Santa Barbara News-Press: March 31, 2023

Doctor evaluating defendant’s mental competency - A2

Restaurants plan something special for Easter -

Aboard Uss santa Barbara

nEWs-PRE ss EXCLU siVE

s anta Maria man pleads guilty to fentanyl charge

Police report seizing 17,000 fentanyl pills

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

An admitted Santa Maria drug dealer has pleaded guilty in federal court to a felony charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, including about 17,000 pills laced with the synthetic opioid, a U.S. Attorney’s spokesman said.

Victor Anthony Olivera Hernandez, 21, had been scheduled to stand trial in February after first denying the charge against him contained in a grand jury indictment.

“No trial. He pleaded guilty on Dec. 8 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl,” Ciaran McEvoy, public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, told the NewsPress.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 17.

face is life imprisonment.”

According to the indictment, on Aug. 4, 2022, Mr. Olivera “knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute approximately 1,676.12 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II narcotic controlled substance.”

Mr. Hernandez is incarcerated at the Men’s Detention Center in Los Angeles, a federal facility run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

He originally was prosecuted locally, but then the U.S. Attorney’s Office reached out and said it wanted to prosecute him on federal charges. Santa Barbara County prosecutors readily agreed.

By CALEB BEEGHLY NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

The USS Santa Barbara and the city of Santa Barbara share more than just a name.

“Resilient and Determined” reads the USS Santa Barbara’s banner, signifying the motto of the littoral combat ship’s crew. Arguably that slogan rings equally true for Santa Barbara, a city with a proud history.

On Saturday morning at the naval base in Port Hueneme, the USS Santa Barbara will be commissioned, officially placing the ship and its crew as ready for active service. And after five years of anticipation, the crew is ecstatic to show off their ship to the world.

The News-Press was among the media who toured the ship Thursday at Naval Base Ventura County.

“It’s like getting ready for a wedding,” said Lt. Ada Willis, the public affairs officer, describing the crew’s excitement.

A littoral combat ship is a relatively smaller vessel, optimizing speed and agility.

It also has a bigger flight deck, allowing the ship to store and use various vehicles such as helicopters, giving the ship and its crew more flexibility, increasing the potential capabilities of the ship.

Littoral combat ships have two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant.

The USS Santa Barbara is of the Independence variant, giving its body a unique triangular shape, making this class of ship easily identifiable.

From above, the sleekness and shape of an Independence-class littoral combat ship almost looks like a bird gliding in the water, waiting to spread its wings.

From the ground, the shape and sleekness of the ship almost makes it look like a spaceship, invoking a futuristic aesthetic.

Add to that Lt. Willis’ description that entering the ship, especially for the first time, is like entering a different world.

The futuristic, or space-like, feel continues when you enter the quarter deck — and see the silver-

FYi

The commissioning of the USS Santa Barbara will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Wharf 5, Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme. Gates open at 8 a.m. To attend, you must request an invitation at usssantabarbara. org/events.

The ceremony will stream live at dvidshub.net/ webcast/31155.

After the commissioning, the ship will travel to its home port in San Diego.

covered interior — which is from the fire retardant covering that wraps most of the ship’s interior — and the various big machinery throughout the mission bay, such as the ship’s crane system.

However, the USS Santa Barbara is not just futuristic looking. The Navy noted the ship has some of the most advanced equipment and systems

— even integrating manned and unmanned equipment and vehicles — prioritizing the efficiency and safety of the ship and its crew.

The Navy said the USS Santa Barbara is so efficient that it only needs about a third of the crew

that a typical naval vessel would need, but this means that each crew member is doing the work of about three to four people. That speaks to not just the efficiency of the crew members but also their resilience and determination.

“If he is convicted, the mandatory minimum sentence he would face under the law is 10 years in federal prison,” Mr. McEvoy said. “The statutory maximum sentence he would

Mr. Hernandez was arrested Aug. 4 by detectives with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations after they raided a house in the 100 block of Curryer Street in Santa Maria. Some of the drugs

Please see FENTANYL on A3

Trump indicted by New York grand jury

Former president maintains innocence

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Former President Donald Trump was indicted by a grand jury in New York City Thursday, potentially kicking off one of the most controversial court cases in decades and the first criminal charges against a former or sitting president.

The specific charges and details of the indictment have not yet been released, but prosecutors presented evidence that Mr. Trump allegedly paid hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels through a lawyer and illegally covered it up as a legal expense before being elected president.

His attorney, Joe Tacopina, said Mr. Trump likely will be arraigned early next week.

Reacting to the indictment, Mr. Trump reiterated his stance that the investigation was a political witch hunt by Democrats and maintained his innocence.

“The Democrats have lied, cheated and stolen in their obsession with trying to ‘Get Trump,’ but now they’ve done the unthinkable — indicting a completely innocent person in an act of blatant Election Interference,” he said in a statement. “Never before in our Nation’s history has this been done.

“The Democrats have cheated countless times over the

SHEALAH CRAIGHEAD / WHITE HOUSE Donald Trump

decades, including spying on my campaign, but weaponizing our justice system to punish a political opponent, who just so happens to be a President of the United States and by far the leading Republican candidate for President, has never happened before. Ever.”

Analysts are divided on whether the indictment will hurt Mr. Trump politically or propel him as a martyr for his movement. Mr. Trump is running again for president in 2024. An indictment alone won’t affect his ability to run.

Mr. Trump warned earlier this month that he would be arrested and called for his supporters to protest and “take our nation back.” Mr. Trump’s rhetoric

Please see TRUMP on A2

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

The USS Santa Barbara, a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS-32), is docked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme.

Executive Officer Paul Richardson, left, and Commanding Officer Brian Sparks, both of the USS Santa Barbara, answer reporters’ questions Thursday on the flight deck.

The News-Press tours the fast and futuristic ship before Saturday’s commissioning

Commanding Officer Brian Sparks leads a media tour aboard the USS Santa Barbara. Please

Doctor evaluating mental competency of defendant in arson case

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A court-appointed doctor has not completed his mental competency evaluation of a Nipomo man charged with arson for allegedly setting a fire inside a Santa Maria courtroom, prosecutors said Thursday.

Eric Wolfgang Spies, 31, was scheduled to appear in court Thursday to set a date for a competency determination hearing, but that did not happen, Deputy District Attorney Austin Ingalls told the News-Press.

“Dr. Witta was unable to complete his report by today’s court date and asked for some additional time to complete his competency evaluation,” the prosecutor said. “The next court date is scheduled for 04/20/2023.”

The issue arose earlier this month when Mr. Spies’ attorney voiced doubt about his client’s legal competence, putting the criminal proceedings against him on indefinite hold.

Mr. Spies’ case is being heard in San Luis Obispo because a Santa Barbara judge, without specifying why, declared it would be a conflict of interest for a Santa Barbara County judge to preside over his criminal case.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of arson and second-degree commercial burglary in connection with the Feb. 18 incident, in which he allegedly broke into the Santa Maria courtroom and set a fire, triggering the sprinkler system.

Falcon 9 set to launch today

SpaceX has delayed the launch originally planned for Thursday at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The Falcon 9 rocket was rescheduled to take off at 7:29 a.m. today rom Space Launch Complex 4E.

The launch will bring the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 mission to low-Earth orbit. The

Police to enforce hands-free phone law

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Santa Barbara Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“Holding your phone and using it while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Officer Anthony Tornello said.

According to the 2022 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 72% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, the California Highway Patrol issued nearly 56,000 citations for distracted driving.

Court officials said the combination of flames and water caused extensive damage to furniture, wall paneling, cabinetry, carpeting and court records. They estimated the cost to be about $750,000.

Mr. Spies allegedly went to the Santa Maria court complex, ignored a security guard’s order to leave and broke two glass doors to gain entry into the criminal court building. Once inside, he allegedly forced his way into a courtroom, pulling the doors so hard that he broke the wood frames on the top of the doors.

Court officials allege he then started a fire on the defense counsel’s chair, which spread to the table and carpet. The fire was so hot that it melted the lights in the ceiling and caused the sprinklers to come on, court officials said.

The defendant reportedly told the security guard he had received a notice about an upcoming hearing on a misdemeanor vandalism case and went to the court complex to see where he had to show up.

Mr. Spies asked the court at his arraignment to release him on a pretrial supervised release, but prosecutors objected based on public safety concerns. The court denied his request for release. He remains in custody at the Main Jail in Santa Barbara on no bail, a jail spokesman said Thursday.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

mission involves space vehicles that will serve as part of the agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. That’s a new layered network of satellites and supporting elements that will provide for global military communication and missile warning, indication and tracking capabilities, according to SpaceX.

After the launch’s stage separation, the first stage booster will land on Landing Zone 4.

— Dave Mason

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting or using an app.

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text or email or are in a situation with other distractions, pull over to a safe parking spot, police said. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, or talking with passengers. Children in the back seat can also be a distraction.

— Neil Hartstein

GOP lawmakers launch investigation of New York DA

Continued from Page A1

sparked criticism from those who said he was asking for another event akin to the Jan 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Mr. Trump also faces investigations into whether he incited those riots, as well as a probe in Georgia over allegations he attempted to overturn the 2020 election results, among others.

In his Thursday evening statement, Mr. Trump also took aim at New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who secured the indictment, as well as President Joe Biden.

“Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who was hand-picked and funded by (billionaire Democratic donor) George Soros, is a disgrace,” he said. “Rather than stopping the unprecedented crime wave taking over New York City, he’s doing Joe Biden’s dirty work, ignoring the murders and burglaries and assaults he should be focused on. This is how Bragg spends his time! I believe this Witch-Hunt will backfire massively on Joe Biden.”

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., said that District Attorney Bragg

Repairs in progress for Alameda Park Bandstand

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

After weeks of weather delays, repairs are under way at the Alameda Park Bandstand, one of Santa Barbara’s oldest public entertainment venues.

Last restored in 1981, the designated city landmark was built in 1888, after residents petitioned for its creation.

The project, led by the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, will allow the landmark to return to community use as a place for free public concerts, just as it did 135 years ago.

“There is nothing better than seeing a historic structure being used and loved,” said Nicole Hernandez, the city of Santa Barbara’s architectural historian. “The bandstand, with all its intricate details, is a beautiful and unique structure, and this project will let the space be a part of the modern era while connecting people with the past.”

The repair project includes the replacement of the

structure’s roof, ceiling and floor, and repairs to stair treads and guardrails. Seismic and waterproofing improvements will also be made to extend the longevity of the repairs. The bandstand will be repainted to match the existing colors once structural repairs are complete.

No changes will be made to the structure’s unique folk Victorian craftsmanship and architectural details.

The project is funded by a $216,118 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and $110,979 from the city’s general fund. Repairs are expected to be completed this spring, pending weather conditions. More information about the project can be found at santabarbaraca.gov/ bandstandrepair.

Efforts to restore another historic outdoor venue, the Band Shell at Plaza del Mar, are expected to begin later this year. email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

UCSB’S Masjuan earns first Player of the Week award

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS WRITER

After defeating ranked opponents in both doubles and singles against Cal on Sunday, UCSB’s Pablo Masjuan has been named Big West Men’s Tennis Player of the Week, the conference announced on Wednesday. It is the first time Masjuan has received the conference’s weekly honor.

The junior from Madrid was pivotal in his team’s victory over the then-No. 28 Golden Bears on Sunday, winning on court two in both doubles and singles. Masjuan and Luka Mrsic teamed up to take down the No. 64 doubles partnership in the nation, 6-4, clinching the doubles point for the Gauchos. After dropping the first set in singles,

Masjuan came back and won the next two, each by a 6-2 scoreline, to defeat the nation’s 120th ranked player and put UCSB back in the lead of the overall match. The Gauchos would go on to defeat Cal, 4-3, never trailing on the day.

Masjuan is the second Gaucho to be named Men’s Tennis Player of the Week this season, with Phillip Jordan receiving the award twice in 2023. UCSB will return to the Arnhold Tennis Center on Tuesday for a Big West match against UC Riverside at 2 p.m. Eric Boose is assistant director of athletic communications at UCSB.

email: sports@newspress.com

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was “funded by 1 million dollars from Soros” and has a “political vendetta against President Trump.”

“Being from New York we know that Alvin Bragg is ultimately the most radical District Attorney you can get,” she wrote on Twitter.

Mr. Bragg will have the power to decide whether to arrest and prosecute Trump now that he has the indictment. Legal experts have cast doubt on whether there really is a strong enough case against the former president.

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, has already joined other Republican lawmakers in launching an investigation into District Attorney Bragg, who has taken fire for releasing violent criminals into the city.

“Was the Manhattan D.A.’s office in communication with DOJ about their investigation of President Trump?” Rep. Jordan said. “Was the Manhattan DA’s office using federal funds to investigate President Trump? Alvin Bragg owes our committee answers.”

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VOL. 167 NO.

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Casey Harper works at The Center Square’s Washington, D.C., bureau.

TRUMP

More rain falls on Santa Barbara County

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Rain has deluged Santa Barbara County in the last few weeks, and even more rain came Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning and afternoon.

The National Weather Service reported that there was approximately half an inch of rain in Goleta and Santa Ynez. Elsewhere, 0.23 inch fell in Santa Maria, 0.2 inch in Lompoc and 0.17 inch in New Cuyama.

The weather service says Santa Barbara will be partly cloudy today with a low of 44 and a high of 62. Lompoc will see a partly cloudy sky with a low of 41 and a high of 61. Santa Maria

will be partly cloudy with a low of 38 and a high of 61.

And a partly cloudy sky will also be over Santa Ynez, where today’s low and high are expected to be 40 and 68 respectively.

The forecast calls for sunshine Saturday in Santa Barbara with a low of 48 and a high of 68. Lompoc will be sunny with a low of 43 and a high of 63.

Sunshine will also prevail in Santa Maria, where the weather service predicts a low of 41 and a high of 64. And Santa Ynez will be sunny with a low of 40 and high of 68.

Reservoir levels are as follows. Gibraltar is at 100.8% capacity, and the elevation is 14,000.17 feet. Lake Cachuma is at 97.5%

capacity, and the elevation is 751.43 feet. Jameson is at 100.6% capacity, and the current elevation is 2,224,22 feet.

Twitchell is at 58.3% capacity, and its elevation is 625.26 feet.

In other weather-related news, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has lifted the water contact closure for Butterfly Beach within one-quarter mile of the storm drain outfall. Recent ocean water quality testing conducted by Environmental Health Services has confirmed the ocean water is now safe for recreational use in this area following recent sewage impacts. email: kzehnder@newpress.com

House Republicans pass energy bill, small businesses welcome effort

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – House Republicans passed an energy bill Thursday to roll back President Joe Biden’s crackdown on the energy industry and increase domestic oil and gas production.

The “Lower Energy Costs Act,” which passed 225-204, would also encourage domestic mineral mining over the concerns of environmentalists.

Energy prices have spiked since President Joe Biden took office. The Ukraine war and Biden’s discouragement of domestic pipelines and oil and gas production played a major role, along with rising inflation. Energy costs have risen much faster than the already high inflation rate since President Biden took office.

Democrats opposing the bill pointed to concerns about climate change, and Majority

Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has already said the Republican bill is “dead on arrival.”

A coalition of small businesses has backed the Republican effort to lower energy costs for Americans.

“Small businesses continue to face various economic headwinds, including increased energy costs,” said Kevin Kuhlman, National Federation of Independent Businesses Vice President of Federal Government Relations. “This legislation will help small businesses nationwide by increasing energy production and streamlining the permitting process for energy-related projects.”

The NFIB pointed to their own research, which reports that 79% of small business employers say that “rising fuel prices (gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, etc.) are a substantial contributor to higher costs.”

“Nearly all (96%) of small employers

reported higher gas and fuel prices have some degree of a negative impact on their business,” the group said. “In an NFIB member ballot, more than 88% of small business owners support streamlining regulations to facilitate the production and transport of oil, natural gas, and other energy sources in the United States.”

Daniel Turner, founder and executive director at Power The Future, applauded its passage.

“After a long two years of the green climate cult of the Biden administration, it is a breath of fresh air to finally see a pro-energy plan come out of Washington, D.C.,” Mr. Turner said in a statement. “Every member who voted against HR-1 voted to support China’s dominance of green energy markets. Every member who voted no voted to support Vladimir Putin’s dominance of energy in Europe. Every member who voted no voted against America.”

San Jose police union executive charged with importing illegal fentanyl

By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - The San Jose Police Officers’ Association

Executive Director faces legal trouble over alleged illegal drug importation.

The Office of the United States Attorney filed a federal criminal complaint charging Joanne Marian Segovia with attempting to import illegal drugs into the United States for distribution.

United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Tatum King announced, according to a Department of Justice press release.

The criminal complaint was filed on March 27, 2023. It was unsealed on March 28.

The complaint says that the 64year-old Ms. Segovia used her personal and office computers to order opioids and thousands of other pills to her home. Ms. Segovia intended to distribute these illegal drugs elsewhere in the United States, according to the complaint.

Ms. Segovia was apprehended in a Homeland Security investigation into a drug network that was shipping illegal drugs into the San Francisco Bay Area from outside of America.

She had at least 61 shipments sent to her home from October

2015 to January 2023, the complaint alleges. The shipments came from Hong Kong, Hungary, India, and Singapore, among other countries.

The shipments had been declared as “Wedding Party Favors,” “Gift Makeup,” or “Chocolate and Sweets,” according to the complaint. However, between July 2019 and January 2023, officials opened five of these shipments and found thousands of pills of controlled substances, some of which contained thousands of dollars of illegal drugs.

The complaint also alleges that Ms. Segovia used WhatsAppencrypted communications to

LA, Cook counties post biggest population losses in U.S.

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The number of people who used to live in Los Angeles County and Cook County in Illinois continues to plummet.

Los Angeles County posted the largest population decline of all counties in the United States in 2022, falling by 90,704 and continuing a downward trend. It lost nearly twice that amount (180,394) in 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2022 estimates released Thursday.

Cook County, home to Chicago, lost 68,314 people from July 2021 to July of last year.

Los Angeles County was still the most populous county in the U.S. That was followed by Cook County in Illinois at 5,109,292, which declined by 68,314 from the prior year. Rounding out the top five were Harris County, Texas (4,780,913); Maricopa County, Arizona (4,551,524); and San Diego County, California (3,276,208).

Eight of the top 10 most populous counties in the U.S. were located in the South and West. The two exceptions were Cook County in Illinois and Kings County in New York.

“Reflecting longstanding regional population shifts, the nation’s most populous counties are increasingly located in the South and West,” the bureau reported. “In 2022, 63 of the country’s 100

most populous counties were located in the South and West, up from 61 in the prior year.”

The 10 counties in the U.S. that gained the most people were located in three states: Texas, Arizona and Florida. Maricopa County in Arizona topped the growth list, adding 56,831 people in 2022. It was followed by Harris County, Texas (added 45,626); Collin County, Texas (44,246); Denton County, Texas (33,424); and Polk County, Florida (32,225).

The biggest losers were Los Angeles County, California (-90,704); Cook County, Illinois (-68,314); Queens County, New York (-50,112); Kings County, New York (-46,970); and Bronx County, New York (41,143).

Deaths outnumbered births in most U.S. counties in 2022. Nearly three-quarters of all U.S. counties had natural decrease in 2022, which means they recorded more deaths than births.

Maine was the only state in the nation where all counties had natural decrease. Deaths outnumbered births in 54 or the 55 counties in West Virginia. And seven of the 10 counties with the highest amount of natural decrease were in Florida. Pinellas County topped the list with -6,468.

Births exceeded deaths in 791 counties (or 25.2% of all counties) in 2022. Five of the top 10 counties where births exceeded deaths, called natural increase, were in Texas. Harris County had the highest in the nation with 30,117.

Fentanyl, MDMA, cocaine, acid, cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms reportedly seized

FENTANYL

Continued from Page A1

seized were reportedly found in areas accessible to children living there.

Law enforcement reported seizing approximately 17,000 M30 fentanyl pills, 22.5 pounds of cannabis flower, 27 grams of MDMA or Ecstasy, 218 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, three grams of cocaine and hundreds of acid tabs.

Mr. Hernandez was arrested on suspicion of child cruelty, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of narcotics for sales, all felonies.

In his affidavit supporting the original federal criminal complaint, arrest warrant and search

warrants against Mr. Hernandez, DEA Special Agent Roger Chaney Jr. said Mr. Hernandez possessed more than 16,000 pills containing fentanyl (including wrappings and/or containers), a variety of other controlled substances and a digital scale in his bedroom and in the backyard of his house when he was arrested.

The search warrants also applied to three iPhones confiscated by detectives, which Agent Chaney said contained evidence of drug sales carried out by Mr. Hernandez. He said the defendant told detectives that all the drugs they found did not belong to him and that he was just holding them for another individual.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

plan how she would send and receive pill shipments.

Additionally, it alleges that she continued ordering controlled substances even after federal investigators interviewed her about it in February 2023. Federal agents seized a package addressed to Ms. Segovia containing fentanyl in Kentucky on March 13, 2023. The parcel allegedly came from China.

Ms. Segovia has been charged with attempting to unlawfully import valeryl fentanyl. For it, she faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison.

The prosecutor for the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tartakovsky, with the assistance of Margoth Turcios.

Rigorous training required to serve on USS Santa Barbara

Continued from Page

Executive Officer Paul Richardson said that one thing that the USS Santa Barbara got “incredibly right” is the training pipeline, which is very rigorous. And for good reason.

For instance, the officer of the deck must be able to monitor and process about 10 screens to ensure safe passage and clear communications. This writer got to sit in the officer of the deck’s chair, and all of the information is overwhelming if you are untrained.

With all of the advanced capabilities of ICLCS, it is hard to not wonder if there is any rivalry between these ships and the other naval vessels, such as destroyers and cruisers.

When asked about a friendly rivalry between ships, all

Commanding Officer Brian Sparks had to say is “(We) can settle any talk of rivalry with a speed race,” which the USS Santa Barbara would probably win.

An ICLCS has a full speed of 40-plus knots and can stop from full speed in only 600 yards, and according to Commanding Officer Sparks, the USS Santa Barbara “can spin around on a dime.”

Another interesting aspect of the USS Santa Barbara is that it’s easy to forget you’re on a ship.

A big part of this is because the USS Santa Barbara was designed with the sailors in mind. Although people still have to watch their

step and watch their head in certain places, the USS Santa Barbara does not feel as cramped as you might expect. You can even walk through most of the hallways without fear of walking into something.

There are even some places for the sailors to sit during their watches (which is unusual for naval vessels). And there is a ship store that sells USS Santa Barbara merchandise, such as hats and snacks like honey buns and energy drinks.

Command Senior Chief Rose Thibodeaux emphasized these creature comforts may seem small, but they are very important for sailors wanting to keep their sanity during deployment, which can last for up to six months before a break. This is where the Navy’s MWR program is very important. Standing for Morale, Welfare and Recreation, MWR provides various activities for the soldiers to enjoy.

Whether it’s providing board games or cornhole for leisure time, or providing exercise and weightlifting equipment to help the sailors stay in peak physical form, MWR provides a needed sense of normality.

Although the USS Santa Barbara’s story is just beginning, she is the product of countless hours of work and training put in by her engineers and crew. Like the city of Santa Barbara, the new ship is showing its resilience and determination.

email: cbeeghly@newspress.com

RUIZ, Donald P. JR.

Donnie Ruiz passed away on March 6, 2023. He was born on February 9, 1970 to Erlinda and Donald Ruiz, Sr. in Santa Barbara, California. Donnie was a lifetime resident of Santa Barbara and was a graduate of Santa Barbara High School.

Donnie is predeceased by his parents and older brother Vincent Ruiz. Donnie is survived by his son, Isaac. He is also survived by his older sisters Stephanie Ruiz and Desiree Milling and younger brother Jesse Ruiz as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing held at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel’s downtown location on Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. A celebration of life will follow at Oak Park.

Donnie was loved very much and will be greatly missed.

CHELINI, Edward Frank Sr.

February 11th, 1935 - October 2nd, 2022

Preceded in Death by wife Lita Chelini (Anderson 2013) and son David Chelini (1980)

Survived by his large extended family: Son Edward F. Chelini Jr and daughter in-law Janice Marie Chelini (Ware), grandsons and their wives: Anthony and Angela Chelini (Williams), Garrett and Aleta Chelini (Walsh), and Kristopher and Dana Chelini (Rodriquez), greatgrandchildren: Charlotte, Ashton, Sydney, Alexander, Thomas, Benjamin, and Alijah Chelini.

Edward was born in Santa Barbara California to parents; Josephine Chelini (Cota) and Georgio Chelini, an immigrant from Lucca Italy. He was the youngest of the family of seven children. He went to Franklin Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School. He later graduated from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo (BS Printing). He served in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged after graduating from college. He returned to Santa Barbara where he met his wife, got married, and worked for various local printing companies such as Channel Lithograph and Haagen Printing. He spent most of his career at Haagen where he eventually became President after the employee purchase of the business. During his life he spent a lot of years volunteering in various organizations. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) and was President in 1968. He also was a member of the Santa Barbara Boys Club, where he was introduced to printing, which became his profession after graduating from Cal Poly. He volunteered for the Santa Barbara Fiesta organization and became El Presidente (Old Spanish Days) in 1978. Later he served on the Board of Directors of the West Side Boys Club. With his older brother, George Chelini (Executive Director of United Boys Club), they showed the deep commitment to the local Boys Club organization in Santa Barbara. He lived a full life and loved Santa Barbara, which he called home, for his entire life. Many thanks to his fine caregiver, Darlene Leavitt, whose help made it possible for Edward to live out the rest of his life in his own home. He leaves a large loving family as his legacy. In lieu of any flowers we ask for donations in his name to the United Way Boys and Girls Club, PO Box 1485, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

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A bell graces the USS Santa Barbara.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

This is the view of the bow of the USS Santa Barbara from the Integrated Combat Center.

Life theArts

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023

EASTER EATS

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

To usher in the spring holiday, charming Easter décor can be found across San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito with playful giant bunny ears on top of landscaped archways, bountiful bouquets on every table and hand-carved, individually decorated chocolate eggs on prominent display.

And on Easter Sunday in the Stonehouse Restaurant, a lavish, four-course brunch will be created by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Matt Johnson and his team.

Two other local restaurants are planning special Easter brunch menus — Finch & Fork in downtown Santa Barbara and the new CAYA at La Leta in Goleta.

At the Stonehouse, the experience will begin with a basket of house-made baked

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 in Montecito. 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.

“Storytelling: Native People Through the Lens of Edward S. Curtis” is on display through April 30 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. For more information, visit sbnature.org.

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “SURREAL

WOMEN: Surrealist Art by American Women” is on display through April 24 at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, www.sullivangoss.com.

11 a.m.: Voctave, an 11-member a cappella ensemble, will perform a family-friendly concert at the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Youths 17 and younger will be admitted free. The regular tickets for 18 and older is $10. To purchase, go to musicacademy.org. By appointment on weekdays: “Holly Hungett: Natural Interpretations” is on view through May 20 at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara’s gallery, 229 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and weekdays by appointment. For more information, call the foundation at 805-965-6307 or go to www.afsb.org.

Restaurants planning special menus for holiday

goods, along with the option for a glass of champagne, mimosa, Ty Bellini or fresh juice. Starters include Chilled Spring Pea and Garden Leek Soup, Six-Minute Egg Croquette, Spring Beet and Burrata Salad and Kusshi Oysters.

Entrée selections include Butter Braised Maine Lobster Benedict, Center-Cut Prime Filet of Beef, Miso Glazed Ora King Salmon, Herb- Crusted Colorado Rack of Lamb and Roasted Garden Vegetable Shakshuka.

The meal concludes with an Easter dessert buffet featuring SYR signature sweets and the Flambéed Harrys Berry’s Strawberry Shortcake.

The brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the cost is $195 per person.

At Finch & Fork in the Kimpton Canary Hotel, Executive Chef Nathan Lingle is supplementing the regular brunch menu of Avocado Toast, Chilaquiles, Vanilla Bean and Chia Seed

Yogurt and Brioche French Toast with special Easter offerings that include the following:

• Citrus Salad: avocado, pea tendrils, endive, pecorino cheese, Saint Germain Lemon Dressing.

• Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict: English muffin, poached farm eggs, smoked salmon, hollandaise, mixed greens.

• Coffee Rub Beef Brisket: Rosemary potato, fried eggs, pico, California seed bread.

• Pan Seared Lamb Loin: Couscous, roasted sun choke,

minted yogurt, pistachio dukkah.

• Central Coast Strawberry Hazelnut Linzer Tart: candied hazelnuts, basil semi fredo.

• Chocolate Torta: blackberry air, black pepper chantilly, lemon curd.

• Satsuma Tangerine Curd: almond shortbread, winter citrus, coconut meringue. Prices range from $12 to $38. The Easter brunch will be served from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also offered will be three Easter brunch cocktails with cheeky names such as the Cottontail Daiquiri and Drunk Bunny for $15 and $13.

At CAYA, the signature restaurant at the retro-chic Leta Hotel in Goleta, Executive Chef Philip Stein has put together an Easter Brunch that includes special menu items, in addition to the regular menu of benedicts, huevos, almond French toast and more.

These special dishes are for

Easter only and are designed to pair with the signature CAYA Bloody Mary, a mimosa or the Leta Lychee Frosé, a libation of vodka, rosé, lyche, strawberry and peach.

CAYA’s Easter menu, served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes the following:

• Challah French Toast Sandwich: prosciutto, Swiss cheese, sunny egg, hollandaise, choice of potato or fruit.

• Breakfast Quiche: Spinach, tomato, goat cheese served with choice of potato, fruit or salad.

• Nutella Blintz: Three blintzes stuffed with Nutella mascarpone, bananas, caramel sauce and candied pistachios.

• Ribeye Hash: 10-ounce ribeye, roasted fingerling potatoes, onions, peppers, cheddar cheese, beef jus and overeasy eggs.

Prices range from $19 to $29.

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

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. 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.

5:30 p.m. A lecture will be given about the sculptures of Ed and Nancy Kienholz at at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. The talk will be presented by James Glisson, the museum’s curator of Contemporary Art. This will be in conjunction with the exhibition scenes from “Marriage: Ed and Nancy Kienholz.” To purchase, visit tickets. sbma.net.

6:30 p.m. Voctave, an 11-member a cappella ensemble, will perform its evening concert at the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Tickets cost $75. To purchase, go to musicacademy.org.

7 p.m.: Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will perform “Dark of the Moon: A New Musical” on Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the theater, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Prices are $30 to $69.50 with special discounts for students, seniors, military and Equity members. Lower-priced preview performances are March 29-31. To purchase tickets, go to rubicontheatre.org.

7 p.m. Folk and country singer and songwriter Tom Russell will perform at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $35 to $75. To purchase, go to lobero.org. 8 p.m. A gala fundraiser will take place at Music Academy of the West’s Lehmann Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Tickets for the gala, which includes the Voctave concert at 6:30 p.m. at the academy’s Hahn Hall, cost $150. To purchase, go to musicacademy.org.

APRIL 1 2 and 7 p.m.: Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will perform “Dark of the Moon: A New Musical” on Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the theater, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Prices are $30 to $69.50 with special discounts for students, seniors, military and Equity members. To purchase tickets, go to rubicontheatre.org.

APRIL 2

2 p.m.: Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will perform “Dark of the Moon: A New Musical” on Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the theater, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Prices are $30 to $69.50 with special discounts for students, seniors, military and Equity members. To purchase tickets, go to rubicontheatre.org.

— Dave Mason

The Stonehouse restaurant is located at San Ysidro Ranch, 900 San Ysidro Lane in Montecito, Finch & Fork at the Kimpton Canary Hotel, 31 W. Carrillo St. in Santa Barbara and CAYA at La Leta Santa Barbara, 5650 Calle Real in Goleta. To make reservations for Easter brunch, visit opentable.com.

COURTESY PHOTO

CAYA at La Leta in Goleta is preparing a variety of dishes for its Easter Brunch.

Foundation brings agriculture expert to county

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Las Cumbres Ranch Foundation is sponsoring a regenerative ranching workshop featuring Alejandro Carrillo to be held Saturday and Sunday at Las Cumbres Ranch near Los Alamos.

This is the first in a series of events hosted by the Los Alamos-based nonprofit that will bring experts in regenerative agriculture, permaculture, holistic land management and soil health from around the world to the community to help regenerate the environment, restore the ecosystem and provide sustainable food security.

Mr. Carrillo is one of the foremost experts on holistic and regenerative agriculture

practices. He manages his family’s Las Damas Cattle Ranch in Mexico’s Chihuahuan desert where, together with his fellow ranchers, he has helped transform more than one million acres of desert into grassland by implementing holistic and regenerative agriculture practices.

This has resulted in both increased rainfall and has returned the desert land to lush grasslands.

Mr. Carrillo is a delegate to the United Nations to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation. Experts stress

that healthy grasslands are important worldwide because they are one of the largest sources of carbon sequestration. In addition to the workshop, Mr. Carrillo will be offering a free-to-the-public talk in partnership with the Santa Barbara Wine Collective at 6 p.m. Sunday at its location in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, 131 Anacapa St.

on natural surroundings and the food people consume.

“Our family has witnessed the impact of holistic and regenerative practices firsthand on our ranch. We are excited to learn more from someone like Alejandro who has been able to inspire so many folks to make changes in their own land from large ranches to small backyards,” said Stefan Selbert, operations manager at Las Cumbres Ranch.

The talk, “Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, The Positive Impact of Regenerative Practices,” will focus on sharing the benefits of these practices with consumers and will highlight their impact

SANTA YNEZ — The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ Environmental Department will hold its annual Chumash Earth Day event on April 15 at Kitiyepumu’ Park at 100 Via Juana Road, Santa Ynez.

The event is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy familyfriendly activities, including arts and crafts, special appearances by Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bearraffles, and Asian-Indian cuisine.

Registration takes place at the event. The first 150 attendees to register will receive a swag bag with a T-shirt, fruit snacks, a globe keychain and plantable California poppy seed paper.

People are also encouraged to bring their gently used clothing for a clothing swap. For more information, contact Melissa Mercer at mmercer@chumash. gov.

Wynton Marsalis Septet

Tue, Apr 4 / 7 PM (note special time) / Granada Theatre

Major Sponsor: Sara Miller McCune

Event Sponsor: Jody & John Arnhold

Jazz Series Lead Sponsor: Manitou Fund

“The work Alejandro does empower consumers to better understand the impact of how the food they choose to purchase is raised or farmed. The more we learn and implement changes as a community, the more the impact will be.”

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

Chumash Earth Day set for April 15

‘Roy Orbison Returns’ to be performed at Lobero Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — Running

Scared Productions will present

“Roy Orbison Returns,” a musical theater re-creation of Roy Orbison’s concert years, at 7:30 p.m. April 14 at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

Performed by Wiley Ray and The Big O Band, this concert will explore Mr. Orbison’s hits, including “Crying,” “Pretty Woman” and “Only the Lonely.”

Career achievements and reallife moments of the country singer will be exemplified by the band

within the fully-scripted theater performances. Alongside his five-piece band, frontman Wiley Ray will pay tribute to the singer during the 90-minute show. The show is completed by staging, humor, costumes, lively stories and dramatic lighting. Tickets cost $36 to $56. To purchase, go to lobero.org. For more information, visit royorbisonreturns.com.

Danny Trejo

A Life of Crime, Redemption and Hollywood

Wed, Apr 12 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall

“Danny’s incredible life story shows that even though we may fall down at some point in our lives, it’s what we do when we stand back up that really counts.”

– Robert Rodriguez, American filmmaker

Danny Trejo’s long and multifaceted acting career almost didn’t happen. Learn from the man himself what it took to become a movie star after spending most of a decade in some of California’s toughest prisons.

Justice for All Lead Sponsors: Marcy Carsey, Connie Frank & Evan Thompson, Eva & Yoel Haller, and Zegar Family Foundation

Danish String Quartet

The Doppelgänger Project, Part III

Thu, Apr 13 / 7 PM (note special time) / UCSB Campbell Hall

Schubert: String Quartet in A minor, D. 804 (“Rosamunde”)

Schubert: String Quartet No. 12 in C minor, D. 703 (“Quartettsatz”)

Anna Thorvaldsdóttir: Rituals ( U.S. Premiere, Arts & Lectures Co-commission )

Schubert (arr. Danish String Quartet): Gretchen am Spinnrade , D.118

“Their command of the score is absolute… impressively cohesive.” The New York Times on Doppelganger, Part II

Kim Cantin to sign memoir

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara author Kim Cantin will sign her memoir, “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom,” at 6 p.m. April 20 at Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St.

“Where Yellow Flowers Bloom” tells the emotional story of a mother’s love and a wife’s devotion in the midst of sudden loss and trauma and includes the author’s perspective on mortality.

The memoir chronicles the events following the 2018 Montecito mudslides and their devastation that took the lives of Kim’s husband, David Cantin, and their son, Jack Cantin. Kim Cantin and her daughter Lauren survived.

For more information on the memoir or the author, visit www. kimcantin.com.

To register for the two-day workshop at Las Cumbres Ranch in Los Alamos, call Erika Romer at 805-886-6548 or visit www.lascumbresranch.com. SANTA BARBARA — Grammywinning artist Diana Ross will perform at the Santa Barbara Bowl on June 13 as part of her Music Legacy

Wynton Marsalis, trumpet Chris Crenshaw, trombone Abdias Armenteros, saxophone Chris Lewis, saxophone & clarinet Carlos Henriquez, bass Domo Branch, drums Dan Nimmer, piano

The Wynton Marsalis Septet performs seminal compositions from Marsalis’ wide-ranging career, original works by his frequent collaborators and standards spanning the vast historical landscape of jazz.

— Caleb Beeghly

COURTESY PHOTO Chumash Day includes a variety of booths.

— Annika Bahnsen

COURTESY PHOTO

“Roy Orbison Returns” is a musical theater production featuring the legendary singer’s hits.

— Caleb Beeghly

COURTESY PHOTOS

Kim Cantin will sign her memoir, “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom,” at 6 p.m. April 20 at Chaucer’s Books in Santa Barbara.

SUDOKU

Thought for Today

— Lucius Annaeus Seneca

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Friday, March 31, 2023

ARIES — Finding balance in your world will be no sweat once you get into the groove, Aries.

Waking up is likely to be the most difficult part of the day, but once you conquer that incredible feat, you should be fine. Try taking a cold shower instead of a warm one this morning. This will serve to open up your mind and get your blood pumping when you need it most.

TAURUS — You may feel like the smallest issue is suddenly a life or death situation, Taurus. Depending on your mood, you may think you’re on the brink of complete disaster, but the next minute be soaring high in the clouds. The drama that surrounds you is more a product of your reaction to your environment rather than the environment itself.

GEMINI — Things may come to you more easily than usual today, Gemini. This is a sign that you’re on the right path and doing things correctly. Life shouldn’t have to be full of stress and heartache. If something isn’t flowing smoothly, you should consider taking a new approach toward it. Keep a smile on your face and be respectful of the people around you.

CANCER — Check your messages often, Cancer. Someone is trying to contact you and you may keep missing each other by minutes. It’s important to connect with this person to take care of some matters. If your objectives are clear, things should work out fine. Two people working toward the same goal make the power of the joint effort extremely potent.

LEO — You will get much farther than you think today, even with minimal effort, Leo. There are plenty of avenues to take now, so even if one is jammed, there’s always another that you can reach easily.

Soon you will arrive at your destination with time to spare. The trick is to keep moving. Don’t get stuck in one place with your engine running.

VIRGO — Don’t get too caught up in the emotional side of life today, Virgo. Keep things light and keep them moving. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Unfortunately, you may have quite a bit of that green stuff growing on you now. Get up and get moving. One little bit of effort will send you off and running.

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Don’t hesitate.

LIBRA — Try not to be overwhelmed by the frenzied activity around you, Libra. Unexpected variables are popping up everywhere, and your first reaction may be to flip out. This is the opposite reaction that you need to have now. Calm yourself down and take small bites. Don’t try to eat the whole eight-course meal in one fiveminute sitting.

SCORPIO — It’s time to bring more fire into your life, Scorpio. Consider calling up an old flame or friend from the past who stirs the passion within you. Inspire your inner yearning for excitement and adventure. Eat spicy foods and adorn yourself in bright colors. Even the smallest actions will help bring more of this dynamic, activating energy to your life.

SAGITTARIUS — This is one of those days in which you may ask for five minutes to complete a certain task and an hour later finally finish whatever you set out to do. Keep in mind that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Things are taking you longer than expected not because you’re inefficient but because you’re more passionate than usual about what you’re doing.

CAPRICORN — Don’t be afraid of the fire today, Capricorn. Instead, embrace it and incorporate more of it into your life. Certain people may intimidate you at first, but that doesn’t mean you should run away from the scene. More than likely this feeling of intimidation is a signal that there’s something you need to learn from that person or situation.

AQUARIUS — Tackle things that require high energy today, Aquarius. This is your day to make short work of chores, errands, or any sort of physical activity. Patience is the thing that you will lack, if anything, but don’t worry, because your strengths lie elsewhere now. Your heart is apt to sing once you get going on a personal project about which you feel passionate.

PISCES — Even though you feel most comfortable when things are organized and meticulous, Pisces, you’re going to need to be flexible. Allow room for surprise and adventure. Bask in the adventurous spirit that must be adopted when you walk out the door with no idea where you will end up.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Friday, March 31, 2023

Opening the bidding (“striking the first blow”) may be beneficial for both offense and defense. But skimpy opening bids impede accuracy in constructive bidding.

In the Soloway Knockout Teams at the Fall NABC, both Norths opened one diamond with sub-minimum high cards and a hand bereft of winners. The resulting four-heart game with a combined 20 HCP and a shaky trump suit was an underdog.

SECOND CLUB

At one table West led a trump, and East took the ace (not best) and returned a spade to the ace. West then cashed the ace of clubs and led a club to dummy. Declarer picked up East’s queen of trumps and ruffed a club in dummy to set up the suit. Plus 420.

In the replay, West led the ace of spades, then a low club (not best). South might have guessed right. If to have a chance he assumed East had the A-Q of trumps, he could have given West the ace of clubs for his overcall. (South could have played East for specifically Q-x in trumps and the ace of clubs.) But South played low from dummy and lost four tricks.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold:

he bids two diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: This case is close.

Your hand is almost worth inviting game with a bid of 2NT, especially since the ten of clubs may provide a second club stopper. If your jack of diamonds were the queen, you might choose that call. As it is, bid two hearts and hope your partner can find a third bid.

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-Saturday and on the crossword solutions page in Saturday’s Life section.

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

10

Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade and

“The wish for healing has always been half of health.”