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W E DN E SDAY, J U LY 5, 2 023
Red, white and true Fourth of July spirit soars at Santa Barbara County celebrations
Prosecutors say murdered woman was victim of real estate fraud Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information on Montecito homicide By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS COUNTY EDITOR
Before she was found suffocated in her Montecito house last May, a murdered 96year-old woman was already the victim of another crime: real estate fraud, with the alleged aim of stealing her home, prosecutors said. The alleged perpetrator of that fraud — Pauline Lisa Macareno, 47, of Los Angeles — remains behind bars while awaiting her second arraignment in the 18count felony case filed against her, Senior Deputy District Attorney Casey Nelson told the News-Press. “She is in custody, and her bail is set at $1 million,” he said. “She recently picked up a new misdemeanor battery charge in jail, so that might add a small amount to her bail.”
Ms. Macareno was initially arraigned a little over a year ago, and her preliminary hearing was held on June 1, the prosecutor said. A judge ruled that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence at the hearing to hold her over for trial, and her second arraignment was set for June 13. She did not appear for her arraignment, however, and the matter was continued again until June 20, DDA Nelson said. On that date, it was continued again until Aug 1. In the Information filed against her following her preliminary hearing, prosecutors charged Ms. Macareno with conspiracy, identity theft, loan sharking, forgery, first-degree residential burglary, and the filing of false documents with the state and county. Please see HOMICIDE on A4
DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
Dancers on stage kick off an afternoon of music at West Beach while DJ Joseph Souza spun the tunes.
By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR
As pedestrians and bicyclists headed past a series of American flags on State Street toward West Beach, they heard DJ Joseph Souza spinning Don McLean’s iconic “American Pie” in front of — what else? — a giant American flag. No doubt about it. The spirit of Independence Day soared Tuesday, from the crowds at West Beach and Stearns Wharf to Fourth of July parades in Solvang, Montecito and Lompoc. On West Beach, Mr. Souza wasn’t alone on the big stage. Several women danced to his songs and at one point did a kickline, like The Rockettes. Thousands of people gathered early Tuesday afternoon in tents and on blankets on the beach to guarantee a good seat for that evening’s fireworks show. Likewise, fireworks soared in the skies above the Santa Inés Mission in Solvang and North Avenue Baptist Church in Lompoc. Throughout the day, restaurants and bars in locations such as State Street were busy with customers, many of whom were tourists. The News-Press heard various languages, including German, spoken by passersby on State Street. Restaurants showed their patriotic spirit with flags. Baja Sharkeez even brought in a large, inflated Uncle Sam to stand outside its doors. People celebrating the Fourth were clearly ready to party. You could see that on Stearns Wharf, where an afternoon of outdoor music began with the Brasscals. The large ensemble of brass, woodwind and percussion players enthusiastically played jazz
COURTESY PHOTO
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about this 2015-2018 white Porsche Cayenne, seen entering a Montecito property during a homicide. This photo is from surveillance footage. If you know anything about the suspect associated with this car, you’re asked to call the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 805-681-4150.
NEWS-PRESS EXCLUSIVE
Officials discuss status of State Street parklets A large crowd gathers early Tuesday afternoon on West Beach for music and a good seat for the evening’s fireworks.
outside the Old Wharf Trading Co. and interacted with audience members dancing in front of them. In fact, during one song, the musicians walked around the dancers as they played. A trombone player sat down on a curb next to kids and adults. She didn’t miss a beat. Later, longtime local band Area 51 played at the wharf. Back at the West Beach stage, bands varied from Peer Pressure to The Free Radicals, Rock Shop Review, Drifting Dimension and
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seemed to have a great time.” Judges were impressed. They gave the parade’s Sweepstakes Award to Flat Fender Friends. The Best Use of A Parade Theme was presented to Alisal Ranch. The Most Patriotic? That award went to the Daughters of the American Revolution, La Purisima and Refugio Del Cielo chapters. The Best Band? The judges said that was the Santa Ynez Valley Please see FOURTH on A3
By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS COUNTY EDITOR
Last week, the Santa Barbara City Council looked to the future of the Downtown Promenade by extending the closure of lower State Street and the use of that space by pedestrians, bicyclists and diners at a series of outdoor restaurant parklets beyond the original Dec. 31 deadline. As a result, lower State Street will remain closed to motorists on the 500 to 1200 blocks. Parklets also will be allowed
on the 400 and 1300 blocks and the zero blocks of West Victoria Street. Motorists will be allowed, but will have to follow revised vehicle configurations now in place. The council vote extended the temporary emergency ordinance authorizing the partial closure of State Street to traffic and allowing for the parklets to operate in the public right-ofway until Dec. 31, 2026 or the adoption of the completed State Street Master Plan, whichever comes first. The question, however, remains: What’s the status of the parklets today in terms of the Please see PARKLETS on A4
LOTTERY
i n s ide Classified.............. B4 Life..................... B1-4 Obituaries............. A4
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Golf Sucks. Also performing were Time Travelers Bridget & Sophia and La Boheme Dancers, followed by The Roosters and Spencer the Gardener. In Solvang, there was a lot to see during the Danish-American community’s traditional Fourth of July parade. “There were 82 entries, huge crowds, beautiful weather and great American fun for all,” Allan Jones, a volunteer with the Rotary Club of Solvang, told the NewsPress in an email. “Everyone
Editor’s note: This is the first in a three-part series about State Street parklets.
Sudoku................. B3 Weather................ A4
Saturday’s SUPER LOTTO: 2-9-10-16-20 Mega: 3
Tuesday’s DAILY 4: 7-1-2-9
Tuesday’s MEGA MILLIONS: 21-33-54-61-67 Mega: 12
Tuesday’s FANTASY 5: 6-17-31-33-37
Tuesday’s DAILY DERBY: 01-07-05 Time: 1:40.31
Monday’s POWERBALL: 15-26-31-38-61 Meganumber: 3
Tuesday’s DAILY 3: 1-6-1 / Midday 9-1-7