County Lines for July 15, 2008 Nipomo Couple loses pet in mobile-home fire An electrical fire early Saturday morning in Nipomo left a young couple sifting through the pieces of their lives and grieving the loss of a pet Tuesday. Too many appliances in one outlet is believed to be the cause of mobile-home fire in the 1000 block of Holder Park Lane, according to Cal Fire Capt. Chad Zrelak. Although Donnie, 24 and Amanda Holder, 21, were not in the home at the time of the fire, Excalibur, their Doberman Pinscher, could not be saved in time. “We know that everything inside is replaceable, except for our dog,” Amanda Holder said. Holder estimated approximately $250,000 in damage to their possessions not including the cost of the mobile home, which fire officials said was completely lost. A thorough investigation revealed the fire originated in the northeast bedroom where fire officials said they believe there was most likely too many appliances for the electrical systems to handle. “If you start using multi-adapters ... that could be an overload for that area and potentially cause a fire if it gets too hot or starts tripping the breakers,” Zrelak said. Holder said the couple's family and friends have been supportive and they “feel blessed” to have everyone's help. The couple did not have insurance on their lost home and possessions, according to Amanda's mother, Karen Lewis. A benefit account for Donnie and Amanda Holder has been set up at Rabobank and Santa Lucia Bank for anyone interested in donating to the couple's fresh start. Santa Barbara County Highway 101 lanes to be closed in sections Caltrans has been and will continue to close lanes this week on Highway 101 due to installation of permanent message boards and traffic cameras. The number two lane of southbound Highway 101 will be closed three miles north of the Highway 101 and 154 interchange today and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The northbound Highway 101 off-ramp at La Positas Road will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Thursday. The number three lane on northbound Highway 101 was closed Monday from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Santa Barbara County drivers also can locate traffic and road condition information at www.dot.ca.gov/dist/05/maint/road/upsb.htm. Santa Maria Senior struck by SUV at gas station A 75-year-old Santa Maria woman was taken to Marian Medical Center after she was allegedly struck by an SUV while walking through a gas station parking lot. Olga Shahin was walking through the parking lot at the Mobil gas station at 2404 S. Broadway, when James Marlin Kaseman, 44, attempted to back his 2002 Ford Explorer into a gas pump stall, police said. Kaseman allegedly struck Shahin causing her to fall and injure her right hip, police said. Shahin was taken to the hospital where she was admitted but was listed in good condition Monday afternoon, according to a Marian Medical Center spokesperson. Kaseman was released from the scene following the collision, police said. Pismo Beach Not guilty plea made in manslaughter case A Paso Robles man accused of killing a 30-year-old man last May during a fistfight outside a popular Shell Beach bar pleaded not guilty Monday to voluntary manslaughter. Jeremy Hollis also has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter for the death of Gregory Mascorro who fought with Hollis on May 8, 2007, over a game of pool. Hollis entered that plea last year. Mascorro, a Shell Beach resident, died at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo on May 9 from the injuries he sustained during the alleged fistfight with Hollis. A jury trial was expected to start last week, but, because the district attorney amended the original charges Hollis is facing, it was delayed until Nov. 3. If convicted of voluntary manslaughter, Hollis could face a maximum sentence of 11 years in state prison or four years if convicted of involuntary manslaughter. A jury can only convict Hollis of one of the two felony charges, according to prosecutors. Nipomo Work on storm drain set to begin The County Department of Public Works will start work Monday on a storm drain project near the intersection of Thompson Avenue and Tefft Street. Crews will replace two concrete storm drain culverts along Haystack Creek, near the intersection, which is expected to provide nearby residents and businesses with flood protection during 25-year storm events, according to Steve Frank, project resident engineer. The project should be completed within 80 working days, depending on weather and coordination of a waterline that must be relocated as part of the project, Frank said. Motorists are advised to use extreme caution when approaching the construction zone and drive slowly through detours, Frank said. D-Kal Engineering of San Luis Obispo was awarded the $827,734 contract. Santa Barbara County Mudslides, flooding closes part of Hwy 33 A portion of Highway 33 was closed Monday afternoon due to mudslides and flash flooding produced by heavy rain in the area. On the Santa Barbara County side, crews had Highway 33 closed around 4 p.m. at Ventucopa, a remote community in Santa Barbara County near the Ventura and Kern county lines, according to the California Highway Patrol. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch through 10 p.m. Monday due to the possibility of thunderstorms that had the potential for intense rain in the Santa Barbara mountains and Cuyama Valley. - From staff reports |