Santa Barbara News-Press: February 10, 2023

Hunter Biden investigation

Lawmakers call for foreign business deal documents to be handed over - A3

Serial burglar pleads guilty to more commercial burglaries

Brian Christopher Schotz, 48, scheduled to be sentenced in April for Santa Barbara crimes

By NEIL HARTSTEIN

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A previously convicted serial burglar charged with committing a new string of commercial burglaries targeting businesses in Santa Barbara over the past few months has pleaded guilty to four out of seven counts filed against him. He will be sentenced in April, prosecutors said.

Brian Christopher Schotz, 48, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of seconddegree commercial burglary and one count of identity theft, a misdemeanor, at a Jan. 31 court conference held to set a date for his preliminary hearing, Deputy District Attorney Michelle Mossembekker told the News-Press. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18.

“His maximum exposure in this case

is 13 years, 8 months in state prison,” prosecutor Mossembekker said. Prosecutors alleged in their complaint that Mr. Schotz was involved in a total of six burglaries between Nov. 23 and Jan. 17, and that two burglaries occurred on the same day — twice — during that time period, Dec. 10 and Jan. 17. The six burglaries took place either in downtown Santa Barbara or at the waterfront. The four counts the defendant pleaded

guilty to are:

• Second-degree commercial burglary on Nov. 23 when he entered a commercial building occupied by Boat Launch Mini Mart, 305 W. Cabrillo Blvd., “with the intent to commit larceny and any felony.”

• Second-degree commercial burglary on Dec. 6 when he entered a commercial building occupied by an adult book store at 405 State St., also with intent to commit larceny.

dealing with diabetes

New research warns of upcoming increases in cases for young people, but new technology and prevention efforts offer hope

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

New research from the American Diabetes Association shows that diabetes in those under the age of 20 will increase significantly in the coming decades. Research suggests that Type 1 diabetes will increase by 65% and that Type 2 diabetes will increase 700% in those under the age of 20 by the year 2060.

Dr. Ashley Thorsell, endocrinologist at Sansum Clinic, told the News-Press that the study showed “... the greatest burden in the black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native children.

“Regardless, this emphasizes the need to focus our research efforts and management of this disease on prevention,” Dr. Thorsell said. “Although it’s more difficult to prevent Type 1 diabetes, nutrition and dietary changes do play a part in the prevention and treatment of both diseases. It is absolutely vital that we ensure our youth are the healthiest they can be.”

Santa Barbara resident Kara Hornbuckle and her two children all have Type 1 diabetes. Ms. Hornbuckle also works for the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute as director of development.

Ms. Hornbuckle spoke with the NewsPress recently not only about her own journey with Type 1 diabetes but that of her children as well.

“I have lived with Type 1 for 35 years since I was 6 years old,” Ms. Hornbuckle said. “At the time there were a lot of unknowns for our family. I was the first in the family to develop it and we had so much to learn.

“I had to take insulin injections four to seven times a day and check blood glucose levels about six to 10 times a day. My diet changed significantly; everything was scheduled. There wasn’t a lot of flexibility.”

The News-Press asked Ms. Hornbuckle about the early warning signs of Type 1 diabetes and when she started noticing them in her children.

“Early warning signs include excessive urination, and having to drink a lot more water. You are always thirsty; it is very noticeable. It’s like having six to seven glasses at a time. For both of our kids, we saw that. I remember Lucas at 2 was drinking more and his diapers were filling up frequently.

“We were living in denial because we didn’t want him to live with this disease,” she continued. “So one day, I checked his blood sugar level, and it was so high the machine couldn’t read it. As soon as that happened, I was shocked, but I knew I had to get him taken care of immediately. So I called the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute.

“Dr. Zisser spoke with me, and he told me to go to the ER right away. I took Lucas to the ER, and he started vomiting in the waiting room because blood sugar was so high, and blood work confirmed he had

Type 1.”

Dr. Thorsell said warning signs of Type 1 diabetes include “rapid weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue and fruity breath. In Type 2 diabetes, these symptoms are likely to be absent, and the disease progression is much slower.”

Ms. Hornbuckle also spoke about the diagnosis of her daughter.

“In December of 2021, it was deja vu when my daughter Kamryn started showing signs. It wasn’t as noticeable, but it was enough to alert my husband to check blood sugar level and we got the same reading as with my son. I was able to work with Dr. Fran Kaufman, a pediatric endocrinologist,” she said.

“Shortly after Lucas came home from hospital, he would hide from us under the table because he didn’t want insulin injections,” Ms. Hornbuckle said. “That was hard for him, and we had to negotiate with him when he needed to eat and when his blood sugar was high. Kamryn had a greater capacity to understand what was going on because she was older, and it was challenging for her to take insulin

• Second-degree commercial burglary on Dec. 10 when he entered a commercial building occupied by Loquita Restaurant, 202 State St., also with intent to commit larceny.

• Identity theft on Jan. 18, when he “did willfully and unlawfully with the intent to defraud, acquire and retain possession of personal identifying information of another person.”

Please see BURGLER on A4

Suspect in Lompoc murder to appear in court

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A man charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Lompoc man in December will appear in court next month to set a date for his preliminary hearing, prosecutors said. Benito Martinez, 20, appeared in court on Wednesday to set the date, but his case was continued until March 15, Deputy District Attorney Lynmarc Jenkins told the News-Press.

The defendant is charged in a two-count felony complaint with murder, alleging that he “did unlawfully and with malice aforethought murder Victor Deluna, a human being.”

The murder charge includes a special allegation that Mr. Martinez intentionally and personally discharged a handgun in the commission of murder, a serious and violent felony. The second count charges the defendant with having a concealed, unregistered firearm on his person, and that “the firearm and unexpanded ammunition were in the immediate possession of, and readily accessible to, the defendant.”

The Lompoc Police Department arrested Mr. Martinez on Dec. 10 on suspicion of shooting Victor Deluna the night before in the 600 block of North Fourth St. in Lompoc. He died later from his wounds.

Police responded to the shooting scene on Dec. 9 at approximately 11:25 p.m. When officers arrived, they located the victim on the ground with bullet wounds. Officers began providing life-saving measures until relieved by paramedics.

Lompoc police said the victim was transported to Lompoc Valley Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives responded and were able to identify the alleged shooter as Mr. Martinez, according to Lompoc police. He was arrested at the police station in the early morning hours of Dec. 10.

Mr. Martinez remains in custody on $1 million bail, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Kara Hornbuckle and her daughter Kamryn work together on preparing a healthy snack as Ms. Hornbuckle’s son Lucas watches at their Santa Barbara home. All three have Type 1 diabetes.

This is an example of a healthy snack for diabetics. Please see

Storm damage still apparent at Goleta Beach County Park

Collision results in fatality

SANTA BARBARA — The male driver and sole occupant of a Hyundai sedan was pronounced dead early Friday morning at the scene by paramedics after the sedan collided with a large, reinforced steel pole.

The collision happened on Highway 101 at the State Street off ramp in Santa Barbara, according to Capt. Scott Safechuck, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. He said the call time was 2 a.m.

In a tweet, Capt. Safechuck said the driver’s age is unknown and that the case remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

— Katherine Zehnder

Vandalism suspect arrested

SANTA BARBARA — Buck Roberts, 44, of Santa Barbara was arrested Friday on suspicion of felony vandalism at a gas station.

At 3:45 a.m. Friday, several Santa Barbara police officers responded to a gas station in the 100 block of South La Cumbre Road for a reported vandalism in progress. Officers arrived on scene and detained Mr. Roberts.

Sgt. Ethan Ragsdale said it is believed Mr. Roberts had detached a gasoline pump nozzle and broken a large glass window

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

of the convenience store.

Mr. Roberts was taken into custody without incident and booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, said Sgt. Ragsdale, the public information officer for the Santa Barbara Police Department.

— Katherine Zehnder

Caltrans provides construction update

CARPINTERIA/ SUMMERLAND/MONTECITO

— Caltrans says motorists should expect pre-construction activities near the intersection of San Ysidro Road and North Jameson Lane for the upcoming San Ysidro Roundabout.

As needed, flaggers will direct traffic during daytime work.

The San Ysidro Roundabout will begin construction midMarch. Additional details, materials, and a community preconstruction meeting invitation will be sent out over the next few weeks.

In Summerland, traffic has been shifted onto the new northbound lanes, and the new northbound off-ramp at Lillie Avenue is open. Caltrans advises motorists to be aware of new traffic patterns in the area. The southbound on-ramp at Santa Claus Lane has also been opened with a new turnaround for local

California gets $15 million in Medi-Cal fraud settlement from contraceptive company

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH

CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

THE

(The Center Square) - The California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General Rob Bonta, announced a $15 million Medi-Cal fraud settlement on Tuesday.

The three-year investigation by the DOJ of The Pill Company, a Silicon Valley online contraceptives provider, found that Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal managed care plans had been defrauded through the billing, and dispensation of contraceptives “in excess of medical necessity” and through improperly coded telemedicine medical visits. Patients were also provided with products they did not ask for or want.

“The Pill Club unacceptably siphoned off Medi-Cal funding intended to help vulnerable communities access essential healthcare,” Mr. Bonta said. A release by the DOJ stated, “The settlement resolves allegations that the company unlawfully billed California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, millions of dollars in public funds in an allegedly fraudulent scheme that exploited the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) essential coverage mandate, which ensures that insurance providers, including

Medi-Cal, cover contraception.”

“This Agreement is neither an admission of liability by The Pill Club/Favor nor a concession by California that its claims are not well founded,” the Settlement Agreement said. “To avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience, and expense of protracted litigation of the foregoing dispute, and in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations of this Agreement, the Parties agree..” The DOJ’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, which “works aggressively to protect residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities from abuse or neglect,” and prosecutes those who perpetrate fraud on Medi-Cal, led the investigation.

“I am grateful to the whistleblowers and our investigators who were instrumental in holding The Pill Club accountable. At the California Department of Justice, we fight every day to protect and expand access to healthcare. We will not tolerate companies who attempt to unlawfully enrich themselves at Medi-Cal’s expense,” Mr. Bonta said.

California’s Medi-Cal program provides healthcare to residents of limited income and guarantees coverage for contraception.

traffic.

Here’s Caltrans’ schedule for closures:

NORTHBOUND HIGHWAY 101

Sunday nights, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be one lane from Santa Monica Road to Sheffield Drive with the on- and off-ramps closed at South Padaro/Santa Claus Lane and North Padaro Lane.

Monday through Thursday nights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be one lane from Santa Monica Road to Sheffield Drive with on- and off-ramps at South Padaro/Santa Claus Lane and North Padaro Lane.

The off-ramp at Olive Mill is expected to reopen upon roundabout completion. Until then, drivers can use the northbound off-ramp at San Ysidro Road.

Caltrans expects the on-ramp at Ortega Hill Road to reopen

Tuesday. Until then, drivers can use the on-ramp at Sheffield Drive.

SOUTHBOUND HIGHWAY 101

Sunday nights from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. will be one lane from Sheffield Drive to Carpinteria Avenue.

Monday through Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. will be one lane from Sheffield Drive to Carpinteria Avenue. The on-ramp at Olive Mill Road is anticipated to reopen in late February. Until then, drivers can use the southbound on-ramp at Sheffield Drive.

The off-ramp at North Padaro Lane will be closed for up to three months and is expected to reopen in mid-March. Until then, drivers can use the detour at South Padaro Lane and Via Real.

— Katherine Zehnder

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Damage from last month’s rainstorms was still visible at Goleta Beach County Park on Thursday.

Lawmakers demand Hunter Biden hand over foreign business deal documents

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – House Oversight Republicans ratcheted up their investigation into Hunter Biden Thursday, calling on the president’s son and his associates to hand over documents that allegedly show illicit business dealings.

The committee demanded Hunter Biden, James Biden, and Eric Schwerin hand over documents concerning their foreign dealings. Critics allege Hunter Biden used his father’s political clout to secure overseas deals that could have compromised the president.

“The American people deserve transparency and accountability about the Biden family’s influence peddling,” said Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., who chairs the oversight committee. “The Oversight Committee is committed to exposing the waste, fraud, and abuse that has taken place at the highest levels of our government.”

The committee is particularly interested in finding out to what extent President Joe Biden was involved in the dealings, or at least what he was aware of, arguing that if foreign entities know of any wrongdoing, it could compromise national security.

Oversight Republicans vowed after taking a majority in November to make this

investigation one of their top concerns.

Hunter Biden is currently under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Evidence obtained in our investigation reveals the Biden family business model is built on Joe Biden’s political career and connections,” Rep. Comer said. “Biden family members attempted to sell access around the world, including individuals who were connected to the Chinese Communist Party, to enrich themselves to the detriment of American interests. If President Biden is compromised by deals with foreign adversaries and they are impacting his decision making, this is a threat to national security.”

The Hunter Biden investigation has many legal avenues and opportunities for prosecution aside from foreign entanglements, including potential tax violations and false statements to federal law enforcement. Politically, Hunter Biden’s investigation further complicates Hunter Biden’s 2024

aspirations, especially now that the president faces his own investigation over a trove of classified documents found in his possession from his time in the Obama administration.

Hunter Biden has until Feb. 22 to respond to the committee’s letter. The committee is considering new ethics laws to explicitly prohibit certain elements of Hunter Biden’s behavior.

“Evidence shows that you engaged in foreign business deals with individuals who were connected to the Chinese Communist Party and received significant amounts of money from foreign companies without providing any known legitimate services,” the committee’s letter to Hunter Biden said. “The Committee is investigating President Biden’s knowledge of and role in these foreign business deals to assess whether he has compromised our national security at the expense of the American people. You and your associates’ financial conduct raises significant ethics and national security concerns.”

Burt Bacharach leaves legacy of timeless hits

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

The brightness of Burt

Bacharach’s music was as dynamic as the constant twinkle in his eye.

Mr. Bacharach — the legendary composer known for mellow but compelling hits varying from “What the Word Needs Now” (that would be “love, sweet love”) to “Raindrops

Keep Fallin’ on My Head” — has died.

Mr. Bacharach, who teamed up with lyricist Hal David for

his timeless songs in the 1960s, was 94. Mr. Bacharach died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home.

The Grammy and Oscar winner seemed always at ease at the piano. In fact, it’s impossible to think of Mr. Bacharach without imagining him sitting at a grand piano, and his playing was as smooth and effortless as the music that wrote.

He composed the music for songs performed by Dusty Springfield (“The Look of Love” in the 1967 James Bond spoof “Casino Royale”), Tom Jones (“What’s New, Pussycat?” from the movie of the same name), Neil Diamond and the Carpenters (“(They Long to Be) Close to You”). Jackie O’Shannon sang “What the World Needs Now.”

Yes, Mr. Bacharach was the king of mellow. But he could also jazz things up with “Say A Little Prayer,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” and “Walk on By.” All three were hits recorded by popular 1960s singer Dionne Warwick. And all three songs had power because Mr. Bacharach knew how to drive a song gently and when to step on the gas — but not too much. It was always a smooth ride when you heard a Burt Bacharach song.

Mr. Bacharach became famous not only for hits recorded by pop singers, but his music that defined movie soundtracks in the late 20th century.

Mr. Bacharach earned his first Oscars in 1970 for “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which

SPORTS ROUNDUP

SB beats Valley Christian Academy in playoffs

The Santa Barbara High boys basketball team defeated Valley Christian Academy of Santa Maria on Wednesday, winning on the road by a score of 72-46. “We got off to a bit of a sluggish start because of their defense,” said Santa Barbara Coach Corey Adam. “We had not faced a zone defense for more than a few possessions since December. It took us a quarter and a half to really get the shots we wanted. It is great to see the continued growth and maturation of this group.”

Luke Zuffelato led the Dons with 21 points, while Tobin Shyrock scored ten to reach double digits for the fifth time in eight games. Waylon Finkel scored nine points, Jack Holdren and Will Harman each added eight and Owen Debusk contributed seven. Santa Barbara will return to action at home against Gariellino on Friday.

SM boys basketball falls in first round

The San Marcos boys basketball team lost to Agoura in the first round of the CIF Southern Section 2A playoffs, falling by a score of 88-51.

The Royals kept it close in the first quarter, closing out the period with a five-point deficit. Agoura began to expand their lead in the second, leading to the lopsided final score behind the offense of Zane Miller and Nasir Meyer, who combined for 71 of the

he wrote for the movie “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and for the score for the same movie, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

In 1982, Mr. Bacharach and his then-wife Carole Bayer Sager won an Oscar for “The Best That You Can Do,” the theme from “Arthur,” starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. Christopher Cross was Mr. Bacharach and Ms. Sager’s choice to sing the song.

And Mr. Bacharach and Ms. Sager, a lyricist, co-wrote “That’s What Friends Are For.”

The mid-1980s recording of the song, which raised millions of dollars for AIDS research, featured Ms. Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder.

Known for a persona as easygoing as his songs, Mr. Bacharach started his career in the 1950s as a pianist for movie star and vocalist Marlene Dietrich as she sang around the world.

Mr. Bacharach is best known for his collaborations with Mr. David, who died in 2012. But Mr. Bacharach collaborated with others as well, including Elvis Costello. The two received Grammys in 1999 for best pop collaboration with vocals for “I Still Have That Other Girl.”

In the 1960s, Mr. Bacharach was married to movie and TV star Angie Dickinson.

Mr. Bacharach is survived by his fourth wife, Jane Hansen, whom he married in 1993, and sons Oliver and Cristopher and daughter Raleigh.

Chargers’ 88 points.

“A tough way to see this season come to an end for sure,” said Royals coach James Kinzler. “A lot of credit to Agoura. They have some very nice players who obviously shot it very well. Proud of our guys for their season and for our growth and accomplishments as a team, it just wasn’t our night tonight.”

San Marcos was led by Micah Jacobi’s 12 points.

Joe Pasternack added ten points, while Diego Reyes, Wyatt Miller and Koji Hefner each scored seven.

DP girls water polo victorious over El Segundo

The Dos Pueblos High girls basketball team defeated El Segundo on Wednesday, winning by a score of 9-7.

Dos Pueblos overcame a slow start to earn the victory, starting out the game down 2-1 at the end of the first quarter. By the end of the second, they had tied the game at four before taking and holding the lead in the third and fourth quarters.

Dos Pueblos was led by Emma Gilbert’s five goals, while Ava Bennett scored two. Addison Parrish and Alina King each scored one. Megan Garner recorded eight blocks.

Dos Pueblos will carry a 16-11 overall record and an 8-2 mark in league play into their next game against Santa Margarita Catholic High School on Saturday.

- Compiled by Matt Smolensky

Mr. Bacharach’s and Ms. Dickinson’s daughter, Nikki, took her own life in 2007 at age 40. Mr. Bacharach and Ms. Sager adopted Cristopher. Mr. Bacharach shared Oliver and Raleigh with Ms. Hansen.

Right up to the end, Mr. Bacharach loved talking about his music. This writer saw him a few years ago at the Turner Classic Movies festival in Hollywood, where he smiled and cheerfully answered questions after a screening of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” He seemed very relaxed as he appeared on stage before an audience of almost a thousand people at TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman’s Chinese Theatre).

The only thing that was missing was a grand piano. email: dmason@newspress.com

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Burt Bacharach

The committee demanded Hunter Biden, James Biden, and Eric Schwerin hand over documents concerning their foreign dealings.

Bonta announces settlement with another health care company alleged to have defrauded Medi-Cal

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - On Jan 6, a constitutional amendment that would give prisoners the right to vote was introduced by self-described community organizer, policy expert and published academic Isaac Bryan, a Democratic state assembly member.

The Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA 4) introduced by Assemblymember Bryan, who chairs the Elections Committee and Committee on Poverty & Economic Inclusion, was coauthored by Assembly Members Bonta, Jackson, Kalra, Weber, and Wilson and removes wording in Section 4 of Article II which states, “The Legislature shall prohibit improper practices that affect elections and shall provide for the disqualification of electors while serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction or a felony.”

It also removes all wording in point (b) Section 2 that “disqualified” prisoners from voting.

But this is not the first legislation that seeks to give voting rights to those with a prison history.

In January 2019, ACA 6, the Free the Vote Act proposed by Secretary of State Alex Padilla joined Democratic Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty, Sydney Kamlager-Dove , Rob Bonta, and Ash Kalra, aimed to give parolees the right to register to vote.

Proponents of ACA 4 believe that having done their time in prison, individuals should be allowed the right to vote. One twitter user wrote “People shouldn’t lose the right to vote. They pay their debt to society through time served and restitution.” Another said, “They’re still citizens and we all hope for their successful reentry into civil society. Sends a signal that they are still part of the body politic.”

Those opposing the legislation believe it is unreasonable to have ex-felons voting on proposed laws. “We don’t need people in prison voting to reduce penalties for crimes they committed. This is insanity.” One questioning the motivation of the proposed change stated, “Those criminals obviously made bad decisions & you want them to decide what’s best for our communities? Makes no sense. What is the real reason for this?”

Assemblymember Bryan shared a number of reasons why he believed the amendment was a good one. “Democracy thrives when everybody has a chance to have their voice heard,” he said. “As the Chair of the California State Assembly Elections Committee I didn’t just feel like introducing this

ACA was the right thing to do -- but an absolute responsibility.”

One very important impact of the constitutional change, however, was not raised on social media and that is that current state law allows registered voters to run for elective offices in California. If no change to disqualify those with convictions is made, the result is they will be able to run for public office as well, once they meet the criteria.

A brief look at the legislation proposed last year by the Democrat-controlled assembly, reveals that by and large, the vast majority dealt with tweaking election rules or introducing new ones. They ran the gamut from mail-in ballots, campaign finance, party name selection, election dates, DMV registration, redistricting and a host of other items.

In order for ACA4 to be successful it would need to get two-thirds of the votes in the Assembly and Senate before it comes to the ballot for Californians. Only three other states and localities have made it legal for the incarcerated to vote within prison walls: Maine, Vermont and Washington D.C.

Vice Chair on the election committee Tom Kackey voiced his opposition on Twitter stating, “Criminal acts should have consequences. Voting is a sacred privilege, not an absolute right of citizenship.”

“It’s the right thing to do,” Assemblymember Bryan said in his Feb. 7 tweet.

In a 2019 speech, Assemblymember Bryan described how as a child he would have nightmares and would awake to find his older brother looking over him which helped him transition “from pain to peace. At one such time he asked “Big brother, why do you always stay up with me when I’m having a nightmare?” His brother’s response was “It’s my duty to. It’s my responsibility. It’s wrong for me to sleep peacefully, knowing that you are unable to do the same,” Assemblymember Bryan shared.

Those words have become “a critical lens” Assemblymember Bryan says, by which he “evaluates, critiques and designs public policy.”

KAHLER, Margo Ann AKA “Peggy”

November 25, 1940 - January 29, 2023

Peggy Ann went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 29, 2023 peacefully in her sleep at 12:38 at ‘Comforts of Home Senior Care’. She was born at Abington Hospital in Abington PA. in Montgomery County growing up on Willow Brook Farm, as the only daughter of Margaret H. White and Harry Lewis Kahler PhD. (chemistry) Peggy attended and graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1958 with one of her best friends Diane Hogeland with whom she still talked to every week.

Peggy attended Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, VA and then transferred to Hope College in Holland Michigan where she graduated on schedule in 1962.

Peggy’s family had decided to move to California in 1967 when her father unexpectedly passed away, however, Peggy and her Mother decided to go ahead with the move and Santa Barbara became their forever home. Peggy never wasted any time and went straight to work. She was a 4th grade bilingual teacher at Carpinteria Main Elementary school for 38 years from September 1967 until June 2005. Her organizational skills were unparalleled in everything she owned. She was loved by all for her kindness and compassion for others.

Several of Peggy’s summers were spent in Spain from where she travelled all over Europe and continued to travel worldwide with family and friends.

After her retirement in 2005 she became the librarian for Santa Barbara Christian School for many years until her eyesight became a problem.

Peggy was very active at Trinity Baptist Church as a Deaconess, Oaks Bible Church as a Deaconess, alto in the choir and as ‘decorator’ for every season and potluck at the churches. She attended all the choir programs put on for the Marines at Camp Pendleton and all the Christmas concerts up until 2021 at Oaks Bible Church. She enjoyed Christian music and especially Christmas music since that was her favorite time of the year. Let the decorating begin!

Peggy loved teaching children and for almost 2 decades she volunteered one week a year to Royal Family Kids camp, which is a camp for ‘children at risk’ ages 6-12 years. Peggy would spend countless hours under the shade of big Oak tree listening to and talking with all the children who wanted to just ‘slow down’ a bit and play games with her. The wisdom imparted under that tree to those children was priceless.

Peggy donated to several charities and missions which demonstrated her loving, generous and kind heart. She loved her cats and Chita was with her to the end. She was also an avid patriot and very proud of our military troops and veterans who fought for “her” country and kept it free. July 4th was always a party for Peggy! More decorating!

Peggy’s passion for teaching children was dwarfed only by her love for Jesus and sharing Him with all she came in contact with.

She is survived by her childhood friends Sue DeCresente and Diane Hogeland, several school colleagues and friends, members of the Barbour family, first cousins once removed Elizabeth G. Frazee, (Timothy T. Myers) & daughter Avery F. Myers, Jonathon

W. Frazee & children Justin R., Cori T., and Caitlin S. Frazee and Stanley S. Frazee & children Lane and Julia Frazee along with her entire Oaks Bible family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 11:00 am at Oaks Bible

Church, located at 400 Puente Dr., Santa Barbara, CA. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Royal Kids Camp at royalfamilykidssb.com or Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) cat rescue at asapcats.org

Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

(The Center Square) - As though in a repeat performance, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Wednesday a settlement between the California Department of Justice and Centene Corporation, the largest managed care corporation for Medicaid.

A statement released by the DOJ said “California Department of Justice (DOJ) investigators found that between January 2017 and December 2018, California Health & Wellness and Health Net reported inflated figures for the costs they incurred in providing prescription drugs to patients. Centene leveraged advantages in its pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contracts

to save its managed care plans $2.70 per prescription drug claim over the two-year period. DOJ alleges that Centene and its PBM failed to disclose or pass on these discounted fees to Medi-Cal, which inflated fees and drug costs reported to California.”

The settlement agreement noted that the Centene Corporation “expressly deny liability, any wrongdoing and any violation of any federal or state statute…the Centene Corporation Recognizes the importance of providing high quality and cost-effective pharmacy benefit services …and the state’s need for transparency around the costs of associated services.” It further clarified stating,”While the state does not dispute that the Centene Entities have provided pharmacy benefit services…and may be qualified to provide such services…the

state requires full transparency ..around the cost and fees associated with those services.”

The agreement avoids uncertainties of litigation and is not “evidence of any liability or wrongdoing by one or more Centene Entities.”

“Today’s settlement is a win — it brings resources directly back to our state. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue using every tool we have to fight for California’s vulnerable communities,” Mr. Bonta said.

The settlement reflects full restitution to California’s Medi-Cal Program in the amount of $215,392,758.

“The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability,” a statement in the DOJ release said.

Technological improvements have made aided those with Diabetes

DIABETES

Continued from Page A1

injections. Sometimes we had to negotiate with her for 30 minutes. I think in the beginning it was traumatizing for her.”

The News-Press asked Ms. Hornbuckle about the development of education in managing the disease.

“I believe education has evolved as technology available has evolved. But now there have been such incredible improvements: from better insulins, to sensors constantly managing blood glucose levels, to insulin pumps,” she said.

Dr. Thorsell said society can better educate people about diabetes by “offering patients innovative technology such as continuous glucose monitors earlier on in their diagnosis (ideally at the prediabetes level), which is crucial to provide patients with real-time glucose data, which is likely to enable immediate implementation of dietary changes and regular

exercise, and encourage compliance.

Additionally, continued Dr. Thorsell: “If we can implement diet and exercise modifications early on in the disease process, then we may be able to preserve the burnout of these insulinproducing beta cells in the pancreas, and subsequently patients are less likely to require insulin or other antidiabetic drugs for their treatment.”

According to Ms. Hornbuckle, one of the greatest technological innovations is the Omnipod 5 system, which the News-Press reported on back in March. Ms. Hornbuckle and her two children all use the Omnipod 5 system, which is a patch worn externally and is changed every two to three days.

“I think Lucas had access to the technology before Kamryn because she wasn’t diagnosed. My husband or I would go into his room at night and place our hand on his heart to make sure he was alive. But we realize the Omnipod 5 system is safe and reliable, so that we can sleep peacefully,” said Ms. Hornbuckle.

Man previously convicted of 24 felonies

BURGLER

Continued from Page A1

Prosecutors noted in their complaint that Mr. Schotz previously was convicted of 24 felonies, all but two in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara police were on patrol in the area of 300 East Cabrillo Blvd. on Jan. 18 when they contacted and detained Mr. Schotz for violating a Santa Barbara municipal code section. Mr. Schotz was identified as a suspect involved in multiple commercial burglaries over the past several months in Santa Barbara, police said. Those cases had been under active

investigation by the detective bureau.

He was arrested at the scene and transported to the Santa Barbara Police Department. Mr. Schotz remains in custody on $150,000 bail, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

“We want to thank the Santa Barbara community for reporting these crimes,” Santa Barbara police said in a news release at the time. “Their active participation in these investigations assisted the Santa Barbara Police Department in the apprehension of this suspect.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

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

To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@newspress.com or fax text only (no photos) to (805) 966-1421. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and the date(s) you would like the obituary to be published.

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*Early Deadline for Presidents’ Day: Obituaries publishing Sat, Feb. 18 thru Wed, Feb. 22, deadline is Thurs, Feb. 16 at 10am. The usual deadlines for Weekend and Mon editions are on Thur at 10am; for Tues’s edition it’s 10am on Fri; for Wed’s edition it’s 10am on Mon; for Thur’s edition it’s 10am on Tues; for Fri’s edition it’s 10am on Wed (Pacific Time).

Free Death Notices must be directly emailed by the mortuary to our newsroom at news@newspress.com. The News-Press cannot accept Death Notices from individuals.

The News-Press asked Dr. Thorsell what is causing the increase in diabetes.

“This alarming rate could be sparked by multiple factors — ranging from rising rate of gestational diabetes in women of childbearing age (as their babies are more likely to develop diabetes), the rising prevalence of obesity in children in the U.S., the rapid rate of diabetes disease progression in young people compared to adults, lack of emphasis on the importance of dietary and lifestyle changes, lack of available healthcare and proper screening tests in the underserved population.”

Dr. Thorsell said diabetes can be prevented by decreasing “the

disparity of health care costs by providing affordable health care and cost of medicines to all people, offer and provide nutrition education and emphasize importance of exercise in prevention of the disease much earlier on, and educating the family as a whole so that the downward spiral of unhealthy eating habits doesn’t progress through generations to come.”

Said Ms. Hornbuckle, “Whenever I hear about a new diagnosis, it is heartbreaking, painful and my heart goes out. But there is so much reason for hope, and the future with this disease will only get better.”

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Constitutional amendment giving prisoners right to vote may also give them right to hold office

Only three other states and localities have made it legal for the incarcerated to vote within prison walls: Maine, Vermont and Washington D.C.

Life theArts

CALENDAR

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 nonnative 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 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.

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. Noon to 5 p.m. “Clarence Mattei: Portrait of a Community” is on view now through May at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which is located in downtown Santa Barbara at 136 E. De la Guerra St. Admission is free.

‘Selling Kabul’

Ensemble Theater Company performs timely play about family in Afghanistan

Hours are currently from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit www.sbhistorical.org.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues through Feb. 18. See sbiff.org.

8 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, The play is about an Afghan man hiding from the Taliban in his sister’s home in Kabul. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805965-5400.

FEB. 11

4 and 8 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805965-5400.

8 p.m. Transform Through Arts will present 10 dance companies in “Colors of Love” at the Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara. General admission costs $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets are $25 for students. To purchase, go to www. centerstagetheater.org.

FEB. 12

By DAVE MASON

MANAGING EDITOR

It’s 2013, and Taroon is an Afghan man hiding from the Taliban.

He used to work as an interpreter for the U.S. military, which makes him a target for the Taliban during its long war to retake Afghanistan. Taroon has found refuge in his sister Afiya and brother-in-law Jawid’s house, and they are trying to keep Taroon safe at a time when their neighbor, Leyla, is becoming curious about what happened to Taroon.

That’s the plot of “Selling Kabul,” which Ensemble Theatre Company is performing through Feb. 19 at the New Vic in Santa Barbara.

Rishan Dharmiia, whose New York state credits vary from “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” at the Chautauqua Theater Company to “The Play That Goes Wrong” at Syracuse Stage, stars as Taroon. Nitya Vidyasager, who began her TV career on PBS’ “Sesame Street” and acted in “The Glorious Ones” at the Lincoln Center In New York City, plays Afiya.

The cast also includes two actors who performed recently in the Broadway production of “The Kite Runner,” based on the novel set during the Soviet era in Afghanistan. Beejan Land plays Jawid, and Christine Mirzayan portrays Leyla.

Nike Doukas, who performed at Ensemble Theatre Company in “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley,” is the director of “Selling Kabul.”

She told the News-Press that she didn’t know anything about “Selling Kabul” before Jonathan Fox, the artistic director of Ensemble Theatre Company, asked

her to take a look at the script. She found the play was strong in terms of both its plot and its characters.

“I found it extremely wellwritten and beautifully constructed,” Ms. Doukas said, adding the play is a political thriller. “I found it very gripping.

“The characters are fully developed so you care about the people, so that makes you even more engaged in the story,” she said.

Ms. Doukas added that she felt “Selling Kabul” is an important play to perform now, not only because of current events in Afghanistan but because of the turmoil in countries such as Ukraine and Iraq.

“Good people are being forced to make horrible compromises,” she said, noting theater can help its audiences understand a troubled world better.

In “Selling Kabul,” Taroon believes the U.S. will help to get him out of Afghanistan. At the same time, his wife is giving birth to their baby, and he wants to see them. For Taroon’s safety, Afiya and Jawid must stop him from going to them, Ms. Doukas said.

And at the same time, Jawid must do what he can to make money to keep his family fed. That means continuing his work, making uniforms for the Taliban so they can disguise themselves as Afghan soldiers. Again, this play is set in 2013 when the Taliban hadn’t yet taken control of the government.

The story of “Selling Kabul” has parallels to the true life story presented in another play, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” in which a Jewish family hides from the Nazis in the attic of a non-Jewish family’s

FYI

The Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Selling Kabul” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 19 at the New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. There’s an additional show at 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805965-5400.

home.

“We talk about Anne Frank quite a bit,” Ms. Doukas said. “Sadly it’s a story that repeats itself.”

“Selling Kabul” is a play with current themes after the 2021 collapse of the Afghan government, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s return to power.

Despite the dangers around them in “Selling Kabul,” Taroon, Afiya and Jawid find “pockets of joy,” Ms. Doukas said. “You see how tenacious the human spirit is. In the middle of this, they’re still laughing. They’re still able to express their love for each other.”

Like Ms. Doukas, Mr. Land, who plays Jawid, was impressed with the script by playwright Sylvia Khoury.

“There is a universality about the play’s appeal because the story is all about hope and love and the lies we tell each other to protect each other,” Mr. Land told the News-Press.

which is nice,” Mr. Land said.

He described his character as “grounded, patient and methodical.”

“He’s the character who changes the most during the play,” said Mr. Land, a Sydney, Australia, actor who portrayed five characters in the Broadway production of “The Kite Runner.” He said the play required him to do 15 costume changes.

Mr. Land said he became an actor because he likes telling stories about people.

Ms. Mirzayan described her character, nosy next-door neighbor Leyla, as “smart, passionate and extremely wise.”

She told the News-Press Leyla is curious about where Taroon is and what is going on at Afiya and Jawid’s home. “She’s the outsider essentially.”

Ms. Mirzayan said “Selling Kabul” keeps the audience guessing about Leyla’s real agenda.

Like Ms. Doukas and Mr. Land, Ms. Mirzayan is impressed with “Selling Kabul.”

“The writing is so impeccable, so precise, so honest,” she said. “It really lets us in this world. I think people here in America might not have an understanding of the day-to-day life or situations that continue to happen in Afghanistan.”

“My mom is a Farsi interpreter in the U.S.,” Ms. Mirazayan said, referring to the language of Iran. “She receives phone calls from Iranians who need interpreting. Because Farsi and Dari, the language spoken by Afghans, is so closely related, my mom gets a lot of phone calls from Afghan people.

“The story we are telling (in ‘Selling Kabul’) is not that far from the reality of what’s happening in Afghanistan — stories of people escaping Afghanistan, finding refuge elsewhere and not being able to find proper health care or a sustainable life.

“I heard her relay some of the phone calls she’s had,” said Ms. Mirzayan, 28, who earned her master’s of fine arts in 2019 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“I grew up performing most of my life. I was a dancer first,” said Ms. Mirzayan. “Acting came a bit later.

“We were reading ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in English class in 10th grade,” said Ms. Mirzayan, a 2012 graduate of AGBU ManoogianDemirdjian School, a private Armenian-American school in Canoga Park. “Our English teacher was also the drama teacher. She gently guided me to join the Shakespeare summer program.

1 p.m. Participants in Ted Nash’s workshop will go on stage at the Mary Craig Auditorium, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. The free program is called “Transformation: Personal Stories of Change, Acceptance and Evolution” and will feature student composers, performers and writers from Mr. Nash’s workshop.

2 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, The play is about an Afghan man hiding from the Taliban in his sister’s home in Kabul. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805965-5400.

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.

FEB. 15

7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, The play is about an Afghan man hiding from the Taliban in his sister’s home in Kabul. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805965-5400.

FEB. 16

‘Selling Kabul’ has had a huge impact,’” Mr. Land, 37, said. “They (audience members) come in laughing and probably leave crying.”

“

Performances began earlier this month at the New Vic. “So far, there’s been standing ovations,

Ms. Mirzayan is a Los Angeles native whose parents are Iranians who left Iran right before the 1978-79 revolution that ousted Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and brought Ayatollah Khomeini and a theocratic dictatorship into power. She said the feeling of fighting for your country and seeing your rights stripped away is very real to her family.

“We started performing scenes, and I started auditioning for school plays,” Ms. Mirzayan said.

“I just remember one day, she (the teacher) said, ‘Are you interested in doing this professionally?’ ”

“It was nice to have to have a role model to guide me in the right direction.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

7 p.m. “The River Bride,” the story of folklore, love, regret and two sisters who struggle to be true to each other and their hearts will be presented by PCPA (Pacific Conservatory Theatre) from Feb. 16 through March 5 in Santa Maria. The play is being performed at the Severson Theatre at Allan Hancock College, 870 S. Bradley Road. Curtain rises at 7 p.m. Feb. 16-18, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19 and 22, 10 a.m. Feb. 23, 7 p.m. Feb. 24, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Feb. 25, and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Tickets are $49. To purchase, visit www.pcpa.org or call the box office at 805-922-8313.

7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre

NEWS-PRESS

At left, Taroon (Rishan Dharmiia) gets help from his sister Afi ya (Nitya Vidyasager) in “Selling Kabul.” Center, Nitya Vidyasagar and Christine Mirzayan play Afi ya and neighbor Leyla. At right, Jawid (Beejan Land), left, is helping to hide his brother-in-law Taroon (Rishan Dharmija) from the Taliban at the same time Jawid is supporting his family by making uniforms for the Taliban.

ZACH MENDEZ PHOTOS

Jawid (Beejan Land) and his wife Afi ya (Nitya Vidyasager) are hiding Afi ya’s brother from the Taliban in “Selling Kabul,” now being performed at the New Vic in Santa Barbara.

French ballet company to perform ‘Swan

Lake’ at The Granada

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

UCSB Arts & Lectures will present Ballet Preljocaj’s “Swan Lake” at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 and 3 p.m. Feb. 26 at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara.

The presentation is in association with UCSB Department of Theater and Dance.

Tickets are $51 to $131 for the general public and $20 for youth and $20 for UCSB students with ID.

Combining Tchaikovsky’s musical masterpiece with new arrangements, Angelin Preljocaj reinvents the timeless tale of love, betrayal, seduction and remorse into a modern ecological tragedy.

The Ballet Preljocaj, a national choreographic center, has been based in Aixen-Provence, France, since 1996. With 24 permanent dancers, it gives more than 110 performances per year and performs on stages all over the world. Angelin Preljocaj’s repertoire, which varies from solo to largescale forms, alternates between

large narrative ballets and more abstract pieces. Some of these pieces have been included in the repertoire of international ballets.

In 2006, the Ballet Preljocaj moved into its new venue, the Pavillon Noir, designed by the

famous architect Rudy Ricciotti. In its theater and its four studios, meetings and dance performances are offered by invited companies throughout the year.

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

FYI

For tickets and more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures at 805-8933535 or visit www.srtsandlectures. ucsb.edu. Tickets are also available from The Granada, 805-899-222, www. granadasb.org.

Ventura Museum offers events and exhibits

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

New events and exhibits are coming soon to the Museum of Ventura County, which remains “Free in 2023” to view all onsite exhibits.

Proof of vaccination may be required on a per-event basis.

Masks are not required but are available upon request.

“Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at George Stuart Historical Figures Collection” has been extended through September with a new rotation of figures. Each figure in this exhibit shows the comprehensive

Step Afrika!

Thu, Feb 16 / 7 PM

UCSB Campbell Hall

historical research and artistic details behind its creation. Visitors can investigate each figure closely through magnifiers to decide for themselves.

“Reading by California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick” will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. Mr. Herrick is the 10th California Poet Laureate and the first Asian American to serve in the role. This is a free in-person event.

UC Master Gardener Open House and Fifth Anniversary Celebration will take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at Agriculture Museum in Santa

Step Afrika! continues the long tradition of stepping, integrating contemporary dance and art forms with songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation into a performance that will leave your heart pounding.

Event Sponsor: Jody & John Arnhold

Paula. Dr. James Downer, an environmental horticulture/plant pathology adviser, will speak at noon, followed by a tree unveiling and plant giveaway. This is a free in-person event.

“Squatters, Scandals and Surfing: A History of Rincon” is set for 3 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Museum of Ventura County Pavilion. Authors Stephen Bates and Vincent Burns will discuss their newly published book, “Images of America: Rincon Point,” which uncovers the history of this famous and storied surf spot along the Central Coast of California. “Images of America: Rincon Point,” will be available

for purchase. This is a free inperson event.

“Coyote Rescues Hawk: A Chumash Story” is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. March 4 at the Museum of Ventura County Children’s Garden. Alan Salazer and Mona Lewis will read from their newly published book. Ms. Lewis has illustrated three books for Mr. Salazar using exclusively natural earth pigments. Books will be available for purchase. This is a free in-person event. For more information, call 805-653-0323, ext. 303, or visit venturamuseum.org.

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

Kathleen McCabe-Martin’s art is available at Flying Goat Cellars’ tasting room, where there will be reception for her on Feb. 17.

Reception to honor mosaic artist

LOMPOC — Flying Goat

Cellars will host a reception for mosaic artist Kathleen McCabeMartin from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 17 at the cellars’ tasting room, 1520 E. Chestnut Court, Lompoc.

Ms. McCabe-Martin has been a mosaic artist for more than 20 years. She has studied with several mentors, and from 2008

to 2018, she attended mosaic schools in Ravenna, Italy; Rome; London; and Todos Santos, Mexico. Her Mosaico de Vetro business is primarily a commission- and community projects-based enterprise.

Ventura library to present Black History Month event

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

In celebration of Black History

Month, David Calloway will discuss and sign his book, “If Someday Comes: A Slave’s Story of Freedom,” at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the E.P Foster Library, 651 E. Main St. in Ventura.

The event is free and open to the public.

A fictionalized version of the life of his great grandfather, George Calloway, the book is an eyeopening recollection of the stories Mr. Calloway heard growing up about the lives of his relatives during the American Civil War in Cleveland, Tenn.

He shares a unique perspective of the lives of his ancestors while providing an honest depiction of slavery.

Born in Chicago, Mr. Calloway grew up in Palo Alto and Berkeley and now lives in Los Angeles. He holds a master’s in fine arts in Film Production from UCLA and has worked as an editor, cinematographer and producer of features and television.

“If Someday Comes: A Slave’s Story of Freedom” is the first installment of three. For more information, contact Nancy Schram at 805-677-7158 or nancy.schram@ventura.org.

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

Award-winning Materials Scientist and Science Evangelist

Ainissa Ramirez

The Alchemy of Us: Uncovering Hidden Figures in Science Whose Inventions Changed Our Way of Life

Thu, Feb 23 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall

FREE (registration recommended)

“Timely, informative and fascinating.”

– Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Sixth Extinction

Dr. Ainissa Ramirez promotes a love of exploration, making complex scientific processes both clear and mesmerizing to just about everyone.

A Timeless Tale Reinvented

Swan Lake

Ballet Preljocaj

Two Performances!

Sat, Feb 25 / 8 PM / Granada Theatre

Sun, Feb 26 / 3 PM / Granada Theatre (matinee)

Combining Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake with new arrangements, choreographer Angelin Preljocaj reinvents the timeless tale of love, betrayal, seduction and remorse into a modern ecological tragedy.

Dance Series Sponsors: Margo Cohen-Feinberg & Bob Feinberg, Ellen & Peter O. Johnson, Barbara Stupay, and Sheila Wald

COURTESY PHOTO

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.

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

4 p.m. The Takács Quartet will perform an all-Beethoven concert at St. Mark’s-inthe-Valley Episocpal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos. Tickets cost $20 for general admission. To purchase, go to smitv.org/ syv-concert-series. Tickets for students are free. For more information, contact Linda Burrows at 805-705-0938 or syvconcerts@ smitv.org.

7 p.m. Singers Ken Stacy and Claire Khodara will perform at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., Suite 205, Santa Barbara. General admission costs $25 in advance and $30 cash on the day of the show. To purchase or get a dinner reservation, go to www.sohosb.com.

W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.

March 9 7 p.m. Pianist Jerome Lowenthal, who served as a Music Academy of the West teaching artist for half a century, will perform a concert, “Lowenthal’s Legend,” at the academy’s Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Tickets are $55 for general admission and free for ages 7-17. To purchase, go to musicacademy.org to call the academy’s box office at 805-969-8787.

— Dave Mason

Scan to watch trailer

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

“Swan Lake” will be performed at The Granada by the Ballet Preljocaj, a national choreographic center, based in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Diversions

Thought for Today

“There is no such thing as failure. There are only results.”

— Tony Robbins

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Friday, February 10, 2023

ARIES — Career interests are advanced through clear, logical thinking and the sound application of good business sense. Financial interests look especially promising now, Aries, so seize any opportunities for advancement that come your way. Working with others is likely to prove profitable, and could bring you closer to them, too.

TAURUS — Social events, perhaps business related, could put you in touch with people in fascinating fields or from foreign countries, Taurus. Logical thinking and a philosophical attitude enhance your communicative gifts, so people will be drawn to you to hear what you say. You could make important contacts. Take notes.

GEMINI — Ideas and insights coming from deep within your psyche are likely to increase your effectiveness in whatever work you do today, Gemini. Your mind is particularly practical and logical. When coupled with an increased intuition, these abilities are invaluable. You might be most effective working solo, but if that isn’t possible, you should still accomplish whatever you set out to do, and do it well.

CANCER — Today you could attend more than one social event, Cancer. Some of your professional colleagues will probably be there. Conversations are going to focus primarily on business development and the economy in general. A lot of useful information could result from social contacts with others in your field.

LEO — You tend to prefer intellectual and philosophical rather than practical pursuits, Leo, but today you may feel especially practical and more inclined to want to get as many routine tasks out of the way as you can. This could involve chores around the house that you’ve neglected for a few days. Other members of your household could pitch in. Go to it. You will be glad you did.

VIRGO — An older person you’re very fond of could visit or call and ask for your advice on practical matters. Clear and logical thinking enhances your intuition, Virgo, and you might be able to put this ability to work not only for your friend but also for

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Friday, February 10, 2023

The tale may or may not be true, but supposedly Pepsi’s ad agency miscalculated years ago when it introduced the phrase “Come alive; you’re in the Pepsi generation” in China. When translated into Chinese, the ad came out as “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave.”

Today’s declarer had a major miscalculation. After leaping to six spades, reasonably enough, he won West’s club opening lead with the ace and took the A-K-Q of trumps.

When East discarded, South lost the fourth trump to West, won the next club in dummy and tried the A-K of diamonds. He hoped for a 2-2 break, but no luck: The result was down two.

SECOND DIAMOND

South succeeds with a little care. After he takes the top trumps, he leads a diamond to dummy, ruffs a heart and leads a second diamond. If West ruffs with his jack of trumps, South plays low from dummy and easily takes the rest.

If instead West discards on the second diamond, South wins in dummy and ruffs a diamond. West can get only his high trump.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: J 5 4 3

yourself. Your own interests will be advanced today in some way, so expect a good day.

LIBRA — Logical and focused thinking could lead to social, career, or financial advancement. Your organizational ability and industry are keener than usual, Libra. You’re likely to be able to make sense of murky matters that might not have been clear before. Paperwork could prove challenging, but you will be able to get through it today where yesterday you might have found it too daunting.

SCORPIO — You might be feeling very communicative today, Scorpio. Concentration, logical thinking, and a heightened ability to put ideas into words enhance your own communicative abilities. Therefore, your gift of getting directly to the point in any matter is likely to clear previously clogged channels, impress others, and increase your selfconfidence.

SAGITTARIUS — To those around you, you might appear to be your usual logical, rational self, Sagittarius. Actually, you may be drawing a lot of your ideas and insights from deep within your psyche. You’re probably drawing on experiences from your past, even if you aren’t consciously aware of it.

CAPRICORN — To friends and colleagues, you may seem to have suddenly acquired acute business sense. Your experience has joined with knowledge acquired from others to enable you to formulate practical ideas for advancement. You may have lost faith in your goals, but now they seem more attainable.

AQUARIUS — Today you’re likely to experience a heightened level of intuition and how to use it, Aquarius. This could mean advancing a career, furthering a personal goal, or helping a friend. Right now you may be especially good at sizing up people, and you’re instinctively aware of how to deal with them.

PISCES —Friends or a group with which you’re affiliated could want you to help them formulate a workable plan for advancement. You’re in just the right frame of mind for this, Pisces, and therefore willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. You might be the center of attention at some point, perhaps sharing your skills with associates.

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

8 7 2

J Q J 10 9. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart

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

and he bids two clubs. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner’s hand is limited to 18 points, and he may have as few as 11 or 12. Your game chances are almost nil. Pass. You would raise to three clubs with A 5 4 3, K 8 7 2, J, Q 10 9 4, but your actual hand is too weak for a raise and contains honors that may be useless at a club contract.