Lompoc city councilman Stephen “Steve” Bridge pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning to eight felony counts alleging fraud, forgery, identity theft and theft of public funds during a brief arraignment hearing in Department 9 of the Santa Maria Superior Court.

Bridge, 68, appeared before Judge Teresa Estrada-Mullaney after spending the first few minutes of the hearing seated quietly in the gallery dressed in a crisp white button-down shirt. When Bridge's attorney, Michael Scott, entered the courtroom, he leaned briefly toward Bridge to exchange a few low words before stepping to the podium.

As Bridge’s name was called he rose from his seat and walked to stand beside Scott at the front of the room. At Scott’s cue, Bridge stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his attorney looking forward, as Scott in

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