City of Santa Barbara calls Tyre Nichol’s death ‘appalling’

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The city of Santa Barbara on Friday issued a statement describing the death of Tyre Nichols as “appalling, tragic and unnecessary.”

On Jan. 7, Tyre Nichols was stopped for reckless driving in Memphis. But according to Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis, the investigation and review of the camera footage found no proof of reckless driving.

Released on Friday, video footage shows Mr. Nichols being beaten by the officers.

On Thursday, the five former Memphis police officers were indicted on murder charges in the death of Mr. Nichols. Officers Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith were fired after they violated department policies, Chief Davis said.

“The death of Tyre Nichols is appalling, tragic, and unnecessary,” the city of Santa

Caltrans provides construction update

Barbara said in its statement. “The individuals involved have rightly been fired and criminally charged in the death of Tyre Nichols. There is no excuse for their actions. The actions of these individuals do not reflect the values of our public safety departments and tarnish the badge we all wear.

“The Santa Barbara Police Department and Santa Barbara Police Officers Association are committed to providing professional, fair, compassionate and dedicated law enforcement with integrity and respect with a fundamental commitment to the preservation of human life,” according to the city’s statement. “The Santa Barbara Police Department began incorporating de-escalation as part of our defensive tactics, firearms and less than lethal weapons curriculum several years ago. We utilize scenario and reality-based training to ensure our officers understand the concepts of de-escalation.”

Added Police Chief Kelly Gordon, “I want to take this opportunity to say I am proud to work with the men and women who act with nobility and honor our oath. I am thankful for their professionalism and how they serve our community. I know they will rise to this challenge, and I encourage discussion in an effort to preserve the trust we have with our community.”

The city’s statement also refers to the Santa Barbara City Fire Department and the Santa Barbara City Firefighters Association and their commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate service. The department responds to nearly 12,000 calls annually.

“Together with our response partners, the Santa Barbara Fire Department ensures that all community members and visitors are cared for like members of our own family,” Fire Chief Chris Mailes said. email: kzehnder@newspress.com

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER Closure issued for East Beach at Sycamore Creek

CARPINTERIA/SUMMERLAND/MONTECITO

— In Summerland, traffic will be shifted onto Highway 101’s new northbound lanes on the night of Feb. 2.

On the morning of Feb. 3, the new northbound off-ramp at Lillie Avenue will open, according to Caltrans, which reminds motorists to be aware of new traffic patterns.

Caltrans also noted the speed limit is reduced to 55 mph for safety throughout the construction areas. Two freeway lanes remain open in each direction during daytime hours.

Here’s the schedule for closures.

NORTHBOUND HIGHWAY 101

On Sunday nights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., there will be one lane from Santa Monica Road to Sheffield Drive with on- and off-ramps closed at South Padaro/Santa Claus Lane and North Padaro Lane.

On Monday through Thursday nights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., there will be one lane from Santa Monica Road to Sheffield Drive with on- and off-ramps closed at South Padaro/Santa Claus Ln and North Padaro Lane.

The off-ramp at Olive Mill is closed for up to seven months and is anticipated to reopen upon the roundabout completion. Until then, drivers can use the northbound off-ramp at San Ysidro Rd.

The off-ramp at Evans/Lillie Ave is expected to reopen Feb. 3. Until then, drivers can use the northbound off-ramp at North Padaro Lane.

The on-ramp at Ortega Hill Road is expected to reopen Feb. 14. Until then, drivers can use the onramp at Sheffield Drive.

SOUTHBOUND HIGHWAY 101

On Sunday nights from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., there will be one lane from Sheffield Drive to Carpinteria Avenue.

On Monday through Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., there will be one lane from Sheffield Drive to Carpinteria Avenue.

The on-ramp at Olive Mill is expected to reopen in late February. Until then, drivers can use the southbound on-ramp at Sheffield Dr.

The off-ramp at North Padaro Lane is expected to reopen mid-March. Until then, drivers can use the detour at South Padaro Lane and Via Real.

The on-ramp at Santa Claus Lane will be closed for up to five months and is anticipated to reopen Jan. 29. Until then, drivers can use the detour on Via Real, Santa Ynez Avenue, Carpinteria Avenue and Reynolds Avenue.

VIA REAL FROM NORTH PADARO LANE TO GREENWELL CREEK

On Sunday through Tuesday, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Flaggers will direct traffic for tree removals in preparation for upcoming sidewalk improvements along Via Real.

CARPINTERIA AVENUE FROM ESTERO STREET TO HIGHWAY 101

Flaggers will direct traffic (as needed) as crews build a new median island and bikeway connections.

To view timelines, detours, and maps visit www. sbroads.com.

Katherine Zehnder

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SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a “beach closure” notice for all recreational water contact at East Beach within one-quarter mile of the Sycamore Creek outfall.

The closure is in response to a spill of untreated sewage reaching ocean waters along this beach shoreline. Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services was notified by the city of Santa Barbara of a broken sewer pipe on the bridge spanning Sycamore Creek at East Mason Street. The broken pipe was repaired Wednesday evening, and the city indicated the damage and associated release likely occurred as a result of the recent storm. It was estimated that the spill involved a release of approximately 5,500 gallons of sewage to Sycamore Creek. The affected area has been posted with signs warning the public to avoid contact with the water until sample results indicate the water is safe for recreational use.

Contact with sewagecontaminated water increases the risk for certain types of illnesses. For more information, visit www. sbprojectcleanwater.org.

— Katherine Zehnder

WENDY McCAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . Co-Publisher

ARTHUR VON WIESENBERGER . . . . .Co-Publisher

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