Santa Barbara News-Press: April 07, 2023

Gas prices on the rise

Tenant protections passed

Board of Supervisors acts to help residents facing eviction from CBC and the Sweeps in Isla Vista

Alleged gang associates appear in court over s tearns Wharf fatal shooting

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The four alleged Santa Barbara gang associates charged in the Dec. 9 fatal shooting of an innocent bystander on Stearns Wharf appeared in court Thursday to set a date for their preliminary hearing.

No date was set, however, and the case was continued to next month.

“Today, all four defendants appeared in Dept. 6,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Tate McAllister told the News-Press.

“All four set their matters to May 4 for a preliminary hearingsetting conference.”

Prosecutors allege the defendants engaged in a firefight with two juveniles with alleged ties to Ventura County street gangs, and that the bystander, Robert Dion Gutierrez, 52, of Camarillo, and his wife were walking on the wharf when the shooting erupted.

According to police, he “was struck and killed by one of the rounds fired” during the altercation. He was treated at the scene for his gunshot wound and taken to the hospital, where he died on Dec. 20.

Of the four adult Santa Barbara defendants, only one of them — Jiram Jhunue TenorioRamon, 22 — faces a special allegation of personal use of a firearm causing death.

Mr. Tenorio-Ramon is charged with murder with the special

circumstance of committing the murder to benefit a criminal street gang, and with conspiracy to commit murder and criminal street gang conspiracy.

However, the District Attorney’s Office will not seek the death penalty.

“He is the only defendant charged with a special circumstance making him death penalty-eligible, but our office has already decided not to seek the death penalty,” the prosecutor said.

“Thus, he is now facing a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole if he is convicted of both firstdegree murder and the special circumstance that the murder was committed for the benefit of the Westside gang.”

Two defendants — Ricardo Tomas Jauregui-Moreno Jr., 20, and Christopher Dave Miranda, 21 — are each charged with murder, with special allegations of committing the murder for the benefit of a criminal street gang and principal use of a handgun, conspiracy to commit murder and criminal street gang conspiracy.

Mr. Jauregui-Moreno is also charged with having been previously convicted of a violent felony or “strike” offense.

The fourth defendant, James Lee Rosborough, 21, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, criminal street gang conspiracy and being an

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Thursday for additional protections for the up to 1,000 residents facing eviction from the CBC and Sweeps apartment complexes in Isla Vista.

The board agreed to amend County Code Chapter 44 to add “Article IV: Just Cause for Residential Evictions.”

The change goes into effect immediately, and the adopted amendments were provided by the Legal Aid Foundation.

The vote was 4-0 in favor of the amendments. The fifth member, Supervisor Bob Nelson, was not available for the vote, although he was present for most of the discussion and public comments.

Notices of evictions at the CBC and Sweeps complexes were issued by the Chicago developer Core Spaces, and emotions during the public comment segment of the meeting reached the point of tears.

A staff presentation was made by Spencer Brand and Jordan Killebrew, the district representatives for Supervisor

Das Williams and Supervisor Laura Capps respectively. Isla Vista is part of Supervisor Capps’ district, and Supervisor Williams chairs the Board of Supervisors.

“Existing law requires that landlords pay three months of fair market rent or $7,000, whichever is greater, when there is a qualifying relocation event such as an eviction,” said Mr. Brand.

According to state law, there must be just cause for eviction.

One example of just cause is substantial remodeling of a unit. State law also allows for local

jurisdictions to pass their own just cause ordinances so long as they are more protective than what exists in state law, according to Mr. Brand.

“Proposed ‘just cause’ requirements include: Landlords must demonstrate good faith, must provide early notice of plans to perform a substantial remodel, obtain all necessary permits prior to giving notice of termination of tenancy and provide tenants a copy of all permits of scope of

Attempted murder suspect to return to court

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The man charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing a homeless man in the neck in downtown Santa Barbara in January will return to court later this month to set a date for his preliminary hearing, prosecutors said.

The defendant, Mitchell Grant Grote, 27, appeared in court Tuesday to set his preliminary hearing date, but the matter was continued to April 25, Senior Deputy District Attorney Kevin Weichbrod told the News-Press.

Mr. Grote pleaded not guilty at his Jan. 31 arraignment in connection with the stabbing two days before. He remains in custody on more than $1 million bail.

Prosecutors charged him with two felony counts: attempted murder and assault with personal use of a deadly weapon.

Mr. Grote “did unlawfully and with malice aforethought attempt to murder a human being,” prosecutors said. They identified the injured man as W. Vankoppen.

They charged the defendant’s alleged offenses were serious and violent felonies, and that his actions were “willful, deliberate and premeditated.”

The charges carry with them special allegations of use of a deadly weapon, a knife, and

causing great bodily injury. Prosecutors also listed aggravating factors, one of which says Mr. Grote’s alleged actions disclosed a “high degree of cruelty, viciousness or callousness.”

Santa Barbara police arrested him Jan. 29 after responding earlier in the day to calls reporting an injured and bleeding man near Anacapa and De La Guerra streets.

They located the victim, who they described as a middle-aged homeless man. He was suffering from a stab wound to the neck and was quickly transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital by medics.

Patrol officers began their investigation, and detectives were called in to assist. Officers from the Community Action Team were able to assist and advance the investigation rapidly due to their relationships with people in the Santa Barbara community who are suffering from homelessness.

With information provided by community members, C.A.T. Officers identified Mr. Grote as a suspect, and probable cause was developed to make an arrest, police said.

He was found later on Milpas Street and arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Linda Purl, Nancy Travis, Michael Butler star in Ensemble Theatre Company production - B1

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Supporters for an ordinance protecting tenants facing mass evictions in Isla Vista attend a Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors special meeting in Santa Barbara. They held signs in their laps reading “Renovictions are rotten to the core” and “Housing is a human right.”

Tenants are facing mass eviction notices at CBC & The Sweeps apartments, represented by this front entrance on El Colegio Road in Isla Vista.

This is the vehicle entrance off Camino Del Sur in Isla Vista to The Sweeps apartments.

Easter Feast

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

Volunteers serve free lunches and drinks to all diners during an Easter Feast Thursday at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission. The event was designed for anyone who needed a warm meal and friendship. The feast featured ham, macaroni and cheese, home fries, sweet potatoes and asparagus. In addition, there was a variety of desserts, including pies and ice cream. “We believe that events like the Easter Feast are an important way to provide a sense of community and fellowship to those who may be struggling,” said Rolf Geyling, the rescue mission’s president. He added that the mission is grateful to its volunteers and donors who made the feast possible.

Gas prices steadily rise, Biden takes fire

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Gas prices continue to rise this week in the U.S., hitting the highest level in months.

Now, the concerns and political ramifications for the Biden

administration are starting to rise as well.

“Gas prices are rising,” said economist Stephen Moore. “Joe Biden is doing nothing except push a crazy green agenda that will make prices even higher. “If America went back to Trump’s energy policies, we’d be producing

increases

2 million barrels more a day.”

According to AAA, the average national price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.56, up from $3.49 a week ago and $3.41 a month ago. In California, the average price is $4.85, while in

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER Sheriff’s Office prepares for Deltopia

ISLA VISTA — The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has developed a plan to respond to 2023 Deltopia, set for this weekend in Isla Vista. The Outdoor Festival Ordinance is effective today through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. within the area bounded by, and including, El Colegio Road, Camino Majorca to Storke Road, Ocean Road to Stadium Road and the Pacific Ocean in the unincorporated area of Isla Vista.

The sheriff’s office would like to remind the public that possession of an opened container of alcohol is prohibited on public streets, public sidewalks, public highways, public parking lots or public alleys and that Santa Barbara County Ordinance 36-3 will be enforced.

The sheriff’s office plans to offer its restorative justice program for some minor infractions. The restorative justice class is a voluntary program that requires participants to attend a two-hour presentation. The class focuses on safety in Isla Vista as well as improving community relations and partnerships.

Participants will be assigned an hour of community service in Isla Vista. Upon completing the class and community service, the participant’s fine will be waived and the citation will not go on their criminal record. You can

find more information at sbsheriff. org/command-and-divisions/lawenforcement-operations/southcounty-operations-division/islavista-foot-patrol.

Attendees may encounter the use of traffic barricades to reroute vehicles off streets with heavy pedestrian traffic. These barricades vary from a soft closure — where only residents are permitted past — to hard closures where no vehicle traffic is allowed.

The use of these barricades will take into consideration crowd size and the ability for first responders, including fire and medics, to access and respond to all areas of Isla Vista, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Residents can anticipate a soft closure to vehicle traffic starting at 10 a.m. Saturday on all roadways south of Trigo.

Residents are encouraged to carry proof of address in their vehicle that include their name and the Isla Vista address. Examples of proof of address include government identification, a utility bill, school documents or lease.

Parking restrictions will be in place in Goleta on Friday and Saturday nights. You can find more information at cityofgoleta. org/your-city/neighborhoodservices/neighborhood-services/ temporary-parking-restrictions

The Sheriff’s Office plans to provide any breaking information to the media and the public using its Twitter accounts – @SBSOPIO and @SBSheriff.

— Katherine Zehnder

Santa Barbara County the average is $4.89.

Those energy price woes were exacerbated earlier this week when OPEC+ announced a

Please see GAS PRICES on A3

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Current gas prices are shown at the Fuel Depot gas station at the corner of Calle Real and Fairview Avenue in Goleta on Thursday.

Biden has taken fire in a string of tweets and public comment from critics for his energy policies’ role in the price

Capps: ‘This is about exploitation’

work to be performed and why it cannot be safely completed while occupied,” Mr. Killebrew said during his presentation to the Board of Supervisors.

On March 16, tenants of CBC and the Sweeps Apartments received notice of termination of tenancy.

“This is about a lot more than just about one housing complex.

This is about the rents here in Santa Barbara, which are the highest across the country for a small city,” Supervisor Capps said during the meeting. “This is about 800 people. This is about multigenerational families raising their children. This is about hardworking people, students who because of the system rarely catch a fair break.

“Rents have more than doubled in the past two decades, far surpassing incomes,” Supervisor Capps said.

“This is about an out-ofstate and out-of-touch landlord who fails to understand the community,” she said.

As an example, she noted the failure to provide eviction notices in any language other than English.

“This is about exploitation,” Supervisor Capps said. “We are doing everything we can today to be as bold and proactive as we can about these tenants, but this is about all tenants in Santa Barbara County. This is about who we are as a community.”

Supporters of increased protections for tenants sat in the board’s hearing room at the County Administration building in Santa Barbara. Some held signs in their laps with messages such as “Housing is a human right.”

“The county is with you,” Chair Williams told them. “It is our intent today to move as fast as we can to provide additional protections.

“You may not find the ordinance perfect in every way,” he added during the board meeting. “This happened at light speed for the county, so we attempted to do what we are certain we have legal justification to do, and it is not all of the county’s options, which is why there is a closed session and why there are other options available.”

Before the supervisors approved the amendments, Jonathan Abboud, general manager of the Isla Vista Community Services District, thanked the board for its consideration.

“I am proud to represent Isla Vista as the Goleta school board member for Area 5,” Ethand Bertrand, district director for Assemblyman Gregg Hart, DSanta Barbara, said during the public comment period.

“I speak on my own behalf today. I urge your board to pass the proposed urgency ordinance, adding Article IV to Chapter 44. This will provide critical protections and assistance to our neighbors who are threatened by rent evictions.

“I urge you to do everything possible to ensure that this amendment provides relief to the up to 1,000 residents whose lives are being adversely impacted by the actions of Core Spaces,” Mr. Bertrand told supervisors.

“It is absolutely soul-crushing to recognize that 1,000 of my neighbors are likely to be displaced at a time when we have the most unforgiving rental housing market.

“As a school board member, my heart breaks for the children who live at CBC and the Sweeps, along with their parents,” Mr. Betrand said. “The thought of children being displaced not only from their homes but also from their school communities is absolutely devastating.

“Many residents will struggle to find new housing not only in Isla Vista, but anywhere on the South Coast,” he continued. “Relocation assistance could make this task a little less daunting. I have had the privilege of living in Isla Vista for nine years now, and I really mean it when I say ‘privilege’ because it is so hard to find housing in this community, especially for young people and working families. In addition to passing these protections, our local governments and UCSB must move forward with meeting our housing goals.”

Connie Alexander of the Santa Barbara chapter of the NAACP told the board that its consideration of the ordinance was, in effect, a way to address systemic racism.

“Systemic racism happens when institutions in government support oppression and discrimination through policies,” she said. “This phrase ‘just cause’ has become an active loop hole … I am encouraging you to send a very clear message here that in this county, we are not going to actively support the discrimination of a group of people. In this case, it is going to overwhelmingly impact communities of color and families.

“When you think about the fact that they would have to come up with $8-$10K to relocate, that reinforces systemic racism,” Ms. Alexander told the supervisors.

But Kevin Goodwin told the board there’s another side to the issue.

“My concern is for the smaller property owners, not necessarily institutional property owners, and the effects it will have on them in providing housing for our local community…,” he told the supervisors. “This ordinance will make it difficult for them to continue to own those properties

Ukraine war, oil companies, Biden policies all being blamed for rising prices

GAS PRICES

Continued from Page A2 significant cut in oil production, something likely to raise prices for American consumers.

“Saudis plan to cut oil production by 500,000 barrels per day,” said Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas. “This will definitely impact our economy and gas prices. This is why it’s so important to become and remain energy independent.”

Americans are already paying much more for energy than when President Biden took office. Gas prices hit record highs last summer, surpassing $5 per gallon nationally. Those prices afterward dipped, in part because Biden relied heavily on the Strategic Petroleum Oil Reserves. Now, those reserves are at their lowest level since 1984, and Biden will have to use them more sparingly, if at all, to fend off future price increases.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also disrupted global oil markets. The war was expected to end by now, but it has continued with no sign of peace in the immediate future.

President Biden’s defenders have pushed back, pointing to oil companies’ profits despite higher prices hurting Americans.

we are headed back to $4 dollar a gallon gasoline as the norm, among many other unpleasant factors.”

Some experts project the decision by OPEC+ could raise energy prices by 26 cents. Other experts say the decision by OPEC+ is a sign of the future.

so I think both sides of this need to be looked at.”

Mr. Goodwin also called on the county and nonprofits to provide housing, so the entire burden for the housing shortage around UCSB isn’t on private property owners.

“I think a full analysis of this needs to be made prior to just enacting a rule to solve a specific problem,” he said.

The issue of housing is related to economic challenges.

One commenter said she was a full-time student and a single mother working up to two jobs.

“The only time I see her (her child) is when she comes to eat at the restaurant,” the commenter said in tears. “... How are we supposed to live in the land of the free when it’s costing us so much? … I need help. All these family members need help. I’m scared I’m going to be homeless with my child — not just me, but so many families are.”

Before the supervisors voted in favor of the ordinance, Alex Entrekin, managing attorney

for housing at the Legal Aid Foundation, urged the board to pass the law, which included changes suggested by the foundation. He said the changes are designed to require good faith and basic process for all tenants in the county.

“What’s going on in IV, is going on throughout the county,” Mr. Entrekin said. “This IV incident is bringing a conversation that I invite the supervisors and that I invite everyone in the county to join. This is a crisis that has been continuing.”

One commenter, who’s a tenant at CBC and the Sweeps, told the Board of Supervisors, “Imagine having to explain to your family — and processing to yourself — that you could potentially be homeless within the next few days, weeks … “Please protect my family, our neighbors and our community from the biggest mass eviction in California.”

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

“While you were paying through the nose at the gas pump, Big Oil companies were using the cover of inflation to jack up prices and line their pockets,” said Robert Reich, a Berkeley professor and former Secretary of Labor. “BP’s CEO recently boasted that in 2022 his company had its ‘lowest production cost in 16 years.’”

Critics have hit the Biden administration’s role in rising energy prices, pointing to President Biden’s discouragement of domestic oil and gas drilling and pipeline development. House Republicans recently passed the Lower Energy Costs Act, which would encourage domestic drilling to lower prices, but it is unlikely to get the Democratic support needed to succeed in the Senate.

“The Senate should pass H.R. 1 immediately and President Biden finally needs to put politics aside and unleash the power of American energy,” said Daniel Turner, who leads the energy workers advocacy group Power the Future. “Otherwise

“Given the transition the world is undergoing as it embraces ‘clean and green energy,’ OPEC+ understands all too well that its still highly valued ‘liquid gold’ will at some point begin to lose its shine,” said Quincy Krosby, Chief Global Strategist for LPL Financial. “Until then, as the countries dominating OPEC+ prepare for the future by spending trillions of dollars rebuilding infrastructure and refocusing away from crude oil as their primary source of income, managing the price of crude will be used more directly and aggressively than was anticipated.”

President Biden also recently took fire for lowering the nation’s oil reserves to what some consider dangerous levels. House Oversight Republicans said in a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm this week making that very point.

“By gutting vital fuel storage to lower short-term prices, the Biden Administration exposed the U.S. to future market volatility and increased supply dependence on adversarial nations instead of supporting an all-of-the-above energy approach to unleash American energy potential,” the letter said.

Defendants have all pleaded not guilty

Continued from Page A1

accessory after the fact, with the special allegation of committing the crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

They face a maximum of life in prison with the possibility of parole if convicted of murder or conspiracy to commit murder, the prosecutor said.

All four defendants have pleaded not guilty. They are being held without bail.

The two 15-year-old juveniles allegedly involved in the shooting have denied murder charges filed against them.

One of them appeared in court

Monday for further proceedings. “His matter was set for May 2 for further proceedings,” the prosecutor said.

The other juvenile is due back in Juvenile Court on April 20, also for further proceedings.

“Further proceedings just means that the court and the parties will appear to address any issues that need to be addressed and check on the status of the case,” the prosecutor said.

Prosecutors allege the four Santa Barbara defendants were driving on Stearns Wharf when they verbally challenged their alleged Ventura County rivals, and that they stopped their vehicle for the purpose of deploying two of their party to attack them with a

firearm.

Prosecutors allege they then fled the scene of the shooting, two on foot and two by vehicle, and that those in the vehicle then circled back to the location of the shooting to extract those who fled on foot to avoid apprehension.

The juveniles, Matthew Lopez and Adan de la Cruz, were arrested by Santa Barbara Police Department officers on Feb. 16. Their arrests were the result of an intense police investigation to identify and bring to justice additional suspects following the Jan. 19 arrest of the four adult defendants in Santa Barbara. email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Americans are already paying much more for energy than when President Biden took office. Gas prices hit record highs last summer, surpassing $5 per gallon nationally.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

“Rents have more than doubled in the past two decades, far surpassing incomes,” said Supervisor Laura Capps, whose district includes Isla Vista.

“Housing is a human right,” reads a sign being held by a person attending the Board of the Supervisors meeting.

“It is our intent today to move as fast as we can to provide additional protections” for tenants, said Das Williams, chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, center, as Supervisors Laura Capp and Steve Lavagnino listen.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023

UCSB’s Honer named Player of the Week for fifth time

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS WRITER

For the fifth time this season and the seventh in her career, UCSB’s Amelia Honer has been voted The Big West Women’s Tennis Player of the Week, the conference announced on Wednesday. She is the first player since 2007 to receive the conference’s weekly honor five times in the same season.

The sophomore from Newtown, Pa., earned this week’s award with a pair of ranked wins

at San Diego, combining with Kira Reuter to upset the then-No. 12 doubles partnership in the country, 6-2, before taking down the thenNo. 73 player in singles, coming back from a first-set defeat to do so. Honer is now 4-1 against nationally ranked singles opponents on the season. She and Reuter are 3-0 against ranked doubles opponents, with all three victories coming against partnerships in the top 15.

Following her big wins in San Diego, Honer climbed both the singles and doubles rankings this week. She ranks as the nation’s No. 51

singles player and is ranked No. 13 in doubles alongside Reuter. Honer and the Gauchos are back in Big West action on the road this week, taking on UC Riverside Friday and Long Beach State Saturday. They will return home to the Arnhold Tennis Center on Saturday, April 15, when they host UC Irvine.

Eric Boose is assistant director of athletic communications at UCSB. email: sports@newspress.com

Westmont men’s tennis wins on Senior Day

By JACOB NORLING

WESTMONT SPORTS WRITER

Westmont Men’s Tennis (89) capped off their home slate in grand fashion on Tuesday, when they defeated Gustavus Adolphus (15-6) by a score of 6-1. After securing the two-seed in the upcoming GSAC Tournament the Warriors kept momentum in their final non-conference contest.

“Gustavus Adolphus’ UTR is considerably higher than ours,” said Westmont head coach Mark Basham, “so I’m super happy with our guys today. Getting the doubles point was huge to get us off on the right foot.”

Westmont began the senior day festivities in fitting fashion during doubles, when the match’s first point came down to the club’s graduates on court three. After

Ethan Ha and Logan Thompson won on one, Gustavus evened the score with a win on two.

Then, seniors Benny Saito and Santiago Tintore Ramon won a 75 thriller to give the Warriors the first point of the day.

“Once again, I’m really happy with number one doubles. We always seem to bring it when we need it on one, and I really hope to see our other teams get to that level. I was super happy to see our seniors get it done for us on three.”

In singles Westmont carried the momentum and never looked back, surrendering only one match. With the official match clinchers Saito, Cody Ray Emery, and Thompson came away with wins on six, two, and one, respectively.

Following clinch, Owen Vander Ark and Ha capped off the day

with three-set wins on four and three.

“Benny was also the first one to get it done for us in singles,” noted Basham, “so it was a great senior day. It was very fitting. Collectively, I’m super happy about the fact that the guys kept fighting. It was great seeing Owen win his singles in three sets, and it was great to see Ethan keep fighting as well, like he always does.

“Logan clinching for us was super cool, and when you clinch, it makes coaching the rest of the day much easier.”

The senior day win was extra special for Basham, who was coaching his last game at Westmont in his 14th and final season. Following the conclusion of the match several of Basham’s closest friends joined the Warriors on the court to celebrate the coach.

UCSB men’s tennis rolls past Highlanders for 16th win

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS WRITER

When asked about the emotions regarding the day, Basham took a moment and said, “My favorite part of coaching is just being with the guys. I’ve always had a passion for mentoring these guys and helping them get better. I love getting pumped up, so when our guys are vibing well with good energy, it’s super inspiring for me.

“I’ve done a lot of teaching and coaching tennis, but my best phase in all these years of tennis has been coaching at Westmont.”

The Warriors return to action on April 25 in Surprise, Arizona, when they begin competition in the GSAC Tournament.

Jacob Norling is the sports information assistant at Westmont College.

email: sports@newspress.com

California AG reaches into West Virginia for say in trans athletics

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - Twelve-year-old “B.P.J simply wants to participate on her school’s girls’ cross country and track teams with her friends. B.P.J. began expressing her gender identity at age three, and she has lived as a girl in both school and home since third grade. But ... her school would not let her participate.”

So says the amicus brief filed with the 4th Circuit United States Court of Appeals, that seeks an injunction against enforcement of a West Virginia statute that categorically bars transgender female students from participating in sex-segregated sports consistent with their gender identity.

“Preventing transgender elementary kids from living regular lives through legislative action is absurd and dangerous,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Mr. Bonta signed onto a coalition of attorneys general filing the amicus brief in B.P.J. v. West Virginia State Board of Education. The case centers around West Virginia’s House Bill 3293 which requires participation in school sports to be based on sex identified at birth.

The lawsuit before a court of appeals, against the West Virginia State Board of Education, the Harrison County

Board of Education, and their respective superintendents, alleges that their refusal to allow her to play on her school’s all-girls crosscountry and track teams violated her rights under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. An earlier judgment by the district court ruled that the regulation does not violate those rights.

The brief claims that “Discrimination and exclusion on the basis of one’s transgender status cause tangible economic, educational, emotional and health harms.”

B.P.J was not permitted to try-out for the girls’ running teams as B.P.J was identified as male at birth. Setting aside the issue that female transgender sport raises for girls in locker rooms who already feel discomfort undressing in the presence of their peers, female athletes believe they are losing the athletic equality ground they fought so hard to attain.

As Selens Soule, Holly Lavesser, Hannah Arensman, join the list of female-born athletes who experience the impact of maleborn individuals competing as females, the discrimination they express is often assuaged with anecdotes of fairness and equity.

Several studies have shown that the differences between males and females are vast, not completely known, and begin at conception. Overall, athletic performance

ST.CLAIR, Elizabeth Elizondo

Elizabeth Elizondo St. Clair, at the age of 94, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord in Santa Barbara on Feb 3, 2023.

Elizabeth was born on December 24, 1928, in Santa Barbara, California. She was 1 of 11 children born to Jacobo and Enriqueta Elizondo. She attended local schools and graduated from Santa Barbara High School Class of 1947. She was a career Navy wife and traveled around the world with her late husband of 53 years, Merton, until his passing in 2005. Elizabeth in her younger years enjoyed playing in softball leagues while stationed on Midway Island. She was also an avid bowler and went to many state championships over her many years of bowling. She worked part time at a convalescent home in the late 70s for a few years and was the School Grandma for Faith Academy Christian School in Santa Barbara. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her grandchildren deeply.

Elizabeth was a strong Christian woman and prayer warrior that knew her Bible from front to back. Like her mother, she never had a bad thing to say about anyone. She, along with her family, attended Grace Baptist Church and later Faith Baptist Church which changed its name to Apostles Church. She was a choir member and loved the old hymns.

Elizabeth is survived by her siblings Ruth Betts of Ventura, Norma Baldwin of Santa Barbara, John Elizondo of Boston Massachusetts and her sister-in-law Telma Dawallo of Santa Barbara. She is also survived by son Guy St. Clair (Angelica) of Santa Barbara, grandchildren Joshua St. Clair (Erin) of Calgary Canada, Sara Haskey (Robert) of Oconomowoc Wisconsin and Kamryn Morales of Oxnard, 6 grandchildren; 2 greatgrandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Although she will be sorely missed, we know she is content in her heavenly home with those who have gone before her. (II Corinthians 5: 6-8)

She was preceded in death by her husband Merton (2005), oldest son Robert (1990), siblings Frances, Harriet, Alice, Amparo, Obed, Solomon and Jacob. Per her request there were no services.

can be influenced by differences in bone size and sturdiness, muscle mass and memory, muscle type and composition, muscle strength and fiber, Internal organ sizes, in utero brain development, gene determination, psychological differences and a host of developmental difference between male and female fetuses which are yet to be studied in depth. Questions are still being asked about the rate of maturity between males and females.

For B.P.J now on the cusp of puberty, these studies suggest the physiology of being male is more than hormone deep. The larger lung capacity, heart and muscular make-up are all inherent in maleness and determined in the womb.

“No child should be denied the opportunity to have a normal childhood or play school sports because of their gender,” Mr. Bonta stated.

Fourteen-year-old Kathryn Taylor says “Transwomen should have the opportunity to compete in separate leagues so that everyone can compete while ensuring safe and fair competition for women and girls.”

In this brief Mr. Bonta joins attorneys general of New York, Hawaii, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

HINDS, Patricia Crosby

Patricia Crosby Hinds was born in Arlington, Massachusetts to Flora Nielsen Crosby and Edward James Crosby on May 5, 1940, and passed away on March 27, 2023, at the age of 82. She grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts and graduated from Lexington High School in 1957. She graduated from Russell Sage College, Troy, New York in 1961 with a degree in Fine Arts. She continued her Fine Arts education at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado and obtained a Masters of Fine Arts degree.

While in Boulder she met an Air Force pilot, Bruce Hinds, and they were married in 1962. Their 60 year marriage was full of excitement and travel and produced two extraordinary children, daughter, Louise Leslie (Neil) and son, Bruce III (Casey). She is also survived by her four very accomplished grandchildren, Alex Leslie, Brody Leslie, Katherine Hinds and Natalie Hinds.

Patricia was able to pursue her passion for art and was a nationally recognized artist with 26 One Women Shows throughout the country. She also continued her education and obtained a Master of Art from Chapman University. She was a Professor of Art at the Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, California for 25 years and retired as a Professor Emeritus.

In 1998, Patricia and Bruce moved to Santa Barbara, California and Patricia became very involved with the Santa Barbara Art Museum, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and the Santa Barbara Yacht Club Women serving as their President in 2006.

With the family in the Seattle, Washington area the decision was made to move to Seattle to be closer to the children and grandchildren. She had many special occasions and was extremely happy to be involved with their lives. Patricia was always a fashion lover as well as an extremely well-traveled person. There are very few places that she had not experienced. She had a wonderful life and brought much joy to everyone she knew. She will be greatly missed.

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

To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@newspress.com or

With five matches still to play, the No. 32 UCSB men’s tennis team has already equaled their regular-season win total from last season, cruising past UC Riverside, 4-0, on Tuesday to collect their 16th victory of the year. The Gauchos are one of three teams tied for first place in The Big West standings with a 2-0 conference record; they will play one of those other two teams, UC Davis, on Saturday.

UCSB was in control from the start, with Pablo Masjuan and Luka Mrsic racing out to an early 5-0 lead on court one in doubles, with Kai Brady and Alexander Watanabe Eriksson doing the same on court three. Both pairings would convert those leads into 6-1 wins, clinching doubles for the Gauchos.

In singles, Masjuan kept right on rolling, winning on court one, only dropping a single

game. Lucca Liu finished up on court three shortly after, also taking his match by a 6-0, 6-1 scoreline. With UCSB up 30, the only question was which Gaucho would clinch the match, as Watanabe Eriksson and Conrad Brown were both nearing victories. It would be Watanabe Eriksson to finish off the Highlanders, wrapping up his match on court six in straight sets. Brown was one game away from finishing the job himself on court five, leading 5-4 in the second set when the match ended.

The Gauchos will play their final non-conference match of the season next, as they take on Pacific in the first match of a two-match Northern California road trip on Friday. First serve from Stockton is set for 1 p.m. Eric Boose is assistant director of athletic communications at UCSB.

email: sports@newspress.com

Life theArts

Dealing with a tsunami and more

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS

EDITOR

Atsunami damages a nuclear reactor, and three retired nuclear physicists are faced with the radioactive aftermath in a story set in a remote cottage on the British coast.

They’re also dealing with the broader question of what the older generation owes to the young.

That’s the premise behind “The Children,” which stars TV and movie actresses Nancy Travis and Linda Purl and Broadway actor Michael Butler. Directed by Jenny Sullivan, the Ensemble Theatre Company production opened Thursday night at The New Vic in Santa Barbara and will continue there through April 23.

It’s the first time that Ms. Travis, known for everything from her first movie “Three Men and A Baby” (1987) to the 2011-2021 sitcom “Last Man Standing,” has acted with Ms. Purl, a longtime actress known for playing Charlene, the daughter of Andy Griffith’s lawyer character on “Matlock” (1986-1995) and Fonzie’s girlfriend during the 1980s on “Happy Days.”

“I adore Nancy and have long been a fan of her, but I never had the pleasure of acting with her,” Ms. Purl told the News-Press.

She added that she, Ms. Travis and Mr. Butler immediately clicked.

Mr. Butler plays Robin, Ms. Travis portrays Hazel, and Ms. Purl plays Rose. Robin and Hazel are a married couple enjoying their retirement when the disaster strikes at the nuclear plant they worked on, and things get further complicated when Rose, a colleague they haven’t seen in a while, suddenly shows up.

Jonathan Fox, artistic director of the Ensemble Theatre Company, said the original plan was to perform the play in 2020, but the production was delayed by the pandemic.

“It’s a drama that has a lot of humor,” Mr. Fox said.

He added that the retired nuclear physicists in the play are at a cottage that they feel is far

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 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. 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.

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.

enough from the damaged nuclear reactor. At the same time, they’re being careful with radiation.

“Rose comes to meet with them about what they ought to do,” he said.

Ms. Purl praised the play during a News-Press interview.

“I had actually seen the play many years ago in London and was very struck by it,” said Ms. Purl, who starred in the title role of Ensemble Theatre Company’s “Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical” and has homes in Colorado Springs and Mexico. “It’s thought-provoking, and it’s one of those plays that does what theater can do best. It breaks the ice to start a conversation.”

She described her character Rose as a brilliant scientist with childlike qualities.

“She’s an incomplete, flawed person who is now in a moment of new life circumstances,” Ms. Purl said.

Ms. Purl, who grew up in Japan, said Rose’s experience in the aftermath of the fictional tsunami is similar to the reaction she felt after the real-life tsunami that struck Okuma, Japan, in 2011 and disabled the power supply and cooling of three Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors.

“I was not there at the actual moment of the tsunami, and Rose is not in the village when the accident happens,” Ms. Purl said.

But she added that she still feels an emotional connection with Japan, much as Rose still feels a personal connection with the British village. Rose helped to build the nuclear plant.

Ms. Purl said Lucy Kirkwood, the playwright behind “The Children,” was 29 or 30 when she wrote “The Children” but did a great job of writing for characters considerably older than her. “Somehow this young woman must be an old soul. I hope to have the privilege of meeting her.” She said she and her fellow cast members are impressed with Ms. Kirkwood’s writing.

“I don’t think the play preaches,” Ms. Purl said. “It does pose the

question (of what is owed to younger generations), which I think is more valuable (than preaching).

“I find it actually has opened my thinking much more to the legacy question, of what we are leaving behind on all levels.”

Ms. Travis described her character Hazel for the NewsPress.

“Hazel is the epitome of Mother Earth,” the Los Angeles actress said. “She believes in children, the earth and life. She makes a lot of comparisons to eggs, eggs being the source of life. She’s very much staying alive and living this life and being here for the children and the

7:30 p.m. Stacie Burrows will perform her one-woman dark comedy “Bulletproof Unicorn,” which she wrote, at the Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Ms. Burrows, a Los Angeles comedian, tells how she went to Texas to fix everything that was wrong with her dysfunctional family. It was a challenge. Tickets cost $30 for general admission and $50 for a patron ticket, which includes one drink. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater. org.

8 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “The Children” April 6-April 23 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Michael Butler, Linda Purl and Nancy Travis star in the play set at a remote cottage on the British coast after a tsunami wreaks havoc on a nuclear reactor. A married couple’s lives are further disrupted by the mysterious appearance of a long-lost colleague. The April 6 and 7 shows are preview performances, and the regular run begins April 8. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.

APRIL 8

7:30 p.m. Stacie Burrows will perform her one-woman dark comedy “Bulletproof Unicorn,” which she wrote, at the Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Ms. Burrows, a Los Angeles comedian, tells how she went to Texas to fix everything that was wrong with her dysfunctional family. It was a challenge. Tickets cost $30 for general admission and $50 for a patron ticket, which includes one drink. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater. org.

8 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “The Children” through April 23 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Michael Butler, Linda Purl and Nancy Travis star in the play set at a remote cottage on the British coast after a tsunami wreaks havoc on a nuclear reactor. A married couple’s lives are further disrupted by the mysterious appearance of a long-lost colleague. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.

APRIL 9

2 and 7 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “The Children” through April 23 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Michael Butler, Linda Purl and Nancy Travis star in the play set at a remote cottage on the British coast after a tsunami wreaks havoc on a nuclear reactor. A married couple’s lives are further disrupted by the mysterious appearance of a longlost colleague. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.

— Dave Mason

Managing

Linda Purl, Nancy Travis, Michael Butler star in Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of ‘The Children’

MANAGING

At left, Robin (Michael Butler) is a free spirit enjoying his retirement when a tsunami hits the nuclear plant he worked on. At right, Rose (Linda Purl) and Robin enjoy a dance in

“The Children.” Rose is a colleague Robin and his wife Hazel, played by Nancy Travis, haven’t seen in a long time.

PHOTOS COURTESY ENSEMBLE THEATRE COMPANY

From left, Nancy Travis, Linda Purl and Michael Butler star as retired nuclear physicists in “The Children,” which the Ensemble Theatre Company is performing through April 23 at The New Vic in Santa Barbara.

Please see CHILDREN on B2

Los Angeles Philharmonic to perform at The Granada

SANTA BARBARA — Before Gustavo Dudamel leaves the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the conductor will lead the orchestra in a concert at 4 p.m. May 28 at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The Community Arts Music Association of Santa will feature Maestro Dudamel conducting Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Opus 92, as well as two world premieres of works by American composers Ellen Reid and Gabrielle Smith.

The soloist in Ms. Smith’s “Lost Coast” will be cellist Gabriel Cabezas, and the work is inspired by Ms. Smith’s personal reflections on climate change. Maestro Dudamel, the L.A. Philharmonic’s music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has recently announced he will leave the orchestra in September 2026. Mr. Dudamel has led the LA Philharmonic’s successful orchestra since 2009, and he will be assuming the role of music director of the New

York Philharmonic starting in September 2026.

Before his concert at The Granada, the CAMA Women’s Board is hosting a lunch and lecture at 1 p.m. May 28 at the SoHO Restaurant and Music Club, featuring Simon Williams, a professor emeritus of the UCSB Department of Theatre and Dance.

Reservations are recommended for the preconcert lunch and lecture.

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

Sō Percussion with Caroline Shaw

Let the Soil Play Its Simple Part

Works by Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion, Eric Cha-Beach, Angélica Negrón and Nathalie Joachim

Fri, Apr 21 / 8 PM / UCSB Campbell

Hall

Caroline Shaw’s remarkable ear for melody and Sō Percussion’s playful sense of rhythmic invention come together in this strikingly original music that dissolves the boundaries between classical and pop.

Santa Barbara Debut ARTEMIS

Renee Rosnes, Ingrid Jensen, Alexa Tarantino, Nicole Glover, Noriko Ueda, Allison Miller

Sun, Apr 23 / 7 PM (note special time) / UCSB Campbell Hall

“A killer line-up of players… they all converge on this extremely cosmopolitan, sleek, rhythm-forward, modern sound.” NPR Founded in 2017 under the banner of International Women’s Day, ARTEMIS is a powerhouse ensemble of modern jazz masters, each a composer and bandleader in their own right.

Event Sponsor: Luci & Rich Janssen

Jazz Series Lead Sponsor: Manitou Fund

(805) 893-3535

Trumpeter, guitarist, drummer to perform at SOhO

SANTA BARBARA —

Trumpeter Paul Merkelo, guitarist and composer Chris Fossek, and drummer Nate Keezer will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., suite 205, Santa Barbara.

Mr. Merkelo has been the principal trumpeter with Orchestre symphonique de Montréal since 1995.

Mr. Fossek has performed as a

soloist and in ensembles at such venues as the Olympic Stadium of Rome and the RedCat Theater at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. In Santa Barbara, he has played at The Granada and the Lobero Theatre. Tickets cost $20 for general admission. To purchase, go to www.sohosb.com. The concert is for all ages.

Bear Cave Productions’ comedy fundraiser

SANTA BARBARA — Bear

Cave Productions, LLC is hosting a comedy show fundraiser at 7 p.m. April 14 at the Backstage Comedy Club, 519 State St.

This event will raise funds to send 20 Santa Barbara County kids to Lobster Jo’s Beach Camp on a full scholarship.

All proceeds will benefit the Parks and Recreation Community Foundation’s efforts to to support families struggling to send their children to summer camp.

The show’s lineup boasts names such as Julian Fernandez, Eli Lutsky, Maria DeLaGhetto, and Chase O’Donnell, hosted by Sam

Bear. The fundraiser will also have food from Birria Boyz available and a raffle with donations from Ivan Bar, Powell Peralta, Dylan Star and more. Tickets are available at bearcavecomedy.simpletix.com for $20 for general admission or $35 for VIP admission, which includes two raffle tickets and a meet-and-greet with the comedians. Sponsorship options are available at www. lobsterjosbeachcamp.com/donate.

— Caleb Beeghly

Santa Barbara Master Chorale plans May concert

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Master Chorale will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 12 and 3 p.m. May 13 at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 East Constance Ave., Santa Barbara The concert will feature John Rutter’s Requiem. The chorus will also sing “Be Not Afraid’” as well as works by Dan Forrest, Elaine Hagenberg and others.

The concert will be led by the chorus’ conductor and artistic director, David Lozano Torres. Mr. Torres is the current conductor of the UCSB Lumina Choir, assistant conductor of the UCSB Chamber Choir, and the artistic

CHILDREN

Continued from Page B1

love of the land.”

She said Hazel has children and grandchildren. “She knows how to get stains out of clothes, knows how to do every domestic thing. She knows how to raise farm animals. She’s very much an earth mother, and Rose is really the opposite.”

“The playwright has found a way to express relationships between these three characters with a lot of humor and great camaraderie with these people — certainly between Hazel and Robin,” Ms. Travis told the News-Press. “We see the effects of two people who have been married for a long time, the shorthand they have.”

“It (‘The Children’) is about people and how they live their lives, what they believe in, how much they want to fight to hold on to their point of view, how they make their tea,” Ms. Travis said. “It’s a really layered, fun, fun piece for actors.”

Ms. Travis, who starred in the movie “So I Married an Ax Murderer” (1993), is now playing Isabel McMurray in the Hallmark Channel series “Ride.” The multigenerational drama follows the McMurrays, who are part of a rodeo dynasty, as they struggle to keep their ranch afloat.

“I get to play a woman who is very much her own person, not

director and lead conductor of the choral ensemble Vocal Infinity. Currently, Mr. Torres is completing his musical arts degree in choral conducting at UCSB. Tickets are $22 for general admission, $20 for seniors and disabled, $12 for college students with ID and free for children in K-12. Tickets can be purchased at the door, at www.sbmasterchorale. org, or directly from a chorus member. For more information, call 805-563-2360 or visit www. sbmasterchorale.org.

— Kira Logan

just an accessory for a man,” Ms. Travis said. “She’s very multidimensional.” Ms. Travis added she likes filming on a ranch in Calgary, Alberta. “We show up to the best sound stage in the world.” email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “The Children” tonight through April 23 at The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb. org or call 805-965-5400. ETC is partnering with the nonprofit One Tree Planted to plant one tree in California for every ticket sold for this play.

One of the play’s stars, Linda Purl, talked to the News-Press about her career, including performing with Andy Griffith on the 1980s mystery series “Matlock.” See Tuesday’s NewsPress for a follow-up story. And you can catch Ms. Purl in “Matlock” reruns streaming on Pluto. You can see Ms. Travis in “Ride,” which airs Sundays on the Hallmark Channel. Check your cable or satellite guide for the times. And you can watch Ms. Travis in “Last Man Standing” reruns that you can rent or purchase on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play and Vudu, according to www.tvguide.com.

Sō Percussion offers an “exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam.” The New Yorker

— Kira Logan

PHOTOS COURTESY CAMA

Gustavo Dudamel has conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2009.

Gabriel Cabezas will be the cello soloist during the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s performance of “Lost Coast.”

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

Paul Merkelo has been the principal trumpeter with Orchestre symphonique de Montréal since 1995.

Diversions

Thought for Today

“There is always room at the top.”

— Daniel Webster

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Friday, April 7, 2023

ARIES — People may have missed your company lately, Aries. Make an appearance where you know it will be noticed and appreciated. Look for the good points in others instead of being so judgmental about the bad points. People aren’t going to miss you at all if you talk about them behind their backs and only mention the unappealing parts of their personalities.

TAURUS — Don’t act like you have all the answers today, Taurus. This attitude will get you nowhere. Remember that everyone you encounter has something to teach you, so don’t disregard that homeless person on the street. The looks you exchange with a stranger may make or break your attitude for the afternoon.

GEMINI — There’s a special power to your words today, Gemini, and an internal confidence that rarely comes around this strongly. You should notice strength in your emotions and personality. Take this opportunity to get one step ahead of the game. You have a special influence that can’t be matched by anyone.

CANCER — Break open any door that seems to block you today, Cancer. It won’t take a great deal of effort on your part to accomplish this. The key is to be more flexible in your approach and merge with the group effort instead of trying to fight against it. You will find that when you open yourself to the people around you, there are a significant number who want to break down that same door.

LEO — If you feel like you’re running on reserve battery power, Leo, remember that you always have a reserve tank ready to kick in. Don’t disregard this. It might help you to know that there’s only a little time left on the clock. You work more efficiently under pressure. Just remain calm and remember that it isn’t the end of the world if things don’t work out exactly the way you’d like.

VIRGO — Add a bit of spark to your day, Virgo. Get yourself into gear. It might feel like there’s a great deal of anticipation in the air, but don’t get ahead of yourself. Enjoy the day you’ve been given, and make sure you use every minute to its fullest potential. Small annoyances may turn into large headaches unless

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

you maintain an honest mind and neutral standpoint.

LIBRA — Fire up your energy today, Libra, and demonstrate your power to conquer. Create a bonfire of activity that gives off a great deal of heat to the people around you. Some might not be able to stand too close now. Don’t worry — that’s their problem, not yours. The key for you now is to be yourself. In this way, you will attract those who enjoy the intense heat.

SCORPIO — Get out of “gimme” mode, in which every new toy or gadget you see calls out your name, Scorpio. If you keep thinking that you need these material things in order to be happy, you will never be truly satisfied no matter how much you have. In this same vein, don’t think that you need to buy tangible things for others in order to demonstrate your love for them.

SAGITTARIUS — It’s important to turn your attention to more spiritual matters now, Sagittarius. Consider enrolling in a yoga class that combines meditation with the physical practice. It’s vital to link your mind, body, and soul together. The more you can integrate these three parts of your being, the healthier you will feel.

CAPRICORN — Reach out to those people you know will make you feel better today, Capricorn. There’s no reason to sit in your room alone and depressed when you know there are people who would love to hear from you. Don’t think that others are too busy to listen to your thoughts and feelings.

AQUARIUS — Don’t get bogged down by past events today, Aquarius. It’s time to move forward. Leap out of bed as if it were your first day on the planet. Realize how lucky you are to be alive and how much power and influence you have. Use your power wisely, for you will find that it’s stronger than usual. Note that relationships with women are apt to be especially rewarding on a day like this.

PISCES — Emotional conflict is likely to ensue today if you aren’t careful, Pisces. People may step on your toes if you give them the opportunity. Make sure you aren’t vulnerable to attack. Someone may be ready to confront you, so you must be ready to defend yourself. The best way to combat whatever force tries to shoot you down is to have confidence in yourself even if you don’t have everything perfectly planned.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Friday, April 7, 2023

Unlucky Louie attracts adversity like a slice of bread is prone to mold.

As South in a penny game at my club, Louie leaped to six hearts at his third turn. (North’s cue bid of five clubs, going beyond game when he had no help in diamonds, was bold.) West led the king of clubs to dummy’s ace.

Louie saw that if trumps broke no worse than 3-1, he could draw them all, then hope to run the diamonds to discard dummy’s remaining clubs and ruff at least one club. But when he led a trump at Trick Two, East discarded. Louie could still pick up the trumps but had to spend all of dummy’s trumps. He lost two clubs.

SHUT DOWN

“If I were a restaurant,” Louie sighed, “the Health Department would shut me down.”

Louie makes the slam with foresight. He ruffs a spade at the second trick and takes the ace of trumps. He can then continue thus: trump to dummy’s eight, spade ruff with the queen, trump to the ten. He draws West’s last trump with the king and runs the diamonds for 12 tricks.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: 9 7 5 3

Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids two clubs.

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

What do you say?

ANSWER: If you held 9 7 5 3, J 9 5 2, K J, A 5 4, you could reasonably return to two diamonds, both to play at the probable 5-2 trump fit and to preserve the chances of reaching game. With the actual hand, pass. To bid two diamonds might still work, but the hand is so weak that I would be reluctant to give partner another chance. South dealer