Santa Barbara News-Press: April 14, 2023

‘Beethoven Dreams’

Hope in bloom

Kim Cantin’s new book details her journey from grief to peace after the 2018 Montecito mudslides

Attempted kidnapping suspect to be arraigned

Elias Maldonado, 52, to return to court next month

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A Santa Barbara man will have a second chance to enter a plea to a felony charge of attempted kidnapping connected to his alleged attempt last fall to abduct a 12-year-old Carpinteria girl, prosecutors said.

Elias Maldonado, 52, will return to court next month for arraignment. He was ordered to stand trial following his March 30 preliminary hearing, and he was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday, but prosecutors said the matter was postponed.

“The arraignment was continued to 5/3/23,” Deputy District Attorney Hannah Meyer said.

Defendants are initially arraigned in their first court appearance after their arrest, but after their preliminary hearing, they are arraigned again to give

them a second chance to choose between pleading not guilty or guilty.

Sheriff’s deputies announced Nov. 10 that they had arrested Mr. Maldonado on suspicion of attempted kidnapping for an incident that occurred two days earlier.

Community Resource Deputy Bryan Dickey was notified Nov. 9 by Carpinteria Middle School staff of a reported kidnapping incident that had occurred at approximately 4 p.m. Nov. 8 in the 5500 block of Carpinteria Avenue near the entrance to the bicycle path.

Deputy Dickey spoke with the female juvenile reporting party, who provided a thorough account of the incident and a suspect description, sheriff’s officials said. He and patrol deputies conducted a follow-up

Please see KIDNAPPING on A4

Tydes Restaurant to reopen in Montecito

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

“Death is taboo to talk about in American culture, but we need to talk about it. It’s a part of life,” Kim Cantin, author of “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom,” tells the News-Press during a recent interview at A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden.

FYi

Kim Cantin will sign copies of her new book, “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom: A True Story of Hope through Unimaginable Loss” (Precocity Press), at 6 p.m. April 20 at Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St., Santa Barbara, and 3 p.m. April 29 at Tecolote Book Shop, 1470 East Valley Road, Suite 52, Montecito. The book is sold at both stores and Amazon. com.

For more information about Ms. Cantin or to contact her about a speaking engagement, go to kimcantin.com.

By CALEB BEEGHLY

NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Kim Cantin and her family’s story has gotten a lot of press, but their story, from their perspective, has never been fully shared publicly until now.

“Where Yellow Flowers Bloom: A True Story of Hope through Unimaginable Loss” (Precocity Press) follows the Santa Barbara author’s journey from desperate grief to peace following the 2018 Montecito mudslides.

On the night of Jan. 9, 2018, Ms. Cantin was swept two football fields away from her home.

While she and her daughter, Lauren, were rescued (their first-person accounts of the night, along with the account of the Montecito firefighters who rescued Lauren, are shared), Ms.

Tydes Restaurant and the rest of the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic.

Now, plans are underway to reopen the Montecito restaurant to the general public.

The club was formerly associated with the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, which is across the street and has been closed since the pandemic started. The club and the Biltmore are owned by Montecito tycoon Ty Warner, who invented Beanie Babies, but the Biltmore is no longer involved with the club’s management.

The club has been undergoing renovation work.

“The Development Plan Amendment, approved by the Montecito Planning Commission on April 5, does not include any proposed structural alterations

to the existing restaurant,” Alia Vosburg, the Santa Barbara County planner involved with the Coral Casino project, told the News-Press in an email.

“Additionally, the amendment does not make any change to the maximum allowed restaurant seating, which was established by Condition No. 62 of the previously approved development plan.”

“Previously, registered overnight Biltmore Hotel guests were allowed regular use of the Coral Casino facility,” Ms. Vosburg said. “Under the Development Plan Amendment, (with the exception of the Tydes Restaurant) regular use of the Coral Casino facility is now limited to club members and their guests.”

Kelly Campbell, director of membership sales for Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts, has declined to comment at this time.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

new book, “Where Yellow

Bloom,” blossomed in time for its official launch on April

Cantin’s husband, David, and son, Jack, did not make it.

Ms. Cantin started writing “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom” during the COVID-19 lockdown. Prior to this, Ms. Cantin was not an author, but a senior director of marketing communication and strategy in the medical device industry. But at the recommendation of close friends, she started writing as a way to remember the events that happened (and were continuing to happen as they continued to

look for Jack) and to preserve David and Jack’s memory for future generations.

Ms. Cantin will sign copies at 6 p.m. April 20 at Chaucer’s Books in Santa Barbara and at 3 p.m. April 29 at Tecolote Book Shop in Montecito. The book is available at both stores and on Amazon. com.

Ms. Cantin talked to the NewsPress about her new book during a recent interview at the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden in front of the Santa Barbara

Mission.

She explained that when she was first writing her story, she held back on some details. But her editors pushed her to tell more about her family because they knew that people would want to know who they were.

As a result, “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom” is very vulnerable and raw, to which Ms. Cantin said, “That’s what humanity is about. It’s not about pretense.”

Please see NEW BOOK on A4

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Kim Cantin’s

Flowers

7.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

The Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club in Montecito, which is home to the Tydes Restaurant, continues to be temporarily closed due to construction. The Montecito Planning Commission has approved a plan to reopen the restaurant to the general public.

Carpinteria City Council declares International Dark Sky Week

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

In a move to urge Carpinterians to learn about night-sky friendly lighting, reduce light pollution, and “look up and experience the wonder of the star-filled night,” the Carpinteria City Council has proclaimed the week of April 15-22 as International Dark Sky Week.

The council issued the proclamation at its March 27 meeting.

In response to the proclamation and public comment, Mayor Al Clark requested that staff look into initiation of a night-sky ordinance.

A staff memo about the ordinance appeared on the council’s April 10 agenda.

The memo provides background information and analysis on current city night-sky policies, regulations and procedures.

“We conclude that while there remains a place for updated lighting policies and regulations, the city’s current policies, regulations, guidelines and practices are adequate to ensure night-sky friendly lighting is implemented through development permitting processes,” staff said.

Staff defines night-sky friendly lighting as being fully shielded, of low intensity, low glare design, minimum height and hooded to direct light downward, thereby preventing spillover onto adjacent parcels or sensitive areas.

The process underway to comprehensively update the city’s General Plan/Local Coastal Plan and Zoning Code represents an opportunity to re-evaluate night-sky- friendly lighting policies and regulations.

The city’s General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan puts forth various policies to address night sky light pollution. There are general citywide lighting policies, but also specific policies relating to neighborhood subareas, commercial areas and environmentally sensitive habitats. There are also regulations in the city’s Municipal Code and Creeks Preservation Program concerning lighting that apply only to particular zone districts, types of development and/or geographical areas.

The Community Development Department implements these policies and regulations through the review process for planning and building permits.

Applicants are advised early in the process to select night-sky friendly fixtures,

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Head-on collision on State Route 1

A head-on collision took place Thursday morning on State Route 1, one mile west of the Highway 101 interchange. Santa Barbara County firefighters responded at 5:41 a.m. to the scene where three cars collided.

There were two injured patients. One was in critical condition and was flown to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital via Calstar, said Capt. Scott Safechuck, public information officer for County Fire.

State Route 1 was down to one lane on Las Cruces Grade with units on scene.

— Katherine Zehnder

One in five California hospitals at risk of closing, report says

By TOM JOYCE

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - California hospitals are losing money and are in danger of closing, according to a new report.

More than half (52%) of the hospitals in the state are not making money on patient care, and 20% of them are at risk of closing, the report commissioned by the California Hospital Association found.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, hospitals in California have struggled to turn a profit. Overall, California hospitals lost about $8.5 billion in 2022, according to the report. One issue for hospitals is increased costs. Their operating costs were $23.4 billion higher in 2022 than before the coronavirus pandemic began.

These rising costs factor into why 52% of hospitals had a negative margin last year, while 19% had a profit margin below 3%. In 2019, just 28% of California hospitals had a negative margin, while 16% had a profit margin below 3%.

The largest expense increase for hospitals from 2019 to 2022 was labor costs; those costs

increased by $9.7 billion over three years.

Additionally, hospitals have faced other rising costs. For example, supplies were 18% more expensive in 2022 than in 2019, and drug costs had increased by 19%.

So while operating costs increased by 20%, revenue only increased by 12% in that same span, negatively impacting the industry.

Last year was the third straight year where hospitals in the state lost money. California hospitals have lost $20 billion over the past three years, according to the report. Those losses factor in the money that hospitals received from the government due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“While California hospital net operating revenues have grown since the start of the pandemic, the gap between expense and revenue increase has grown each year since the start of the pandemic,” the report said.

“Payments made to California hospitals in 2020 and 2021 from the PRF contributed to the increase in hospital net operating revenues and helped hospitals cover their increasing operating expenses.”

and to include lighting details and fixture specifications in their plans. Larger projects may be required to also submit a photometric plan to show the lighting intensity and spillover throughout a project site and adjoining areas.

As part of the review process, staff and the Architectural Review Board evaluate exterior lighting and provide direction to achieve compliance.

Approved projects are conditioned to require that the final lighting plan and selected exterior fixtures be compliant with the city’s night-sky friendly policies.

For projects that do not require a land use permit from the Planning Department and only need a building permit, such as a small residential remodel, the Planning Department still reviews exterior lighting.

The Community Development Department conducts inspections at the time of project completion to ensure the lighting is compliant. Separately, the Code Compliance Department investigates non-compliant lighting and can seek corrective action from a property owner.

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Producer prices drop in March

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The latest economic data shows that producer prices saw their most significant drop since the pandemic began.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Producer Price Index data Thursday, which showed the index for final demand decreased 0.5% in March, though it has increased 2.7% over the last year.

“A 7.3-percent drop in margins for machinery and vehicle wholesaling was a major factor in the March decrease in prices for final demand services,” BLS said. “The indexes for truck transportation of freight, portfolio management, fuels and lubricants retailing, loan services (partial), and automobiles and automobile parts retailing also moved down. Conversely, prices for guest room rental rose 4.6 percent. The indexes for food retailing and for transportation of passengers (partial) also advanced.”

BLS also released consumer pricing data earlier this week, which showed consumer prices rose 0.1% in March, contributing to a 5% hike over the last 12 months, roughly double what most economists say is a healthy inflation rate.

President Joe Biden has touted the fact that inflation is rising much less slowly than earlier in his administration. Republicans have blasted President Biden for the higher prices and their impact on Americans and small businesses.

“Small businesses can’t catch a break in Biden’s economy,” said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo. “Skyrocketing prices of supplies, materials, and goods from Democrats’ reckless Washington spending and inflation crisis have left businesses struggling to keep their doors open. Rising interest rates have compounded problems for small businesses who now need to borrow to make payroll while they permanently shelve plans to expand or grow.”

The National Federation of Independent Businesses released survey results earlier this week reporting that their small business optimism index decreased in March, part of a trend of lower optimism that has continued for over a year.

“Small business owners are cynical about future economic conditions,” NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said. “Hiring plans fell to their lowest level since May 2020, but strong consumer spending has kept Main Street alive and supported strong labor demand.”

50-state report: GOP-led states are in best economic condition

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – A new report ranks all 50 states from best to worst for economic conditions, showing which states have improved, and worsened, in creating an economic climate where businesses want to invest.

The American Legislative Exchange Council released the state analysis, which ranks Utah as the number one state, North Carolina as second, and Arizona as third. Idaho and Oklahoma fill out the top five spots, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively.

“The proof is in the pudding,” Jonathan Williams, ALEC’s chief economist who co-authored the report, told The Center Square.

“Utah was the fastest growing state in the country by population, over 18% population growth in the last decade. So one of the key themes that we see not just in Utah but in so many of the top ten or the top half of states is that states that get it right with policy are getting it right with migration as people continue to

vote with their feet. Taxpayers are continuing to vote with their feet against high-tax states and going toward states that offer more economic opportunity and really a better quality of life and a lower cost of life.”

“We’ve been doing this long enough that there are really no accidents and no flukes,” he added.

ALEC created its rankings using 15 metrics, most of them related to the state tax environment. The metrics, which are equally rated, are as follows:

• Top Marginal Personal Income Tax Rate.

• Top Marginal Corporate Income Tax Rate.

• Personal Income Tax Progressivity (change in tax liability per $1,000 of income).

• Property Tax Burden (per $1,000 of personal income).

• Sales Tax Burden (per $1,000 of personal income).

• Remaining Tax Burden (per $1,000 of personal income).

• Estate/Inheritance Tax Levied.

• Recently Legislated Tax Changes (2020 & 2021, per $1,000

Critics claim new emission standards will end gas vehicles

By TOM GANTERT THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced new proposed federal vehicle emissions standards critics claim will “effectively ban gasoline and diesel vehicles” while making the U.S. dependent on China.

The EPA proposal of light and heavy-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards is for model years 2027-2032. The EPA projects that its proposal could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56% by 2032 and help increase electric vehicle light-duty sales by 67% by 2032.

“By proposing the most ambitious pollution standards ever for cars and trucks, we are delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s promise to protect people and the planet, securing critical reductions in dangerous air and climate pollution and ensuring significant economic benefits like lower fuel and maintenance costs for families,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, in a media release.

The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers said the EPA decision to “fixate on tailpipe emissions rather than full fuel and vehicle lifecycle is a huge error that will stymie investment and artificially cap the potential of carbon abatement for liquid fuels and vehicles on the road today.”

“EPA’s proposal to effectively ban gasoline and diesel vehicles is bad for consumers, the environment, our freedom of mobility and U.S. national security,” American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers’ President and CEO Chet Thompson said in a press release.

Henry Payne, auto columnist for The Detroit News, said the Biden Administration is trying to radically transform the auto energy sector.

“A century after the alcohol Prohibition era, a second Temperance Movement has formed to ban carbon-emitting products as immoral,” Mr. Payne said in an email to The Center Square. “Popular consumer items like incandescent light bulbs, gas stoves, and gas cars are targeted. The effects are already being felt

Huntington Beach faces updated suit by Attorney General Bonta on housing

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - “California is in the midst of a housing crisis, and time and time again, Huntington Beach has demonstrated they are part of the problem by defiantly refusing every opportunity to provide essential housing for its own residents,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

The city of Huntington Beach is facing a lawsuit which aims to hold the city accountable for violating California’s Housing Element Law. The lawsuit, which was amended April 10, asserts that recent decisions taken by the City Council on the building of housing for low, moderate-, and very low-income residents jeopardizes critical affordable housing opportunities for Huntington Beach residents.

Huntington’s ban on the processing of SB 9 and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) applications was originally challenged by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mr. Bonta, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development in a March 8 lawsuit. This was amended on April 10 following the city’s April 4 meeting when the Huntington City Council failed to adopt a Housing Element.

of personal income).

• Debt Service as a Share of Tax Revenue.

• Public Employees Per 10,000 of Population (full-time equivalent).

• State Liability System Survey (tort litigation treatment, judicial impartiality, etc.).

• State Minimum Wage (federal floor is $7.25).

• Average Workers’ Compensation Costs (per $100 of payroll).

• Right-to-Work State? (option to join or support a union).

• Number of Tax Expenditure Limits.

At the bottom of the rankings is. New York, the worst state by ALEC’s metrics. Vermont is ranked 49th, Minnesota is 48th, and New Jersey is 47th. Illinois comes in at 46th, and California ranks as 45th.

The amendment adds a violation of the state’s Housing Element Law, and alleges that the Huntington Beach City Council’s recent April 4 vote not to approve a proposed Housing Element was intended to evade judicial review. It also strikes claims and allegations that are no longer relevant.

A statement released by Gov. Newsom’s office explained “State law requires local governments to include housing elements in their general plans. A housing element must include, among other things, an assessment of housing needs, an inventory of resources and constraints relevant to meeting those needs, and a program to implement the policies, goals, and objectives of the housing element. The housing element is a crucial tool for building housing for moderate-, low-, and very low-income Californians. Huntington Beach has been out of compliance on its housing element since October 15, 2021, and last week in a 4-3 vote the City Council once again refused to adopt a draft housing element prepared by the city’s own staff. As a result, the state is seeking injunctive relief and penalties against the city for their

ARTEMIS

as Dodge has discontinued its successful Challenger and Daytona cars, and taxpayers are transferring $7,500 to wealthier Americans to buy expensive EVs [electric vehicles].”

Mr. Payne continued: “The Biden Administration is radically transforming auto/energy sectors in a comprehensive effort to eliminate fossil fuel use. The effort appears blind to the fact that China is championing global EV adoption because they are the Saudis of battery minerals.

The U.S. spent 50 years becoming energy independent and is now poised to become dependent on China for its energy sector production.”

The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers also raised concerns about being dependent on China for EVs.

“It’s unconscionable that the Administration would propose this knowing full well that China controls 80% of global battery production capacity,” Mr. Thompson said. “ ... and even with robust U.S. investment to fortify our own electric grid and grow our battery supply chains by a magnitude of 10, we will not come close to overtaking China’s dominant position and will be left more dependent and financially beholden to them as a result.”

Tim Carroll, EPA spokesperson, responded to the criticism

“These proposals do not mandate or ban specific technologies; they are performance-based standards for emissions, allowing each automaker to choose what set of emissions control technologies is best suited for their vehicle fleet to meet the standards,” Mr. Carroll said in an email to The Center Square. “EPA’s analysis indicates that one pathway the industry could take is to meet the standards by increasing the percentage of electric vehicles. The proposed standards are complementary with the direction the auto industry and consumers are already headed, given manufacturers’ public announcements of plans to transition their fleets to zero emission vehicles, which are supported by the historic financial incentives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.”

ongoing failure to comply with state housing law.”

In 2021 Gov. Newsom moved to push local governments and hold them accountable to meet their housing targets, with a statewide goal of reaching 2.5 million new units by 2030 – 1 million of which must be affordable. To this end he introduced the Housing Accountability Unit. In concert with the governor, Mr. Bonta created a Housing Strike Force as part of the California Department of Justice’s new effort to advance housing access, affordability, and equity in California.

Mr. Bonta commented on the suit, saying “The City’s refusal last week to adopt a housing element in accordance with state law is just the latest in a string of willfully illegal actions by the city….We’ll use every legal tool available to hold the city accountable and enforce state housing laws.”

Cities that do not have a compliant housing element, under California’s Housing Accountability Act, allows project developers to submit housing projects with deed-restricted 20% low-income or 100% moderate-income without regard to local zoning and general plan standards under California’s Housing Accountability Act. This action has become known as the “Builder’s Remedy.”

Last fall Santa Monica fell prey to the Builder’s Remedy solution when it failed to pass a Housing Element, clearing the way for builders to submit plans without regard for zoning which the city was forced to approve. As a result, 16 new developments amounting to 4,250 new units are to be built in Santa Monica.

Mr. Bonta warned Huntington’s planning commission in February that attempts to circumvent the Builder’s Remedy would violate state law. The AG and HCD are monitoring the city’s actions on any Builder’s Remedy project applications submitted to the city, and stand ready to take legal action if necessary.

The most recent amendment exposes Huntington to the same fate as Santa Monica.

“Every city and county needs to do their part to bring down the high housing and rent costs that are impacting families across this state. California will continue taking every step necessary to ensure everyone is building their fair share of housing and not flouting state housing laws at the expense of the community,” Gov. Newsom said.

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Santa Barbara Debut

‘Death is taboo to talk about in American culture, but we need to talk about it’

Suspect had outstanding warrants at time of arrest

KIDNAPPING

Continued from Page A1

investigation, identified the suspect as Mr. Maldonado and tracked him to a motel in the 5500 block of Carpinteria Avenue.

Deputies also learned that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

At approximately 9:50 a.m. on Nov. 9, Deputy Dickey, along with patrol deputies and a Sheriff’s K9 unit, contacted Mr. Maldonado at the motel, where he was taken into custody after allegedly briefly attempting to flee.

Mr. Maldonado was booked at the Main Jail in Santa Barbara on suspicion of attempted kidnapping of a child under the age of 14, a felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a misdemeanor, as well as an outstanding warrant for domestic violence and false imprisonment, both felonies.

Prosecutors charged Mr. Maldonado with attempted kidnapping, alleging the defendant, who stands 5 feet

10 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds, attempted to abduct the girl either by force or “by any other means of instilling fear,” with the intention of taking her elsewhere. The charge is a serious and/or violent felony.

Prosecutors also alleged aggravating factors, contending the alleged crime involved great violence, great bodily harm, and threat of great bodily harm or other act disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness or callousness. Prosecutors noted that the victim was particularly vulnerable.

They also alleged Mr. Maldonado engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society.

He also is charged with two misdemeanors, one for allegedly annoying or molesting a child under 18, and the other for resisting arrest.

Prosecutors said they intend to introduce evidence of any prior acts of sexual offenses committed by the defendant.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

N ew booK

Continued from Page A1

Ms. Cantin continued, highlighting the importance of talking about death as a way of being vulnerable and raw.

“Death is taboo to talk about in American culture, but we need to talk about it,” she told the News-Press. “It’s a part of life.”

Not only did the writing process turn out to be a cathartic experience, but Ms. Cantin said it helped her to recognize “stops along the way” that offered her hope.

Whether it was finding Jack’s ultrasound photo at Butterfly Beach 404 days after the mudflow, or the Santa Barbara area community coming together to support her family and other families that were affected by the mudslides, these “stops” gave Ms. Cantin hope. They gave her the resolve to continue her journey for peace throughout the mudslide’s aftermath.

It is no coincidence that “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom” was released over Easter

GREEN, Ralph Lanier

weekend. Ms. Cantin explained that even though her story is full of grief, it is ultimately a story of hope and love. To take the symbolism even further, the book was first announced on Valentine’s Day.

Moreover, although the book can be considered a memoir or grief book, it reads more like an action novel due to the firstperson accounts and the dramatic nature of the events.

A movie was actually suggested instead of the book, but Ms. Cantin said she thought that a book would be more personal and intimate for accessing grief and facilitating growth — although, she added, “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom” definitely has big screen potential.

Ms. Cantin further describes the book as a “testament to and a portrait of a compassionate community,” never forgetting to emphasize the “unparalleled support” that the Santa Barbara community provided her family. And that community support did not just come from people that she knew. Oftentimes, it came from people she did not know, some staying steadfast in their support for years to

Ralph Lanier Green, age 86, passed away on April 8, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born in Albany, California to William and Ruby Green (née Lanier) on April 25, 1936. Ralph studied foreign languages and pre-medicine at the University of California at Berkeley and went on to graduate with a Doctor of Medicine from the University of California at San Francisco. Following graduation, Ralph served his country with honor as an Army medical doctor in the European theater at the rank of Captain. Ralph enjoyed success as one of the first private practice OB-GYNs in Santa Barbara, delivering thousands of babies during his career that spanned fifty years. Before all else, Ralph was a man of faith, serving as an Elder in the Turnpike Road Church of Christ. He loved singing and showed his faith through action, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara; children, Jonathan, Stephen, and Benjamin; six grandchildren, Donovan, Broderick, Emma, Kai, Amelie, and Abbey; and sister Carolyn. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service in Ralph’s honor will be held on Saturday, April 15 at 1:00 - 2:00 pm at Turnpike Road Church of Christ in Santa Barbara. Ralph is already deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. We are grateful for the time we had with Ralph and for the love and support of those around us at this difficult time.

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MANNING, Alfred B. Jr.

Alfred B. Manning, Jr., 92, passed away March 7, 2023 in Paso Robles, California, at home surrounded by family.

Born Feb. 12, 1931, at Cottage Hospital to Alfred, Sr. and Frances Gertrude, Al was the eldest of three, growing up with brothers Robert and William.

Al graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1949, and studied in various trades and fire sciences in Santa Monica and Santa Barbara City College.

He started his career as a carpenter, going on to become a firefighter for the city of Santa Barbara. After retiring as captain, he continued serving as a contractor for the Forestry Service until he was 82 years old.

Al was also an entrepreneur, successfully running rental properties and The Peg Too (Goleta), a popular women’s clothing store.

He had a lifelong passion for classic hot rods (member of the Bent Axels in Santa Maria). He loved to entertain family and friends, and drive his speed boats at Lake Nacimiento in Paso Robles, where he enjoyed his final years.

Al is survived by family across California, Oregon and Arizona, including his wife Kristina; brother Robert (Ann); his three sons Michael (Judy), Terry (Kathy) and Gary (Serada); two stepchildren Porfirio Landeros (Laetitia) and Sandra Thomas.

He also is survived by seven grandchildren: Robert, Danielle, Kristen, Krystal, Michelle, Wayne, and Tara; six great-grandchildren: Isabel Rose, Ayden James, Wayette Von, Silas Orion, Maxwell and Elizabeth.

at Paso Robles Cemetery.

come.

Just as the Santa Barbara community helped Ms. Cantin in her grief journey, she wants to help others through their grief journeys.

Ms. Cantin said that what happened to her and her family checks all the boxes for a bad situation, and if she could get through it, she hopes that she might be able to help others get through their struggles.

She said it is her hope that “Where Yellow Flowers Bloom” lands in the hands of people who need help accessing and working through grief, or even people who just need help approaching new challenges.

Through this experience, Ms. Cantin has changed, and she has adapted to where life is currently. Now, she said, her soul is filled more by helping others, so she does not plan on going back into the medical device industry.

She is, however, open to speaking engagements to spread her message about learning to accept help from others.

email: cbeehgly@newspress.com

spilling over the dam holds 188,030 acre-feet. An acre-foot is 325,851 gallons, equivalent to the amount of water consumed annually by 10 people in an urban environment.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

Kim Cantin, left, and her daughter Lauren stand in front of the family portrait in their home in Santa Barbara in 2019. The portrait includes David Cantin, Kim’s husband, and Kim and David’s son, Jack. David and Jack died during the Jan. 9, 2018, mudslides in Montecito.

Life theArts

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

‘Beethoven Dreams’

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

The Santa Barbara Symphony is taking a creative approach to one of classical music’s greatest stars: Ludwig van Beethoven. This weekend’s Beethoven concert at The Granada will include a collaboration with the Ensemble Theatre Company’s artistic director, Jonathan Fox. Mr. Fox will direct the West Coast premiere of Ella Milch-Sheriff’s staged monodrama,

“The Eternal Stranger,” based on one of Beethoven’s dreams.

Set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, the “Beethoven Dreams” concert will also feature the symphony playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, featuring piano soloist and Ukrainian native Inna Faliks, and Symphony No. 4.

For “The Eternal Stranger,” the symphony will play Ms. Milch-Sheriff’s music while Ensemble Theatre Company actors John Connolly and Nitya Vidyasagar portray a composer and refugee

Santa Barbara Symphony, Ensemble Theatre Company collaborate on special concert

respectively. They will recite the poem “The Eternal Stranger” as those characters while sharing the stage with the Santa Barbara Symphony.

“They will act and move around the musicians,” Nir Kabaretti, the symphony’s music and artistic director, told the NewsPress. “We also have visual art so there will be a screen (behind the orchestra).

“It’s really a fascinating project,” the symphony’s conductor said. “It’s by an Israeli composer I really like. She (Ms. Milch-Sheriff) was inspired by a letter

Beethoven wrote to a friend where he shared a dream.”

That letter was Beethoven’s letter to his publisher, Tobias Haslinger, in which the composer described a dream he had about a journey to Syria, India, Arabia and finally Jerusalem.

“It’s something that resonates with a lot of people,” Maestro Kabaretti said about Beethoven’s imaginary journey. “It’s finding yourself in a new place with new people.”

Mr. Fox talked to the News-Press about

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. to etcsb.org or call 805-9655400.

7:30 p.m. Nic & Joe — the musical duo of Nicole Lvoff and Joe Woodard — will perform at Roy Restaurant, 7 W. Carrillo Street in Santa Barbara. The two-hour concert will feature music by the Beatles and Joni Mitchell, as well as jazz standards.

‘Once’ brings Guy and Girl together through music

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Guy meets Girl, and they make beautiful music together in “Once.”

The musical, in which a dozen or so actors/musicians will portray characters and play instruments, is being performed by Out of the Box Theatre Company. On stage with them at Center Stage Theater will be some of the audience members (who won’t be called on to act but will get to watch the play from there).

“We have never done a show quite like this before,” said Samantha Eve, the theater company’s founder and artistic director.

“We have 13 actors who play different musicians singing and doing dialects. We have a really great group.”

Based on the 2007 movie of the same name and featuring the film’s folk-indie-rock songs, “Once” follows Guy, an Irish musician played by Ojai singer-guitarist Sam Kulchin, as he meets another musician, Girl, a Czech immigrant portrayed by Mica Basilici.

FYI

Out of the Box Theatre Company will perform “Once” today through April 23 at Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Curtain rises at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

“I like the choice to call them Guy and Girl because they represent archetypes,” Ms. Eve said. “They both represent people who are lost, stuck in their own lives and uncertain how to move forward. Within a course of a week, they meet each other and push each other to create something new.”

There is limited on-stage seating, for ages 12 and older, and that costs $40. Other tickets cost $35 for general admission and $20 for college students and seniors. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org. Those 17 and younger get free admission but must show their ID at will call. (A preshow concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and the bar will be open during the preshow.)

Out of the Box Theatre Company will perform “Once” today through April 23 at Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Curtain rises at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

“Once” is set in Dublin. Guy — that’s the character’s name — is a street musician “who’s at the end of his ropes,” Ms. Eve told the NewsPress. “Nobody wants to hear what he has to share. He’s feeling rejected and lost because of that.”

She said Guy and Girl are each other’s muses in the creative process. “They accomplish more together than they can alone,” Ms. Eve said.

“Once” features the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly” from the 2007 film. It’s a duet between Guy and Girl.

“It’s really lovely and a really simple song,” Ms. Eve said. “The harmony has a really nice feel to it. It’s piano and guitar, then the other instruments come in.

“The chemistry (between Guy and Girl) can be witnessed in that song,” she said. Ms. Eve praised the actors

8 p.m. Out of the Box Theatre Company will perform “Once” a musical about Guy and Girl, who meet on the streets of Dublin at Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara.

Curtain rises at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through April 23. There is limited on-stage seating, for ages 12 and older, and that costs $40. Other tickets cost $35 for general admission and $20 for college students and seniors. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org. Those 17 and younger get free admission but must show their ID at will call. (A pre-show concert starts at 7:30 p.m., and the bar will be open during the pre-show.) For more details, see the story that will appear in Friday’s News-Press or visit www. outoftheboxtheatre.org.

APRIL 15

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform “Beethoven Dreams” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The allBeethoven program will include a collaboration with the Ensemble Theatre Company’s artistic director, Jonathan Fox. Mr. Fox will direct the West Coast premiere of Ella MilchSheriff’s staged monodrama, “The Eternal Stranger,” based on one of Beethoven’s dreams. The concert will also feature the symphony playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and Symphony No. 4. The concert’s piano soloist is Inna Faliks. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

8 p.m. Out of the Box Theatre Company will perform “Once” a musical about Guy and Girl, who meet on the streets of Dublin at Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara.

Curtain rises at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through April 23. There is limited on-stage seating, for ages 12 and older, and that costs $40. Other tickets cost $35 for general admission and $20 for college students and seniors. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org. Those 17 and younger get free admission but must show their ID at will call. (A pre-show concert starts at 7:30 p.m. April 15, and the bar will be open during the pre-show.) For more details, see the story that will appear in Friday’s News-Press or visit www.outoftheboxtheatre.org.

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

(Sam Kulchin) and Girl (Mica Basilici) meet in “Once,” a musical that the Out of the Box Theatre is performing at Center Stage Theater.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Ensemble Theatre Company actress Nitya Vidyasagar will portray a refugee during the Santa Barbara Symphony’s performance of “The Eternal Stranger.” The music and poetry are inspired by one of Beethoven’s dreams. John Connolly will play a composer feeling a sense of alienation during the same performance.

Please see SYMPHONY on B2

Woodstock project coming to Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Did you attend Woodstock? If so, an oral history project wants you.

Woodstock is not just one story — it’s 450,000 stories — and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts wants to hear them all.

The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair in New York state and is committed to the collection

SYMPHONY

Continued from Page B1

and preservation of stories from the people who know Woodstock best. Since 2020, the museum has been collecting oral histories from around the country, and on May 1 and 2, the museum is coming to Santa Barbara.

Museum curators are traveling to Santa Barbara to hear stories about peace, love and music on both days from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in 90-minute

COURTESY PHOTOS

John Yau and Joan Tanner in conversation

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art presents a unique conversation between renowned poet and art critic John Yau and artist Joan Tanner.

The event will take place at 3:30 p.m. April 30 at SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

Dr. Yau is a professor of critical

studies at Rutgers University and has been a prominent voice in the art world since 1975 with his extensive writing on contemporary art criticism.

Ms. Tanner is the subject of a solo exhibition at SBMA titled “Out of Joint: Joan Tanner” (on display through May 14). In this conversation, Mr. Yau and Ms. Tanner will reflect on

how to avoid cliché and stilted ways of writing and artmaking. They will discuss the concept of staying “out of joint.” Tickets are free for SBMA members and students and cost $5, otherwise. They are available at tickets. sbma.net.

— Caleb Beeghly

Lompoc Pop Orchestra plans April concert

LOMPOC — The Lompoc Pops Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 24 at the First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc. The orchestra is conducted by Dr. Brian Asher Alhadeff. Dr. Alhadeff is also the conductor of the San Luis Obispo Opera Orchestra.

Jennifer Freye will be the featured vocalist of the concert, with performances of “Hello, Young Lovers” from “The King and I” as well as “Memory” from “Cats.” Anyssa Neumnn, featured pianist, will also performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. The program also includes renditions of “Around the World in

80 Days,” “A Tribute To Bob Hope.” and “Star Trek Throughout The Years.”

Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for all full time students, and free for children 12 and under. Reservations can be made by contacting 805-733-1796.

— Kira Logan

Artemis comes to UCSB

Artemis, an international jazz ensemble made up of six women, will perform at 7 p.m. April 23 at UCSB Campbell Hall.

The ensemble was founded in 2017 and is named after the Greek goddess of the hunt.

The ensemble consists of pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes, trumpeter Ingrid Jenson, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, alto saxophonist and

flutist Alexa Tarantino, bassist Norike Ueda and drummer Allison Miller.

Artemis’ music ranges from modern compositions to jazz classics by Thelonious Monk, Lee Morganand Wayne Shorter. Audience members may arrive early at 4 p.m. for a free Q&A and behind-the-scenes open sound check. Register at thematic-learning.org/2022-2023.

Elubia’s Kitchen will be serving dinner before the show from 5 to 7 P.M., outside of the event.

Tickets range from $30 to $45 for the general public and are $15 for UCSB students who show a current student ID. To purchase, go to www. artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

— Kira Logan

the characters being portrayed by the Ensemble Theatre Company actors as they recite the poem. He said Mr. Connolly’s character is a composer creating music and confronting his own sense of alienation.

Ms. Vidyasagar’s character, the refugee, also is dealing with a sense of alienation from society.

It’s a universal theme, Mr. Fox said. “We feel we’re a stranger at one point or another from the time we’re born to the time we die.”

He noted the poem is in the score. “Sometimes it’s very rhythmic.”

Sometimes it’s also sung (with the actors matching the pitches of the melody as they speak).

“I think the value of all art is to make us feel less alone,” Mr. Fox said. “Feeling alone is interesting to examine within the context of the music.”

Maestro Kabaretti said Ms. Milch-Sheriff’s music has some Mediterranean elements and uses the full orchestra. “She used pretty much the same orchestra Beethoven would have used.”

Maestro Kabaretti added he’s glad to have Ms. Faliks as the pianist for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.

“She’s been on my list for a long time,” Maestro Kabaretti said. “She’s a very artistic person and has a lot of interests beyond music. She’s a very poetic player, sophisticated and smart.”

Another selection in this weekend’s concerts is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, which is less well-known than his other compositions such as his third, fifth or ninth symphonies.

But Maestro Kabaretti said it’s his favorite Beethoven symphony. He added it’s more lyrical and lighter than Beethoven’s dramatic third and fifth symphonies.

He said Symphony No. 4 is happier than Symphony No. 5.

“Beethoven himself liked it,” he said.

Maestro Kabaretti also noted Symphony No. 4 was the first Beethoven symphony he conducted. That happened during an orchestral conducting competition in France before his professional career started.

“I have a long history and nostalgic feeling toward the piece,” the conductor said. email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform “Beethoven Dreams” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

ONCE

Continued from Page B1

playing the two characters — Mr. Kulchin as Guy and Ms. Basilici as Girl.

“Sam had seen the movie and loves the movie,” Ms. Eve said. She said Mr. Kulchin has played at farmers’ markets and in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, so he

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

APRIL 16

2 p.m. Out of the Box Theatre Company will perform “Once” a musical about Guy and Girl, who meet on the streets of Dublin at Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara. Curtain rises at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through April 23. There is limited on-stage seating, for ages 12 and older, and that costs $40. Other tickets cost $35 for general admission and $20 for college students and seniors. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org. Those 17 and younger get free admission but must show their ID at will call. (A pre-show concert starts at 1:30 p.m. April 16, and the bar will be open during the pre-

intervals. Appointments are now open. Contact Maureen “Mo” McFadden at McFadden & McFadden P.R., 805-689-5053, or send an email to: oralhistory@ bethelwoodscenter.org to schedule an interview. For more information, visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org/ woodstock-oral-history-initiative.

— Marilyn McMahon

can relate with his character’s experience in trying to share his music with the world.

Ms. Basilici has a cast recording by the Broadway cast of “Once.”

“They both came to ‘Once,’ familiar with the material but in different ways,” Ms. Eve said.

She said some of the actors will be seated on stage with some audience members who have purchased tickets to watch the play

show.) For more details, see the story that will appear in Friday’s News-Press or visit www.outoftheboxtheatre.org.

3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform “Beethoven Dreams” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The all-Beethoven program will include a collaboration with the Ensemble Theatre Company’s artistic director, Jonathan Fox. Mr. Fox will direct the West Coast premiere of Ella Milch-Sheriff’s staged monodrama, “The Eternal Stranger,” based on one of Beethoven’s dreams. The concert will also feature the symphony playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and Symphony No. 4. The concert’s piano soloist is Inna Faliks. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb. org.

APRIL 21

8 p.m. Sō Percussion with Caroline

from seats on the stage. The rest of the audience will watch from the theater’s usual seats.

“So much of this musical is about connection and using music to connect with people and that connection with the audience,” Ms. Eve said. “Center Stage is perfect for such an intimate setting.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

Shaw will perform at UCSB Campbell Hall. Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw joins Sō Percussion as vocalist for 10 songs she co-composed with the quartet members. Tickets are $20 to $35 for the general public and $10 for UCSB students with current student ID. TO purchase, call Arts & Lectures at 805-893-3535 or go to www. artsandlecturesucsb.edu.

APRIL 25

7:30 p.m. The American Theatre Guild will present “Anastasia” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The new Broadway musical follows a brave young woman on a journey to discover the mystery of the past. This production transports the audiences from the twilight of the Russian empire to Paris in the 1920s. Tickets cost $54 to $129. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

— Dave Mason

At left is art critic John Yau, photographed by Jack Mitchell/Getty Images, and right is a courtesy photo of artist Joan Tanner in her studio. They will have a conversation about art April 30 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS

“She (composer Ella Milch-Sheriff) was inspired by a letter Beethoven wrote to a friend where he shared a dream,” said Nir Kabaretti, music and artistic director of the Santa Barbara Symphony.

COURTESY PHOTO

“I think the value of all art is to make us feel less alone,” said Jonathan Fox, artistic director of Ensemble Theatre Company.

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Friday, April 14, 2023

ARIES — You’re peerless when it comes to your ability to sway others to your point of view, Aries. Today you may be put on the spot and asked to defend a position in front of many people. You will do just fine, surprising everyone but you. You handle a microphone with ease and work an audience until they’re putty in your hands. You could sell anything!

TAURUS — Don’t be surprised if you get a sudden windfall today, Taurus. It may come in the form of cash. More likely it will be an opportunity of some kind. Perhaps a business partner has suggested you branch into a more lucrative area. Perhaps you decide to go into business for yourself. Whatever it is, you’re bound to succeed.

GEMINI — You have a quick mind, Gemini, which you don’t use to anywhere near its full capacity. Think of your brain as a thoroughbred horse, trained to run at high speed. This type of animal is miserable if kept penned up, unable to run and stretch. Your mind needs similar room to stretch and grow.

CANCER — A day off is just what the doctor ordered, Cancer. Try to get some rest. Spend time curled up with a good book. Only go out with friends if you’re feeling absolutely stir crazy. You should do no work. Your body and spirit crave a break. Take care of your basic need to refresh yourself. Everything else will fall into place afterward.

LEO — With today’s planetary energies, Leo, you can expect a lot of contact with friends. In fact, just when you thought you’d never receive another invitation or attend another party, one comes your way. Even though you may feel partied out right now, resist the urge to decline. You’re likely to meet a very interesting person at this next bash.

VIRGO — You have a keen intellect and unparalleled persuasive powers, Virgo. If you aren’t an attorney, you should be. All signs indicate that your career is about to skyrocket. Career and financial success are pretty much guaranteed with today’s planetary configuration. If you have a mate to share this good fortune with, consider

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Friday, April 14, 2023

A player at my club, one of our members of the Jewish faith, and I were talking about Hanukkah and the menorah miracle — when the oil in the lamp inexplicably lasted eight days. “I can identify with it,” my friend said. “I recreate that miracle when my tube of toothpaste is about gone.”

Today’s declarer had to squeeze out 10 tricks at four hearts. He seemed to have only nine — and a spade, a diamond and two clubs to lose. At Trick Two, West shifted to a trump, and South drew trumps with the A-K and led a club. West took his ace and led a third club to dummy.

PLAYS LOW

South next led a trump to his hand and returned the five of spades. West had to play low, and the king won. South then took two more trumps.

With four tricks left, West was strip-squeezed. He had to keep his queen of diamonds guarded and so bared his ace of spades. So South exited with a spade, and West had to lead a diamond, conceding the contract. It was no miracle by South, just good play.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: A J 7 6 3

You open one spade, your partner responds two hearts, you bid 2NT and he rebids

yourself doubly blessed.

LIBRA — Your mental powers should be especially acute today, Libra. Your mind will be quick and receptive and your communicative abilities exceptionally sharp. You feel on top of the world, as though you could sell anything to anybody! Make the most of this surge of intellectual power by beginning any new projects you’ve been considering.

SCORPIO — Your creativity will be high today, Scorpio, inspiring you to paint or write. If you’re unable to take time to satisfy your muse, at least take some small steps to ensure your abilities don’t lie fallow. How about signing up for a class or joining a writing group? The ongoing contact and support will give your talents a big boost.

SAGITTARIUS — Today you’re going to want to shut out the world and be alone with your thoughts, Sagittarius. You’re caught up in the introspective energies at play. You may not be very cooperative, and may even wish to spend time on more solitary activities. Indulge yourself. You might want to take time alone to meditate.

CAPRICORN — Today indicates that you can expect to make a leap in your career, Capricorn. Your intellect and communicative skills have served you well in the past months, paving the way for advancement. You may decide to try hard to be sure the promotion occurs.

AQUARIUS — If you’ve been considering a career in writing or teaching, Aquarius, this is an ideal day to put some plans into motion. Your imagination and inspiration are highlighted, as is your facility with words. This combination pretty much guarantees that you could sell anything to anyone. If you’re ready to pitch a book proposal to a publisher, do it now.

PISCES — You aren’t one to put much stock in the meanings of dreams, but you may have had a dream recently that was so accurate in its prediction as to be almost scary. Certainly it was uncanny. Write down everything you remember about it and then discuss the images with a friend. Don’t worry, Pisces, your friend won’t laugh at you.

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday-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

three hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner suggests long hearts — a six-card or maybe a sevencard suit — but minimum values for a two-level response. (Even in a style where a two-over-one response forces to game, many pairs treat this sequence as not forcing.) You have some prime cards. Raise to four hearts.

West dealer

“To create well I have to be in a good mood, happy and cool.”

— Marc Newson