Santa Barbara News-Press: March 13, 2023

Massive fentanyl bust

Three Mexican nationals charged after 1M pills seized outside LA - A2

Eco Heroes

‘Everything, Everywhere All at Once’ takes home best picture

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

You could hear a pin drop in Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on Sunday night as Harrison Ford announced the Oscar winner for the best picture. With a slight pause, Mr. Ford enthusiastically announced “Everything, Everywhere All at Once” as the 2023 95th Oscars winner.

“Everything, Everywhere All at Once,” the most nominated production at the ceremony, took home five Oscars in total. Most notably, the directors and screenwriters of the movie, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheiner, took home the award for best directing and best original screenplay.

Additionally, the lead and supporting actresses of the movie, Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis, took home awards for the movie. These were the first ever Oscars wins for the pair, both after being in the industry for many years.

“Everything, Everywhere All at Once” also took home the Oscar for best supporting actor, with Ke Huy Quan as the winner. As he received his award, he kissed the trophy repeatedly and was overcome with emotion.

While many people enjoyed the show in the comfort of their homes, in Santa Barbara many residents and fans of the award show gathered at the Arlington theater for a private screening of the show.

The award for best lead actor went home with Brendan Fraser for his performance as “Charlie” in “The Whale”. This drama production pulled on many heartstrings, largely due to Mr. Fraser’s performance. “The Whale” also won for best makeup and hairstyling.

Other Oscar winners included: best original song for “Naatu Naatu” in “RRR”; best adapted screenplay for “Women Talking”; best costume design for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”; best animated feature for “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”; best sound design for “Top Gun: Maverick”; and best visual effects for “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

“All Quiet on the Western Front” took

home quite a few awards as well. The production was nominated for nine different awards and took home the Oscar for best score, best cinematography, best international feature film and best production design.

Although this year’ Oscars ceremony featured nothing as dramatic as the slapping of Chris Rock by Will Smith, host Jimmy Kimmel still had some jokes to give about the situation. His opening monologue was full of subtle disses, and at the end of the show, he turned the number from zero to one on a sign that said “number of Oscars without an incident.”

The “In Memoriam” section of the awards ceremony was presented by John

Goleta library turns 50

Trovolta. Olivia Newton-John, a previous Santa Ynez resident, was presented first in honor of her passing earlier this year. Mr. Trovolta co-starred with Ms. NewtonJohn in “Grease.” In his presentation, he referenced one of her songs, saying how “hopelessly devoted” he was to her. There was also some Montecito representation at the awards ceremony this year. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, an actress and comedian well known for her roles in “VEEP” and “Seinfeld,” presented the award for best costume design. Ms. Louis Dreyfus is a resident of Montecito and a well-known figure in the community. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

UC sB wins Big West Championship, punches ticket to March Madness

By KRISTEN KELLER UCSB SPORTS

The UCSB men’s basketball team (27-7, 15-5 Big West) played in their second Big West Championship game in three seasons, taking on the Cal State Fullerton Titans. When the final buzzer went off, it was the Gauchos who were on top as they won The Big West Championship with a score 72-62.

“I am just so happy for our players to be able to experience March Madness; it is the greatest spectacle in all of sports, in my opinion,” said Gauchos Head Coach Joe Pasternack. “With the adversity our guys went through this season: losing two of our top six players due to injury and losing three straight games because of that. The way our guys responded to that shows so much character and competitive spirit.”

HOW iT HAPPEnEd

The Gauchos came out ready to play as Miles Norris knocked down the first basket of the night with a threepointer. Despite UCSB striking first, it was Cal State Fullerton who had the lead at the first media timeout. The Gauchos chipped away at the lead the Titans’ built, taking a one-point lead with seven minutes left in the first. By the time halftime hit, the lead changed 10 times but in favor of the Gauchos as they were up 33-31.

At the start of the second half, Cal State Fullerton came out strong, scoring six points to the Gauchos’ two, taking the lead early on. However, it wasn’t for long as UC Santa Barbara battled back to take the lead. Once the Gauchos regained the lead, they never let it go as Ajay Mitchell and Calvin Wishart made key shots to keep the Gauchos in a good position. By the end of the second half, the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos were the 2023 Big West Champions, taking down the reigning champs Cal State Fullerton 72-62.

Large crowd shows up for celebration

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Goleta Valley Library on Saturday celebrated its 50th birthday and the retirement of the longtime library director, Allison Gray. These milestones were marked with a family-friendly community celebration which took place from 2-4 pm.

“It went great; we had a huge turnout. Speakers included Second District Supervisor Laura Capps, and Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, a representative from Assemblyman Gregg Hart’s office, all the city council members, and the head of the library advisory commission. A huge number of library patrons and former employees were in attendance. Many attendees wore gray in my honor,” Allison Gray, outgoing library director told the News-Press. Ms. Gray estimated about 130-150 were in attendance.

“It was very celebratory. The speakers talked about the importance of libraries to democracy and the importance of this library to the community. All the speakers were kind enough to say things about the changes I made to the library. It was really sort of half a celebration of the 50th birthday of the library and half a

Please see LIBRARY on A4

LOOK in G AT THE nUMBER s

• Mitchell was the leading scorer in tonight’s game as he earned Big West Championship MVP, putting up 20 points in this game. Along with that, he added on four assists and four rebounds to round out his time in Henderson.

• Following close behind him in points was Wishart, whose three-pointer towards the end of the second half gave the Gauchos the much-needed momentum to solidify their win in this game. He ended the game with 16 points while grabbing seven boards and a team-high two steals.

• Cole Anderson had a phenomenal night from beyond the arc, shooting at 75 percent. This was good enough to end the game with 12 points while adding on four rebounds.

• Norris was the last Gaucho to finish with double-digit points, securing 10 in his final Big West Championship.

UP nEXT

The Gauchos have now punched their ticket to March Madness, which begins next week. The team will get together to watch The Selection Show beginning at 3 p.m. Check back for updates as the team learns who they will play in the first round and at which location.

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

Couple to receive award from Santa Barbara Permaculture Network - B1

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER Lane

Firefighters respond to a chimney fire in the 2100 block of Dermanak Rd. in Solvang on Friday.

House damaged in fire

SOLVANG - County Fire responded to a chimney fire in the 2100 block of Dermanak Rd. in Solvang on Friday.

The building involved was

described as a large, two-story resident, and flames were reported coming from the roof and chimney box of the structure.

The residents of the house selfevacuated and no injuries were reported.

It took firefighters a little more

than 20 minutes to extinguish the fire, which was knocked down by 9:52 p.m. Firefighters remained at the scene for some time after to mop-up. The cause of the fire is under investigation

- Matt Smolensky

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

U.S. Highway 101 southbound traffic was especially heavy due to lane closures at the construction zone just past the Santa Barbara-Ventura county line, creating a major bottleneck as three lanes turned into one on Saturday.

Three Mexicans charged, 1 million fentanyl pills seized outside LA

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Law enforcement officials seized roughly 1 million fentanyl pills in one single car outside of Los Angeles, California, this week.

If every single pill contained a lethal dose, the amount hidden inside of the body and trunk of a Volkswagen Jetta was enough to kill one million people.

According to a recent U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency analysis, 60% of pills it tests contain a lethal dose. A lethal dose is 2 milligrams, the weight of a mosquito.

At a minimum, the carload seized was enough to kill 600,000 people.

Three Mexican nationals – all single men ages 25, 28, and 29, were in possession of the fentanyl pills. They were arrested and charged in federal court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced.

All three are from Sinaloa, Mexico, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the region after which one of the most dangerous cartels is named.

The Sinaloa Cartel controls the drug trade throughout the southern border, covering California, Arizona, New Mexico, and into El Paso, Texas. Other cartels vie for control in Texas, including CJNG, Zeta, and Gulf cartels, law enforcement officials have explained to The Center Square.

The Mexican nationals were apprehended in

El Monte, California, roughly 150 miles north of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. While some Democratic politicians have claimed the majority of fentanyl is being seized at ports of entry, law enforcement officers are seizing in single car loads enough fentanyl precursors and/or pills to kill entire populations of towns.

In one recent bust in Arizona, also 150 miles north of the border, enough fentanyl was seized to kill 800,000 people. Cartel and gang operatives traffic people and drugs from Mexico through the southern border to major U.S. cities, where they arrange distribution throughout the U.S., law enforcement officials have explained. Southern California is a major distribution hub, whose criminal network has reached Florida prisons, according to a recent operation.

The Sinaloa cartel’s reach extends to all major U.S. cities and throughout the world, law enforcement officials have also told The Center Square.

According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, the three Mexican nationals met with two buyers at a restaurant in El Segundo, California, about an hour from El Monte, on Tuesday. They initially engaged in a 10,000fentanyl-pill sample sale followed by a planned 1-million-fentanyl-pill sale.

During the meeting, two of the defendants, Florencio Camacho Allan, 28, and Gerardo Gaixola-Patino, 29, met with the buyers while a third defendant, Alex Valdez Oroz, 25, remained in the car, a white Volkswagen Jetta,

according to the affidavit.

After the meeting, Mr. Allan and Mr. Gaixola-Patino went to the parking lot where they allegedly sold 10,000 fentanyl pills to the buyers for $7,500, according to law enforcement. They then left the restaurant under surveillance of law enforcement.

Later in the day, Mr. Allan reportedly confirmed with one of the buyers his interest in another sale, this time for one million pills. He showed the buyer the pills in his trunk using a WhatsApp video call, according to the complaint.

After receiving information about the pills’ location, law enforcement officers performed a traffic stop on their car in an El Monte hotel parking lot. They searched the car and found roughly one million fentanyl pills in multiple packages hidden in the body and trunk of the car and arrested the three Mexican nationals.

If convicted, each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case as part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Fullerton Police Department, the El Monte Police Department, and the California National Guard.

Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and K. Afia Bondero of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.

California officials issue warnings about ‘tranq’ drug on streets, Xylazine-laced fentanyl

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – California officials are warning about the dangers of Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer being laced with fentanyl and other illicit drugs now on the streets that’s potentially making them even more lethal.

They’re doing so after Arizona officials warned that Mexican cartels are using Xylazine as a cutting agent for fentanyl.

Officials in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego have all sounded the alarm after law enforcement officers confiscated illicit drugs, including fentanyl, and found them to be laced with Xylazine.

The Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued an alert warning about “the increased risk of overdose and death associated with Xylazine, which is increasingly present within illicit drugs in California.”

Officials in San Francisco and San Diego have already detected Xylazine in drug samples so far this year, the warning said, “indicating that Xylazine is now likely present within the drug supply in Los Angeles.”

The warning states: “Xylazine comes in a clear liquid that is cooked down into a powder form

Angeles Department

and is mixed with illicit opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, or pressed into counterfeit pills (e.g., Norco, Percocet, Vicodin, etc.) or sedatives (Xanax) as a cheap additive to increase the effects of these drugs. When mixed with opioids and other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or sedatives, xylazine intensifies the effects, including sedation (drowsiness leading to unresponsiveness) and respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing), which can lead to a fatal overdose.

“Most people who are purchasing or being given illicit drugs are not seeking Xylazine and likely do not know that Xylazine may be present in the drugs they are trying to obtain.

Increased awareness of the risk of Xylazine in illicit opioids, counterfeit pills, stimulants, and other drugs not obtained from pharmacies is necessary to support overdose prevention and harm reduction.”

The best way to avoid dying from these drugs is not to take them, the department warns.

“The illicit drug supply has been commonly and unpredictably contaminated with lethal substances such as Xylazine and fentanyl,” it said, encouraging residents to “avoid using pills from any sources besides an FDA-licensed pharmacy and prescribed by your healthcare provider.”

The San Francisco Department of Public Health also issued an alert, saying “Xylazine has been found in the drug supplies in eastern regions of the U.S. for years, but this is the first time the drug has been identified in decedents in San Francisco. All cases also involved fentanyl.” It identified four overdose deaths in the last two years in which Xylazine was detected. So far this year, San Francisco hasn’t had any “recent reports of increased severity of wounds or syndromes consistent

with Xylazine intoxication or withdrawal,” the alert states. “While this suggests the drug may not yet be prevalent in the local drug supply, SFDPH is working to understand the extent of Xylazine in the city and respond accordingly.” Xylazine, also dubbed “tranq,” is being investigated by the San Diego County medical examiner, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan told Fox 5 San Diego News.

“He is doing a four-month study,” she said. “Whenever there is a suspicious death due to an overdose from drugs, they are going to test for Xylazine to make sure that we are not missing a trend that’s here in San Diego, that we’re unaware of, so that we’re prepared for it.”

All of the warnings state that Naloxone/Narcan should still be administered for any suspected drug overdose because it helps restore breathing, but if Xyalzine is laced in the mix, Narcan may not fully restore consciousness.

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of Public Health issued an alert warning about “the increased risk of overdose and death associated with Xylazine, which is increasingly present within illicit drugs in California.”

sports@newspress.com

UCSB Invite results in 22 first-place finishes for Gauchos

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS

Of the UCSB Track and Field team’s 22 first-place finishes at the UCSB Invitational and Sam Adams Combined Events, Malia Benson’s stands out, as the junior set a new school javelin record with a throw of 50.12 meters.

“Malia stole the show with her new school record toss in the javelin in only her second meet competing in this sport,” Head Coach Cody Fleming said. “We had a great turn out. High energy. Our team had some strong performances today.”

The event was a logistical victory for the Gauchos as well, as the UCSB Invitational was rescheduled from Friday to Saturday due to rain. Fleming expressed his gratitude to all involved with the schedule change, in particular extending “a big thank you to our officials coordinator Andrew Hecker for helping us pull this off.”

The Sam Adams Combined Events kicked off the weekend on Wednesday and Thursday.

Sophomore Brad Thomas took first in the Decathlon, finishing with 6814 points and personal bests in the 100-meter (11.30), 400meter (50.25), and pole vault (3.93m). Jessica Swalve won the Heptathlon with 5130 points and new bests in the 100m Hurdles (14.65), 200meter (25.99), and long jump (5.56m).

When it came time for the UCSB Invitational, the Gauchos kept on winning.

The women had a strong showing with first place finishes in twelve events. The track events saw Jessica Boyd take the 100-meter in 12.30, Mariana Lanz in the 800-meter with a time of 2:10.24, and Abigail Monti in the 400-meter hurdles after crossing the finish line at 1:02.55. The 5000-meter saw a top two finish from Madeline Franco (17:23.31) and Ana O’Connell (17:23.49). The Gaucho women would also win the 4x100m relay as well as the 4x400m relay.

First place finishes in field events include Katie Meade’s high jump after an attempt of 1.56m, Melodie Quiroz’s pole vault with a mark of 3.70m, and Emma Barthel’s 5.90m leap in the long jump. Amanda Spear took home two

victories: discus (49.43m) and hammer throw (52.46m).

On the men’s side, Gauchos came in first in eight events. Brenden Fong led the way in the 100-meter (10.98) and 200-meter (21.90) dash while Tyler Holl held it down in the hurdle events, coming in at 14.54 in the 110-meter and 55.27 in the 400-meter. Zane Golpariani won the 3000 steeplechase after crossing at 9:10.71.

First in field events were Leon Giles in the high jump with a mark of 2.11 meters, Jared Freeman in hammer throw with a 58.18m mark, and Chase Tarr with a 60.47 meter toss in the javelin. The Gauchos will travel to the Bay Area for their next competition, taking part in the Stanford Invitational and San Francisco State’s Mike Fanelli Track Classic, both on March 31.

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

UCSB men’s volleyball falls to Long Beach in five sets

By ERIC BOOSE

UCSB SPORTS

Owen Birg recorded a careerhigh 25 kills, Ryan Wilcox added a 20-point, 17-dig double-double, and Jack Walmer provided a career-high 58 assists Saturday night as the UC Santa Barbara Men’s Volleyball team (4-11, 12 Big West) pushed No. 4 Long Beach State (11-2, 2-0 Big West) all the way to five sets Saturday night. Despite their impressive performance, the Gauchos dropped the fifth set to fall, 3-2 (25-21, 18-25, 20-25, 25-22, 11-15).

HOW IT HAPPENED

Like they did Friday night in Santa Barbara, the Gauchos came out strong in the first set, putting together a scoring run in the

middle of the frame and another in the closing stages to pull away and win by four points. UCSB hit .366 in the opening set, recording 19 kills in the frame. They were also near-unbeatable on defense, digging 16 of the Beach’s 38 attacks.

While the Gauchos kept pushing Long Beach State in the second and third sets, the hosts won both by comfortable margins. Needing a win to keep the match alive, UCSB seized the momentum back in the fourth set. The Gauchos were deadly accurate in attack, hitting .452 in the set en route to a 25-22 win.

In the decisive fifth set, UCSB matched the Beach blow-for-blow, except for one four-point scoring run early in the frame, which proved enough for the hosts to

hold on and take the match.

ON THE STAT SHEET

• Three Gauchos finished with double-digit kills Saturday; Owen Birg led everyone with 25, followed by Ryan Wilcox’s 20, with Dayne Chalmers adding 10 of his own.

• Birg and Wilcox both finished with double-doubles (kills and digs): 25 and 10 for Birg, 20 and 17 for Wilcox.

• Jack Walmer added a doubledouble of his own, tallying 11 digs along with his career-high 58 assists.

• Wilcox’s 17 digs were a game high but not a career high; the senior from Honolulu had 18 in a match against on March 10, 2021, also against Long Beach State.

UCSB softball split on first day of Bulldog Classic

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS

Ashley Donaldson went 4-6 with a home run, a triple, and three RBI across UCSB softball’s first two games at the Bulldog Classic in Fresno, helping the Gauchos (11-8) to a 4-1 win over Fresno State following a 5-3 loss to Utah Tech (15-6) earlier in the day.

GAME 1: GAUCHOS v S TRAILBLAZERS

UCSB got on the board early in their first game of the day, with lead-off hitter Madelyn McNally benefitting from an error in the field after her single, scampering all the way home to score. Utah

Tech tied the game in the second inning, but Donaldson un-tied it in the fourth with her second career home run. The junior catcher drove home another UCSB run in the sixth, but by that time Utah Tech had the lead for good.

Malaya Johnson went 5.2 innings in the circle against the Trailblazers, with Ilona Sullivan relieving her in the sixth. Sullivan struck out three of the seven batters she faced Saturday afternoon.

GAME 2: GAUCHOS v S BULLDOGS

Facing the hosts in the final game of the day, Donaldson and the Gauchos were on the board

in the first inning again. Singles from McNally and Jazzy Santos gave Donaldson runners on first and second, and the catcher kept the hits coming with a single of her own to drive in McNally. The Gauchos added runs in the fourth and seventh thanks to some Fresno State mistakes, then McNally capped the scoring with an RBI double in the seventh. Camryn Snyder worked another great game in the circle for UCSB, scattering four hits and four walks across her seven innings, allowing just one run and striking out four. Eric Boose is assistant director of athletic communications at UCSB. email: sports@newspress.com

UCSB women’s tennis win over UC San Diego

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS

A month and a half since their first Big West match, UCSB women’s tennis was back in conference action and back in the win column on Saturday, snapping a 10-match skid with a 6-1 win over UC San Diego. Freshman walk-on Solaya Han saw her first DivisionI action for the Gauchos, playing on court three in doubles and court six in singles.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Solaya Han’s Gaucho debut got off to a rough start with a loss on court three in doubles, but her teammates picked her up, with Camille Kiss and Marta Gonzalez Ballbe winning on court two to level the scores. Amelia Honer and Kira Reuter, ranked the No. 21 doubles team in the country, picked up yet another win together on court one to take the doubles point for UCSB.

As singles got underway, Han gave the Gauchos a boost just by stepping on the court. For the first time this season, UCSB did not have to forfeit a single court, meaning they could actually play with a lead. And Reuter quickly doubled that lead, blazing past her opponent on court three in straight sets. Her doubles partner Honer finished next, taking

yet another win on court one to put the Gauchos one win away from their first match victory since January.

On court six, Han was doing her best to grab that clinching win in her first Division-I tennis action, but fell despite her efforts. Kiss and Valentina Khrebtova would go on to secure the victory for UCSB, wrapping up wins on courts two and four at nearly the same time. That left all eyes on court five, where Gonzalez Ballbe looked to be headed for a third set. Down 2-5 in the second after winning the first, the senior from Madrid won five straight games to earn a win and wrap up the Gauchos’ victory.

UP NEXT

The Gauchos have two weeks off before their next match, which will see them begin a five-match road trip by traveling to Hawai’i on March 26. UCSB will play at Hawai’i, then UCLA, San Diego, UC Riverside, and Long Beach State before returning to Arnhold Tennis Center. The Gauchos’ next home match is set for April 15 against UC Irvine.

Eric Boose is assistant director of athletic communications at UCSB.

email: sports@newspress.com

UP NEXT

The Gauchos return to Rob Gym for their next match, hosting Harvard on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The match will be live on ESPN+ and live stats will be available through ucsbgauchos.com.

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

‘A celebration of the opportunity libraries provide for internet access, learning, and knowledge’

LIBRARY

Continued from Page A1 celebration of my leadership and the changes I have implemented. I had about an hour before speeches where I got to see a lot of my favorite patrons I haven’t seen for a while. I was thrilled they made the effort to come. There were lots of hugs; it was pretty emotional for me. I’ve had fifteen years of knowing these people. It was very emotional,”

Ms. Gray told the News-Press.

“It was a wonderful celebration on so many levels the achievement of Allison and her tenure steadying the ship of that treasure of a library. It was also a celebration of children and the way libraries reinforce that. They are important in society and literacy is important to the community. It was a celebration of the opportunity libraries provide for internet access, learning, and knowledge to those who might not otherwise be able to access them. It is important not to take libraries for granted because they are vital to democracy, open the world and provide knowledge and truth to people … I was honored to be part of the celebration to thank the staff, Allison, and the many volunteers of the Goleta Valley Library,”

Second District Supervisor Laura Capps told the NewsPress.

“The mayor, on behalf of the city council, read a proclamation and a representative from Assemblyman Hart’s office presented a proclamation from the legislature honoring the library. Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann also gave a certificate of recognition - one for me, and one for the library. I also received a tile in appreciation of my work from the city of Goleta,” said Ms. Gray. “People told me they loved the staff and felt it was a friendly place to come and it felt very hometown. The library has sophisticated services but is intimate and welcoming. There was also a lot of talk about appreciation for the services we provided during covid.

“I think the city was probably impressed by the number of people who made an effort to come on a Saturday afternoon. It was hard in a lot of ways and made me sad that I won’t be working with the staff and patrons anymore. The library offers the traditional things that people still want, including physical materials, programs, and a place where they can bring their kids. I hope my successor understands the importance of blending the past with the future,” said Ms. Gray.

Ms. Gray’s successor has not yet been named.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

WAGNER, William Loren Sr.

14 August 1926 - 11 February 2023

An amazing soul has ascended to heaven to join his wife of over 73 years, Margie, and their two sons who preceded his passing, Bill Jr. and Eric.

William “Bill” Wagner Sr. was born in Los Angeles in 1926 and grew up in North and West Hollywood during the great depression. Times were extremely challenging, and Bill began working at a young age to help support his family. He and his brother, Gaylord, sold newspapers which began his passion for sales, developing relationships, negotiations and deal making. He was a persistent entrepreneur even from a young age. His work experience also included operating a large laundry steam press in his teens and would become his job when he joined the Navy in World War

2. While stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station, Bill met his lifelong love, Margie Cassavechia, dancing at the USO Hospitality House in Oakland in November 1944. Bill and Margie married on June 3, 1945 about 3 months before the end of the war. and dry-cleaning facility he named Wagner Laundry. It quickly became apparent to him that this line of work was causing him health problems. So, he closed this business and started a new business as a dairy products supplier. It was a successful venture in which he owned his own delivery truck and started several delivery routes in new neighborhoods around the Bay Area. A little over two years later Bill would get his real estate license which would shape the rest of his professional career.

sale with him. Bill took his advice and thrived in his new line of work. He was Rookie in the mid 1950s, Bill and his young family moved to Sacramento where he started his own very successful real estate and construction business, Wagner Real Estate. A little over ten years later in the late 1960s, Bill would develop a relationship with Sambo’s Restaurants, in which he sold them numerous lots to build restaurants. This relationship would lead him to his next business venture.

Sambo’s offered Bill the job of Executive Vice President in charge of Development with the company at their national headquarters in Santa Barbara in 1970. Even though it would require him to move his family again, it was an opportunity too good to let pass. During the next ten years Bill would oversee the building of nearly 1,000 Sambo’s Restaurants nationwide.

After leaving Sambo’s in the early 1980s Bill would become a commercial real developer. His projects continue to be a blessing to a vast number of individuals and families. This also allowed time for him and Margie to travel the world for many years which they both enjoyed. They loved living in Santa Barbara where they were extremely involved members of their church and community. Bill sang in the Constance Street First Presbyterian Church choir for over four decades. He and Margie were also very a passion for playing golf. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Bill was always smiling, telling jokes and had a huge heart, which touched many people in his lifetime. He will be greatly missed.

Bill is survived by his daughter-in-law Carol, grandchildren Bill III (Wendy), Kim (Kevin), Haley, Casey (Leah), Max (Kristen), eleven great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren.

A memorial Funeral Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 21 East Constance Street at 1:00 PM on March 18, 2023. A reception will follow at La Cumbre Country Club from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

All are welcome to attend.

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Locals make use of the Goleta Valley Library’s children’s section on Saturday.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

Attendees of the Goleta Valley Library’s 50th Anniversary celebration were invited to sign on a framed photo of the library during the celebration on Saturday.

Life theArts

MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023

CALENDAR

The calendar appears Mondays through Saturdays in the “Life & the Arts” section. Items are welcome. Please email them a full week before the event to Managing Editor Dave Mason at dmason@newspress.com.

TODAY

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Entangled: Responding to Environmental Crisis,” runs through March 25 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The museum is open from 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays and college holidays. For more information, call 805-565-6162 or visit westmont.edu/museum.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Storytelling: Native People Through the Lens of Edward S. Curtis” is on display through April 30 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. For more information, visit sbnature.org.

Eco Heroes

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

John and Nancy Jack Todd, pioneers in the ecological design movement, are recipients of the Eco Hero Award by the Santa Barbara Permaculture Network.

They will be honored from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. A reception will follow in the Lobero courtyard Tickets, which are $10, $20, $40 and $100 for Friends of Eco Hero, are available at the Lobero ticket office, 805-963-0761, or www. lobero.com.

The award honors individuals who have committed themselves to work in service of the planet and its inhabitants for more than 30 years with actual solutions and concrete ways forward that benefit many, often on a global scale, while demonstrating pathways forward for future generations.

The audience will learn what inspired the Todds, how they made their projects happen and what challenges they faced along the way with time for attendees to ask questions, especially encouraging youth to interact. Since the late 1960s, this amazingly productive husband-and-wife team has shared a partnership journey for more than five decades, committed to the emerging field of ecological design.

That field uses human ingenuity to design a future in balance with nature, while healing broken ecosystems damaged historically and by modern industrial society.

Youthful founders of the New Alchemy Institute in 1969, Dr. and Mrs. Todd began their journey on a 12-acre site in Cape Cod, Mass., with the intention of “scientifically exploring strategies that could have evolutionary value to humanity and the planet’s future.”

The New Alchemy Institute had an enthusiastic and talented young staff of scientists and innovators who pioneered, among other things, Eco-Machines, living machines designed for biological waste water treatment using solar energy and living organisms. This team also led the way with the newly evolving organic agriculture and aquaculture movement. They were also the design of bioshelters — dwellings that provide their inhabitants with energy, food & shelter — with minimal reliance on fossil fuels.

With lessons learned from the New Alchemy Institute, they embarked on the Ark for Prince Edward Island, an ambitious project with support of the Canadian government, while in the midst of an energy crisis being felt around the world.

The Ark was a bioshelter that generated its own electricity with wind generators and used solar energy for space and water heating, tested purposely in Prince Edward Island’s cold northern climate. Despite the wintery weather with limited daylight, the Ark’s gardens and fruit trees provided food all winter long for its inhabitants.

Today, the couple operate Ocean Arks International, a nonprofit research and outreach

Couple to receive award from Santa Barbara Permaculture Network.

work.

FYI

Santa Barbara Permaculture Network will honor John and Nancy Jack Todd with the Eco Hero Award from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. For more information, visit www. sbpermaculture.org.

organization founded in 1982. Ocean Ark’s mission is “to create planetary healing through promoting ecological literacy and the dissemination of vital eco-technologies,” with projects focused on the restoration of the world’s oceans and fresh waters, using the tools of nature to heal toxic waste sites, oil spills, leaking landfills and severely damaged waterways.

In order to provide consultancy services to communities and businesses, John Todd Ecological Design was formed with projects around the globe. Through the years, Mrs. Todd has been the chronicler of all their work, masterfully describing the scope of what they were attempting, while at times even predicting the revolutionary direction they were going.

The Todds have partnered with many other ecological design pioneers, including William McLarney, Bill McKibben, Amory Lovins, Janine Benyus, Stewart Brand, John D. Liu, Paul Hawkens, and in their earliest days, the anthropologist Margaret Mead, who strongly influenced their

Recently, the Todds have joined forces with the Greening the Sinai project, along with John D. Liu, Santa Barbara Permaculture Network’s 2019 Eco Hero Award recipient.

Headed up by the Weather Makers, a group of international engineers and scientists, this project proposes altering the climate cycle in one of the hottest, driest places on the planet to a cooler, moister one as was successfully done in a similar historically desertified region, the Loess Plateau in China. Since fresh clean water is a precious and limited resource in the Sinai, Dr. Todd’s Eco-Machine is an especially valuable tool as a natural system for treating industrial and human wastewater, while remediating existing degraded bodies of water.

Mrs. Todd is an author, former dancer, editor of numerous publications, who has been involved in international environmental affairs for more than 40 years. A co-author of many books with her husband, she is the sole author of “A Safe and Sustainable World” (that has been likened to Rachel Carson’s “The Sea Around Us”), and “The Village as Solar Ecology.”

Among the numerous honors she has shared with her husband are the Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Award, Bioneers Lifetime Achievement Award, Friends of the United Nations Award and the Swiss Threshold Award for contributions to human knowledge.

Dr. Todd is a biologist and ecologist, who graduated from McGill University in Canada with degrees in agriculture, parasitology and tropical medicine and with a doctorate from the University of Michigan in Marine Biology. He is a professor emeritus and distinguished lecturer at the University of Vermont and fellow of the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics also at the University of Vermont.

His many awards include the Buckminster Fuller Challenge Award (2008) for the best idea and concept to help save the planet and humanity; Top Visionary award (2007) by Resurgence and Ecologist magazine and was profiled as one of top 35 figures in “Inventing Modern America” in the Genius issue of Esquire magazine. He was named Hero of the Earth by Time magazine in 1999. His most recent book is “Healing Earth: An Ecologist’s Journey of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship.”

Books co-authored by Dr. and Mrs. Todd include “Tomorrow Is Our Permanent Address,” “The Book of the New Alchemists,” “From Eco-Cities to Living Machines — Principles of Ecological Designs” and “Bioshelters, Ocean Arks, City Farming: Ecology as the Basis of Design.”

Past recipients of the Santa Barbara Permaculture Network Eco Hero Award include John D. Liu, Paul Stamets and Louie Schwartzberg. email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

Understanding and dealing with relational abuse

There are many types of abuse in relationships, and with covert or passive-aggressive abuse, sometimes it’s actually difficult to know if your partner is being abusive or just behaving badly.

Understanding passiveaggressive behavior will help you recognize it. This is when someone acts out their anger by showing up late, not helping with chores, withholding sex, or not talking to you. This is the most common form of emotional abuse, and deep conversation and psychotherapy can help if both partners are willing.

An overt and more damaging type of emotional abuse is verbal. This is when someone yells and screams, may use foul language, and uses their words to belittle you. Though verbal abuse is not thought to be serious by some, I strongly disagree.

Whoever criticizes, berates, or badmouths their partner is actually beating them up — it just doesn’t leave marks you can see. These wounds are deeply felt and may

never heal if the behavior continues.

The injuries will eventually become too painful to ignore, and the abused partner will withdraw, start fighting back, seek comfort elsewhere or leave the relationship.

People who put up with emotional abuse lose their self-esteem over time and find it difficult to live a balanced life. When the person you are closest to gives you no emotional support, it feels as though you have nothing in life to hold on to, and you cannot feel grounded or safe in your relationship. Emotional abuse in the home can undermine the entire fabric of a family, teaching children that such behavior is tolerable and acceptable.

Eliminating and healing from verbal abuse requires therapy for the couple and sometimes the entire family. Anger management for the abuser can be helpful, and I recommend deep emotionally focused work to get to the source of the anger. Choosing alternative

appropriate behavior is also key, but changing old patterns can be a challenge. The victim in a verbally abusive relationship needs to learn to set strong boundaries, and may even have to leave the relationship for a while, to help the abuser understand the gravity of the problem.

Physical abuse is even more serious. If you are with someone who is violent, or even threatens violence, the first thing you must do is get out. Many victims get so used to the fact that the abuser in their lives gets angry, hits them, and threatens to kill them (or themselves) that they actually become inured to it. If you are in a physically abusive relationship, you need to see that the danger is clear and present. Counseling is a big part of dealing with healing or ending a relationship that has been violent, but safety is always the first concern. I cannot stress this enough: If your partner has hit you

or threatened you with a weapon, you have to leave the house. If you can’t find a shelter or are too embarrassed to go to one, call a friend or a relative. Your place of worship may also be of help. Check into a hotel or find a short-term, corporate apartment — it may even be necessary to sleep in your car for a night. All of these options are safer than spending one more night under the same roof with a person capable of hurting you.

If there are children, take them with you when you leave. Understand that you can’t let this happen anymore, and it will hurt to leave, but you can do it with heart.

The toll-free phone number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Abuse is a serious situation, and taking too much time to think about leaving can cost you your life. If the need is there, make the call now. You can also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. Abuse only grows over time, and if the behaviors don’t change and the issues go unresolved, your life will become a living hell. Take responsibility for yourself, and get

the help you need. Or if you know of someone in an abusive relationship, show them this article — by doing so, you may just save a relationship or a life.

Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a psychotherapist, is the author of eight books and a blogger for PsychologyToday.com. He is available for video consults worldwide. Reach him at barton@ bartongoldsmith.com. His column appears Saturdays and Mondays in the News-Press.

FYI

If you encounter abuse, you can:

• Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.

• Call the 24-hour crisis and information hotline for Domestic Violence Solutions in Santa Barbara County at 805-964-5245. For more information, go to dvsolutions.org.

• Call 9-8-8, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you’re in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

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.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Coast artist and London native Annie Hoffman’s exhibit “Seeing Ourselves in Colour” will be displayed through Feb. 28 at Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. For more information, visit anniehoffmann. com.

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “SURREAL

WOMEN: Surrealist Art by American Women” is on display through April 24 at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, www.sullivangoss.com.

Noon to 5 p.m. “Clarence Mattei: Portrait of a Community” is on view now through May at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which is located in downtown Santa Barbara at 136 E. De la Guerra St. Admission is free. Hours are currently from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit www.sbhistorical. org.

MARCH 14

Lifeline screening for cholesterol, diabetes risks, kidney and thyroid function, plaque buildup in arteries and more at the Santa Barbara Seventh-day Adventist Church, 425 Arroyo Road, Santa Barbara. Registration is required at www. lifelinescreening.com.

MARCH 16

5:30 p.m. Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi — Lewis Atterbury Stimson professor and chairman in the Department of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center and surgeon-in-chief at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center — will present a public lecture titled “In the Eye of the Storm: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The free talk will take place at the Wolf Education and Training Center, 529 W. Junipero St., adjacent to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara. Reservations are required by March 10. To attend, contact J.V. Vallejos at 805-681-7528 or jvallejo@ sansumclinic.org. Masks will be required.

MARCH 18

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform “John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. To purchase tickets, go to granadasb.org. For more information, visit www. thesymphony.org or call 805-8989386.

MARCH 19

3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. To purchase tickets, go to granadasb.org. For more information, visit www. thesymphony.org or call 805-8989386.

— Dave Mason

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

COURTESY PHOTOS

Nancy Jack Todd and her husband, John Todd, have worked for more than fi ve decades on ecological design. They will be honored with the Eco Hero Award Friday by the Santa Barbara Permaculture Network.

Artist Alberto Lule to present talk at SBCC

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College will present an artist talk with alumnus Alberto Lule at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the SBCC Administration Building Lecture Hall Room 211.

Mr. Lule is the recipient of the LUM Art Prize (Issue 6), presented by LUM Art Magazine with the support of the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation.

Mr. Lule began making art while serving a 13-year sentence in a California prison. He uses readymades and mixed media installations to examine and critique mass incarceration and the prison industrial complex in the United States, particularly the California prison system.

Starting from his origins as a graffiti artist and writer, Mr. Lule draws on his own experiences in prison to create artworks that explore institutional roles of gatekeepers of knowledge,

FYI

Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College’s hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. For more information, contact gallery director John Connelly at jconnelly1@ pipeline.sbcc.edu.

authorities of culture and administrators of discipline and punishment.

“Art made the prison walls disappear, allowing me to overcome not only the prison I was physically in but also the mental prison I had placed myself in before my sentence,” said Mr. Lule. “By focusing on how institutional systems operate, I have come to notice the similarities between all institutions, from institutions of higher learning to correctional institutions. These similarities can be exposed and learned from, not only from a scientific

point of view, but even more thoroughly through art.”

Through his activist artworks, Mr. Lule brings awareness to the prison industrial complex, mass incarceration and ICE camps. After serving his prison sentence, he enrolled in SBCC Transitions, a program providing guidance and access to college for individuals released from the criminal justice system.

As a full-time student at SBCC, he excelled in his art classes and completed a prestigious internship with the SBCC Atkinson Gallery, sponsored by the SBCC Foundation. He graduated from SBCC in 2018 and was invited to be the student speaker at commencement. Mr. Lule transferred to UCLA, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 2020 and worked at the Hammer Museum. He is currently enrolled at UC Irvine, where he is earning a master of fine arts degree.

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy presents at South by Southwest conference

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A group of Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy students and staff presented at the annual South by Southwest EDU Conference in Austin, Texas, last week. SXSW EDU is an annual fourday conference and festival for educators in March.

Amir Abo-Shaeer, DPEA founder and a MacArthur Fellow in Residence; Emily Shaeer, DPEA director, and a group of 18 others presented their work with people from around the world. DPEA is a four-year career technical education program based at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta. It applies a projectand-design-based approach to teach students critical analytical, design and problem-solving skills. Students complete two CTE Pathways through the program coursework: Engineering Technology and Product Innovation and Design.

“I was inspired by the outpouring of requests from other educational leaders who see us

as an exemplar and are seeking guidance and professional development to leverage our innovative work to bring transformative change to their own educational organizations,” said Mr. Abo-Shaeer.

Tuesday’s workshop presentation introduced a variety of educational initiatives that will benefit the community in the Virgil Elings Center for Creative Learning when it opens later this year on the Dos Pueblos High School campus. It will feature a professional gallery showcasing interactive STEAM exhibits designed and fabricated by students.

“This whole experience has opened my eyes to how advanced and sophisticated this academy is and has shown how lucky I am to have gotten this opportunity to be a part of this academy,” said Chloe Johansson Hoffman, DPEA senior DPEA also hosted an interactive booth at the EXPO trade show.

Attendees engaged with studentcreated exhibits, learned to use a mill and a lathe, explored DPEA’s elementary STEAM curriculum and perused DPEA-integrated

CTE High School curriculum and projects.

“A lot of people come out of the booth wanting to potentially start up something similar or take some of the concepts of how the academy runs and see if something like that will work in their hometowns,” said Kevin Ramirez-Giron, DPEA senior.

The 20 people attending the conference included five staff members, a DPEA Foundation Board member, a student teacher, an intern from SBCC and 12 students.

“People from across the country — and from other countries — are moved by our vision for education, and they want to benefit from all that it promises to offer educators and students,” said Ms.Shaeer. “They continue to comment on our students’ remarkable professionalism and technical expertise, and they want to learn how they can cultivate similar passion and proficiency in the students in their school communities.”

email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

Natas Coats to attend West Point in June

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Righetti High School’s Natas Coats has accepted his appointment to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in June.

Natas will also represent the U.S. Army Swim Team in the Patriot League of the NCAA.

Natas has been an active swim athlete for both the Warriors and the Santa Maria Swim Club. At Righetti, he competed at state championships, won section and league titles, and broke a longstanding school record during his sophomore year.

Currently he is preparing to attend the National Club Swimming Junior Nationals in Orlando this month and looking forward to a final swim season with Righetti.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to attend West Point as a student and compete for the Army Swim Team as an athlete,” said Natas.

“Natas brings a lot of life to the swim team. He is dependable, coachable and inspiring,” said Steven Donohue, Righetti swim coach and teacher. “In fact, he was voted by his teammates as Most Inspirational for the 2022 swim season. Natas swims competitively in all freestyle events no matter the distance and consistently sets the example for the rest of his teammates as a disciplined and dedicated athlete.”

Praise also came from Natas’ mother.

“I am exceptionally proud of my son and all that he has

accomplished in swimming and high school,” Geri Coats said. “I am looking forward to watching him continue to grow and excel as a D1 athlete and as a member of the U.S. Army representing our country. He has had many

great coaches and teachers to help guide him to this place in his life that I see as a jumpingoff point to a wide-open future of possibilities.”

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

COURTESY PHOTOS Santa Barbara City College alumnus Alberto Lule’s art includes this work called “Prison Readymades.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Amr Abo Shaeer, founder of the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy, and Samantha Salcildo interact with a booth guest in Austin, Texas. They constructed a booth demonstrating the vision of the programs offered by the institute.

Diversions

Thought for Today

“If you get up in the morning and think the future is going to be better, it is a bright day. Otherwise, it’s not.”

— Elon Musk

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Monday, March 13, 2023

Aries: An unexpected release of tension could come today, Aries. Something that has been restricting you and limiting your growth is going to disappear, and you will want to run through the streets shouting. From here on out, certain desires that have eluded you could start to manifest in your life.

Taurus: Some strange but wonderful things could be happening to you now, Taurus. Sheer luck could well be in the picture. Have you wanted to move to a nicer place? If so, now you probably can. Have you been expecting a bonus or settlement? Today it could be yours! Even your dreams are apt to be vivid, powerful, and very beautiful. The only downside is if one of the events involves money, don’t overspend!

Gemini: A rather black mood that’s been plaguing you since early morning could suddenly disappear when a business or romantic partner brings wonderful news your way, Gemini. It could involve a goal that finally manifests that you may have given up long ago.

Cancer: If you’ve been concerned about your health for any reason, Cancer, today your medical professional could give you a clean bill of health. You will believe it, because you’re likely to feel wonderful. Stress has vanished, at least for now, and your energy and enthusiasm are higher than they’ve been for a long time. Enjoy yourself.

Leo: Creative energies are flowing like a river today, Leo. Ideas for projects should come thick and fast. You can’t wait to get started. You may even formulate plans to market them once they’re done. Love and romance should also be going well for you, as intellectual discussions could bring you and a current or potential love partner closer.

Virgo: Dreams should shed light on some difficult issues you’ve been trying to resolve, Virgo. You can finally make the problems disappear. This should be more than a relief to you - it’s a blessing! Your friends might want to take you out to celebrate, but you will probably want to sit home and enjoy your newfound contentment.

Libra: More than one call could come today with absolutely wonderful news! Exciting and wonderful changes are in the wind, Libra, but you need to bear in mind that with the good news comes the unknown. Your life may be turned upside down. Consider if you really want to stay in the same rut for the rest of your life. Gird your loins and look forward to an adventure!

Scorpio: A sizable sum of money could come your way today, Scorpio, probably as a surprise. This is a significant day for you. The money will open up new doors, particularly where creativity is concerned, so the situation definitely calls for a celebration. Don’t gamble or consider any kind frivolous of investment for at least two months.

Sagittarius: Today you may wake up feeling energetic, enthusiastic, optimistic, and very happy, Sagittarius. You may not be able to trace this to anything logical, so don’t even try. Make the most of what’s happening and use that energy to create the life you want. You might feel like you can move mountains, but for now you’d better concentrate on molehills.

Capricorn: Have you been feeling psychic lately, Capricorn? Has a recent dream or premonition come true? Any insights that you receive today aren’t likely to be clothed in complex symbolismthey should be easily understood. Write them down!

Aquarius: Today you might gather with some very smart friends at a coffee house for an intellectual conversation, Aquarius. Some fascinating ideas and useful information could be exchanged. Much of what is said could inspire new creative projects.

Pisces: A fabulous career break could come your way today, Pisces. It could be a raise, promotion, or even a new job in a new field. It could also involve a completely different location. The work you will be doing may be unlike anything you’ve ever done before, and that’s a challenge. Don’t worry! Change is necessary if you’re to reach your maximum potential.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Monday, March 13, 2023

Unlucky Louie has raised nine kids. He says it’s a sign of maturity when they realize that the volume knob also turns counterclockwise. It’s a sign of maturity at bridge when you don’t rush to draw trumps.

At today’s four spades, South betrayed a streak of immaturity when he won the first heart with the ace and let the queen of trumps ride. When East won and returned a heart, the defense got the minor-suit aces plus a heart trick.

CLUB WINNER

A more mature — and less impatient — declarer surveys the situation before he plays a card.

South has a possible loser in each suit but can set up a club winner to pitch a heart from dummy. He must do that promptly: If he loses an early trump finesse, the defense will gain time.

South wins the first heart in dummy, saving the ace as an entry to his hand, and leads a club to his king. East wins the next club and returns a heart, but South wins and discards dummy’s last heart on the high club. Then he can lead trumps.

This week: timing.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: K 4 10 8

9 4

8 5 3. Your partner opens one spade, you respond two

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

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

Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

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

Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

PUZZLE

clubs, he bids two hearts and you try 2NT. Partner then rebids three hearts.

What do you say?

ANSWER: In theory, you should pass. Your 2NT invited game, and partner’s three hearts says he likes neither game nor notrump; he has a minimum two-suiter. Still, you have aces and a useful king of spades, and some players would have forced to game. Bid four hearts. South dealer

Classified

Two years in, Operation Lone Star officers apprehend over 355,000 foreign nationals

Officers continue to thwart human smuggling attempts, arrest known criminals

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Since Gov. Greg Abbott launched Texas’ border security efforts through Operation Lone Star in March 2021, law enforcement officers have apprehended more than 355,000 foreign nationals after they’ve illegally entered Texas through the southern border.

They’ve made over 25,000 criminal arrests, with more than 23,000 felony charges reported, according to state data. They’ve also seized more than 366 million lethal doses of fentanyl, more than enough to kill everyone in America.

“Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps left by the Biden administration’s refusal to secure the border,” Gov. Abbott said. “Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President [Joe] Biden’s open border policies.”

In response to a recent ruling that the Biden administration’s plan of releasing illegal foreign nationals en masse into the U.S. instead of deporting them was illegal, Abbott said, the ruling was “what Texans – and Americans – have known all along: President Biden’s open border policies are, in the words of Judge Wetherell, ‘akin to posting a flashing ‘Come In We’re Open’ sign on the southern border.’”

The president’s catch-and-release program, Gov. Abbot said, “violates his constitutional duty to enforce federal immigration laws, has catalyzed an unprecedented crisis of illegal immigration at our southern border and throughout our nation.

The Texas governor added that President

Biden’s border policies are “putting all Americans in imminent danger. President Biden must start enforcing the immigration laws that are already on the books. That means aggressively prosecuting illegal crossings between ports of entry, and locking up those illegal immigrants who ‘shall’ be detained according to Congress itself.”

Recent apprehensions provide a glimpse into the daily reality of Operation Lone Star.

In Maverick County, a state trooper observed a black Ford F-150 stopped on the side of the road with hazard lights flashing. He stopped to provide assistance and learned the driver, an Hispanic woman from Austin who spoke no English, said in Spanish that she’d received a text message from her 14-year-old son saying he was lost in the brush, officials said.

Using GPS, the trooper found the teen about a half mile from their location. The teenager, who was driving a car illegally, confessed to having led law enforcement officers on a pursuit earlier in the day, officials said. He also confessed to smuggling 6-7 Mexican nationals who’d entered the U.S. illegally. They’d all bailed out of the vehicle to avoid being caught and got lost.

Ultimately, law enforcement found them, officials said, the Mexicans were referred to Border Patrol and the teenager was charged with smuggling of persons.

In another instance in Maverick County, a DPS brush team arrested a group of illegal foreign nationals for criminal trespass. One of the men, a Honduran national, had a criminal record and was wanted for homicide in Honduras, officials said. He will be extradited pending state charges for criminal trespass.

In Webb County, troopers attempted to perform a traffic stop on Sunday after the driver of a pickup truck committed a traffic

violation and refused to stop, officials said. They engaged in a pursuit and were eventually caught and arrested.

Troopers recovered four large bundles of marijuana in the possession of two teenagers. The 17-year-old driver was from Zapata, Texas; the 16-year-old passenger was from Laredo. Both were charged with evading arrest and possession of marijuana.

In Hidalgo County, a DPS brush team helped locate a stash house in Palmview, where they found eight Mexican and Guatemalan nationals who’d entered the U.S. illegally, including a 15-year-old girl. Several said they paid smugglers $1,500 each to be brought into the U.S. illegally.

In Kinney County, the driver of a pickup truck, a female resident from Houston, was pulled over after committing a traffic violation. When the officer opened the back of the pickup truck, he found men wearing camouflage laying in the flatbed under a cover, officials said. Others were hiding inside the truck on the floorboards and back seat. In total, 12 were hiding inside and referred to Border Patrol.

When asked, “Who are all these people?,” she replied, “I’m always picking up people if they need a ride home. That’s what I was doing.”

Houston is roughly a six-hour drive to Kinney County.

When asked, “How many people are in there?” She said, “I’m not too sure. The truck is really full.”

She was arrested and charged with smuggling of persons.

Several bills have been filed this legislative session to increase penalties for human smuggling, ranging between 5-10 years in prison per count.

Bills filed to address border crisis, including declaring Texas is under invasion

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Texas state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst has filed three bills and one resolution to address the border crisis, including one that would declare Texas is under invasion by Mexican cartels.

Sen. Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said one of the most common questions she receives from constituents is, “What is Texas doing to combat the absence of a secure border?”

“While the federal government is charged with border control, they have failed to keep Texas and the United States safe,” she said in a news release. “As a result, Texans are suffering, which is why I have filed legislation to address the horrific fentanyl crisis, enhance offenses for unauthorized immigrants who commit crimes, ensure Texas workers are legally authorized to work in the U.S., and declare to the federal government that Texas has been invaded by foreign drug cartels.”

SCR 23, a concurrent resolution, would declare that Texas, under Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, “is entitled as a sovereign state of the United States of America to protect itself against this current foreign drug cartel invasion; this constitutional authority grants the State of Texas

the power to defend the state when the state has been invaded, or is ‘in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.’”

It also calls on the federal government to declare Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, something the Biden administration has said it will not do.

It also calls on the Texas Legislature to “find that the State of Texas has been invaded by foreign drug cartels and that the citizens of this state are in danger of irreparable harm” and to encourage “all applicable state and local resources as needed, to use any and all authority under Article I, Section 10 of the United States Constitution to repel this violent foreign drug cartel invasion, and that such authority should be invoked with the intention of utilizing such authority in the most peaceful manner possible consistent with bringing this invasion to a conclusion at the earliest possible moment.”

At least 42 Texas counties have declared an invasion or expressed support for Texas doing so, as well as the Republican Party of Texas and the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Sen. Kolkhorst also filed SB 1620 to enhance state penalties for crimes committed by foreign nationals who illegally enter the U.S. The bill would amend

the penal code related to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses committed “in the course of or for the purpose of unlawfully entering the United States, unlawfully bypassing certain law enforcement checkpoints, or evading an arrest or detention; increasing criminal penalties,” according to the bill language.

Another bill filed, SB 1621, would require local governments, state contractors, and private employers in Texas to participate in E-Verify, a federal system to ensure workers are legally authorized to work in the U.S. Texas state agencies have been required to use E-Verify since 2015.

It would require a greater number of entities to comply with E-Verify than a bill filed by state Rep. Matt Shaheen in January.

Currently, no state law requires private companies to comply with E-Verify. Special interests and Texas businesses that have lobbied against stronger employment verification laws, critics argue, do so because they may be exploiting migrants to profit off cheap labor and unintentionally or intentionally participating in forced labor and human trafficking. Sen. Kolkhorst’s bill would change this.

She also filed SB 1622, which would create a new offense in the state health and safety code, in

line with a pledge made earlier this year by Gov. Greg Abbott: those who manufacture or deliver fentanyl that causes the death of an individual will be charged with murder.

Addressing the fentanyl crisis and border security is a legislative priority of the governor, who’s maintained that people unintentionally ingesting fentanyl and dying from it will be classified “for what it is … a poisoning.” And their death will be classified as a crime of murder.

“Anyone who laces a pill with fentanyl and knowingly sells it to someone else who loses their life should be arrested, tried and convicted for murder,” Gov. Abbott said last fall when meeting with sheriffs to discuss the fentanyl crisis and crime stemming from the border.

Under Sen. Kolkhorst’s bill, the new offense would be classified as a first degree felony and carry a sentence of life in prison or 5 to 99 years in a Texas state prison.

She said she filed the bills because crimes being committed by illegal foreign nationals and human and drug traffickers “will not stand.”

“Where the federal government is avoiding its responsibility, Texas will fulfill its constitutional duty to protect our citizens, property, and border,” she said.

Yellen answers for Biden budget’s tax hikes, IRS spending

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testified before the House Ways and Means Committee Friday where she took tough questions on the tax increases and new IRS funding in President Joe Biden’s proposed budget.

“The budget before us today calls for $4.7 trillion in new taxes and $6.9 trillion in new spending, during a staggering debt crisis,” House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., said in his opening remarks. President Biden’s budget has also taken fire for increasing the national debt. The White House has touted that the budget cuts $3 trillion in deficits over the next decade.

The White House has defended the budget, pointing to those deficit cuts while also spending on Social Security, Medicare and more. Presidents release these budgets annually, but they serve more as symbolic and set priorities for their agenda since there is little hope the budget will be accepted and passed wholesale by Congress.

“It’s built on four key values: lowering costs for families, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, investing in America, and reducing the deficit by ensuring that the wealthiest in this country and big corporations begin to pay their fair share, and cutting wasteful spending on Big Pharma, Big Oil, and other special interests,” Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young told reporters on a press call.

The budget includes several proposed tax increases, as The Center Square previously reported, including a billionaire’s tax, a minimum 25% tax on anyone with more than $100 million, an increase of the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6%, a hike of the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, and more.

“The President’s budget means more pain, with $1.8 trillion in new taxes on Main Street businesses, many of which still have ‘Help Wanted’ signs hanging in their windows because of the Democrat-fueled worker shortage,” Mr. Smith added.

Ms. Yellen also warned lawmakers about the coming debt ceiling. As The Center Square previously reported, lawmakers only have a few weeks to raise the debt ceiling or default on U.S. debt obligations, an unprecedented occurrence that would send shockwaves through the global economy. Some Republicans have indicated they want to use the coming cliff to negotiate, but President Biden has said he will not negotiate, arguing the stakes are too high.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget released a full analysis of the proposed budget, which reports that under the plan, debt would rise to 106% of Gross Domestic Product by 2027, a new record.

“Spending and revenue would average 24.8 and 19.7 percent of GDP, respectively, over the next decade, with spending reaching 25.2 percent of GDP and revenue totaling 20.1 percent by 2033,” the group said. “The 50-year historical average is 21.0 percent of GDP for spending and 17.4 percent of GDP for revenue.”

The group’s analysis also said President

Biden’s forecast relies on rosy economic assumptions such as strong long-term growth and interest rates that are lower than those projected by the Congressional Budget Office.

“The budget assumes 0.4 percent growth this year, 2.1 percent growth next year, and 2.2 percent by the end of the decade – compared to CBO’s 0.1 percent, 2.5 percent, and 1.7 percent, respectively,” the group said. “The budget also assumes ten-year interest rates fall to 3.5 percent by 2033, compared to CBO’s 3.8 percent.”

Yellen oversees the Internal Revenue Service, which has come under scrutiny recently after the Inflation Reduction Act allocated about $80 billion, part of which will be used to hire an army of auditors to raise revenue by auditing Americans. That move was controversial as critics point to recent IRS abuses and targeting of conservatives.

President Biden’s budget raised eyebrows by allocating to the IRS over $43 billion for fiscal year 2024, a 15% increase.

“After Democrats handed the IRS an $80 billion raise last year, taxpayers are now asked in this budget to hand the IRS another $43.2 billion?” Mr. Smith said in his opening statement. “I have to ask: Is this a joke?”

Ms. Yellen defended the IRS spending, pointing to better customer service. The IRS has taken fire for poor customer service in recent years.

“Taxpayers are getting drastically improved customer service this year,” Ms. Yellen said in her testimony. “For example, we’ve answered hundreds of thousands more phone calls during this filing season than at this time last year.”