BY ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER
Santa Barbara police arrested identical twin women this weekend for multiple thefts at the same residence since the beginning of the month.
On September 1, a woman reported that her home on the 2000 block of State Street had been burglarized, with clothing and jewelry missing. Police matched fingerprints at the scene to 24-year-old Alyssa Chang Nowak.
Two days later, the same residence was burglarized and more clothing and jewelry was stolen. Police issued a BOL, or “be on the lookout,” for Nowak.
On Saturday, officers responded to De la Guerra and Castillo streets for a disturbance and ran across Andrea Chang Nowak, the twin sister of Alyssa Nowak. Officers took Andrea Nowak to the police department to determine her identity with a fingerprint comparison.
After confirming that she was, in fact, Andrea Nowak, a detective then noticed she had jewelry matching the description of property stolen in the State Street burglaries. The victim identified several items as stolen, including a pearl necklace and a Chanel sunglasses case.
Officers arrested Andrea Nowak for possession of stolen property, and her bail was set at $20,000.
A few hours later, a silent alarm placed in the State Street residence by police following the second burglary sounded. Officers found Alyssa Nowak inside the residence, wearing stolen jewelry including a diamond ring and a pearl necklace. Police booked Alyssa Nowak on four counts of residential burglary. Her bail is set at $250,000.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Twin sisters arrested in burglary
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89 comments:
uh-oh...those don't look like happy girls
They shouldn't be happy, they sent to the same high school I went to in San Francisco. Not to mention it is a catholic high school, but this behavior is not something that our Jesuit education taught us. On behalf of the rest of the alumni of Saint Ignatius College Prep, I'm sorry that the morals that the Jesuits taught us did not stick with these two wayward souls.
You are both wrong. They are obviously just troubled and if you had some compassion like you should as a religious person you could see that. I will be praying for these sweet girls and hope that they find some peace.
Maybe if the owner of the previous comment had gone to high school with the two girls, much like I did, they wouldn't be the least bit surprised, nor be defending them and claiming them to be "sweet" girls. Are there any SI Alum that remember the "PG's"? Need I say more?
I too went to school with these girls. They are good, kind people and it is sad to see people with such potential go down a destructive path. I care for these two people very much and I hate to see when people judge others and put others down. What these girls need are prayers and good thoughts. I love the nowaks, and I hope that the stupid highschool drama and gossip will stop. Those who do that are just losers and have nothing better to do. Girls, keep your heads up we love u!
I know these girls from HS too. They had money. Don't tell me who to give compassion to, they are petty thieves. I feel sorry for their parents and the people they were burgularizing, but not them. And since the article alludes to them being repeat offenders, who knows who else had been victimized, or who else was going to be victimized. They are crying in their mugshots for being caught, not out of guilt. Kudos to the police! Negative 100 Karma points for them!
I dont think that anyone should say that these girls are selfish and insecure. They are inflicted by a DISEASE!!! and anyone who can't recognize that addiction is a disease isn't very intelligent. It is just like any other disease and I hate when people relish in other people's hardships. I went to SI too and i feel that the people there are harsh and all they care about is gossip. Try praying for those who are suffering and stop relishing in the fact that they are ill. Be more sensitive to others; especially their family.
this is not about gossip. this is just people recognizing that these girls have made poor choices in their lives, which inevitably led them to addiction--which is a disease--yes, but not one they were born with. they chose to be self destructive which lead them to addiction, an awful disease that people need very serious help in order to beat. and i pray that they do. but they are by No means innocent in any of this. and last time i checked drug addicts who are helpless and only commit crimes to satisfy their addictions dont go around wearing diamond rings that they stole and other jewelry etc. So obviously their intentions were not out of desperation and a need to fulfill a habit or disease but out of SELFISH desire and who kows why else.
the nowaks are not the victims here. the people who got burglarized by them are. their family members are victims. they are all victims of the pain and anguish those girls have put them through over so many years. maybe jail will teach them the lessson they have been needing for as long as i have known them
If you were truly educated in the field of addiction you would know that YES actually you can be born with addiction problems. It IS GENETIC, and if you were well versed in addiction you would know that. I think you should really watch what you say because yes doing drugs is a choice...but addiction in itself is a disease that you can be born with. I am educated in addiction from Berkeley, and so I do know that these are girls who are troubled and need to get help for their addiction. I don't think it is fair to judge people especially when you aren't fully aware of the disease.
Maybe everyone should stop looking at these disturbed girls as "victims." Maybe they should consider the actual victim of this case whose place of residence was violated. Can you imagine the terror involved knowing somebody has repeatedly broken into your home, not knowing what intentions were behind it. It makes you question your safety and cause you to suspect your friends. It disturbs your sanity, not to mention your day-to-day activites. These disturbed girls have caused serious troubles to victims they terrorized. They obviously have mental issues, but that shouldn't make people feel sorry for them. They deserve to be in jail and off the streets terrorizing poor innocent people. I hope justice is served and these freaks are kept in the psycho ward where they belong so citizens are safe from their disturbing actions.
O Red And Blue, we'll all be true... Man this is exactly why i love that i went to st ignatius. i think i had history with one of them.... i now know where all those missing pencils went
The only person dumber than the Nowak twins is the dumb broad who is trying to say their addiction to burgalary or insecurity is a disease. Your stupidity is a disease and I hope we don't cross paths at any SI reunion events because I don't want your stupidity disease rubbing off on me.
No excuses should be made for their actions, it will only tell over time if they can find a way to recover from their mistakes, these girls and their family should be in the prayers of every person, and it is no persons right to put their name down. Mistakes can always be corrected. Alyssa and Andrea will be in my prayers.
I went to HS with these girls, but that doesn't matter. Deep down, and maybe more so towards the surface, they have HUGE hearts and love so many people, both privileged and not, and so many people love them. It is God's will that these young women get help, and that's why there are now in the system. Though not necessarily related, it goes to show how socio-economic status, both having nothing and being too well-off, can have detrimental effects. We've all made mistakes in life, and we've all grown and been forgiven. They are in the same position. Let's be thankful that now they are safe and unhurt. My heart goes out to them; obviously they'll be just fine. I hope their parents are understanding of their situation and provide as much love and support as they need. Instead of pointing the finger at the twins , take responsibility for the situations and wish them the best and keep them in your prayers - Chris H.
It makes me absolutely sick that people would say "karma" to the nowak girls. I KNOW them and they do not deserve that kind of blasphemy. All I have to say is that people who feel good putting others down should watch their "karma" because putting other people down especially when they aren't healthy isnt right. People should be putting them in their prayers, not feeling good that they are in a bad place. How immature are you people?
As courtesy to their family, if you don't have anything nice to say DON"T DAY IT. STOP BEING SO RUDE! It isn't right to relish in others' anguish, so merely say that you are thinking about them and their family and thats it. STOP BEING SO negative and absolutely rude.
Maybe the person who wrote the comment saying I was dumb for saying they have a disease is missing a few upstairs...they are oviously NOT addicted to burglary you dumb person, they are addicts...drug addicts. You are absolutely crazy and people need to stop being so mean. I went to HS with these girls, know them well, and they are good hearted. How many people went drunk to SI dances. Come on people, stop denying it. We all did, so stop denying that. And that person who wrote about having history with them...thats just plain rude. Why DO YOU ALL GET SO MUCH ENJOYMENT OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE"S ANGUISH!?! Your comments are hurting more people than you could know. ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE
OK ZOE no one wants to hear your stupid comments anymore. this is not a secret to be respected, this is in the media and it is a CRIME.no one is "relishing in their anguish "and they certainly arent creating drama or gossip. this is information that was delivered to the public via the news and we all have the right to give our opinions---which are for the majoritysaying the truth which is that they are idiots and its their own damn fault. no one is being negative or rude--you are being naive and dumb.
shut up to all the people trying to make excuses for these girls. they are not "sweet innocent girls". whoever is saying that is a dumbass. these girls are horrible and have terrorized their own mother and torn their family apart. they have done NOTHING to better themselves or anything their whole lives. they had many chances to m ake things right in their lives but they didnt. from being wasted at prom and nopt being able to walk at their hs graduation to this---they are exactly where they should be and where their own actions and decisions have landed them, which if they had any brains, or care for thier family, they would have prevented
It's not Zoe, it's their sister Natalie. And YES you are relishing. SO STOP. You think I'm kidding, I'm not. It's messed up. SI is messed up and the people are messed up. My sisters are good people. I'm not saying they have done good things. They have made bad choices, but instead of making fun of them and bringing up stuff from highschool pray for them. I think this would be different if one or both ended up dead. Thanks for all the compassion fellow CATS. I hope you all feel great for making me and my family feel worse. We love the twins and will stick by them no matter what. We hold our heads up high and I am and always will be proud to call them my sisters. People just don't understand the nature of addiction. So if you don't then stop assuming. I know about addiction and its a terrible disease that they need to overcome. What they need right now is support, not nasty comments to tear them down. I appreciate all those of you who have been so supportive and kind. And for those of you who haven't, its really too bad you feel the need to be that way.
ok, which is worse, people expressing thier opinions, accurate opinions, on a news blog on the internet, or all of the pain and anguish caused by the twins' UNACCEPTABLE behavior-to say the least.?? come on, get real and stop trying to defend them. no one is getting pleasure out of this. but its reality. a reality that they brought upon themselves. maybe this would be more understandable if the people who were arerested were poor, uneducated, unloved individuals--but the nowaks are not that. they had love, money and education. the nowaks behavior is what is ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE.
You think calling someone dumb isnt rude? WOW SMART
I am both a Saint Ignatius and UC Santa Barbara graduate. Despite the fact that I knew them both, and knew of their prior troubles, I am deeply saddened to see this happen to both young women.
That being said, they have done this to themselves and most definitely deserve the punishment that any judge or jury will mete out.
Their behavior is definitely not representative of the SI and UCSB communities. It is not even representative of the UCSB Greek Community of which they and I were apart of. What is it representative of is a combination of their environment and their mental shortcomings (either through choice, disease, substance abuse, etc.).
Only they are able to help themselves. We shall see what happens from here.
I have no opinion either way. I think what they did was wrong, but any "addiction" or "disease" they may have, is not something for people who know them or not to poke fun at, take advantage of, or mock. If you are so much better and are brave enough to write these mean things about people who you may not have even seen in years, then why write everything under an anonymous name. Thats real brave. You can prey on others misfortunes and not have to own up to your own words and remarks. If it makes you feel better to laugh for a minute at poking fun at these girls, then you should feel good about yourself. I feel bad for the victims of the crime, and for the twins for learning their lessons in such a harsh way. For all the people that are taking advantage of their mistakes, there are twice as many people that love and care about them, and those are the only opinons that matter. If you are bug enough to right mean and hurtful things, then why be such a coward as to not write your name with it. It is cowardly. They made mistakes, and they will learn from them and grow from them. Grow up and put yourself in their shoes or their family's shoes. Nobody is perfect, and everyone messes up. They will be stringer after this, and hopefully nobody else ever has to suffer through something like this.
Everyone needs to grow up. Things that people are saying are no better than what these girls did. Let them deal with their mistakes and grow and learn from them. Who gave any of you the right to pass judgement. Just because you went to high school with someone, does not give you the right to get joy and humor out of thier mistakes. Look at yourselves in the mirror and grow up. One day you may make a huuge mistake, whether you think it or not, you hopefully you wont have to read the comments that they are having to read. I wish them luck and know they will learn from this. ---michael
Most stupid comment thus far: "I am educated in addiction from Berkeley". I guess some UC's just hand out the LSD now.
Smartest comment: "Can you imagine the terror involved knowing somebody has repeatedly broken into your home, not knowing what intentions were behind it. It makes you question your safety and cause you to suspect your friends."
Negative 5 karma points to the first, positive 10 karma points to the second.
Congratulations to the parents of these fine young ladies and for giving them every opportunity to be fine, upstanding citizens. You have obviously raised them right.
The fact that people come from money or not should not have a factor in sympathy...that is the most ridiculous argument I have ever heard. Just because someone comes from money doesn't make them immune to the realities of addiction. To say that you would have more sympathy for poor, unloved people is crazy. People are people. Addicts are addicts. Get real. keep these girls in your prayers.
As their sister I think I would know if they have "terrorized" my mother and my family. We do not approve of their choices but we show them unconditional love and I would not consider them to have terrorized my family. We love these girls and know they are ill. Have some sympathy and stop talking like you know the situation. All we ask for is your loving care and prayers. Your accusations and talking about HS is unnecessary. We would all appreciate your support. Thank you
Several comments have not been approved or have been deleted due to the use of profanity or attacks on the Nowak family. Please keep future postings civil.
is the one on the right above wearing the pearl necklace she stole, if so, that's awesome.
if the family knows there addicts or whatever, why are they in santa barbara and not at home getting help? If there family and friends were so concerned why didnt they do something to prevent this from happening? This whole situation could have been avoided.
All diseases, eating disorders, drunkeness, addictions, oh this oh that aside, lets be realists please and call it like it freakin is, these girls needed huge wake up call. They were caught up in themselves in everything they did and over the years have torched many bridges with regards to their friends. They didnt give a rats @$$ if what they did hurt someone else. I know many people, including their fam obviously, who tried, tried, tried, to get them back on the right path. But when you are selfish like this there is no reasoning, they heard what people said, and those words literally went in one ear and right the hell out the other. They completely brought this on themselves because i know there were people out there trying their @$$E$ off to get them straight. They chose. Their grown adults. This is not middle school anymore. They have made horrible decision after horrible decision after repeated support. The man upstairs works in mysterious ways, so lets hope this $*it can finally sink in their head since nothing else did
thinking of you and your family. i hope the twins are in a safe place right now seeking the help that they need.
All diseases, eating disorders, drunkeness, addictions, oh this oh that aside, lets be realists please and call it like it freakin is, these girls needed huge wake up call. They were caught up in themselves in everything they did and over the years have torched many bridges with regards to their friends. They didnt give a rats @$$ if what they did hurt someone else. I know many people, including their fam obviously, who tried, tried, tried, to get them back on the right path. But when you are selfish like this there is no reasoning, they heard what people said, and those words literally went in one ear and right the hell out the other. They completely brought this on themselves because i know there were people out there trying their @$$E$ off to get them straight. They chose. Their grown adults. This is not middle school anymore. They have made horrible decision after horrible decision after repeated support. The man upstairs works in mysterious ways, so lets hope this $*it can finally sink in their head since nothing else did
Typical callous behavior from overprivilaged SI girls. I don't know too many "sweet" girls who invade people's homes and steal valuables. What a disgrace. I hope they get they are punished to the full extent of the law.
"they're" you idiot.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
I went to school from 1st grade through college with these girls and knew them very, very well. Although I would not vouch for them in terms of the content of their character, I abhor the comments of some of my peers.
How could any of you truly wish ill on these girls and their family? How could you defend yourself when you know you are communicating with(what I assume is a very distraught) member of their family.
Now is not the time to be on a high moral horse and condemn what IN REALITY are two sick girls. If you went to my schools I hope you leftwith some compassion for those less fortunate (in finance, in
sickness, in any form) than yourself.
I will pray both for victim of the burglaries (who I am SURE will make
a full recovery) and for the twins (for whom I can only hope). At
least grow a spine and sign your name to what are objectively hurtful and harsh comments. - Colin
i have a family member who suffers from addiction as well. it is a horrible illness. but whoever is saying that all they need is "unconditional love and support" is dead ass wrong. what they need is to know they have NO SUPPORT in their negative behaviors so that they will truly hit rock bottom, have no where and no one to turn to but themselves. that is what is needed to make a true recovery and life turn around. watch intervention--you might learn a thing or two and maybe they wouldnt be getting worse and worse and worse,.. who knows whats next from these two
agreed, full recovery from STEALING OTHER PEOPLES BELONGINGS??? I mean really.. there are other things that we should be praying about.. and definitely not that..
"I went to SI too and i feel that the people there are harsh and all they care about is gossip."
The events surrounding the Nowak twins are pathetic and sad, but this discussion shouldn't lead to unfounded, disrespectful, low class comments about SI. SI had produced mayors, doctors, lawyers, educators, and men and women for and with others for over 100 years. At SI I learned how to cause trouble in a smart, cleaver, and most important, witty way. And after four years of partying in college, it’s because of what I learned at SI, balancing all of life’s demands, that I’m able to have fun and still know what’s important: my education and my future. It’s too bad that these girls never quite picked up on any of that…
What’s the saying? Don’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch? Well, clearly two bad apples haven’t spoiled anything but their own future.
The events surrounding the Nowak twins are pathetic and sad, but this discussion shouldn't lead to unfounded, disrespectful, low class comments about SI. SI had produced mayors, doctors, lawyers, educators, and men and women for and with others for over 100 years. At SI I learned how to cause trouble in a smart, cleaver, and most important, witty way. And after four years of partying in college, it’s because of what I learned at SI, balancing all of life’s demands, that I’m able to have fun and still know what’s important: my education and my future. It’s too bad that these girls never quite picked up on any of that…
What’s the saying? Don’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch? Well, clearly two bad apples haven’t spoiled anything but their own future.
we should "definitely not" be praying for the mental well-being of others?
Please defend that comment, I dare you.
If you think these crimes weren't their own doings, then by that same logic you must think no criminal is responsible for his own crimes.
They put themselves in this position and got what they deserve.
I will pray for these troubled girls... but you can't deny they got what they deserved
gladly. first of all the comment did not say that we should not be praying for the mental well being of anyone. it said prayer is not worthy in a recovery from THEFT. I think the point is, the twins' situation was brought on by themselves, their actions, their choices. while it is unfortunate where those choices has landed them, it is their responsibility and the responsibility of their family to help them achieve mental well being, which hopefully will happen one day. however, my prayer list consists of well thoughts for people in pain and suffering for reasons that were and are beyond their control, and certainly were not a choice- for example, the victims of hurricane katrina, the tsunami, victims of poverty and cancer patients. those people need our prayers. 2 drug addicts who made poor choices, robbed a house a few times and got caught need to go to jail/rehab, do some self reflecting and CHANGE THEIR OWN LIVES. they are in control of their futures, not our prayers. while i do wish the best for them and their family, PLEASE. gimme a break. if they are smart, they will turn their own lives around, unlike some REAL VICTIMS who do not have the capability of changing their destiny, or who do not have the resources to do so.i wish them good luck with their recovery, if that is what THEY CHOOSE to do. but lets not kid ourselves, ITS THEIR CHOICE, just like it was their choice to start taking drugs, to not get help when it was offered to them-multiple times, to not reach out for help, and it was certainly their choice to burglarize a home, multiple times, and steal jewelry--which they were caught wearing, which proves that the crime was not the sad, desperate last resort of 2 drug addicts trying to get a fix, it was 2 messed up girls who like diamonds.
none of this has anything whatsoever to do with SI or the kids who went there. the twins would have recieved the exact same response from their peers had they gone to any other high school in the country. this negative response is not a harsh SI reaction, its a realistic normal reaction to the events and circumstances of 2 troubled girls. their peers would have felt the same about them no matter what school they went to--because this is a reaction based on who these girls are, their character, their mistakes etc---not where they went to school.these responses are not petty jabs at them nor do they have anything to do whith "high school drama." this is the reaction of people, friends or not, who know them, or have known of them and now know whats become of them, based on who they really are.. these are the responses from peers based on the knowledge and experience we have of these girls-both positive and negative. as much as that may suck for some people to comprehend, its the truth and its reality. i dont need to pray for them because they are going to get what they deserve and WHAT THEY NEED> dont mistake this for me hating them, or wanting something bad to happen to them--this is not the case, all im saying is, what is best for them is exactly thihs--not being able to hide form all of their problems, not being able to do what they want--drugs, steal--and get the punishment and the help that they need to help themselves.i am just trying to keep it real. the people who are just making comments to be rude are not, the poeple who are trying to defend /victimize them are not--the people who are telling it like it is--while it may sound harsh--it is not, its reality and when we say things that sound negative-that is not my intention for them and their futures--they have been arrested. thats the reality of it. and i think they are in the hands of whom they need to be-the criminal justice system...hopefully their problems with addiction, theft and whatever else can end here, and this can be the start of a new life for them--thats all i hope--but itss in their hands.
can you people stop bickering about who went to high school with whom or who is wrong or right and why they did what they did? get a life. you're all losers and gossiping school girls.
i am thankful and hopeful that this is the end...before it is too late. i am thankful that the actions of these two girls did not have them end up in a grave somewhere. Thoughts and prayers to the Nowak family. i hope the family takes the girls home and gets them the help they need.
megan graham
I have felt more SI community because of the wrong-doings of the Nowaks than I did throughout my four years at SI. Any person not apart of the "PG" clique is glad that these girls got what they deserved in the ten years since we began high school. It's not suprising that stealing answers on homework and tests turned into stealing pearls and diamonds - responsbility sucks doesn't it? What happened to the matching Range Rovers?
your the loser with no life. some people are having a discussion and expressing thoughts about a situation that would only naturally cause such reactions. some poeple find it interesting to exchange views etc. your the loser who just writes nothing and tries to demeaN this conversation cause your an opinionless loser who feels obligated to try and pointlessly stop the public reaction when really you just dont know what else to do because u r really just that pathetic
why do some of the news reports claim that the girls are homeless?? does anyone have any knowledge about this?
This conversation is like a typed out version of "The View"....oh and by the way..YOU'RE THE PATHETIC LOSER!!
"How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straightaway... And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!"
-Anne Frank
responding to a few of the comments above. What people are saying about this situation with the twins is very emotional. No one wishes evil on anyone, but i think people have been very hurt by some of the actions the twins have done to them. And without any apology or any kind of acknowledgement about what theyve done to ppl, makes it even hurt more. So when people say they got what they deserve, they are not being cruel or evil, its being a realist and being true. We cant beat around the bush and sugar coat stuff. If you live life a certain way consequences will happen, they might not happen right away but its bound to. If you want to sugar up the story you can, but yes the twins are human and we have to love them as one of Gods children, but we dont have like the way they treated a lot people, and the many bad choices they made over many years. Emotions will flow out in a lot of situations like this, no one wishes harm to them, but c'mon, we saw this coming, at least the people who knew them kinda well did. Thats why people tried hard to get them to live the way should because shit like this would happen. Pray for them, pray for the people that were hurt by any of this...and the true test is how they bounce back and can get better
Once I stole a bunch of banana chips from Safeway. Another time, my buddy had a pair of basketball shorts I liked, so I borrowed them and never gave them back. A third time I went to Chipotle and got a water but filled it up with lemonade. Man, I feel a lot better, I got that off my chest now.
New debate - S.I. best boys basketball team ever was '98-'99 season, try and refute that.
Let's be fair to Andrea. It was Alyssa whose fingerprints were originally found at the crime scene and Alyssa that was caught in the burgulary in progress the third time around. All Andrea did, that we know for sure, was wear jewelry (that her sister may have lent her). And being twins, you probably woulnd't think twice about wearing your sister's jewelry. Just because they are twins, doesn't mean they are inseparable (hence the different bail bond amounts). Andrea has been getting flack by association and it may not be fair.
Why do we allow all of these idiots to pollute our community by coming here to go to school. Out of town students are far more a crime wave here than any gangbangers. UCSB/SBCC start by expelling all current and blacklisting all future enrollment attempts from SI. Those of you here now, please go home, just get out of our town.
Santa Barbareno
Must be something about about people with that last name doing stupid, illegal things. Remember the astronaut chick who wore a diaper on her way to attack her romantic rival? Yep. Nowak. maybe it's some genetic thing dating back to their original tribe.
Great story though.
This discussion thread is the most entertaining thing I've read in weeks. It's like a print version of "The Hills" with a little "Seventh Heaven" thrown in there. All the "pray for these girls" is freaking ridiculous. Okay, I'll throw a few words to the man upstairs about them, right after I pray for the guy that stole my golf clubs out of the back of my truck. Screw that!
I'd like someone to comment, since I never met these girls, how many SI alums are on this thread posting? Maybe 10? And obviously some of you weren't in the cool kids clique so now it's payback time? Classic, I love you all.
Just like when I'm forced through an episode of "The Real World," I am now dumber for having experienced all of you. Thankyouverylittle Craig Smith for giving this story attention in your blog.
The use of Drugs leads to Actions that are not fully thought out. Drugs and Drink, and any mind altering substances cloud ones' judgment.
Help can only be taken seriously when the subject desires such help. You cannot make people change, The Drugs/Drink are the main problem.
There must be underlying circumstances which lead to the actions of taking Drugs/Drink - These Girls are in pain and this is the only way they know how to hide from that pain.
The choice to stop the pain and addictions is theirs alone.
Our children are constantly lead to these types of dangers - especially when they hang out downtown with all the other pained souls on State and De la Guerra Plaza area.
The city isn't doing anything to help or stop these activities downtown - or anywhere else in this city.
We can only hope that more young people (and older persons) do not succumb to such disasters in their life.
Send good thoughts to these people.
What does "PG" stand for?
Wow glad to see none of you have changed. Its all so typical SI.
Which one is which? Four years of high school with the twins and I could never tell. To be honest, I was never quite sure that they could even tell which one is which?
Andrea (to Alyssa): Am I Alyssa or are you?
Alyssa (in response): I think I'm Andrea.
Alyssa and Andrea (in unison): Mom!?
Wow. Thankfully you idiots who are defending these two CRIMINALS aren't in law enforcement. And disease? Enough with the excuses already! I hope they throw away the key.
i believe "PG" refers to "Popular Girl"--- an abbreviation for what they thought their pathetic posse was... they should have referred to themselves as "PFBAAD"popular for being anorexic and dumb. but thats propbably too long for them
whoa, somebody wasn't a member of the PGs and seems a little bitter how many years later? get over it and get a life.
First, let me just say that I will definitely be sending my kids to SI when I get the chance! Sounds like the perfect chance to screw them up for life. Second, I went to UCSB with these girls and was in their pledge class in the Greek system. What on earth has happened since graduation to make these girls do something like that?!!? All this talk about addiction - are they addicted to drugs or stealing a la Winona Ryder? Please clarify...
P.S. Those mugshots are priceless with the pearl necklace and everything.
Everyone who says that addiction is an excuse for their actions seems to be forgetting that addiction can't start until after a person makes a decision to try the drug for the first time. I've never heard of anyone addicted to anything that they've never tried before. The responsibility for making that decision rests on them and them alone.
IMHO, they should be punished for what they did, but we should willingly accept them back into our community if they ever turn their lives around.
Btw, I resent the comment that "we all" went drunk to SI dances. I for one never drank any alcohol while at SI.
OK so I've read comment after comment on this and I must say the following (and I choose not to be anonymous as that is just pointless):
1) I was in the class with the Nowaks but I did not know them well, so personally this is a story to me about two girls who got caught robbing that I just happened to know.
2) That being said: To those who said that they were addicted and addiction is a problem and that we should pray for them -- I do not mind praying for their well being but let's be honest here, everyone is addicted to something. But the truth is that addiction is not an excuse. A rapist is addicted to taking poor helpless girls and being satisfied with seeing the fear in their eyes. A mass murderer is addicted to seeing blood gushing out of a human body and relishing in the fact that it will soon be dead. An alcoholic/drug addict is addicted to knowing that a bottle will not solve their problems in the long run but will numb them in the short. These are all addictions but which group deserves are prayers more: the person who continously knows their actions are bad and continues anyway without trying to stop, or the families of the victims to their addictions? I am not saying the Nowaks do not deserve some prayers but you can't tell me that they didn't know what they were doing was wrong. In addiction, they broke into the house numerous times -- not once. If they felt bad for their actions like many do when they realize their addictions may be hurting others, they wouldn't have repeated their actions. In short -- addiction is no excuse. I know many people who have been addicted to things and over time have learned how to get over those addictions and some have become very outstanding members of the public -- you just have to be willing to put in the time and energy to change your ways. There is a homeless man I talk to everyday that lives outside of my place of work nightly. I chat with him about his addictions with alcohol and he has been sober a year and a half. He has recently been given the opportunity to go to school but he wants to go into culinary. Instead all that's available are classes in bartending and he knows that if he takes it it will be tough to stay off the juice so he is debating what to do. He shows me he knows the wrongs of his addictions and he will be the one who will remain in my prayers.
This is so sad to hear about. I had a sister who was in these girls class. While I cannot and will not comment on the twins characters as they were part of the "PG"...it is shocking to me to find out that they've sank so deep from who they were in high school to petty drug-addicted thieves that they are now. Come on...while I do feel sorry for these girls...how dumb do they have to be to rob it 3-4 times...? Also what is up with the "homeless" reports...? How did the Nowak family let this all happen so far and quickly if they supposedly knew about the twins' illnesses (drug addiction). The one person I truly feel sorry for is Natalie Nowak...she doesnt deserve to have this kind of hostility or hatred thrust upon her by the masses of jealous, assholish red $ blue wildcats. Way to support our community.
Cut it out with the bleeding heart liberal bs that it's not their fault. What they did was WRONG, and they should be punished. "Thou shalt not steal" is one of the commandments the last time that I checked. These girls are rich too. Why the hell do they need to steal from other people? Anyway, I went to the same high school where they went (two years ahead of them). They seemed nice, but that's totally irrelevant. Anyway, Michael Savage for President. Borders, language, and culture! Berkeley is full of left wing lunatics.
Please cut out the liberal Berzerkely bleeding heart bullshit about how it's an addiction and not their fault. What they did was wrong ("Thou shalt not steal."), and they need to be held accountable. Why on earth would two rich girls need to steal from other people anyway? I went to the same high school as these two (two years ahead). They seemed nice, but that's totally irrelevant now. Hopefully, they'll grow up while they have time (in prison) to think about what they've done. Anyway, Michael Savage for President in 2008! Borders, language, and culture! Liberalism is a mental disorder.
This "Cat" doesn't have any sympathy for two criminals. The spoiled brats should pay for their crimes. Oh, btw, MICHAEL SAVAGE FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008! BORDERS, LANGUAGE, AND CULTURE!
Sadly, all the people making excuses for the twins have proven that liberalism is, indeed, a mental disorder. Michael Savage in 2008! Borders, language, and culture! God bless America. Sadly, the hippie teachers at S.I. preach too much about compassion and not enough about justice.
Drug abuse is a disease caused by BEHAVIOR. Whose fault is that?
People here don't seem to get that a crime of this magnitude means serious prison time. These girls are adults. Nobody is going to cut them any slack.
Screw the 1998-1999 boys' basketball team. Bunch of assholes. Basketball sucks anyway.
S.I. was the most miserable four years of my life. I hardly felt like it was a community, so obviously I don't feel sorry for these two.
Andrea, the one on the left and the lesser of the two criminals, is still cute. Is she single?
does anyone know if they are still in jail or if they are out?
via the Independent reported yesterday, the two twin burglars are still in the sb county jail awaiting an arraignment. that oughtta sober em up pretty quick
I was at SI with the twins for 3 years. I didn't know them well. What I did know well was how poorly the administration looked after the well being of it's students. There are a great deal of rules and regulations that get bent for the benefit of those families who are opulent enough to influence SI's coffers. I lost two very close friends to drugs and alcohol while at SI because the administration did not follow through on their responsibilities (as per the SI rulebook).
When a student was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on campus they were to be required to join a substance abuse program. Not the case for a friend who's family was wealthy enough to cause the administration to think twice about suspending my friend or even just applying the normal rules to his extra curricular activities in the drama and music programs. An obvious addict at 15, he stayed at SI until he was 17 without having to undergo treatment for something that will likely be a life long battle.
Meanwhile, another friend who could barely afford tuition was dismissed for poor academic performance directly related to substance abuse. The path to substance abuse was their own choice and they are solely responsible for their actions despite being under the influence. However, there is plenty of blame to go around when part of their reason for turning to drugs was a rape that took place on campus. The rapist was part of the elite, and his family had very close ties to high level administration; therefore, it's no surprise that no punishment was ever set in place for this "man for others."
I could describe easily a dozen other similar stories, but I can only honestly comment on what I've witnessed personally during my time at SI. The capitalist bug seems to have bitten the administration at SI. Maximized profits appear to be the number one goal instead of a nurturing, safe, positive and unifying school environment.
My heart goes out to the victims of this crime, to the families of the arrested and to all the voiceless "men and women for others" without enough money to buy a better future.
What a bunch of busybodies.
Some things about SI never change.
does anybody know the status of the girls now? In jail? At home?
they are still in jail and their next court date is october 11
I hope that all the people that feel like they know the twins so well or feel like they are entitled to an opinion about either of them would keep their comments to themselves. I know that the twins had and addiction and they were homeless in SB. In order to keep a safe roof over their heads and not be subject to all of those scarey things that happen to pretty young women on public streets at 4:30 in the morning, they needed money or a sort of drug that would keep them awake so they didn't fall asleep in unsafe places. Not to mention money for food or at least feel something that would make them feel like they weren't hungry. I know of this first hand and anyone that knows any better must have at experienced this type of situation at least once. Yes they probably started using recreationally or maybe it was used to help them keep their girlish figures... Who knows? But I can stand to see all of the hateful gossip. Shame on all of you. Grow up and get lives of your own. I stand by the girls and hope their parents (both of them) figure out how they can support them in a way without trying to run their lives, cutting them off, or making them feel insignificant.
i understand how the trashtalking of the girls isnt right. but neither is what they did. stop trying to victimize them. i want the best for them too. making excuses for them is only enabling them to continue their lifestyle. if they were in such desperate need of food etc, why were they wearing the stolen jewelry, huh?? ya, thats what i thought. nonetheless, i do hope that they get the help they need to turn their lives around.
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