Santa Maria
Comedy show to benefit police dept.
Reservations are still being accepted for a fundraising comedy show and dinner to be held Friday by the Santa Maria Police Council.
The Police Council, a nonprofit group that supports the Santa Maria Police Department, says they will use the proceeds from their Night of Funny Business to help purchase the remaining 25 stun guns needed by the department.
In September, the council presented a check for $10,586 to Chief Danny Macagni for the purchase of 12 stun guns.
Since the council formed in August 2007, the group has contributed more than $36,000 to the department.
Night of Funny Business will be held at the Santa Maria Country Club. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m., dinner will be held at 7 p.m., and the comedy show will start at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person, and the public is invited.
For more information, call Executive Director Terri Lee Coleman at 268-1669, e-mail her at terrileecoleman
@verizon.com or visit www.
santamariapolicecouncil.org.
San Luis Obispo County
Mussel guidebook now available online
A guidebook that's intended to help water managers and boaters take part in the fight against the invasive quagga and zebra mussels is available online, according to the Department of Fish and Game.
The “Invasive Mussel Guidebook” outlines how the aquatic creatures can devastate waterways and why local governments and water users should encourage all Californians not to move a mussel, a Fish and Game spokesperson said.
The book also provides strategies for local involvement in the quagga and zebra mussel response, the spokesperson said.
Although the mussels are not established in all state lakes and reservoirs, most areas of California are vulnerable to future transport and contamination by the species. The mussels are primarily transported from one area to another by watercraft, according to Fish and Game.
The online guidebook can be viewed at www.resources.
ca.gov/quagga.
Santa Barbara
Nine arrested in U.S. racketeering case
Nine members of a Santa Barbara street gang have been arrested after being named in a federal racketeering indictment.
The U.S. attorney's office said Wednesday the Eastside gang has engaged in murder, attempted murder, conspiracy and drug distribution. It's the first racketeering case ever brought on the Central Coast.
The indictment charges 28 defendants. Besides the nine arrested, 17 others who were charged already are in state custody and are expected to be turned over to federal authorities. Two defendants remain at large.
Authorities say the Eastside gang has 150 members, some as young as 11, and that it committed two murders last year and was hostile to black residents. Most of the gang members are Hispanic.
San Luis Obispo County
West Nile virus
confirmed in finch
The first case of West Nile virus this year in San Luis Obispo County has been confirmed in a dead house finch, according to the state Department of Health Services.
The dead bird was from the San Luis Obispo area and reported to the state's “Dead Bird Helpline” Sept. 16. Laboratory testing on Monday revealed the finch had West Nile virus, according to a Health Services spokeswoman.
Local health officials are encouraging residents to avoid the oftentimes deadly disease by avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitos carry the West Nile virus.
To report dead birds, call
1-877-WNV-BIRD. For more information about West Nile virus, visit
www.westnile.ca.gov.
San Luis Obispo County
Hearing in rape case postponed one week
A preliminary hearing set to determine whether a Paso Robles man charged with raping a San Luis Obispo woman will stand trial for the alleged assault has been postponed.
The hearing was scheduled for Wednesday in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court but was postponed a week because the presiding judge was out that day, according to David Hurst, defense attorney.
Hurst is representing Jeremy Hollis, who has been charged with rape, digit penetration and oral copulation for the alleged sexual assault that happened in mid-August at the unidentified woman's home.
Hollis is also facing a jury trial that's expected to start next month for the May 9, 2007, death of 30-year-old Gregory Mascorro, of Shell Beach. He has been charged with felony manslaughter and felony involuntary manslaughter for Mascorro's death.
Avila Beach
Harbor district names new manager
The Port San Luis Harbor District has added the final piece to its management team - a new facilities manager, Anneline Well, who will begin her new duties at the port on Monday.
Well comes to the Harbor District from Cal Tech, where she designed, planned and constructed laboratories and other facilities, according to Harbor District staff.
“Anneline completes and complements the district's management team,” Harbor Manager Steve McGrath said. “Her experience, enthusiasm and energy will move the district forward in a very positive way.”
The district's facilities manager position has been vacant since Dec. 1, 2007, when McGrath stepped down from the job to become harbor manager.
The Harbor District also recently filled its open business manager position with former Oceano Community Services District General Manager Patrick O'Reilly, who started with the port Oct. 13.
Santa Maria
Driver held on DUI suspicion in crashes
A Santa Maria man was arrested after allegedly crashing a truck while driving drunk Tuesday evening into three unoccupied, parked vehicles.
Onesimo Velasco Lopez, 41, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, reported the Santa Maria Police Department.
Around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, officers went to the 600 block of West Alvin Avenue for a traffic crash.
Officers found that three unoccupied and parked vehicles had been hit by a 1991 Ford utility truck. Lopez was not injured.
Santa Maria
Final community meeting scheduled
The last of three community meetings since August is scheduled next week to provide answers and direction for residents on city government operations. Representatives from the Recreation and Parks, City Attorney, police, and fire departments are expected to attend.
The Oct. 22 meeting, which will accommodate English and Spanish speakers, is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Minami Community Center, 600 W. Enos Drive.
For more information, call Rosie Narez, Community Outreach coordinator, at 925-0951, Ext. 414.
-- From staff reports
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