Daily Republic: Sunday, April 2, 2023

shakes off

Easter starts early this year with hop into swimming pool

SuSan Hiland SHILAND@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

VACAVILLE — Amelia Payne, 7, of Vacaville could barely contain her excitement, bouncing next to the pool on Saturday for her first underwater Easter Egg Hunt.

She was eager to win a golden egg, which would have given her some extra sweet treats, like a stuffed animal and free tickets for the pool.

The lucky few who managed to pluck a “golden egg” from the water won a prized basket filled with goodies.

“I didn’t want to jump in today,” said dad Taylan Payne. “It’s too cold”

Todd R. H anSen THANSEN@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Retired Navy

Capt. Charlie Plumb remembers when “the Rat” came to the prisoner of war cells to tell them they were going home – ordering them to get on to a waiting bus.

“He looked like a rat, and he was a rat,” Plumb said of the camp commandant.

Plumb, donning his Naval dress uniform, was the keynote speaker Friday at a dedication ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming at Travis Air Force Base.

The visitors terminal was renamed Operation Homecoming Terminal, and a plaque will mark the spot just off the flightline where 258 of the 591 returning POWs disembarked at Travis, many rushing into the arms of their waiting families.

The flight that brought the prisoners home was reenacted recently, March 24-29. The Heritage Flight included ceremonies at each stop, and special coins that had been struck and on that flight, were handed out to the POWs at Travis.

Fairfield Councilman Doug Carr, the son of a career Air Force serviceman, was at the base when the first flights landed.

“My dad was a retired technical sergeant, an MP, and he did security on the flightline,” Carr said, adding that as he stood outside the terminal for the plaque dedication, he realized he was standing in almost the exact same place 50 years earlier. The memories flooded over him.

“I talked to the mayor of Dixon (Steve Bird), and he was a little bit older, maybe four or five years older, and he was there, too,” Carr said. Carr said he remembers not wanting to go, but his father made him and gave him a little Amer ican flag to wave. On Friday, he met some of those prisoners who touched mainland America for

The Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at the Walter Graham Aquatics Center is a Vacaville tradition, with the Easter Bunny making an appearance along with some fun games for the kids to enjoy outside the pool.

Kids jumped in the pool – which had about 1,000 eggs tossed into it, thrown around by a mermaid and merman. In the water, they collecting the eggs in Easter baskets, which they brought to an overflowing table of goodie bags for a prize.

“We planned for a 100 people today, so far

to rain so I wasn’t sure but it would have gone on either way.”

She hopes that the event is something unique for kids to look forward to at Easter time.

Casey has been working at the pool since 2014 and really loves her job. In 2019 she was the mermaid in the water throwing eggs into the middle of the pool for kids to go get.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said. “Part of this is just being able to give back to the community.”

Those who were not swimmers could participate in the hunt in the Activity Area while all others took to the pool. The annual event is for kids 12 and younger. The 8-year-old-andunder crowd had to have a parent with them in the pool.

Tabatha Shannon sat in the shade waiting for her kids to finish. It is the first time she brought her kids down for the event. Aiden and Maryah Estrada were two of the lucky participants that won the golden egg.

“It was very exciting to do something new and be out here,” Shannon said. “This is a way to be a part of the community, too.” She did not get in the

THe WaSHingTon PoST

Hours after a Manhattan grand jury voted Thursday afternoon to indict Donald Trump, the former president joined with his wife, Melania, his in-laws and conservative radio host Mark Levin on the patio of his private Mar-a-Lago Club for a preplanned dinner. Advisers to his 2024 presidential bid sat nearby, and Trump chatted with both groups, as well as

club members offering their encouragement.

At one point, Trump showed off his soonto-be-released book of letters between himself and celebrities and world leaders. At another, he began calling congressional Republicans, promising to fight the indictment and relishing in their declarations of support.

Yet in the immediate aftermath of the grand jury’s decision related to

hush money paid to an adult-film star, Trump was not happy, said one person with direct knowledge of his reaction. Others described Trump as “upset,” “irritated,” “deflated” and “shocked,” though some noted that he also remained “very calm” and “rather stoic, actually.”

Trump – who played golf at his Palm Beach estate Friday, with plans to play again over the weekend – is expected

to fly to New York on midday Monday. He will spend the night at his Trump Tower home before surrendering himself in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday.

“He’ll do Trump,” said David Urban, a longtime Trump adviser who is not working on his 2024 campaign. “He’ll show up. He’ll be indignant.”

The playbook Trump executed in the immediate aftermath of an See Trump, Page A9

‘The Bachelor,’ Shakespeare and Homer – Why poems must rhyme

Start with an embarrassing premise: Mrs. Brad and I were watching “The Bachelor” recently (OK, get your laughs out of the way. Ha ha ha) and the guy who all the women were pursuing wrote a poem to a woman named Kaity and then read it.

I don’t remember what it said, but I remembered what it didn’t do: Rhyme

It was a poem without rhymes, which I immediately told Mrs. Brad was wrong. I even freestyled for her a poem he could have written: “Hello Kaity. We’re on a date-y. I won’t keep you out late-y to determine whether you will be my matey. I promise not to do anything shady.”

It was freestyle! It was great! It rhymed! Mrs. Brad, who has a degree in English, shot back with the same ridiculous answer

I’ve heard my entire life: Poems don’t have to rhyme.

Which is patently ridiculous.

Poems don’t have to rhyme? Then what makes something a poem? Is this sentence a poem? Is the Declaration of Independence a poem?

Is a note from a parent to a teacher a poem?

To augment my argument, I did what I’ve been doing since I was in elementary school and needed to lengthen an assignment: I looked it up in Webster’s Dictionary.

According to Webster’s

(which is how you always phrase these things), a poem is “a metrical writing,” (a definition I ignored because we don’t use the metric system) or the production of a poet.

What? I bet the definition of “poet” is “one who writes poems.” It’s a circular argument.

There was a second definition: “writing that formulates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience in language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound and rhythm.” Yeah, whatever. Here’s what I think that means: Something that rhymes.

All the English teachers reading this are pulling out their hair, screaming into the void that poems don’t need to

rhyme. On that, I’ll give them partial credit because, for instance, we all learned that haikus needn’t rhyme.

But here’s a memorable haiku:

What is a poem?

Is it words that just go on?

No. There must be rhymes.

Isn’t that proof enough? Isn’t it clear that when a haiku – the only exception to Stanhope’s Poems Must Rhyme Rule –says that poems must rhyme? That’s as good as Webster’s Dictionary.

So we can agree, right? It’s fine to write flowery prose. It’s fine to write beautiful odes to nature or love or the hit-andrun play or finding a parking spot at the Post Office. But those are not poems. Those are nice, pretty things to write.

Poems have to rhyme. They

had to rhyme when Homer wrote “The Odyssey” (first line: This is the story of Achilles / Who could have played outfield for the Phillies / He went out the door / And went off to war / And got an injury that gives me the willies.”). Poems also rhymed when Shakespeare was writing them (highlight from “Hamlet”: “To be or not to be, that is the question; when you eat hot dogs you get indigestion.”)

Finally, poems absolutely should rhyme when they’re on “The Bachelor,” which is the modern equivalent of Homer and Shakespeare’s productions. By the way, Kaity “won,” if that’s how you define winning on that show.

Brad Stanhope is a poet. Reach him at bradstanhope@ outlook.com.

April brings plenty of activities at Solano Land Trust properties

SuSan Hiland SHILAND@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Solano

Land Trust provides plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family year round. This month they will be offering walks and other fun activities.

Each event requires registration.

The events include:

n A Nature Hike at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Moderately strenuous, 4-6 miles. Cancels for rain or extreme weather.

n Plein Air Painting

Outing at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park on April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join fellow artists on a plein air painting outing at the beautiful Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park, accompanied by two Solano Land Trust docents. No art instruction will take place, but there will be an art sharing at 12:30 p.m. Please bring

BRIGHT spot

your own art supplies, water, snacks, a chair, and an easel if desired. This outing will be limited to 25 artists so be sure to register soon. $5 fee per person (pay in person at event). Meet at 2061 Rockville Road, Fairfield.

n Community Science King-Swett Ranches on April 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Join Solano Land Trust Project Manager Jasmine Westbrook-Barsukov for April’s Community Science Volunteer Opportunity. Be a part of Solano Land Trust’s work to conserve and protect land in Solano County. Participants will work on tree cage removal, upgrades to bigger cages, and weeding. This will be a gardening party with lovely views and good people. Bring gloves, layers, sunscreen, water, knee pads if you use them for gardening. Directions will be sent once your registration has been confirmed.

n Journey Downtown in Vacaville will host a

volunteer appreciation and recruitment event on April 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Journey Downtown at The Library, Vacaville, for land trust volunteers. This event is open to both experienced Solano Land Trust volunteers and brand new ones who want to sign up at the event. Suggested donation of $10/person for all you can eat pizza plus a raffle ticket. New volunteers that sign up at this event will receive an additional raffle ticket.

n Earth Day Cleanup will be on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rush Ranch. Solano Land Trust invites the public to celebrate Earth Day weekend by volunteering to remove litter along Grizzly Island Rd. This is the main road that serves as a scenic drive leading visitors into Suisun Marsh, and to destinations like Belden’s Landing and Rush Ranch Open Space. We need your help to keep this marsh beautiful and healthy.

Bring water, protection from the sun, and gloves if you have them. (Gloves for those who need them and other supplies will be distributed at the site.)

n The 33rd annual Rush Ranch Open House will be on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rush Ranch. The Rush Ranch Open House is free to all and packed with fun for all ages. Visitors can shop from local vendors and at the Rush Ranch Outfitters Shop for art, food from local farms, jewelry, and more. Kids and adults can learn about the natural and cultural history of Rush Ranch, play games, and do engaging science and engineering activities. Guests will also get to meet the horses that live at Rush Ranch, see grazing cows, and take horse-drawn

wagon rides with Access Adventure (including accessible options). There will also be guided walks of Suisun Marsh, which is part of Rush Ranch and home to many endangered species, going out throughout the day. Food will be available to purchase and raffle tickets will be sold with over a dozen different prizes. Please join us at this free, outdoor event with something for everyone!

n Trail Crew Volunteer Opportunity are welcome to help on April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park. Come join us in building trails and amenities at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park. Get a sneak peek of the park before it opens to the public, meet cool people who care about land

in Solano County, and be part of the legacy of this beautiful new park.

n Nature Hike on April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lynch Canyon Open Space. This hike will take visitors westward along Middle Valley Trail leading to Prairie Ridge. Expect a 5-mile hike at a moderate but even pace over uneven ground. Muddy spots will have cattle prints. There are steep climbs over several hills with the longest at Prairie Ridge but the views are worth it. Cancels for rain or extreme weather. For information on meeting locations, directions, and registration, visit the events page at solanolandtrust.org/events. For additional questions, call 707-420-1041.

It is the Daily Republic’s policy to correct errors in reporting. If you notice an error, please call the Daily Republic at 425-4646 during business hours weekdays and ask to speak to the editor in charge of the section where the error occurred. Corrections will be printed here.

Inaugural Solano SPCA dog walk a success

SuSan Hiland

VACAVILLE — The dogs were meeting and greeting each other with barks and tail wags on Saturday for the inaugural Solano SPCA Paws for a Cause Dog-Walk-a-Thon.

Matt Rubin of Fairfield came out with his Norwich terrier, Cash, to help support the SPCA. They come out to Lagoon Valley Park about twice a week for a nice hike around the lake.

“They do some wonderful stuff,” Rubin said. “So I wanted to come out and support the SPCA.”

He met with some friends and they walked the road around the lake.

Dennis Reed of Vacaville arrived with his girlfriend, Olga Dernova, along with his two goldendoodles, for the first time.

“I have not done a dog walk like this before,” he said. “It looked like a good way to support the SPCA.”

The SPCA Paws for a Cause Dog-Walk-aThon was looking to raise money for a new digital X-ray machine, according to SPCA veterinarian

Kelly Palm.

“The machine is about $35,000,” Palm said. “We have the old-school X-ray machine and table but we need the equipment for the digital part.”

A digital X-ray machine would allow them to do more extensive diagnostics on the animals that come in to the shelter without having to send them out to another vet.

“It gets expensive having to do that,” she said.

They get a lot of dogs or cats in with previous prob lems like bladder stones.

“We can do most things, but not X-ray them,” she said.

Her along with volun teers came out with their dogs for team Underdogs.

“The dogs on our team all have some issues like missing an eye, or only have three legs. They are underdogs,” she said.

As of Saturday morning the SPCA were very close to their goal with $29K raised.

Colette Nuno the volunteer coordinator for the event said that they had 160 people sign up for the walk.

“That was more than

HOLY WEEK Come

expected, actually we were not sure how many people were going to come out,” Nuno said.

This inaugural event was a chance to learn

about doing walk-a-thons. They brought in about 9 vendors along with prizes for a raffle and held games for the dogs after the walk.

The Solano SPCA

continues to welcome donations as they are an independent nonprofit organization that realize on the generosity of donors to help them with maintaining

the facility and availability for pet adoptions. To make a donation go to https:// solanospca.com.

Susan Hiland/Daily Republic

Walkers came out for the inaugural solano sPCa Paws for a Cause Dog-Walk-a-Thon at lagoon Valley Park, saturday.

Students for Special Olympics enjoy friendly competitions

SuSan HilanD SHILAND@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Claps and cheers for runners echoed across the football field Friday for the third annual 2023 High School Track and Field Special Olympics.

This elementary-school event welcomed students from Special Education classes to a morning of friendly competition at Rodriguez High School football field.

The day started with a pageant of students walking onto the field, followed by the national anthem and a couple of speakers.

Sheila McCabe, assistant superintendent of Educational Services, spoke to the attendees about inspiration.

“We hear all the time about stress. It is a challenging time but it is all about the positive attitude that moves you forward through those challenges,” she said. “Today is a day to celebrate these amazing students.”

“This is just for students from Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District,” said Matt Miller, adapted physical education specialist, in a phone interview.

The event pairs special-education students with general-educational partners to compete together in races and field events, according to Miller.

He estimated that there were about 170 participants.

“One thing that is great about this is that it brings the schools, students and community together,” he said. “Students get to build new skills, they build confidence and friendships.”

Stacii Armstrong, 13, of Fairfield attends Green Valley Middle School.

“I find school inspiring,” Arm-

a my m aginniS-Honey

AMAGINNIS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

SOLANO COUNTY —

Two West Sacramento residents were arrested on Tuesday by Solano County Sheriff’s Office detectives for murder, 24 hours after a body was discovered in unincorporated Solano County.

On Monday, several residents in Vacaville, near the city/county line, reported seeing a small fire in a field near a roadside in the area of Elmira Road and Tulip Street. When fire personnel arrived, they discovered a body that had been set on fire.

Three more Dodd bills get past committee reviews

lation that would extend partnerships among nonprofits and the state Department of Parks and Recreation – to help operate and maintain park facilities – cleared the Senate Natural Resources Commit tee on Friday.

a my m aginniS-Honey AMAGINNIS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

SUISUN CITY — The appointment of a new city council member is at the first order of general business at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

The task will be done via a resolution, with Mayor Alma Hernandez the decision-maker.

“After discussion and deliberation of applicants remaining by mayor and council and reaching a consensus, the mayor shall select one applicant to appoint to the vacant councilmember seat,” a staff report said. “The individual appointed may be sworn in and take their seat on the dais immediately following the appointment. The appointed councilmember will hold office for the unexpired balance of the vacated seat’s term, as the vacancy occurred in the second half of the former incumbent’s term.”

There are two hopefuls: Jonathan Richardson and Marlon Osum. Their applications are included in Tuesday’s agenda packet.

The seat was vacant after councilman Mike Hudson’s resignation in February.

An application process was held followed by interviews. Three people faced the council March 21 for questions and answers

strong said. Armstrong was waiting with classmates to run the 50-yard dash.

“I have been practicing for a while,” he said.

Superintendent Kris Corey finds the event always rewarding.

“The best way to describe today would be two words: inspirational and joyful,” she said. “It is so great to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Corey credits the students with inspiring others and each other to try harder.

The schools that participated this year included B. Gayle Wilson Middle School, Crystal Elementary School, Green Valley Middle School, H. Glen Richardson, Oakbrook Elementary and David Weir

Preparatory Academy. The event included a variety of challenges from Frisbee throwing to races. The cheers for all the students was loud and inspiring.

after

body discovered in Solano

Deputies and detectives arrived at the scene to investigate. The remains were of a man who had severe head and facial injuries and burns over much of his body. He was originally listed as a John Doe. Later detectives were able to identify him as Theodore Washington, 35, Sacramento. Using Flock Safety cameras, detectives were able to identify a vehicle that was suspected to be involved in the death. Later that night, the vehicle was located and stopped by West Sacramento Police and Solano County Sheriff’s detectives responded

to that car stop. They contacted a man and woman inside the car. The two were interviewed. Investigators determined that the woman had a relationship with the victim. Days earlier, the man and woman lured the victim to a location in West Sacramento and allegedly

committed the murder. They waited for four days and then attempted to discard the victim’s body.

The suspects have been identified as Wendy Warren, 38, and Emmanuel Justin,39, both of West Sacramento. They were arrested, charged with murder and were booked into Solano County Jail. Both are being held on $2 million bail and is due in court 1:30 p.m. April 10.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the Solano County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at (707) 784-7050.

“California parks are truly remarkable places, in part because of the hundreds of volunteers and nonprofit groups who devote their time and effort into making them great,” Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, said in a statement. “My proposal would allow these vital partnerships to continue, ensuring our parks are sustainable and the best they can be for generations to come.”

The prior authorization for such partnerships ends Jan. 1, 2025. Senate Bill 668 was one of three bills written by Dodd that passed committee reviews.

A bill that would notify drivers when images are gathered by in-vehicle cameras, “and prohibit those images from being sold to third parties or for advertising purposes,” passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and next heads to the Appropriations Committee. SB 296 is supported by Consumer Federation of

California.

Finally, SB 295, “which would improve traffic safety in the use of personal transportation devices such as electric scooters, hoverboards and Segways on university campuses,” advanced Tuesday from the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday. It too heads to Appropriations.

“With committee passage of this bill, we’ve taken a positive step toward expanding the authority of public colleges to set commonsense rules and regulations that will keep our communities safe,” Dodd said in a statement. “It will help us address emerging technology, which has brought new forms of risk from electric devices that travel at high speeds and operate silently, providing little to no warning to pedestrians and motorists.”

Nighttime Highway 12 road work scheduled

RIO VISTA —

One-way traffic controls will be in place nightly, from Monday through Friday, as Caltrans crews fill potholes and complete pavement repairs on Highway 12 between Drouin Drive and the Rio Vista bridge.

The work each day begins at 8 p.m. and continues through 4 a.m., the state Department of Transportation reported.

“During one-way

traffic controls, crews will temporarily close one traffic direction of either eastbound or westbound (Highway 12) for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time,” Caltrans said. Flaggers will be on scene to direct traffic. The CHP will be in the area as well. For the latest highway conditions, go to http:// quickmap.dot.ca.gov, or call 1-800-427-ROAD or 1-800-427-7623 for 24/7 highway conditions statewide.

with the council. The council opted not to move forward with candidate Katrina Garcia. The meeting lasted almost six hours, with a great deal of time dedicated to the issue. As the clock neared 1 a.m., the council voted unanimously to delay the decision.

All council members, except Hernandez, are new to the dais.

On the consent calendar is the disposition of two properties, Cal Marine Sports and the Lawler House.

In December 2021, the city issued notices of availability on the properties to various public agencies and housing sponsors. Cal Marine received no

interest on the property. Lawler House received interest from one affordable housing developer in acquiring it but an offer was not made in the 90-day negotiation period.

The city asked the state of California Department of Housing and Community Development for permission to sell the land on the open market. Letters were issued in April 2022 and December 2022 determining that the city has met all the requirements under the act for disposing of Cal Marine and Lawler House, and can offer the properties for sale to the general public with one caveat.

Prior to offering the properties for sale to

the public, the city must record a deed restriction, as approved by HCD, restricting 15% of any residential units built on the each property to be affordable units if 10 or more residential units are built on the property.

The council will gather for a closed session at 5 p.m. for labor negotiations.

The general meeting begins after the closed session at 701 Civic Center Blvd. The complete agenda is on the city’s website, suisun.com.

Kevin Mitchell

Kevin R. Mitchell, 74, of Suisun California, passed away on February 25, 2023, due to a myocardial infarction.

Kevin Mitchell was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be missed and remembered by the many lives he touched. Kevin ever yone you left in this world hates that you are gone but we are happy that you are home free and painless. We will always love and miss you until we can meet again.

Kevin was born in San Francisco, CA on December 13, 1948. He graduated from Napa High School in 1966.

Kevin worked as a Union Drywall Carpenter for 35 wonderful years of his life. He enjoyed laughing and telling stories, hunting, fishing, golfing, watching baseball and football, and spending time with his family and friends.

Ke vin is survived by his sister Kimberly Nichols, his brothe r Kirk Mitchell, his sons Richard Mitchell and Randolph Mitchell, three grandchildren, and other assorted family, and many caring friends.

Kevin is preceded in death by Joan Mitchell (mother) Earl Mitchell (father) Melanie Mitchell (daughter) and Jolene Mitchell (step-daughter)

The

West Sacramento pair arrested

burning

Mayor will appoint new Suisun city council member; city looks to sell Lawler House and Cal Marine

JUSTIN WARREN

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic file (2016)

a s semblyman Bill Dodd, right, speaks during a candidates forum in 2016.

Robinson Kuntz/Daily Republic photos

David Weir Preparatory academy special education student alfredo Carreon De la Cruz, center, runs a relay with Fairfield Police officer Jerriod Mack, left, and Marlene Beltran at the High school Track and Field special olympics event at Rodriguez High school, Friday.

s pecial education students do s tretches at the s p ecial o l ympics event at Rodriguez High school, Friday.

AMAGINNIS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Curbside delivery of cannabis will be debated at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Slated for a public hearing and first reading, the amendment proposes to implement a recent change in state regulations that eliminated the prohibition of curbside delivery.

Three years ago, the city established local regulations for the manufacture and retail sale of cannabis products. State regulations in effect at the time prohibited storefront businesses the sale or delivery of cannabis products to customers in motor vehicles.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, state rules were temporarily suspended, allowing for curbside delivery. The suspension allowed customers to park outside the store and have their cannabis purchases brought to them in their vehicle. Last year, the state’s Department of Cannabis Control reviewed the rule prohibiting delivery to customers in their cars parked outside a store. It was determined that such delivery had not caused any problems

Visitors can walk through the wildflowers at Jepson Prairie

SuSan HilanD

SHILAND@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

licensed microbusiness authorized to engage in storefront sales at their licensed premises may conduct sales through curbside delivery, the state ruled. Cannabis goods that have been purchased by a customer may be delivered to the customer in a vehicle parked immediately outside the licensed retail premises.

The transaction must occur under video surveillance and retail employees engaging in curbside delivery must verify each customer’s age. Retailers can not operate a drive-in or drive-thru business.

The ordinance would take effect 30 days following its adoption by the council.

A public hearing notice was published in the Daily Republic newspaper on March 24. No advisory body made a recommendation on this item, the staff report said.

One of the cannabis retailers spoke during public comment at the March 7 city council meeting advocating for the change proposed with this item.

The council meets at 6 p.m. at 1000 Webster St.

The complete agenda

DIXON — The Solano Land Trust is excited to welcome their annual Wildflower and Critter Walks at Jepson Prairie Preserve.

Land trust docents will guide visitors on a leisurely walk which may include portions of the Preserve that are only accessible with a Jepson Prairie docent.

Jepson Prairie Preserve is one of California’s best remaining examples of a vernal pool ecosystem and native grassland prairie. Dry and dormant most of the year, the prairie is transformed by winter rains into a tapestry of stunning colors, and its vast vernal pools host

In brief

One lane on I-680 to close to repair flood damage

FAIRFIELD — One southbound Interstate 680 lane at Gold Hill Road will be closed five consecutive nights, starting Monday, to make repairs on flood-caused slides.

The far-right traffic lane will be closed starting at 5 p.m. and reopening at 5 a.m., the

California tiger salaman ders, fairy shrimp, and a rich diversity of rare aquatic life.

ers, birdwatching and occasional appearances by the endangered Delta green ground beetle make these tours a wonderful experience for all ages and interests. More than 96% of California’s original vernal pool habitat has vanished. But this 1,566-acre park is part of over 4,000 acres of adjacent vernal pool habitat, adding up to one of the largest remaining protections in the state.

Docent-led tours run from 10 a.m. until noon. Trails are very wet and waterproof footwear is encouraged. For groups of five or more, RSVP to jepsonprairiedocents@ solanolandtrust.org. A minimum $5 donation is encouraged to attend this tour.

state Department of Transportation reported.

All work is scheduled to be completed by the morning of April 8.

Travis school board to hear report on perimeter fencing

FAIRFIELD — The Travis Unified School District will be talking about the installation of perime-

ter fence around Vanden High School, Golden West Middle School and Travis Education Center at the Tuesday board meeting.

Gabe Moulaison, chief business officer, will be giving the report.

The estimated financial impact would be about $1.2 million for the fencing and work, according to the staff report.

Also to be discussed is the possibility of adding a public information officer position.

Vince Ruiz, assistant superintendent of Human Resources, will

be giving the presentation on this item.

The superintendent requested the staff to gather information regarding the possibility of adding a new management position.

The staff report included a three-page description of the position.

The next board meeting begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday at 2751 De Ronde Drive, Fairfield. For more information, go to https://simbli.eboard solutions.com/Index. aspx?S=36030187.

Daily Republic Staff

DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Solano County supervisors on Tuesday will consider rezoning 19.88 acres near the intersection of Pedrick and Tremont roads, north of Dixon, for a green waste chipping and grinding operation – coupled with a soil blending operation.

The Planning Commission on March 2 approved the use permit and recommended the Board of Supervisors approve the rezoning and the zoning text amendment to move the project forward.

The proposal is to rezone the property from Exclusive Agriculture, 40-acre minimum, to Commercial Service, with a text amendment that will allow recycling and compost facilities in the Commercial Services zone.

Sack Holdings, with headquarters in Woodland, made the request. The operations facility would sit on about 5.25 acres of the site.

To begin with, the facil-

ity would take in about 6,000 yards of material each day, the waste coming largely from landscaping operations in the Sacramento area. Once the material is processed at that facility, it is trucked to the firm’s composting locations.

The project does allow for agricultural waste, which is the target source from Solano County when the time comes.

Sack Holdings anticipates a peak operation of 200 tons per day. The project does allow for agricultural waste.

The item is during the 2 p.m. session of the board, which meets at 9 a.m. in the first-floor chamber in the government center, 675 Texas St., in Fairfield. A closed session is scheduled after the morning session.

Also on the agenda, in the morning, is an update on the impacts of the severe winter storms, as well as presentations on Holocaust Remembrance Day and Children’s Month.

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic file (2016) Marijuana plants, in Vallejo, in 2016.

Natalie DuMont courtesy file photo

People visit Jepson Prairie to enjoy springtime blossoms.

Biden makes electric vehicle credits elusive in bid for U.S. auto renaissance

BloomBerg

The Biden administra tion’s requirements for electric vehicle tax credits will reduce the number of models eligible for incen tives until tens of billions of new investment in U.S. manufacturing by automakers and suppli ers kick in.

The guidance released Friday clarifying pro visions of the Inflation

Reduction Act – Presi dent Joe Biden’s landmark climate bill – will leave few EVs eligible for up to $7,500 credits as of April 18, administration officials said. The reason: most don’t meet new requirements that battery components or critical minerals are sourced from North America or U.S. free trade partners.

The global auto industry eagerly anticipated the U.S. Treasury Department’s notice, with lobbyists pushing for months to loosen up the sourcing and content requirements. While tax credits for consumers included in the legislation, known as the IRA, will be difficult to attain, those incentives and additional perks for manufacturers have helped trigger announcements of more than $52 billion in EV and battery investment in the U.S.

The Treasury left still unclear how it will deem companies to be foreign entities of concern, which automakers won’t be able to turn to for battery components and critical minerals in the years to come. One of the overarching goals of the IRA is to make the U.S. less reliant on China, which dominates the EV battery supply chain.

The number of vehicles that will qualify for tax breaks will rebound as the supply chain is built out in the coming years, according to a senior Treasury official, who briefed reporters ahead of the release. Just 21 models have been eligible for credits before the guidance taking effect. “This latest turn will further reduce the number of eligible EVs,” John Bozzella, president of trade group Alliance for Automotive Innovation, said in a statement, adding it’s still unclear how many will qualify next month. “This period may go down as the high-water mark for EV tax credit eligibility since the IRA passed last year.”

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The Biden administration is looking to revive American industry while

Workers call for safety net benefits for undocumented Californians. ‘It’s a human right’

TriBune ConTenT AgenCy

Since last fall, agricultural workers in California’s Central Valley have had less work due to prolonged rain storms and the resulting flooding.

But undocumented immigrants are ineligible for unemployment insurance, disaster relief and many other safety

Bills aim to extend safety net to undocumented Californians Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella, introduced the Excluded Workers Pilot Program last year. Under the program, undocumented workers who had lost their job or had their work hours

tilting the economy away from fossil fuels. The IRA also intersects with a separate national security objective: to free the U.S. and its allies, as much as possible, from dependence on supply chains it sees as vulnerable to China. In addition to batteries, products of concern include semiconductors, pharmaceutical ingredients and green energy components.

The IRA is “creating American manufacturing jobs and strengthening our energy and national security,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.

How aggressively Washington pursues its goals has been closely watched by the auto industry, with its complex and long-di stance supply chains spanning mines from to battery-cell makers. Legacy manufacturers including Ford and EV market leader Tesla have plans to build new battery plants in the U.S. that may leverage Chinese intellectual property.

The Biden administration gave automakers some wiggle room in its interpretation of the legislation, following an intense lobbying blitz since it was passed in August. While this has eased concerns of some big automakers and trade partners, it’s angered supporters of the bill, particularly Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who was key to getting the IRA passed.

The IRA extends as much as $7,500 in consumer tax breaks for cars that meet criteria on how much they cost, how much their buyers earn and where the vehicles are assembled. The most detailed, and controversial, requirements

are focused on the component and minerals within the battery.

Specifically, the rules split the credit in two, with $3,750 available for vehicles with at least half of their battery components from North America, and the remainder if 40% of the value of raw materials in the battery are extracted or processed domestically, or in countries with U.S. free-trade agreements. Those requirements will ramp up over time.

Treasury has been vague on how to define what the law refers to as foreign entities of concern, although the administration officials said it will include Chinese companies. No tax breaks are available for vehicles containing battery components or critical minerals from foreign entities of concern starting in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Biden’s plan has a hard road ahead for competing with China on batteries, which analysts at UBS have likened to the 21st century version of oil.

Chinese battery firms led by Contemporary Amperex Technology and BYD accounted for just over 50% of the market last year. By the end of the decade, nine of the 10 biggest battery makers will come from China, BloombergNEF has forecast.

“China’s dominance in the battery supply chain – from critical mineral processing to EV adoption – cannot be understated,” said Andrew Wang at Intercalation, a London-based battery industry research organization. “The implementation of the IRA will need to strike a delicate

Virgin Orbit ceases operations after failing to find funding

BloomBerg

Virgin Orbit Holdings, the satellite launch company tied to British billionaire Richard Branson, is ceasing operations indefinitely, succumbing to growing cash-crunch pressures that have paralyzed start-ups in many emerging technologies.

The company said in a filing Thursday that it was cutting 675 jobs, or about 85% of its workforce, “in order to reduce expenses in light of the company’s inability to secure meaningful funding.” A spokesperson for Virgin Orbit said the remaining 15% of employees will work on winding down the business. The move punctu-

ates a rapid fall after its high-profile launch failure in January and a collapse in its stock price. Virgin Orbit temporarily suspended operations earlier this month while it sought additional capital.

The firm – part of Branson’s empire that includes airline Virgin Atlantic and spaceflight company Virgin Galactic Holdingshasn’t turned a profit as a public company. Virgin Orbit shares fell 45% in extended New York trading as of 7:20 p.m., trading at just 19 cents each. The stock was worth more than $7 a year ago.

Charges will amount to about $15 million, consisting primarily of $8.8 million in severance pay and employee ben-

balance by incentivizing the decoupling of supplychain reliance, without forcing a decade of lessons in scaling to be relearned.”

China’s influence over the EV supply chain widens to around 90% in manufacturing and pro cessing in a number of battery materials and minerals, with CATL and BYD having spent bil lions investing in battery mineral sourcing.

China’s control of critical minerals processing – the steps required to turn mined material into usable compounds and goods – is seen as the most difficult chokepoint within the global EV supply chain to overcome. Currently, 60% to 100% of all battery minerals are processed in China, according to a report from a Washington think tank SAFE.

The White House has recently sought to expand which countries have trade agreements with the U.S. that allow them to supply critical minerals. It recently inked a deal with Japan and is working on one with the European Union. Such critical mineral deals could be a boon for the handful of companies that are already producing nickel and cobalt in Europe, while also strengthening the investment case for further expansions. Countries including Finland and Japan have an outsize role as suppliers to the U.S., and the recent deals are crucial for both sides to ensuring that trading partners aren’t locked out in the future.

qualify for assistance.

They are rallying in support of a bill introduced by Sen. María Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, known as the Excluded Workers Program, which would allow undocumented workers to receive unemployment benefits for two years.

Gov. Newsom vetoed a similar proposal last year, citing the multi-milliondollar cost to update the Employment Development Department’s info rmation technology systems.

Approximately 1.1 million workers in California are undocumented, and collectively they contribute $3.7 billion in state and local tax revenues, reported UC Merced’s Community and Labor Center.

“Our community is affected by not having access to unemployment benefits,” Armando Celestino, Triqui interpreter with the Centro B inacional para el Desarollo Indígena Oaxaqueño (CBDIO), or the Binational Center for the Development of Oaxacan Indigenous Communities, said in Spanish. “We want this to change.”

Employment Development Department. It would provide undocumented workers with $300 weekly for up to 20 weeks of unemployment.

The bill is opposed by the California Taxpayers Association, which argued that the state’s unemployment system “does not have the financial ability to sustain any added benefits at this time,” according to an analysis by the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement.

The Excluded Workers Program is among the Latino Legislative Caucus’ priorities for this year. The caucus is also prioritizing efforts to extend health and food benefits to undocumented Californians.

While these proposals wind through the legislature, Newsom’s office says it is taking other steps to support undocumented workers and communities.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is “mobilizing existing funds,” from the Rapid Response Fund to provide disaster relief to immigrant Californias regardless of their docuSee Workers, Page A7

efits, and $6.5 million in other costs such as outplacement services, Virgin Orbit said in the filing.

Just two weeks ago, the company approved a severance plan for top executives, with Chief Executive Officer Daniel Hart standing to collect a payout of twice his base compensation, a cash payment equal to the prorated annual target bonus, and as much as six months of health insurance cover.

Branson injected $10.9 million by buying a note convertible into shares through his Virgin Investments, allowing the failed business to fund severance pay and other costs, Virgin Orbit said in See Virgin, Page A7

We service all makes and models of RV motorhome, 5th Wheel and Trailer Chassis, brakes, lights, engine, HVAC, transmission, steering, axles, bearings, suspension, tires etc. We also repair and service all trucks from a pick up truck to a Class 8 Big Rig. Our team of Technician’s have over 150 years combined repair and diagnostic experience. We treat your vehicle like it is ours. There is no job too big or small, we invite them all.

Give us a call to schedule an appointment or just stop by we always have coffee brewed and popcorn popped. We look forward to meeting you and providing you with excellent customer service.

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg file (2022)

A Ford Lightning F-150 pickup truck next to a charging station during a media event at Vino Farms in Healdsburg, May 20, 2022. With the release of the F-150 Lightning, Ford hopes to electrify new and traditional truck buyers alike, and eventually to replace its industry-defining gas-powered line.

NEWSOM

mentation status, according to the governor’s office.

“These efforts also include ensuring mixed-status families are accessing federal and state resources that they may be eligible for,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

Lawmaker pledges support for unemployment proposal

State legislators, community advocates and farmworkers gathered at Fresno City Hall last Friday to advocate for the need for safety net benefits for all Californians.

Carranza said undocumented workers’ labor contributes to the state’s economy, so the state and local governments should do more to support workers in return.

“Even through the Covid-19 pandemic, extreme heat or cold, we farmworkers are always there on the frontline,” he said in Spanish. “We don’t back down, and we don’t give up.”

Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, attended the event and vowed to ensure the Excluded Workers Program becomes law.

“I look forward to the fight ahead where we are going to both pass SB 227 and also get it funded,” he said.

Representatives from Lideres Campesinas, Central California Environmental Justice Network and other organizations also pledged to support the Excluded Workers Program.

Oralia Maceda, CBDIO’s program director, said the continuing call to extend safety net benefits to undocumented workers isn’t “a favor” advocates are asking for.

“It’s a human right,” Maceda said in Spanish. “It’s a human right for all people to have a place to live and food on the table.”

CBDIO and organizations across the state that are part of the SafetyNet4All Coalition, which advocates for immigrant families’ rights, will gather at the State Capitol in Sacramento on April 13 to call for unemployment benefits and other safety net services for undocumented immigrants.

Virgin

From Page A6

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The Long Beach-based company is one of several space-related start-ups with once highflying valuations that have seen their shares plunge as investors shy away from untested business models and money-losing operations. Astra Space reported Thursday that its cash and cash-equivalent reserves fell by 32% in the quarter ended Dec. 31, and Rocket Lab USA said last month it expects to its quarterly loss to be three times bigger than analysts had estimated.

Virgin Orbit is still looking to sell all or part of its business, according to a person familiar with the matter. Those discussions for a possible transaction don’t include Matthew Brown, a little-known Texas-based venture capital investor who had said he was interested in

James Beck/Bloomberg file (2022)

The Cosmic Girl b o eing 747, operated by Virgin Orbit, in england, nov. 8, 2022.

a deal earlier this month, said the person, who asked not to be identified revealing private conversations.

Brown had touted himself as a possible savior of a business that was worth billions just a year ago. But his financing deal collapsed over the weekend, CNBC reported Monday.

The launch company officially began in 2017 as an offshoot of Virgin Galactic before going public in 2021 through a combination with a blank-check firm. Virgin Orbit’s business centered on launching small satellites into orbit, distinct from Virgin Galactic’s focus

on sending humans to the edge of space and back.

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Unlike some competitors that launch rockets from the ground, Virgin Orbit uses a technique known as air launch, in which its LauncherOne rocket is deployed at a high altitude from underneath the wing of a modified Boeing 747 plane. The company began developing the rocket at Virgin Galactic, years before the satellite launch business was formally created.

Virgin Orbit successfully launched its first mission to orbit in January 2021 and completed four successful flights through 2022.

The company had planned to increase its launch frequency this year but had to reassess after the failed January mission, which was slated to be the first orbital launch from British soil. Its vehicle never reached orbit after incurring a problem with a fuel filter during the flight, leading to the loss of nine small satellites.

Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini preside over festivities on the 2023 CMT Music Awards.

COMMENTARY

Biden administration barely pretends to care about Syria anymore

The Biden administration seems to have forgotten about Syria these days. The only moves it has made recently were responses to February’s devastating earthquake or a recent attack on U.S. troops by an apparent Iranian drone. The administration has abdicated diplomatic leadership to Moscow and is turning a blind eye as Gulf states welcome the Assad regime back into the diplomatic fold. Privately, many Biden officials tell me they just don’t see any good U.S. policy options. Nonsense. There are several things that the U.S. government could and should do that could prevent the catastrophe in Syria from getting even worse. This week, in fact, dozens of former U.S. officials, experts and leaders of Syrian organizations sent President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken a long list of things the administration ought to be doing right now. The letter’s signatories also explain why it matters.

“None of the issues that caused the Syria conflict have been resolved, most notably Assad regime atrocities and inability, or refusal to reform,” the letter states. “Many of the conflict’s symptoms are worsening, from human suffering, industrial-scale drug trafficking, refugee flows, terrorism, geopolitical conflict and ethnic and sectarian hostilities.”

In other words, Washington is sorely mistaken if it thinks that allowing regional players to reestablish diplomatic and economic ties with Bashar al-Assad will lead to greater stability. As the authors write: “Syria’s crisis is complex, but unconditional regime normalization is not inevitable.”

The administration claims that its policy of opposing Assad’s normalization “remains unchanged.” But Syrians are not buying it. They say that recent statements by Biden officials amount to tacit approval to supposed U.S. partners who are warming to the Syrian dictator. For example, the State Department’s top Middle East official, Barbara Leaf, said on March 9, “Our basic message has been [that] if you’re going to engage with the regime, get something for that.”

On March 19, United Arab Emirates ruler Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan greeted Assad in Abu Dhabi with a 21-gun salute, particularly disturbing symbolism on the 12th anniversary of the Syrian uprising. There was no indication the UAE won any benefits for the Syrian people in return for the visit. The State Department declined to criticize the move.

“The Biden administration is failing the Syrian people,” said Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, a pro-opposition Syrian American aid group. “The danger of the Biden administration’s complacency and latent support for normalization with Assad is that it will invite other dictators to pursue the same policies.”

The State Department has largely ignored its most potent available tool for isolating Assad - namely, the Caesar Act, which authorized sanctions on anyone who aids the Syrian government. Their first and only use of these sanctions was this week, against drug traffickers. That’s a broken promise from Blinken, who said during the 2020 campaign that the Biden administration would fully implement the law. The leaders of both the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees wrote to Blinken last week to lament the “disappointingly slow pace of sanctions” under the Caesar Act.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, lamented the Biden administration’s lack of a comprehensive strategy for Syria and urged Biden and Blinken to take the experts’ list of recommendations seriously. They recommend increasing aid volume and access to liberated areas, intensifying diplomacy, resetting relations with Turkey, addressing the ISIS detainee crisis, and maintaining pressure on Assad to stop the ongoing atrocities while pursuing accountability.

Middle East Institute Senior Fellow Charles Lister, who helped organize the list sent to Biden and Blinken, told me that the signatories don’t expect the administration to suddenly decide to ramp up its Syria engagement. But it is wrong to say that there are no good options.

“It did not need to be this way,” Lister said. “Yes, the days of forcing the Assad regime out are long gone, but there are many other things we could still be doing to have a useful and productive effect for the United States and the Syrian people.”

It’s tempting for any U.S. administration to throw up its hands when it comes to Syria. But the current strategy of passive neglect is neither stable nor sustainable. If current trends continue, the Islamic State will revive, and tensions between Turkish-backed and Kurdish-backed forces in Northern Syria will spill over into more bloodshed. Iran and Russia will expand their influence. Millions of internally displaced Syrians will suffer, and millions of refugees will never return home. Gulf partners will continue to cozy up to China. Assad will continue to slaughter. And future mass murderers will learn that there is no accountability in store for them.

It is hard to imagine that Syria could get worse - but it can and it will if U.S. interest and involvement continue to wane. The Biden administration’s lack of strategy does not absolve it of responsibility for the coming consequences of its inaction.

Josh Rogin is a columnist for the Global Opinions section of The Washington Post. He writes about foreign policy and national security. Rogin is also a political analyst for CNN. He is the author of the book Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the 21st Century.

Green Valley development whittles away at natural beauty

Every morning, I drive my daughter to school and admire a field of grass with yellow mustard blooming. There are fewer and fewer of these fields in Green Valley every year. And in just the span of a couple of months, I’ve received several notices from the city of Fairfield about new development projects. I’m a parent, a public health researcher, a small business owner, and have called Green Valley my home for over 20 years now. I spend my days using research to advocate for communities who are left out of the political decision-making process. And now it’s critical that we collectively vocalize how one of these latest development proposals – a 3-story luxury apartment juxtaposed between a preschool, an elementary school and public library on a notoriously busy street – will exacerbate traffic conditions and affect our lives and our children’s well-being for years to come.

The Wiseman Company’s proposed Aurora at Green Valley apartments will compound already congested traffic along Business Center Drive. Spillover parking will deter the community from accessing the library and walking trails, which are an integral part of the community’s social fabric. Fumes from exhaust due to excess traffic – as well as from actual construction –will negatively harm respiratory health, especially for children in playgrounds just a few feet away. The congestion also means compacted and limited emergency exit route options during climate disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. Many community members are also concerned about surveillance that will be placed on children by building inhabitants. In light of ongoing mass school shootings, parents are understandably very wary about the safety and security of our children. Many of us in Green Valley are reaching a tipping point and are organizing to ensure that our concerns are addressed. We are inviting our fellow community members to join us by signing this petition: https://chng. it/7w2GpZNQDS.

Sukhdip K. Purewal Boparai Fairfield

Fix the Fairfield sidewalks, please

The city of Fairfield really needs to work on their sidewalks.

There are many sidewalks with split seams and divots, which cause tripping.

Twice, now, I have tripped while taking a walk around the creek and sidewalks near our home. I was just walking, being very careful. The first one was behind the homes around the 2900 block of Redwood Drive. There was a seam of asphalt that had pulled apart and it caught the toe of my shoe. On March 18, my toe hit a semicircle divot in the part of the sidewalk that allows for expansion on the 3000 of Redwood Drive and I tripped. These divots are not seen while walking. On March 24, I went for my walk and spotted numerous divots. Thankfully, I avoided any disasters!

Please city of Fairfield, have your Public Works crew travel around the city to look for these dangerous sidewalks. Once one’s toe hits one of these divots there is no place but down. Gravity takes over, no matter what one does to try to right their self.

Diane Ball Fairfield

Assistance available for changes coming to Medi-Cal

Everyone deserves access to health care. Yet, the complexities of the American system create barriers for many, especially low-income, unhoused or unemployed individuals. To help bridge that gap, the Medicaid program was created as part of the Social Security Act of 1965. In California, our Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. Under normal circumstances, an individual has to confirm their eligibility for the program each year. But, as with many things, Covid-19 changed that. To provide relief as the pandemic continued disrupting American’s lives, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended the normal annual reapplication process. But, with the end of the emergency declarations that defined much of Covid policy here in California and across the county, for the first time in three years, individuals on Medicaid programs will have to confirm they remain eligible and renew their coverage.

According to data from the Solano County 2021/22 budget request, the Medi-Cal application approval rate increased from 46% to 62% between February and May 2020. And, in March 2021, nearly 130,000 Solano residents were on some form of public assistance, including Medi-Cal. So as

much as 30% of the population in Solano County could lose their benefits unless they take action.

Continuous enrollment ends on March 31, 2023, and individuals will receive renewal applications 90 days before their coverage is set to expire.

OLE Health is the health care provider for more than 70% of the Medi-Cal population in Solano County. We offer enrollment services to anyone who needs it, and you don’t have to be an OLE Health patient to use them. Our team of enrollment specialists can help with initial enrollment or reverification for renewal – free of charge.

If you would like help with your Medi-Cal renewal or assistance enrolling in Medi-Cal for the first time, you can call 707-254-1777 to make an appointment. Please bring any forms you’ve received with you to the appointment.

Teresa Alba, Patient Financial and Enrollment Services Manager, OLE Health Napa

Need better consideration for old town residents

I am an old town resident and I want to again address the issue that before any “event” in old town the area is cleaned, so the people from outside the town will see the beautiful marina and plaza. Meanwhile, the local taxpaying residents do not receive the same level of cleanliness and safety that the city is showing for outside visitors.

On March 18, there was a car show at the old town plaza and Main Street area. All of the benches and area in the plaza were cleared of people who had been using the area for their places to stay and shelter. These people have been in the area for months despite local residents’ complaints. At one point there were five police cars dealing with a person who was camped out on a bench along the waterfront walkway.

As an old town resident who enjoys my daily walks around the area, I, as a taxpaying resident, would like to enjoy my daily walks rather than having to go in different directions to avoid the piles of trash, and the scary and unsafe situations. The mayor, the city council and the police chief need to address this issue and respond to why the local taxpaying residents are not given the same consideration as outside visitors.

Barbara Kraig Suisun City

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Josh Rogin

Crime logs

FairField

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

1:00 a.m. — Battery, 1600 block of VICKSBURG DRIVE

4:25 a.m. — Vehicle theft, 900 block of NIGHTINGALE DRIVE

6:08 a.m. — Vehicle burglary, 3700 block of LYON ROAD

6:56 a.m. — Vandalism, 5000 block of BUSINESS CENTER

DRIVE

8:04 a.m. — Battery, 1500 block of MEADOWLARK DRIVE

8:26 a.m. — Hit-and-run with injury, DOVER AVENUE

8:49 a.m. — Reckless driver, TRAVIS BOULEVARD

9:16 a.m. — Commercial burglary, 4400 block of CENTRAL

PLACE

9:22 a.m. — Vehicle burglary, 2800 block of SUNDOWN

CIRCLE

9:52 a.m. — Brandishing a weapon, FIFTH STREET

11:12 a.m. — Drunk and disorderly, 1100 block of KEN-

TUCKY STREET

12:39 p.m. — Reckless driver, EASTBOUND HIGHWAY 12

1:43 p.m. — Vandalism, 300 block of PACIFIC AVENUE

2:02 p.m. — Battery, 1300 block of GOLD HILL ROAD

2:51 p.m. — Fight with a weapon, 1000 block of OLIVER

ROAD

3:02 p.m. — Trespassing, 2700 block of MAXWELL WAY

3:09 p.m. — Drunken driving, DICKSON HILL ROAD

3:26 p.m. — Reckless driver, FIELDCREST AVENUE

3:31 p.m. — Grand theft, 300 block of MANZANITA AVENUE

3:51 p.m. — Grand theft, 2000 block of CLAY BANK ROAD

4:03 p.m. — Trespassing, 1900 block of NORTH TEXAS

STREET

4:25 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 1400 block of

WEST TEXAS STREET

5:51 p.m. — Drunk and disorderly, 2200 block of NORTH

TEXAS STREET

5:56 p.m. — Grand theft, 4900 block of VANDEN ROAD

6 p.m. — Reckless driver, DOVER AVENUE

6:16 p.m. — Vehicle burglary, 5100 block of BUSINESS

CENTER DRIVE

7:31 p.m. — Battery, 2000 block of CLAY BANK ROAD

7:44 p.m. — Trespassing, 300 block of BECK AVENUE

7:58 p.m. — Trespassing, 800 block of OHIO STREET

8:13 p.m. — Commercial burglary, 100 block of COMMERCE

COURT

8:20 p.m. — Drunken driving, 1300 block of CROWLEY LANE

8:49 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 300 block of SAN

ANDREAS STREET

9:15 p.m. — Grand theft, 600 block of UNION AVENUE

9:40 p.m. — Reckless driver, 1300 block of WOOLNER

AVENUE

11:01 p.m. — Battery, 500 block of DAKOTA STREET

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

4:07 a.m. — Vehicle theft, 1000 block of HAYES STREET

4:11 a.m. — Shots fired, 300 block of EAST WYOMING

STREET

5:47 a.m. — Vandalism, 300 block of EAST TABOR AVENUE

8:13 a.m. — Reckless driver, 2000 block of WINSTON DRIVE

8:26 a.m. — Battery, 1000 block of WEBSTER STREET

9:34 a.m. — Fight with a weapon, 2300 block of BALDWIN

COURT

9:46 a.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 1600 block of NORTH TEXAS STREET

11:43 a.m. — Battery, 1600 block of KIDDER AVENUE

12:26 p.m. — Vehicle theft, 900 block of NIGHTINGALE

DRIVE

12:52 p.m. — Vehicle burglary, 2500 block of AUTO MALL

PARKWAY

1:23 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 2100 block of

CADENASSO DRIVE

2:19 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, LOPES ROAD

2:24 p.m. — Trespassing, 3300 block of NORTH TEXAS

STREET

2:36 p.m. — Battery, 100 block of BEL AIR CIRCLE

3:05 p.m. — Grand theft, 1500 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD

3:18 p.m. — Battery, 1300 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD

3:22 p.m. — Vehicle theft, VANDEN ROAD

3:43 p.m. — Trespassing, 2700 block of NORTH TEXAS STREET

3:51 p.m. — Battery, 5100 block of BICKFORD CIRCLE

5:29 p.m. — Drunken driving, FAIRFIELD AVENUE

5:57 p.m. — Residential burglary, 700 block of APPALOOSA

COURT

6:38 p.m. — Grand theft, 2600 block of CARNATION DRIVE

6:56 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, 1300 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD

7:16 p.m. — Hit-and-run property damage, EAST TABOR

AVENUE

7:21 p.m. — Trespassing, 2900 block of TRAVIS BOULEVARD

8:27 p.m. — Battery, 1200 block of WILLET

SuiSun City

unprecedented moment in American history – the first ex-president, ever, charged with a crime – is one that, for him at least, has become almost routine. Since first positing – incor rectly – on his social media platform almost exactly two weeks ago that he would be arrested in a few days, Trump has cycled through a range of emotions and postures, both public and private.

He has been angry and even threatening, attacking Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on his Truth Social site and warning of “potential death & destruction” if he was charged. He has been both resigned to and disbelieving of a potential indictment, at points behaving as if he could single-handedly disappear the ongoing investigation through some combination of magical thinking and public pressure.

And he has become, eventually, defiant – portraying himself as a hunted victim and leveraging the controversy as a political weapon.

Trump – a former reality TV host who is seeking to win a second term in the White House in 2024 - has already begun privately musing about the indelible images that will likely emerge from his day in court Tuesday, talking about everything from his mug shot to possible perp walk and how he can use the moment to convey defiance.

This portrait of Trump facing down a historic indictment is the result of interviews with 15 Trump advisers, lawyers, confidants and other officials, many of whom spoke anonymously to candidly share details of private conversations.

“He initially was shocked,” said Joe Tacopina, a Trump lawyer, on NBC’s “The Today Show” Friday. “After he got over that, he put a notch on his belt and he decided we have to fight now, and he got into a typical Donald Trump posture where he’s ready to be combative on something he believes is an injustice.”

“His knees don’t buckle,” Tacopina added,

“so he’s now in the posture that he’s ready to fight this.”

Another longtime Trump adviser was blunter, describing the view among Trump advisers that the indictment is “political gold in a primary” and “definitely political gold for fundraising.”

“No one wants to get indicted, but if you are going to get indicted, do you know how much that picture is worth in a primary, for ads and for fundraising?” this person said.

Trump’s legal and campaign team had spent weeks preparing for an expected indictment. They had researched lines of attack against Bragg and Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney and fixer who is believed to be one of Bragg’s key witnesses. They had drafted possible statements and fundraising appeals to push out, as well as a broad plan for Trump’s allies, both legal and political, to blanket television and radio airwaves.

Yet Trump’s lawyers were nonetheless caught off-guard when the news actually came. Some had become so certain that there would be no movement on the investigation in the short term that they had been preparing to take time off, while others – including adviser Boris Epshteyn, who is playing a lead role on Trump’s legal team –had advised Trump that he would not be indicted at all.

Trump’s legal team broke the news to him by phone Thursday, and then began scrambling to prepare for the coming days.

The former president asked about the logistics of being arraigned, and

spoke with his lawyers about what the proceedings would look like.

When initially preparing for Trump’s possible indictment, Secret Service agents had expressed concern that Trump might opt to be arrested; they disliked the safety issues raised by him being handcuffed by police rather than being accompanied by Secret Service agents, said a law enforcement official familiar with the planning. Since then, the Secret Service has been comforted to learn that Trump plans to surrender rather than be arrested.

Trump also huddled with his political advisers and talked to members of Congress about how the charges might help him in a Republican primary.

Trump’s advisers and lawyers, however, have also viewed some of Trump’s more extreme posts on Truth Social to be problematic, including one last month in which he shared an image of him wielding a baseball bat next to a photo of Bragg. (Trump later claimed to Fox News’s Sean Hannity that he wasn’t aware of the image he’d shared).

The political downside is likely to come in a general election, many strategists say, where the electorate – including some more moderate Republicans and independents – has long signaled it is exhausted by the chaos and controversy in which Trump thrives. But for now, he remains unbowed, unconcerned that endless news cycles about paying hush money to an adult-film star could harm him politically.

“He has never been concerned about any story that

paints him as a moral reprobate,” one Trump ally said. “His whole life and career have been full of those stories and they’ve never harmed him, in his mind.”

On Friday, the Trump campaign distributed an email collecting statements from six governors, 26 senators, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and 63 other House Republicans, and 10 state attorneys general, proclaiming “united support” from the party. Trump’s super PAC released a poll showing overwhelming support among Republican primary voters and posted a video that received more than 1 million views on Twitter.

His team also immediately began using the news to fundraise. In one email to supporters Friday, Trump warned that “our justice system has utterly COLLAPSED.” He went on to ask for a $1 contribution “to cement your place in history and accept YOUR membership as a FOUNDING DEFENDER OF PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP AGAINST THIS WITCH HUNT.”

Friday evening, the campaign sent out a press release claiming Trump had raised more than $4 million in the 24 hours after the indictment, including more than 25 percent of donations from first-time donors.

In addition to the Manhattan district attorney’s case agai nst Trump, the former president is facing three other ongoing investigations – one in Fulton County, Ga., and two under the direction of special counsel Jack Smith. Trump’s allies and advisers believe the Manhattan case against him is especially weak, and will backfire both politically and legally. But some of his lawyers privately view the other cases as stronger –and fear a situation where they are battling multiple indictments in multiple jurisdictions.

“This is the lowest point in history for our criminal justice system,” said Chris Kise, one of Trump’s lawyers. “What was once the most respected and revered district attorney’s office in the nation has been fully bastardized by an opportunistic politician seeking, like many others, to cash in on the Trump brand.”

the first time after years in captivity.

“It was cool, I got to shake their hands,” Carr said.

A video shown during the terminal dedication included the memories of a woman whose father had gone to Vietnam when she was 6 years old. He was taken prisoner. He returned when she was 13.

All the POWs attending the ceremony remarked on the importance of remembering the families of the prisoners – parents and wives and children and siblings who were “imprisoned themselves.”

Mike O’Connor, an Army chief warrant officer, was captured when his UH-1B, model C, Huey helicopter was shot down during the Battle of Hué. He said as soon as he was reunited with his family he could see the toll his seven years away had taken on them.

O’Connor said he was the only survivor among the chopper crew, which included his best friend and aircraft commander, Ron Fields.

He dedicated his gray prisoner garb – quick to note it was not a uniform – to the Travis Heritage Center where the second half of the day’s ceremonies took place.

A banner made by James “Tom” Burnett at his shop just outside the air base, now run by his son, and signed by Vietnam Era and combat veterans, and by some, like Nancy Vigil, who lost family members to the war. Her brother, Marine

Corps. Pfc.Robert Strahn, was killed on Nov. 16, 1966. The POWs and other Vietnam veterans attending the event were encouraged to add their names to the banner.

Don Wyllie, who spent 20 years in the Air Force, also attended the event.

Fifty years earlier he was at the controls of one of the C-141 planes that brought the prisoners home. But it was pure coincidence that he was ever part of Operation Homecoming.

Stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, Wyllie was set to go home the next day when he was tapped to replace a pilot who could not make the mission.

So he landed at the airport in Hanoi, loaded both military and civilian prisoners, and headed back to Clark. After medical checkups, it was off to Hawaii, and then finally to Travis, where he was the second plane to set down.

“We were supposed to talk to the guys like they were basket cases, or not even speak to them,” Wyllie recalls being told. After all, they had been prisoners for a very long time. “But it was like an 18-hour party (coming home).”

As he approached the West Coast, Wyllie got permission to circle the Golden Gate Bridge, which came to be a symbol of their freedom. They also encountered a Boeing 747, and one of the freed prisoners remarked it was the first passenger jet he had ever seen.

They landed at Travis on Feb. 16, 1973.

“Without question, in my entire life, it is the highest

point of my career,” the 78-year-old Wyllie said.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Bill Tschudy was released during Operation Homecoming on Feb. 12, 1973. The Fairfield resident also attended the ceremony. He spent 2,767 days in captivity, having been forced to eject July 18, 1965, from the A-6 Intruder on which he was a bombardier navigator.

In a prior interview with the Daily Republic, he described the harsh conditions of the camps, and the putrid food that was often served. And they were tortured.

The news they were being tortured reached the outside world because of Cmdr. Jerry Denton Jr., who was put front and center at a press conference held by the North Vietnamese.

“He sat back, and it looked like he had light in his eyes. But what he was doing was signaling ‘TORTURE’ with his eyes,” Tschudy said.

The prisoners also developed their own way to communicate with each other by tapping, or even sniffing the code, based on a 5-by-5 alphabetical columns of squares that included all the letters but “J.” Each square had its own coordinate.

When it was time to go home, the prisoners were not convinced. It would not have been the first time the North Vietnamese had made such a promise, even taking the prisoners out to the airport, only to bring them back.

This time, the ranking POW officer, Robbie Risner, told “the Rat” that

no one was leaving until the sick and injured prisoners were tended to first.

The act of defiance earned him yet another beating, but the junior officers followed his example, and also refused to leave. It took a letter from Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to convince them, Plumb said.

Thinking back, though, Plumb said there were clues this time it would be different. He said the prisoners had their feet traced on wrapping paper days earlier, and he came to realize they were going to get shoes. Later they were delivered some pants, the first time in six years, he said, that he had seen a zipper.

Eventually, they were all loaded onto the C-141 –which came to be known as the Hanoi Taxis – and taken to freedom.

“Every one of us walked up (to the plane) and said, ‘reporting for duty, sir,’” Lt. Col. Richard “Dog” Brenneman said as part of the video.

In all, 325 members of the Air Force, 138 from the Navy, 77 from the Army, 26 Marines and 25 civilians were brought home from Feb. 12 to April 4, 1973. Of the 660 prisoners of war that were eventually returned, 80% stayed in the military.

But it was not until they were out over open water – clear of the Vietnamese mainland – that they allowed themselves to celebrate.

Tschudy said during the flight to the Philippines, the pilot relayed a message from the crews of the USS Hornet and the USS Enterprise: “Welcome home.”

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post

Former president Donald Trump stands for the Pledge of Allegiance at a campaign rally at Waco Regional Airport in Waco, Texas, March 25.

Gordon Kirk, who celebrated his 100th birthday last week,

At 100, WWII vet ‘still trying to be of assistance to others’

tribune Content agenCy

ST. PAUL, Minn. —

There were four generations of Gordon Kirks at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Paul on Sunday morning.

The eldest Gordon Kirk celebrated his 100th birthday last week, and his grandson, great-grandson and great-great-grandson joined about two dozen parishioners in the church’s basement after the 10 a.m. service to mark their namesake’s milestone.

“I guess I’m just one of the lucky ones,” Kirk said of his longevity. “I’ve been blessed. I mean, I’m the first Kirk to ever reach 100 years old. Dad died at 99, mother died at 94.”

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz both issued proclamations last week recognizing the World War II veteran’s service to his city and state.

Kirk has spent much of his long life helping others. Holy Trinity parishioner Paula Mitchell described Kirk as a pillar of the community.

“We could always depend on him,” she said Sunday. “At 100 years old, he’s still trying to be

Social Security funding crisis will arrive in 2033, US projects

the washington Post

Medicare recipients will face automatic benefit cuts starting in 2031 and Social Security won’t be able to make full retirement payments starting in 2033 unless Congress intervenes, according to a new government report released Friday.

The latest yearly forecast serves as a warning for lawmakers on Capitol Hill – and for the public – of the fragile financial health of the federal government’s two most expensive programs, which tens of millions of seniors depend on for medical care and retirement benefits.

care trust funds, a body composed of top administration officials such as Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.

“Lawmakers have many options for changes that would reduce or eliminate the long-term financing shortfalls,” the trustees state in the report. “With each year that lawmakers do not act, the public has less time to prepare for the changes.”

of assistance to others. . . . He’s just always been so giving.”

A longtime resident of St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, Kirk’s sharp memory is also a repository of local history.

“He’s still able to talk and tell stories,” Mitchell said. “If you don’t have that, how do you have a culture you can call on, that you can believe in?”

Kirk was born in Helena, Mont., on March 23, 1923. His father’s career with the Northern Pacific Railway moved the family west to Seattle just as he was starting grade school. When Kirk was 10 years old, they finally settled in St. Paul in the depths of the Great Depression.

Kirk enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from Marshall High School in 1942. Sent to Texas for basic training, he first encountered the open racism of the segregated south when he and his fellow Black recruits were boarding a train in Kansas City.

“The conductor comes up and says, ‘You boys will have to ride in the Jim Crow car,’ ” he recalled. “I’d heard about Jim Crow cars, but I’d never seen one. I hadn’t ever been

called ‘boy.’ ” Kirk hoped to join the paratroopers after basic training, but Black soldiers were still prohibited from doing so. He was instead assigned to a trucking company under Gen. George Patton.

Landing at Omaha Beach six days after D-Day, Kirk served in Europe for the rest of the war. During the Battle of the Bulge, his company was tasked with delivering troops to the front lines near Bastogne in the dead of winter, enduring frostbite and regular bombing by German planes.

After leaving the Army, Kirk spent a decade working as a streetcar driver for Twin City Rapid Transit, before embarking on a 30-year career as a skycap with Braniff and then Northwest airlines.

“That was a choice job,” he said of the skycaps.

In addition to discounted airfare, it afforded Kirk – a longtime Vikings season ticket-holder –opportunities to rub elbows with frequent flyers like Bud Grant and Ahmad Rashad, both of whom he counted as friends.

Kirk always found time to help those in need. In the mid-1960s, he and his wife Gwen, who died

in 2005, co-founded an organization that donated playground equipment to St. Paul parks.

After retiring from Northwest Airlines in the 1990s, he went to work part-time for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, helping his fellow veterans navigate the VA healthcare system.

A longtime VFW member, he also became the first Black commander of the organization’s Minnesota chapter in 1995.

Throughout the years, Kirk has always made time for Holy Trinity, serving as an usher for decades. His fellow parishioners are quick to point out his giving spirit.

He has long been a mentor to younger members of the congregation, and the Kirks occasionally took at-risk youths into their home, helping them turn their lives around without judgement.

Holy Trinity parishioner George Thompson credited Kirk’s longevity for his ability to see past people’s faults.

“I think it enabled him to be very generous as a person and willing to give people the benefit of the doubt,” Thompson said. “He always gave people the benefit of the doubt.”

What do you know about cornea transplantation?

M ayo CliniC news network

A cornea transplant, or keratoplasty, is an operation to replace part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor. The cornea is the transparent, domeshaped surface of the eye. Light enters the eye through the cornea.

Nearly 80,000 corneal transplants were performed worldwide in 2021, according to the Eye Bank Association of America. More than 2 million people

have recovered their sight through corneal transplants since 1961.

Why it’s done

A cornea transplant most often is used to restore vision to a person with a damaged cornea.

A cornea transplant also can relieve pain or other symptoms associated with cornea diseases.

Conditions that can be treated with a cornea transplant include:

n A cornea that bulges outward, called keratoconus

n Fuchs’ dystrophy, a genetic condition

n Thinning or tearing of the cornea

n Cornea scarring, caused by infection or injury

n Swelling of the cornea

n Corneal ulcers not responding to medical treatment

n Complications caused by previous eye surgery

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and those with disabilities, while Social Security provides critical monthly benefit checks for retirees, workers’ survivors and some people with disabilities. Social Security and Medicare’s coverage of hospital care are paid for by trust funds consisting of dedicated taxes paid by workers and employers, not from general tax revenue like most of the rest of the government. Unless lawmakers approve changes before the deadlines, Medicare and Social Security will be forced to cut benefits sharply for seniors because both programs are paying out more than they take in.

The report is released annually by the Boards of Trustees of the Social Security and Medi-

The report projects that Medicare funds will be exhausted in 2031, three years later than the trustees previously estimated, which would give lawmakers more time to address the program. The date for Social Security benefits to be exhausted, however, was moved up to 2033, or one year earlier than the trustees projected last year. Benefits won’t stop when the programs reach insolvency, but the government will be able to pay only a portion of the amount to which people are entitled. The trustees report predicts that, starting in 2033, Social Security’s old age and survivors insurance trust fund will be able to pay 77% of that amount. Starting in 2031, Medicare’s hospital insurance will be able to pay 89% of the scheduled benefits for hospital services, the report states.

The average monthly Social Security benefit check this year is $1,827. More than 60 million people are collecting

See Crisis, Page A11

Nick Woltman/Pioneer Press/TNS

was honored on March 26 with a party in St. Paul, Minn.

Cornea

From Page A10

How it’s done

A cornea transplant removes either the entire thickness or a partial thickness of the diseased cornea and replaces it with healthy donor tissue. The type of procedure your surgeon will recommend depends on your eye condition.

Types of corneal transplant surgery include:

n Penetrating keratoplasty

This operation involves a fullthickness cornea transplant. Your surgeon cuts through the entire thickness of the irregular or diseased cornea to remove a small button-sized disk of corneal tissue. The donor cornea, cut to fit, is placed in the opening. Your surgeon then uses stitches to keep the new cornea in place.

n Endothelial keratoplasty

There are two types of endothelial keratoplasty, and both remove diseased tissue from the back corneal layers. These layers include the endothelium and a layer of tissue called the Descemet membrane, which is attached to the endothelium. Donor tissue replaces the removed tissue.

n Anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Two different methods of anterior lamellar keratoplasty remove diseased tissue from the front corneal layers, including the epithelium and the stroma. However, they leave the back endothelial layer in place. The depth of cornea damage determines which method is right for you.

n Artificial cornea transplant. If you aren’t eligible for a cornea transplant with a donor cornea, you might receive an artificial cornea. This operation is known as keratoprosthesis.

Corneas used in transplants come from people who have died.

Corneas from people who died from unknown causes are not used. Corneas from people who had previous eye surgery, eye disease or certain conditions, such as diseases that are passed from one person to the next, also are not used. Cornea transplants don’t require tissue matching.

Crisis

From Page A10

benefits now. About 65 million Americans are on Medicare, with either an original version of the program in which they can choose their own doctors and other providers of care or an increasingly popular version that relies on managedcare plans.

Despite broad agreement among experts of the danger posed by the looming shortfall, policymakers in Washington have largely agreed this year not to address it amid fierce partisan divisions about how to solve the problem – warring that has surrounded the question for decades as insolvency has grown more imminent. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, commissions created by Congress or the White House tried to come up with plans to secure the programs’ future, but the efforts dissolved in dispute, and there have been no similar highwattage efforts in years.

“Lawmakers who insist they won’t touch these programs are endorsing a 20% cut to Social Security benefits and major disruptions to health-care services,” said Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a D.C.-based think tank calling for lower deficits, in a statement ahead of the report’s release. “Given that we can’t guarantee full benefits for current retirees under the law, this cynical approach is doing a tremendous disservice to those who rely on these programs the most.”

The report provides the latest estimate on just when the U.S. may reach these impasses. Medicare has become strained as higher health-care costs and an increase in the number of seniors weaken its finances, the report states. Social Security faces a similar funding crunch due to the aging of the American population.

Administration officials said the coronavirus pandemic “dramatically affected” the Medicare program’s finances

for a variety of reasons, including how much care people are getting inside hospitals, the fact that Americans are not yet seeking as many medical services as before covid and the reality that the nation’s excess deaths from covid involved many people with other ailments who had been getting expensive medical treatment that now won’t be needed. An administration official also acknowledged substantial uncertainty about how the programs’ finances would be affected by future fertility rates, calling it a “big question mark.” A decline in U.S. birthrates would make it harder to keep the program funded, but it is unclear to what extent parents are waiting longer to have children as opposed to deciding not to have them altogether, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity on a background call with reporters.

The report said the insolvency date for Social Security was moved up because economic growth is now projected to be slower than previously estimated. The Medicare insolvency date was extended primarily because of declines in projected health-care costs “stemming from updated analy-

sis that uses more recent data,” the report states.

Lawmakers are divided over the programs’ future. Democrats have largely argued that the programs can stay financially stable without cutting benefits through higher taxes, and President Biden released a plan earlier this year to extend the life span of Medicare by more than two decades. It would increase Medicare-specific taxes on people earning more than $400,000 and make it harder for the wealthy to avoid paying those taxes.

The White House did not release a plan for extending the life span of Social Security, though.

Congressional Republicans have not coalesced around a plan to protect the solvency of either program. Dozens of congressional Republicans have endorsed plans to cut both Medicare and Social Security benefits, but appeared to back off those ideas earlier this year amid intense criticism from the Biden administration.

Although they express concern about the funding shortfall, some experts point out that Social Security is not particularly generous in its current form. The program is projected

to cost less than 7% of the U.S. gross domestic product even decades from now, or smaller than what Germany, Austria, France and most other industrialized nations spend today on their counterpart programs, according to a statement from Social Security Works, a leftleaning think tank that opposes cuts to the program.

“The question of whether to expand or cut Social Security is one of values, not affordability,” the group said. “The threat to Social Security is not the unremarkable and easily addressed projected shortfall starting in the 2030s. The real threat is the hostility of Republicans in Congress.”

Still, conservatives were prepared to cite the report as evidence that the programs must be restructured.

“Releasing a document you’re not particularly happy about Friday afternoon is a time-honored practice in D.C.,” said Doug Holtz-Eakin, a GOP policy analyst, in an interview before the report’s release. “They’re trying to bury it, and they should, because they’re saying: ‘We don’t want to touch any of these things – and they have to, as the trustees report will say.’”

Shuran Huang/The Washington Post file

The Capitol building in Washington. A new report projects that Congress needs to make changes to Social Security and Medicare before automatic benefit cuts kick in for both programs, which will soon be paying out more than the government takes in in taxes to fund them.

This week

house.com

I Benicia

2:30 p.m. Sunday Clay Bell

The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com

6 p.m. Sunday Poker Night

The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com.

7 p.m. Tuesday Open Mic Night

The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com.

7 p.m. Wednesday Karaoke

The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com.

5:30 p.m. Thursday Bray The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com.

9 p.m. Thursday

DJ Glenn Snyder

The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com.

4:30 p.m. Friday Tam Funk Railroad

The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com

8:30 p.m. Friday Crossman Connection The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com.

4:30 p.m. Saturday Larc and LaBlanc

The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com.

8:30 p.m. Saturday Mad Apple The Rellik, 726 First St. www.therellik tavern.com.

I Vallejo

6:30 p.m. Wednesday Andre Thierry Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www. empresstheatre.org

1 p.m. Saturday DW Edwards Lighting Up the Soul Vino Godfather Winery, 1005 Walnut Ave. www.vino godfather.com

Papa Roach wins iHeart Rock Artist of the Year

a my m aginniS-Honey AMAGINNIS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

VACAVILLE — Papa Roach, a band launched 30 years ago in Vacaville, was honored as Rock Artist of the Year at the 2023 iHeartRa-

dio Music Awards, held in Los Angeles.

“Yesterday was a dream come true for us,” the band wrote on its Facebook page.

“Taking home the award for Best Rock Artist of the Year at the iHeart Music

Hear Ol’ Blue Eyes tunes in Vacaville

a my m aginniS-Honey AMAGINNIS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

VACAVILLE — Gary Anthony grew up in the music business. His father was a bigband director.

He remembers being memorized by the music, performers, singers and bands of the Golden Era. “It was so intense for me that I literally missed the Beatle era of my generation,” he wrote in press materials.

Anthony began singing with his dad’s band when he was 7. As a teen, he would listen to “Sinatra at the Sand,” saying he felt it as Sinatra’s best live performance.

In the 1970s, Anthony was part of The Allens, which recorded the song “High Tide” penned by the Osmonds. The family band appeared on Johnny Carson and “American Bandstand” as well

MUSIC Preview

Direct From Las Vegas!

A Salute to Sinatra starring Gary Anthony 3 p.m. April 16 Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive. www.vpat.net www.sinatratrib.com

as numerous teen magazines in that era.

He continued in show business, behind the scenes, before deciding he had to sing Sinatra.

In the early 1990s, he packed up his bags and headed to Las Vegas. “I didn’t want to be 80 years old and miss this passion that has been haunting me for

Best deal on Dixon May Fair tickets through May 10

DIXON — Tickets for the Dixon May Fair grandstand shows, fair admission and carnival wristbands are now available for purchase for the upcoming Fair, May 11-14. The fair has a number of opportunities to save money and time when purchasing fair and grandstand event tickets early using the e-ticket system. Online services apply. Grandstand ticket prices for Broncs & Bulls, the Tractor & Truck Pulls and the

years,” he wrote. “Its something I couldn’t quit.

He brings “A Salute to Sinatra” to the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre on April 16.

He credits nostalgia for his tenure. “The young love it. They hear stars singing the nostalgic songs,” Anthony said.

There are plenty of Sinatra, and Rat Pack fans, around, he added.

Anthony views himself as an entertainer, calling his show a tribute to the late artists. “I’m not claiming to be Frank,” he said, adding he also looks and sings like Sinatra.

“I try to create an image on the stage,” he said. With that comes of bit of Anthony’s personality.

His “Salute to Sinatra” begins with a voice from behind the

See Sinatra, Page B3

Awards was an honor. Being in the room with incredible talent across every genre was inspiring.

“Thank you to everyone for your support and espeSee Papa, Page B3

POETRY CONNECTION Celebrate poetry this month

pril is National Poetry Month, an opportunity to recognize the importance of poetry! It is a time to explore how poetry can take you on your own personal journey through artful words. Poetry matters because its words with rhythm and rhyme, with vigor and vitality, with motion and with meaning can help you escape, or encourage you to stand with a cause.

Rumi, a poet in the 1200s said, “The world exists as you perceive it. It is not what you see, but how you see it. It is not what you hear, but how you hear it. It is not what you feel, but how you feel it.”

Isn’t that so true about poetry?

Poems can raise language to a level of personal experience, transient or subjective. Through poetry our inner voices are given opportunities to be heard.

Tracy K. Smith, U.S. poet laureate from 2017 to 2019 (who was a graduate of Fairfield High), describes poetry as “a living force.” She is so right! Poetry has become one of the most popular and very successful means of communication, not only in written word, but through oral presentation.

Last month I shared three poems from the March 2nd “From Pen to Purpose” collaborative event with Solano Community College English professor, Michael J. Wyly, and me. Those students’ work helped me to see the talent young people have and remember how their thoughts are invaluable. These creative and inspiring students were so courageous to share their written work and

See Bruce, Page

Town

Darren Craig/Courtesy photo

Vacaville’s Papa Roach took home the Rock Artist of the Year award at the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Suzanne Bruce Poetry connection

B3

Courtesy photo

Gary Anthony brings “A Salute to Sinatra” to the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre on April 16.

read them publicly, that I am sharing two more of those today.

These two poems were from that event; and with all the others, are also hanging at The Coffee Bar in downtown Fairfield. Please support these students and all creative writers by celebrating National Poetry Month! Perhaps it will help open your own doors to new views.

Here is a bit about each of the two writers of today’s poems.

Danielle Jones is a Film and TV, English and ASL major. Her career goal is to be a writer/director. She is the Creatives’ Collective club president at Solano Community College.

Jaron Watson is more of an actor than a poet, performing more than composing. Jaron has been a student at SCC since 2021.

Where Are You Now, Unicorn?

Where are you now, Unicorn?

I bet you’re in the sky . . .

How can you fly?

I wish to be where you are.

Or maybe in a star?

Are we stars together?

Floating on a rainbow as stardust showers us.

Who are we Unicorn?

Can you see me?

Are we in that forbidden place?

Where the sky has no face?

I cling to your embrace . . .

Or maybe we don’t have form?

Everywhere and nowhere living off the thunderstorm?

A peaceful, nowhere, I could kiss the air.

How did you get there?

Unicorn . . .

The apocalypse took you away

And all I could do was stare.

Helpless . . . “I do care.”

I miss you Unicorn.

It isn’t the same . . .

Shadows of your magic stain my pain.

I hide my shame, I have no one to blame . . .

Not even the celestial clouds.

Shadows of your power shine, proud.

I am painted with your mystery.

Who would I be with you here, Unicorn?

Would I be superhuman?

Would I save the world?

Would space and time be fluid?

Would I return to the Pearl?

Would I return magic to this realm?

Or would these beings be overwhelmed?

Speak to me, Unicorn!

Please?

Come to me in a dream . . .

Travel the moonbeams.

Come back to me . . .

I’ve called your name.

I’ve called your name . . . Reclaim!

With tears that

Papa

From Page B1

cially to our fans who have followed us on this long journey. We love you.”

The band launches an international tour April 18 in New Zealand. They will play in Las Vegas on May 13.

The event was hosted by Lenny Kravitz and featured performances and a special appearance from Vallejo’s H.E.R.

Nominated in the same category as Papa Roach were the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ghost, Shinedown and Three

stream, I reclaim! But I only screamed, through the night.

Searching the stars for your light . . .

I screamed until my lips turned white.

I remember you Unicorn. I remember how you loved me . . .

I remember seeing you dancing in the sea . . . With you, I was free.

— Danielle Jones

Corner of Waterman and Oliver

One second

That’s all it takes

Much can happen in one second.

One could die in just one second.

You are driving

It is dark and the roads are slick with rainw

But you are not afraid; why should you be?

You’ve driven this road many times

You come to the stop sign, same as always

And in a second

You turn left, same as always

But this second is different.

The roads are slick with rain

Your foot is heavy on the gas

Your tires slip

One second begins

The car swings one way

It swings the other way

Spinning, spinning, out of control

A tenth of a second has passed

You know what this is

You see it quick clearly

Because your sight is faster than you

A fifth of a second has passed

A dozen thoughts spin through

You’re crashing, but what can you do?

Your body is too slow for your mind

Half a second has passed.

Is one second a short time?

One second is a lifetime now

Still spinning, clutching the wheel

Hearing the screech of rubber

The car’s turned round

Then it all stops!

One second has passed.

Another second passes.

You hear a sound:

The engine running

The heart racing

You open your eyes

You don’t remember closing them

You let go your breath

You don’t remember holding it

You are not dead.

One second

That’s all it takes

One can die in one second

But one can live too.

— Jaron Watson

Poems must be sent to

Suzanne Bruce at fairfieldpoetlaureate@ gmail.com by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Please include a short introduction about yourself, such as if you are a student, where and why you enjoy writing poetry.

Days Grace.

Taylor Swift was named the 2023 iHeartRadio Innovator Award, whose past recipients have included Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, U2 and Alicia Keys.

The 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards is available on Hulu through April 17.

Harry Styles was named Artist of the Year. Morgan Wallen was the Best New Country Artist. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were honored as the Alternative Artist of the Year. The band also won Rock Song the Year for “Black Summer.” The winners were selected by fan votes.

Lucky Penny gets 10 nods from SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle

NAPA — Lucky Penny Productions earned 10 nominations for theaters with 100 seats or fewer from the 46th annual San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle for 2022. This year’s awards are the second since theaters reopened after the pandemic shutdown and are for productions mounted in 2022.

Co-founder and Artistic Director Taylor Bartolucci was nominated for the second year in a row for Principal Performance in a Musical, this time for Alice Murphy in “Bright Star,” after winning the prize last year for her role as Ursula in “Disney’s The

Little Mermaid.” Her “Bright Star” castmates Ian Elliot and Tommy Lassiter also were nominated in the Princi-

pal Performance category, and Kirstin Pieschke was nominated in the Featured Performer category.

Music Director Craig Burdette and Stage Director Barry Martin were also nominated, and “Bright Star” took a nomination for Best Overall Production in the North Bay. Sarah Lundstrom was nominated for Featured Performance in a Comedy for her role as Cassandra in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” and Tuolomne Bunter was nominated for Featured Performance in a Musical for his role as Tobias in “Sweeney Todd.”

“It is always an honor to have Lucky Penny Productions and our artists

recognized for their hard work, but it is especially wonderful that a show so near and dear to our hearts also touched others as ‘Bright Star’ did,” Bartolucci said in a press release. “We are thrilled with the recognition for all of these talented nominees and are grateful for the support of the SFBATCC and all of the patrons, artists, technicians, musicians and volunteers who allow us to do what we love.”

Next, Lucky Penny will present “Silent Sky” and “The Great American Trailer Park Musical 10th Anniversary Revival.” Tickets for all upcoming shows are available at www.lucky pennynapa.com

Kevin Bacon rocked his ‘Paint It Black’ parody; why’s he apologizing to Jagger?

tRibune content agency

Kevin Bacon’s take on Rolling Stones rocker Mick Jagger could have been perfect – if it weren’t for the actor’s facial hair.

The “Footloose” star joined host Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday’s episode of “The Tonight Show” to perform a parody “first draft” of the Rolling Stones’ iconic “Paint It Black.” In a near replica of one of the band’s live performances in the 1960s, Bacon and Fallon swapped out the original moody lyrics for lyrics with lines about painting.

“I see a red door and I

Music

wanted it painted black/ I see a green apple I want it painted red,” Bacon sang, taking over Mick’s mic. “I see your black Corvette I want to paint it blue/ I see your purple sock I want it painted tan.”

He continued: “I go to Michaels and I ask where is the paint / They tell me aisle six that’s where they keep the paint.”

In the clip, Bacon mimicked Jagger’s gestures and his look – wearing a military-style jacket, a bright tie and a bowl-cut wig meant to resemble the rocker’s early-career locks. The actor was clearly

channeling big Jagger energy but said in an interview after the segment that he knew his performance wasn’t exactly accurate.

“I feel bad about the Mick Jagger thing only because as far as I know Mick’s – I’ve had this mustache which I have to have for a part – but I don’t think Mick’s ever had a mustache, so apologies,” he told Fallon. “If you’re not already upset about everything else I did, apologies for the mustache.”

The “Paint It Black” parody wasn’t the first time Bacon has remixed rock classics for “The Tonight Show.”

name a few.

He and Fallon previously teamed up for new takes on the Beach Boys’ “Fun, Fun, Fun,” Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” and Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Wife Kyra Sedgwick joined him for that last parody in 2017.

Earlier in the conversation, Bacon told Fallon why he’s always up for the “First Drafts of Rock” parodies.

“It’s so fun for me because I grew up with these iconic performers and just to be able to get out and make an idiot out of myself trying to do that . . . [it’s] so great,” he said.

Dana Messing, who also sings and plays bass, is the only original CruiseTone still in the group.

He started playing professionally in the 1960s and 1970s, touring nationally with Beast, who recorded more than 20 songs, including several of his own with Norman Petty, Buddy Holly’s mentor and collaborator.

Fair

From Page B1

From Page B1 Demolition

include fair admission. Advance purchase

In 1986, after much success in the Midwest, he led the band to the Bay Area. Messing enjoys writing and recording songs. He has appeared in concert with The Grass Roots, Kansas and Muddy Waters, to name a few.

Drummer Bob McElwain, who also sings, has performed in the Bay Area and toured North America with several top artists for 30 years. He has shared the stage with such performers as Tuck & Patti and John Lee Sanders, just to

is recommended, as all grandstand events were sell-outs in recent years.

All-you-can-ride wristbands are $30 in advance. They allow the rider unlimited rides on any one day. The price goes up to $35 when the fair opens.

There are additional discounts on fair admission as well. Advance purchase adult tickets

The schedule is:

n April 13: The Beer Brothers Family Band.

n April 20: Rhythm Method.

n April 27: Smokehouse Reunion.

n May 4: Val Starr.

n May 11: The Breedloves.

n May 18: Running with Scissorz. For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/ pages/Town%20Square %20Downtown/1936363 67373680

online are $10 and will be $15 at the gate. KUIC Radio is sponsoring Thrifty Thursday, May 5, when all admissions are $5. On May 6, all children 12 and younger are admitted for free. The “Spring Has Sprung” Dixon May Fair, is at 655 S. First St., Dixon. The website for ticket purchases is www.dixon mayfair.com

Sinatra

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stage. He appears next, looking like Sinatra, complete with gray hair.

There are several songs the audience expects at each performance. “Come Fly with Me,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “New York, New York and “Strangers in the Night” are just a few. No matter, the geographic location, the audience sings along in English, he said. His “Frankly Frank” runs at the Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas five nights a week.

Retirement is not on the horizon. Recently he met an 11-year-old girl after a show and learned the young woman knew Sinatra songs and sang along during the show.

Courtesy photos

Tommy Lassiter, left, and Kirstin Pieschke in Lucky Penny Productions’ production of “Bright Star.” Both received nominations from the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.

Taylor Bartolucci, front, and Ian Elliott in Lucky Penny Productions’ production of “Bright Star.” Both received nominations from the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.

Vallejo synagogue hosts three-day celebration of Sephardic history

Solano County’s oldest (and, for more than a century, only) synagogue owes its existence in large part to the small but mighty Jewish community of the Greek island of Rhodes.

That history will be outlined in a 40- to 45-minute presentation by Dr. Michael Policar during a planned several-day event celebrating the 75th anniversary of Vallejo’s Congregation B’nai Israel’s synagogue building.

Like most U.S. Jewish congregations, the 100-plus-year-old Vallejo group was founded mostly by Ashkenazi Jews who came here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But about a third of the Vallejo temple’s founders came from Rhodes, which, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, was home to a Jewish community for 2,300 years.

Oral tradition has it that Roman-era Jews settled on Rhodes after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, and some say even earlier than that, according to Israel Hayom.

Rhodes’ Jewish community became mostly Sephardic when

those fleeing the Spanish Inquisition arrived, and the synagogue in Rhodes, Kahal Shalom, Greece’s oldest functioning synagogue, was built in 1575. Earlier ones were destroyed.

The Rhodes Jewish community was rendered all but extinct on July 20, 1944, when all of the island’s 2,000 Jews were deported. Only 151 Jews from Rhodes survived the Holocaust.

Currently, some 40 Jews live on the island, according to the Jewish Virtual Library.

Ralph Pierce of American Canyon is nearly the spitting image of his maternal grandfather Raphael Pizante, who left Rhodes’ Jewish quarter in

1907 at age 13 and, after earning his fare by selling cigarettes and sandwiches to miners in Turkey, left for America at 15. After arriving in New York, he made his way across the United States, going from synagogue to synagogue washing dishes for room and board. He eventually landed in Vallejo and became one of CBI’s founders. Pierce and his children and grandchildren remain affiliated with the congregation that Pizante helped found.

Policar said that while CBI’s services are done in the Ashkenazi or Israeli styles, at least one Rhodes-inspired tradition survives — the technique for

blowing the shofar, the ritual musical instrument made from a ram’s horn.

“My uncle, Albert Abouaf, was the shofar blaster at CBI starting in the 1930s,” said Policar, a professor emeritus of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at University of San Francisco School of Medicine.

By 1967, Abouaf was no longer able to do it and Policar became his protégé – a responsibility he took seriously, he said.

“Regardless of where I was living (in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York), I was able to return to CBI for the High Holidays and blow the shofar almost every year for the past

56 years,” he said. “When I was an Ob-Gyn resident at UCLA, I was a member of the Rhodes Sephardic synagogue in Los Angeles and saw first-hand how different the Rhodes liturgy was from what I was used to. Even the way that I blow the shofar is the Rhodesstyle that I learned in L.A.”

CBI’s 75th synagogue anniversary celebration is scheduled to last three days, with a Jewish-centered catered community gathering event on Thursday, April 20, to include tours of the synagogue, including the courtyard murals, the library and the sanctuary with its beautiful tree of life, glass and sand windows created and installed by Geraldine Ensminger in 1999. An exhibit of historical documents is also planned, and Solano County dignitaries including past and present elected officials are expected to attend.

In addition, a reception is planned for Sunday, April 23 to include Jewish/Israeli-centric catered hor d’oeuvres and entertainment in addition to the Policar presentation and historical documents exhibit. It is also hoped to be a reunion of past religious school students and their families and others.

If

Evening Bible Study.....7:00 PM www.vacavillecofc.com

Screenshot from Google Maps

Congregation B’nai Israel is located on Nebraska Street in Vallejo.

Getting braces at older age leads to ongoing dental issues

Dear Annie: As a child, it was obvious that I needed braces to correct an overbite and crowding of the teeth. Kids made fun of me all the time, and I became severely depressed. My mother was a cold person, and I didn’t have a positive relationship with my stepfather or stepsister.

In my 30s, after counseling, I finally had braces put on my teeth. I’m now in my late 60s, and my dentist explained that the problems I am now experiencing are because the pockets created when moving teeth do not completely fill in when you’re older.

It seems like, even though

I take good care of my dental hygiene, I regularly have to undergo painful deep cleaning and repair work. I have worked at forgiveness toward my parents, but every time I have to undergo another painful session with the dentist, I get furious all over again that this was not taken care of when I was a child. I don’t know how to handle this forgiveness when the pain is ongoing. — Failing to Forgive

Dear Failing to Forgive: The best way to handle it is to know that forgiveness is not something you are doing for your parents -- you are doing it for yourself so that you can

Horoscopes

by Holiday Mathis

Today’s birthday

Welcome to your year of illumination.

Whatever you were missing, it clicks in. You learn how to breathe life into your dreams and create anew. Knowledge applies; confusion lifts; mysteries are solved! More highlights: Interpersonal work has immediate and lasting results. Relationships groove, heal and become a whole lot of fun. You’ll raise, save and invest money to great effect. Aquarius and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 11, 23, 39 and 15.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The size, economics or social significance of a job matters much less than your sincere aim to do it right. Your intent of excellence will make this day a success. Good instruction will be key; a search engine will be your ally.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Gentle persuasion is favored over forceful methods. The thing you want is like a small animal, easily scared off if you move quickly toward it. Be still. Better yet, set out some food and let it come to you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’ll organize, prioritize and realize you can’t get everything you want out of the situation. There is too much to manage here. Something has to give. What can be let go of? Every piece you release makes you lighter.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’d like this day to end with your goal in hand, and for this to happen you must choose which goal. Assume you will attain but one, and make sure it’s the one that matters most to you and yours.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Before you ask for help from the world, you’ll wonder what you can do for yourself. To find out, help yourself to whatever extent you are able. A strong sense of momentum will set in to carry you through many a successful outcome.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’ll try to understand where others are coming from. Will they do the same for you today? If not, there’s still a great deal of benefit to the compassionate listening you’ll extend, and many ways to apply what you learn.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It’s not necessary to know what everyone else thinks before you decide. Consult with yourself. There’s a voice inside you that wants to be heard. Don’t let it get drowned out by listening to the schemes and wishes of others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). People will defy definition today. You can’t know them by knowing who they are in one role. You get a better understanding by seeing someone in their various roles, but even then, your knowledge will be incomplete.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Things move along at a nice clip to get you where you want to be. It’s not a time to get deep, rather you should learn and do enough to get to the next stage. Expert assistance helps. Keep good records.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You have something to express and would prefer to do it in front of an audience. Whether it’s a small group of family members, colleagues around the water cooler or a room of classmates, you’ll command attention.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Each responsibility that falls to you is a new chance to look and do good for your organization. So, when they come to you with a pile of work, you feel excited about the prospects.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Because the responsibilities ahead are a good fit for you, you’ll be promoted. You won’t need to please, flatter or coddle anyone to do well. Instead, you’ll give your true opinion and speak sincerely about what’s next.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Legendary Country Music Hall of Fame artist and 12-time Grammy Award winner Emmylou Harris is a powerful Aries music road warrior with the tour schedule to prove it. In recent works of musical storytelling, Harris tributes friends she’s met along the way. Harris was born when Mercury, Venus and Mars were all in musical Pisces, indicative of tremendous empathy, artistry and soul.

be free. You want to be free from the resentment that you understandably have toward your parents for not taking care of you the way you would have liked.

Know that had they known better, they would have done better, but they never did know -- and you had to pay the price. The best way to move on is to let go of the past and focus on the years ahead. The forgiveness is not about them; it is about freeing yourself. You are worthy of living without that baggage.

Dear Annie: I must take exception to an errant sentence in an otherwise excellent letter in a recent column. The reader wrote, “I’m 63 and number eight of a Catholic family of

10. Only one sibling remains Catholic; most of us went to other churches and are now Christian.”

It needs to be pointed out that Catholics ARE Christians, as Roman Catholicism is one of the three major groups of Christianity, along with Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Many evangelical Protestant Christians would have you believe that Roman Catholicism is either a non-Christian denomination or a less pure form of Christianity, but this simply is not true, although obviously there are many distinct differences.

Anyway, just felt compelled to point this out in case it comes up again. We enjoy your columns, and keep up the good

work! Thank you. — A Proud Lifelong Roman Catholic

Dear Proud Catholic: Thank you for sharing that distinction.

Dear Annie: I have one grandson who has never cared for hugging. So a few years ago, he and I came up with our own special fist bump. After the “bump,” we touch the tips of our index and pinky fingers. This puts our hands in the same position as “I love you” in sign language. He is now 12. —

Special Fist Bump

Dear Fist Bump: Thank you for your suggestion. I love that you were able to connect with him in a way that felt safe and good for him.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@ creators.com.

National Nutrition Month –Fuel for the future

Catherine Park FOR THE DAILY REPUBLIC

Each year in the month of March, we celebrate and acknowledge nutrition’s importance on our health and well-being. This gives us the opportunity to learn about new ways to improve our health and reach our goals. This year’s National Nutrition Month theme, “Fuel for the Future,” plays importance on many aspects, like eating healthier foods, family dining, adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water and exercising.

We often hear that food is a natural form of medicine, which helps strengthen and builds us back up when we are sick or injured. When we nurture our bodies with a balanced diet, we are fueling ourselves back to health and that gives us the opportunity to be with our families and friends in the present and future. The importance of understanding the power of food really helps to encourage the consumption of a nutritious meal.

Read on to find out some helpful ways to fuel up:

There are certain foods proven to fuel the human body in different ways for different reasons. When we feel sick, we see an increase in the intake of vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, lemons and spinach. When you experience low energy levels, reaching for energy-boosting foods like fruits, grains, yogurt, trail mix and pastas will help pick you up.

We also know that a well-balanced diet proves to be beneficial, which leads to a healthier you. Eating the rainbow, a colorful array of fruits and vegetables, is another way to incorporate healthy eating habits. Fueling our bodies does not only consist of food. We also must consider sleep, hydration and exercise as vital importance to our well-being. With adequate amounts of each, along with a balanced diet, this helps us regenerate and gives us more energy to move forward with our day.

Consuming food as a family can play an important role in how we view healthy eating. By incorporating a tradition of shopping, prepping and cooking meals together, this brings people together to celebrate each unique culture and the seasonal foods in the community. Food has the ability to create a powerful connection between our communities and our health.

Lastly, it may be easy to set plans for achieving your goals, yet there may be some challenges along the way. Many times it feels easier to purchase fast food or eat meals on the go. Also, sometimes goals do not seem so easily achievable. However, by starting off small and setting little victories for yourself, these small but mighty changes will benefit you in the long term, and your health and future you will thank you.

Slavica Stajic/Adobe Stock

Eating the rainbow, a colorful array of fruits and vegetables, is a way to incorporate healthy eating habits.

Butler does it! Aztecs reach title game

M aRk ZEiglER THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

HOUSTON — San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher just stood there while the net danced and pandemonium erupted around him. Players charged onto the court and jumped on Lamont Butler, first Aguek Arop, then Darrion Trammell, then Elijah Saunder off the bench, maybe the fastest a 6-foot-8, 240-pound human has ever moved.

An assistant coach

jumped on the back of another.

Dutcher just stood there through it all. And smiled. And shook his head. The adventure continues. The magical, mystical, marvelous ride continues.

San Diego State trailed by 14 and didn’t lead Florida Atlantic in the second half until Lamont Butler’s 14-footer from the right side was released with .6 seconds left and made the net dance after 0:00, giving the Aztecs a

72-71 win at Houston’s NRG Stadium and putting them in the national champion game here Monday night against Connecticut or Miami.

Repeat: SDSU will play for the national championship.

In basketball.

That is not an April Fool’s joke.

It wasn’t Butler’s dramatic first buzzer beater of his career, or even the season. He made a deep 3-pointer at New Mexico in a sold-out Pit in late Feb-

ruary to clinch a share of the Mountain West title, so there was no mystery who was shooting when the Aztecs got the back down one with nine seconds left. Butler drove, stopped, created the slightest bit of separation and rose up to shoot.

Swish.

Pandemonium. “We found a way, and Lamont found a way to send us to the next round,” Dutcher said. “We’re proud to be moving on, representing San Diego

Rodriguez shakes off rust for decisive win against Fairfield

M att MillER

MMILLER@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — The Rodriguez High School softball finally got off the blacktop and back on the home dirt infield Friday during a 14-2 win over Fairfield.

The recent rains kept Rodriguez off the field since a win over Armijo on March 16. The Lady Mustangs had a little rust Friday but still managed to bang around nine hits in five innings to get the job done. Starting pitcher Brooklyn Denina threw a four-hitter in four innings with eight strikeouts.

“I think everybody was just happy to be able to play,” Denina said. “It would have been fun if it

was a more competitive game, but we were really tired of the blacktop.”

The Lady Mustangs were aided by some walks, hit batters and errors, but they still had some big hits. Hailey Permenter was 2-for-2 with a triple and an RBI. Za’raya Garcia went 3-for-3 with an RBI.

Ellie Steiger and Ann Marie Jasso had doubles for Rodriguez. Denina drove in three runs and didn’t get a hit. One of Denina’s RBIs came on a sacrifice fly and the others came on a bases-loaded hit batter and a basesloaded walk.

Jaedyn White, Jade Babas and Eliza Goodwin also had hits for the Lady Mustangs. Goodwin added an RBI. Sofia Coleman pitched the fifth.

“We had some positives,” Rodri-

guez head coach Tracy Lopez said. “We played more as a team and as a cohesive unit, which is important. We did get a little sloppy at the end of the game. But we only played three games before today and haven’t been able to get on the field very much.”

Amya Medoza was 2-for-2 with a double for Fairfield. Kailee Cox also doubled and had an RBI. Lyla Torrez singled and had an RBI. Evangelia Degros-Perreira and Nikki O’Reilly also added hits.

Rodriguez improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the Monticello Empire League. Fairfield fell to 2-6 overall and 0-4 in the MEL. The Falcons were coming off a wild 20-18 loss to Armijo at home Thursday.

Crawford, Pederson put on power display as Giants hold off Yankees

Evan WEbEck

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

NEW YORK — It took 13 innings of baseball in 2023 for the San Francisco Giants to score their first run, and it didn’t take much longer for them to claim their first lead, too.

After being shut out on Opening Day and blanked through the first three innings Saturday, Joc Pederson and Brandon Crawford woke up the offense in a big way, leading them to a 7-5 win that evened their record back to .500 after two games.

It wasn’t without stress, though, as an erratic Camilo Doval allowed a run to score in the ninth inning and loaded the bases with two walks and committed two pitch clock violations before Crawford slickly fielded a chopper from Giancarlo Stanton to start a game-ending

double play.

Before first pitch, Crawford emerged from the dugout and headed to home plate. He was met there by Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who is married to his sister, Amy, and the brothers-in-law exchanged the day’s lineup cards and posed for a photo.

It was a nice moment, but Crawford was likely

happier to see Cole at home plate than on the mound again.

The assignment Saturday proved slightly easier, after Cole struck out 11 over six innings and didn’t allow a run in the Giants’ season-opening loss. With Carlos Rodón sidelined with a mild forearm strain, the Yankees turned instead to

State and the city of San Diego on Monday night.”

Butler said he was told to “go downhill” – to the rim – but was blocked. He found a shot he was comfortable with, a midrange jumper, and hit it.

“I’m just so happy that we’re in this position and have a chance to win a national championship,”

Butler said.

The Aztecs trailed by, gulp, 14 midway through the second half after a technical foul turned into a five-point play for the Owls.

They could and probably should have taken the lead, but free throws – that old bugaboo – bit them at the most inopportune time. In the final seven minutes, they were 4 of 12, although they stayed in the game by grabbing offensive rebounds on four of those misses.

The Aztecs will take on the winner of the second Final Four game between Miami and Connecticut. The final of that one was not available at press time.

Orrantia stars for Armijo in baseball win over Vacaville

Daily REpublic Staff

DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

FAIRFIELD — Brayan

Orrantia did a little bit of everything for the Armijo High School baseball team in a 7-3 win over visiting Vacaville Friday. Orrantia went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs at the plate. He also pitched 4 2/3 innings for the win and had five strikeouts. Armijo improved to 4-6 overall and evened out its Monticello Empire League record at 3-3.

Chase Lewis was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs for the Royals. Joey Bobshoski singled and drove in a run. Caden Magno also singled. Luis Urias pitched 2 1/3 innings in relief of Orrantia and had four strikeouts.

Bennie Dyer was 2-for-4 with a double for Vacaville. Nathan Schnell also doubled. Vacaville fell to 5-7 overall and 3-3 in the MEL.

Tyler Chalk pitched 2 2/3 innings for Vacaville. Finn Chapman worked 2 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. Jacob Van Pelt also pitched an inning. The Royals bounced back big-time after losing to the Bulldogs 10-0 on Monday and 13-0 Thursday.

In Thursday’s game at Vacaville, Schnell and Bennie Dyer had four RBIs apiece as Vacaville rolled to the 13-0 win in five innings. Schnell was 3-for-3 at the plate with two doubles. Dyer was 2-for-2 with a triple. Luke Johnson also had a double.

in the first and fourth. Wood fell to 2-6 overall and 2-4 in the MEL. Individual statistics for the Wildcats were not made available. Wood won the series opener Monday 6-2 before Vanden came back with a 4-0 win Thursday. On Thursday, Alex Maushart fired a two-hitter over six innings with 12 strikeouts for Vanden.

The Vikings scored all four of their runs in the fifth inning. Dalen Shipp hit a home run and drove in three runs. Buckley doubled and had an RBI. Hammerschmidt was also 3-for-3. Morse closed for Maushart and pitched one inning with no hits, no earned runs, no walks and two strikeouts.

The Wildcats won the series opener Monday 6-2. Will C. Wood made no individual statistics available for Thursday’s game. Rodriguez pitching

stymies Fairfield

FAIRFIELD — Rodriguez High School pitchers kept Fairfield off the scoreboard for the final four innings as the Mustangs’ baseball team defeated the visiting Falcons 4-2 Friday. Fairfield grabbed a 2-1 lead after three innings. But Rodriguez scored three more in the fourth and fifth to take the final lead. Rodriguez improved to 7-4 overall and 4-2 in the Monticello Empire League.

27-year-old right-hander

Clarke Schmidt.

And by the end of the fourth inning, they had already turned to their bullpen.

After working the count full to lead off the fourth, Pederson put his best golf swing on a sweeping slider from Schmidt and sent it sailing 404 feet into the right-center field seats. The solo shot represented the Giants’ first run and Pederson’s first hit of the season. In fact, it was the first ball Pederson had put in play, and he had to go down to get it. Well below the strike zone, barely a foot above the ground, according to Statcast, it was the seventh-lowest pitch a Giant has homered on since data became available in 2015 (h/t Sarah Langs).

Three batters later, Crawford paused for a

Nick Vierra pitched a four-hitter over four innings for the Bulldogs with seven strikeouts. Dylan Morgan pitched one inning and had three strikeouts. No individual statistics for the Royals were made available for Thursday’s game.

Vanden secures big win over Wood

VACAVILLE — Bryce Alcantara homered and Austin Hammerschmidt was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs as the Vanden High School baseball team won 9-5 Friday at Will C. Wood.

Josiah Miguelo and Cody Buckley had doubles for the Vikings. Vanden improved to 8-2 overall and 5-1 in the Monticello Empire League.

Brayden Bruno pitched three innings and was followed by two innings apiece from Trevor Morse and Chris Marley. Vanden had a pair of three-run innings

Kyle Sandner and Jaheem Mosley-Wallace each had a double and drove in a run. Jace Parkinson and Kaden Wilde had one single apiece and an RBI.

Nathan Schikore pitched four innings and had two innings of relief help from Carson Thompson and one from Sandner. The three combined to hold Fairfield to six hits while notching nine strikeouts.

Donavan Luu had two hits for Fairfield. Pat O’Reilly doubled. Trustin Mitchell and Joey Mason each had a single and an RBI.

Pat O’Reilly and Zack O’Reilly split the pitching duties for the Falcons. Pat O’Reilly had three strikeouts.

Fairfield fell to 7-7 overall and 1-5 in the MEL. Rodriguez won the series opener Monday 3-1 before Fairfield won Thursday 5-4 for their first MEL win since 2019. Rodriguez will be in Vacaville for a 4 p.m. game Monday at Will

Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic

Rodriguez High School’s Brooklyn Denina throws a pitch during the softball game against Fairfield at Rodriguez High School in Fairfield, Friday. Denina struck out eight batters in the Lady Mustangs’ 14-2 victory.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images/TNS

Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt reacts while coming off the mound during the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium, Saturday.

CALENDAR

Sunday’s TV sports

Baseball

MLB

• San Francisco at N.Y. Yankees, NBCSBA, 10:35 a.m.

• L.A. Angels at Oakland, NBCSCA, 1:07 p.m.

• Philadelphia at Texas, ESPN, 4:08 p.m.

Basketball

NCAA Women’s Tournament

• Championship Game, 7, 10, 12:30 p.m.

College Men

• HBCU All-Star Game, 5, 13, 1 p.m.

NBA

• San Antonio at Sacramento, NBCSCA (Vacaville and Rio Vista), 3 p.m.

• Golden State at Denver, NBCSBA (Fairfield and Suisun City), 5:30 p.m.

Bowling

• USBC Masters, 2, 40, 10 a.m.

Football

XFL

• Houston vs. St. Louis, ESPN, 11 a.m.

Golf

• PGA, Valero Texas Open, GOLF, 10 a.m.

• PGA, Valero Texas Open, 3, 11:30 a.m.

• LPGA, DIO Implant LA Open, GOLF, 3 p.m.

Hockey

NHL

• N.Y. Rangers at Washington, TNT, 10 a.m.

• Boston at St. Louis, TNT, 12:30 p.m.

Motor Sports

• IndyCar, PPG 375, 3, 9 a.m.

• NASCAR Cup Series, Toyota Owners 400, FS1, 12:30 p.m.

Soccer

EPL

• West Ham at Southampton, USA, 6 a.m.

• Newcastle at Manchester United, USA, 8:30 a.m.

Softball College

• Texas vs. Oklahoma, ESPN2, 9 a.m.

Local scores

Fujinami dominates, then goes off the rails in A’s loss to Angels

Jerry McDonalD BAY AREA NEWS GROUP

OAKLAND — For two innings, the debut of Athletics right-hander Shintaro Fujinami seemed too good to be true.

Which was exactly the case.

The Los Angeles Angels chased Fujnami with an 11-run third inning in a 13-1 win over the Athletics Saturday at the Coliseum before a crowd of 15,757.

Including two inherited runners that scored on long reliever Adam Oller, Fujinami finished giving up eight earned runs in 2 1/3 innings, with an ERA that will sit at 30.86 until his second start next Saturday.

“Could have been better, obviously, but I was glad to get on a big league mound,” Fujinami said through translator Issei Kamada. “But getting on a big league mound is not good enough and next time I’ll try to do better.”

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay chose to dwell on the first six outs rather than nine hitters that reached

Local

From Page B6

C.

Monday

Boys Golf

Castillo, Rodriguez

win first MEL event

FAIRFIELD — Dylan Castillo fired a 3-overpar 75 Thursday and the Rodriguez High School boys golf team won the first Monticello Empire League tournament of the season by 42 strokes at Rancho Solano Golf Course.

Rodriguez topped Vacaville (515), Vanden (526), Will C. Wood (573) and Armijo (663). Fairfield did not have the necessary five golfers to post an official team score.

Castillo was one of seven golfers to break 100. He was followed by Ben Wilhite of Vacaville (79), Aidan Co of Vanden (82), Rohan Kamath of Vanden (87), Kyle Vidal of Rodriguez (87), Heath Bradford of Will C. Wood (91) and Quinn Strachen of Vacaville (92).

Giants

From Page B6

moment to admire the mammoth blast that he launched, which put San Francisco ahead 3-2, its first lead of the season, and ended Schmidt’s day. The towering shot landed at least a dozen rows up in the seats, 415 feet away, and followed a hard-hit double by Mike Yastrzemski down the right field line, one of a pair of two-baggers for Yastrzemski on Saturday.

Crawford, who accomplished a goal of playing in all 30 ballparks last season, has now homered in 25 of them. He finished with three RBIs, two runs scored and a triple away

from the cycle, after singling and doubling to contribute to scoring rallies in the sixth and the ninth.

“It was a good day,” Crawford said with a smile.

“I guess it was my best game of the year so far.”

After the inflammation in his left knee popped up again during spring training, Crawford and the Giants were concerned it would be an ongoing issue this season. But, Crawford said, “it’s been feeling a lot better.”

“If we get Craw healthy and producing at the plate, it’s gonna be a really good season for us,” Kapler said.

“Those were the type of at-bats that we’ve seen from him at his best and on a pretty big stage here at Yankee Stadium.”

base in the third before he came out to take the ball from his 28-year-old Japanese import.

“The first two innings I thought Fuji was great,” Kotsay said. “He dominated hitters with his fastball and his split. In the third, he walked (Luis) Renigfo on a 3-2 slider, and it seemed to spiral on him there.”

Given the season is two games old, teammates were eager to see more of Fujinami as he begins the season as the A’s Saturday starter.

“I mean, he was doing whatever

Softball Atayde’s gem helps Vaca softball win

VACAVILLE — Xochitl Atayde pitched a complete-game five-hitter with 13 strikeouts for the Vacaville High School softball team in a 6-2 nonleague win over visiting Dixon Friday.

Paige White was 2-for-4 at the plate for the Bulldogs. Jordan Munn, Tayler Eberhart and Aubrie Gibson all doubled. Vacaville improved to 5-1 overall.

Vacaville used a fourrun second inning and a two-run fifth en route to the victory. The Bulldogs have another non-league game at home Monday against Elk Grove at 4 p.m.

Track and Field Armijo High shines at recent meets

FAIRFIELD — Armijo High School’s track and field team split up to attend different meets last weekend and came away with some solid results.

The sprint team attended the Eddie Hart Invitational in Pittsburg, while the distance team

he wanted out there,” shortstop Nick Allen said. “His splitter was really working. He was doing everything he needs to do. He does that and he’s going to be just fine.”

Catcher Shea Langeliers was philosophical and optimistic.

“Obviously today didn’t go how we wanted it to go, but I think the start of it showed what it could be, and it’s exciting,” Langeliers said. “Everybody knows he’s got really good stuff and he’s a really good pitcher. Sometimes baseball just gets the best of you. Today was one of those days.”

The contrast between the first two innings and the third was striking. Fujinami retired the first six hitters in order, striking out four. He threw only 23 pitches, 17 of them strikes. In the third, only half of his 32 pitches were strikes with five hits and three walks.

There seemed to be some regret that Fujinami, who has an assortment of pitches, didn’t simply stick with what was working.

attended the Dublin Distance Fiesta at Dublin High, according to a press release from the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District.

At the Hart Invitational, the sprint team set a new school record in the 4x200-meter relay. The team consisted of Cierra Kinsey, Ani Kinsey, A’Jah Parks, and Sanai Wilson.They clocked a time of 1:48.20, surpassing the previous record by 0.6 seconds.

Armijo’s distance team all ran new personal bests, including sophomore, Favian Villa, who improved his time by 13 seconds, and senior, Yadira Chavez, who improved by 11 seconds.

Junior Lilian Luu’s posted the third-best mile time in school history at 5:23.

College

Solano baseball wins 2 vs. Contra Costa

ROCKVILLE —

The Solano Community College baseball team pounded visiting Contra Costa in a pair of games Friday, winning the first 16-2 and taking the nightcap 12-0.

The series finale Sat-

urday, however, didn’t go the Falcons way in a 10-6 loss.

Joshua Petrill pitched a four-hitter over seven innings in the first game Friday and had six strikeouts for the Falcons. He was backed by 14 hits from the Solano offense that featured eight doubles and a triple.

Conner Ross went 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs. Julian Guerra was 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Jaxson Bates finished 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs.

Dylan Trammell pitched six strong innings for the Falcons in the second game Friday. He had a four-hitter with four strikeouts. Cooper Hack pitched an inning in relief. James Larson was the hitting star by going 2-for-4 at the plate with two doubles and five RBIs. Bates was 3-for-5 Saturday with a double and three RBIs. Miles Meadows and Larson had three hits apiece. Alex Gaela doubled.

Solano improved to 11-15 overall and 5-4 in the Bay Valley Conference. The Falcons open a three-game series at home Tuesday against Napa Valley.

Jose Carlos Fajardo/BANG/TNS

Oakland Athletics pitcher Shintaro Fujinami (11) stands in the dugout at the Coliseum in Oakland, Thursday.

SOUND BITES

By Pam Amick Klawitter

Difficulty level: SILVER

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).

PROPERTY NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND NOTICE OF INTENDED FORFEITURE

NOTICEISHEREBYGIVENthatpropertywasseized,pursuanttoHealthandSafety Codesection11470,inthefollowingcases,andtheDistrictAttorneyofSolanoCounty hasinitiatedproceedingstoforfeitthisproperty,pursuanttoHealthandSafetyCodesection11488.4.Thecasenumberandpropertydescriptionforeachcaseissetforthbelow. Ifyouwishtocontesttheforfeitureofthisproperty,youhaveuntilthirty(30)daysfrom the dateofthelastpublicationofthisNoticetofileaclaimopposingforfeiturewiththeCourt, unlessyouhavereceivedactualnotice.Youmayobtaina“ClaimOpposingForfeiture” form(MC-200)fromtheOfficeoftheClerk,CivilDivision.Theclaimmuststatethenature andextentofanyinterestyouholdintheproperty,mustbeverified,andmustbefiled withtheClerkoftheSuperiorCourt,CivilDivision,580TexasStreet,Fairfield,CA94533. Youmustserveacourt-endorsedcopyofyourclaimontheDistrictAttorneyofSolano County,675TexasStreet,Suite4500,Fairfield,withinthirty(30)daysofthefilingofyour claim.Ifnoclaimisproperlyfiledand/orservedontheDistrictAttorneywithinthetime permittedbylaw,thepropertywillbeorderedforfeitedtotheState,tobedisposedofaccordingtolaw,withoutfurthernoticeorhearing.

PUBLIC NOTICES

SUMMONS (CITATION JUDICIAL)

CASE NUMBER (NUMERO DEL CASO) BCV-22-103032

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): WINSTONB.SKINNER,asanindividualandCo-TrusteeofWINSTONB.SKINNERand ILENEN.SKINNERREVOCABLELIVINGTRUST,DATED12/29/1992,ILENEN.SKINNERakaNAOMII.SKINNER,asanIndividualandCo-TrusteeofWINSTONB.SKINNERandILENEN.SKINNERREVOCABLELIVINGTRUST,DATED12/29/1992;DOES 1through10,inclusive;andallpersonsunknown,claiminganylegalorequitableright, title,estate,lien,orinterestinthepropertydescribedinthecomplaintadverseto Plaintiff'stitle,oranyclouduponPlaintiff'stitlethereto

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDADO EL DEMANDANTE) NINAL.CULVER,anindividual

NOTICE! Youhavebeensued.Thecourtmaydecideagainstyouwithoutyourbeing heardunlessyourespondwithin30days.Readtheinformationbelow.

Youhave30CALENDARDAYSafterthissummonsandlegalpapersareservedonyou tofileawrittenresponseatthiscourtandhaveacopyservedontheplaintiff.Aletteror phonecallwillnotprotectyou.Yourwrittenresponsemustbeinproperlegalformifyou wantthecourttohearyourcase.Theremaybeacourtformthatyoucanuseforyourresponse.YoucanfindthesecourtformsandmoreinformationattheCaliforniaCourts OnlineSelf-HelpCenter(www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp),yourcountylawlibrary,orthe courthousenearestyou.Ifyoucannotpaythefilingfee,askthecourtclerkforafee waiverform.Ifyoudonotfileyourresponseontime,youmaylosethecasebydefault, andyourwages,money,andpropertymaybetakenwithoutfurtherwarningfromthe court. Thereareotherlegalrequirements.Youmaywanttocallanattorneyrightaway.Ifyou donotknowanattorney,youmaywanttocallanattorneyreferralservice.Ifyoucannot affordanattorney,youmaybeeligibleforfreelegalservicesfromanonprofitlegalservicesprogram.YoucanlocatethesenonprofitgroupsattheCaliforniaLegalServices Website(www.lawhelpcalifornia.org),theCaliforniaCourtsOnlineSelf-HelpCenter (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp) ,orbycontactingyourlocalcourtorcountybarassociation. NOTE: Thecourthasastatutorylienforwaivedfeesandcostsofanysettlement orarbitrationawardof$10,000ormoreinacivilcase.Thecourt'slienmustbepaidbeforethecourtwilldismissthecase. AVISO! Lohandemandado.Sinorespondedentrode30dias,lacortepuededecidiren sucontrasinescucharsuversion.Lealainformacionacontinuacion. Tiene30DIASCALENDARIOdespuesdequelaentreguenestac itactionypapeleslegalesparapresentarunarespuestaporescritoenestacorteyhacerqueseentregue unacopiaaldemandante.Unacartaounallamadatelefonicanoloprotegen.Su respuestaporescritotienequeestarenformatolegalcorrectosideseaqueprocesensu casoenlacorte.Esposiblequeyahaunformularioqueustedpuedausarparasu respuesta.PuedeencontrarestosformulariosdelacorteymasinformacionenelCentro deAyudadelasCortesdeCalifornia(www.sucorte.ca.gov),enlabibliotecadeleyesde sucondadooenlacortequelequedemascerca.Sinopuedepagarlacuotade presentacion,pidaalsecretariodelacortequeledeunformulariodeexenciondepago decuotas.Sinopresentasurespuestaatiempo,puedeperderelcasoporincumplimientoylacortelepodraquitarsusueldo,dineroybienessinmasadvertencia. Hayotrosrequisitoslegales.Esrecomendablequellameaunabogadoinmediatamente. Sinoconoceaunabo gado,puedellamaraunservicioderemisionaabogados.Sino puedepagaraunabogadoesposiblequecumplaconlosrequisitosparaobtenerservicioslegalesgratuitosdeunprogramadeservicioslegalessinfinesdelucro.PuedeencontrarestosgrupossinfinesdelucroenelsitiowebdeCaliforniaLegalServices, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org),enelCentrodeAyudadelasCortesdeCalifornia, (www.sucorte.ca.gov)oponiendoseencontactoconlacorteoelcolegiodea bogados locales.AVISO:porley,lacortetienederechoareclamarlascuotasyloscostosextentosporimponerungravamensobrecualquierrecuperacionde$10,000omasdevalor recibidamedianteunacuerdoounaconcesiondearbirageenuncasodederechocivil. Tienequepagarelgravamendelacorteantesdequelacortepuedadesecharelcaso. Thenameandaddressofthecourtis: (Elnombreydirecciondelacortees): SuperiorCourtofCalifornia,CountyofKern 1215TruxtunAvenue,Bakersfield,CA93301

Thename,address,andtelephonenumberofplaintiff'sattorney,orplaintiffwithoutan attorney,is: (Elnombre,ladireccionyelnumerodetelefonodelabogadodeldemandante,odeldemandantequenotieneabogado,es):

GeorgeM.Halimi, 1999AvenueoftheStars,Suite1100 LosAngeles,CA90067 (310)553-5562

Date(Fecha):11/29/2022 /s/Clerk,byEdithCarrillo

Deputy(Adjunto)

DR#00062238

Published:March26April2,9,16,2023

Ifyourclaimisproperlyfiledandserved,theDistrictAttorneywilldecidewhethertofilea PetitionforForfeiturewiththeSuperiorCourttocontestsaidclaim.Inthecasewherea Petitionisfiledandacontestedhearingisheld,youwillhavethefollowingrightswhichincludebutarenotlimitedto:youhavetherighttousethesubpoenapowersofthecourt andorderwitnessestoattend,youhavearighttotestifyonyourownbehalf,submitevidenceshowingthelegitimacyoftheseizedassets,andarighttocrossexaminethepetitioner’switnesses.Thisisacivilaction,youhavetheadditionalrighttorepresentyourselforhireyourownattorney,andthereisnorighttoappointedcounselinthiscase.

AF22-4020. OnJanuary5,2022,officersoftheFairfieldPoliceDepartmentseized $3,001.91U.S.Currencyat1240DanaDrive,Fairfield,CAinconnectionwithcontrolled substanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11351,11352,11378,and/or11359.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$3,001.91.

AF22-4021 OnFebruary10,2022,officersoftheVacavillePoliceDepartmentseized $6,822.00U.S.Currencyat1450AlamoDrive,Vacaville,CAinconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11378and/or11379.Theseizedpropertyhasan estimatedorappraisedvalueof$6,822.00.

AF22-4023.OnMarch4,2022,officersoftheFairfieldPoliceDepartmentseized$750.00 U.S.CurrencyattheintersectionofE.PacificAveandSantaBarbaraWay,Fairfield,CA inconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11351and/or11378.The seizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$750.00.

AF22-4025. OnMarch15,2022,deputiesoftheSolanoCountySheriff’sOfficeseized $47,754.78U.S.Currencyand$26.00U.S.Currencyat2436HansonDrive,Fairfield,CA inconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§11351.Theseizedproperty hasatotalestimatedorappraisedvalueof$47,780.78.

AF22-4026 .OnMarch18,2022,officersoftheFairfieldPoliceDepartmentseized $28,600.00U.S.Currencyat411DickeyCourt,SuisunCity,CAand$2,019.00U.S.CurrencyattheintersectionofAndersonSt.andLawlerCenterDr.,SuisunCity,CAinconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11351.5and/or11359.The seizedpropertyhasatotalestimatedorappraisedvalueof$30,619.00.

AF22-4028. OnMarch25,2022,officersoftheFairfieldPoliceDepartmentseiz ed $2,149.00U.S.Currencyand$549.00U.S.Currencyat4969ParamountCt.,Fairfield, CAinconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11358and/or11359. Theseizedpropertyhasatotalestimatedorappraisedvalueof$2,698.00. AF22-4029. OnJuly30,2022,officersoftheVacavillePoliceDepartmentseized $20,295.00U.S.Currencyat520FirSt.,Vacaville,CAinconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§11351.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraised valueof$20,295.00. AF22-4030. OnApril1,2022,officersoftheVacavillePoliceDepartmentseized $3,500.00U.S.Currencyat179ProvidencePl.,Vacaville,CAand$891.81U.S.CurrencyattheintersectionofFairviewDr.andKearneyWay,Vacaville,CAinconnection withcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11351and/or11352.Theseizedpropertyhasatotalestimatedorappraisedvalueof$4,391.81.

AF22-4032. OnApril14,20 22,officersoftheFairfieldPoliceDepartmentseized $7,277.00U.S.Currencyat2642OrchidSt.,Fairfield,CAinconnectionwithcontrolled substanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11351and/or11351.5.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$7,277.00.

AF22-4033. OnApril30,2022,officersoftheFairfieldPoliceDepartmentseized $5,967.00U.S.CurrencyonI-5atMeyersRd.,Willows,CAinconnectionwithcontrolled substanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§ 11351and/or11359.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$5,967.00.

AF22-4034. OnMay3,2022,officersoftheVacavillePoliceDepartmentseized$820.00 U.S.Currencyat1050OrangeDr.,Vacaville,CAinconnectionwithcontrolledsubstance violation(s)ofHSC§§11351and/or11352.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$820.00.

AF22-4036 .OnMay24,2022,officersoftheFairfieldPoliceDepartmentseized $5,412.00U.S.Currencyat1970GrandeCir.,Fairfield,CAinconnectionwithcontrolled substanceviolation(s)ofHSC§11351.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$5,412.00.

AF22-4037 .OnJune14,2022,officersoftheVacavillePoliceDepartmentseized $13,765.00U.S.Currencyat163StirlingDr.,Vacaville,CAinconnectionwithcontrolled substanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11351and/or11378.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$13,765.00.

AF22-4039. OnJuly13,2022,officersoftheCaliforniaHighwayPatrolseized$1,877.00 U.S.CurrencyonWBI-80atMidwayRd.,Dixon,CAinconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11352and/or11379.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$1,877.00.

AF22-4041 .OnJuly28,2022,officersoftheVacavillePoliceDepartmentseized $3,398.00U.S.Currencyand$353.00U.S.Currencyat482EdwinDr.,Vacaville,CAin connecti onwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§11351.Theseizedproperty hasatotalestimatedorappraisedvalueof$3,751.00.

AF22-4043 .OnJune29,2022,deputiesoftheSolanoCountySheriff’sOfficeseized $10,000.00U.S.Currency,$3,600.00U.S.Currency,and$1,070.00U.S.Currencyat349 CordeliaRd.,Fairfield,CAinconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§ 11359.Theseizedpropertyhasatotalestimatedorappraisedvalueof$14,670. 00. AF22-4044. OnOctober26,2022,officersoftheCaliforniaHighwayPatrolseized $2,500.00U.S.CurrencyattheintersectionofSnowberryWayandSnowberryLane, Fairfield,CAinconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11379and/or 11378.Theseizedpropertyhasanestimatedorappraisedvalueof$2,500.00. AF22-4045.OnNovember10,2022,officersoftheVacavillePoliceDepartmentseized $1,920.00U.S.Currencyand$149.00U.S.Currencyat 2000ClaybankRd.,Fairfield,CA inconnectionwithcontrolledsubstanceviolation(s)ofHSC§§11351and/or11378.The seizedpropertyhasatotalestimatedorappraisedvalueof$2,069.00.

Date:3/27/2023\s\__ MatthewK.OlsenDep.DistrictAttorney DR#00062330 Published:April2,9,16,2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON (PERSONS) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS BELT LLC

LOCATEDAT3845RollingwoodDrive, Fairfield,CA,94534Solano.Mailingaddress3845RollingwoodDrive,Fairfield, CA,94534.IS(ARE)HEREBYREGISTEREDBYTHEFOLLOWINGOWNER(S)BeltLLCCA.THISBUSINESSIS

CONDUCTEDBY: aLimitedLiabilityCompany Theregistrantcommencedtotransact businessunderthefictitiousbusiness nameornameslistedabo veon 03/02/2023. Ideclarethatallinformationinthisstatementistrueandcorrect(Aregistrantwho declaresastrueinformationwhichheor sheknowstobefalseisguiltyofacrime.) /s/DavidHarringtonAssistanttoCEO INACCORDANCEWITHSUBDIVISION (a)OFSECTION17920AFICTITIOUS NAMESTATEMENTGENERALLYEXPIRESATTHEENDOFFIVEYEARS FROMTHEDATEONWHICHITWAS FILEDINTHEOFFICEOFTHECOUNTY CLERK,EXCEPTASPROVIDEDIN SUBDIVISION(b)OFSECTION17920, WHEREITEXPIRES40DAYSAFTER ANYCHANGEINTHEFACTSSET FORTHINTHESTATEMENTPURSUANTTOSECTION17913OTHERTHAN ACHANGEINTHERESIDENCEADDRESSOFAREGISTEREDOWNER. ANEWFICTITIOUSBUSINESSNAME STATEMENTMUSTBEFILEDBEFORE THEEXPIRATIONMarch27,2028. THEFILINGOFTHISSTATEMENT DOESNOTOFITSELFAUTHORIZE THEUSEINTHISSTATEOFAFICTITIOUSBUSINESSNAMEINVIOLATION OFTHERIGHTSOFANOTHERUNDER FEDERAL,STATEORCOMMONLAW (SEESECTION14411ETSEQ.,BUSINESSANDPROFESSIONSCODE). FiledintheOfficeoftheCountyClerkof SolanoCounty,StateofCaliforniaon: March28,2023 NewASSIGNEDFILENO.2023000547 CHARLESLOMELI,SolanoCountyClerk DR#00062373 Published:April2,9,16,23,2023

Toallheirs,beneficiaries,creditors,contingentcreditors,andpersonswhomay otherwisebeinterestedinthewillorestate,orboth,of: Steven Biama intheSuperiorCourtofCalifornia,County of: Solano

ThePetitionforProbaterequeststhat: Brittany Knippen beappointedaspersonalrepresentative toadministertheestateofthedecedent. Thepetitionrequestautho ritytoadministertheestateundertheIndependentAdministrationofEstatesAct.(Thisauthority willallowthepersonalrepresentativeto takemanyactionswithoutobtainingcourt approval.Beforetakingcertainveryimportantactions,however,thepersonal representativewillberequiredtogivenoticetointerestedpersonsunlessthey havewaivednoticeorconsentedtothe proposedaction.)Theindependentadministrationauthoritywillbegrantedunl ess aninterestedpersonfilesanobjectionto thepetitionandshowsgoodcausewhy thecourtshouldnotgranttheauthority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

DATE: APRIL 28, 2023; TIME: 8:30 am; DEPT.: 4 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SOLANO 600 Union Ave. P.O. Caller 5000 Fairfield 94533 Hall of Justice

If you object tothegrantingofthepetition,youshouldappearatthehearingand stateyourobjectionsorfilewrittenobjectionswiththecourtbeforethehearing. Yourappearancemaybeinpersonorby yourattorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, youmustfileyourclaimwiththecourtand mailacopytothepersonalrepresentative appointedbythecourtwithinthe later of either(1) four months fromthedateof firstissuanceofletterstoageneralpersonalrepresentative,asdefinedinsection58(b)oftheCaliforni aProbateCode, or(2) 60 days fromthedateofmailingor personaldeliverytoyouofanoticeunder section9052oftheCaliforniaProbate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court.Ifyouareapersoninterestedinthe estate,youmayfilewiththecourtaRequestforSpecialNotice(formDE-154)of thefilingofaninventoryandappraisalof estateassetsorofanypetitionoraccount asprovidedinProbateCodesection 1250.ARequestforSpecialNoticeformis availablefromthecourtclerk.

Attorneyforpetitioner: KathrynM.Caretti Favaro,Lavezzo,Gill,Caretti &Heppell,P.C. 300TuolumneStreet Vallejo,CA94590 (707)552-3630 DR#00062359

Published:April2,5,9,2023