Santa Maria Town Center reopens despite damages after Sunday night protest

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Managers with the Santa Maria Town Center decided to move forward with the reopening of the mall on Monday after a night of protests saw the mall fall victim to vandalism.

While managers could not talk about Sunday night's rioters that caused damage to the entrance of Macy's and other areas of the mall, they are working with the Santa Maria Police Department in the investigation.

Managers say the are pleased to reopen the mall, and are taking extra precaution using signs to ensure everyone's health and safety while shopping during COVID-19.

A local child with autism who loves the mall was the first customer greeted as doors opened, and received a free gift from a candy shop.

After the peaceful protest ended, violence began with a crowd causing damage to the Santa Maria Town Center Sunday evening.

But that didn’t stop the mall from reopening Monday morning.

"Damage was minimal and it did not affect the opening," said Kristen LaGrange with the Santa Maria Town Center.

This made one young shopper thrilled to be the first customer to go inside since the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Alright lets go my friend. That’s it. We’re officially open," said LaGrange to a child and her family as they walked inside.

Last night's damage included the entrance to Macy’s.

And while LaGrange couldn't say much about the overnight incident, she confirmed that the mall is cooperating with police. "We are working very close with the Santa Maria Police Department as we always do."

Despite yesterday’s break in, managers with the mall say everything seems to be running smoothly on this opening day.

"We are thrilled it’ll be a joy to have our customers back in to get back to some sort of normalcy," said owner Sheila Guge of Central City Candy.

As police continue to investigate Sunday night’s violence, doors will be open for customers.