Santa Barbara News-Press: January 27, 2023

Predator sentenced

Goleta man sentenced to four years for child sexual abuse, child pornography - A2

Emergency dredging

Operation under way to remove sand, silt and sediment from Santa Barbara Harbor

‘The Gin Game’

Retirees put their cards on the table in award-winning two-person play - B1

UC sB officer pleads no contest to dUi charge

Lt. Brad Prows, who’s suspended, agrees to plea in exchange for dismissal of other charges

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The suspended UCSB Police lieutenant charged in a misdemeanor DUI and hitand-run incident in Solvang in August pleaded no contest Thursday to driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level greater than .08, the legal limit.

Lt. Brad Prows, 60, of Buellton, was supposed to be arraigned on three charges Thursday, but instead he pleaded no contest to one of the charges in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the two other charges, one for simple driving under the influence of alcohol and one for hit-and-run. He did not appear in court Thursday, so his attorney, J. Jeff Chambliss, entered the no contest plea for him, prosecutor Richard Chou told the NewsPress. Lt. Prows was sentenced to serve 30 days in jail unless he is approved for alternative sentencing under the sheriff’s work alternative program, which means wearing an electronic ankle bracelet for 30 days, prosecutor Chou said. He must apply for alternative sentencing by Feb. 16 but could receive an extension. If he’s not approved for alternative sentencing, he would have to report to serve his 30-day jail term by May 16, but again he could apply for an extension.

In addition, Lt. Prows was placed on three years probation. For the first year, he is forbidden from drinking alcohol. Afterward, he must refrain from excessive drinking for two years and not shop at any store where alcohol is the main item for sale. He also is barred from drinking and driving for the entire three years of his probation. And he was ordered to pay restitution to the owner of the car he sideswiped in the Aug. 7 hit-and-run. No one was injured. Lt. Prows, who headed the UCSB detectives bureau at the time, was charged with hitting the car of a Solvang woman, then leaving the scene without stopping. The complaint filed against him said his blood alcohol level was .15 at the time, nearly twice the legal limit. He was arrested Aug. 7 after driving a pickup that hit the left side of a car whose driver was attempting to park, then fleeing the scene, allegedly ignoring the efforts of the pursuing driver to get him to stop. The accident occurred on westbound State Route 246 at the intersection of 4th Place, according to the CHP collision report. The property damage traffic crash occurred at 6:55 p.m. near Solvang Brewing Co. CHP officers responded and contacted all involved parties.

The CHP investigation revealed that a 2016 Honda

Please see PROWS on A4

Heitman looks forward to overseeing county departments

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Santa Barbara Harbor closed

Wednesday for a few days to allow for the emergency dredging of thousands of cubic yards of sand, silt and sediment deposited in the harbor by a storm-created “historic” ocean swell that occurred earlier this month.

The emergency dredging operation could continue through Saturday, after which the harbor will reopen to mariners, including commercial fishermen, Mike Wiltshire, the city’s waterfront director, told the News-Press Thursday.

“That’s the situation we’re in right now,” he said.

He added that Pacific Dredge, the company contracted to remove the unexpected sand and sediment, has put its equipment across the harbor’s mouth, potentially through Saturday morning, “so the harbor is essentially closed to no or limited access.”

The company would have to stop its operation and decouple its piping “if Harbor Patrol had to get out to tend to an emergency,” Mr.

Wiltshire said.

He said he recognized the economic impact the harbor’s “hard closure” will have on the commercial fishermen who rely on it, but stressed the city has no choice given the current emergency situation.

“I understand there will be some frustrations at their inability to get in and out of the harbor. This is their livelihood,” Mr. Wiltshire said. “But this is a very unique emergency situation. It has to be done at some period of time, and this is that period of time, in order to remedy this situation as soon as possible.”

Since the Jan. 5 swell, the nowshallow harbor has been difficult to safely navigate, Mr. Wiltshire said.

“With all that infill, all of the harbor entrance is a lot shallower after the storm,” he said, so harbor officials initiated what Mr. Wiltshire called a “soft” closure.

“We posted notices to the mariners to let them know of the hazardous conditions,” he said.

Harbor Patrol vessels have been available to escort all mariners, including commercial fishermen, into and out of the harbor, and “a

lot of them do so on high tide.

“That’s been the condition for the last couple of weeks, but behind the scenes we’ve been working with the Army Corps of Engineers to initiate the emergency dredging process,” he said.

The Army Corps picked Pacific Dredge, the company that’s done regular dredging of the harbor the past three years, to handle the emergency dredging, which involves removing 30,000 cubic yards of sand to create a navigable channel 100 feet wide by 12 feet deep, Mr. Wiltshire said.

“It’s purely just to get the harbor back to use,” he said. “We want to widen it as fully as possible for all vessels in harbor.”

The Army Corps will fund and manage the emergency dredging operation, just like they do the regularly scheduled dredgings that occur every year, he said. “They foot the bill so that’s very lucky for us.”

The next regularly scheduled dredging will take place in three

to six weeks, and involve the dredging of 120,000 cubic yards of sediment and sand from the harbor bottom, he said.

According to Mr. Wiltshire, the huge swell responsible for the current situation measured 20 to 25 feet high about a mile out to sea, and 15 to 18 feet when it came toward shore, “infilling” the harbor with sand and sediment.

Ordinarily, the ocean, “left to its own devices,” would create a series of smaller swells over a couple of years to deposit that much sand and sediment to fill the harbor — and it happened on one night.

“All of the impacts were due to the Jan. 5 and Jan. 6 swell,” he said. “A lot of it happened overnight. Coupled with a high tide, it brought a tidal surge into the harbor. It’s really rare for the wharf itself to be breached by a unique and historic swell.

“Dredging is just sort of a fact of life here,” he added. Normally, sand moves down the coast “and

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Chief Probation Officer

Tanja Heitman will begin her new position March 20 as the assistant executive officer to oversee Santa Barbara County’s Health and Human Services and public safety departments.

“It is very humbling, for one thing,” Chief Heitman told the News-Press. “I have received a great amount of support from staff within the county family, external stakeholders, community members and people I have worked with in the past. It has really been affirming having a network of people that are quick to offer support, and with that network of individuals, I will be able to be more successful.

“It’s really daunting to step outside of what I am familiar with into this new role,” she said. “So I am grateful for this supportive network and people who are willing to partner with me in public safety. I am eager, but I am also very thankful for the support.”

Chief Heitman holds a

Tanja Heitman

bachelor’s in psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She has served Santa Barbara County for more than 32 years — specifically with the probation department. She has served in her current assignment as chief probation officer for just over five years.

Please see HEITMAN on A4

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

A dredging operation takes place Thursday at Santa Barbara Harbor, which is closed for a few days.

Goleta man sentenced for child sexual abuse, child pornography

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A Goleta man accused of being a serial sexual predator who abused preteen and teenage girls he met online and by volunteering at school events was sentenced Thursday to four years in state prison.

Zachary Arthur Warburg, 32, was sentenced as part of a deal he made with prosecutors to plead guilty to felony counts of child sexual abuse and child pornography in exchange for a lighter sentence than he could have received had he gone to trial and been convicted on all counts.

“The sentencing went forward this morning in front of Judge (Thomas R.) Adams …,” Deputy District Attorney Sarah Barkley told the News-Press. “Neither the judge nor any victims made statements at the sentencing hearing.”

Mr. Warburg pleaded guilty to four felonies and three misdemeanors in a plea bargain he reached with Santa Barbara County prosecutors at a Nov. 30 pretrial hearing.

The deal meant none of his young victims had to testify in open court.

“By reaching a plea negotiation in this case, the victims will not have to suffer the trauma of a lengthy trial or relive the abuse and unwanted sexual advances through testimony,” prosecutor Barkley said previously. “It is my hope that this plea and sentence will give the victims closure and help them move forward

New resource page covers aid for storm victims

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

This week, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal launched a resource page on his website to provide information on federal aid available to families and businesses in his district who were impacted by this month’s severe storms and flooding.

After securing a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, Rep. Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, is using this page to note that residents and local business owners are now eligible to file claims for assistance in the form of grants and low-interest loans from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“This month’s severe storms caused widespread damage, made scores of homes temporarily unlivable, and caused businesses to shutter until floodwaters and other debris could be removed — which is why I pushed President Biden to approve a major disaster declaration for our region,” Rep. Carbajal said in a news release. “I’ve seen firsthand the devastation in both SLO and Santa Barbara communities, and have encouraged all that I’ve met to file FEMA claims as soon as possible to get a helping hand. My office is using every tool and connection at our disposal to get this information out to those impacted, and I encourage everyone to share this new resource page with people they know who were impacted in these areas.”

Individuals living in Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo counties can find more information in English and Spanish at carbajal.house.gov/ storm. Claims can be started at disasterassistance.gov.

Disaster-related assistance provided by FEMA can include:

• Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.

• Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items.

• Unemployment payments for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and do not qualify for state benefits (selfemployed).

• Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance.

• Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster.

• Advisory assistance for legal veterans’ benefits and social security matters.

Small Business Administration loans may also be available to individuals and businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory and supplies.

While residents of Ventura County can’t currently apply for these FEMA grants, Rep. Carbajal has urged President Biden and FEMA to expand the disaster declaration to include that part of his district.

Estimates provided to Rep. Carbajal show more than 100 structures in Ventura were impacted by this month’s storms.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

on their path toward healing.

“Additionally, it is my hope that the consequences of his plea, including sex offender registration and his state prison sentence, prevent Mr. Warburg from committing future offenses and protect the children and teens of our community from further victimization.”

Two of the felonies, lewd and lascivious behavior with a child under 14 and dissuading a witness, will count as strikes under the state’s Three Strikes law, she said.

Mr. Warburg also pleaded guilty to felony charges of possession of child pornography and attempting to contact a minor to commit lewd acts.

The three misdemeanors all involved annoying, harassing or molesting a child with lewd intent. “In the legal sense, molesting means bothering (not physical child sexual abuse),” the prosecutor said.

In addition to the prison term, Mr. Warburg will have to register as a sex offender.

Prosecutor Barkley told the News-Press previously that the defendant was a local photographer who did on-scene photography at local newsworthy incidents (emergencies, fires, accidents etc.). He also volunteered to photograph local youth theater and singing events. Mr. Warburg met his victims through his volunteer work, attendance at local youth performance events and online, the prosecutor said.

The criminal investigation against Mr. Warburg began after a school resource deputy

Air quality tests lead to library’s temporary closure, results expect next week

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

will have a three-day extension.

at San Marcos High School was notified by a student that he was “attempting inappropriate communications with her of a sexual nature,” according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators uncovered several alleged instances of criminal behavior between the defendant and minor female students at local area high schools and junior highs, as well as out of the area.

He was arrested in March 2019 on 17 felony and eight misdemeanor charges involving multiple victims.

The offenses occurred mainly in the spring of 2018, although some allegations date back to 2015, with victims ranging from 11 to 17 years old, according to court documents. There were 24 charges total filed against him, 19 felonies and five misdemeanors, but the remaining counts were dismissed when he was sentenced.

Mr. Warburg read a statement of apology at the Nov. 30 hearing during which he pleaded guilty, prosecutor Barkley said.

“In his statement, he apologized for his conduct and expressed remorse to the victims and involved parties,” she said. “I’m not going to comment on my personal opinion of the statement. It’s hard to do so when I don’t know Mr. Warburg or what his intentions are going forward. I hope he will not victimize young women and girls in the future and that his remorse was genuine.” email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

Law intended to raise fast food chain wages, regulate industry put on hold

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - On Dec. 29 2022, a coalition of restaurant advocates filed a lawsuit to suspend the implementation of the FAST Act (AB 257) that was due to take effect on Jan. 1. The Save Local Restaurants Coalition, consisting of the U.S Chamber of Commerce, the National Restaurant Association and led by the International Franchise Association, collected more than 1 million petition signatures to prevent the law from going into effect, thereby meeting the state’s referendum requirements to bring the measure before the public for a vote.

The International Franchise Association announced Jan. 25 that “the FAST Act has been officially postponed until the November 2024 election.”

“We’re pleased that Californians will get the chance to exercise their constitutional right to vote on this law and will continue to support the operators, small business owners, and workers that make the restaurant industry so important to our customers’ lives,” National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Sean Kennedy said.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act on Sept. 5, 2023 which would have created a 10-person council - two fast-food franchisors, two franchisees, two employees, two advocates of workers rights, one representative from the Department of Industrial Relations, and one from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development - to review employment standards and increase minimum wage by 3.5% every year and up to $22 per hour in 2023.

The bill drew strong reaction from local restaurants who feared the bill would jeopardize their livelihoods and impact more than half a million workers across the state.

In an evaluation of California’s minimum wage increases over 30 years, reported by the Employment Policies Institute, Dr. David Macpherson of Trinity University and Dr. William Even of Miami University examined the observant effects of rising minimum wages in California from 1990 to 2020. Dr. Macpherson and Dr. Even looked at 24 counties and 15 industries studying the impacts of an increasing minimum wage on private-sector employment across county-industry pairs. The researchers poured over three decades of data using 24 unique variations to their original model to ensure that the treatment of the evidence was

fair and reasonable.

The economists found that employment in industries with high volumes of lower-paid employees, led to a reduction of 5% of employees for every 10% increase in minimum wage, and across all industries i.e. those not necessarily requiring high volumes of lower paid employees, a 10% increase reduced employment for 2% of the workforce.

“Industries with the greatest number of affected employees are most severely affected by job loss, according to Even and Macpherson; nearly half of the observed job loss occurs in foodservice and retail industries,” the report read.

Mr. Kennedy said, “The FAST Act is bad policy that threatens not only quick service restaurants, but the independents operating in the same neighborhoods. There is no way that the regulations passed by this unelected council would not damage the state’s restaurant industry, harm its workforce, and leave diners paying the bill.”

The institute report seems to confirm this. “What is not in dispute based on this study,” the report read, “is that California’s rising minimum wage has depressed employment opportunities in the most heavily impacted industries.”

The coalition hopes that the referendum could allow for time to protect workers, consumers and restaurant owners from the most dire effects of the bill by informing voters of its damaging impacts.

“Employers, workers, and consumers can take heart that the FAST Act has been put on hold permanently through November 2024. Had this ruinous policy gone into effect, not only would food prices rise and jobs be lost, but big labor would already be exporting it to other states and industries. In 2024, California’s voters will have the opportunity to put a stake into this law and save local restaurants,” U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Employment Policy Glenn Spencer said.

The FAST Act law would apply to restaurant brands with 30 or more locations nationwide affecting coffee shops, ice-cream and frozen yogurt parlors, salad bars, justice and smoothie counters, bakeries, delis, pizzerias and fast food restaurants. Research on the bill led by Democratic strategists Will Gudelunas and Matt Rodriguez, concluded that 61 percent of California voters believe that the Food Sector Council would cause food prices to rise and 75 percent of voters would frequent these restaurants less often if prices increased. In fact,

Overnight construction activity impacted air quality at Central Library at 40 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Tests are being done to ensure the building is safe for patrons and staff. Results will not be available until next week. Out of an abundance of caution, the Central Library is closed and expects to reopen on Jan. 31.

While staff are unavailable to answer the library’s main phone line, patrons can contact library staff using the library’s chat during regular hours on the website, texting 805-273-8916 or calling Eastside Library at 805-963-3 727 or Montecito Library at 805969-5063.

Central Library’s Faulkner Gallery is on a separate HVAC system, and room rental events scheduled are not impacted by the closure, but the galleries will be closed for art viewing.

Patrons with holds ready for pickup at Central Library

Santa Barbara Public Library’s Library on the Go van will add additional stops on Friday, Saturday and Monday featuring collections and children’s programming.

Library on the Go van will be at Alameda Park from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. today, following the regular Shoreline Park visit from 10 a.m. until noon.

The van will visit Alameda Park from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Library staff will have children’s activities all day, in addition to a Poetry Walk featuring poems written by local poets as part of a workshop with Mission Poetry Series.

On Monday, the van will visit Shoreline Park from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a special pop-up Stay and Play class for families and young children. The van will be at Alameda Park from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with activities for school-age children.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

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Republicans seek broader TikTok ban

By DEREK DRAPLIN THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center square) – A bill introduced by a pair of Republican lawmakers seeks a broader ban on the use of the social media platform TikTok in the U.S.

The legislation directs the president to “block and prohibit all transactions in all property” of ByteDance, which owns TikTok, in the U.S., citing China’s ability to pull user data from the social media platform.

The bill, which was introduced by U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., comes as dozens of states have in recent months banned TikTok’s use on state-owned devices. The app is already banned from some U.S. government-owned devices as part of the omnibus bill signed into law

last month.

“Not only is TikTok directly associated with the Chinese Communist Party, but it has been used to spy on Americans and gain an alarming level of access to users’ phones,” Rep. Buck said in a statement on Wednesday. “This should concern every citizen who values their privacy, security, and personal information. Banning CCP-tied TikTok nationwide is the only route to ending this malicious cybersecurity threat.”

Sen. Hawley added that “banning [TikTok] on government devices was a step in the right direction, but now is the time to ban it nationwide to protect the American people.”

The bill also orders the Director of National Intelligence to brief Congress with a report on the app’s national security threats.

Federal food stamps program hits record costs at $119B

By TOM GANTERT THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) –

The cost of the federal food stamps program known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program increased to a record $119.5 billion in 2022, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

SNAP costs have increased

DP boys basketball edges Pacifica

The Dos Pueblos High boys basketball team squeaked by Pacifica on wednesday, winning by a score of 46-44.

Grant Hughes led Dos Pueblos with 18 points, while Justin Stock had 17.

“This game was a roller coaster ride,” said Dos Pueblos Coach Joe Zamora, adding that each team managed leads of up to six points, but the gap would always be narrowed. Ultimately, the game was won after Dos Pueblos held Pacifica to four points in the fourth quarter.

Dos Pueblos now sports an 8-16 overall record, with a 3-8 mark in league play.

SM boys basketball defeated by Buena

The San Marcos High basketball team fell to Buena on Wednesday, losing 82-58.

Buena dominated the game from the beginning, leading by seven after the first quarter and by 15 at the half before expanding the lead in the second half.

San Marcos had three players finish with double digit points, with Wyatt Miler leading with 17. Diego Reyes scored 13 points, including three three-pointers, while Micah Jacobi contributed 10.

“Loved our effort tonight.,” said San Marcos Coach James Kinzler. “Buena is just so solid, top to bottom, inside and out. Credit to them for playing well and having a great season so far. But I still liked the way our guys battled and stayed together.”

from $60.3 billion in 2019, the last year before the pandemic, to the record-setting $119.5 billion in 2022. The number of participants had increased from 35.7 million in 2019 to 41.2 million in 2022. The increased costs can be attributed in part to a higher monthly benefit during the pandemic. States offered additional money throughout the pandemic. In 2019, the average monthly per person benefit was

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Following the loss, San Marcos carries a 5-5 league record into tonight’s game at Santa Barbara.

SB boys basketball wins over Ventura

The Santa Barbara High boys basketball team defeated Ventura, winning by a score of 68-58.

“We were obviously pleased with our offense scoring 44 in half, but we were disappointed in our defensive execution,” said Santa Barbara Coach Corey Adam.

“The boys responded with one of our better defensive halves of the season, holding Ventura to 16 second-half points. We were especially pleased with the composure of the guys on the road and with the physicality of the game. We controlled the boards against a much bigger team which helped seal the victory.”

Luke Zuffelato led the way for Santa Barbara with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Carter Battle finished with 18, Waylon Finkel scored nine and Owen Debusk contributed eight. Jack Holdren and Finn Whipps each added 11 rebounds.

The win improves Santa Barbara to a 13-11 overall record with a 7-3 mark in league play.

DP girls water polo dominates Buena

The Dos Pueblos High girls water polo team shut out Buena on Wednesday, scoring 16 points on their way to a dominant victory.

Dos Pueblos scored five goals in the first quarter, seven in the second and four in the fourth.

Goalie Megan Garner had 12 blocks and two steals to complete

UCSB baseball picked to win Big West

Pair of Gaucho pitchers earn preseason honors

By ERIC BOOSE

SPORTS

UCSB

UCSB baseball was picked to win its second straight Big West championship and make a fourth straight NCAA Regional appearance in D1Baseball’s recent Big West season preview. Gaucho pitchers Mike Gutierrez and Tyler Bremner also received preseason awards — Pitcher of the Year for Gutierrez and Freshman of the Year for Bremner.

The Gauchos posted a record of 44-14 overall and 27-3 in The Big West en route to the conference title and an NCAA Regional appearance last season. The lefty,

$129.83 in 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That increased by 78% to $230.88 in 2022.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported the 2018 farm bill also increased the maximum SNAP benefits by 21 percent effective October 2021. That increase was to “accurately reflect the cost of a healthy diet,” the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities stated.

the shutout, while the team was led by the four goals and seven steals of Emma Gilbert.

Dos Pueblos now sports an 11-7 record, with a 6-1 mark in league play.

- Compiled by Matt Smolensky

Gutierrez, started eight of those wins for UCSB and was an All-Big West Second Team selection with a 3.03 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 80.1 innings. He was also named a Preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball News ahead of the 2023 season. Bremner, a righty from San Diego, comes into his first collegiate campaign after posting a sub-1.00 ERA in his senior season at Scripps Ranch High School.

UCSB’s 2023 season begins at the Sanderson Ford Classic in Surprise, Arizona, Feb. 17-20.

Eric Boose writes about sports for UCSB.

email: sports@newspress.com

Christian Sands, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, Lakecia Benjamin,Yasushi Nakamura, Clarence Penn

Sun, Jan 29 / 7 PM / UCSB Campbell

the illustrious Monterey Jazz Festival sends

Celebrating 65

of its finest jazz ambassadors – including Grammywinning vocalists Dee Dee Bridgewater and Kurt Elling – to Santa Barbara as part of its popular touring program.

GDP growth slows to 2.9% in fourth quarter

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – U.S. economic growth slowed to a 2.9% annual rate in the fourth quarter of 2022, bringing an end to a year marked by high inflation.

In the third quarter of last year, real GDP increased 3.2%, the U.S. Commerce Department said Thursday.

“The deceleration in real GDP in the fourth quarter primarily reflected a downturn in exports and decelerations in nonresidential fixed investment, state and local government spending and consumer spending,” according to the Commerce Department report. “These movements were partly offset by an upturn in private inventory investment, an acceleration in federal government spending, and a smaller decrease in residential fixed investment.”

Measured from the fourth quarter of 2021 to

the fourth quarter of 2022, real GDP increased 1% during the period, compared with an increase of 5.7% from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the fourth quarter of 2021.

“Real GDP rose 2.9% ... but, the two components of real GDP that usually have the most to say about future growth are business investment in equipment and home building, which declined, at 3.7% and 26.7% annual rates, respectively,” First Trust Portfolios LP Chief Economist Brian Wesbury wrote in a tweet.

Justin Wolfers, a professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan, said the latest Commerce Department figures confirm that there wasn’t a recession last year.

“There’s a lot to be said about these latest GDP data, but I think the thing it underscores is that it’s now official: There was no recession in 2022,” he tweeted Thursday. “All that talk, all that energy, all that bluster, was nonsense all along.”

The slowing GDP comes amid heightened recession concerns. The latest survey from the National Association for Business Economics, released this week, found that more than half of respondents put the possibility of a recession over the next year at 50% or higher.

“The results ... indicate widespread concern about entering a recession this year,” NABE President Julia Coronado said. “For the first time since 2020, more respondents expect falling rather than increased employment at their firms in the next three months.”

Respondents reported higher interest rates and costs as the biggest downside risks to their outlooks. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported rising wages over the past three months. That was unchanged from the October 2022 survey. They further reported that sales growth in the fourth quarter of 2022 was relatively unchanged from the previous quarter.

Semiconductor convention moving to Phoenix from San Francisco

By COLE LAUTERBACH THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square)

– Recognizing Arizona’s growing semiconductor sector, North America’s “premier microelectronics exhibition and conference” is coming to town.

SEMI, an industry association with members across the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, announced Tuesday it would hold SEMICON West 2025 in Phoenix after holding the conference in San Francisco for the last five decades.

HARBOR

Continued from Page A1

“SEMI is excited to bring SEMICON West to Phoenix, a booming semiconductor manufacturing hub, in October 2025,” said Joe Stockunas, president of SEMI Americas, host of the exhibition and conference.

The announcement is preceded by a series of investments by some of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers intending to expand operations in Arizona.

“Greater Phoenix is home to more than 75 semiconductor companies including SEMI members EMD Electronics,

it’s natural for it to move in and fill the harbor entrance. But with a unique storm of this kind, it moved in in a much shorter time period.”

Pacific Dredge showed up last Friday to begin setting up the emergency dredging operation, which involved running a large pipe to remove the sand and deposit it on East Beach, and plugging into the harbor’s

Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and the sector employs more than 100,000 with more jobs on the way. As recent investments in chip manufacturing in the area have made abundantly clear, Phoenix embodies the drive by SEMI and the industry at large toward greater innovation,” Mr. Stockunas said.

The event is scheduled to be held in the Phoenix Convention Center. A spokesman for SEMI said 8,000 people attend the event on average. “We’re proud to welcome SEMICON West to Arizona!” said

electrical infrastructure, Mr. Wiltshire said. The company brought in a large barge on Sunday, and they “initiated the dredging yesterday afternoon and evening.”

Meanwhile, the natural and city-built sand dunes and their associated iceplant are gone because of the storm, bringing the beach at the waterfront “right down to its bedrock,” and exposing the historic rocks normally buried by the berms. That should improve over time, however, as waves wash more and more sand onto the

Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona has become a global leader in chip manufacturing and innovation, with rapid growth across our entire semiconductor ecosystem. We look forward to joining with local partners and SEMICON West to welcome industry leaders from around the globe and showcase why Arizona has become the world’s leading destination for new chip investments.”

The convention will alternate sites between the Valley and the Bay Area. It will return to San Francisco in 2026 before returning to Arizona in 2027.

MCCOY, Patricia Michelle

Our beloved angel, Patricia Michelle McCoy, passed from this earth in her sleep on January 6, 2023, in Chino, California.

Tricia was born in Glendale, California on September 24, 1991, to Lee and Deborah McCoy. When she was four years old, Tricia moved with her parents to Santa Barbara where she enjoyed the Sea Shells sailing club and was an avid Girl Scout. Tricia also sang for years with the Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus, traveling with the group to Hawaii for a national choral competition.

Tricia spent her summers competing in debate at the Stanford National Forensic Institute and completing AP classes at Georgetown University. She competed in the California Mock Trial competition on behalf of San Marcos High School, where she graduated in 2010. After high school, Tricia attended Santa Barbara City College and was a fierce advocate for the unhoused population. She spent her all-too-short life helping others, always with a smile on her face and a cheerful word on her lips.

She is survived by her parents, Deborah and Lee McCoy.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2023 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State Street in Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Families ACT! in Santa Barbara or to your favorite mental health charity.

Obituary notices are published daily in the Santa Barbara News-Press and also appear on our website www.newspress.com

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beach, he said. But Mr. Wiltshire warned that the threat is not over.

The huge swell earlier this month was indeed unique and unusual, he said, but the city usually experiences large swells in February and March, too.

“We’re not out of the woods,” he said. “We have to keep an eye on natural swells. We still have some winter to go.” email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

Officials silent on whether officer will keep his job

PROWS

Continued from Page A1

Odyssey driven by Rana Sibani, 54, of La Mesa, was traveling westbound on State Route 246 and had slowed to a stop to pull into a parking stall. She had two passengers in her car — Alaf Kawar, 83, and a 12-year-old minor, both of La Mesa.

A 2017 Ford F-350, driven by Lt. Prows, was heading west on State Route 246 as well and was directly behind Ms. Sibani’s car. He had one passenger in his pickup — Sylvia Prows, 51.

When Ms. Sibani slowed to a stop, the off-

HEITMAN

Continued from Page A1

“Over the past five years I have had the opportunity to work on collaborative initiatives with other safety departments and HHS. In this collaborative role, I chair the Community Corrections Partnership and the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council,” said Chief Heitman.

“Both the CCP and the JJCC bring together department heads and stakeholders. It has been an opportunity for me to begin developing my role as a facilitator while I bring people together and look for common goals and interests.

“I have had the opportunity to work in interagency initiatives such as enrolling more people in Medi-Cal, maximizing housing resources and making

duty lieutenant allegedly tried to pass on the left, the CHP said. As a result, the right side of his pickup collided with the Honda’s left side.

He “failed to yield and continued driving westbound” on the highway as Ms. Sabani followed behind, attempting to flag him down, the CHP said. After approximately one mile, he pulled over to the right shoulder and came to a stop. Ms. Sabani had called Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies to report the traffic collision, and deputies arrived a short time later. Upon deputies’ arrival, they requested that CHP respond and conduct an investigation.

“CHP arrived and completed a traffic

county resources available to the underserved populations.

So it seemed like a good fit for this assistant CEO position overseeing HHS and public safety departments.

“When you look at the major initiatives in the county, a lot of them involve the intersection of public safety and HHS,” she said.

“As we solve problems and provide better services for the community, understanding both sides and the court system will allow us to better leverage and have a collective impact. I have been in public service over 32 years, and I am not personally satisfied by chipping away at larger problems from the edges.

“I would like to be more fully involved and see how our county government can be involved in these initiatives. At the state level, there are things developing that will enable more local

collision investigation, which led to a driving under the influence investigation,” the collision report said. Lt. Prows “was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.” His attorney, Mr. Chambliss, declined comment Thursday.

UCSB officials placed Lt. Prows on administrative leave pending the outcome of the CHP investigation and subsequent court case. They did not return a phone call Thursday seeking comment, including whether he will keep his job or be terminated.

email: neilhartstein@newspress.com

level cooperation involving the intersection of these departments.

“CalAim has a focus on prioritizing those with mental health issues and ensuring that they get better served. We have a really great group of department heads and organizations, and I am eager to work with them in a new way.”

Her new role will be oversight of the HHS as well as public safety agencies for the county including: probation fire department, sheriff’s office, public defender, district attorney, social services, Department of Behavioral Wellness, public health, the First Five division and child support.

In her new role, Chief Heitman said she would work to ensure the community’s needs are being met by the departments. She emphasized the importance of making decisions in a

collaborative way.

“My role is supporting department heads and problem solving, to help us work together and collaborate on the mission of serving the community of Santa Barbara,” she said.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time as chief probation officer, but at some point you have to pass the baton and step into a season of exploring new things,” Chief Heitman said. “Throughout public service, I have always been in the role of celebrating the people around me and the work they are doing.

“My desire is for people to understand how incredible those working are doing and how far above and beyond they go to make this a safe community to live well. I am honored to be a part of that.”

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Poll suggests less than a third of voters support the bill

FAST FOOD

Continued from Page A2

less than one third of California voters support the bill according to the poll. The Save Local Restaurants coalition, having met the required signature collection for the referendum stated:

“California voters have made clear that they want a say on whether they must shoulder the burden of higher prices and job losses caused by the FAST Act. This legislation singles out the quick service restaurant industry by establishing an unelected council to control labor policy, which would cause a sharp increase in food costs and push many Californians,

particularly in disenfranchised communities, to the breaking point. During the highest inflation in more than four decades, consumers want to know that the restaurant meals they need in their busy lives will continue to be affordable, and that the jobs their communities rely on will still be there. Before they lose the brands that they love, voters will get the chance to have their say.”

‘I have always been in the role of celebrating the people around me and the work they are doing’

‘We have to keep an eye on natural swells. We still have some winter to go’

Life theArts

CALENDAR

“The Last Cloud,” Madeleine Tonzi’s acrylic on canvas, is part of “Entangled: Responding to Environmental Crisis,” which runs through March 25 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art.

The calendar appears Mondays through Saturdays in the “Life & the Arts” section. Items are welcome. Please email them a full week before the event to Managing Editor Dave Mason at dmason@ newspress.com.

TODAY

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Entangled:

Responding to Environmental Crisis,” runs through March 25 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The museum is open from 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays and college holidays. For more information, call 805-565-6162 or visit westmont.edu/museum.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Interlopings:

Colors in the Warp and Weft of Ecological Entanglements” is an exhibit that runs through March 12 at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The exhibit features weavings dyed with pigments from non-native plants on Santa Cruz Island. The weavings were created by artists Helen Svensson and Lisa Jevbratt. For more information, see sbbotanicgarden.org.

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “The Search for the Modern West,” an exhibit, continues through Feb. 20 at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, see sullivangoss.com or call the gallery at 805-730-1460.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. For more information, go to vitalant.org.

Playing the cards you’re dealt

Kathy Marden and Edward Giron portray characters reviewing their lives in ‘The Gin Game’

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Talk about multitasking! Kathy Marden and Edward Giron face the challenge of playing a game of gin rummy while acting in — what else? — “The Gin Game.”

In fact, this two-person play is much more than a game, as Ms. Marden and Mr. Giron will prove as they play Fonsia Dorsey and Weller Martin — two seniors dealing with the cards life has dealt them.

Ms. Marden and Mr. Giron will perform the Pulitzer Prizewinning play at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2-4 at the Center Square Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara. They also will act there during the 2 p.m. matinees Feb. 4 and 5.

The play is directed by Ken Gilbert and E. Bonnie Lewis.

The story’s two characters meet at a retirement home, where they play gin with each other as they reflect on their lives.

“I think they are very real,” Mr. Giron told the News-Press as Ms. Marden listened. “Some of their emotions may be enhanced because of the dramatic aspects of the play.”

Mr. Giron said his character, Weller, has achieved a high degree of success in his life.

But Weller has his share of regrets as well.

“He’s been thwarted numerous times, sometimes by himself, sometimes by the circumstances. He’s become frustrated because as he gets older, the opportunities are less and less,” said Mr. Giron.

“He meets this woman (Fonsia),

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit “Parliament of Owls” runs through Feb. 5 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. For more information, go to www. sbnature.org.

JAN. 28

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. An art and wellness workshop for adults will meet at the Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St. in Ventura. Cost is $98.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Chamber Players orchestra will perform at the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, 305 E. Anapamu St. Tickets cost $16. To purchase, go to sbchamberplayers.org.

JAN. 31

6 pm. Nick Hornby will discuss his book, “Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius,” with fellow writer Jessica Anya Blau at Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St. in Loreto Plaza, Santa Barbara.

Mr. Hornby will also sign copies of his book. For more information, call Chaucer’s at 805-682-6787 or go to www.chaucersbooks.com.

FEB. 1 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Central Coast artist and London native Annie Hoffman’s exhibit “Seeing Ourselves in Colour” will be displayed through Feb. 28 at Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. For more information, visit anniehoffmann.com.

FEB. 2

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic will provide free dental care for local children during its third annual Give Kids A Smile event on Feb. 2. The free day of exams, cleanings and more will take place at the clinic, located on the Chumash Reservation at 90 Via Juana Lane,l Santa Ynez.

FEB. 5 Free admission will be available on this day at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Ventura County, the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum and the Santa Paula Museum. For more information, visit socalmuseums.org.

FEB. 14

6 to 7:30 p.m. Nicole Lvoff and Joe Woodard will perform on Valentine’s Day at the Crush Bar & Tap, 1129 A State St., Santa Barbara. Their music varies from Beatles songs to jazz standards. For more information, go to crushbarsb. com.

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

Kathy Marden and Edward Giron play gin rummy as they rehearse their two-person play “The Gin Game” at Santa Barbara City College.

Director Ken Gilbert (pictured here) watches Edward Giron and Kathy Madden rehearse “The Gin Game.” Ms. Marden said Mr. Gilbert encouraged the actors to leak various aspects of their characters as the play progresses.

Jazz trio at Crush Bar & Tap

‘Colors of Love’ at Center Stage Theater

SANTA BARBARA —

Transform Through Arts will present 10 dance companies in “Colors of Love” Feb. 8 at the Center Stage Theater.

The multicultural dance show will start at 8 p.m. at the theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara.

“Colors of Love” is a variety Valentine dance show featuring

Ted Nash’s concert at museum

SANTA BARBARA — On Feb.

singer Terrill Williams Carter. The dance styles range from Latin to samba, belly dance and Argentine tango. General admission costs $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets are $25 for students. To purchase, go to www. centerstagetheater.org.

— Caleb Beeghly

12, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art will present “Transformation: Personal Stories of Change, Acceptance and Evolution.”

The free concert will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at the museum’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

The concert will feature student composers, performers and writers from a workshop led by Grammy-winning saxophonist and

composer Ted Nash. They explore the idea of transformation, both personal and collective. The backdrop for this performance will be created by students, ages 12–14, who are enrolled in the museum’s Emerging Teens Program. The backdrop is inspired by the exhibit “Out of Joint: Joan Tanner,” on view Feb. 12 – May 14 at the museum.

— Caleb Beeghly

Mars to disappear behind moon

LOS ANGELES— Griffith Observatory will host an online broadcast of the lunar occultation of Mars from 8-10 p.m Monday.

You can watch it on YouTube.

The observatory is not

conducting an onsite public telescope viewing but is hosting a broadcast viewing on its front lawn, weather permitting. A Mars occultation is when the Red Planet disappears from view behind the moon and reappears

on the opposite side. During the occultation, the moon completely blocks Mars.

If the skies are clear, then the occultation should be visible to the unaided eye in Southern California. You don’t need eye

protection or a telescope, but binoculars could be beneficial, according to the observatory, which advises people to look up to the south.

— Caleb Beeghly

Art and wellness workshop in Ventura

VENTURA — An art and wellness workshop for adults will meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Vita Art Center, 28 W. Main St. Kathleen Kaller and Kimmy Braget are the instructors. The cost for the Ventura workshop is $98.

CARDS

Continued from Page B1

and there’s a potential for a relationship,” Mr. Giron said.

The question is whether Weller can put his failures behind him and look ahead.

Ms. Marden told the News-Press the challenges are similar for her character, Fonsia.

“She is seemingly shy and is a very religious woman who touts herself as a victim in her life,” Ms. Marden explained.

She said Fonsia must deal with the things in her life that have hurt her.

“Ken (the director) uses the word ‘leaks,’” Ms. Marden said. “Each of the characters begins to leak this other side of their personality. As the play goes on, they get more real and more honest in their frustration and grief.

“My character goes from being quiet, shy and very religious to expressing much anger and resentment,” she said.

When Ms. Marden isn’t acting on stage, she works as a psychotherapist who has helped older clients deal with their regrets.

She noted the importance of forgiving yourself and others. “My character does not do that, and she has a rough time of it.” But in-between the play’s intense scenes are sweet moments, Ms. Marden noted. “The characters have to be lovable. The audience

“We will use Reiki, sound and meditation to clear any energetic blocks that are stored in the chakras (body centers) and open ourselves up creatively,” Ms. Kaller said. “Using inspiration from this healing process, we will then play, express and create with collage work. Supplies and snacks are

included. Please bring a yoga mat or pillow to sit on.”

Added Ms. Braget, “Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of

your energy to support healing.

“Mikao Usui developed reiki in the early 1900s, deriving the term from the Japanese words rei, meaning ‘universal,’ and ki, which refers to the vital life force energy that flows through all living things.”

— Marilyn McMahon

together in plays with various theater groups.

“It’s wonderful to be cast with Kathy by design or happenstance,” Mr. Giron said.

Added Ms. Marden, “I really enjoy being with him. I think we have a real friendship and real respect for each other.”

And Mr. Giron called “The Gin Game” a “labor love” among the actors and the two directors. He said one of their goals is to get post-COVID audiences back into the theater.

“All the theaters in Santa Barbara — and not only in Santa Barbara but across the nation — are struggling to get people off their couches and back into the theaters,” said Ms. Marden, the president of the Center Stage Theater board. “This is an attempt to woo people back to the wonderful experience of live theater.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

“The Gin Game” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2-4 and during the 2 p.m. matinees on Feb. 4 and 5.

has to care about them and even hope they get together and have a relationship. “The author wrote in a lot of little moments when they connect over the game,” she said.

Mr. Giron said the characters’ relationship evolves through a series of ups and downs.

The two actors saw a previous production of “The Gin Game” last year at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura and enjoyed watching movie/TV stars Joe Spano and JoBeth Williams play Weller and Fonsia.

Locally Ms. Marden and Mr. Giron have previously acted

Tickets cost $18 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors for the Feb. 2 preview show. After that, tickets cost $21 for general admission and $18 for students and seniors. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org. There is no late seating.

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS

Edward Giron and Kathy Marden rehearse “The Gin Game.” The actors have worked previously together and see their latest play as an effort to get post-COVID-19 audiences back for the experience of live theater.

Diversions

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Friday, January 27, 2023

ARIES — Recent stress could leave you wanting to spend the day shopping for items that may be nice but aren’t really necessary, Aries. This is fine, since you may want to spruce up your surroundings. Take care you don’t go overboard, and be careful not to take home something that you wouldn’t normally go for.

TAURUS — Uninvited visitors could cause some stress, Taurus. You wanted to spend your day resting, but now you have to entertain people, and this could prove irritating. It’s better to keep the visit short and sweet than feel obligated to play host when you aren’t up to it. You will want to stay on good terms with your guests. Be polite but firm and then relax.

GEMINI — Some callous words spoken carelessly could make you feel hurt and insecure, Gemini. They may not have been intentional, but even so, bear in mind that they’re only words. They tell you far more about the one who said them than they do about you. Spend the evening with people who love and respect you.

CANCER — Attempts to attend a festival, party, or other group activity could be hampered by minor obstacles like traffic jams, forgetting things, and getting lost, Cancer. This can be frustrating and irritating, but don’t let it stop you. It’s important to be out with your friends today. Fill up the car, get a good map, and make your way to the place by the side streets. Have some fun!

LEO — Some friends may put you in front of a lot of people, Leo, perhaps to make an impromptu speech or lead a discussion. Generally, you don’t mind this, but today you’re in a quiet mood and would rather stay on the sidelines. You could grit your teeth and do what they ask. But don’t be afraid to tell your friends how you feel.

VIRGO — Someone who’s a little belligerent and abrasive could interrupt the flow of ideas at a class or workshop dedicated to spiritual and metaphysical concepts and values. This won’t sit well with you, Virgo, but you aren’t the type to be confrontational. Don’t worry. Let the person have his or her say, then let everyone else debate. Enjoy yourself and learn from all the ideas.

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Friday, January 27, 2023

A senior player at my club told me about the benefits of getting older:

Your joints are more reliable than the weatherman; your eyes can’t get much worse, and there are fewer things to learn the hard way.

My friend was today’s South.

“Our auction left a lot to be desired,” he said. “We should have bid 6NT. I knew my partner had something in spades; I wasn’t sure he had a source of tricks in diamonds.”

Against six hearts, West led the queen of clubs. South took the ace and led a trump to dummy’s king and a trump to his queen. West took the ace and led a second club, and East had to score his ten of trumps for down one.

UNLUCKY

South was unlucky. After dummy’s king wins, South succeeds by returning to his hand to lead a second low trump, but West might have held A-10-6-4. North-South did learn a hard lesson in the bidding: Play at a 4-4 trump fit only when you need extra tricks with ruffs. Either player could have bid differently to reach 6NT with the 33 points.

You hold:

10. You open one diamond, and your partner responds

LIBRA — An upset between you and a friend might cause you to wonder what you did wrong, Libra. Chances are you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your friend may have money problems and be too embarrassed to talk about it. Wait a few days and call again to see how things are. Your friend will feel more like talking, and all should be OK between you.

SCORPIO — Too many outside responsibilities at once could have you at odds with a current love partner, Scorpio. Your beloved may seem to be demanding a choice between your job and the relationship. Don’t read things into the situation that aren’t there, and don’t be too proud to talk about it. Pride really can come before a fall.

SAGITTARIUS — An unexpected problem with a task you’re trying to finish could cause a temporary upset between you and those closest to you, Sagittarius. This might have your family stomping out of the house in anger. Remember that everybody has their own concerns, and probably wouldn’t have reacted this way otherwise.

CAPRICORN — An upsetting dream about someone you love deeply could cause you to awaken suddenly in the night, Capricorn. You might have to ground yourself a little in reality before trying to go back to sleep. Stay calm. The dream isn’t prophetic. It probably relates to your own fears about this person, or maybe even about yourself.

AQUARIUS — A misunderstanding with a family member or partner could mar your morning, Aquarius. One of you is less communicative than usual. It might take some effort to bring the issues into the open and work them out. They probably seem more serious than they are. Both you and the other person are apt to be stressed out and a little on edge.

PISCES — This might be the perfect day to go out, Pisces, or stay in and turn off the phone. Friends and relatives could be stressed, and phone conversations could touch off some misunderstandings and cause unnecessary hurt feelings. If you must talk to people, keep the conversations light and brief. You won’t want to mar a nearly perfect day.

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great way to test your knowledge of the English language. Every number in the codeword grid is ‘code’ for a letter of the alphabet. Thus, the number 2 may correspond to the letter L, for instance. All puzzles come with a few letters to start. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If the letter S is in the box at the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should be to find all cells numbered 2 in the grid and enter the letter S. Cross the letter S off the list at the bottom of the grid. Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

PUZZLE

one spade. What do you say?

ANSWER: If your partner had responded one heart, you would have had an easy raise to three hearts. His actual one-spade response is awkward. Your hand is borderline at best for a “reverse” to two hearts, but many players would choose that action. An option is to raise to three spades, hoping he has five or more spades.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

“I attribute my success to this - I never gave or took any excuse.”

— Florence Nightingale