NEWS BRIEFS

101, in the southbound lanes, and attempted to stop it. e driver again entered the opposing lanes, and the pursuit was terminated. CHP successfully disabled the vehicle with a spike strip on highway 101 near Las Varas Canyon, and after a short foot pursuit, the rst suspect, 27-year-old Nathaniel Santiago Reyes of El Monte, was taken into custody at 5:28 a.m.

e second suspect, 32-year-old Bryan Arciniega of Los Angeles, was successfully tracked by a Sheri ’s K9 unit to his hiding place in a palm tree and apprehended at 6:30 a.m. Deputies recovered two stolen catalytic converters from the suspects' vehicles, identi ed the vehicles they were stolen from, and are not looking for any additional victims associated with this incident.

Deputies Arrest Catalytic Converter ieves

On Sunday, March 5, at approximately 4:58 a.m., Sheri deputies, along with a Sheri K-9 unit and California Highway Patrol (CHP), apprehended two suspected catalytic converter thieves in the 500-block of Sertoma Way in Buellton.

e deputies were responding to a report of thefts of catalytic converters in progress when they received information that the suspects were seen eeing in a Fiat. e deputies later spotted a vehicle matching that description near McDonald’s in Buellton. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects ed and the driver drove southbound in the northbound lanes of Highway 101. In the interest of public safety, the deputies discontinued their pursuit of the vehicle and shared the suspect and vehicle description with CHP. CHP located the vehicle further south on the

Reyes was booked at the Main Jail for felony vandalism, attempt to commit grand theft, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, obstructing a peace o cer (misdemeanor), and possession of a controlled substance. He is being held on an increased bail of $75,000.

Arciniega was booked at the Main Jail for felony reckless evasion, misdemeanor reckless driving, felony vandalism, attempt to commit grand theft, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and obstructing a peace o cer (misdemeanor). Reyes is being held on an enhanced bail of $150,000.

Santa Ynez Valley Airport Honors

Local Heroes with New Name and Sign: Kunkle Field e Santa Ynez Valley Airport has unveiled a new airport sign to pay tribute to two exceptional individuals who have played a signi cant role in the development and growth of the local aviation community. Going forward, the airport will be known as Santa Ynez Valley Airport/Kunkle Field, in honor of James K. Kunkle and his son, James W. Kunkle.

James K. Kunkle, a distinguished WWII P-38 pilot, recently celebrated his 100th birthday and is recognized for his exception- al service to his country. His son, James W. Kunkle, played a vital role in the success of the airport, serving as the president of the Airport Authority for several years. He was a ectionately known as “Jimmy” by many of the airport locals, but unfortunately, he passed away on April 16, 2022. e new airport sign, featuring the old rotating beacon, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these two local heroes who have worked tirelessly to advance the aviation scene in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Solvang

Most of Los Padres National Forest reopens to the public

Los Padres National Forest o cials have reopened most of the areas that were previously closed due to public health and safety concerns following severe winter storms that caused signi cant damage across the Forest. Four of Los Padres’ ve ranger districts were closed under a Special Closure Order since Jan. 13 to allow for a comprehensive damage assessment.

However, Forest o cials warn that the upcoming storms forecasted over the next two weeks could cause further damage, potentially requiring additional closures. As these areas reopen, the public is strongly encouraged to exercise caution when entering areas of the Forest that are now open for hiking and camping and to closely monitor weather forecasts.

A new Forest order is now in place, which keeps severely compromised roads, trails, campgrounds, and day-use sites closed to the public while Forest engineers, partner groups, volunteers, and contractors work on repairs as funding becomes available. Road crews and resources from other national forests in California are assisting with road clearing and maintenance projects to reopen additional areas once they have been repaired.

Under the new order, all Wilderness Areas are open for public use, but extensively damaged Wilderness trails will remain closed until repairs can be made. Seven of the nine Santa Barbara front country trails have reopened, along with popular campgrounds such as Plaskett Creek and Arroyo Seco on the Monterey Ranger District, Cerro Alto on the Santa Lucia Ranger District, and the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area up to First Crossing.

However, River Road from First Crossing to Red Rock Day Use Area will remain closed until road reconstruction is complete. ree Ojai Ranger District front country trails have reopened – the Pratt, Gridley and Cozy Dell.

Los Padres Forest Supervisor Chris Stubbs said, “ is has been an extraordinary challenge for Forest Service employees and partner groups, as well as for the public. I ask for your patience and understanding as we continue what will likely be a long-term e ort to restore and reopen as many of these areas as we responsibly can.”

Forest personnel are coordinating with city, county, state, and federal partners to prioritize, plan, and implement the storm damage response and recovery. e Los Padres Forest Association and Ventana Wilderness Alliance, among others, have provided critical support in assessing damaged areas and leading repair e orts.

For a complete list of closed roads, trails, campgrounds, and day-use sites, visit Los Padres National Forest’s website at fs.usda. gov/lpnf.

Blanchard Named to Emmanuel College Dean’s List

Cora Blanchard, a resident of Solvang, has achieved a spot on Emmanuel College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester. is recognition is given to Emmanuel students who have attained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for a 16-credit semester.

Emmanuel College is a co-educational, residential institution located in the heart of Boston’s educational, scienti c, cultural, and medical communities. With a 17-acre campus, the College enrolls over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with numerous opportunities to broaden their perspectives through rigorous coursework, internships, and career opportunities both in Boston and beyond. Students also bene t from collaborations with distinguished faculty and participation in a vibrant campus community.

Emmanuel College o ers more than 70 programs across various elds, including the sciences, liberal arts, business, nursing, and education. ese programs foster lively discussions and meaningful learning experiences that align with the College’s Catholic educational mission of providing an ethical and relevant 21st-century education that develops the whole person.

Olivia Horton Named to Dean’s List at Biola University

Olivia Horton, a History major from Solvang, CA, has been named to Biola University’s Dean’s List for academic excellence. is recognition is bestowed upon approximately 1,700 students who earned a GPA of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits and whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.2 during fall 2022.

According to Dr. Tamara Anderson, Associate Provost of Academic E ectiveness and Administration, “Inclusion in Biola University’s Dean’s List is reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic studies. is honor signi es hard work, engagement, and investment in scholarship. ese attributes are the building blocks of continued success, not only in the classroom but in the workplace and in the student’s personal lives. We celebrate these students and their achievements, looking forward to their future accomplishments.”

Biola University, located in the heart of Southern California, is a nationally ranked Christian university. Recently recognized as one of America’s best colleges, it earned a spot in the top tier of the “best national universities” category of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges 2023 rankings. Founded in 1908, Biola is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship, and service, equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 6,000 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, Biola’s nine schools offer more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival seeking artists of all ages to participate in their annual celebration

If you’re a chalk artist, applications are now open for a new area at the Strawberry Festival where you can bring strawberries to life right in front of festival-goers’ eyes. You’ll be provided with a 5’x5’ cement square in front of the Convention Center and a box of professional chalk. The art piece must be pre-approved and strawberry-themed, and applications are due by March 31. To encourage children to participate, the Fairpark will provide chalk and a “Kid’s Canvas” area, free with Festival admission.

For students in Northern Santa Barbara County, there is the opportunity to compete in the Strawberry Coloring Contest. The contest is divided into grade levels (1st-3rd, 4th-6th, and 7th-8th). Entries will be judged based on originality, artistic composition, and relevant content. The winning student in each category will receive four admission passes to the Strawberry Festival, a $25 gift card, and the winning classroom teachers will receive a $150 gift card for school supplies. Coloring Contest entries are due by April 14th and should be submitted to the Fairpark Administration building.

The Strawberry Festival will be held from April 28-30, 2023 at the Santa Maria Fairpark. For more information on these events, please visit our website at santamariafairpark.com.

Paul Flores Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Murder of Kristin Smart

Smart family presents impact statements leading up to sentencing

By Camille Devaul Contributing Writer

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — e man who murdered 19-year-old Cal Poly student Kristin Smart in 1996 has been sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

On Friday, March 10, Monterey County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jennifer O’Keefe sentenced Paul Flores, 46, to serve 25 years to life in state prison after a jury convicted him last October of Kristin’s murder. As part of his sentencing, Paul will have to register as a sex o ender for the rest of his life.

Kristin Smart was a Cal Poly freshman when she was reported missing in May 1996. She was last seen walking away from an o -campus party on Crandall Way with Paul. A 25-year investigation ensued, resulting in the 2021 arrest of Paul and his father, Ruben Flores, 81. In October 2022, Ruben was found not guilty of accessory after the fact. Ruben was accused of helping his son hide Kristin’s remains. However, Paul was found guilty and convicted.

“Our criminal and victim justice system has nally delivered justice for Kristin Smart, for the Smart family, and for our San Luis Obispo County community,” said District Attorney Dan Dow on the day of Paul’s conviction. “We thank the Smart family and our community for the tremendous trust and patience they placed in the investigation and prosecution of this terrible crime. We recognize the jury for their focused attention to the evidence and the Sheri ’s O ce for their tireless e ort in building this case. Today [March 10], justice delayed is not justice denied.”

Prior to Paul’s nal sentencing, the court heard a motion from his defense lawyer Robert Sanger to seek a new trial, dismissal of charges, and acquittal. According to reports, Sanger argued that witnesses were not truthful in their testimonies.

Both motions were denied by Judge O’Keefe. While the morning’s motions were not lmed like the rest of the trial, Judge O’Keefe approved one pool camera to record the sentencing. KSBY News operated as the pool camera.

SLO County Deputy District Attorney

Chris Peuvrelle referred to Paul as a “true psychopath,” requesting him tov receive the maximum sentencing. A video of Kristin throughout her life was shown, followed by impact statements from her family.

Kristin’s father, Stan Smart, began by describing the strain her murder left on his remaining children and his marriage.

“He and his family have continued to hide her remains and deny our family the opportunity to bring her home for an appropriate funeral,” said Stan referring to Paul and his family. “ ey have no remorse for taking our daughter’s life.”

Stan was followed by Kristin’s brother, Matt; Matt’s wife, Lisa; Kristin’s cousin, Eric; her childhood friend, Ann-Marie; and Kristin’s sister, Lindsey, and her husband. Her mother, Denise, spoke last.

Following the impact statements, Judge O’Keefe spoke directly to Paul telling him, “You have been a cancer to society.”

In a press release following the sentencing, the SLO County District Attorney’s O ce described the sentencing as a “result of a tremendous collaborative e ort of more than a dozen local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies over the span of 25 years, but most importantly, the perseverance of the Smart family.” e case was prosecuted by SLO County Deputy District Attorney Christopher Peuvrelle along with Assistant Chief Investigator for the SLO County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation James “J.T.” Camp, and Senior Detective with the SLO County Sheri ’s O ce Clint Cole.

“After nearly 27 years of unspeakable anguish, the Smart family has nally seen their daughter’s killer sentenced. eir strength and determination serve as an inspiration to us all,” said Peuvrelle in the same press release. “ e prosecution team is grateful for the support of the entire San Luis Obispo community during the case. e community stood together, never gave up, and supported us to see that justice was done. We hope that victims everywhere know that there are people in the Justice System who will stand up to make sure their voices are heard.” e District Attorney’s o ce thanked the Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni and her team for providing physical and technical support throughout the trial, which was held at the Salinas Valley Courthouse in Monterey County. e trial was moved to Salinas after San Luis Obispo County Judge Craig van Rooyen ruled the father and son would not receive a fair trial in SLO County.

SLO County Sheri Ian Parkinson released a statement regarding Paul’s sentencing, “I agree with the sentence of 25-years-to-life handed down today against Paul Flores for the murder of Kristin Smart. It was a long time coming, but it is a decision that is right and just. Our thoughts right now are with the Smart family. Today is not about us and what we did, but about them and what they do now. How they move forward. We want to remind the community this case is not over yet. And it won’t be over until Kristin has been returned to her family.” e trial began on July 18, just over a year after the father and son’s arrest. roughout the trial, jurors heard from witnesses, including former Cal Poly students who were with Kristin and Paul at the party on Crandall Way the night she went missing.

Two Jane Does from Los Angeles County testi ed in the trial, accusing Paul of raping them. eir testimonies have been deemed an integral part in the prosecution’s case against Paul.

While Kristin’s remains have not been found, she was legally declared dead in 2002. Her remains have yet to be located despite now 26 years of searching.