Santa Barbara News-Press: May 26, 2023

Big weekend for tourism

nEWs-PRE ss EXCLU siVE

Alleged fentanyl distributors to stand trial together

Defendants accused of distributing fentanyl that led to inmate’s death at Northern Branch jail

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Two Santa Barbara County men charged with distributing fentanyl inside the Northern Branch jail — resulting in two inmates overdosing and one of them dying — are expected to stand trial together in early December, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The defendants, Kaelen Wendel and Michael Villapania, were indicted for distributing fentanyl that led to the Oct. 20, 2022 death of one jail inmate and serious bodily injury to a second at the county’s Northern Branch Jail near Santa Maria, Sheriff Bill Brown announced earlier

this month.

A federal grand jury indicted the pair in January, charging them both with “the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury.” The inmate who died was identified only as “E.E.” in the indictment. The inmate who sustained serious bodily injury was identified only as “J.V.” Mr. Villapania pleaded not guilty to the federal charge on March 23, Ciaran McEvoy, public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, told the NewsPress. His trial was scheduled to start May 16, but was continued until Dec. 4, Mr. McEvoy said. Mr. Wendell pleaded not

Please see FENTAN YL on A6

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The holiday weekend is here, and many people will be exploring the beautiful city of Santa Barbara to celebrate.

Coined as the “unofficial start to summer,” Memorial Day weekend will attract tourists from all over the world.

“It is shaping up to be a great

weekend in Santa Barbara, with partly sunny skies and mild temperatures,” Kathy JanegaDykes, president and CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, told the News-Press Friday. “Between the waterfront, downtown, and into the regions of Summerland, Montecito and Goleta, visitors are sure to have a memorable time along the Santa Barbara South Coast.”

Ms. Janega-Dykes also noted, “Three-day weekends are important to both local businesses and the area’s visitors. Memorial Day weekend is a great time for families to gather and explore together on the water, and throughout our beautiful community.”

This weekend will bring popular events to the city, including the I Madonnari Street Painting Festival, which will have street painters create 130 vibrant, large scale, intricately detailed images on the pavement at the Santa Barbara Mission’s plaza. Guests of all ages can enjoy this free event with food vendors, live music and an authentic Italian market. The festival is taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

For people coming from out of town, Ms. Janega-Dykes suggested a few ideas for their stay. “Santa Barbara is extremely walkable, and guests can easily go shopping, wine tasting, dining and explore other diversions on foot.

“Because a few of the area’s hiking trails were damaged during recent storms and those that are open may be crowded, we recommend heading into Goleta to explore trails, such as the UCSB

North Campus Open Space, which has 136 acres to explore.”

For travelers who are flying this weekend, Angi Daus, a representative from Santa Barbara Airport, said, “It’s going to look busy, and it actually already does! We expect recordbreaking days where over 2,000 passengers will fly out of SBA each day.” Due to this traffic, be prepared and arrive even earlier than you normally do to the airport. SBA has posted a list of tips at flysba. santabarbaraca.gov/news/airporttips-summer-travel.

The American Automobile Association reports that there will be around 360,000 travelers using air travel this weekend, an 11% increase from last year.

More people are also expected on the road.

Doug Shupe, a West Coast spokesman for AAA, said it’s estimated 3.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more away from home this weekend, which is a 7.7% increase from last year and nearly half a percent higher than in 2019, before the pandemic began.

Santa Barbara is the third most traveled city in California during the holiday weekend, according to AAA’s booking data.

Mr. Shupe also told the NewsPress that if you are figuring out when to travel, today will be the busiest day in Southern California. He suggests leaving either very early or late this morning, or on Saturday.

If you are driving this weekend, Mr. Shupe said, “Inspect your vehicle and make sure your car is ready for the road!”

Gas prices have also seen a spike in prices as the weekend approaches. According to AAA, the average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.81, which is two cents higher than last week. In Santa Barbara County, the average on Friday was a few cents higher: $4.86 a gallon. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

“We are in a different time from when we all went to school,” said Hilda Maldonado, superintendent of the Santa Barbara Unified School District, during her State of the Schools address Thursday at the Carrillo Recreation Center.

Superintendent, others discuss State of Schools

By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Parents, teachers, staff and even a few city council members filed into the Carrillo Recreation Center early Thursday morning to hear Santa Barbara Unified Superintendent Hilda Maldonado’s State of the Schools address.

The attendees, numbering around 100, grabbed their coffee and snacks and headed to their seats as the executive director of the Santa Barbara Education

Foundation, Pedro Paz, started the meeting.

“We all know education is a fundamental right, and is key to development,” said Mr. Paz. “This year we’re focusing on putting more money in the classrooms and exploring new partnerships in our communities.”

Mr. Paz also announced an increase from $100,000 in awarded teacher grants last year to $150,000 this year.

Mr. Paz then introduced Dr.

Please see SCHOOLS on A6

A United Airlines passenger jet takes off from Santa Barbara Airport, where a record-breaking 2,000 passengers are expected to fly each day during this holiday weekend.

Kathy Janega-Dykes, president and CEO of Visit Santa Barbara, seen speaking at a tourism summit in this photo, told the News-Press that Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a great one in Santa Barbara, with partly sunny skies and mild temperatures.

More CHP officers on patrol

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

— Beginning at 6:01 tonight, the California Highway Patrol will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend’s increased traffic.

The MEP will continue through 11:59 p.m. Monday.

“The core mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security to the communities we serve,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This holiday, motorists can expect to see additional CHP officers patrolling California’s roadways. All available uniformed members of this department will be on patrol during this Memorial Day MEP. Our primary focus will be to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.”

In addition to assisting motorists and looking for traffic violations that often lead to serious injury or death, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speed, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people who are suspected of driving under the

influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

CHP officers made nearly 900 DUI arrests during the Memorial Day MEP in 2022. What’s more, 45 people were killed in crashes in California during last year’s Memorial Day weekend, nearly a 30% increase from the same period in 2021.

Motorists are urged to keep the road safe by designating a sober driver or using a ride-share service.

If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-11 immediately, CHP said. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.

— Neil Hartstein

Meeting to cover Montecito project

MONTECITO — A community meeting to review construction staging for the Highway 101: Montecito Project is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 1 at the Montecito Inn, 1295 Coast Village Road. The Highway 101: Montecito Project will start in mid-June. The public is encouraged to

Settlement reached with Walmart over sale of brass knuckles

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - “Illegal weapons have no place in California. The settlement we have reached with Walmart makes crystal clear that online retailers are responsible for what they are allowing to be offered for sale in our state,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

In a complaint filed by the attorney general, Mr. Bonta alleges that Wallmart.com sold approximately 250 products that may be classified as brass knuckles and that 60% were

City of Santa Barbara collects $2.6 million in TOT taxes

SANTA BARBARA — The city of Santa Barbara collected $2.6 million in Transient Occupancy Taxes for April.

Although that month’s TOT revenues were about 4% below the monthly budget, continuing the slowing trend in hotel activity that has emerged in the last three months, year-to-date TOT revenues are coming in 10% over budget.

The number of people visiting Santa Barbara and lodging in

sold directly by Walmart, which has stores in Santa Maria and Ventura, while the remaining 40% were sold by third-party sellers that use their e-commerce platform.

“Walmart has engaged in acts or practices that constitute unfair competition as defined in the Business and Professions Code,” the complaint stated.

A press release from the Department of Justice office said “Offering or exposing for sale of metal knuckles and other dangerous weapons in violation of applicable Penal Code sections

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hotels in the spring and summer months is typically strong, according to the city of Santa Barbara.

The Transient Occupancy Tax is a tax on “transient” guests staying in any hotel, inn, motel or other commercial lodging establishment for less than 31 days.

The city has collected $25.3 million through April, the 10 month in the city’s fiscal year. The city’s adopted TOT budget for all funds is $28.3 million, of which $23.6 million is budgeted in the General Fund. The city’s TOT tax rate is 12%, of which 10% goes to the city’s General Fund. The rest goes to the Creeks/Clean Water Fund.

– Neil Hartstein

sign up for construction updates via info@sbroads.com, at www. SBROADS.com, or by calling 805845-5112.

The Montecito segment is one of five segments in the Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara project. Caltrans said the Carpinteria segment is built and is being landscaped. The Padaro and Summerland segments are in construction. The Montecito segment is starting mid-June, and the Santa Barbara segment is in the permitting process. Additional information is at www.SBROADS. com.

The Montecito segment will add a new peak-period carpool lane in each direction from the Romero Creek Bridge north to Olive Mill Road along with new on- and offramps. There will also be northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes (lanes connecting on-ramps and off-ramps to improve merging) between San Ysidro and Olive Mill Roads. New bridges will be built over Romero, San Ysidro, and Oak

Creeks.

Construction is scheduled from mid-June 2023 through 2026.

Funding in the Advanced Work area is provided by state and regional funds and Measure A. Funding for the remainder of the project is expected to be announced later in June.

— Neil Hartstein

CERT training in Montecito

MONTECITO — The Montecito Fire Department recently hosted a free four-day Community Emergency Response Team training. Ten CERT participants learned skills including fire suppression, disaster medical operations and rescue operations.

“Congrats to all our participants and thanks for preparing for future emergencies!”, fire officials said.

– Neil Hartstein

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CALTRANS GRAPHIC

This graphic shows the plan for the Highway 101: The Montecito Project.

Sports

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023

Nevada rolls out plan to bring Oakland A’s to Vegas with up to $375M in taxpayer funds

By CHRIS WOODWARD THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Nevada officials announced an agreement to bring the Oakland A’s franchise to Las Vegas with a plan that includes hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.

Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo said in a news release that negotiations have been going on for months between the state, Clark County, and the Oakland A’s.

According to the governor’s office, the franchise would relocate to

the Las Vegas strip in a publiclyowned, 30,000 seat stadium with a retractable roof at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue.

“I believe it gives us a tremendous opportunity to continue building on the professional sports infrastructure of southern Nevada,” Gov. Lombardo said. “Las Vegas is clearly a sports town, and Major League Baseball should be a part of it.”

The project, which will cost an estimated $1.5 billion to complete,

would be paid for in part with “public financing constituting less than 25 percent of the cost,” according to the governor’s office. That would equate to up to $375 million in taxpayer funds.

While some critics argue taxpayer-funded sports complexes aren’t a good use of public dollars, Democratic Nevada Treasurer Zach Conine argued the agreement “minimizes the risk to Nevada taxpayers in the most fiscally responsible manner.”

“I’m also pleased that this project will leverage the most

private investment of any baseball stadium in the country,” he added.

Chris Douglas, professor of economics at University of Michigan-Flint, disagreed that the proposal would benefit Nevada taxpayers.

“A stadium that is closed for 88% of the year cannot support surrounding businesses that are open for 100% of the year,” Mr. Douglas told The Center Square. “A public/private partnership of ‘only’ 25% of the total construction cost still consists of $375 million

in taxpayer dollars being used to construct something that provides absolutely no benefit to taxpayers.”

“Using taxpayer dollars to build a baseball stadium is a complete waste of money and will only serve to increase the A’s owner’s profits,” he said. “If the A’s want to move to Vegas, then fine, but they should pay for their own stadium just like any other business would pay for its own facilities.”

Lawmakers are drafting legislation to put the agreement before the Nevada Legislature.

“I am excited that we have finally received the A’s proposal and we are currently reviewing it,” Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, D-Las Vegas, said in a statement. “As I have continuously said throughout this process, no commitment will be made until we have both evaluated the official proposal and received input from interested parties, including impacted community members. At the end of the day, any decision will be guided by what is best for Nevadans, our economy, and our communities.”

UCSB’s Barrett a Pitcher of the Year semifinalist Warriors off and running in final NAIA Championships

By ERIC BOOSE

UCSB SPORTS WRITER

UCSB’s freshman left-handed pitcher Hudson Barrett has been named one of 25 semifinalists for the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year Award, one of just two freshmen to make the list. Working primarily out of the bullpen, Barrett has appeared in 20 games for the Gauchos so far this season and holds a 1.58 ERA in 57 innings pitched, the lowest ERA among all qualified Division I pitchers. In his 17 relief appearances, he has allowed only three runs, giving him a remarkable 0.68 ERA across 40 innings as a reliever. He also leads the Gauchos with six saves, and holds a 5-0 record on the season.

The College Baseball Foundation and College Baseball Hall of Fame established the Pitcher of the Year Award in 2009. The collegiate version of Major League Baseball’s Cy Young Award, it is given annually to the nation’s top collegiate pitcher.

If Barrett were to win, he would become the first freshman to take home the award, and just the second relief pitcher after Arkansas’ Kevin Kopps in 2021. Barrett would be the sixth lefty in the last seven years to win it.

The winner will be announced in June, at a date to be confirmed.

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

Free!

By JACOB NORLING WESTMONT SPORTS WRITER

Westmont Men’s and Women’s Track and Field began competition in their final NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships on Wednesday, when the festivities opened up in Marion, Indiana. The Warriors had several athletes competing on Wednesday, and by night’s end had their first tickets punched into the finals of multiple events.

The headline of the day one, however, belonged to Westmont’s Abby Rumohr, who at long last achieved NAIA All-American status in the women’s pole vault.

Rumohr has been within a clearance or two of All-American honors on multiple occasions in the past, including as recently as this March, when the junior finished in 10th place at Indoor Nationals. Today, Rumohr cleared 3.45m and 3.50m on her second try at each height, before clearing 3.60m on her first attempt.

Then, after failing to get over the bar at 3.65m on her first two attempts, Rumohr tied her careerbest clearance of 3.65m on her third attempt, putting her within one clearance of All-American honors with nine competitors remaining.

On her first attempt at 3.70m (121.75), Rumohr became only the third woman in program history to clear the height, putting All-American honors within sight. After the eventual ninth-place finisher failed to clear 3.70m, Rumohr and her coach, Brett Shagena, embraced, as Rumohr had finally gotten over the hump in her final NAIA meet.

Rumohr was unable to clear 3.75m, but finished the pole vault in sixth place, allowing the junior to leave with an NAIA All-American medal for the first time in her career.

“Indoors was really disappointing for me this year,” acknowledged Rumohr. “I really wanted to be an AllAmerican, I really wanted a PR, and I had a chance to do both, but failed to do so. The fact that I did both here, is huge.

“It was my last shot, and I pulled through. I couldn’t be more stoked about that. The whole way down the runway I was just wanting to give glory to the Lord. He’s gotten me here, and I’m glorifying Him with this ability that He’s given me.”

Shagena echoed Rumohr, saying, “She did it all to glorify God, and she did just that. I’m so proud of her. She’s put so much work in this past year, and the years leading up to this as well. She deserves this one.”

When asked about becoming a topthree pole vaulter in program history, a surprised Rumohr smiled, laughed, and said, “That’s pretty cool. I didn’t know that. I’m someone that doesn’t like to know numbers or records until I’ve gotten results. Not that it’s over, knowing that, that’s pretty exciting.”

Also competing for the women on Wednesday were the Hundley sisters, who competed in the preliminaries of the 1500 meter run. Madden Hundley posted a time of 4:54.08, and Abigail Hundley posted a time of 4:54.92. Madden finished prelims in 15th, while Abigail finished in 17th, which unfortunately was not high enough to advance either to the 1500 finals.

Westmont’s 4x100 meter relay team of McKenna Phillips, Siena Keck, Jaiden Rodrigues, and Charlotte Williams posted a time of 47.91 in the prelims of the race. With the 21sthighest time of prelims, the relay team was unable to advance to the finals of the race.

For the men, Westmont’s first advancement belonged to junior Zola Sokhela, who entered the week with 11 NAIA All-American honors.

On Wednesday, Sokhela posted the fourth-fastest time of the 1500 meter prelims, advancing to Friday’s finals with a time of 3:54.02.

Sokhela won the 1500 meter final as

a freshman in 2021, before finishing the event in third place a year ago. Also competing in the 1500 meter run prelims was senior Adam King, who posted a time of 3:58.71. With an 18th-place finish, King was unable to advance to Friday’s finals. King and Sokhela had a couple hours to gather themselves, before teaming up with Andres Leon and Jack Vanden Heuvel in the prelims of the 4x800 meter relay. The group that has grown accustomed to AllAmerican honors in recent years gave themselves the opportunity to do so again, as the men posted the thirdbest time of prelims, crossing the finish line at 7:39.29.

On Thursday night at 6:30 p.m., the men will attempt to both set the program record, and win a national championship. While typically Sokhela runs only the prelims of the relay, before focusing on his individual events, Sokhela plans on competing alongside his teammates on Thursday, as the group chases history.

“From a personal level, it’s meaningful to do the same events that I did my freshman year, my first year in the NAIA,” explained Sokhela. “This being our last NAIA Championships, it seems right to go

Speakers:

DeSantis reshapes Republican primary, sparks wave of opposition, support

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis kicked off his 2024 presidential campaign Wednesday night, reshaping the Republican primary field and forcing Republicans to take sides.

Former President Donald Trump welcomed Gov. DeSantis to the primary race with a barrage of attacks on his platform of choice, TruthSocial.

“‘Rob,’ My Red Button is bigger, better, stronger, and is working (TRUTH!), yours does not! (per my conversation with Kim Jung Un, of North Korea, soon to become my friend!),” he wrote.

Mr. Trump posted several videos of Gov. DeSantis as well. One video points out how a Trump endorsement likely propelled Gov. DeSantis to victory in his Florida governor’s race in 2018. The video features old campaign videos where Gov. DeSantis held a Trump sign, praised Mr. Trump, and thanked him for standing by him, even “when it wasn’t necessarily the smart thing to do.”

Gov. DeSantis secured billionaire Elon Musk’s endorsement as well as praise from U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., during the Twitter Spaces event. U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., wore a “Make America Great Again” hat to Capitol Hill Thursday morning, hours after DeSantis’ announcement.

On Twitter, pundits and popular conservative voices chose sides, posting in favor or against Gov. DeSantis through the night and into the morning depending on their allegiances. The announcement has divided the party more than any other.

Many Republicans hope Gov.

DeSantis can provide the party with a more effective, drama-free, post-Trump future while others think Mr. Trump is the only way to take on the deep state and liberal establishment.

Gov. DeSantis was widely mocked for the technical glitches of his announcement, which was delayed more than 20 minutes as Mr. Musk and entrepreneur and author David Sacks, who moderated the Twitter Spaces event, tried to get the production working.

Mr. Sacks waved off the technical glitches, saying they were likely “melting the servers” and likely breaking records with their Twitter announcement. There is dispute over the actual number of online attendees with different outlets reporting different figures, but Gov. DeSantis had several hundred thousand users listening in for his event to begin before many gave up because of the technical difficulties. Gov. DeSantis’ team claimed that within 15 hours of the announcement, it had more than 30 million views.

Gov. DeSantis’ camp tried to reframe the technical issues as “breaking the internet,” a sign of overwhelming interest. Mr. Musk said on the broadcast that breaking new ground online, especially while live, naturally comes with these kinds of issues.

Liberal media outlets poured in criticism of Gov. DeSantis for the launch with a string of blistering headlines. Politico called the tech failures “horrendous” while the Washington Post said it “didn’t work.” CNN called the launch “embarrassing,” and NBC said the launch “melts down.”

It is worth noting, though, that both Mr. Trump and Gov. DeSantis have built their brands by mocking and

disregarding those very same media outlets.

Mr. Trump jumped on this opportunity as well, sharing a video on Truth Social of one of Mr. Musk’s rockets failing to launch and then exploding with Gov. DeSantis’ logo overlaid on the crashing missile.

“I know Ron,” Mr. Trump said. “The way he handled his announcement, he will handle the Country!”

During the Twitter event, Gov. DeSantis took subtle shots at Mr. Trump without naming him, saying he had frustration with the former president’s inability to enact his agenda and blasted the “culture of losing” in the GOP.

Gov. DeSantis hit on several key issues for Republican voters during his announcement, namely the border crisis, rising crime, critical race theory, media bias and censorship as well as the government response to COVID-19, saying his response in Florida kept states around the country from “rolling lockdowns.”

“First, we need an honest reckoning about what happened during COVID,” Gov. DeSantis

said, calling the federal pandemic response “authoritarian” and not in line with the data. “I saw an interest in the narrative and politics over evidence...”

The first GOP caucus is in Iowa on Jan. 22, 2024, while the first GOP primary is Jan. 30 of the same year in New Hampshire. The first group of states holding their presidential primary votes is in March of next year.

Polling from Morning Consult surveyed Republican primary voters and put Gov. DeSantis in second place among the contenders with 18% support, though far behind Mr. Trump, who came in at 61% support.

Radio host and commentator Larry Elder, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy have announced their 2024 ambitions as well. The Morning Consult poll put Gov. Haley and Mr. Ramaswamy both at 4% support. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, RS.C., announced he is running on Monday.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is still considering a bid.

was too easy for our investigators to make online purchases of illegal brass knuckles’

WALMART

Continued from Page A2 violates the unlawful prong of the Unfair Competition Law, Business and Professions Code sections

17200.”

“It was too easy for our investigators to make online purchases of illegal brass knuckles,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Walmart, and other retailers need to take a hard look at their online sales practices and ensure that they are in compliance with California law.”

Along with Merced County

District Attorney Nicole Silveira, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, and Yolo County

District Attorney Jeff Reisig, Mr. Bonta announced that a settlement was reached with Walmart marking the result of an investigation conducted by the California Department of Justice in partnership with the District Attorney’s Offices of Merced, Ventura, and Yolo Counties.

“I’d like to thank the legal team from our Consumer Protection Section as well as Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, and Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko for their partnership,” Mr. Bonta said.

The terms of the settlement will require Walmart to pay $125,000 each in civil penalties and costs to the Department of Justice and the district attorneys’ Offices of Merced County, Ventura County and Yolo County amounting to a total settlement of $500,000.

Walmart will also be required to:

- Be prohibited from selling brass knuckles on its website;

- Be required to prohibit thirdparty sellers from offering or exposing for sale or selling illegal weapons on its platform;

- Be required to implement and maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent sales of illegal weapons by thirdparty sellers;

- Be required to provide a mechanism on each individual product page to allow customers to report the offering or exposing for sale or sale of unlawful weapons to California;

- Be required to take reasonable steps to identify California

consumers who have purchased unlawful weapons from Walmart and send a notice to those consumers notifying them that the item may be unlawful and that they may contact their local law enforcement agency for information on how to properly surrender the item; and

- Be required to provide compliance reports for five years on a semi-annual basis for the first year and on an annual basis thereafter.

“Brass knuckles sold online are just as dangerous to our community as if they were sold from a store counter,” said Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira. “Online retailers must

put safety over profits. We are encouraged by the steps taken by Walmart as a result of our investigation and confident that today’s agreement will put an end to future sales.”

The settlement judgment states “Walmart does not admit to the People’s allegations set forth in the Complaint, and does not admit that any violation has occurred. Walmart believes its policies and procedures continue to be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Nevertheless, in exchange for the release provided in the Judgment, Walmart is willing to enter into this Stipulation and the Judgment in order to resolve this matter, and

Indigenous Multimedia Artist Nicholas Galanin

Let Them Enter Dancing and Showing Their Faces

Wed, May 31 / 7:30 PM / UCSB Campbell Hall

FREE (registration recommended)

thereby avoid the significant time and expense of litigation.”

“The Parties have stipulated and consented to the entry of the Judgment without the taking of proof and without trial or adjudication of any fact or law herein, “ the judgment continued.

“Upon being notified by our offices, Walmart’s upper management, IT, and attorneys moved quickly to address the root cause of these weapon sales,” said Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig. “Walmart’s actions have gone a long way in halting what were initially alarming issues and we are looking forward to building upon this good work going forward.”

“Expansive, embracing and grappling with many facets and complexities of what it means to be Native American today.” The Art Newspaper

Multidisciplinary artist Nicholas Galanin, who is of Tlingit and Unanga descent and a citizen of Alaska’s Sitka Tribe, explores conceptions and misconceptions surrounding Indigenous identity.

Justice for All Lead Sponsors:

Marcy Carsey, Connie Frank & Evan Thompson, Eva & Yoel Haller, Dick Wolf, and Zegar Family Foundation

‘It

COURTESY PHOTOS

Former President Donald Trump, left, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

‘Education has gone through a forced transformation’

Day one features numerous competitions for senior Lily Sween

finals.

WESTMONT

Continued from Page A3

out and give it the best chance we have.

“Ideally, if it’s a perfect day, we go for the school record. That would mean we’d have that record forever, and I’d love to be a part of that. I’m grateful to be a part of the strongest four we could put out there, team wise. Andres has been working hard all season, and Jack and Adam, same goes for them. Being a part of this team is special, and no one could say no if being asked to give it one last shot with those guys.”

SCHOOLS

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Maldonado to a lasting applause.

“Education has gone through a forced transformation as a result of the pandemic,” Dr. Maldonado told her audience. “Never in my years did I imagine teachers would be teaching through a screen.”

Dr. Maldonado later talked about Chat GPT, the newly popular artificial intelligence internet tool. “Technology and A.I. are so advanced that I could have just done the following to prepare for my speech,” she said as she pulled the website up on the projector behind her, revealing a chat response to a prompt asking for a speech.

The show of artificial intelligence was not just a gimmick, but served as Dr. Maldonado’s call to action to continue to improve classrooms.

“These changes reflect the need to prepare individuals for a more interconnected world,” Dr. Maldonado said. “We are in a different time from when we all went to school.”

FENTANYL

Continued from Page A1

The conversation then shifted to changes the district has recently made to address various issues.

“It is vital to me to have the voices of students at the center.

That is why I formed a student advisory council to help inform

guilty to the same federal charge on April 24, he said. His trial is still scheduled for June 20, but “there is an agreement between the prosecution and defense to continue Wendell’s trial date to Dec. 4, when he would be tried alongside his co-defendant, Villapania,” Mr. McEvoy said. “We’re awaiting the court’s decision on that request.”

If convicted, each defendant would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment, he said.

Both defendants are incarcerated at Men’s Detention Center, Los Angeles, where they’re being detained without bond.

Assistant U. S. Attorney Suria M. Bahadue of the Criminal Appeals Section is prosecuting the case.

Sheriff Brown joined federal authorities and law enforcement leaders at a May 9 news conference where officials announced a dozen new federal cases targeting fentanyl dealers who, in all but one case, allegedly sold fentanyl and fake pills containing fentanyl that directly resulted in the death of at least one victim. The sheriff specifically noted the indictments of Mr. Wendel and Mr. Villapania.

After the Oct. 20 double overdose, an intensive investigation was conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Bureau, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, revealing that Mr. Wendel, 31, of Lompoc, an inmate who had been arrested for outstanding property crime warrants, had allegedly smuggled fentanyl into the jail and into the housing unit where the overdose occurred, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Mr. Villapania, 35, of Santa Barbara, an inmate who had been arrested for an outstanding probation warrant, a property crime warrant, and a warrant for bringing narcotics into jail, allegedly conspired with Mr. Wendel to sell some of the fentanyl in exchange for jail commissary items, the Sheriff’s Office said.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the investigation following the double overdoses revealed that Mr. Wendel, a new inmate at the

my decisions,” said Dr. Maldonado as she brought on Kavya Suresh, the student member of the Santa Barbara Unified school board. “As we wrap up the school year and enter a new stage I want us all to care — we cannot

facility, brought fentanyl into the unit, and Mr. Villapania, who knew both Mr. Wendel and J.V., brokered a deal with J.V. in which Mr. Villapania allegedly sold some of the drugs in exchange for the commissary items.

“J.V., in turn, allegedly shared some of the drugs with his cellmate, E.E., the inmate who died after ingesting the fentanyl,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

“We must resolutely enforce the laws against those who cavalierly manufacture and distribute dangerous drugs like fentanyl without any regard for the lethal consequences of their reckless actions,” Sheriff Brown said at the May 9 news conference.

“Today we send a strong message to those in Santa Barbara County who sell or distribute this poison,” he said. “It will not be tolerated. If you choose to sell fentanyl in our communities, you do so at your own risk. The Sheriff’s Office and our federal partners will continue to investigate and prosecute those responsible for fentanyl-related overdose deaths, to the fullest extent of the law.”

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada added that his office was “fully committed to combating the fentanyl crisis, which is wreaking so much destruction across this nation.

“Those who traffic in fentanyl should be on notice that our office will hold you accountable and the consequences will be severe,” he said.

“The deadly risks of fentanyl are well known. The cases announced today charge drug dealers who have caused the death or injury of others, and thereby prioritized greed over human life.”

In their initial Oct 20, 2022 news release about the incident, sheriff’s officials said the quick actions and efforts of custody deputies at the Northern Branch Jail resulted in the reversal of two inmate overdoses, but that one inmate was beyond resuscitation.

The custody deputies were alerted around 9:06 p.m. by another inmate that their cellmate in D Unit was unresponsive. The deputies responded to the cell and found the unconscious inmate, lying on the ground and turning blue. They radioed for Wellpath medical and began life-saving measures including two rounds of Narcan (naloxone).

When Wellpath medical arrived, they gave the inmate two more rounds of Narcan and

remain indifferent to the changes happening in our schools,” Kavya told the audience. “Compassion creates community.” The presentation addressed a number of development programs aimed at disadvantaged students, such as the Program for Effective Access to College.

“When I learned about it, I made a decision to expand it within our schools,” said Dr. Maldonado.

As per the PEAC website, the organization is a support system for first-generation collegebound students. One organizer, while displayed on the projector, said, “It’s a space for students to come in and get their work done, but it’s also a place to collaborate with other students and get a meal.”

Toward the end of the presentation, Dr. Maldonado returned to one of her central points. “What if our community made learning and literacy a priority? Let’s show our students our support,” said Dr. Maldonado. “Reading is the one skill that opens all doors.” email: lhibbert@newspress.com

continued life-saving measures while the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and American Medical Response were enroute. When AMR arrived, the inmate had become conscious and was transported to an area hospital for follow-up care.

Hours later, on Oct. 20, at approximately 1:45 a.m., custody deputies were again called to D Unit for a medical emergency where they found an unconscious inmate. As they began life-saving measures, they cleared the cell of the remaining occupants, and in the process found an additional unconscious inmate.

While County Fire and AMR were enroute, deputies administered seven rounds of Narcan to the first inmate and performed CPR. When AMR arrived, they continued thorough lifesaving measures, but were unable to revive the inmate who was pronounced deceased at approximately 2:20 a.m.

The additional inmate was administered six doses of Narcan by custody deputies along with CPR. He eventually regained consciousness and was transported to an area hospital for follow-up care.

The inmate who died was identified as 37year-old Edgar Mescua Estrada, also known as Edgar Estrada Amezcua, from Santa Maria. He was arrested on May 5, 2022, by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for obstructing a peace officer (felony), violation of a domestic violence restraining order (misdemeanor) and possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor), with a felony violation of probation hold for a previous conviction of child cruelty. He was being held without bail.

“Sadly, today’s jail overdoses and death appear to be the result of an illicit opioid, probably fentanyl, proving that this scourge upon our community and our nation extends to even the most secure area of our county,” Sheriff Brown said at the time. “We will be conducting full criminal and administrative investigations, and a review of our protocols to keep contraband out of our jails, but this tragedy also reinforces our need to work together as a community to address the vexing problem of opioid abuse through enhanced prevention, enforcement and treatment efforts.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

Rounding out the day for Westmont’s men’s team was senior Danny Rubin, who competed in the prelims of the men’s 3000 meter steeplechase. Rubin completed the event in 24th with a time of 9:55.45, which was not enough to advance the senior to Friday’s steeplechase

Competing all day long on Wednesday for Westmont was senior Lily Sween, who is competing in her final collegiate heptathlon. At the end of day one, Sween was in 12th place with 2.643 points. The eighthplace athlete in the heptathlon currently has 2,759 points, with the leader boasting 2,927 points. Sween’s best events of day one were the high jump and the shot put, both of which she finished in the upper-half of competitors. With a clearance of 1.58 (5-2.25), Sween finished the high jump in fifth place, and with a mark of 10.75m (33-3.25), Sween finished the shot put in seventh. Sween’s 100 meter hurdle time was 17.04 (18th), and her 200 meter dash time was 26.43 (eighth).

Jacob Norling is the sports information assistant at Westmont College.

email: sports@newspress.com

Kavya Suresh, a San Marcos High School student and a student member of the Santa Barbara Unified School District board, addresses the audience while Dr. Hilda Maldonado listens.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Dos Pueblos High School Principal Bill Woodard speaks during the State of Our Schools event hosted by the Santa Barbara Education Foundation.

‘If you choose to sell fentanyl in our communities, you do so at your own risk’

Life theArts

‘Hypnotic’ is a fun, complicated puzzle

Ben Affleck stars in a story full of mind control and illusions

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Ahypnotist can get you to do anything.

That’s the premise of “Hypnotic,”

starring Ben Affleck as Danny Rourke, a police detective who can’t find his missing young daughter. As several years pass, he sees a therapist and continues his work as a cop, teaming up with his partner, Nicks (JD Pardo), to try to prevent a bank robbery. The apparent mastermind behind the robbery is Dellrayne (William Fichtner), a hypnotist who doesn’t need to swing a watch. He controls people with just the sound of his voice.

To catch Dellrayne, Danny turns to Diana Cruz (Alice Braga), the hypnotist who called in a tip about one of Dellrayne’s heists.

Soon it’s Danny and Diana who

are teaming up to defeat the bad guys and maybe find Danny’s 10-year-old daughter Minnie (Hala Finley).

But there’s more to this plot than what meets the eye. Literally, because Dellrayne can play with everyone’s senses.

And that sets the stage for a series of surprises. Director Robert Rodriguez, who co-wrote the story with Max Borenstein, makes the trail of clues clear in this cinematic mystery, which involves layers of secrets. The movie is from

Danny’s point of view, and the fun part for viewers is to see if they can figure out what’s really going on before Danny. In fact , “Hypnotic” succeeds largely because of Mr. Affleck’s portrayal of Danny. He always approaches his roles with

CALENDAR

honesty and simply becomes his characters without any exaggerations. Mr. Affleck makes “Hypnotic” believable.

And Ms. Braga adds dramatic depth to this movie. Her character is a catalyst for the plot, and she gives the film a lot of its heart.

The only real flaw in “Hypnotic” is a lack of explanation at the beginning. Viewers need a little more knowledge of who Danny is, etc., and Mr. Rodriguez is in a bit of a hurry to get to the action. But keep watching because once that action starts, it’s surprise after surprise, and you’ll find you have to question everything. The tricky part is separating illusions from reality.

Be sure to watch at the start of the ending credits for an extra scene that sets up a possible sequel. But there’s no additional scene after all of the credits have rolled.

email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

“Hypnotic” recently concluded its run in movie theaters, but it’s expected to be released on DVD and Blu-ray in July.

Blue Water Ball celebrates

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s success

BY LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

The community gathered recently for Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 21st Blue Water Ball at the Cabrillo Pavilion to celebrate the organization’s work on clean water and to generate support for current and future programs.

Dressed in varying shades of blue, guests enjoyed views of the Santa Barbara Channel with cocktails on the pavilion terraces.

Jazz music from the Dave Vignoe Trio and keyboardist Mel McGary underscored the seaside ambience. Chumash elder and firekeeper Art Cisneros led a blessing in Chumash and English honoring the ocean, sky, and the sparks of spirit within everybody.

During the dinner hour, an auction was held while the threecourse meal was laid out.

Guests at the Blue Water Ball were given embroidered beach

towels and chocolate truffles.

Branden Aroyan’s largescale art installations were displayed while Executive Director Ted Morton summarized Channelkeeper’s impacts. Dr. Benjamin Halpern also gave a keynote address about healthy oceans in a changing climate.

“This year’s Blue Water Ball was a terrific, fun event,” said Executive Director Morton. “We were thrilled to bring supporters together to celebrate Channelkeeper’s accomplishments and the positive impact that we are making in our community.”

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper is a nonprofit that aims to protect and restore the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds through science-based advocacy, education, field work, and enforcement.

“Climate change is the most significant challenge of

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. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its permanent mineral exhibit of rocks and crystals that is on view in the small hall off the museum’s central courtyard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which opened April 22, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/minerals.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The James Castle exhibit is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, see sbma.net.

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.

7 p.m. Dos Pueblos Theatre Company is putting on “High School Musical!” at the Elings Performing Arts Center at Dos Pueblos High School, 7266 Alameda Ave., Goleta. The musical chronicles a high school love story, as the main characters Troy and Gabriella find themselves choosing between music and school. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $5 for seniors and students, and free for children 10 and under.

7 p.m. UCSB Department of Theatre and Dance students will perform Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” at UCSB’s Movement Studio, Theater/Dance West Room 1507. The Russian playwright’s story has been interpreted by Libby Appel and is being directed by Annie Torsiglieri. Admission is free.

9 p.m. Spooky Mansion will perform at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., Suite 205, Santa Barbara. The concert will also feature Tino Drima. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $18 at the door. To purchase, go to www. sohosb.com. The concert is for ages 21 and older.

MAY 27 7 p.m. UCSB Department of Theatre and Dance students will perform Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” at UCSB’s Movement Studio, Theater/Dance West Room 1507. The Russian playwright’s story has been interpreted by Libby Appel and is being directed by Annie Torsiglieri. Admission is free.

MAY 28

2 p.m. UCSB Department of Theatre and Dance students will perform Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” at UCSB’s Movement Studio, Theater/Dance West Room 1507. The Russian playwright’s story has been interpreted by Libby Appel and is being directed by Annie Torsiglieri. Admission is free.

JUNE 3

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.

The McGuire/Moffet Band and Cadillac Angels will perform at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara. For more information, visit www.coldspringtavern.com.

4 to 7 p.m. Zoo Brew, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual fundraiser that caters to beer and animal lovers alike, will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. with a VIP hour from 3 to 4 p.m. The zoo is at 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara. General admission tickets are $75 per person and include unlimited beer tastings and one Zoo Brew 2023 commemorative tasting

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023

COURTESY PHOTO

Tony DeSare, who has sung everywhere from jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas, will perform Frank Sinatra’s hits with the Santa Barbara Symphony June 15.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Tim and Talli Robinson attend the Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s 21st Blue Water Ball at the Cabrillo Pavilion.

Channelkeeper student volunteers include, from left, Tara Zahraie, Hana Subrahmanyan and Brynn Campos. Please see

KETCHUP ENTERTAINMENT

Police detective Danny Rouke (Ben Affl eck) looks for clues to catch a villainous hypnotist and fi nd his missing daughter in “Hypnotic.”

Allan Hancock College Foundation awards scholarships

SANTA MARIA — Students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on Wednesday and Thursday to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual scholarship awards.

This year, the foundation awarded 446 scholarships to 293 Allan Hancock College students. The total amount of the scholarships was $525,000.

A scholarship committee of 15 Hancock faculty, staff and foundation board members chose this year’s recipients from nearly 600 applications. The Allan Hancock College Foundation has been a resource for thousands of Allan Hancock College students since 1977.

Allan Hancock class of 2023 graduate Katherine Goldstein received the Marian Hancock

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Continued from Page B1

cup, and VIP tickets are $110. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. For more information, call 805-9625339.

JUNE 4

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan will perform their mix of guitar and harmonica blues, rags and good-time music at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara. For more information, visit www. coldspringtavern.com.

5:30 to 8 p.m. The WineStock music series starts with The Double Wide Kings playing at Fess Parker Winery, 6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos. Other performers in the series include Tearaways from 4 to 7 p.m. July 23, Bryan Titus Trio from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 and Harmony All Stars from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 10. Tickets for each concert cost $20 per person and $15 for wine club members. To purchase, go to fessparkerwineshop.com/Tickets/ WineStock-2023.

JUNE 9

6 to 7:30 p.m. The Pearl Chase Society’s Kellam de Forest Speaker Series will continue at the Carrillo Recreation Center. 100 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara. This is the third installment in the series. Author and editor Douglas Woods will discuss the transformation of Santa Barbara’s architecture following the great earthquake of 1925 to a model Spanish Revival-style city. For more information or to make a reservation, call 805-403-7053.

JUNE 15

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony and vocalist Tony DeSare will perform Frank Sinatra’s hits at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets for “An Evening with Sinatra” can be purchased at granadasb.org.

— Dave Mason

Scholarship. Named in honor of the late wife of Captain G. Allan Hancock, the $10,000 scholarship is awarded to one outstanding student each year who exemplifies service to the school, scholastic achievement and personal conduct. Ms. Goldstein is graduating from Hancock with an associate degree in agricultural plant science.

Hancock alumnus and 2021 Marian Scholarship winner Rafael Valdovinos, Jr., gave the keynote address at the awards. Mr. Valdovinos recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts.

To learn more about the AHC Foundation, visit www. hancockcollege.edu/foundation.

Busy summer season at Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

The curtain is rising on a full schedule at Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. Here’s the schedule.

• 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Improv classes are taught. Drop-ins are welcomed. Cost is $10.

• 6 to 8 p.m. May 31 and June 1: The Alcazar Ensemble is holding auditions for “LOL: 3rd Annual Summer Comedy Series.” Roles are available for 10 women and eight men, ages 25 to 65 and two female teenagers, ages 15-18.

The productions are “The Best Escape” by Carolyn West

(two female teenagers), “People

Will Talk” by Scott Mullen (one woman, one man), “A Fare

Ride” by Matt Thompson (one woman, one man), “Sandbox” by Mr. Mullen (three women, one man), “Gatecrashers” by Peter Pitt (three women, three men), “Who’s There?” by Lisa Marciano (one woman, one man) and “The Prodigal Cow” by Mark Harvey Levine (two women).

The show dates are July 21-23 and July 28-30.

To schedule an audition, contact Asa Olsson at 805-901-3554 or orsaasa@gmail.com.

• 7 p.m. June 10. The first concert of the summer will feature South of Linden, The Vonettes,

Ron Solorzano of Mestizo and The Youngsters. Cost is $15 for general admission. You can buy two tickets for $25 at https://www.thealcazar. org/calendar/11838-south-oflinden-firends.

• 3-6 p.m. June 12-16 and June 19-23. A summer drama camp will take place for youths in grades 4-12. Space is limited. Contact contact Asa Olsson at 805-901-3554 or orsaasa@gmail.com.

• 7-9 p.m. Aug. 5. The Faragher Brothers will perform. In addition, an Alcazar Theatre committee is reviewing films and hopes to add movies back to the theater’s calendar soon. email: dmason@newspress.com

our lifetime,” said Mr. Morton prior to the keynote speech.

“Channelkeeper’s Board recently approved a five-year strategic plan that sets out a course to do more to ensure that the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds,

and the people and wildlife that depend on these areas, are able to counter and adapt to the intensifying impacts of climate change.”

This year’s Blue Water Ball raised more than $130,000 to protect local beaches, creeks, and coast, and defend the community’s right to clean water and healthy habitats.

The funds raised at the Blue Water Ball support programs that monitor creeks and coastal waters, organize volunteers for community cleanups, provide educational experiences for local students about water quality and habitats, and advocate for policies to ensure clean and safe water and habitats.

email: lhibbert@newspress.com

— Annika Bahnsen

ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE PHOTO

Katherine Goldstein receives the Marian Hancock Scholarship Wednesday at the Allan Hancock College Foundation Awards Banquet.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Youngsters are among performers at a concert June 10.

BLUE WATER Continued from Page B1

From left are Ted Morton, executive director of Santa Barbara Channelkeeper; Dr. Benjamin Halpern and Geoff Green.

From left are Ron and Stacy Pulice, Robin Himovitz, Roger Himovitz, Mimi deGruy and Art Levitt.

COURTESY PHOTOS

SUDOKU

Thought for Today

— Marcus Tullius Cicero

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Friday, May 26, 2023

ARIES — You could be operating based on an assumption that’s only a partial representation of the truth. In your effort to think about only the good side of the situation, Aries, you may not see the entire truth. There’s a downside to everything. Feelings of anger, frustration, and even loneliness may go along with it.

TAURUS — If you’re experiencing emotional upheaval, Taurus, you may take heart in knowing that other people are going through their own emotional turmoil as well. You will know that you aren’t alone in your quest for emotional stability. Share your feelings with others instead of shutting them up inside. It will help you feel better.

GEMINI — You may feel like someone’s giving you the third degree, Gemini. You sense that you’re being accused of something and that you need to defend your feelings and actions. Try not to fall into this trap. Don’t let self-doubt sneak into the situation just because someone else questions your way of life.

CANCER — Today may be filled with “I told you so!” You could find fault with others who haven’t dealt with the truth of a situation. Be careful about accusing someone of the very thing that you’re guilty of, Cancer. Penetrating emotions will cut to the heart of the matter, and there will be no way to escape the hole you dig for yourself.

LEO — Most of the time you deal with the facts, Leo. Facts are things you can grasp, categorize, and make rational sense of. Unfortunately, today some of your facts may be challenged by one of the things you fear most - intense emotions. The ensuing friction is like dealing with apples and oranges.

VIRGO — It will be hard to deal with emotional issues that arise. A strong misleading force is feeding the illusion that things are fine when they really aren’t. Stop pretending that everything is going well, Virgo. The sooner you face the truth, the sooner it will stop plaguing you. Confront the deception directly.

LIBRA — Don’t automatically

assume that people are going to understand your needs, Libra. Your emotions may be powerful today, and you could end up scaring people away instead of drawing them closer simply because you act irrationally and emotionally instead of reasonably and civilly. Be careful about targeting your frustration at the people who can help you the most.

SCORPIO — You’re in a difficult position. Things aren’t exactly what they seem, Scorpio. Your emotions run the show today, and you may jump from one extreme to the other. There’s a good chance that much of what you experience is based on misinformation. Don’t get so caught up in the drama that you fail to recognize the truth of the situation.

SAGITTARIUS — When faced with an emotionally intense situation, you’re likely to flee, Sagittarius. You’d rather change the subject to something more lighthearted. This form of escapism is doing nothing to solve the problem. In fact, by avoiding the emotional topic, you’re only creating more friction than if you just approached the problem directly.

CAPRICORN — With your psychic abilities, you’re liable to shed some light on issues in which the truth has been unclear for quite a while, Capricorn. You can use your sensitivity to cut to the heart of the matter and expose the truth. This kind of behavior probably won’t come without friction from others.

AQUARIUS — Control issues in your home are apt to be of concern today, Aquarius. Be careful about feeding into others’ misconceptions of the situation. You’re dealing with powerful, opinionated forces that aren’t going to want to budge. Someone may have a warped view of the true issue at hand.

PISCES — You may feel nostalgic as you look through photo albums, rearrange furniture, and remember past times, Pisces. Your mind will touch on emotional events that you may not have fully dealt with at the time they happened. Old feelings that you thought were gone could well up and bring tears to your eyes. Honestly face these feelings now instead of stuffing them back down for another decade.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Friday, May 26, 2023

“I’m giving up Autocorrect for Lint.” — graffiti “I wish an Autocorrect feature were available when I’m declarer,” a club player told me. “It would highlight my mistakes — and show me a winning play.”

Today’s South plays at six spades after East preempted in hearts. West leads the jack of hearts. South counts 11 tricks: a heart, two heart ruffs in his hand, four trumps in dummy, two diamonds and at least two clubs. He needs an extra trick in a minor.

South’s best chance is to endplay West. South has many winning lines of play, but unless he ruffs at least one heart in his hand, removing West’s exit card, Autocorrect may set South straight.

LOW CLUB

Say South takes the ace of hearts, ruffs a heart, draws trumps and leads a low club from his hand. West must play low, and dummy’s jack wins. On the next club, East discards, and South plays low. West wins but must concede the slam. Whether he leads a diamond or a club, South gets a free finesse and a 12th trick.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: 6 5 K Q 10 9 7

2 6. You deal and open three hearts. The next player bids

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

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

Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

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

PUZZLE

three spades, your partner doubles and the player at your right passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Don’t even look at your hand. Pass. Your preempt described your hand, more or less, and made partner captain. He knows your hand is weak defensively but wishes to play for a penalty. He may have three spades doubled beaten three tricks in his own hand. East dealer

“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.”