Edhat Staff
A Santa Barbara woman has been charged with two offenses stemming from a viral video.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced Wednesday that 74-year-old Jeanne Terese Umana has been charged with Battery, in violation of Penal Code section 242, and Trespass, in violation of Penal Code section 602.5(a). Both charges are misdemeanor offenses.
Umana was seen in a viral video confronting a Latino construction worker, Luis Cervantes, at a downtown apartment complex last month.
In the videos posted online, Umana stated she’s a neighbor of the apartment where work is being done and has every right to know what’s happening at the nearby property. The conversation escalates as the woman states she’s an American and calls Cervantes a “Tijuanan.” Umana then appears to have hit the man and/or the camera out of the man’s hand.
The video also shows Umana stating she works for the police department after she was caught on camera walking into the private home under construction.
In response to the viral video, numerous individuals of all ages joined a protest in Umana’s downtown neighborhood. The demonstration, led by activist Edin Alex Enamorado, gained momentum as chants demanded Umana’s accountability. The protesters marched towards the downtown police station, where tensions remained high.
The following day, Santa Barbara Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Ethan Ragsdale confirmed they were investigating the incident. Ragsdale emphasized that the police did not condone Umana’s behavior, she did not work for the department, and acknowledged the emotions stirred within the community. The department expressed support for peaceful assembly and the right of individuals to voice their concerns.
Later that week Ragsdale issued an update on the case stating detectives had been investigating the incident over the last several days.
“As a result of the investigation, Detectives referred the case to the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office for their consideration of the following criminal charges against Jeanne Terese Umana; Trespassing, Battery on a Person, and Hate Crime,” said Ragsdale.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times on Monday, Umana apologized for her inappropriate remarks and claimed she had lost control of her emotions. She said the incident began when she noticed a construction truck speeding down her residential street and parked illegally in the middle of the road. She said she approached the property where Cervantes worked to report the incident to a manager — not realizing it was an active construction site.
“And then when someone put the camera in my face, I think that’s when I lost my judgment. My judgment went very, very badly,” Umana said. “I am truly sorry that this got out of hand, and I regret making statements like that, because I said them in the heat of the moment. They were not measured, and whatever I might feel, I don’t have the right to take it out on anybody else. But unfortunately, I lost control.”
Protestors voiced that Santa Barbara, with a population that is nearly 71% white and 36% Latino, has a history of downplaying instances of racism. They hope that the attention garnered by this incident will bring about meaningful change and ensure that actions like Umana’s are not tolerated.
According to various news outlets, Umana is a retired law professor from UC Santa Barbara and her current LinkedIn profile lists her occupation as “freelance writer.”
The case is scheduled for arraignment on November 30, 2023 in Department 8 of the Santa Barbara Superior Court.
The District Attorney’s Office states if anyone has additional information they can contact Santa Barbara County District Attorney Investigator Chad Hunt at (805) 568-2357.
Videos of this specific interaction posted by Enamorado (@enamoradoalex) below.
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Additionally, Enamorado posted a separate video showing Umana harassing a street vendor where she again claims to work for the police department.
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That third video of her harassing an elote vendor near Alice Keck shows this is a habitual problem. Check out her LinkedIn and she’s commenting about someone speaking Spanish. Lady needs therapy.
I don’t think therapy can fix racism. Maybe? This lady is simply a hateful racist, nothing more. She’s entitled and racist. Public shaming of people like this is a good thing. It deters others who think they can spew hate at innocent bystanders because of the color of their skin and get away with it. We should not tolerate or accept this behavior. Their time is over.
> Nope, it certainly isn’t the opposition to racism. It’s your air of moral superiority, blindness to your own racism and biases, and erroneous belief that your moral superiority is justification for your own unsavory behavior – two wrongs don’t make a right.
This is all projection. Over and over you have said “Rules for thee” but it is ALWAYS you who have the double standard and display hypocrisy.
Equating the act of racism and bigotry – with criticism of racism and bigotry is not logical. It is false equivalence.
GT – wait a second now, how could it not be logical? The “Voice of Reason” himself proclaimed it! The Infallible One! The Great King of Logic! LOL oh man that hurts haha!
Voice, you’re saying that Sacjon is racist? Woah. Where’s your proof?
> ” I proudly accept being a bigot ” from one of Sac’s many deleted comments.
Where, as we ALL know, he meant being biased against racists. You aren’t fooling anyone (well, maybe some very stupid people) with your dishonest rhetorical techniques.
> Jim, racists can be deemed “unworthy” without stooping to the very behaviors that make us deem them “unworthy”.
Of course. And that’s what we have here. It’s simply a lie (one of so many of yours) that Sacjon’s criticism of (or “bigotry” toward) racists is those “very behaviors”. You have been called out on these dishonest sophisms and word games of yours over and over and over again. The only people who nod their heads when they read your guff are those who are similarly unscrupulous.
VOICE – still waiting…. how am I racist? I mean, you do have some basis for your claim regarding my “racism,” right? It’ not just another one of your empty and insulting comments, right? Right?
VOICE – as it sits, your considering my speaking out against racists to be “bad behavior” only cements the conclusion about you that your own comments lead to.
Not something to be proud of……
“Jim, racists can be deemed “unworthy” without stooping to the very behaviors that make us deem them “unworthy”” Uhhh – Voice is equating the act of racism and bigotry – with criticism of racism and bigotry. False equivalence and why MAGA is failing in government and in the courts.
Jim – exactly.
VOICE – Still waiting for those examples of by “bad” or “unworthy” behavior. Getting the feeling that, just like my “racism,” you have a big pile of nothingburgers, just lies.
Come on, champ, what you got?
Jim, racists can be deemed “unworthy” without stooping to the very behaviors that make us deem them “unworthy”.
To point out the obvious, being “bigoted” against racists isn’t a “wrong”. Every decent person deems racists to be “unworthy”.
Sacjon, using other people’s bad behavior to justify your own bad behavior only perpetuates bad behaviors. If we’re going to improve our society and minimize/eliminate racism and bigotry, we need to be better, do better, and lead by example. There is no justification for engaging in behaviors we want others to stop.
GT – that gif is awesome! Wish it had sound lol!
VOICE – BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH that’s all you got? Good Lord, man, that’s pathetic.
1) I AM a bigot towards racists and homophobes. Absolutely. You know that. I’m proud of that. I don’t like people who hate other humans because of a characteristic they are born with. That’s all.
2) A “bigot” is not the same as a racist. You said I’m a racist. Much different word.
3) If you don’t “deem unworthy” racists and homophobes, then you ARE the moral low ground.
Just wow. Calling me a racist and this is what you have? Shameful liar. Be better.
ALEX – yeah, I’m pretty interested to see what he’s got. Then again, we’re talking about the King of Lies here.
Classy, VOICE. So, opposing racism is worthy of belittlement and ridicule? Gosh, what does that say about your opinion of racists? Oh yeah, you’ve made that painfully clear over the years……
VOICE – who is “stooping to their level?” You keep saying that but your outright refuse to clarify what anyone here has done that is at the same “level” as racists. You called me a racist and then “backed” that with my admission (a proud one at that) that I am “bigoted” against racists and homophobes. That’s not the same, as multiple people (and simple logic) pointed out.
So, one last time, where have I said anything racist or “stooped to their level?”
Empty comments are a dime a dozen…….you must be going bankrupt.
I haven’t defended racists or bigots anywhere, unless you feel my call to act better than them and not stoop to their level is defending them, which it isn’t.
GT, only in your distorted world view is me saying we should exhibit behaviors better than racists, even towards racists, considered “morally low hate speech” and believe I have a history of racism in my family.
VOICE – my “air?” LOL! Well, I do think people who condemn racism are far morally superior to those who make excuses for it/tolerate it/accept it/support it/belittle those who condemn it. So, yeah….
Now this will be fun. My “racism?” How am I racist? Specific examples. Let’s see what you got. Please try to be at least somewhat honest though.
Biased? Yup, once again, I’m proudly biased and bigoted against those who discriminate against others for the way they’re born. Why do you and your stoner pal think that’s a bad thing? We all know the answer to that one.
Nope, it certainly isn’t the opposition to racism. It’s your air of moral superiority, blindness to your own racism and biases, and erroneous belief that your moral superiority is justification for your own unsavory behavior – two wrongs don’t make a right.
Yes, she was called out there for being racist: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7063162362110873601/
Any claim to be sorry is fake.
Funny, Umana is a Spanish / Latin rooted last name. It may be related to the word Human also! Wow, Hmmm, How did she become so alienative!?! Hel beleifs make her cray cray! Oooff!
UCSB’s move is next
I don’t think she’s a current professor. She’s not listed on their website and her last relevant “rate my professor” was a while ago
Could she lose her retirement $$$? Doubt it!
It’s just like watching that tv show with game wardens ( northwoods law)?who spend days( which cost thousands and thousands of dollars in public funding,) investigating an offender,. When they finally find suspect with enough evidence they might if they feel like it charge them with a misdemeanor. (Why bother) how long did it take our DA to come up with a simple task charging this crazy lady ? Where is impersonating a police officer offense
ANON – I doubt they spent “days” investigating this. The DA’s office has hundreds, if not more, cases they work on each day. This was an easy charge. Battery was clear and trespass was clear. Hate crime is easy enough to tag on. This likely took hours, if that. Please, let’s stop referring to her as “crazy.” She’s an entitled racist, plain and simple. No excusing away her behavior. Just because someone has no problem spewing hate at people with different ethnic backgrounds doesn’t mean they’re mentally ill.
Yes Hate crimes are Criminal, as are reckless driving, and selling food without a license and violating food safety.. If the driver was speeding ? Not say he was, but if he was Most residential cameras pick this stuff up. Note many residents of Santa Barbara have died due to reckless driving. Food borne illnesses in the USA annually are 38.4 million.
Don’t be a vigilante, if you are concerned contact the Police as they are trained to ensure Peace and Safety.. From the videos and the information provided it appears both sides are to blame.
SUN – “both sides are to blame.” – No. Only one side is to blame for her vile racism and physical attack. Her. Nothing they did would excuse the hate rants she unleashed on either of these men. Also, check the Linkedin link above to see her trolling someone for speaking another language.
Her crimes were not in self defense (or whatever you seem to think) against alleged speeding (you really going to believe this woman?) nor is her latest racist tirade a defense to selling food without a permit (a couple blocks from the police station and clearly an accepted activity).
Only one side is to blame.
Weird, from your other comments, you seem like that last person here to suggest excuses for her.
As mentioned Hate Crimes are Criminal period! I have in no way excused her behavior I have stated she is to blame, however if reckless driving and selling food without a license are also the case then they are both at fault. I am only going on what was provided, it’s up to the Judge to decide..
I mentioned reckless driving because people have died in Santa Barbara. . If one has a license to sell food it is present for the public to view.
I politely requested, if people are concerned, instead of attacking people leave it to a Peace Officer to attend to.
Best to leave it to the Judge
Both at fault for what? Saying both are at fault is saying the alleged speeding (no evidence of that, just a racist’s rambling hate) or selling corn without a permit caused or in someway gave rise to her disgusting racist rants. That’s how “fault” works. Racism isn’t caused, it’s inherent. Her filthy mouth is attached to a hateful brain. She didn’t need someone to do something to create her racism.
Another false equivalency. Your parents voted for Nixon, didn’t they?
> they are both at fault
I would say that they are each at fault, for different things. For some reason some people are trying very hard not to understand what you are saying, and then stooping to absurd ad hominems about your parents.
Yes, thank you. Emotions tend to get the best of people. It’s ironic hmm…attack when one doesn’t understand.
DAL – what is the first guy “at fault” for? What did he do to cause her racist rant? Film her? Ask her to leave? Oh, are we going to believe this racist liar? Just assume he was “speeding?” Nah, I’m not giving her an ounce of credence. Why should we? She lied throughout all her public racist tirades. Nope. Only one person at fault for anything we know of here.
this was clearly not a hate crime. you are over reaching and exaggerating.
Huh? What does that sentence even mean? Gosh dang, you really are grasping at straws, aren’t you? I mentioned the police station only to point out that he was there without being harassed, ergo…. it was publicly accepted. Simple concept, though far too advanced for you it seems.
Pathetically dishonest troll.
It’s sad when every single time an article about racial issues is posted, the same couple of commenters come in and try to troll those who speak out against racism. Every single time. I get you don’t like me, but your comments portray you as people who don’t mind racists. Every. Single. Time.
This lady is despicable, but would love trespassing to be enforced the same way for everyone in SB County. I have had numerous people walk into our yard, even try to spend the night on the lawn, and never is there a charge for trespassing. The Sherriff escorts them and sends them on their way, free to come back at their leisure without consequence.
Canon – Agreed.
The “pick and choose” mentality of cops around here is ridiculous.
And the people who are actually dangerous often roam free and unhindered.
SBTONER – Is this recent massive meth and fentanyl bust “meaningful” enough for you?
https://www.independent.com/2023/03/04/over-20-pounds-of-meth-fentanyl-seized-at-santa-barbara-motel/
Sorry we don’t have more crime for you to complain about, but it’s a small city so maybe only a couple major drugs busts a year. Maybe you should move to LA and cry about it there?
Trespassing is only enforced when you press hard enough on the police to enforce it. In this case they had to be pressed *very* hard.
I don’t know, the police around here are very hesitant to do anything meaningful and would rather drive around, have pow wows in parking lots or at restaurants, and heckle citizens over the stupidest of infractions.
When was the last time SBPD was involved in any sort of meaningful crime stopping?
I’ll wait.
I think you are the racist after reading your comments, so yeah your comments need to be corrected
QUASI – how am I racist? Saying I am doesn’t prove anything. You’re a unicorn. See? Doesn’t mean squat without some evidence.
And no, because I condemn and discriminate against verified racists (like this lady), does not make me a “racist.” Try a little harder.
It’s amazing how many GOP Karen’s there are out there, some are bigots with a personality disorder – and some that are just plain bigots with no personality disorder.
Wow you just assume she is GOP… Hmmm that sounds pretty racist. Its SB, most people are Dems or Liberals so chances are, your are incorrect.
“Karens” is also hateful, derogatory and a racist term, so you should check yourself! Its not okay to call people Karens because of their gender and color of their skin.. Its just as bad or even worse than the words she said..
You calling someone a karen is like calling a mexican or black person a racist word… SMH
Quasi – you should sit back down at the kids table. She is well known through UCSB even so I don’t need to assume anything about her political party – although you may not be aware of who she actually is. Only a child would think a political party is comparable to a race.
One has to wonder how many other instances of hate on her part were never reported, documented or recorded?
ANON – likely many, given she was just exposed for three separate and recent racist rants. I’m happy she is finally getting her comeuppance.
SBTONER – whether or not he’s from Tijuana doesn’t excuse her racism. And he certainly doesn’t need a bigot like you to provide a “label” to her hateful rants. Look at the video of the street vendor, read her comment on LinkedIn. She has a proven track record of discriminating against people for their language and skin color. Why you continue to defend her is sickening and unfathomable. Disgusting.
“If he said he is from Tijuana, then what she said isn’t racist.” – So that’s your threshold. If someone knows for a fact that the person they’re yelling at is not from the US, then it can’t be racist? Did she know where the corn seller was from? How about her trolling comment on another user’s LinkedIN post? See for yourself: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7063162362110873601/
You think she gets verification of their place of birth before she unleashes on them? Wow, man. That’s a lot of faith you put in racists. Just saying.
SBTONER – Really, nothing more to say. You bend over backwards to defend this woman. Simple. Your stance has been made, not much more to say on this subject.