Carpinteria casualwear and (possible) fruit thieves

union. May the rest of your years be so peaceful.

Dear Amy O, My wife and I need you to settle an argument. We live in Carp and love the casual and relaxed lifestyle. I believe that sometimes the less-than-formal approach to dress shows a lack of respect. Here’s an example: wearing a tattered t-shirt, board shorts and flipflops to a baptism. My wife feels I’m being shallow by placing such a premium on appearances. Both of us are plain dressers. I think we are appropriate dressers. What’s your opinion? Signed, The Surfer’s New Clothes

Dear The Surfer’s New Clothes, Let’s see if I got this straight. In certain situations, you find other people’s (but not your wife’s) lack of formality in wardrobe choices disrespectful. Your wife thinks you should lighten up.

First, if this a major bone of contention in your marriage, I’m guessing you are still in the honeymoon phase of your

Since you asked for my opinion… Yes, I agree that the Carp-sloppy look can be disrespectful, but I don’t think it is intentional. Nor do I think it’s a choice dictated by one’s pocketbook. I mean, have you seen the prices on board shorts and flipflops? Go window shopping down Linden Avenue and you’ll know what I mean. I also agree with your wife, though I would say you are being judgmental, not shallow.

What is your reaction when seeing someone dressed in an inappropriate, less than respectful way that you deem an occasion merits? Are you more the mental eyeroll type or do you make snide remarks to the dress-ee as well as to tablemates, those in the buffet line and other attendees? Do you rant nonstop the entire way on the car ride home, continuing into the next day?

Perhaps your wife is tired of hearing your opinion on how others should dress. She doesn’t seem to have the same emotional investment in the matter as you do. (After all, you’re the one who wrote me.) How about not bringing the subject up? See where that takes you. Taking more of a agree-to-disagree may settle the arguments.

In her book “Minimalista,” a guide for streamlining one’s beginning with the clutter of home, Shira Gill asks readers, “What image or identity do you want to step into and project to the world?” She suggests one’s personal style should be a mixture of a functional present and an aspirational future and advises taking the time to clarify not only style goals, but also personal goals, because in many ways the two are inextricable.

I don’t think she is promoting a shallowness or a clothes-make-the-person attitude, but rather, like it or not, a reminder that your appearance speaks volumes – so be sure it’s saying what you want to be said.

Dear Amy O,

Why do people think it’s okay to pick fruit off my tree that’s on private property? Isn’t that stealing?

Signed, It’s My Low-Hanging Fruit

Dear It’s My Low-Hanging Fruit,

To answer your second question, yes, picking fruit off your tree located on private property would be considered stealing, and I’m guessing those helping themselves to your tree don’t see it that way – unless you are referring to a well-organized cadre of pickers showing up in the dead of night to divest your tree of its fruit.

I don’t know the state of your fruit tree. Does it hang over your fence and hit pedestrians in the forehead? Is it in the front yard with overripe dropped fruit covered with insects circling the trunk? True, that still is stealing, but it’s understandable.

To answer your first question: I don’t know why people think it’s okay to pick the fruit off your tree. They probably don’t think about it. I suggest you lay in wait for the next fruit robber and ask them why they think it’s okay pick your fruit.

The stealing obviously bothers you. How about putting up a “No Picking” sign near your tree and a “No Trespassing” one? That might help deter the thievery, though I don’t think it’ll help your reputation in the neighborhood, prompting another letter from you wondering why you’re never invited to the Fourth of July barbecue block party or to join in the holiday sing-a-along.

Former CVN editor Amy Marie Orozco loves living in Carpinteria, including all the sometime socially sticky situations happening in our seaside setting. Along with giving advice (only when asked), Amy O edits Cannabis by the Sea Magazine. Have a question for her? Email it

805-745-8272

IslandBrewing Company.com

FOOD…

GRILL, 11-7 PM

MUSIC…

FRI: MORGAN FIELD BURNETT & HOWARD MILLER, 6-9 PM

SAT: WILL STEPHENS, 6-9 PM

SUN: CYRUS CLARK, 2-5 PM

BIRRIA RAMEN!

Sunday, May 7

2011 hrs / Attempted Burglary / Sheffield Drive

Vehicle was seen parked on Sheffield Drive near Birnam Wood and when contacted to ask the driver if he needed assistance, he stated he was looking at the GPS on his phone and quickly drove away. A traffic stop was initiated due to vehicle code violations and upon contact, four other passengers were found to be in the vehicle. Driver and a subject who rented the vehicle consented to a search of the vehicle. All subjects also consented to search of their person. One subject found with a window punch in a purse/wallet. During the search of the vehicle, broken glass was found. Four out of five subjects consented to a search of their cellphones. Most had locations pinned near Sheffield and Birnam Wood. One subject had an unsent text message for the 700 block of Calle De Los Amigos. This is in the area of an attempted burglary on Friday evening. Video was reviewed of that burglary and some of the clothing/backpack matched to items found tonight. Based on the investigation, five subjects were taken into custody and booked at Santa Barbara County Jail for attempted burglary, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy.

0125 hrs / Towed Vehicle / Linden Avenue

While on patrol, an unoccupied vehicle was found blocking the roadway. The registered owner was from out of the area and could not be located. The vehicle was towed.

Monday, May 8

2102 hrs / Narcotics, Warrant / Hales Lane and Via Real

An officer contacted a man during a traffic enforcement stop. A records check revealed the man had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest. During a search of his person, deputies located a bindle of methamphetamine inside his wallet. During a search of the man’s vehicle, deputies located ammunition, which he is prohibited from possessing due to him being a felon. He was arrested and booked for his warrant and on view offenses.

0317 hrs / Warrant, Narcotics

A traffic enforcement stop was conducted on a vehicle for expired registration. During the investigation, the driver had a suspended license. A record’s check was conducted of additional occupants in the vehicle to determine if anyone had a valid license. One of the female passengers initially provided deputies with a false name. However, an identification card was found in her purse. A record’s check of the female passenger revealed she had an outstanding felony warrant for her arrest. She was arrested for her warrant. A male passenger was found in possession of a used methamphetamine pipe and a bindle of methamphetamine. He was cited and released.

Tuesday, May 9

1736 hrs / Theft / Vallecito Road

A vehicle was parked in front of the residence and the catalytic converter was stolen earlier in the morning.

1808 hrs / Theft / El Carro Lane

A vehicle was parked in front of the residence and the catalytic converter was stolen. The reporting party heard a sawing noise at approximately 0500 hours but did not call to report it. Possibly related to above theft since it was in the same neighborhood.

Wednesday, May 10

2318 hrs / ID Theft / 1000 block

Casitas Pass Road

A man was contacted at the rear of a business for riding a bicycle without a headlight. He was observed holding an open beer and during the contact, he falsely identified himself. He used the actual name and date of birth of another Carpinteria resident, so he was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail.

Thursday, May 11

2322 hrs / Narcotics Violation / Carpinteria Avenue at Hwy 150

A man was contacted for his expired registration and during a consent search of the vehicle, he was found with a small amount of meth. He was cited and released.

Friday, May 12

1001 hrs / Follow Up / 1100 block

Casitas Pass Road

Deputies identified a suspect and presented a witness with a photo lineup. The witness positively identified the suspect. A supplemental report was authored and send to the DA’s office.

2000 hrs / Missing / Summerland

A homeless advocate called to report a local transient missing. He had not shown up to the last two free food events and the reporting party thought he would have said something if he was leaving the area. He was entered into Missing Persons System and police checked the area but could not find him.

2057 hrs / Felony / 4400 block Via Real

An employee/victim stated a known suspect broke the windshield on her vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the windshield and a side window had been broken. Surveillance video shows the suspect enter the store, exit, walk towards a planter, where she picks up an object and throws it at the vehicle. The suspect then walks to the driver side and breaks a window. The victim has a restraining order against the suspect. Investigation ongoing.

Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.