Santa Marians don’t have to be afraid of things that go bump in the night. Thanks to the largesse of the Santa Maria Police Council, the city’s SWAT team can deal with nocturnal crime issues with dispatch, because it has infrared goggles and can see in the dark.
The council held its second annual membership social on March 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Country Club. This was an exceptionally pleasant and informative evening: lots of good stuff to learn about advances in crime-solving technology and procedures.
This was also an opportunity to recruit new council members and for present members to get together with off-duty members of the police department, to hear the progress of the council, and to learn of upcoming police department developments.
The Santa Maria Police Council came into being in August 2007. Since its inception, it has contributed more than $46,000 for the purchase of 24 Tasers, a K-9 dog, a K-9 protective vest, and a specialized SWAT Team rifle. The group has also provided $1,000 for uniforms for Santa Maria Police Explorer Post No. 115.
Although the event’s flyer promised a no-host bar and appetizers, the incredible food spread was close to a full-fledged dinner buffet with a roast beef and turkey carving station, breads, cheeses, fruit, and tiny cakes for dessert. The dining room was packed with more than 160 guests, a testimony to the interest of Santa Marians in supporting the police department. Many local philanthropists and some of the most “givingest” folks in town were in attendance.
The Police Council’s Executive Director Terri Lee Coleman greeted guests, and Jim Glines emceed the affair. Two K-9 cops introduced the gorgeous dogs that ride with them all day and assist them in their work. The guest list was rife with dog lovers, because everyone paid rapt attention to the stories of the dogs’ effectiveness and competence in doing their jobs.
Police Chief Danny Macagni talked about upcoming changes in the SMPD, and PD Chaplain Pastor Paul Berry (of Calvary Chapel) informed us of how the department deals with personnel stress issues.
I spotted Laurie Macagni in the buffet line, along with Peggy and Dan Blough, and Etta Waterfield of the Chamber of Commerce and her husband Bob. City Council members Bob Orach and Mike Cordero (a former police officer) were among the many who enjoyed the demonstrations of police equipment.
Upcoming fundraisers include a golf tournament scheduled for June 8 at the Country Club. In October, there will be a “Funny Business Dinner and Comedy Show” featuring comedian Dave Anderson. If the success of the membership social is any indication, these events should be a lot of fun.
Anyone interested in joining the Police Council can contact the effervescent Terri Lee Coleman at 268-1669 or e-mail her at terrilee@santamariapolicecouncil.org.
Yearly membership costs $200 for individuals and $250 for a couple.
Santa Maria Arts Council reception
The Santa Maria Arts Council played host to a slightly less dramatic reception (no dogs or high-tech goggles) at the Santa Maria Town Center on April 3 to preview its 29th annual Student Art Show, which features exceptional art by local students. City Council members Alice Patino and Hilda Zacharias showed up to view the exhibit and to chat with art teachers Autumn Jennings, George Karamitsos, and Gerry Starowicz.
Anyone who wants to hobnob with Helen may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Apr 9-16, 2009.
