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SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - The Santa Maria Police Department held a casual gathering Thursday morning to discuss traffic issues and concerns with community members.

Held at Simple Cafe near the busy intersection of Stowell Road and Miller Street, the event was a "coffee with a cop" style gathering called "Mochas-with-a-Motor."

"Mochas-with-a-Motor was open to the community to come out if they had any questions with our traffic officers, anything related with traffic," said Aracely Lemus, Santa Maria Police Department Outreach Coordinator.

"The turnout has been good. We've gotten a lot of members come out and it's always nice to see all the members come out and interact with the officers, and just hang out, have a cup of coffee, answer questions or just a quick chat with them and get to know them a little more."

Lemus, who has served as the police department's outreach efforts since late last year, said the event is a great way for people to interact with the officers in a friendly and relaxed environment.

"It's important for the community to feel comfortable enough to come to our officers and ask the questions that they want, and to know that our officers are also wanting to engage with the community, and answer any questions they may have or concerns," said Lemus. "It opens the door to just create that partnership with community and the police officers."

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By Hannah Rabinowitz, CNN

(CNN) — A large banner of Donald Trump was hung outside of the Justice Department headquarters in Washington, DC, on Thursday, emphasizing the White House’s control over the nation’s top law enforcement branch that once pursued criminal prosecutions against the president.

The image of Trump in shades of blue is a remarkable addition to the storied Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building, which is occupied by a department that traditionally has made painstaking efforts to separate itself from politics.

Since Trump retook office last year, the Justice Department has faced repeated accusations of targeting the president’s perceived enemies on his behalf. Those prosecutions include that of former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General and Letitia James, as well as investigations into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and several Democratic representatives who recorded a video urging service members to disobey any illegal orders.

Similar banners of Trump’s face have been draped across other federal departments including the Department of Labor and the Department of Agriculture, each with their own text: “American workers first” and “growing America,” respectively.

The new sign at the Justice Department reads “make America safe again,” the slogan of the Trump administration’s violent crime crackdown.

The Trump Justice Department has repeatedly stated that its investigations under Trump are not political, and said that the department is course-correcting from alleged “weaponization” under the previous administration.

Chief among their examples are the two federal criminal cases brought against Trump by former special Jack Smith for retaining classified documents in his home at Mar-a-Lago and for his alleged role in instigating the 2021 Capitol riot. The classified documents case was dismissed by a judge, and the election interference case was dropped when he won election in November 2020.

CNN has reached out the Justice Department for comment on the banner.

The-CNN-Wire
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* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 4
inches between 3500 and 4500 feet, 6 to 12 inches for 4500 to 6000
feet, and 1 to 2 feet above 6000 feet. Wind gusts of up to 60 to
70 mph possible this afternoon through late tonight, and again
late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

* WHERE…Eastern San Gabriel Mountains and Northern Ventura County
Mountains.

* WHEN…Until 7 AM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS…Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely
become slick and hazardous. Travel could become treacherous.
Visibilities may drop below one-quarter mile due to falling and
blowing snow. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…There will be a break in the snowfall for
Tuesday into Tuesday night, before heavy snow returns by
Wednesday. However, blowing and drifting snow producing
significant visibility restrictions will continue above 6000 feet
elevation, even during the break in snowfall.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

The post Winter Storm Warning issued February 19 at 11:49AM PST until February 20 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA appeared first on News Channel 3-12.

* WHAT…Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 4
inches for 3500 to 4500 feet elevation including the Grapevine of
the Interstate-5 Corridor possible. Total snow accumulations of 6
to 12 inches above 4500 feet elevation possible. Wind gusts of up
to 60 to 70 mph possible this afternoon through late tonight, and
again late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

* WHERE…Interstate 5 Corridor, Santa Barbara County Interior
Mountains, and Southern Ventura County Mountains.

* WHEN…Until 7 AM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS…Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely
become slick and hazardous. Travel could become treacherous.
Visibilities may drop below one-quarter mile due to falling and
blowing snow.
If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be
prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room
between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to
reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be
especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your
car is winterized and in good working order.

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

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