Santa Barbara News-Press: December 23, 2022

surprise visit with Christmas spirit

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

“This is the best day of my life!”

That’s what a 3-year-old boy said during an unexpected visit from the Pickleball Angels, Unity Shoppe and Transition House, who brought him and his 11year-old brother early Christmas presents.

It also proved to be a great day for their mother, Eyleen Mendez. The Pickleball Angels presented her with a $12,386 check to pay the family’s rent for the next 13 months at a Goleta apartment complex that provides affordable housing for low-income families.

The check and the visit on Wednesday evening were a total surprise for Ms. Mendez, who cleans rooms at a hotel and residents’ homes.

The Pickleball Angels — residents Elon Zilberman, David Peterson, John Sanford and David Wilcox, who all like to play pickleball in the Santa Barbara area — launched a GoFundMe page and raised more than $12,700 to help one family in need this Christmas.

Minus GoFundMe’s processing fees, that left $12,386, which proved to be more than enough to pay for Ms. Mendez’ rent through the end of 2023, Mr. Zilberman told the News-Press.

He added that the Pickleball Angels had money leftover and used the rest to buy Ms. Mendez a $282 gift card for Target, which has stores in Goleta and Santa Barbara.

Mr. Zilberman said they were assisted by Cynthia Hooper, director of operations at Unity Shoppe, a nonprofit that provided the men with a list of families in need. After discussing the list, the four men agreed they would help Ms. Mendez and her sons.

Unity Shoppe also donated Christmas gifts for the boys, and

Mendez

No-bail arrest warrant issued for Goleta man charged with molestation

Sheriff’s detectives looking for Samuel Camargo-Reyes

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A no-bail arrest warrant has been issued for a missing 80-yearold Goleta man charged with molesting a young girl for four years.

The warrant was issued because the man stopped meeting with his probation officer and skipped a scheduled court appearance earlier this month, prosecutors said.

Sheriff’s detectives are hunting for the defendant, Samuel Camargo-Reyes, in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office, following his disappearance, said a spokesman for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office,

“Mr. Reyes lost contact with probation and failed to appear in court last week (12/12),” Deputy District Attorney Sarah Barkley told the News-Press. “A no-bail bench warrant was issued, and all future court dates have been vacated.

“Mr. Reyes has been charged with a single count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child (a felony) … which carries a maximum sentence of 16 years in state prison.”

She declined to say whether the D.A.’s office believes Mr. CamargoReyes remains in Goleta or Santa Barbara County, or whether

FYi

Santa Barbara County sheriff’s detectives are asking anyone with information about Samuel CamargoReyes’ current whereabouts to call Detective Swank at 805-681-4150. Anyone who would like to remain anonymous can submit information at sbsheriff.org/ home/anonymous-tip or call 805-681-4171.

prosecutors think he has fled the state.

“I cannot comment on an ongoing criminal investigation,” Deputy District Attorney Barkley said.

The Sheriff’s Office also declined to comment on where detectives believe Mr. CarmagoReyes might be.

“The Sheriff’s Office is aware Reyes has failed to appear at his last court hearing,” Lt. Jarrett A. Morris told the News-Press. “The Sheriff’s Office is working with the District Attorney’s Office to locate Reyes. This is an active investigation, so at this time we will not be sharing any additional information.”

Mr. Reyes’ attorney, Deputy Public Defender Jess McHarrie, declined comment for this story.

On May 3, detectives began investigating a report of lewd acts with a child that allegedly occurred prior to 2019 in Mr. Carmago-Reyes’ business in an unmarked office in the 200 block of Pine Avenue in Goleta.

As a result of their investigation into this report, detectives arrested Mr. Carmago-Reyes — also known as Samuel ReyesCamargo — on a warrant for lewd acts with a child under the age of

Lompoc Police Chief Joseph Mariani retires at end of year

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

After nearly a half century in law enforcement, Lompoc Police Chief Joseph Mariani is looking forward to the next chapter in his life: retirement.

Chief Mariani announced earlier this month that he’s retiring at the end of this year. He has served as police chief since March 2019 and has worked in law enforcement for 49 years.

Chief Mariani became the Lompoc police chief following the resignation of Chief Pat Walsh.

Chief Mariani is the Lompoc Police Department’s first Hispanic and bilingual police chief.

COURTESY PHOTO

Police Chief Joseph Mariani

COURTESY PHOTO

Samuel Camargo-Reyes

Pickleball Angels bring unexpected gifts, including payment for 13 months of rent, to Goleta family

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

The 3-year-old son of Eyleen Mendez is thrilled when visitors bring Christmas presents and other surprises for their family in Goleta. Eyleen

Lack of affordable housing fueling California school district teacher shortage

By TOM GANTERT THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) - In August, the Milpitas School District in Santa Clara County, California, made national news when it asked homeowners in its community to rent out space to its teachers who could not afford housing.

The district advertises on its website, “Rooms For Rent For MUSD Educators” and asks, “Do you have a room for rent? Please fill out this form and our MUSD educators who are seeking a room to rent will be notified. The rest is up to you.”

Zillow listed a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo for sale in Milpitas, California in early December for $875,000 with an estimated monthly payment of $5,036.

That’s far below the average home price of $1.55 million in Santa Clara County.

Teachers in Milpitas school district have salaries ranging from $73,208 for a first-year teacher to the highest paid teacher in that district who had gross pay of $180,323 in 2022.

Santa Clara county’s rising home prices present a problem for the school district. The district did not respond to questions about if any one took the district up on its request.

According to Zillow, the average home price in Santa Clara County has increased from $1.14 million in 2017 to $1.55 million in 2022.

The city of Gilroy had some of the lower home prices in the county, at $1.06 million as of October 2022. That’s about a 40-mile trip to Milpitas.

The Pacific Research Institute published a report in February that blamed the California Environmental Quality Act for creating “California’s housing nightmare.”

The law was signed by Gov. Ronald Reagan in 1970 and the institute’s report states that “the scope of CEQA is so broad that project opponents can almost always find some basis for arguing that further analysis of the project’s ‘environmental’ impacts is required.”

Lawsuits challenging proposed housing developments creates delays and increases the costs.

“CEQA has been a principal cause of and continues to exacerbate the State’s longstanding inability to build enough housing for people of all income levels, resulting in the skyhigh costs of market-rate housing and insufficient affordable housing,” the report stated.

And Santa Clara County is not an exception, the institute said.

“The housing market in California is really no market at all but instead an overly manipulated and controlled domain of policymakers,” said Kerry Jackson, a fellow. “As long as that’s the case, the housing shortage will continue and homes will remain unaffordable to many. Nowhere is this more painfully obvious than across Santa Clara County, where housing policy reform is desperately needed. Until market mechanisms are restored, there will never be enough homes built to bring down prices.”

The Milpitas School District and Santa Clara County did not respond to emails seeking comment.

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

The Gaviota rest stops were still closed Thursday afternoon as workers continued to perform last-minute work.

Finishing touches done on rest areas

GAVIOTA — The Gaviota rest

areas on both sides of Highway 101 were scheduled to reopen by Thursday evening.

They’ve been closed since 2021 while Caltans installed

a new waterline between the northbound and southbound facilities to improve the water pressure.

The News-Press stopped by the

rest areas on Thursday afternoon and saw the areas were still closed while Caltrans did its final work.

Census: Californians are leaving the state

By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) –California leads the country in domestic net outward migration.

California, the most populous state in the country, had the highest net outward domestic migration out of all 50 states in Fiscal Year 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In that stretch, 343,230 more Americans moved out of California compared to those who moved into it.

In that span, California had the second-largest population decline: 113,649 people. As of July 1, 2021, the state had 39,142,991 residents. The number fell to 39,029,342 on July 1, 2022 – a 0.3% decrease in population. Only New York had a larger population drop in that same stretch (180,341 people).

Although California had a

significant population drop in fiscal 2022, two factors helped mitigate its domestic migration losses: births and international migration.

California had 106,155 more births than deaths in Fiscal Year 2022, the second-highest of the 50 states; only Texas (118.159) ranked higher on the list. Meanwhile, California (125,715) edged out Florida (125,629) in the positive net international migration category, meaning it is a popular destination for immigrants.

While California’s population decreased in this span, the population of the United States of America increased. The country had a net gain of 1,256,003 people, a 0.4% increase in population. Therefore, the United States had an estimated population of 333,287,557 as of the start of Fiscal Year 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Speranza Marie moved away from island

Salvage contractors moved the Speranza Marie fishing vessel Thursday from a rocky

beach on Santa Cruz Island to deeper water.

Response workers were there to recover hydrocarbon products and debris released during the 60-foot boat’s movement, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.

The boat ran aground at 2 a.m. Dec. 15, but

all six crew members were transferred safely to another fishing vessel without injury. The incident resulted in diesel fuel being spilled.

Periodicals

at Santa Barbara, CA. Postmaster: Send address

to the Santa Barbara News-Press, P.O. Box 1359, Santa Barbara, CA 93102. Published daily.

— Dave Mason

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

— Dave Mason

UCSB men’s basketball wins fifth straight

By KRISTEN KELLER UCSB SPORTS

UCSB men’s basketball (9-2) played their final non-conference game of the regular season as they made the trip to Phoenix for the Jerry Colangelo Classic. The Gauchos stepped on the court at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, to take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers. These two teams only played each other once before this contest going all the way back to 1941 when the Gauchos defeated the Mountaineers at NAIA Nationals.

After 40 minutes of play in this neutral site game, the Gauchos came out with the 61-50 win to extend their win streak to five and have the best start since Head Coach Joe Pasternack took over the program back in 2017.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Gauchos struck first as senior Miles Norris made his first basket of the day from beyond the arc. But Appalachian State was not going to let UCSB gain the momentum, sticking with them throughout the first half. The Mountaineers went on a 6-0 scoring run in the middle of the second half, resulting in a slight

lead late in the first. App State was able to keep it, resulting in the Gauchos being down by two at the half with a score of 29-27.

Ajay Mitchell led the scoring for the Gauchos, registering 11 points while going five-for-five from the charity stripe. Along with him, Norris and Ajare Sanni contributed heavily to the Gauchos’ first half performance.

Norris finished the first 20 minutes with six points, going twofor-three from the three-point line while Sanni added on five points with five rebounds.

Norris started the scoring off for the Gauchos again in the second half, driving to the basket for a layup. This gave UCSB the momentum necessary to come back in this second half as they chipped away at the Mountaineers’ lead. By the eight-minute media timeout, the Gauchos tied the game at 42, giving them the chance to make a comeback.

UCSB did just that. The Gauchos stormed back into this game, giving them a 10-point run that stopped the Mountaineers in their tracks. Despite Appalachian State’s best efforts, they weren’t able to come back with the win as the Gauchos ended the game with a score of 61-50.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

San Marcos boys soccer finishes Torrance Tournament

The San Marcos High boys soccer team lost a pair of matches to close out the Torrance Tournament on Wednesday, falling to Animo by a score of 3-0 before being edged out by Palos Verdes in a close 3-2 game.

The Royals were shut out in their quarterfinal match against Animo. Coach Paul McLean said the loss resulted from San Marcos’ failure to capitalize on scoring chances, while Animo was able to take advantage of instances in which the Royals lost their defensive shape.

In their second game, the Royals quickly went down by two goals against Palos Verdes. San Marcos was able to come back to tie the game on a 30-yard strike from senior captain Tully Knoles followed by a goal by Leonel Olivo. While the Royals pushed hard for a winning goal, they were ultimately unable to deliver, eventually losing the game on penalty kicks.

“We were really pleased with our performance this afternoon,” said McLean of the second game. “After going down early in the game, our team responded really well and found ways to get back into the game. It was a good mental challenge for us.

Freshman Sergio Ramirez and sophomore Luis Botello did a great job at outside back. They started a lot of our attacking play.

“All four teams we played were good challenges for us and showed us where we need to improve and where we have progressed. It is a great tournament for that,” McLean added.

The Royals are 6-1-2 and will return to action at Dos Pueblos on Jan. 5.

Dos Pueblos boys basketball beats Channel Islands

The Dos Pueblos High boys basketball team defeated Channel Islands on Wednesday, winning by a score of 56-39.

The game stayed close in the first half, which came to a close with Dos Pueblos trailing by two, 28-26. Dos Pueblos then exploded in the third quarter, recording 20 points while holding their opponents to only two. The fourth quarter extended Dos Pueblos’ lead by one, leading to the decisive final score of 56-49.

Joe Talarico led Dos Pueblos with 14 points, 12 of which came during the team’s third quarter explosion. Talarico earned alltournament honors alongside teammate Micah Goss.

Joe Talarico and Micah Goss earned all tournament honors.

Dos Pueblos’ record improved to 4-6 with the win.

DP girls basketball falls to San Diego team

The Dos Pueblos girls basketball team lost to San Marcos (San Diego) on Wednesday, falling by a score of 57-43.

Justin Katz led Dos Pueblos with 25 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Evette Allen contributed eight points, three rebounds and a steal while also playing intense defense.

Gianna Nichols and Carly Letendre shared the rebounding lead with Katz, each supplying five.

“We played a very well-coached San Marcos (San Diego) team,” said Dos Pueblos Coach Manny Murillo. “Respect to them for the win and competing at a high level.

“Win or lose, I am confident in this group and I think we will be peaking at the right time,” he added.

With the loss, Dos Pueblos falls to 5-5 on the season.

Bishop Diego boys basketball falls to Polytechnic

The Bishop Diego boys basketball team lost their final round of the Jim Bashore Classic, falling to Polytechnic by a score of 64-56.

The game stayed close throughout, with the first half ending with the teams tied at 33. Polytechnic came out in the third quarter with a run to take a 49-43 lead, one that would not be relinquished the rest of the way.

“I felt we just didn’t have the energy at the end of the game to push ourselves over the top,” said Coach James Coronado.

“We did our best to stay in it, but our rotations were slow and our rebounding wasn’t there tonight … I believe we will get there, but we needed a spark off the bench and we didn’t get it.”

Isaac Veal led the Cardinals with 27 points, while Lui Fernandez supplied six.

Carpinteria boys basketball falls to

deToledo

The Carpinteria High boys basketball team lost decisively on the final day of the Jim Bashore Holiday Cage Classic, falling by a score of 78-48.

Carpinteria was led by Sabastian Campuzano’s 11 points, while Kainoa Glasgow scored ten, Sawyer Kelly contributed nine, Mario Serrano added eight and Israel Samaguey finished with seven.

The Warriors fell to 2-10 with the loss. The team will return to action today against Hueneme.

- Matt Smolensky

Above, the Devereux Slough and Lagoon in Isla Vista is shown Wednesday with considerably more water than was present on October 28, shown at right, after recent rains replenished the waters.

Rising waters

Arizona’s population growth leads the West in latest Census estimate

By COLE LAUTERBACH THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – More than 94,000 people are calling Arizona home than they did amid the waning months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Census released its annual state population estimates Thursday morning. The measure dips into state births, deaths, immigrants from outside the country and those moving into one state from another. The data is from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

Arizona’s population, now estimated at 7,359,197, saw a 1.3% increase. That makes the state the 5th-fastest growing state in the 12 months ending last summer.

The Copper State’s growth has rebounded from 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic stunted immigration, new births and accelerated the nation’s death rate. In that year, Arizona saw only 28,436 more residents.

Though the data won’t be broken down by county and city until the summer, last year’s more-detailed Census release showed Maricopa County gained more people than any other. The population center of Arizona added 58,246 people in the 12 months ending in July 2021.

Arizona posted a lower-thanexpected decennial count in 2020. The poor showing cost the state a new member of the U.S. House of Representatives

for the first time in decades of congressional reshuffling after a Census count is released.

Experts blamed the issue on a long-standing difficulty counting immigrants, seasonal residents referred to as “snowbirds,” and the state’s large Native American population.

Last year the state saw a net domestic migration gain of 84,934 people to its population. The additional people, minus those who moved away or died, put the state’s estimated population at 7,264,877 as of July 1 of this year.

Nationally, Sunbelt states such as Arizona, Texas and Florida continue to be the nation’s destination for population growth.

“There was a sizeable uptick in population growth last year compared to the prior year’s historically low increase,” said Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Population Division at the Census Bureau. “A rebound in net international migration, coupled with the first yearover-year increase in total births since 2007, is behind this increase.”

The Northeast and Midwest continue to shed population in the annual Census measurements.

“While Florida has often been among the largest-gaining states,” Ms. Wilder noted, “this was the first time since 1957 that Florida has been the state with the largest percent increase in population.”

Senate passes $1.7 trillion omnibus despite criticism

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Senate passed a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill Thursday aiming to avoid a government shutdown deadline of midnight Friday.

The bill’s passage comes after

a chaotic week that included an address to Congress from the Ukrainian President, a rush of opposition from some Republicans, and looming winter storms that could leave travelers stranded around the Christmas holiday.

“We STILL don’t know the

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Nevada county DAs oppose Sisolak’s request to stop all state death sentences

By KATELYNN RICHARDSON THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Two Nevada county district attorney’s offices have filed emergency petitions against Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak’s request for the state Board of Pardons to consider altering all state death sentences.

Gov. Sisolak requested the item be added to the board’s agenda last Wednesday, his communication director told 8 News Now. The board, which includes Governor Sisolak, Attorney General Aaron Ford, and Nevada’s seven Supreme Court Justices, is scheduled to meet Tuesday morning.

The board will consider “whether to commute all sentences of death for offenders convicted and sentenced to death in Nevada to a sentence of life without the possibility of parole,” according to the agenda.

Washoe County District Attorney Christopher Hicks filed an emergency petition Friday against the agenda item, arguing

Washoe County District Attorney Christopher Hicks

emergency petition Friday

it is a violation of Nevada’s Constitution and “tramples upon the fundamental rights of crime victims and disregards due process in the law.”

“Most importantly, the timing and nature of the added agenda item is an insult to those deceased victims who were tortured, raped, and slayed at the hands of the 57 heinous men on Nevada’s Death Row,” Mr. Hicks said in a statement.

“There is a democratic process to debate and consider issues related to the death penalty,” he continued. “It has happened multiple times during past legislative sessions in Nevada. However, the proposed categorical elimination of 57 death sentences

by a mere majority of an 8member public body is unjust and undemocratic.”

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson also filed an emergency petition Monday morning.

“The clear language of the Nevada Constitution limits the Board’s ability to commute punishments to those cases in which a clemency application is before them,” the petition states.

On Friday, Mr. Wolfson said he had “many concerns,” according to KSNV News 3 Las Vegas.

Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson also issued a statement opposing the agenda item on Friday, the Tahoe Daily Tribune reports.

to remove Arizona border

By CAMERON ARCAND THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – The federal government will likely start filling in gaps of the border wall in the Yuma sector shortly after Arizona takes down its storage container barriers.

In agreeing to remove the state-erected barrier as part of a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, federal government officials again confirmed to Gov. Doug Ducey’s office that they are moving forward with a plan to replace it.

A stipulation filed on Wednesday indicates that state-contracted workers removing the barriers aren’t to damage federal lands or interfere with government activity, including “commencement of engineered barrier construction by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in and around the Morelos Dam area,” the court document states.

The governor’s office said that the move from the United States is long overdue.

“Good. Better late than never. It’s about time,” Gov. Ducey spokesman C.J. Karamargin told The Center Square Wednesday evening. He added that the governor’s office has been told federally-sponsored construction of a barrier would begin “very soon.”

The storage containers went up in August after demands from regional officials and community

members to take action on the influx of migrants. This agreement corroborates with prior announcements from the federal government, which said construction would begin in early 2023 on “the closure of four gaps” in the Morelos Dam area, according to a letter from CBP in October.

In the Yuma sector alone, there were 310,094 migrant encounters in the fiscal year 2022, according to CBP data.

Representatives at the Center for Biological Diversity, who intended to challenge Gov. Ducey’s wall construction in court, weren’t immediately available for comment.

House Republicans critical of spending bill

OMNIBUS

Continued from Page A4

true cost of the $1.7T omnibus,” U.S. Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., wrote on Twitter. “For all we know, the total price tag could exceed $2T. Democrats want a blank check to spend YOUR taxpayer dollars.”

The vote came in at 68-29 with nearly 20 Republican senators voting in favor of the legislation, which would fund the government through September. Now, the bill heads to the U.S. House, where Republicans have been vocally opposed but likely lack the votes to stop the legislation.

“Our hope would be that if it was finished this afternoon, it would take about five hours to get the bill,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday a little before the Senate vote. “We’d go to rules. We could pass it tonight. That would be our hope … We want people to be able to go home, and as you know, there are storms all across America, and hopefully that will be a motivation for expedited discussion there.”

Those Republicans opposed

have been pushing for a temporary funding measure that would keep the federal government on schedule until the new Congress takes over in the new year.

“The $1.7 trillion omnibus would funnel BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars to woke pet projects from members like AOC & Hakeem Jeffries,” U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, wrote on Twitter, adding that there will be millions of “taxpayer dollars to LGBT groups peddling radical gender ideology.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, rallied support for an amendment continuing Title 42, a public health authority that allows border agents to expedite expulsion of illegal immigrants in the name of preventing the spread of COVID. Sen. Lee said he had the votes but that Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called a recess and peeled away the votes he needed.

“The amendment saving Title 42 had the votes to pass, with all GOP plus [Joe] Manchin and [Kyrsten] Sinema,” he said. “Schumer then

paused the vote clock and twisted arms until both flipped their votes [and] the amendment failed. Any Republicans previously supporting this awful omnibus should now oppose it.

“The omnibus is terrible on its own,” he added. “It’s intolerable with this development. No Republican should support it.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C., went viral for a Twitter thread pointing out “the most egregious provisions in the bill,” which includes a series of photos of the legislation’s text that even got a retweet from Billionaire and Twitter owner, Elon Musk.

Others joined in, laying out line after line of controversial spending items in the several thousand page spending package, which is 12 appropriation bills in one.

“On a more sinister note, here’s at least $575 million for ‘family planning’ in areas where population growth ‘threatens biodiversity,’” he wrote earlier this week. “Malthusianism is a disturbing, anti-human ideology that should have ZERO place in any federal program.”

Gauchos to play first Big West game at Cal State Fullerton

boards while blocking one shot.

• Mitchell finished on top for the Gauchos, scoring 22 points while playing almost every minute of this game. Along with his shooting efforts, Mitchell distributed the ball well by notching three assists and grabbing two steals.

• Norris ended as the game’s MVP, earning his second double-double in as many games. He concluded the non-conference season with 17 points along with 10 rebounds. Along with that, Norris shot at a 58 percent clip, going seven-for-12 from the field.

• Koat Keat Tong came into his own in this game, dominating the Mountaineers on defense. The freshman had his best game yet, registering nine

• The Gauchos out-rebounded the Mountaineers all game long, securing 43 compared to App State, who had 30. The Gauchos also grabbed nine steals compared to the bad guys’ two while making 81 percent of their free throws compared to the Mountaineers’ 50 percent.

UP NEXT

The Gauchos wrapped up non-conference play and will play their first Big West game on the road against Cal State Fullerton. This game was selected as a Wild Card game and will be on ESPNU. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Kristen Keller is the associate athletic director for communications and digital strategy at UCSB. sports@newspress.com

Ducey

wall shortly before federal replacement is to begin

The storage containers went up in August after demands from regional officials and community members to take action on the influx of migrants.

filed an

against the agenda item, arguing it is a violation of Nevada’s Constitution and “tramples upon the fundamental rights of crime victims and disregards due process in the law.”

3-year-old kid said this is the best day of his life’

The effort to help a family started when Mr. Zilberman, who lives in Montecito, asked himself a question.

the 3-year-old boy was thrilled to get a box of LEGOS. Mr. Zilberman said Transition House, a Santa Barbara nonprofit, also assisted with the surprise.

“To see the look on the kids’ faces,” Mr. Zilberman said. “This 3-year-old kid said this is the best day of his life.” Ms. Mendez doesn’t speak English, but the look on her face expressed her joy. (A Transition House representative acted as the interpreter.)

“She was, honestly, in shock,” Mr. Zilberman said. “She was smiling. She was very thankful.”

“Santa Barbara is such a tight knit community. It dawned on me, ‘Why can’t we come together and raise money and help a family in need?’ ” Mr. Zilberman said.

So he talked to his fellow pickleball player, Mr. Peterson, who owns the two McDonald’s restaurants in Goleta and is the son of the late Herb Peterson, who invented the Egg McMuffin.

“David was an important person because a) of everyone he knows and b) the trust he has in the community,” Mr. Zilberman said.

Mr. Peterson and Mr. Zilberman worked with Mr. Wilcox and Mr. Sanford, forming the Pickleball Angels and starting a

GoFundMe page.

In addition to the money that the GoFundMe page raised, Mr. Peterson gave $500 worth of McDonalds gift cards to Ms. Mendez, Mr. Zilberman said.

Mr. Zilberman said Ms. Mendez and her children were a formerly homeless family that received help from Transition House, which provided them with shelter, helped them to find affordable housing and continues to assist them.

Ms. Mendez, who has car payments on top of other expenses, clearly appreciated the unexpected Christmas gifts.

Said Mr. Zilberman, “Seeing the kids and the excitement — that’s what it’s all about.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

Captain Kevin Martin expected to serve as interim police chief

CHIEF

Continued from Page A1

“I have learned many valuable lessons, but I think the most important thing is to remember our purpose,” Chief Mariani told the News-Press about police work. “We are the most visible and responsive arm of the government. People call us in times of distress, and we need to be responsive, engage with people and serve the community.”

The News-Press asked Chief Mariani about some of his accomplishments that he is most proud of.

“I was able to be part of an organization that was able to provide ongoing service during

the pandemic, which was a challenge for an agency our size,” he said. “At one point, we were down 12 bodies and at risk of being unable to staff. However, we were able to staff due to the commitment of the people that I work with. I am proud of them and the work they did.

“We met a great deal of the recommendations coming out of the office of the internal review study in 2017. We reorganized the command structure to prepare for a sustainable succession plan,” he said. “We have been resourceful, automating risk management tracking systems and are continuing to make progress. We are in the process of purchasing radios that are long overdue.

“I hope that in the next budget

cycle that we will have body cams implemented within the next year. Our succession plan is pretty strong now that we can assimilate to management ranks.”

Chief Mariani spoke to the challenges navigated during the emergence and peak of the pandemic.

“At the onset, none of us were prepared for what would occur,” he said. “We adopted safety practices as soon as possible. We did some things to decrease exposure by limiting exposure inside the building as much as possible.”

But unlike other professions during the pandemic, police couldn’t work remotely.

“We took a hard look at exposure and counter services and eliminated some that we

would normally provide,” Chief Mariani said. “As vaccines became available, that was a big challenge for us as well. We weren’t on the priority list to receive it. Our officers were at risk, and there was a possibility that their families would be at risk if they were exposed.

“Those are things we had to contemplate and work out. For a smaller agency that was a huge challenge.”

The News-Press asked Chief Mariani about his legacy.

“I have always said that good organizations get it done and great organizations sustain themselves. That is what I hope the future holds for the Lompoc Police Department.

“I think we have a very young

Man missed scheduled court date on Dec. 12

he allegedly engaged in violent conduct “that indicates a serious danger to society.”

Mr. Carmago-Reyes pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Aug. 2, the day after his arrest.

14, a felony. The Sheriff’s Office announced Mr. Carmago-Reyes’ arrest on Aug. 1.

The felony complaint filed against Mr. Carmago-Reyes lists the minor’s date of birth as Jan. 22, 2010, making her 12 now, and her being between 5 and 9 at the time of the alleged offenses, which prosecutors say occurred between Jan. 22, 2015 and Jan. 22, 2019.

Mr. Carmago-Reyes was charged with the crime of continuous sexual abuse, a felony, for allegedly engaging in three or more acts of “substantial sexual conduct” or three or more acts of lewd or lascivious conducted with a child 14 or younger, “while the defendant resided with, or had recurring access to, the child.”

Prosecutors included a special allegation that the charge was a serious or violent registerable sex offense felony.

The complaint said prosecutors will ask a jury to find aggravating factors in the case, in that Mr. Carmago-Reyes allegedly was armed with or used a weapon at the time of the commission of the alleged crime, and that

On Aug. 3, the day after his arraignment, his original bail set at $500,000 was reduced to $40,000, a bond was posted in that amount and he was released from custody.

Since then Mr. Carmago-Reyes has appeared in court repeatedly to set a date for his preliminary hearing, and each time his case was continued.

His last scheduled court date was Dec. 12, and that’s the one where he failed to show up.

“Mr. Reyes was being supervised by pretrial services (a unit within probation),” Deputy District Attorney Barkley said. “Pretrial services filed a notice of violation on 11/27/22 when they lost contact with him.”

She declined to say what charge(s) he might face for apparently fleeing to avoid further prosecution in the event he is caught and rearrested.

“Again, if we receive information that indicates a crime was committed, beyond a reasonable doubt, we will file the appropriate charges,” she said.

At the time he was arrested, detectives said they “strongly believe” there are additional

RUSSELL, Chris

October 1961 - December 2022

Chris was 61 years old when he lost his battle with diabetes. He went to be with the Lord much too soon. He will be immensely missed by everyone who loved and knew him.

Born in Laguna Beach and raised in beautiful Santa Barbara, Chris enjoyed his many childhood friends, riding his bike, days on the beach, and the views of the mountains. In high school, he was a proud Santa Barbara Don who wore the number 66 while playing Defensive Guard.

He was a loving husband, uncle, and friend to many. Chris and his wife, Lisa, fell madly in love with one another when they met as teenagers. They enjoyed many hobbies throughout their 43 years together: golf, Volkswagens, raising parrots, RC racing, he developed a passion for collecting and restoring vintage trucks. He was a master autobody fabricator. Perfection was his middle name. Chris found the most happiness buddies Meade, BJ, Chuck, Clark, Tony and countless others!

He enjoyed being an uncle to his nephews and nieces Adam, Drake, Beck, David, Daniel, Emerald and Lindsey. He is proceeded in death by his sister, Robyn who had a special place in his heart, and brother, Bobbie who meant a lot to him. There will be no services. In honor of Chris Russell, please make a donation in his name to Sansum Clinic Diabetes Research. PO Box 1200, Santa Barbara, CA 93102.

WEST, Patricia Flynn

August 12, 1928 - December 4, 2022

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Patricia Louise Flynn West, passed into eternal life on December 4, 2022, at the age of 94. She was born in Ventura, California on August 12, 1928, to William B. and Alice L. Flynn and grew up on the coast north of Santa Barbara. She married Eugene West in 1953 and they raised six children together in Sacramento and later in Oxnard. After her husband Eugene retired, the two of them spent the last 25 years taking Toymaker Gene West’s mechanical wooden toys all over Ventura County, where people could enjoy playing with them. They are most known for bringing the toys to the Ventura County Fair every summer. Patricia’s faith in Jesus and being a Catholic were very important to her. She was preceded in death by her sons, Thomas and Patrick, and daughter-in-law, Linda. She is survived by her husband Eugene of 69 years and her children Kathleen West, Mary Bagdazian (Rob), Jeanne Padre (Danilo), Gregory West (Lawanda), daughter-in-law Denise Van Arsdale-West of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and grandchildren Mark Steidl, Azsa, Sivonna, and Rey West, Larry and Michael Padre, Kyle and Alexandra West, Daniel, Gabriel, Xavier, Samuel, and Clare Bagdazian, and eight great-grandchildren. The viewing will be at Reardon Funeral Home, 511 North A Street on Dec. 28th from 4 to 8 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at Santa Clara Catholic Church, 323 South E Street, Oxnard, on Dec. 29, 2022 at 10 a.m., with interment at Santa Clara Cemetery following the mass. To watch the Live Stream of the service, visit: www.reardonfh.com/obituary/Patricia-West. Patricia has been entrusted to the care of the family owned and operated Reardon Funeral Home. www.reardonfh.com

survivors of sexual assault who have not yet been identified.

They said they believe he had access to other children at his business, located at the corner of Pine Avenue and Gaviota Street in an unmarked office space where he sold nutritional supplements since approximately 2011.

Detectives encouraged anyone with knowledge of additional crimes allegedly associated with Mr. Carmago-Reyes or his business in Goleta to contact the sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division.

Lt. Morris would not say whether any other alleged victims have come forward since then.

“At this time we are coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office” regarding other alleged victims, he said.

Deputy District Attorney Barkley also declined comment on the possibility of other victims coming forward.

“I cannot comment on an ongoing investigation,” she said. “As with all cases, we will file additional charges if we have evidence that a crime was committed. Our filing standard is the same as our burden of proof at trial, beyond a reasonable doubt.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

police department because we have many new officers,” he said. “We are fully staffed for the first time in seven years, which is no small feat. I hope that will continue and more importantly that we can return to a higher level of community engagement now that the pandemic is ending.”

“The plan is for Captain Kevin Martin to serve as interim police chief, and I hope he becomes the next (permanent) police chief. He is a qualified and tenured law enforcement officer,” said Chief Mariani.

Chief Mariani, whose last day with the Lompoc Police

Department will be Dec. 31, added that he’s grateful for having had the opportunity to serve in Lompoc.

“I came here seven years ago after retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department. It has been a wonderful experience and I can’t think of a better way to end my career. This is a great city with great people. The biggest asset of this city is its people.

“One of the unique things about this department is that many of our officers are local to Lompoc, and that makes us very special and unique.”

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

FISHER, Harriett “Cleo”

May 20, 1924 - December 9, 2022

Cleo was born in the town of McGill, Nevada, to Anna and George Joudas, Greek immigrants. She grew up as the middle child of three daughters, and enjoyed playing sports with her male cousins. In 1942, Cleo left the small town and headed for life in the big city of San Francisco. She attended college and worked at Spreckels Sugar husband, Peter, and they wed in 1952.

Cleo and Peter had three daughters, and in 1964, they moved to the idyllic east-bay suburb, Moraga, to raise their young family. In 1992, they moved to Santa Barbara to be closer to family. Cleo enjoyed many close friendships and was an active member in Newcomers, the Music

Cleo is survived by her daughters Pam (Chris) of Santa Barbara, Cheryl (Mark) of her sister, Alice Uriarte.

Cleo will be remembered for her love of family, music, her Greek heritage, and the San

at a later date.

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

To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@newspress.com or fax text only (no photos) to (805) 966-1421. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and the date(s) you would like the obituary to be published. Photos should be in jpeg format with at least 200 dpi. If a digital photo is not available, a picture may be brought into our office for scanning. We will lay out the obituary using our standard format. A formatted proof of the obituary and the cost will be emailed back for review and approval. The minimum obituary cost to print one time is $150.00 for up to 1.5” in length -- includes 1 photo and up to 12 lines of text, approximately 630 characters; up to approximately 930 characters without a photo. Add $60.00 for each additional inch or partial inch after the first 1.5”; up to approximately 700 characters per additional inch.

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Free Death Notices must be directly emailed by the mortuary to our newsroom at news@newspress.com. The News-Press cannot accept Death Notices from individuals.

Today Sat.

City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Cuyama 60/34/pc 62/36/s

Goleta 66/42/s 67/46/s

Lompoc 66/39/pc 72/40/s

Pismo Beach 68/43/pc 71/43/s

Santa Maria 66/42/pc 70/41/s

Santa Ynez 67/38/pc 71/42/s

Vandenberg 62/47/pc 67/45/s

Ventura 62/49/s 70/54/s

Bakersfield 58/40/pc 59/39/pc Barstow 63/38/pc 68/41/s

Big Bear 50/21/s 53/25/s

Bishop 58/27/pc 61/29/pc

Catalina 62/57/s 72/64/s

Concord 58/40/pc 60/41/pc

Escondido 71/41/s 78/46/s

Eureka 61/48/c 61/50/sh

Fresno 57/39/pc 58/44/pc

Los Angeles 69/50/s 77/53/s

Mammoth Lakes 44/17/pc 46/18/pc

Modesto 57/40/pc 54/41/pc

Monterey 64/45/pc 67/46/pc

Napa 59/41/pc 61/43/pc

Oakland 59/42/pc 58/43/pc

Ojai 69/46/s 75/49/s

Oxnard 63/48/s 71/52/s

Palm Springs 74/50/s 81/56/s

Pasadena 70/47/s 78/52/s

Paso Robles 64/37/pc 64/35/s

Sacramento 56/41/pc 58/40/pc

San Diego 66/44/pc 72/51/s

San Francisco 60/45/pc 59/49/pc

San Jose 63/43/pc 61/42/pc

San Luis Obispo 68/43/pc 72/41/s

Santa Monica 65/47/s 78/53/s

Tahoe Valley 47/21/pc 52/28/pc

Atlanta 23/12/pc 27/17/s

Boston 55/15/r 23/16/pc

Chicago 1/-1/sf 9/3/pc

Dallas 24/18/pc 36/22/s

Denver 10/-5/pc 46/24/pc

Houston 36/20/s 43/23/s

Miami 81/47/t 61/45/pc

Minneapolis -1/-6/c 3/-6/s

New York City 52/10/r 21/17/pc

Philadelphia 50/13/r 21/19/pc

Phoenix 68/44/pc 68/46/s

Portland, Ore. 29/29/i 47/41/r

St. Louis 5/2/c 17/5/pc

Salt Lake City 33/30/c 41/29/c

Seattle 37/36/i 48/43/r

Washington, D.C. 44/13/r 26/20/s

Beijing 34/13/s 37/14/s Berlin 44/40/c 48/39/r Cairo 68/57/c 68/54/pc Cancun 83/70/r 74/68/r London 55/44/r 53/48/c

Mexico City 68/47/pc 70/50/c

Montreal 45/16/r 21/17/sf

New Delhi 68/46/pc 67/41/pc

Paris 60/49/r 54/48/c

Rio de Janeiro 77/70/pc 78/72/r

Rome 63/48/c 64/48/c

Sydney 77/64/c 85/66/s Tokyo 49/36/s 54/40/s

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

Eyleen Mendez unwraps gifts with her sons, brought by The Pickleball Angels, Unity Shoppe and the Transition House at their home in Goleta.

‘This

Life theArts

From Broadway to the Beatles

Santa

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

It’s hard not to start doing a fast waltz when you hear “I Could Have Danced All Night.” That’s the power of Broadway.

And it’s part of the magic of the Santa Barbara Symphony’s New Year’s Eve concert, set for 8:30 to 10 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Granada.

Guest conductor Bob Bernhardt will lead the orchestra at the concert, which will feature a James Bond medley, a Beatles medley and soprano soloist Mela Sarajane Dailey singing Broadway hits with the symphony. And she’s a fan of songs such as the upbeat “I Could Have Danced All Night” from Lerner and Loewe’s classic musical “My Fair Lady.”

“It’s hard not to want to get up and dance,” Ms. Dailey told the News-Press by phone from her home in Austin, Texas.

She’s looking forward to an evening of Broadway hits.

“It’s kind of like having all your favorite songs in one concert,” Ms. Dailey said. “It’s the best songs from every Broadway show I love. It’s the best form of greatest hits!”

It wouldn’t be a greatest hits of Broadway without Rodgers and Hammerstein classics, and Ms. Dailey will sing a medley from “The Sound of Music” and a song from “Carousel.”

She described Rodgers and Hammerstein’s songs as beautiful melodies that will last indefinitely.

“I think there will be sopranos singing their music for the next hundreds of years because it’s something that will be passed from generation to generation.”

Ms. Dailey also will sing a song that’s normally a duet, “All I Ask of You,” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.”

“I had it reconfigured as a solo because it is my favorite song from the show,” she said. “It completely works as a solo.”

She also noted she will sing a “surprise” number. Stay tuned.

The enthusiastic singer added

Barbara Symphony to perform annual New Year’s Eve concert

that she loves singing with orchestras around the world.

“There’s nothing like it. And to get to hear it with the symphony on the stage and not in the pit — that sound envelops you.”

“Your hall is gorgeous, and the acoustics are fantastic,” Ms. Dailey said about The Granada.

Ms. Dailey, who performed once previously with the Santa Barbara Symphony during a New Year’s Eve concert, has performed both concert versions of Broadway music as well as played the characters on stage.

She said that even in the concert versions, she performs with the mindset of the Broadway character. “But instead of dressing like the character, I get to wear gorgeous gowns that sparkle. It makes it a little bit more fun for me and the audience.”

Of course, New Year’s Eve brings a special vibe to the concert.

“I think it’s absolutely a celebration, and the music is the vehicle for the celebration,” said Ms. Dailey, who started singing solos in her church when she was 5 years old and growing up in Jacksonville, Texas. “It feels like champagne: bubbly and full of joy and hope.”

Ms. Dailey, whose multiple degrees include a master’s in opera in 2003 at the University of Texas, has performed in 18 operas but loves variety. She said her New Year’s resolution is to keep expanding her repertoire “and do something that scares me. If I’m not challenging myself, I don’t feel like I’m growing. If it scares me a little bit, I’m on the right path.”

Ms. Dailey, whose husband Peter Bay conducts the Austin Symphony, has worked frequently with Mr. Bernhardt, the guest conductor of the Santa Barbara Symphony concert.

“I always say Bob is my favorite ‘work husband’,” Ms. Dailey said. “He is such a great collaborator and musician. He’s also really funny. I enjoy everything about working with him. He makes a job that could be stressful be really enjoyable.”

The admiration is mutual.

“She and I go back probably 15 years,” Mr. Bernhardt told the News-Press. “She sings everything from opera to American standard to Broadway to jazz. She’s a Grammywinning artist of amazing scope.

“She also happens to be a wonderful person,” Mr. Bernhardt said.

Mr. Bernhardt added he got his first taste of Broadway as a kid hearing the music in movie adaptations.

“I saw the movies first — ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘South Pacific’ and ‘My Fair Lady,’” he said.

In addition to Broadway music, the New Year’s Eve concert will include a medley of hits from the James Bond movies, including Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die” from the movie of the same name; “Nobody Does It Better,” which Carly Simon sang in “The Spy Who Loved Me”; and “For Your Eyes Only,” which Sheena Easton performed in the movie of the same name. Of course, the medley includes Monty Norman’s James Bond theme with the fast electric guitar.

Mr. Bernhardt said the symphony will also play a Beatles medley featuring classics such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “Yellow Submarine.”

“It ends with ‘Hey, Jude,’ so we go ‘na, na, na, na, na, na, na’ into the night,” Mr. Bernhardt said, referring to the classic’s closing notes.

The concert will also feature selections from the musicals “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Chicago.”

The audience will get to sing with the orchestra and Ms. Dailey as the evening wraps up with “Auld Lang Syne,” and for the occasion, Mr. Bernhardt chose the full orchestral arrangement heard in the movie starring Jimmy Stewart: “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its New Year’s Eve concert from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara.

Tickets cost $55 to $250. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

The evening will include champagne, noise makers and party hats.

For more about guest conductor Bob Bernhardt, see a follow-up story that will be published next week in the News-Press.

CALENDAR

The

North American tour of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,”

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 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. For more information, go to www. sbnature.org.

7:30 p.m. Grammy nominee David Arkenstone performs “A Winter’s Eve Concert” at the Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara. TIckets cost $28 for general admission and $43 for VIP seats. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org.

DEC. 31

8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its annual New Year’s Eve concert, featuring music varying from The Beatles to James Bond to Broadway, at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Pops conductor Bob Bernhardt will conduct the concert, which will feature renowned soprano Mela Sarajane Dailey. There will also be champagne, noise-makers and, of course, party hats. To purchase tickets, go to thesymphony.org or thegranadasb.org or call the symphony at 805-893-9386.

9 p.m. The Boogie Knights and Spazmatics will perform during the New Year’s Eve Disco Boogie Ball at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. Tickets cost $50. To purchase, go to chumashcasino. com/entertainment.

JAN. 3

7:30 p.m. The American Theatre Guild will present the North American tour of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” a theatrical concert celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin, at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets cost $59 to $114. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 4

7:30 p.m. The American Theatre Guild will present the North American tour of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” a theatrical concert celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin, at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets cost $59 to $114. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 21

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Plains,

COURTESY PHOTO

American Theatre Guild will present the

a theatrical concert saluting Aretha Franklin, on Jan. 3 and 4 at The Granada in Santa Barbara.

COURTESY PHOTO

Bob Bernhardt will conduct the Santa Barbara Symphony during its annual New Year’s Eve concert.

JOSEPH MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY Mela Sarajane Dailey looks forward to singing Broadway hits with the Santa Barbara Symphony at its New Year’s Eve concert.

Center Stage Theater announces winter programs

SANTA BARBARA —

Tonight’s concert by Grammy nominee David Arkenstone and his friends sets the stage for winter programs at Center Stage Theater.

Mr. Arkenstone will perform at 9:30 p.m. at the theater, which is upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara.

The concert will feature holiday music, some of Mr. Arkentstone’s hits and the debut of his recent neoclassical compositions with strings, flutes and percussion.

Other programs include: • “The Gin Game” on Feb.

2-5. Katie Marden and Ed Giron star in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play about two people dealing with their mortality, what’s left behind and what’s ahead.

• “Anima, Theater of the Feminine Underground” on Feb. 14. Ten women will share their inner worlds, including their hopes, dreams, demons and hard-won wisdom through dance, song and spoken word.

To purchase tickets, go centerstagetheater.org.

Santa Barbara City College Foundation awards $1.04 million in scholarships

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara City College Foundation has awarded approximately $1,037,775 in scholarships to more than 770 SBCC students for the 2022-2023 academic year.

“The success of every student is our goal, and scholarships play an important role in that effort. We are honored to support these scholars and grateful to the generous donors who continue to invest in our community’s college and its students,” foundation CEO Geoff Green said in a news release.

The president’s scholarship and the Towbes/Luria STEM Achievement Scholarship were among those awarded. The two scholarships, each a $10,000 multiyear award, are the top prizes available through the foundation.

Alejandra Ceja is this year’s recipient of the president’s scholarship, which is endowed through the estates of Janet and Eugene Aiches and by the Luria Foundation. The scholarship recognizes an outstanding student who has demonstrated service to others, academic and personal achievement, leadership,

resilience in the face of hardship,and potential for future success.

“This award means a lot to me because it has given me a chance to prove myself. Receiving such a prestigious award has validated all of my efforts, and given me the confidence to succeed and help those around me, which has always been my dream,” said Ms. Ceja, a first-generation student who transferred to UC Irvine this fall.

The pool of candidates for the president’s scholarship was so competitive that the selection committee decided to award a runner-up with additional funds from the Aiches and Luria endowments.

Milton “Sam” Greenberg, a film production major, received $5,000 in recognition of his achievements at SBCC. The award will transfer with him to Loyola Marymount University.

Sofia Gotthold is this year’s

recipient of the Towbes/Luria STEM Achievement Scholarship. The award, supported by Carrie Towbes and Kandy Luria-Budgor (through the Luria Foundation), recognizes a standout student in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) discipline.

Ms. Gotthold graduated from SBCC with honors, earning three associate degrees — in biology, chemistry and liberal arts, and sciences with an emphasis in science and mathematics.

“As a Latina immigrant, I have taken a winding road in pursuing my dreams and aspirations,” Ms. Gotthold said. “I’ve had to overcome the barriers of learning a new language, navigating the educational system, and even homelessness. This award represents not only a recognition of all the efforts and challenges that I have faced throughout my academic career, but it gives me the courage and strength to keep growing into the person I want to be—as a student, a professional, and a member of this community.”

Ms. Gotthold, who aspires to be a medical doctor, transferred to UCSB in the fall.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Righetti High School student talks about being named to honor choirs

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

In Santa Barbara County, there’s no high school singer like Jadyn Voss.

Just ask the judges.

Jadyn, a junior at Righetti High School in Santa Maria, is the only high school vocalist in the county to be accepted into the High School Coastal Honor Choir and the 100-member California AllState Honor Choir.

“When I found out, I almost immediately started crying because I was so happy,” Jadyn, 16, told the News-Press. “It’s a really big accomplishment.”

Jadyn performed with the High School Coastal Honor Choir in late November at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Cheering her on were her parents, Mariah Voss and Erik Voss, as well as her grandparents and her aunt.

Jadyn, who’s a second soprano in the Varsity Choir at Righetti, said her parents were very proud of her and noted her mother also was in choir when she was in high school.

Jadyn recalled the honor choir concert had an interesting mix of songs and that the music featured elements of surprise, including getting very soft or very loud.

And Jadyn will join other vocalists at the California AllState Honor Choir’s performance at the California Music Educators Conference Feb. 16-18 in Fresno.

She got into the all-state choir during an audition in mid-August in Atascadero. That’s where she

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

Trains & Violins” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St. The concert includes Miguel del Aguila’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “The Journey of a Lifetime” (El viaje de una vida) with violin soloist Guillermo Figueroa

impressed the judges with her performance of a Bach song — despite the fact she was under the weather.

“One of the judges told me, ‘Even while sick, you sounded very, very good,’ ” Jadyn said. “I took that as a nice compliment.”

Jadyn, who has previous experience playing the piano, praised her choir teacher, Matthew Ringer, for teaching her how to sing in Latin and for working with her on singing a chromatic scale. (That’s the scale that involves all notes in an octave, including the sharps and flats.)

Mr. Ringer told the News-Press he’s impressed with Jadyn’s hard work and determination.

Jadyn, who has been singing in school choirs since seventh grade, said she loves performing. “It’s such a magical experience to be able to sing with other people and to hear everybody in almost perfect harmony.

“I’ve gotten a mix of different compliments and people saying I sound really good,” Jadyn said. “Some of my classmates and parents, when they watched me performing with the honor choir, said they could pick out my voice.”

While Jaydn doesn’t plan a career in music and is interested instead in forensics for her vocation, she wants to keep music as her pastime.

She said she loves being surrounded by harmonies on stage and can’t get enough of the choral experience.

email: dmason@newspress.com

and the concert world premiere of Elmer Bernstein’s “Toccata for Toy Trains.” The orchestra will also perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”). Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 22 3 p.m. The Santa Barbara

Symphony will perform its “Plains, Trains & Violins” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St. The concert includes Miguel del Aguila’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “The Journey of a Lifetime (El viaje de una vida)” with violin soloist Guillermo Figueroa and the concert world premiere of Elmer Bernstein’s “Toccata for Toy Trains.” The orchestra will also

perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”). Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

4 to 5 p.m. “Roy Dunn: Capturing Imagery of Our Wild Neighbors” will take place at the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang.

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTOS

Sofia Gotthold Alejandra Ceja

— Dave Mason

DAVE MASON /NEWS-PRESS

A variety of programming graces the Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo.

COURTESY PHOTO

Caitlin Voss stands proudly with her niece, Jadyn Voss — the only singer from Santa Barbara County who has been accepted into the High School Coastal Honor Choir and 100-member California AllState Honor Choir. This photo shows Jadyn at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where late last month, Jadyn performed with the High School Coastal Honor Choir.

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com Friday, December 23, 2022

ARIES — This is bound to turn into a silly day if you let it, Aries. Your best bet is to give in to the strange patterns at work. Communication seems blocked at every turn. You can expect technical difficulties like phone malfunctions or computer crashes. You and your mate will speak in two different languages.

TAURUS — This isn’t a day to make firm commitments, Taurus, especially concerning relationships. Today’s atmosphere highlights unification and reconciliation, but don’t take this as a sign that you’re now bound for life. Proceed carefully before making any long-term decisions.

GEMINI — You’re so upbeat and optimistic by nature that it’s difficult for you to accept certain failures. That may be what you’re thinking today as you reflect on recent humanitarian efforts. Try not to take such a short-sighted attitude. You’re making a difference, even though it may not always be apparent. Continue on this path.

CANCER — You’re usually very good at concentrating and getting your chores done, even when chaos reigns around you. This likely won’t be the case today. Even you will come under the influence of the erratic. It’s too hard to get much done with all the commotion. Don’t fret about your lack of productivity. This is one day. Relax and have some fun.

LEO — You have strong psychic vision, Leo. Some people might say that you’re prophetic, but your gift is a combination of creativity and intuition. You can use this to benefit others, and in fact have often done so. You’re known for your good advice.

Have some restraint today. People are listening closely to what you say.

VIRGO — The element of water predominates today. You will likely be aware of it by the strong tides of feeling in your household, Virgo. Some family members may be unhappy. They may need more independence or look to you for more attention and affection. It’s hard to strike the right balance, as you will discover.

LIBRA — There’s a carefree, almost childlike atmosphere to today that suits you just fine, Libra. You’ve been working extraordinarily hard lately and need to relax and unwind a bit. This is a day for doing cartwheels across an open field. You aren’t the only one who feels this way - it’s positively contagious. Make the most of this wonderful feeling. This is a day for play not work.

SCORPIO — This is a day for rest and relaxation, Scorpio. Take advantage of the calm atmosphere to center yourself and focus on what’s important in your life. You’ve been going at full speed, and it’s possible that your family feels somewhat neglected. Spend some quality time with loved ones, if possible.

SAGITTARIUS — You’re on top of the world today, Sagittarius. Enjoy the view! You’re unstoppable. Friends and family alike revel in your good mood. You’re materially and spiritually generous, and by day’s end people could be lined up to partake of the bounty. Try to curb your enthusiasm and use some discretion.

CAPRICORN — This dreamy day is tailor made to your sensibilities. You may find it hard to focus on the daily issues when you’re caught up in your fantasies. Go ahead and give in to the day’s dreamlike state. Write in your journal or spend some time rummaging around in the attic. You’ll be amazed at what you find.

AQUARIUS — Your artistic side likes to communicate with people who are a shade off normal. You call them eccentric - other people call them crazy! From your viewpoint, the crazier the better! You feel such people add interest to the lives of anyone they come in contact with. Take a look in the mirror. You may see that you’re such a person.

PISCES — You’re conscientious where your health is concerned. You’re one of the rare few who exercise and eat nutritious meals. Today you might want to expand your repertoire of medical remedies. If you’ve been struggling to shake a cold or allergy, consider some alternative medicines. They’re moving more into the mainstream.

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Friday, December 23, 2022

Cy the Cynic had been the unfortunate victim of identity theft. “A modern version of Dr. Seuss’s story,” Cy grumbled to me, “is ‘How the Grinch stole your credit card information.’”

Cy was today’s West in my club’s penny game, and South stole a vulnerable game — with an overtrick. North-South got to four hearts with a “transfer” sequence, and Cy led the queen of spades. Declarer won with dummy’s ace — East signaled with the four — and led a diamond. East followed with the seven, and declarer played ... the eight!

DIAMONDS

The Cynic won with the nine and saw no reason to defend aggressively: It seemed East surely had something in diamonds. So Cy led another spade. Declarer won and led the king of diamonds: ace, ruff. He took the A-Q of trumps and threw clubs from dummy on the Q-J of diamonds.

If South plays an honor on the first diamond, Cy may fear that South has some good diamonds for club discards. Then Cy may find the club shift that defeats the contract.

he bids one spade. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your hand is borderline between a chance-giving raise to two spades and an invitational raise to three. Your king of hearts may face a singleton, but the queen of clubs is working, and the singleton diamond may be useful. Bid three spades. With A 5 3 2, K 10 8 5 3, Q 6 2, 3, you might do less. South dealer N-S vulnerable

6 2. Your partner opens one club, you respond one heart and

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.

“Things are not quite so simple always as black and white.” — Doris Lessing