Law and Disorder 12-24
A 12/21 car crash near the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort in the Santa Ynez Valley killed Solvang resident Michael Earnest Moore, 17, and injured an 18-year-old woman. Both were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from a 2001 PT Cruiser going southbound on the 1000 block of Alisal Road when it rolled into an embankment. Also involved in the crash was the 19-year-old male driver and a second 18-year-old passenger. They were wearing seatbelts and suffered only minor injuries.
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A raid on a Guadalupe home last week resulted in the arrest of Jesse Deleon, 41, for suspected sale of methamphetamine and child endangerment. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department served a warrant on 12/18, and found one ounce of methamphetamines, estimated to be worth $2,900, and other drug-selling contraband. Detectives also discovered about 130 marijuana plants growing indoors, which they determined to be medicinal and legal by state law. However, because the smell was so pervasive and the plants could be easily accessed by the two-year-old twins living in the home, Deleon was charged with endangerment and the children were taken by Child Welfare Services.
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Arraignment for Denise D’Sant Angelo-who is accused of withholding $2,800 from the Sisters of Bethany nuns after the three were evicted from their Santa Barbara convent last year-was postponed on 12/19. Judge Edward DeCaro granted D’Sant Angelo until 1/1 to find a private attorney, as she said she would not qualify for a public defender. She had previously posted her $50,000 bail and remains free. (/nuns1224)
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A 23-year-old Lompoc man who was reported as missing by the Sheriff’s Department on 12/18 was reunited with his family the following day. Though he had been reported as having been last seen on 12/11 prior to his absence, Sheriff’s spokesperson Drew Sugars said he was found safe and unharmed.
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Actor Sam Bottoms, 53, a Santa Barbara native best known for his performance in the film Apocalypse Now, died at his Los Angeles home on 12/16 from brain cancer. Bottoms-whose brothers Timothy, Joseph, and Ben are also actors-made his debut in the film The Last Picture Show at 15 years old. A private service is schedule for early 2009.
