway 227 Jan. 9. The new
speed limit is 45 mph, a reduction from 55 mph. It will affect the section of
the highway from Airport Drive to Rockview Place,
just south of Orcutt Road. The speed limit at the
intersection of Broad and South Streets to Beebee
Street was reduced from 45 mph to 40 mph. The changes went into effect Jan. 11.
Reduding the speed limit is the result of surveys
conducted by Caltrans every seven years, in which speed limits on state
highways are re-examined.
District Attorney
files suit against Walgreens
The
Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, along with the San Mateo,
Santa Clara and Santa Cruz offices, filed suit against Walgreens Company for
allegedly overcharging customers by failing to ensure that the prices on its
store shelves were the same as prices being rung up at the registers. The
nationwide outlet, which operates over 500 stores in California, will have to
pay over $700,000 in civil penalties and costs. Walgreens will offer a scanner
price guarantee within 45 days to compensate consumers who are overcharged. If
a consumer notifies the cashier that the cash register price is more than the
lowest posted price for the item, the customer will either receive a $4
deduction or a $4 merchandise card. If the item is under $4, one of the same item will be free of charge.
The terms of the Scanner Price Guarantee will be posted in every
Walgreens in the state.
National Forest
Service gives safety tips
Following
the recent rains and the possibility of more wetness to come, the Los Padres
National Forest Service is reminding people to take precautions when driving
and hiking on trails. It advises people to check local weather reports, take a
map of the area you are visiting, do not operate vehicles in undesignated
areas, don’t attempt to drive across flooded roads or creeks where the water is
more than six-inches deep; fill up your vehicle with gasoline; use parking
turnouts; have tire chains ready to use; and pack extra food, beverages, a
first-aid kit and other necessities. It also recommends that people carry their
cellular telephones and have them charged and ready to use. To get prepared for
your next trip or to check the latest updates on National Forest trails or
destinations, contact the nearest Forest Service office.