Police Report Quiet, Uneventful Fiesta
No Major Incidents, But a Slight Increase in Arrests Over 2007
Fiesta is a busy time for Santa Barbara, especially for the city’s law enforcement. Over the course of the festivities from Wednesday through Sunday, however, there were fortunately no major incidents, reported Santa Barbara police spokesman Sgt. Lorenzo Duarte. Still law enforcement officials were active, issuing a total of 527 traffic citations, which is up a significant increase from the 245 issued during Fiesta 2007. Additionally, 255 parking citations were issued and 48 vehicles were towed. Other citation activity includes 209 Municipal Code violations, 32 miscellaneous infractions, 22 instances of unlicensed driving and 9 incidents resulting in license suspensions. Several arrests were made 33 for felony charges and 104 misdemeanors. Both statistics are slightly increased from the 21 felony and 97 misdemeanor arrests made last year. Additionally, check points and California Highway Patrol made 21 DUI arrests – a few more than were made 2007.
