State Street businessman describes being threatened

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Jonathan Pu’u knows firsthand about crime on State Street.

He’s experienced it. A lot of it.

continuing in his role), Meagan Harmon and Alejandra Gutierrez. Then the floor was opened for Tess Harbor, the city’s State Street master planner, to update the council on the progress made so far, and much of it focused on how hard she and others have worked to reach out to all segments of the community and get their comments about how they see the future of

As in being besieged by some violent transients he describes as being high on crack cocaine. And one of them was wielding a hatchet.

In a social media post earlier this month, Mr. Pu’u describes a series of encounters he had with aggressive homeless men both inside and outside his business at 1107 State St.

“I was threatened with a hatchet in our business by a crackhead on State Street,” he said. “Police didn’t come right away until I got him to leave, and he went to neighboring businesses threatening them. They then showed up. Not sure if he got charged or not.

“I had another crackhead come in and threaten/stalk me on State Street in our business and get in my face and refuse to leave. Took two hours for police to come. The guy is still doing this. Saw him yesterday again, too.

“Had another crackhead who exposed himself and urinated in front of our business door during operating hours with people inside, exposing himself to people and children. The cops wouldn’t arrest him and he proceeded to sleep in front of our shop for a week on the sidewalk.

“Had a guy threatening to throw a brick through my car window behind our business and the police no-showed.

“Also a garbage fire in the dumpster behind our business at 3 a.m. Cops and FD came. Don’t know if arrest was made.”

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, in partnership with Direct Relief and the Santa Barbara Foundation, will deploy volunteers and heavy equipment to North County this Saturday to help homeowners recover from the recent flooding.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will gather in the 1100 block of Parkland Drive in Orcutt to remove debris, replace damaged drywall and insulation, dig out silt from homes, and help restore yards damaged by flooding.

“This Saturday is the fifth

Tuesday’s

Tuesday’s anniversary of the Bucket Brigade. What better way to celebrate the spirit of community than to reach out and help our neighbors after the recent flooding?” said Abe Powell, co-founder and CEO of Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade. Activities include digging, sorting trash, moving dirt and garden materials, removing and installing drywall, getting dirty, having fun, making new friends, and being a hero to someone in need.

Lunch for volunteers will be provided by the Bucket Brigade with support from Goleta-based

Monday’s POWERBALL: 12-31-47-58-60 Meganumber: 23