Record-breaking tenure
Council
By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITERRoger Aceves, Goleta’s longestserving city council member, will leave office on Dec. 20 after a record-breaking 5,558 days on the job.
In all that time, he never missed a council meeting.
Mr. Aceves was elected to the Goleta City Council in November 2006 and sworn in December 2006. During his 16.03 years on the council, he served twice as mayor of Goleta.
And Mr. Aceves said he is proud of many accomplishments during his long tenure.
“My main focus has always been having a strong physical presence,” he said. “One of the reasons there have been so many 4-1 votes is that I don’t vote for something if we can’t afford it.
“One of the things we did accomplish was purchasing city hall. This saved us $600,000 annually in lease payments,” he said. “We also acquired Fire Station 10 property. We haven’t built it yet, but we have purchased the property.
“We also created the 501 trust fund to handle future pension and retiree health benefits, which the council initially wasn’t in support of. The trust fund covers any future increases of rates of PERS (Public Employees’ Retirement System). So it will not come out of the city’s general fund,” Mr. Aceves said.
He also noted he persuaded the city council to approve diversity equity and inclusion policy.
“I have been the only Latino elected to council,” Mr. Aceves said. “My last official resolution was a resolution condemning actions of three L.A. City Council members, which were discriminatory against blacks, Latinos and people of color. I asked every single council
60-foot boat runs aground on s anta Cruz island
Everyone aboard is rescued without injury
By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITERA 60-foot fishing boat ran aground early Thursday morning on Santa Cruz Island, but all six crew members aboard were transferred safely to another fishing vessel without injury.
Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary is working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, state and local agencies in investigating the incident, which resulted in diesel fuel being spilled.
Flacks becomes Goleta’s first homelessness services coordinator
By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITERChuck Flacks recently assumed his position as the first homelessness services coordinator for the city of Goleta.
“Goleta is my home. I’ve long wanted to work for the city because cities are where policy meets action and residents are involved and engaged,” Mr. Flacks told the News-Press.
“Homelessness is solved by oneon-one connection and problem solving,” he said. “This position will allow me to connect with Goleta residents (both housed and without homes) to work on problems related to homelessness and help people take the next right steps.”
The News-Press asked Mr. Flacks, who began his work on Dec. 5, how his career has prepared him for this.
“I have worked in the nonprofit sector (working closely with the government) since 1992. My focus has been on community development including affordable housing, workforce development, nonprofit capacity building and homelessness. I have worked at senior policy levels and hands-on counseling with homeless people.”
“I’ve worked in homelessness
FYi
To learn more about the Homelessness Strategic Plan, visit cityofgoleta.
org/projects-programs/ studies-and-other-projects/ homelessness-strategic-plan.
policy and services in Santa Barbara since 2015. I was the executive director of the Central Coast Collaborative on Homelessness from 2015-2017 and director of programs for PATH Santa Barbara from 20172020,” Mr. Flacks said. “I started a homelessness consulting company, Flacks Seed Consulting, in 2020 with both the county of Santa Barbara and city of Goleta as clients. In addition, in 2021-2022, I was a manager of homeless data for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.”
Jamie Valdez, Goleta’s Neighborhood Services
Before he leaves office, Roger Aceves looks back on his 16 years with the Goleta CityRAFAEL MALDONADO / NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO “I am really honored that the voters re-elected me four times,” said Goleta City Councilmember Roger Aceves, who will leave office Dec. 20 after 16 years. He’s seen here at his home in Goleta. KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO
Avatar Way of Water* (PG13): Fri: 11:00, 11:30/3D, 12:30, 1:30/3D, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30/3D, 4:30, 5:30/3D, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30/3D, 8:30, 9:30/3D. Sat: 10:30, 11:00, 11:30/3D,12:30, 1:30/3D, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30/3D, 4:30, 5:30/3D, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30/3D, 8:30, 9:30/3D. Sun: 10:30, 11:00, 11:30/3D,12:30, 1:30/3D, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30/3D, 4:30, 5:30/3D, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30/3D, 8:30. Mon-Wed: 12:30, 1:30/3D, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30/3D, 4:30, 5:30/3D, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30/3D, 8:30. Thur: 12:30, 1:30/3D, 2:30, 3:30/3D, 4:30, 5:30/3D, 6:30, 7:30/3D, 8:30. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (PG13): Fri-Thur: 12:45, 4:15,
Finneran named Lompoc superintendent
LOMPOC — Dr. Clara A. Finneran has been named the new superintendent of the Lompoc Unified School District.
Dr. Finneran is expected to be officially selected as the superintendent during the district board meeting on Dec. 20.
She’s scheduled to start work Jan. 17.
Interim Superintendent Debbie Blow will assist Dr. Finneran during her transition. Dr. Blow’s last day with the district will be Jan. 20.
Since 2016, Dr. Finneran has served as the assistant superintendent of education for Las Virgenes Unified School District.
“I am honored to be the new superintendent in Lompoc Unified. I am looking forward to working collaboratively with the students, staff, and families
of LUSD, and the entire community of Lompoc in order to serve the needs of each student,” Dr. Finneran said in a statement. “I am eager to meet you all and will be listening and learning as we begin our work together.”
William “Franky” Caldeira, Board President, said, “LUSD is so fortunate to have found Dr. Finneran. Her experience in curriculum and instruction, her vast leadership experience as well as her relationship building skills are exactly what our district needs. I could not be more thrilled for the future of LUSD with Dr. Finneran at the helm.
“I would also be remiss if I did not thank Dr. Blow for her hard work and dedication over the last couple of months while we searched for Dr. Finneran. Thank you, Dr. Blow, for everything you have done for our district. We will miss you.”
— Dave Mason COURTESY PHOTO Dr. Clara A. FinneranState analyst office recommends tweaks to California’s adult education funding
By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE(The Center Square) – How can California improve its adult education funding model?
The California Legislature’s Legislative Analyst’s Office has some recommendations in a report it released on Tuesday.
The LAO’s office calls for a complete overhaul of the current funding system that it says would cost the same as the existing program.
For example, the LAO wants the state to set a uniform per-student rate for adult education providers rather than using different rates for adult schools and community college noncredit courses.
The state’s 300 adult schools currently receive about $525 million in state funding. However, California Adult Education Program’s funding is not based on the number of students involved in these programs. The schools are now receiving about $10,000 per student – significantly higher than what they received before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2018-2019 school year, adult enrollment at these schools was much higher (about 80,000 then compared to 50,000 now), so they received about $5,800 per student.
The LAO recommends that the state instead goes with the existing noncredit community
DUI checkpoint tonight in
Goleta
GOLETA — There will be a DUI checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. tonight at an undisclosed location in Goleta.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, which handles law enforcement in Goleta, wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,654 people were killed in car crashes nationwide in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver, or one person every 45 minutes.
The sheriff’s office encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “Go Safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Marijuana, prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also impair. The sheriff’s office recommends people do their research and understand how drugs may affect their driving ability.
“The holidays are a special time of year for many, and we want drivers to act responsibly,” Sgt. Noel Rivas said in a news release. “This enforcement period allows us to get the message out that driving impaired is an illegal,
Hammami named director of public health
Santa Barbara County has named Dr. Mouhanad Hammami the new director of public health.
“Dr. Hammami has more than 20 years of experience in public government admin & healthcare & is deeply committed to public health & service,” according to a tweet from the county.
He is scheduled to start his job on Jan. 23.
Dr. Hammami succeeds Interim Public Health Director Daniel Nelson, who was appointed to the position after Dr. Van DoReynoso left in July. Mr. Nelson will continue to lead the Santa Barbara County Social Services Department.
Dr. Hammami spent 18 years working for Wayne County in Michigan, where he served as
college rate of $6,788 per student – similar to the 2018-2019 rate for adult schools when adjusting for inflation.
“A uniform base rate also would send clearer signals about the basic quality of programs that the state expects providers to offer,” the report says. “This, in turn, could help in establishing a consistent corresponding fee policy (discussed later in this section), treating providers and students more similarly across the state.”
The LAO also recommends that these schools eliminate fees associated with adult education. It notes that the state has a zerofee policy for non-credit community college classes.
The LAO notes that while it thinks charging fees may result in students being more responsible because they’re making an investment in the course.
“Though some adult schools would lose fee revenue under this recommendation, the new uniform base rate per student described above would be designed to fully cover providers’
expected program costs,” the LAO wrote. “Moreover, the state would not necessarily face higher overall program costs. This is because current state funding rates per student are elevated due to recent enrollment drops not being accompanied by state funding reductions.”
Additionally, the LAO recommends that a specific amount, such as 10%, be directed to consortium-level activities at these schools. Under the LAO’s vision, consortia would have flexibility in how the money gets spent. This includes funding for administrative and programmatic purposes, “with possible activities including regional planning, conducting student outreach, building partnerships with workforce organizations, and providing student transition services,” the report said.
“Under our recommendation, consortium members could choose to augment funding using their own CAEP allotments if they desired to undertake more of these types of activities,” it added.
TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER
— Katherine ZehnderSeacliff on-ramp to be closed
Caltrans has announced a 59hour weekend closure, beginning at 7 tonight, of the Seacliff onramp to southbound Highway 101 in Ventura County. The closure will run until 6 a.m. Monday.
In addition to ramp closures, there will be the following overnight closures of the southbound U.S. Highway 101 lane on the coastal side from Mussel Shoals to Faria Beach: • 10 tonight until 9 a.m. Saturday.
• 9 p.m. Saturday until 9 a.m. Sunday.
One southbound bypass lane and two northbound lanes will remain open overnight. Two lanes in both directions will be open during the day.
Closures may start and end later. Real-time traffic information can be found at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
All work is subject to change due to weather or constructionrelated issues. The work is part of a $48 million pavement rehabilitation project — including $5.5 million in funding from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 — on a 4.3-mile section of Highway 101 north of Ventura. For more information, see tinyurl.
com/mrycvtdm. Caltrans reminds drivers to slow down in cone zones and to be
Health, Veterans and Community Wellness.
senseless behavior that takes lives.”aware of workers on the highway. — Katherine Zehnder
The LAO’s office calls for a complete overhaul of the current funding system that it says would cost the same as the existing program.
New prostitution and jaywalking laws taking effect in California on January 1
By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR(The Center Square) - Two new laws regarding people on the streets will take effect in California next year.
One law deals with sex workers and could result in fewer prostitution arrests. The other will result in fewer penalties for jaywalking. Both laws will go into effect on January 1, 2023.
In June, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 357 into law. The bill, sponsored by state Senator Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, decriminalizes “loitering with the intent to engage in prostitution.”
When signing the bill into law earlier this year, Gov. Newsom reiterated that it didn’t legalize prostitution; he argued that it would offer protection to transgender individuals, which he said were disproportionately targeted by law enforcement without this protection.
“To be clear, this bill does not legalize prostitution,” he said at the time. “It simply revokes provisions of the law that have led to disproportionate harassment of women and transgendered adults. While I agree
with the author’s intent and I am signing this legislation, we must be cautious about its implementation. My Administration will monitor crime and prosecution trends for any possible unintended consequences and will act to mitigate any such impacts.”
However, opponents of the law argue that it is dangerous. They say it will lead to increased human trafficking, expose children to the sex work industry, and ultimately close businesses.
“Legalizing street prostitution is not the answer to protecting a sex worker. Instead, street sex leads to crime, violence, and a deterioration of our communities. It will drive businesses away. It will set a terrible example for our children,” Million Kids CEO and President Opal Singleton Hendershot said in August 2021.
The other bill Gov. Newsom signed into law is AB 2147, sponsored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco. It legalizes jaywalking when the pedestrian can reasonably assume that crossing does not put anyone in danger.
“It should not be a criminal offense to safely cross the street. When expensive tickets and unnecessary confrontations with police impact only certain communities,
it’s time to reconsider how we use our law enforcement resources and whether our jaywalking laws really do protect pedestrians,” Assemblymember Ting said in a press release about the bill. “Plus, we should be encouraging people to get out of their cars and walk for health and environmental reasons.”
Additionally, Zal Shroff, Senior Staff Attorney at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area, said that the law is a racial justice issue.
Mr. Shroff argues that the law will help minorities, who he says are cited disproportionately for jaywalking.
“All Californians will benefit from the Governor’s decision to sign AB 2147—the Freedom to Walk Act—into law,” Mr. Shroff said in the release. “No longer will law enforcement be able to stop people who are safely crossing the street and burden them with citations and heaps of debt. For too long, our jaywalking laws were used as a pretext to stop and harass people, especially low-income people and people of color. The reforms enacted in AB 2147 will put an end to that and, in doing so, make all of California safer for pedestrians.”
California doubling its EV charger stock with nearly $3 billion investment
By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR(The Center Square) - California plans to allocate nearly $3 billion in funding for 90,000 new electric vehicle chargers across the state.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved a $2.9 billion clean transportation investment plan on Wednesday, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
The increase marks a 3,000% increase in funding from 2019 levels. The funding will more than double the number of publiclyavailable charging stations in the state from 80,000 to 170,000; the state’s goal is to have 250,000 publicly-available chargers by 2025.
“California is bringing our roads and highways into the 21st Century with electric vehicle chargers in every community, in every corner of our state,” Gov.
The funding will more than double the number of publicly-available charging stations in the state from 80,000 to 170,000; the state’s goal is to have 250,000 publicly-available chargers by 2025.
Gavin Newsom said in a press release. “We are transforming transportation in California and scaling climate action in ways only California can – with jobs, innovation, and health at the heart of our efforts.”
The Governor’s office says the funding will help the state and municipalities deploy zeroemission trucks, school buses, and transit buses.
It adds that this will, “deliver clean air benefits and good paying jobs to neighborhoods across the state, and especially to communities hit hardest by the impacts of pollution from trucks
and buses.”
“At least half of the funding will benefit low-income and historically disadvantaged communities on the front lines of the climate crisis,” the governor’s office added.
California had more than one million electric vehicle sales
in 2021; California alone owns nearly 18% of the market share for electric vehicles.
“The success of the state’s programs has led to ZEVs becoming a top export and has spurred major advances in manufacturing and job creation,” the governor’s office said.
Federal emergency funds provide boost to guaranteed income projects across U.S.
By ELYSE APEL THE CENTER SQUARE(The Center Square) – About 180,000 people applied for the Los Angeles County guaranteedincome program in the spring of 2022. But there were just 1,000 spots available.
It was a sign of high demand for the $1,000-a-month nostrings-attached stipend from the government.
New guaranteed income programs are popping up across the country as governments are using the stockpile of federal COVID-19 emergency money to fund them.
Mayors For A Guaranteed Income is a collection of mayors from some of the largest cities in the country orchestrating the long-term development of guaranteed income plans.
The city of St. Louis approved spending $5 million of its federal COVID-19 recovery money on Dec. 13 to pay for its guaranteed income program that will give 440 households $500 a month for 18 months.
But what happens to these projects once the one-time federal emergency funds from the COVID-19 pandemic response dry up?
“It seems highly unlikely that these programs could be funded absent either a dramatic shift in funding from existing antipoverty programs or a huge, permanent increase in federal spending,” said Kyle Wingfield, CEO of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. “A shift is pretty improbable in the current political climate. Given that Congress is already borrowing
at a large scale to pay for other programs, this increase would lead to more federal taxpayer debt.”
The national deficit was $336.4 billion for fiscal year 2023, according to the U.S. Treasury.
Veronique de Rugy, the George Gibbs Chair in Political Economy at the Mercatus Center, said states would likely have to help fund these programs moving forward, as federal money begins to run out.
“When the money is gone, state budgets will have to pick up the tab,” Ms. de Rugy said in an email. “I assume that when COVID money is gone, some states will give up the programs while others will keep them going.”
Other guaranteed income programs are already funded by cities, states, or private foundations. LA County’s program is funded by the government and philanthropic organizations.
The city of San Francisco announced on Dec. 6 that it received a $5 million grant from the state to expand its guaranteed income program for pregnant Black women. That $5 million will pay an additional 425 mothers $1,000 a month for 12 months. The initial program had 150 recipients.
The city of Providence’s guaranteed income program serves 110 households and the participants, on average, had an income of about $13,100 a year. Those recipients will receive $500 a month for 18 months. The Providence program, and is funded entirely by private money and costs $990,000.
A walk on the wharf
What happens when the federal money runs out?KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS An electric car charging station stands at 6100 Hollister Ave. in Goleta. The state of California plans to spend nearly $3 billion for 90,000 new electric vehicle chargers. KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS Heavy foot traffic passes by the Longboard Grill and the Harbor Restaurant on Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara on Sunday.
ACEVES Continued from Page A1
member to sign the resolution, rather than just the mayor as a show of unity.
“I also created Beautify Goleta to clean neighborhoods, and that program has grown exponentially,” Mr. Aceves said. “I created that over 10 years ago, and in that time they have collected over 100,000 tons of garbage, and 80% of that has been recycled.”
Mr. Aceves spoke about how it feels to be the longest-serving Goleta City Council member.
“I was surprised how quickly the time went. I have dedicated 16 years of my life. I am really honored that the voters re-elected me four times,” he said. “I dedicated myself in service to them and never missed a meeting.
“What the public doesn’t understand is the impact on family. My wife of 50 years has been my strong supporter, I couldn’t have done anything I have accomplished without her support,” Mr. Aceves said. “I am really pleased with the work I have done.”
The News-Press asked Mr. Aceves how he has managed to never miss a meeting in 16 years.
“To my wife’s chagrin, we scheduled vacations in between meetings. I manage by being prepared for every meeting and reading every report. I dedicated myself to it.
“I signed a contract with the citizens of Goleta, and I didn’t want to let them down. It wasn’t easy,” he said. “You give up a lot, especially family.”
Mr. Aceves talked about his legacy.
“When I was elected, our city was not quite five years old,” he said. “I had my hand in every vote taken by council. I also had responsibility beyond meetings.”
Mr. Aceves, the council’s only Latino member, reached out to the Spanishspeaking community, and he said that worked effectively.
“Additionally, when I was mayor for the first
time in 2009, we didn’t have our own municipal code. We hadn’t created it yet,” he said. “I pushed our city attorney and clerk to get the municipal code done. It took eight years to get it done. We also have the largest motorsquad in law enforcement.
“My legacy doesn’t just remain with the council. I was also the presidential appointment to the statewide committee on public safety, served with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Air Pollution Control District, the Metropolitan Transit District, as well as 10 years on the Local Agency Formation Commission. This was all in addition to not missing one council meeting.”
The News-Press asked Mr. Aceves what the future holds for him.
“I thought a lot about this. Not having to go to council meetings now, I have Tuesdays free,” Mr. Aceves said.
“I’m closing a door now on being on council, but I have had many other offers,” he added.
“But more importantly right now during the holidays, I get to spend more time with my family and my new grandbaby. I am also a member of the Santa Barbara Elks Lodge and am on the board of directors for the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County. My wife and I are involved with many nonprofits, and we have raised $25,000 for the Goleta (Valley) Historical Society.”
Mr. Aceves gave the following advice to his successor, Councilmember-elect Luz ReyesMartin:
“First, I wish her luck in her new position. I understand she has a steep learning curve. Being on the council is not a natural thing, you have to learn the process. My hope is that she will have an independent voice and advocate for the needs of District 1.
“I hope she pushes for more involvement, especially from the minority community. I hope she advocates for representation. I hope she fights during the budget hearing for the needs of District 1. I hope she isn’t afraid to take an opposing view.”
RAFAEL MALDONADO / NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO
Councilmember James Kyriaco told the News-Press that he appreciated his time working with Councilmember Aceves, “particularly on issues such as public safety, emergency preparedness, and improving diversity, equity and inclusion in city programs, services, employment and commission representation.
“His commitment to constituent services, which he often referred to as customer service, is something I will seek to emulate as a councilmember in the coming years,” Mr. Kyriaco said.
In addition to his 16 years on the Goleta City Council, Mr. Aceves spent 32 years as a police officer, and he said all the experience has led to a “huge wealth of knowledge.
“I may be off council but I’m not going away,” he said. “I will still be available to assist and advocate for issues for the city and the district.
“If anyone needs my help I am only a phone call away, and I stand at the ready to serve and assist.”
email: kzehnder@newspress.com
FLACKS Continued from Page A1 ‘I may be off council but I’m not going away’
“The position came from a multi-year effort to pass the Homelessness Strategic Plan, coordinating across jurisdictions, agencies, law enforcements, Caltrans and more,” he told the News-Press. “It really depends on the person and their story, so we thought a coordinated effort would be the best solution.
“We are trying to address things holistically in Goleta and implement the plan in a way that makes sense and makes progress,” Mr. Valdez said. “We saw how much more need there was, and it made sense to have a coordinated effort. The plan demonstrated the need for this type of position over time. There were more complaints and calls for service, and we needed one centralized place for service.”
Mr. Flacks holds a bachelors sociology and politics from UC Santa Cruz. He also holds two masters degrees, one in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and one in family and child counseling from San Diego State University. And he has received International Coaching Federation ACC
Certification.
The News-Press asked Mr. Flacks how he plans to reduce homelessness. “Implementation of the Goleta Homelessness Strategic Plan includes creating more affordable and permanent supportive housing, outreach and engagement with homeless people, supporting robust referral and resource development in mental health and alcohol and drug treatment, and development of emergency services such as showers, food and street-level case management. But ultimately, homelessness is ended by helping someone 1:1 find housing.”
“My role is to support efforts to create housing,” Mr. Flacks said. “Currently, Goleta has one project, Tierra Buena, under development
KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS
contact for community residents, businesses and service providers by responding to residents on questions and concerns,” he said. “Policy direction comes from the city council, but the director is on the ground in person implementing the policy.”
“One thing to point out is that Chuck grew up in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area,” Mr. Valdez added. “He is connected to the community, and it’s part of who he is as a person. It’s different when you have a close connection to a place.”
PFANNENSTIEL, Thomas
Patrick
by the county housing authority that will provide over 50 units of permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless people.
“There are another 100 units of very low-income housing units (some of which set-aside for people with disabilities) in the approval process,” he said. “And there are another 50 units of very lowincome housing units on the Goleta border seeking approvals. Given that Goleta has approximately 100 homeless people identified by the Point in Time Count, these new homes will make a significant difference for Goleta.”
The News-Press asked Mr. Valdez what the city expects of the homelessness services coordinator.
“They serve as a point of
Mr. Flacks said he’s been preparing for this work for many years.
“I know Goleta well. I’m passionate about solutions. I also understand how to bring policy and best practices to the streets,” said Mr. Flacks. “The city of Goleta has created a new position to coordinate the resources, people and information that will help to meet the needs of those impacted by the problem of homelessness. I feel honored to have been selected to work in this role. Ultimately, developing solutions to homelessness means addressing the problem of affordable housing — an issue that affects all of us. I hope to play my part and implement Goleta’s visionary strategies.”
email: kzehnder@newspress.com
Today SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 A4 NEWS
Los Angeles/Long Beach watchstanders received a report from Vessel Assist Ventura that the Speranza Marie, a fishing vessel with six people aboard and carrying roughly 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel, ran aground in Chinese Harbor on Santa Cruz Island at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday.
A private fishing vessel responded to the incident and transported the crew members to Ventura, according to news releases from the Channel Islands National Park and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The owner of the Speranza Marie has secured a contractor, and salvage planning is underway, according to the releases.
The Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip is en route to monitor the situation and provide a safety zone around the incident.
Responding agencies have entered into a unified command with the U.S. Coast Guard as the lead agency. Other agencies include National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, California Fish and Wildlife, Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Office of Spill and Prevention Response.
Cleanup crews are on-scene containing and recovering the diesel fuel. According to the Channel Islands National Park, diesel fuel is considered a non-
The vessel ran aground in Chinese Harbor.
persistent oil, compared to a heavier bunker or crude oil product, in even the calmest sea conditions. Diesel fuel is known to lose 40% of its volume due to evaporation within 48 hours in cold weather.
remember your
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No environmental impacts have been reported at this time, but crews are actively monitoring for them. According to the park, trained responders from the Office of Spill and Prevention Response have been put on
IMAGE
standby and will be activated should they be needed.
For more information, see www.nps.gov/chis/learn/news/ newsreleases.htm.
email: kzehnder@newspress.com
City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W
Cuyama 57/31/s 56/29/pc
Goleta 63/39/pc 61/39/pc
Lompoc 63/37/pc 64/35/pc
Pismo Beach 60/36/s 60/36/pc
Santa Maria 62/38/s 62/36/pc
Santa Ynez 65/37/pc 63/34/pc
Vandenberg 61/41/pc 62/38/pc
Catalina 61/50/pc 60/47/c
Concord 55/31/s 54/32/s
Escondido 68/38/pc 68/43/c
Eureka 52/34/s 51/36/s
Fresno 55/35/s 54/35/pc
Los Angeles 67/43/pc 64/42/pc
Mammoth Lakes 35/8/s 35/8/s
Modesto 51/35/s 53/35/s
Monterey 59/40/s 60/40/pc
Napa 58/30/s 58/29/s
Oakland 56/34/s 56/36/s
Ojai 66/36/pc 62/38/pc
Oxnard 65/44/pc 62/45/pc
Palm Springs 66/43/s 60/45/pc
Pasadena 67/41/pc 63/43/pc
Paso Robles 62/30/s 60/30/pc
Sacramento 53/28/s 54/34/s
San Diego 67/41/pc 64/47/c
San Francisco 57/39/s 55/41/s
San Jose 57/35/s 58/36/s
San Luis Obispo 64/37/s 65/35/pc
Santa Monica 66/42/pc 63/43/pc
Tahoe Valley 37/14/s 40/19/s
54/40/s 50/31/c
Boston 45/37/r 42/31/c
Chicago 30/24/sn 28/18/sf
Dallas 51/32/s 53/32/pc
Denver 34/13/c 41/16/pc
Houston 65/44/pc 55/37/c
Miami 79/67/t 80/68/sh
Minneapolis 31/18/sn 20/5/sf
New York City 46/36/r 43/31/s
Philadelphia 48/34/r 44/30/s
Phoenix 60/37/pc 60/41/pc
Portland, Ore. 40/27/pc 41/34/c
St. Louis 35/24/pc 33/22/pc
Salt Lake City 26/13/pc 29/15/pc
Seattle 43/31/s 39/37/c
Washington, D.C. 52/33/pc 47/32/s
a.m. 1.8’ 4:50 p.m. 3.2’ 10:33 p.m. 1.3’ Dec. 18 5:27 a.m. 5.1’ 12:23 p.m. 1.0’ 6:06 p.m. 3.2’ 11:12 p.m. 1.6’
Beijing 29/8/s 26/9/s
Berlin 28/23/s 29/19/s
Cairo 76/59/s 76/59/pc
Cancun 85/72/pc 83/71/pc London 37/26/s 42/28/pc
Mexico City 73/51/pc 73/51/s
Montreal 34/32/sn 34/27/sn
New Delhi 74/48/pc 74/48/pc
Paris 39/23/s 31/22/s
Rio de Janeiro 83/73/t 81/73/sh
Rome 64/51/r 62/47/s
Sydney 67/58/s 68/59/pc
Tokyo 56/41/s 47/41/r
Life theArts
CALENDAR
Africa: Up close and personal
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. “Interlopings: Colors in the Warp and Weft of Ecological Entanglements” is an exhibit that runs through March 12 at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The exhibit features weavings dyed with pigments from non-native plants on Santa Cruz Island. The weavings were created by artists Helen Svensson and Lisa Jevbratt. For more information, see sbbotanicgarden.org.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit “Parliament of Owls” runs through Feb. 5 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, see sbma.net.
8 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “A Christmas Carol” at the New Vic, 33. W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $40$84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.
8 p.m. Johnny Mathis will perform at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom, 3400 State Route 246, Santa Ynez. Tickets for the Santa Ynez concert are $69 to $109. To purchase, go to www. chumashcasino.com. The Chumash Casino Resort is a 21-and-older venue.
By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITERAndrew Antone has found a way to bring Africa right into your living room.
The Santa Barbara photographer is doing that through his coffee table book, “Africa.” It was released Oct. 7.
“I think the most important thing is seeing the beauty and the realization that we need to prioritize conservation and preservation. It doesn’t get much attention from this part of the world. It is a matter of two generations before these animals will be extinct,” Mr. Antone, who has been a member of and donor to the Santa Barbara Zoo for over 15 years, told the News-Press.
“Africa” celebrates the diversity of the animal kingdom with details and vignettes about the world’s most endangered animals. Through Mr. Antone’s stories and photos, readers get to traverse the waterways of the Okavango Delta, Botswana and the grasslands of Chobe National Park, Botswana, following the footsteps of lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and zebras — to name a few. There’s a short respite in Nairobi, Kenya, to get up close and personal with two of the largest mammals in the world — elephants and giraffes.
Through “Africa,” readers can experience the vast and endless savannahs of the Serengeti, Tanzania in a hot air balloon with a bird’s-eye view of the great migration.
As part of the Santa Barbara
DEC. 17
Noon to 3 p.m. The free Big Brass Tuba Christmas Concert will take place in Storke Placita, which is between 722 and 724 State St. and is adjacent to De la Guerra Plaza in Santa Barbara. The Youth Makers Market will be in the same block. 2 and 7 p.m. State Street Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara High School student Olivia Pires will play Clara at the 2 p.m. matinee. Professional State Street Ballet dancer Emma Matthews will portray Clara at the 7 p.m. show. Tickets vary from $38 to $121, with a discounted price of $26 for children 12 and younger in select price zones. To purchase, go to granadasb.org. A student discount is also available for purchase in person at The Granada’s box office.
3 p.m. The Quire of Voyces, an a cappella choir based at Santa Barbara City College, will perform its “Mysteries of Christmas” concert at St. Anthony’s Chapel at the Garden Street Academy, 2300 Garden St., Santa Barbara. Tickets are sold weekdays at the Garvin Theatre box office at the SBCC campus or at the door 30 before the concert.
8 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “A Christmas Carol” at the New Vic, 33. W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $40$84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.
9 a.m. to noon:
Day features community projects at
“It’s a beautiful oversized, coffee table book and makes a great gift for the holiday season,” author Andrew Antone said about his book “Africa,” which follows the footsteps of lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras and more.
Poppies plans Sunday Art Market
OJAI — Poppies Art and Gifts will present a Sunday Art Market on Dec. 18, in time to finish holiday shopping.
Local artists and makers will display their creations in front of Poppies Art and Gifts from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai.
Visitors are invited to browse inside the store for original art, photographs, jewelry, pottery, knitted and crocheted wear, and other merchandise. Poppies Arts and Gifts also carries olive oils and flavored balsamic vinegar and assorted scented candles. Gift certificates are available.
Poppies is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December. It’s closed on Christmas. You can shop online at poppiesartandgifts.indiemade. com.
— Dave MasonCALENDAR
Continued from Page B1
Congregation B’nai B’rith, 1000 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara. Ten goodwill projects will take place at the congregation and throughout the community. The program begins at 9 a.m. with breakfast, followed by a welcoming address at 9:30. For more information, visit cbbsb.org/mitzvah.
2 p.m. State Street Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Dos Pueblos High School student Sophia Kanard will play Clara. Tickets vary from $38 to $121, with a discounted price of $26 for children 12 and younger in select price zones. To purchase, go to granadasb.org. A student discount is also available for purchase in person at The Granada’s box office.
2 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “A Christmas Carol” at the New Vic, 33. W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $40$84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.
3 p.m. The Quire of Voyces, an a cappella choir based at Santa Barbara City College, will perform its “Mysteries of Christmas” concert at St. Anthony’s Chapel at the Garden Street Academy, 2300 Garden St., Santa Barbara. Tickets are sold weekdays at the Garvin Theatre box office at the SBCC campus or at the door 30 before the concert.
— Dave MasonA Feb. 17 opening is scheduled for the latest addition to
World.
Super Nintendo World to open at Universal Studios
UNIVERSAL CITY — Universal Studios says this will be a game changer: Super Nintendo World.
Inspired by the popular line of video games, the land is scheduled to open Feb. 17 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The new land will feature attractions such as “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, which is inspired by the Mario Kart
video game series. It will feature augmented reality and set pieces along a moving ride track. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting coins to defeat Team Bowser and win.
In addition to that ride, Super Nintendo World will feature interactive activities, themed
dining at the Toadstool Cafe and shopping at the 1-UP Factory retail store.
Super Nintendo World is located in the theme park’s lower lot, right next to the Transformers attraction.
For more information, see www.universalstudioshollywood. com.
Cold Spring Tavern announces music schedule
SANTA BARBARA — Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Road, has announced its lineup of musicians for January.
JAN. 1
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan 1:30-4:30 p.m. JAN. 7
— Oddley Straight 1:30-4:30 p.m.
— Cadillac Angels, 5-8 p.m. JAN. 8
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan,
1:30-4:30 p.m. JAN. 14 — Grass Mountain, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
—Do No Harm, 5-8 p.m. JAN. 15 Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, 1:30-4:30 p.m. JAN. 21
— Green Flag Summer, 1:304:30 p.m.
— Musicians to be determined for 5-8 p.m. JAN. 22
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, 1:30-4:30 p.m. JAN. 28
— Bobby, Finn and Dave (BFD), 1:30-4:30 p.m.
— Hoodlum Friends, 5-8 p.m. JAN. 29
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
For more information, go to www.coldspringtavern.com.
— Dave MasonAFRICA
Continued from Page B1
Zoo’s Adventure Travel program, this expedition to Africa was originally slated for the spring 2020 as the honeymoon for Mr. Antone and his husband Patrick, a volunteer-turned-employee of the Santa Barbara Zoo, who has been supporting the zoo’s mission since age 12.
The trip was delayed by the pandemic, but Mr. Antone and his husband found it was worth the wait for an adventure that wildly exceeded their expectations.
“We got the opportunity to go on this trip that is usually only for board members and donors,” Andrew Antone told the NewsPress. “It was unbelievable the quantity and diversity of animals we were seeing. And we were the first tourists back after the pandemic.
“On the second or third day of the trip, we were looking through photos and seeing what a special thing we had,” Mr. Antone said. “It was a great opportunity to bring Africa to those that can’t go there. That was the first intent to raise the awareness that if we don’t prioritize conservation and preservation, it is a matter of a couple generations and it will
disappear.”
FYI
other than in Nairobi, Kenya,” Mr. Antone said. “The animals are in their natural, wild habitat. We were in open air Jeeps with no doors and windows. We were very exposed. There was a bit of thrill early on in the proximity to the animals.
“We had the most amazing guides. These are people that spend their lives training and learning to be guides. They are masterful at getting us right up to the animal. As long as we are in the Jeep, the animals don’t see us as a threat. It’s amazing to be that close.”
Photographed in March 2022, these one-of-a-kind photographs depict a moment in time when the world started to open up again after a global pandemic.
Flora and fauna have flourished in the absence of humans, once again reclaiming the land that is the lifeblood of these magnificent creatures.
The News-Press asked Mr. Antone what the experience was like photographing for the book.
“Some were adrenaline rich. It was about trying to experience it and be present, but also get the shot,” he said. “There were a couple close calls getting close to animals.
“We were in national parks
The Santa Barbara Zoo is currently featuring an exhibition for the book featuring 32 giclées from the book. Some of the photos are in black and white. All are matted and framed, high end photography. The exhibit will be in the zoo’s Discovery Pavilion through Jan. 31.
“It’s a beautiful oversized, coffee table book and makes a great gift for the holiday season,” Mr. Antone said. “It’s a comprehensive guide to the majority of animals in Africa. It’s a documentary, and there is no editing (of the photos) other than color correction. The idea is to convey the experience as we experienced it.”
Thought for Today
HOROSCOPE
Horoscope.com Friday, December 16, 2022
ARIES — There’s a serious tone to the day, Aries, so take this into account when you get the urge to play a practical joke on a friend. Keep things real. Stick close to home and take care of any menial tasks. Start a garden or buy some plants for your house. You have a disciplined nature that will help you get things done.
TAURUS — Bring stability to your emotions today, Taurus. You have the tendency to take things to extremes, swinging from incredible highs to rock-bottom lows. Give your nervous system a break and calm down. Go for a walk in the woods. Make sure that all your actions are rational and well planned.
GEMINI — Take care of your home today, both physically and emotionally. See that bills are paid, and the bedroom is tidy. Don’t forget to clean the dust from under your bed and the demons from inside your mind. Realize that you might be running on someone else’s operating system that got stuck in your hard drive.
CANCER — Go ahead and act confidently, Cancer. You will probably find that you’re more stable and grounded in general, leaving you free to explore and take more risks than you normally would. Your intuition may be strong, so don’t hesitate to rely on it. Make sure your actions are clear and decisive.
LEO — It may be hard for you to get a project off the ground, Leo. Perhaps this is a sign that it needs to stay there. Take it back to the drawing board. Do some more planning and testing. Make sure that your actions are well thought out. Test the brakes before you drive down the mountain. You will find that you can accomplish a lot today if you stay focused and disciplined.
VIRGO — Finish whatever you didn’t wrap up yesterday, Virgo. Use the morning to plan, the afternoon to execute, and the evening to relax. Be conscious of time and your physical and mental limitations. Bring your dreaminess down to Earth and be realistic about goals. Take time to put the extra coat of wax on the car or extra stitch in the fabric.
LIBRA — Give it a rest today,
Libra. Recharge your batteries. Stick close to home and take a load off your feet. Convince someone to give you a massage, or better yet, go to a professional. You deserve a break. Once you’re restored, consider all the ramifications of whatever actions you take before you start.
SCORPIO — Feel free to move forward with your plans, Scorpio. This is a great day to act. You’ve done a great deal of data collecting and analyzing lately. Now is the time to put that information to good use. You’re helped by an extra boost of inner confidence and emotional strength. Your grounded, conservative approach will be richly rewarded.
SAGITTARIUS — You may have a hard time getting started today, Sagittarius. This might be a better time to plan. Be realistic and thoughtful in your actions. Be conscious of the steps you need to take to reach a certain goal. When in doubt, take the more conservative route. You will find that there is a great deal of support for that path.
CAPRICORN — Bring your emotions down to Earth today, Capricorn. Your imagination may run away with you. If you don’t take a hard look at reality, you may find yourself in big trouble later. The higher you soar, the harder you fall. Make sure you have a working parachute. Be realistic about your current situation and act with confidence.
AQUARIUS — Try not to be extravagant today, Aquarius. You’re much better off lying low. Focus on you and what you need to do. Don’t waste your time trying to attract others’ attention. Let them deal with themselves while you concentrate on your goals and chores. Tackle all projects with gusto. You will find that you can be very productive as long as you stay focused and calm.
PISCES — Today is a terrific day in which you should find that things work very smoothly. You have a hardheaded approach that will help you get down to business and get things done. Make sure you’re on solid ground before you take the next step upward. You have the ability to reach the summit of many mountains, so don’t waste any time.
SUDOKU
CODEWORD PUZZLE
By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content AgencyFriday, December 16, 2022
Unlucky Louie and I were out Christmas shopping. His feet were tired, and he begged for a respite.
“I’m wiped out,” Louie groaned as we sat on a bench in the mall, “and my credit card is swiped out.”
Louie could pay his credit card bill if he lost less in his penny game. As today’s West, he led a heart against 3NT. Dummy’s ten won, and declarer next led a spade from dummy: ten, queen, ace. East’s ten indicated a sequential holding, so Louie returned the jack. That suited South; he claimed four hearts, four clubs and a spade.
INFERENCES
Louie could take the cash and let the credit go if he drew an inference. South is marked with the A-K of hearts. If he needed to set up the clubs, he would have started promptly: He wouldn’t be attacking spades, which might set up winners for the defense.
Louie can place South with the A-K of clubs. But then South can’t have the king of diamonds, giving him too many points to open 1NT. At Trick Three, Louie must lead the deuce of diamonds.
QUESTION You hold: A J J 9 6 5 3 A Q 5 2 9 5. Your partner opens one club, you respond one heart and
he bids one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: To blast into 3NT would be defensible; you have 12 points and the unbid diamond suit twice stopped. Still, partner might pass with a hand such as K Q 5 3, None, K J 6 3, A Q 10 4 2, expecting you to have more heart strength. Bid two diamonds, a forcing bid in a new suit, and see what he bids next.
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.
“There are no secrets that time does not reveal.”
— Jean Racine