Santa Barbara News-Press: July 07, 2023

Coke in the capital

Senator seeks answers as White House cocaine mystery continues - A3

Review: Movie tells true story about the rescue of children from slavery - B1

nEWS-PRESS EXCLUSiVE

Woman pleads guilty to exposing her son to fentanyl

Lompoc resident Jessie McCoy, 36, scheduled to be back in court July 19 for sentencing

By NEIL HARTSTEIN

NEWS-PRESS COUNTY EDITOR

The mother of a 1-year-old boy pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony child endangerment for exposing him to fentanyl, nearly costing him his life, in their Lompoc home, prosecutors said.

The defendant, Jessie McCoy, 36, is scheduled to return to court on July 19 for sentencing.

“The agreement is for four years in state prison, the middle term, with the remaining counts dismissed,” Deputy District Attorney Madison Whitmore told the News-Press.

The boy’s father, Curtis Roberts, 43, appeared in court, too, Wednesday, but he did not plead guilty, the prosecutor said. Mr. Roberts is scheduled to return to court July 19 as well to set a date for his preliminary hearing.

The couple were charged with three felony counts of child abuse, one pertaining to their 1-year-old son, and the others for allegedly exposing his 3year-old sister and 4-year-old brother to fentanyl as well, under circumstances “likely to cause great bodily injury or death.” Lompoc police, firefighters and AMR ambulance crew responded at 11:14 a.m. on Jan. 5 to a residence at 800 N. F St.

regarding a 1-year-old child who was unresponsive.

A police investigation revealed the 1year-old had been exposed to fentanyl.

The child was administered Narcan (naloxone) by fire and medical personnel on the scene and was revived. The child was transported to the Lompoc Valley Medical Center for further medical care.

Mr. Roberts and Ms. McCoy were both arrested for felony child endangerment.

The couple pleaded not guilty at their Jan. 9 arraignment. If she had been convicted of all three charges, Ms. McCoy could have received a maximum sentence of eight years, eight months in state prison. Mr. Roberts still could if his case goes to trial and he is convicted. The criminal complaint filed against them alleged the couple created

Performing next to the audience

A trombone player with the Brasscals interacts with the audience

Tuesday at Stearns Wharf. The large band, which consists of brass, woodwind and percussion players, started walking around people dancing and others during a song. For another photo, see B2.

nEWS-PRESS EXCLUSiVE

Ojai drug dealer pleads guilty to selling

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS COUNTY EDITOR

An Ojai drug dealer who overdosed in his car last month in Carpinteria pleaded guilty Wednesday to three felony drug sales charges including the possession for sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine, prosecutors said.

He also pleaded guilty to the possession for sale and sale of ketamine, another felony, as well as the aggravating factors alleged.

The defendant, Christopher Elizalde,

26, is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 9 for sentencing, “at which time the remaining counts and allegations will be dismissed,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Anthony Davis told the NewsPress.

“The plea agreement is for a twoyear felony probation, 270 days in jail with early release to a residential drug treatment program, and other terms and conditions as outlined by Probation at the time of sentencing,” the prosecutor said.

Mr. Elizalde remained in custody as of Thursday on $260,000 bail.

Please see FENTANYL on A4

Guadalupe woman found dead in San Diego

By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Last seen July 1 and identified as a missing person July 2, Leyva Elizabeth Oregel from Guadalupe was found dead in a San Diego parking lot this past Tuesday.

Ms. Oregel, 32, was found dead in a car on the 4400 block of Camino De La Plaza in San Ysidro, a neighborhood in San Diego, at approximately 12:24 a.m. on July 4 by a civilian.

It is still early in the investigation. and little is known about the circumstances leading up to Ms. Oregel’s death. Detectives have determined she suffered blunt force trauma to her upper body that indicates her death was a homicide.

San Diego homicide detectives are currently working with investigators from the Guadalupe Police Department and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

This is an ongoing investigation. There is no information about suspects at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the San Diego Police Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-5808477.

email: lhibbert@newspress.com

fentanyl, methamphetamine

He was arrested on April 22 by sheriff’s deputies who responded around 3:15 p.m. to the 5900 block of Birch Street in Carpinteria to a report of a man who was unresponsive in his car. When they arrived, they found a man, later identified as Mr. Elizalde, unresponsive with drug paraphernalia in his lap. Also in the vehicle, deputies found a large quantity of dangerous drugs including suspected fentanyl, M30 pills, cocaine and ketamine. Sheriff’s deputies worked with detectives from the Special Investigations

Bureau to author search and arrest warrants for Mr. Elizalde and his Ojai residence.

Later that evening, at approximately 8:30 p.m., detectives served a search warrant at his home in the 1200 block of Gregory Street in Ojai, where they reported recovering additional fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone M30 pills and cocaine.

As a result of their investigation, approximately 2.9 ounces of ketamine, 1.82 pounds of fentanyl, 1.16 pounds of cocaine, 4.6 ounces of heroin, 4.7 ounces of methamphetamine, 616 oxycodone M30

pills, and 50 benzodiazepine pills were taken off the streets, the sheriff’s office said.

Mr. Elizalde pleaded not guilty at his first arraignment on April 27. A preliminary hearing in his case was held on May 11, at which time he was held to answer on the charged felony offenses and ordered to stand trial.

He pleaded not guilty again May 31 to nine felony counts filed against him, including possession for sale of fentanyl,

Concerts in the Park returns

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department’s free

concert series is taking place every Thursday night in July from 6 to 7:30 p.m. People can bring blankets, chairs, picnics, family and friends to the Concerts in the Park at the Great Meadow in Chase Palm

Park, 323 E. Cabrillo Blvd.

The July 13 concert will feature the Molly Ringwald Project, playing ’80’s dance hits.

July 20 is the date for Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, the ’50s and ’60s Rock band.

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Santa Ynez woman charged with false report

Jennifer Marie Wilson, 44, was arrested and charged with one count of a False Report of a Criminal Offense, a misdemeanor.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney

John Savrnoch announced Thursday that Ms. Wilson from Santa Ynez was charged for the false report in connection with the investigation of the death of Terry Lee Winson, 72.

The District Attorney’s Office said the false

July 27 will be capped off by Mezcal Martini, a Latin jazz group. For more information, visit santabarbaraca.gov/concerts.

Liam Hibbert

—

report occurred on or about Oct. 8, 2022. The charged offense is punishable by up to 180 days in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine, according to the D.A.’s Office.

— Liam Hibbert

Fun day at the waterfront

City of Goleta plans community meeting

GOLETA — The city of Goleta is set to host a community meeting at the Goleta Valley Library next week.

The event, named “Coffee and Community,” will take place July 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at 500 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta. For Spanish speakers, there will be interpretation provided.

Coffee and Community will have coffee, champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate) and fresh pan dulce (breakfast pastries) provided by Cristino’s Bakery. Goleta Mayor Paula

Late fees back for water, sewer, trash

SANTA BARBARA — The city of Santa Barbara returned this month to assessing late fees for past-due water, sewer and trash bills.

To avoid late fees or risk of service disconnection, make sure all of your utility bills are up-to-date by September.

The city recommends people set up a payment plan with the Utility Billing Office, apply for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program if eligible, or get in touch with the Utility Billing team.

The change comes after the city paused late fees and disconnects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pastdue balances and the number of past due customers grew to historically high amounts since March 2020, according to

Perotte and 1st District City Councilmember Luz ReyesMartín will be in attendance.

Children who attend are invited to complete a fun scavenger hunt in the children’s area of Goleta Valley Library and win a prize.

The goal is for residents to be able to present their questions, concerns, and topics important to them in a comfortable and informal setting, according to the city of Goleta. Opening remarks will be followed by time for questions at 10:30 am.

To watch a recap of a similar event in January, go to youtube.com/ watch?v=wgvzF8w5IpI. For more information, visit cityofgoleta.org.

— Liam Hibbert

the city of Santa Barbara. The state Executive Order restricting water disconnections expired in January 2022. The city is resuming utility bill late fees this month and water disconnections in September.

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program was approved during a city council meeting this past May. A rough estimate of around 500 customers will qualify for the program, the city said.

To apply for the LowIncome Household Water Assistance Program, dial 2-1-1 or call 800-400-1572 or download the “Water Assistance Application” at communifysb.org/enrollmentapplication.

To set up a payment plan, contact the Utility Billing Office at UtilityBilling@ SantaBarbaraCA.gov or call 805564-5345.

— Liam Hibbert

A man is among those enjoying activities on the Pacific on the Fourth of July at the

Lawmakers: FDA delaying investigation, accountability over baby formula shortage

By CASEY HARPER

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – U.S. House oversight lawmakers reviewing the FDA’s role in the baby formula shortage say the federal agency is dodging oversight and delaying providing answers.

Subcommittee on Health

Care and Financial Services

Chairwoman Lisa McClain, RMich., sent a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week asking for interviews with FDA officials to get to the bottom of the baby formula crisis that rocked the U.S. last year.

Rep. McClain argues the FDA has delayed the investigation significantly.

“The more the Oversight Committee uncovers in our investigation into internal failures at the FDA which led our nation into an infant formula crisis, the more questions we have for the FDA,” the letter said.

Rep. McClain’s Subcommittee

on Health Care and Financial Services laid out several FDA failings, saying the “the FDA’s dysfunction and delay worsened the formula crisis” and that the agency “has failed to conduct an independent, objective review of the crisis.”

“Affiliated parties at the FDA have still not been held accountable,” the committee added. “Instead of removing or reassigning the individuals at fault for the poor response to this crisis, the FDA simply announced restructuring of the food and nutrition division.”

Rep. McClain pointed to previous testimony from FDA officials, saying the formula crisis “was exacerbated by dysfunction and slow responsiveness by the FDA.”

“We believe where there is smoke, there is fire,” the letter said.

The baby formula shortage sparked fear for parents beginning in 2021 and continuing into 2022 as shelves were emptied

in some areas and concerns grew that the U.S. supply of formula would run out.

Stores like Walgreens and CVS Health limited how much formula consumers could purchase at one time. One estimate released in April of last year said 40% of the most popular baby formula brands were out of stock. Now, the crisis has ended but left many wondering how this happened, and who is to blame.

Many lawmakers blasted the FDA for its role in the crisis.

In May of last year, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., called it a “national crisis hitting poor moms and kids the hardest.” The FDA took fire for its long list of baby formula regulations and how it forced a recall of European formula over labeling issues.

“The FDA needs to immediately step up, be transparent, explain how it will get production restarted, and give parents a timeline,” he added.

The federal government pointed to formula recalls and supply

chain issues related to COVID-19. The criticism of the FDA has been bipartisan. In a hearing in May, both Republicans and Democrats blasted the agency, saying they still do not have the answers they are seeking.

“It’s clear with today’s witness selection Republicans want to blame the FDA, and I’ll level with you: I think some of that blame is well placed,” Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., said at the hearing. “We’ve had two subsequent infant formula recalls in 2023 already, and we’re still seeing that the FDA can make further improvements on internal processes, intervene in issues sooner and follow through with more inspections to prevent further contamination.”

Rep. McClain argues the committee needs answers to make sure a crisis like this does not happen again.

“We are going to ensure agencies are held accountable and find solutions to better protect American families in the future,” Rep. McClain said.

White House disagrees with judge’s order on social media in Missouri v. Biden

By

MUELLER

JOE

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice will review a U.S. District Court injunction requested by Republican Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey prohibiting President Joe Biden’s administration from some communication with social media companies.

Judge Terry A. Doughty, appointed by former President Donald Trump to the U.S. District court for the Western District of Louisiana, issued a 155-page memorandum on Tuesday explaining his decision for prohibiting nine government agencies – including the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security – and their leaders and employees from 10 actions or interactions with social media companies. However, Judge Doughty also provided a list of allowed actions and interactions with social media companies regarding criminal activity, national security threats, criminal efforts to suppress voting and other areas. Judge Doughty’s injunction will be in effect until the case is resolved or District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Fifth Circuit or the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the order. White House Press Secretary Karine JeanPierre, who was named in the injunction, said on Wednesday the Department of Justice is reviewing the order.

“I don’t want to get ahead of what they will

be evaluating and what their options could potentially be,” Ms. Jean-Pierre told reporters during a briefing. “So I’m not going to get ahead of the DOJ. If you’re asking me if we agree or disagree, we certainly disagree with this decision.”

The lawsuit, Missouri v. Biden, was filed by former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt before he was elected to the U.S. Senate last November.

“Today’s court win is a huge win for the First Amendment and a blow to censorship,” Mr. Schmitt posted on social media. “… The Biden Administration created a vast censorship enterprise. It needs to be dismantled.”

Mr. Bailey filed the motion for the injunction

Please see SOCIAL on A3

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Senator seeks answers as White House cocaine mystery continues

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – A U.S. Senator is seeking answers after cocaine was found in the West Wing of the White House on Sunday.

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., sent a letter to U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle requesting that she release information about the cocaine. He also requested Ms. Cheatle provide the Secret Service’s procedures for keeping the White House complex secure.

“I urge you to release that information quickly, as the American people deserve to know whether illicit drugs were found in an area where confidential information is exchanged,” Sen. Cotton wrote. “If the White House complex is not secure, Congress needs to know the details, as well as your plan to correct any security flaws.”

Sen. Cotton also requested a complete list of people who have access to the White House complex without passing through any security screening, a list of people who have access subject to lesser security screening requirements and “a description of the circumstances under which the Secret Service chooses not to use K-9 screening for West Wing visitors,” according to the letter.

Sen. Cotton further requested how often the

Secret Service has found illegal drugs at the White House in the last five years, how often such drugs were detected during security screenings and how often drugs were found inside secure areas.

Sen. Cotton said he wanted answers by 5 p.m. July 14.

On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre largely referred questions Wednesday about cocaine found in the White House over the weekend to the U.S. Secret Service, which is investigating the matter. The Secret Service confirmed Wednesday that the white powder found in the West Wing on Sunday was cocaine.

The Secret Service continues to investigate how the illegal drug got there. The cocaine was found during a routine search, according to a Secret Service spokesperson.

The White House was temporarily closed on Sunday evening after agents discovered the white powder inside a work area. The building was temporarily closed to allow law enforcement to investigate.

President Joe Biden was not at the White House at the time. He left with his wife for Camp David, the President’s country residence in Maryland, on Friday. Cocaine, a central nervous system stimulant, is illegal in the United States.

Air Force embraces DEI as recruitment falters

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Air Force has become increasingly focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, and critics say it is hurting recruitment.

Chief of Staff of the Air Force

Charles Q. Brown has been a major backer of the DEI efforts.

Chief Brown said in the fall of 2020 that DEI was a key focal point of recruiting and a factor in promotions. The Air Force launched a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force in September 2020.

The Air Force is not alone in that transition, though, as the Pentagon and other branches take similar steps to varying degrees.

“Shortly after assuming office, President Joe Biden signed three separate executive orders directing all federal agencies to commit extensive time and resources towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts,”

Thomas Spoehr, a Heritage expert and retired lieutenant general who served more than 36 years in the U.S. Army, told The Center Square.

Chief Brown helped open the Air Force’s DEI office. Now, the Air Force website includes a litany of materials on the issue cautioning against racism and “unconscious bias.”

An Independent Racial Disparity Review published in December 2020 on the same site includes a “Magnitude of the Problem” section in which the taxpayer-funded office reported that “black Airmen are more likely to face formal disciplinary action than their white peers.”

“Specifically, black service

Chief of Staff of the Air Force Charles Q. Brown has been a major backer of the DEI efforts. Chief Brown said in the fall of 2020 that DEI was a key focal point of recruiting and a factor in promotions.

members were 74% more likely to receive Article 15s and 60% more likely to face courts-martial than white service members,” the report said. “The primary offenses where the difference could be seen were: willful dereliction, failure to go to/leaving from appointed place of duty, making a false official statement, and drug-related offenses. Data alone cannot provide insight on the cause of the racial disparity in Air Force discipline, and further analysis is required.”

The site also includes guidance on “Promoting and protecting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world” and an “In-Service Transition Guide for Transgender Service Members.”

Those materials include guidance on pronouns, gender identity and the Department of Defense’s new focus on ending “homophobia” and “transphobia” around the world.

The Air Force has implemented racial quota goals for officers that roughly line up with the representation those groups have in the general U.S. population.

“It is imperative that the composition of our military services better reflect our nation’s highly talented, diverse, and eligible population,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said in a memo with other top officials last year. “This goal continues our progress toward achieving

a force more representative of our nation, while leveraging that diversity to enhance the Air and Space Force’s ability to deter, and if necessary, deny our nation’s competitors.”

Meanwhile, the Air Force faces major recruiting issues. Mr. Kendall said in a speech in March of this year that Active-duty Air Force is expected to fall short of its 2023 recruiting goal by 10%.

“We are swimming upstream against a reduced propensity to serve nationally across the board and a limited percentage of qualified candidates,” he said.

Mr. Spoehr argues that this shift in emphasis to DEI is hurting recruitment.

“Now in 2023 we are seeing some of the results of that push with American citizens and veterans reacting negatively to these political efforts,” Mr. Spoehr said. “Military recruitment is having its worst year ever and national polls reflect a loss of confidence by Americans in the military.”

As The Center Square previously reported, these instances are just a few of many across the U.S. military. A recent DOD Comptroller report includes $86.5 million for “dedicated diversity and inclusion activities.”

“The Department will lead with our values – building diversity, equity, and inclusion into everything we do,” the report said.

Congressional Republicans released a report last year detailing many of these examples, including one case where a slide show presentation for the Air Force Academy called “Diversity & Inclusion: What it is, why we care, & what we can do.” That training cautions cadets against using gendered language, such as words like “mom” and “dad.”

“These efforts have had a particularly deleterious impact on the Department of Defense which for decades has prided itself on its tradition of meritocracy where individuals can achieve their highest potential based on their aptitude and hard work, versus their race, sex, and ethnicity,” Mr. Spoehr said.

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH

CONTRIBUTOR

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) - A

Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General investigation has resulted in charges against six defendants including a Customs and Border

Protection Officer with conspiracy to import and distribute controlled substances.

The illegal substances were smuggled in a coordinated effort.

It is alleged that U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Leonard Darnell George allowed vehicles containing drugs such

as methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin to pass through the border from Mexico into the U.S. and accepted payment to do so.

“The vast majority of CBP officers are highly skilled, hard-

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granted by Judge Doughty.

“We must build a wall of separation between tech and state to preserve our First Amendment right to free, fair and open debate,” Mr. Bailey said in a statement.

While respecting the court ruling, Ms. Jean-Pierre said the White House isn’t changing communications with social media companies.

“We are going to continue to promote responsible actions to protect public health, safety and security when confronted by challenges like a deadly pandemic and foreign attacks on our election,” Ms. Jean-Pierre said. “So we’re going to continue to do that and promote that in a responsible way. Our view remains that social media platforms have a critical responsibility to take action or to take account of the effects their platforms are having on the American people, but make independent choices about the information they present. They are a private entity and it is their responsibility to act accordingly.”

‘We must build a wall of separation between tech and state’

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., sent a letter to U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle requesting that she release information about the cocaine. He also requested Ms. Cheatle provide the Secret Service’s procedures for keeping the White House complex secure.

CBP officer charged on 4 counts for ‘conspiracy to import controlled substances’

Federal government unable to determine full extent of improper payments

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Federal agencies made about $247 billion in payment errors in fiscal year 2022, but some agencies are reducing improper payments.

Improper payments either should not have been made or were made in the wrong amount, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Improper payments have been a longstanding problem for federal agencies. Since 2003, cumulative executive agency improper payment estimates have totaled almost $2.4 trillion, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Some agencies have reported declines in improper payment rates. Four of the five programs with the largest reported reductions were from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Government Accountability Office identified 19 programs across eight agencies with reported reductions in improper payments, according to fiscal year 2022 reporting. The reduction in estimated improper payment rates ranged from 0.1 to 85.6 net percentage points. The reported improper payment estimates for the 19 programs declined from a total of about $55

billion for fiscal year 2017 to $44.5 billion for fiscal year 2022, according to the report.

Agencies are supposed to seek out the root causes of improper payments and make changes to reduce them.

“These actions and efforts fell into two categories. The first category – establishing accountability and facilitating internal collaboration – included examples such as the VA Veterans Health Administration’s establishment of program-level senior accountable officials and a payment integrity team,” according to the report. “The second category – providing technology, tools, and training targeted to root causes – included examples such as Federal Communications Commission’s launch of the National Verifier system, which uses a combination of automated and manual processes to verify Lifeline

program eligibility.”

Still, improper payments remain a significant problem for the federal government.

Estimates of improper payments totaled about $247 billion government-wide in fiscal 2022, that’s a decrease of about $34 billion from the prior fiscal year, but it was an increase of more than $40 billion from fiscal year 2020.

“We have identified improper payments as a material deficiency or material weakness in internal control in our audit reports on the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements since fiscal year 1997,” according to the report. “Specifically, we note that the federal government is unable to determine the full extent to which improper payments occur or to reasonably assure that appropriate actions are taken to reduce them.”

Vice President Kamala Harris visits Gila River Indian Community

By CAMERON ARCAND

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - Vice President Kamala Harris visited Laveen, Arizona, Thursday to discuss issues facing tribal communities with the Gila River Indian Community.

“We have a duty to make sure all Native people have the opportunity to thrive,” Vice President Harris said in her address in regard to economic opportunity.

The vice president specifically touted federal government investments into “Native entrepreneurs and small businesses” through community banks and other resources.

On election issues, she said that the administration wants

The vice president specifically touted federal government investments into “Native entrepreneurs and small businesses” through community banks and other resources.

Congress to pass bills like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act because she believes it would benefit tribal communities.

“But we know for Native Americans that right has been hard fought and hard won,” Vice President Harris said on access to the ballot box.

In addition, she touched on issues such as climate infrastructure for water, mental health, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and internet access.

Vice President Harris notably

commended the Supreme Court’s 7 to 2 decision in June to keep the Indian Child Welfare Act intact, but said she is worried it will come under legal fire again.

Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis introduced Vice President Harris, and thanked the White House for “true partnership and investment in the community.” “She has been with Indian County throughout her career, and now we have a full partner in the White House,” Gov. Lewis said on Vice President Harris.

Man was arrested on numerous drug charges

DRUGS

Continued from Page A1

cocaine, cocaine base, heroin and methamphetamine, M30 fentanyl pills, Xanax and Clonazepam, and possession for sale and the sale of ketamine.

M30 fentanyl pills are counterfeit oxycodone, which sells under the brand name OxyContin. Real oxycodone are typically blue pills that come stamped with the “M” on one side and the milligrams on the other (10, 20, 30, etc.).

Counterfeit oxycodone looks

the same but always with “30” imprinted on the back. They are created using some other base, usually acetaminophen (Tylenol), and pressed with fentanyl. Most are manufactured in large labs in Mexico by the cartels, using ingredients from China, and then sent in bulk to the United States. Ketamine is an anesthetic used on people and animals. It is generally abused as an hallucinogenic, and it comes in either liquid or powder form. email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Two hundred and thirtythree million dollars in funding was provided to the tribe by the federal government in April for “water conservation”, with a portion of that funding coming from the Inflation Reduction Act.

“These are truly historic investments,” Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis at the April press conference with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and Biden administration officials, The Center Square reported.

Alleged perpetrators could face up to 30 years in prison

CBP

Continued from Page A3

working professionals dedicated to our mission of protecting the American public and we do not stand for those that would tarnish our badge,” said Sidney Aki, Director of Field Operations for CBP in San Diego. “The San Diego Field Office will cooperate fully as the case proceeds.”

With an average of approximately 62,400 employees, CBP is the largest law enforcement agency in the country. Internal reports show that less than 1% of CBP employees are arrested for alleged offenses.

The alleged perpetrators were arrested on Monday on charges that can total 30 years of imprisonment if convicted.

“The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to aggressively

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investigate all allegations of corruption,” Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, stated emphasizing that the arrests “reinforce our commitment to protecting the integrity of DHS personnel, programs, and operations.”

A release by the US Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of California did not detail how the infractions were discovered but a CPB Integrity and Accountability Report reveal “CBP uses a variety of accountability mechanisms such as annual financial disclosures, random drug testing, and the constant monitoring of CBP’s various information

Continued from Page A1 conditions likely to cause their children “to suffer, and to be inflicted with unjustifiable physical pain and mental suffering,” and that they did in fact, “willfully cause and permit said child to be placed in such situation that his/her person and health was/were

technology (IT) systems to help detect potential violations of CBP’s Standards of Conduct.” Additionally, information from internal and external audits, inspections, and investigations “ensure a strong culture of integrity and .. maintain public trust and confidence.”

CBP Officer George faces the heaviest sentences in the indictment which revealed he directly and indirectly corruptly demand, seek, receive, accept, and agree to receive items of value in return for being induced to permit narcotics laden vehicles entry into the United States in violation of his official duties. He is additionally charged with

receiving bribes.

“It is the responsibility of all government employees to operate with the utmost integrity and do their best to foster and maintain the public’s trust,” said FBI San Diego Field Office Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “Anyone who violates that trust will be held accountable for their actions.”

U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman disclosed that “The indictment alleges that Officer George broke the very drug trafficking laws that he was supposed to enforce. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our agency partners in the Southern District of California are committed to rooting out and punishing corruption.”

from the west at 6-12 knots today. Wind waves 3-6 feet with a southwest swell 3-6 feet at 11-second intervals. Visibility clear.

west-northwest at 7-14 knots today. Wind waves 3-5 feet with a south swell 3-6 feet at 13-sec-

endangered.”

The complaint alleged aggravating factors, in that the crime involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, or other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness or callousness, and that their victims were particularly vulnerable.

Prosecutors said because of her prior conviction in June 2009 in Los Angeles, Ms. McCoy would receive a second strike if

convicted.

“This incident should be a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl,” police said at the time. “Only a 2-milligram dose of fentanyl is considered a potentially lethal dose, and it is particularly dangerous for someone with no tolerance to opioids. The fentanyl drug is 50 times more potent than heroin.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

At Lake Cachuma’s maximum level at the point at which water starts 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.

‘This incident should be a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl’

With an average of approximately 62,400 employees, CBP is the largest law enforcement agency in the country. Internal reports show that less than 1% of CBP employees are arrested for alleged offenses.

Improper payments have been a longstanding problem for federal agencies. Since 2003, cumulative executive agency improper payment estimates have totaled almost $2.4 trillion, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Life theArts

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022

‘Sound of Freedom’

Movie tells true story about the rescue of children from slavery

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

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily: The Sistine Chapel Art Exhibition runs through Sept. 4 at the Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara. Tickets start at $25 for adults, $18 for children, and $22 for seniors, military and students. Each ticket also includes admission to the mission museum. To purchase, go to santabarbaramission. org/sistine-chapel-omsb or stop at the museum’s gift shop.

COURTESY PHOTO Boogie Knights, above, will perform 1970s hits during the New Year’s Eve Disco Boogie Ball at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. And the Spazmatics will play hits from the ’80s. Tickets cost $50.

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Tim Ballard rescued a boy from sex traffickers, then went a step further — many steps actually — and rescued his sister and more than 100 children.

That’s a true story. And it’s told with honesty and compassion in “Sound of Freedom,” a movie you should see.

It’s now screening at theaters in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Santa Maria.

Talented actor Jim Caviezel stars as Tim, a real-life federal agent who found making arrests wasn’t enough. A father

Please see FREEDOM on B4

FYI

“Sound of Freedom” is screening at Metro 4 in downtown Santa Barbara and Fairview Theatre in Goleta. For times, see metrotheatres.com.

It’s also playing at Regal Edwards Santa Maria & RPX (regmovies. com). The film has a running time of 2 hours, 15 minutes. It’s rated PG13 for thematic content related to sex trafficking, violence, sexual references, drug references and smoking. But the story about child abuse is told without visual depiction of graphic details.

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.

Father Joe Schwab is hosting personal tours that delve into the theological and philosophical perspectives of Michelangelo’s art. Groups of 10 or more can contact Donna Reeves for a private tour at development@sboldmission.org.

The Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. The concert is presented by Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its recurring summer exhibit, “Butterflies Alive!” Featuring a variety of butterflies, this experience allows guests to walk through a garden while nearly 1,000 butterflies flutter freely around them. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which runs through Sept. 4, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/butterfliesalive.

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.

8 p.m. PCPA is performing “Bright Star,” a musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, today through July 23 at the Solvang Festival Theater. The Tonyand Grammy-nominated musical blends bluegrass and true evens into a journey along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tickets start at $25. To purchase, go to pcpa.org or call 805-922-8313.

8:30 p.m. The UCSB Summer Cinema series kicks off at the Sunken Garden at Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, with “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Admission is free. You can get there as early as noon to claim a space with your blankets (nothing plastic, nothing nylon, no tarps) and low-to-the-ground, lowback chairs.

JULY 11

7:30 p.m. Violinist and Mosher guest artist Augustin Hadelich will share the stage with Jonathan Feldman, a Music Academy of the West teaching artist and chairman of Juilliard’s collaborative music department.The concert will take place at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, and will feature music by Schubert, Ravel, Prokofiev and others. Tickets cost $55 and $60 for general admission. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

JULY 13

8 p.m. Singer and pianist Jimmy Webb will perform his hits, including songs from the Glenn Campbell songbook, at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. He will also perform songs from his collaborations for many artists during his 50-year musical career. Tickets cost $55 to $71 for general admission. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

JULY 20

8 p.m. The Jerry Douglas Band will perform its bluegrass and folk music at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $35 and $45 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

JULY 21

7:30 p.m. The Cowboy Junkies will perform their country music and folk rock at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $55 and $65 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

AUG. 11

8 p.m. Blake Lynch, aka Nurse Blake, will perform his healthcarerelated standup comedy at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $48.50 to $93.50 at granadasb.org. The $195 VIP package includes perks such as a photo opportunity with Nurse Blake.

Managing

— Dave Mason

PHOTOS COURTESY ANGEL STUDIOS

Miguel (Lucas Avila) is rescued by federal agent Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel) in “Sound of Freedom.”

Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel) succeeds in his mission to rescue Miguel’s sister Rocio (Cristal Aparicio).

Above, Rocio (Cristal Aparicio) is enslaved with other children in a Colombian jungle. At right, Vampiro (Bill Camp) does whatever he can to save the children.

Diversions

horoscope • puzzles

Thought for Today

“You can’t blame gravity for falling in love.”

— Albert Einstein

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Friday, July 7, 2023

ARIES — Whatever you visualize today will likely materialize in the near future, Aries. People are clamoring to make themselves heard, so jump in with your opinion. Keeping things balanced in your world means getting your needs met as well. Don’t sacrifice your wellbeing just to maintain the peace. Make changes that benefit all parties involved.

TAURUS — Inflated egos might block your progress today, Taurus, so be on the lookout for people trying to get a bigger slice of the pie than they deserve. Be realistic in terms of how you allocate resources to people around you. Someone may be trying to take advantage of your generous spirit. Use your detective skills to get to the root of the problem and make any necessary changes.

GEMINI — This day will be agreeable, Gemini. There is a dynamic energy in the air that’s fueling your fire. Have a good time regardless of what you do. An adventurous, high-spirited approach will get you where you need to go in every situation. You have the power to make important transformations that will help you in the future.

CANCER — Don’t be quick to criticize today, Cancer. Keep things positive and think about how you can compliment someone. Your heart might need a bit more attention than usual, so surround yourself with people who bring your spirits up rather than drag them down. If you’re always looking to the future, you may not realize all the wonderful things happening in the present.

LEO — Things might reach a climax in some way today, Leo. Set aside time to think about what you can do to love yourself. Maybe you’ve been thinking so much about group needs that you’ve failed to think about how to take care of yourself. Preaching your ideas and values to others means nothing unless you apply them to yourself.

to state your opinion. Act on the things you believe in.

LIBRA — Put on a noble demeanor before you leave the house this morning, Libra. The key is to smile from ear to ear and just keep smiling. There’s a great deal of power available to you, so put it to good use. Open your heart and freely express your love, because it will brighten up other people’s lives, too. Keep your chin up, your shoulders back, and be proud.

SCORPIO — You might find that your emotions are going through a powerful transformation, Scorpio. Use it to add a bit of spice and passion to your day. Set the tone by showing people that you have something to say and you aren’t afraid to say it. Put a humorous spin on everything you do. This attitude will get you through any locked door.

SAGITTARIUS — Give special attention to others today, Sagittarius. Remind people how much they mean to you. Adopt a childlike attitude of excitement and adventure. This is the name of the game on a day like this. Let the sunshine touch your spirit regardless of the weather. There is extra fuel for your fire. Get out and do the things you love to do.

CAPRICORN — Proceed with passion, Capricorn. Get out of gloomy mode. Don’t sit home and mope. Get out in the sunshine, literally as well as figuratively. Don’t stay cooped up inside when there is a big world out there to explore. This is a day to keep things light and energetic. Remember that happiness is a decision.

AQUARIUS — This is your day to shine, so turn it up a notch, Aquarius. Brush your hair before you go out, and make sure you’re wearing flattering attire. You have the chance to propel your emotions into an upward spiral. If there’s a part of your life that feels stagnant, give it a jolt of creative energy or simply remove it from your life.

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

VIRGO — Don’t wait for someone else to take the lead today, Virgo. Take charge. Do what you know is right even though someone else might disagree with you. You know what’s best for you and the situation at hand. Be just as strong and bold as anyone else. You have every right

Monday, November16, 2015

Daily Bridge Club

PICES — If an emotional issue is bringing you down, Pisces, find healthy ways to relieve the situation. Overeating won’t solve the problem. This will only mask your difficulties and make them harder to deal with later. It’s time to pull out of the rut and infuse the situation with freshness. You have a great deal of love to share with the world.

DAILY BRIDGE

‘Play Bridge With Me’

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency Friday, July 7, 2023

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.

This week’s deals have treated declarer’s play when he must choose among two or more finesses. It’s better to try everything combine your chances — than to rely on a single chance.

Cover the East-West cards. West leads the jack of spades against four hearts. How will you try for 10 tricks?

Since 1981 I’ve written a monthly column for the ACBL’s magazine. Many have been “over-my-shoulder” style. You listen in on my thoughts during a deal. Ninety of the best of these appear in “Play Bridge With Me,” my 23rd book, just published. The deals are intermediate level; the focus is on logical thinking.

Say you win the first spade and draw trumps. At IMP scoring, take the best play for the contract. You can finesse in diamonds by leading to the jack, but only after taking the K-A. You guard against a doubleton queen with East.

two spades (preemptive). What do you say?

left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes.

What do you say?

ANSWER: You could bid three diamonds, but since your most likely game is four hearts, you must try to locate a heart fit. By agreement, a negative double here promises enough strength to compete at the three level, with heart length plus diamond help or clubs. Discuss negative doubles with your partner.

PUZZLE

At today’s four spades, I win the first heart in dummy and lead a diamond. I can’t risk losing an early trump finesse; I need a quick pitch for my heart loser. East wins the second diamond and returns a heart, and I win to discard dummy’s last heart on my high diamond. When I finesse in trumps, East wins and exits with a trump.

ANSWER: This case is close. In theory, your 11 points are enough for a jump to two spades, inviting game, but your king of hearts, trapped in front of the opening bidder, may be worthless. Many experts would jump anyway. I would reluctantly downgrade the hand and settle for a response of one spade. East dealer N-S vulnerable

OVERTRICK

PASSED HAND

Now I must guess in clubs. But East, a passed hand, had the ace of diamonds, queen of hearts and king of spades. He won’t have the ace of clubs, so I lead to the king, making the game.

When the queen falls, you can finesse in clubs for an overtrick. If East’s diamonds were Q-10-9-8, you would finesse in clubs. At matchpoint duplicate, your play would be different. The contract is “normal” — every pair will reach four hearts — so you would try for the maximum number of tricks: You would take the ace of diamonds and lead to the jack. If the cards lay perfectly, you would make two overtricks, and you would be unlucky to go down.

You hold:

Your partner opens one diamond. The next player bids

For a postpaid to U.S. copy of “Play Bridge With Me,” send $23.95 to PO Box 962, Fayette AL35555. Tell me how you’d like it inscribed. Profits donated.

‘Sound of Freedom’ reveals horror without exploiting it

FREEDOM

Continued from Page B1

himself, Tim knew he had to rescue children, and he risked his life to do so.

Alejandro Monteverde directed the movie, distributed by Angel Studios. The director tells the story as a straightforward narrative that shows the abuse the children experienced as sex slaves.

“Sound of Freedom” tells the horrible details but doesn’t exploit the horror. Mr. Monteverde, who co-wrote the story with Rod Barr and knows when to show restraint in the camera work, respects the children in this story, which was filmed on location in Cartagena, Colombia. “Sound of Freedom” demonstrates that a difficult topic can be shown on screen without graphic or sensational details.

When Tim decides to go on a dangerous mission to save Roberto’s (Jose Zuniga) daughter Rocio, he quits his job and heads to Colombia, where he and others go undercover in a sting operation to rescue more than 50 children at one time and apprehend the villains. It’s amazing to see the careful steps Tim and his colleagues, including his righthand man Vampiro (Bill Camp), take to ensure the children’s safety before and during their rescue.

Mr. Camp brings a lot to this movie, and it’s a reflection of his Broadway experience, which includes”The Crucible” and “The Death of A Salesman.”

Mr. Caviezel, whose movies have included “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and Mr. Camp do a great job in playing these real-life individuals. And Oscar-winning star Mira Sorvino adds to the film’s depth as Katherine Ballard, Tim’s wife.

The film is enhanced by the performances by Lucas Avila and Cristal Aparicio as Miguel and Rocio, the siblings who were kidnapped by sex traffickers.

The young actors give an honest, compelling portrayal. After “Sound of Freedom” was completed, it took another five years for it to land in theaters. The original distribution deal

Governor Hobbs, county attorneys at odds over abortion executive order

By CAMERON ARCAND

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - County attorneys in Arizona are at odds with Gov. Katie Hobbs over a recent Executive Order on abortion.

The governor’s June 23 order turns the power over from top law enforcement officials at the county level to Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes when it comes to “abortionrelated prosecutions.” This comes a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and returned most of the decision-making on abortion back to the states.

“In the year since the Dobbs decision, we have seen that antiabortion extremists will stop at nothing in their attempts to impose their radical beliefs on the rest of the country,” Ms. Mayes said in a press release on June 26.

But 12 different county attorneys across the state dubbed it a “substantial overreach” in a letter to the

governor asking her to rescind the action.

“Executive Order 2023-11 sets a dangerous precedent and suggests that any Arizona governor can order the attorney general to assume all duties related to an entire category of criminal prosecution and, by consequence, prohibit local prosecutors from acting,” the July 3 letter signed by both Republicans and Democrat attorneys stated.

However, the governor’s communications director, Christian Slater, insisted that they have no plans to rescind the order.

“We will not rescind this order.

Governor Hobbs will continue to use her lawful executive authority to put sanity over chaos and protect everyday Arizonans from extremists who are threatening to prosecute women and doctors over reproductive healthcare,” Mr. Slater tweeted Monday night.

Abortion is currently legal in Arizona for the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.

was with 20th Century Fox, but the distribution didn’t proceed after Disney bought the studio. Angel Studios acquired the global distribution rights after getting help from an online group of

10,000 investors. The movie was produced by Eduardo Verastegui, who plays Paul in the movie, and the production company behind it is Santa Fe Films.

Tim Ballard requested that Mr. Caviezel portray him in the movie, and it is one of Hollywood’s better casting decisions. Mr. Caviezel, who considers “Sound of Freedom” to be one of

his most important films, discusses the movie and its potential for inspiring positive changes during the closing credits. email: dmason@newspress.com

Oregon Criminal Justice Commission says bias, hate incidents up

By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - The Oregon Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Unit recently released its annual Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) report and found that bias-related complaints are becoming more common.

The report, released on July 1 each year, focuses on reported instances of hate and bias reported across the state, including complaints sent to the state’s Bias Response Hotline, law enforcement agency investigations, district attorney prosecutions, court findings, and data from the Oregon Department of Corrections.

Since 2020, bias-motivated reports to the state’s hotline have increased by 178 percent, up to 2,534 reports in 2022, according to a

press release from the Oregon Department of Justice.

“Hate is a stain on our state,” Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said. “Our Bias Response Hotline is an essential resource for supporting victims of bias and hate incidents, as well as a critical tool for monitoring trends in bias and hate in Oregon. Everyone should feel like they belong in Oregon.”

The biggest spike in reports to the hotline were complaints about bias based on sexual orientation and “gender identity”, according to the report, with such complaints rising by 430% and 639%, respectively. Additionally, the report found that 75% of religious bias complaints came from Jews, far greater than any other religious group.

The Oregon Department of Justice established its Bias Response Hotline in January 2020. Since then, it has received more

than 7,200 reports of hate and bias throughout the state.

The state offers a Crime Victims’ Compensation Program to those who have reported a bias crime or incident where victims can apply for up to $1,000 in Emergency Monies for Bias Victims, “to help with safety, security, relocation, property repair, or other assistance in the aftermath of bias,” according to the release.

“The work of our community partners and our Bias Response Hotline team are critical in Oregon’s response to hate and bias, but more must be done to stop hate in its tracks, to restore civility, and to respect our human purpose,” Fay Stetz-Waters, Oregon DOJ’s Director of Civil Rights, said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do to eradicate hate, and it will take all of us to commit to stopping hate and bias.”

Grand Canyon National Park to get electric, natural gas busses

By CAMERON ARCAND THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - In the near future, visitors to Grand Canyon National Park could be transported around in a new electric bus.

The national park has been provided a $27 million grant to replace the current buses at the parks with ones that are “battery electric” and “compressed natural gas,” according to a press release from Arizona Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly. The funding came from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Nationally

Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program. The act from 2021, also dubbed the bipartisan infrastructure law, has a total price tag of $1.2 trillion.

“Our bipartisan infrastructure law is making historic investments in Arizona’s clean energy economy — creating jobs and improving air quality,” Sen. Kelly said in the press release.

“Upgrading Grand Canyon National Park’s bus fleet will reduce pollution and enhance visitors’ experience of Arizona’s busiest park.”

Sen. Sinema said this is a small step that will help the park and

The national park has been provided a $27 million grant to replace the current buses at the parks.

benefit its visitors.

“The Grand Canyon is one of Arizona’s stunning natural wonders – and we have an obligation to protect and preserve its beauty for generations to come. This historic funding made possible by our bipartisan infrastructure law represents an important step towards a cleaner, healthier, safer Grand Canyon National Park for the millions of Arizonans and tourists who visit every year,” she said in the press

release.

In 2022, the park had roughly 5 million visitors, according to KJZZ, and it’s considered to be one of the most popular national parks.

The Department of Interior’s website states that free shuttle bus service has shown tourists the Grand Canyon’s South Rim for “more than 40 years.”

A formal announcement will be made by federal and local officials at the park Thursday, The Arizona Republic reported.

Miguel (Lucas Avila) is reunited with his father, Roberto (Jose Zuniga).