Santa Barbara News-Press: April 03, 2023

Uss santa Barbara commissioned

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

History was made Saturday morning when the USS Santa Barbara (LCS-32) was commissioned at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme.

After the commissioning, the littoral combat ship returned to its home port in San Diego.

The commanding officer of the USS Santa Barbara is Commander Brian P. Sparks. The executive officer is Commander Paul F. Richardson III, and the command senior chief is CMDCS Rose Thibodeaux.

“We are here today to celebrate the commissioning of the USS

Man to stand trial in child abduction case

By NEIL HARTSTEIN

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A judge has ordered a Santa Barbara man to stand trial on a felony charge that he tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl in Carpinteria last November.

Elias Maldonado, 52, “was held to answer as charged” following his preliminary hearing on Thursday, Deputy District Attorney Hannah Meyer told the News-Press. “The case is on for arraignment on the Information (formerly the complaint) on 4/12/23.”

Whenever defendants are charged with a felony, they are arraigned again after their preliminary hearing to give them a second chance to enter a plea of not guilty or guilty.

Sheriff’s deputies announced Nov. 10 that they had arrested

Mr. Maldonado on suspicion of attempted kidnapping for an incident that occurred two days earlier.

Community Resource Deputy Bryan Dickey was notified Nov. 9 by Carpinteria Middle School staff of a kidnapping incident that had occurred at approximately 4 p.m. Nov. 8 in the 5500 block of Carpinteria Avenue near the entrance to the bicycle path.

Deputy Dickey spoke with the female juvenile reporting party who provided a thorough account of the incident and a suspect description, sheriff’s officials said.

He and patrol deputies conducted a follow-up investigation, identified the suspect as Mr. Maldonado and tracked him to a motel in the 5500 block of Carpinteria Avenue. Deputies also learned that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

At approximately 9:50 a.m. on Nov. 9, Deputy Dickey along with patrol deputies and a Sheriff’s K9 unit contacted Mr. Maldonado at the motel where he was taken into custody after allegedly briefly attempting to flee.

Mr. Maldonado was booked at the Main Jail on suspicion of attempted kidnapping of a child under the age of 14, a felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a misdemeanor, as well as an outstanding warrant for domestic violence and false imprisonment, both felonies.

Prosecutors charged Mr. Maldonado with attempted kidnapping, alleging the defendant, who stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 215 pounds, attempted to abduct the girl either by force or “by any other means of instilling fear,” with the intention of taking her elsewhere. The charge is a serious

and/or violent felony.

Prosecutors also alleged aggravating factors, contending the alleged crime involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm or other act disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness or callousness, and that the victim was particularly vulnerable. They also allege he engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society.

He also is charged with two misdemeanors, one for allegedly annoying or molesting a child under 18, and the other for resisting arrest.

Prosecutors said they intend to introduce evidence of any prior acts of sexual offenses committed by the defendant.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Council to consider action on illegal short-term housing rentals

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The City Council’s Finance Committee is urging the full council to approve a pilot program aimed at counting the number of short-term housing rentals operating in Santa Barbara – and cracking down on the ones that are illegal.

Chair Eric Friedman told the council at its last meeting that the Finance Committee had voted 3-0 to endorse the oneyear rental enforcement pilot program, to be directed by the City Attorney’s Office and the Finance Department.

The council could consider the

matter at its April 11 meeting.

The city has long wanted to do something about the increasing number of illegal short-term housing rentals operating in Santa Barbara, and the Finance Committee believes this aggressive enforcement program could do the trick.

There seem to be two main problems being addressed by the crackdown, aside from the fact that these illegal rental housing units violate the city’s zoning code.

The first is that they’re often incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

Please see RENTALS on A2

‘Officers and crew of the USS Santa Barbara, man our ship and bring her to life,’ sponsor Lolita Zinke says during ceremony

At top left, sailors give a salute aboard the USS Santa Barbara, an Independence-class littoral combat ship of the US Navy, above right, during the ship’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme on Saturday. Above left, Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, right, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks before officially commissioning Commander Brian Spark’s USS Santa Barbara into service.

Above, ship sponsor Lolita Zinke, center, flanked by the ship’s Command Senior Chief Rose Marie Thibodeaux, left, and Commander Brian Sparks speaks during the ceremony. At right, sailors stand at attention on the ship. Please see CEREMONY on A2

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Police looking for 15-year-old runaway

LOMPOC – Lompoc police are urging the public’s health in locating a 15-year-old runaway.

The missing girl, Calie Castanon, is 4 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes and a double nose piercing. She was last seen on March 28. If located, contact Cpl. Strong at 805-736-2341

– Neil Hartstein

Teen arrested in connection with carjackings

SANTA MARIA – Santa Maria police have arrested a 17-year-old suspect in two armed carjackings in January.

The juvenile, whose name was not released because of his age, is a known gang member, police said. He was considered the primary suspect in two separate carjackings that occurred in the City of Santa Maria on Jan. 25 and Jan. 30.

His arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation by

detectives. The Santa Maria Police Department’s Detective Bureau, with assistance from the Santa Maria Police Department’s SWAT Team, served search and arrest warrants at a residence in the 1200 block of W. Bethel Lane around 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 26.

The 17-year-old juvenile was taken into custody during the execution of the warrant service without incident. He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Juvenile Hall on the following charges: carjacking (2 counts), vandalism, and gang enhancement.

– Neil Hartstein

‘The ship is manned and ready’

CEREMONY

Continued from Page A1

Santa Barbara, the third U.S. ship named Santa Barbara. This ship and her crew are honored to bear the name and continue the proud legacy of courage,” said Commander Richardson as he opened the ceremony.

Dignitaries in attendance included Capt. Charlie Plumb (a former prisoner of war); prior USS Santa Barbara service members; Lt. Marie Tracy, a U.S. Navy chaplain; Kevin McTague, chairman of the USS Santa Barbara Commissioning Committee; Capt. Marc Crawford of the U.S. Navy; Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse; ship sponsor Lolita Zinke and U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Ventura County.

“What a glorious morning it is,” Rep. Brownley told the audience at the ceremony, as well as viewers who watched at home during the live-streamed program. “As the representative of California’s 26th District, I have the greatest privilege, and it is a great pleasure to welcome you to today’s ceremony as the proud representative of this extraordinary naval base, the largest employer in Ventura

County. It’s a strategic local naval base in Ventura County. It is absolutely vital to regional and national security.

“Today the naval base plays an even greater role in our national defense,” she said.

Then she commented about the new vessel in that defense, the USS Santa Barbara.

“I am incredibly honored to see this mighty ship come to life … The USS Santa Barbara is truly a fighting ship both in looks and in spirit.”

Mayor Rowse also addressed the audience.

“The city of Santa Barbara is generally known for its outstanding beauty,” he said.

“Beneath that is a population that has shown resilience and determination in the face of natural disaster, some recently experienced.”

The mayor also noted the pandemic’s impact on Santa Barbara and its hospitality industry.

“Throughout all this, Santa Barbara responded admirably, that is why this is an appropriate name for this ship,” he said.

Inscribed on the ship is the motto: “resilient and determined.”

In addition to his remarks, Mayor Rowse presented

Commander Brian Sparks with a proclamation declaring April 1, 2023, USS Santa Barbara Day.

After the mayor’s proclamation, the USS Santa Barbara was commissioned by Admiral Paparo: “On behalf of the president of the United States and the secretary of the navy, I hereby place the USS Santa Barbara into commission.”

“The USS Santa Barbara is in commission, and I am in command,” Commander Sparks told Admiral Paparo.

Ship sponsor Lolita Zinke addressed the crew.

“In a few minutes when we bring this ship to life, you shall embark on a beautiful new journey and continue this chapter of the USS Santa Barbara,” Mrs. Zinke said. “As sponsor, my heart will follow you wherever you go … May God bless America, the United States Navy and the USS Santa Barbara. Officers and crew of the USS Santa Barbara, man our ship and bring her to life.”

Commander Sparks said, “Ladies and gentlemen, the crew of the ship salutes you. We are proud to serve in America’s Navy. Captain, the ship is manned and ready.”

Commander Sparks then gave a brief address.

“On behalf of the crew of this

warship, we are excited you could join us …,” he told the audience.

“I would also like to thank the commissioning committee for all you have done for the ship and the crew. I am excited that each of you could join us this morning.”

He noted that in addition to the commissioning, Saturday marked the 130th anniversary of the day that the rank of chief petty officer was established in the U.S. Navy.

Commander Sparks went on to talk about the great interest in the commissioning and the magnitude of the moment.

“Despite being told to expect it, I was shocked to hear that we had thousands of requests to attend today’s ceremony,” he said. “It is hard to believe that I am standing here today taking part in a time-honored tradition of commissioning a navy ship.

“The crew has exemplified our ship’s motto,” he said, referring to “resilient and determined.”

“Admiral Paparo, Commander Crawford, I and the crew of USS Santa Barbara stand ready to answer all bells,” Commander Sparks said.

The ceremony ended with the benediction given by Chaplin Tracy.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Short-term rentals not permitted in most areas of Santa Barbara

RENTALS

Continued from Page A1

“Unregulated short-term rentals are inherently incompatible with the surrounding land uses and neighborhood due to the intensity of use and potential nuisance impacts related to noise, parking, littering, traffic congestion, public safety, ‘party houses,’ loss of community and the displacement of long-term residents,” staff said.

The second is that operating a residential unit as a short-term rental is typically far more lucrative than renting the unit on a long-term basis, which can take away already scarce housing for long-term rentals in Santa Barbara, and may encourage tenant evictions if a landlord concludes that they can earn more from short-term rentals than from a long-term tenant, staff said.

The overall objective of the year-long pilot program is to gather accurate data on the number, location and seasonality of short-term vacation rentals operating in the city, staff said. Once accurate data is obtained, the effort shifts to that of gaining compliance with the city’s zoning laws through investigation and, if necessary, prosecution of people operating illegal rentals in the inland areas of the city and in the Coastal Zone in response to nuisance-based complaints, staff said.

“The true magnitude and accompanying costs of that enforcement effort cannot be determined until accurate information is ascertained,” staff said.

While short term rentals are not permitted in most areas of Santa Barbara, they have nonetheless become a new form of visitor

lodging in the city within the past decade.

STRs constitute the rental of any dwelling unit to any person for exclusive transient use of less than 30 days.

“While an informal market may have existed in years past, hosts can now make a spare room or an entire apartment or house available to potential visitors through websites such as Airbnb, VRBO and others,” staff said.

“Guests can select from a variety of housing options and have the experience of staying in a home in a neighborhood not traditionally geared to tourism.”

Because of the start of a significant increase of STRs in Santa Barbara in 2015, the council directed staff to begin proactive enforcement of existing zoning regulations on unlawful vacation rentals. Gathering the necessary evidence to support proactive enforcement was time-consuming and costly because of the number of unlawful vacation rentals then existing in the city, staff said.

The City Council allocated $170,000 from the General Fund to cover the costs of increased enforcement by the City Attorney’s Office and Community Development Department in Fiscal Year 2016 to hire contracted staff to assist in the enforcement of illegal STRs.

“Unfortunately, what was learned from that enforcement experience is the amount and resources allocated at that time was nowhere near enough to curb the explosion of the STR market,” staff said.

In subsequent years, the focus and resources dedicated to enforcement shifted to defend the city’s ability to prohibit STRs in multiple legal battles. One case in particular, Kracke v. City of Santa Barbara, changed how STRs are enforced in the Coastal Zone. The

Second District Court of Appeal determined that enforcement actions against Coastal Zone STRs are limited to situations where complaints are received due to tenant behavior or other nuisance-like conditions.

“Therefore, the city is unable to proactively initiate STR enforcement actions against unlawful rentals in the Coastal Zone as compared to inland where the city is free to enforce whether or not a complaint is received,” staff said.

In September, a presentation by the Community Development Department to the City Council noted that there continue to be a high number of STRs operating in the city (though that exact number is not known).

“At that meeting, noting concerns regarding neighborhood compatibility and the loss of urgently needed housing to a commercial enterprise, City Council expressed the need for increased enforcement on STRs.”

The new pilot program will have one primary goal: achieving permanent compliance with the Zoning Ordinance in the inland areas of Santa Barbara and compliance in the Coastal Zone in adherence to the parameters put in place by the court in the Kracke decision.

“To be clear, the recovery of unpaid Business License and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) cannot be the primary goal of the program,” staff said. “The results of any investigation can form the basis of a criminal filing by the City Attorney’s Office. Therefore, any action taken will be focused on deterring the activity, and revenue generation cannot be considered as an objective in the prosecution portion of this program.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

WENDY McCAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . Co-Publisher

ARTHUR VON WIESENBERGER . . . . .Co-Publisher

YOLANDA APODACA . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Operations

DAVE MASON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Managing Editor

HOW TO REACH US . . .

MAIN OFFICE 715 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 93101..805-564-5200

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 1359, Santa Barbara 93102

NEWSROOM ADVERTISING

HOW TO GET US . . .

CIRCULATION ISSUES 805-966-7171

refunds@newspress.com newsubscriptions@newspress.com vacationholds@newspress.com cancellations@newspress.com

News Hotline 805-564-5277

Email...dmason@newspress.com

Life 805-564-5277

Sports 805-564-5277

News Fax 805-966-6258

Corrections 805-564-5277

Classified 805-963-4391

Classified Fax 805-966-1421

Retail 805-564-5223

Retail Fax 805-564-5139

Toll Free 1-800-423-8304

Voices/editorial pages ..805-564-5277

COPYRIGHT ©2023

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

All rights are reserved on material produced by the News-Press, including stories, photos, graphics, maps and advertising. News-Press material is the property of Ampersand Publishing LLC. Reproduction or nonpersonal usage for any purpose without written permission of the News-Press is expressly prohibited. Other material, including news service stories, comics, syndicated features and columns, may be protected by separate copyrights and trademarks. Their presentation by the News-Press is with permission limited to one-time publication and does not permit other

Mail delivery of the News-Press is available in most of Santa Barbara County. If you do not receive your paper Monday through Saturday, please call our Circulation Department. The Circulation Department is open Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Mail delivery in Santa Barbara County: $5.08 per week includes sales tax, daily, and the Weekend edition. Holidays only, $3.85 per week includes sales tax. Single-copy price of 75 cents daily and $2 Weekend edition includes sales tax at vending racks. Tax may be added to copies puchased elsewhere.

VOL. 167 NO.

www.newspress.com Newspress.com is a local virtual community network providing information about Santa Barbara, in addition to the online edition of the News-Press.

COURTESY PHOTO Calie

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

The USS Santa Barbara is shown during the ships commissioning ceremony in Port Hueneme on Saturday.

sports@newspress.com

Sports

UCSB’s Parker, Newman both homer in loss to Fresno State

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS WRITER

John Newman, Jr. hit his first home run of the season, and Aaron Parker hit his sixth as the UCSB baseball team (17-6, 5-1 Big West) put up five runs across the final three innings Saturday afternoon, but it was not enough to overcome an early deficit and they fell, 8-5, at Fresno State (15-10, 7-4 Mountain West).

HOW IT HAPPENED

Fresno State jumped out to a fast start, scoring two runs in the first inning and four across the first three frames. Gaucho starter Tyler Bremner settled in a bit after that, setting down the Bulldogs in order in both the fourth and fifth innings. The freshman righty struck out four batters in his five innings of work on Saturday.

Fresno State added two runs in the bottom

of the sixth, but UCSB responded in the top of the seventh through Parker. The sophomore muscled up and knocked the first pitch of his at-bat out of the park in straight away center field for his sixth home run of the season, making it 6-1.

The Bulldogs scored again in the bottom of the seventh to make it 8-1, but then the Gauchos started really chipping away. In the top of the eighth, LeTrey McCollum collected his second hit of the ballgame, singling to right field, scoring Jonah Sebring. Then, in the ninth, Newman came to bat with two runners on and drove a ball the opposite way for his first home run of the season, making it 8-5 with one out.

ON THE STAT SHEET

• John Newman, Jr. and LeTrey McCollum each finished 2-for-4 at the plate Saturday afternoon to lead the Gauchos; Newman’s fifth-inning single broke up a

no-hitter, and McCollum’s double in the sixth was UCSB’s first extra-base hit on the day.

• Aaron Parker’s six home runs this season are the third-most in conference and the most among Big West catchers; he also leads Big West backstops in slugging percentage (.645).

• Newman’s home run on Saturday was the fourth of his career and the second he has hit to the opposite field (right field).

UP NEXT

The Gauchos will return to Caesar Uyesaka Stadium today as they host the Santa Clara Broncos, with first pitch at 2:05 p.m. All tickets to today’s game are $5.

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

UCSB men’s volleyball drops second match of the series to Hawai’i

By KRISTEN KELLER UCSB SPORTS

The UCSB men’s volleyball team (5-15, 1-6 Big West) was back in Rob Gymnasium against the University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors for the second leg of this Big West series. UCSB fought hard against the No. 1 team in the NCAA, but after three sets, it was Hawai’i who came out with the win (25-19, 2521, 29-27).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first set started in favor of Hawai’i. They came out hot, picking up where they left off last night. Even with the Gauchos tying the set up very early on, it didn’t discourage the Warriors. The bad guys pushed ahead by nine points. The Gauchos made some key substitutions that helped close the gap between them and the Warriors, but not enough to come

out with the win as UCSB dropped the first set 25-19.

Just like last night, the Gauchos came out strong to start this second set. These two teams vied for the lead, spending the first 10 points tying the game and exchanging the lead. But after that, Hawai’i took over. Even though UCSB was able to get within one on multiple occasions, the result didn’t end that way as the Rainbow Warriors took set two 25-21.

The third set told a different story for the Gauchos. They came out with a new intensity as they went point-for-point with the Warriors. As the set went on, UCSB put themselves ahead and ran with it, maintaining a four-point lead until late in the third. With both teams out of timeouts, Hawai’i made one last effort to end the match in this set. As if repeating last night’s third set, the

Gauchos and Warriors went into extra points, each team pushing the other to new limits. However, like last night, Hawai’i proved to be the tougher team, coming out of the third set with a 29-27 win.

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS

• Ryan Wilcox led the Gauchos in kills with 12 while only making three errors which contributed to his .450 hitting percentage. Along with that, he tied for the most aces on the team with two while leading the defensive efforts with seven digs and one solo block.

• Nick Amoruso is on his fourthstraight game with double-digit kills, putting up 11.

• Jack Walmer led the offensive efforts as the team’s primary setter, racking up 29 assists on the night. He also was an asset in the back row, securing five digs.

UCSB track and field competes up north

By KRISTEN KELLER UCSB SPORTS

The UCSB track and field teams wrapped up their weekend, with the distance runners making their way to the San Francisco State Invitational while the rest of the track team made the trip to the Stanford Invitational. With the tough competition at each of these meets, the Gauchos made their impact with multiple top performances along the way.

Amanda Spear was one of those performers as she finished second in the discus with a throw of 50.33 meters, only sitting behind one thrower from Hawai’i. Her fellow thrower, Jared Freeman, also had a strong performance but in the hammer. The redshirt sophomore ended his time in Palo Alto in fifth in the Invite division, throwing for a distance of 60.22 meters. Another thrower, Chase Tarr, also grabbed fifth in the Invite division, recording a throw of 60.15 meters in the javelin.

From the pole vault, the Gauchos had top performers on both the men’s and women’s sides. Melodie Quiroz topped her own PR in this event, earning a mark of 3.92 meters to tie for second. Her counterpart, Eitan Goore, came out with the win in his event. He ended the meet with a mark of 4.90 meters, grabbing the first-place finish.

On the track, four individuals had strong performances, and they were Brendan Fong, Tyler Holl, Ethan Godsey and Abigail Monti. Fong has been crucial to the Gauchos on the track, earning a third-place finish in his section with a time of 48.48 seconds in the 400-meter dash. Holl finished in the top half of the field in the 110-meter hurdles, running a time of 14.51 seconds for a new PR. Godsey was one of the few distance runners in Palo Alto as he competed in the 5000-meter race,

Kiwanis track and field championship announced

LOMPOC – The Lompoc Parks and Recreation Division has announced the Lompoc Kiwanis Track & Field Championships will take place at 9 a.m. April 23 at Lompoc High School.

putting up a new PR of 14:21.3 in the event. Also rounding out the performances on the track was Monti, who ran a new PR in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:02.4.

In San Francisco, the Gauchos had one runner in the shorter distances with the rest running middistance and distance events. Chika Nwachukwu hit PR’s in both the 100 and 100 hurdles, running a time of 12.27 seconds in the 100 and 14.66 seconds in the 100 hurdles. The Gauchos had three runners in the 3000-meter steeplechase and they were Stina Johansson, Sierra Ransweiler and Madeleine Franco as the three finished in fifth, sixth and 10th, respectively. The women also capitalized in the 800 as Sarah Chaves, Ruby Sirota-Foster and Isabella Abusaid all competed in this event. Of the 103 people who competed in this event, these three grabbed finishes of 19th, 22nd and 28th, respectively.

The men’s side saw Manan Vats, Travis Bryson and Matt Richardson. Bryson grabbed a 10th-place finish out of 121 runners in the 800, running a time of 1:53.96 to get there. Richardson had a stellar performance in the 3000-meter steeplechase as he ended up in sixth place with a time of 9:10.96. Vats rounded out this group as he ran in the 10K, where he ran a time of 30:53.79 for a 16th-place finish in a field of 55 runners. The Gauchos will have a quick turnaround as they compete in their last home event of the season in the Challenge Cup on Friday. The first event will begin at noon with the throws. For a full schedule, visit ucsbgauchos.com.

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

The event is sponsored by the Lompoc Kiwanis Club, a local chapter of the Kiwanis organization. The main goal of the organization is to serve children and families in the community. Registration for the event includes participation in a maximum of four events. Events offered are sprints, distance runs and relays, and field events. These events are offered to boys and

girls who are in third through eighth grade. The cost to register is $20 per athlete and $200 per club or team for up to 25 athletes. Registration forms are available online at cityoflompoc. com/recreation. Registration is required by April 19. There is no day-of registration available – Annika Bahnsen

UP NEXT

The Gauchos will be on the road this Friday as they take on UC San Diego for the second match of this series. First serve will be at 7 p.m. in La Jolla with a live stream available through ESPN+ and live stats through ucsdtritons.com.

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

UCSB women’s water polo completes comeback win over CSUN

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS WRITER

The No. 10 UCSB women’s water polo team (16-8, 1-3 Big West) celebrated Senior Day with an absolute thriller of a match Saturday, erasing a 4-0 deficit before defeating No. 23 CSUN (16-10, 0-4 Big West) in sudden-death overtime, 13-12. Nearly three minutes into the sudden-death period, Annie Kuester gathered the rebound after Juju Amaral’s shot hit the post, then guided the ball past the Matador goalkeeper to score the game-winning goal. All three of UCSB’s graduating seniors — Drew Halvorson, Sarah Owens, and Caitlyn Snyder — scored a goal on their Senior Day.

After falling behind, 4-0, in the first quarter, the Gauchos stormed back in the second,

scoring three goals in the first two minutes of the period, en route to tallying five before halftime. At the break, CSUN led by two, and the visitors stretched their advantage in the third quarter, leading 9-6 going into the fourth quarter. Munson and Mackay scored to bring the Gauchos within one with six minutes left, but CSUN had their lead back up to two with three minutes to go. Goals from Snyder and Lyter tied the game, then Amaral converted a penalty with 21 seconds to play, seemingly completing the comeback. However, CSUN scored to tie the match with only five seconds remaining, then took the lead in the first overtime period. Halvorson answered in the second overtime period, sending the match into a third, sudden-death overtime. With nine seconds left in the sudden-

death period, Amaral’s attempt bounced off the cage, and Kuester turned home the rebound, finishing off the Gauchos’ comeback.

UP NEXT

UCSB will be on the road for their final four regular season games, starting with a nonconference matchup at Biola on Friday. The ball will hit the water in Los Angeles at 1 p.m. in that match. The Gauchos will be back at Campus Pool for The Big West Championship, beginning on April 28.

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

Westmont baseball ties program record with win

By RON SMITH WESTMONT SPORTS WRITER

Westmont Baseball (27-15, 13-5

GSAC), ranked 12th in the NAIA, tied the program record for consecutive games won by taking both ends of a doubleheader against Jessup (6-10-1, 12-17-1) on Friday.

Last season, under then-head coach Robert Ruiz, Westmont lost its first game of the season, then won the next 17 to establish the record. This year, under first-year head coach Tyler LaTorre, the Warriors have matched that 17game unbeaten streak.

The Warriors, whose unblemished winning ways have lasted 41 days, have not lost since February 18. During the run, Westmont has outscored its opponents 144-90 and has posted a team ERA of 3.23 compared to their opponents’ ERA of 8.84.

Westmont’s winning streak is the second-longest active streak in the NAIA. Benedictine-Mesa has a 19-game winning streak

Bryan Peck (6-1) turned in the first complete game of the year needing just 98 pitches in the nineinning game that lasted an hour and 55 minutes. The right-hander allowed only two hits, struck out 11 and issued two walks.

In the bottom of the fourth, Parker O’Neil sent a lead-off single into left-center field before Liam Critchett walked, advancing O’Neil to second. Shane Hofstadler’s fly out to deep right allowed O’Neil to take third. Trey Dunn then sent a 0-1 pitch down the left field line for

an RBI-double. Critchett took third on the play.

Michael Soper also hit the ball down the left field line. His shot hit the third-base bag and bounded into left field for an RBI-single. An attempted squeeze bunt by Haw resulted in Dunn being thrown out at the plate. With runners at first and second, Brady Renck dropped a bloop double down the right-field line, driving in Soper.

That’s when Ryan DeSaegher stepped to the plate and hit a three-RBI opposite-field home run just to the right of the scoreboard.

With the Warriors up 6-0, Peck retired the side in order in the top of the fifth, including registering his six and seventh strikeouts.

In the bottom of the fifth, Critchett walked again and came around to score once more. This time he crossed the plate courtesy of a towering home run over the left field fence by Hofstadler that made the score 8-0.

The Warriors were not done scoring in the inning, however. A single to left by Soper, a walk by Haw and an infield single by Renck loaded the bases for DeSaegher. The Warriors’ third baseman doubled his RBI total to six with a double down the left field line.

Up 11-0 after five innings of play, the Warriors tacked on two more in the sixth when Hofstadler went deep again. After Critchett walked for the third time, Hofstadler drove him in with a home run down the left field line.

Jessup scored their lone run in the top of the seventh. A lead-off

double by Chris Lopez turned into a runner on third with one away when Dustin McElwain grounded out to second. Chris Cook also ground out to second, allowing Lopez to score.

In the second game, the Warriors jumped out to a 2-0 game in the bottom of the first. With one away, Renck, DeSaegher and Bryce McFeely produced back-to-back-toback doubles to score the runs.

A two-out triple by Kevin Gutierrez led to a run scored for Jessup in the top of the second, making the score 2-1. Westmont extended the lead to 71 in the bottom of the third on a pair of home runs. After Haw singled to right, Renck connected for a twoRBI home run over the right-center field fence. After Westmont put men on first and second with a walk by McFeely and a single to right by O’Neil, Finn Snyder powered a three-run homer to left.

With one away in the bottom of the fourth, Renck reached on a walk before DeSaegher doubled down the left field line, giving Westmont runners on second and third. Renck scored on a sacrifice fly to left by McFeely, making the score 8-1.

In the top of the fifth, Jessup picked up a run on an RBI-single by Lopez. Nick Kasparian scored on the play after having previously reached on a double down the right-field line.

Westmont blew the game open with five more runs in the bottom of the fifth. After Snyder singled to left, Dunn did the same, advancing Snyder to second. Kaden Tsuji then walked to load the bases.

With Soper pinch running for Tsuji, Daniel Patterson reached on a fielder’s choice that allowed Snyder to score and left the bases loaded.

Haw also reached on a fielder’s choice on which Dunn scored and Soper was retired at second base. Renck then walked to reload the bases and Dusty Schraeder took his place as a pinch runner.

DeSaegher picked up his eighth RBI of the day when he was hit by a pitch and Soper scored. Westmont added another run when McFeely singled to left, driving in Haw and leaving the bases full of Warriors. A sacrifice fly to center field by pinch hitter David Martinez brought home Schraeder, making the score 13-2.

Jessup scored two in the sixth on a home run by Kayde Iranon and one in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Springer to account for the final score.

Eric Oseguera (5-0) was awarded the win. He allowed two runs on six hits in five innings of work. Oseguera struck out seven and walked one. Christopher Ceballos pitched the final two innings, allowing three runs on two hits. Tomorrow, Westmont will have a chance to break the program record of consecutive games won when Jessup and Westmont meet up in another doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

Ron Smith is the sports information director at Westmont College.

email: sports@newspress.com

Westmont tennis caps off GSAC slate in Fullerton

By JACOB NORLING WESTMONT SPORTS WRITER

Westmont Men’s and Women’s Tennis wrapped up their Golden State Athletic Conference slate on Saturday, when they traveled down south to face the Hope International Royals.

For the men, Westmont (7-9) secured a 5-2 GSAC record, and the two seed in the GSAC Tournament, after defeating Hope International in come-from-behind fashion. It was an uphill battle for the Warriors from the jump, when Hope International took doubles matches on courts two and three to claim the doubles point.

However, Westmont refused to allow the Royals to capitalize on their early momentum. Preston Hastings was the first Warrior to get the team on the board, collecting a 6-3, 6-1 victory on court five. Ethan Ha followed suit soon-after, coming away with a 6-4, 6-4 win on three. HIU took matches on courts four and six, which put the Royals on the brink of victory up 3-2.

Then, Logan Thompson knotted things up with a 7-5, 6-4 win on one. The match came down to court two, where Cody Ray Emery was competing in a three-set thriller. Emery took the first set by a score of 6-4, but dropped the second by a score of 6-3.

With the two-seed in the conference tournament at stake, Emery emphatically came out victorious by a score 6-1, giving the Warriors a 4-3 win.

“That was the most opportune win of the year, no question,” said Westmont head coach Mark Basham. “It was two great and evenlymatched teams going to battle today. In doubles we actually got a bit of momentum on one, even though it didn’t matter for the score. Logan and Ethan won one at the end of doubles, and it kind’ve allowed our guys to get going.

“I am incredibly proud of Preston, who set the tone with his win on five. He has been our most improved player. Ethan played great again, in both singles and doubles, and then Logan beat a really good opponent who has fared well in the conference.

Basham continued, “Cody Ray just stepped up big in the end to win in during the final set. It was just such a great team win. I told the guys about 30 minutes before the match ended that no matter what, I was proud of them for the fight they showed. The win made it easier for them to feel good about their fight.”

For the women, Westmont (2-14, 2-3) fell 6-1 to the Royals, which placed the team one game back of the Royals (3-2 GSAC) in the standings. In the coming weeks, the Warriors will discover their official seed in the conference tournament.

Westmont’s lone point of the day came on court six, where captain Logan Jackson pulled off a 6-1, 6-3 victory.

“It was a day,” said Westmont head coach Cade Pierson. “At the end of the match I had so much to say, but I was also a bit speechless. I haven’t coached that long, but I’ve been around tennis a long time. I don’t know that I’ve ever had a match that left me on the most-extreme ends both proud and disappointed.

“It was a paradox of a day. I’m sick of this being our story, but there were a lot of external factors today. Still amidst everything, I’m proud of our players who did put up a fight. I hope that they can find a way to see the benefits of having gone through what we have before the season is over.”

For the men, Westmont has only one tuneup remaining before the GSAC Tournament, with a non-conference match against Gustavus Adolphus scheduled for Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. For the women, the Warriors return to the court on Friday at 12:00 p.m., when they take on Biola in La Mirada.

Both teams begin play in the GSAC Tournament on April 25 in Surprise, Arizona. Jacob Norling is the sports information assistant at Westmont College.

email: sports@newspress.com

Wending across the countryside

CHELINI, Edward Frank Sr.

February 11th, 1935 - October 2nd, 2022

Preceded in Death by wife Lita Chelini (Anderson 2013) and son David Chelini (1980)

Survived by his large extended family: Son Edward F. Chelini Jr and daughter in-law Janice Marie Chelini (Ware), grandsons and their wives: Anthony and Angela Chelini (Williams), Garrett and Aleta Chelini (Walsh), and Kristopher and Dana Chelini (Rodriquez), greatgrandchildren: Charlotte, Ashton, Sydney, Alexander, Thomas, Benjamin, and Alijah Chelini.

Edward was born in Santa Barbara California to parents; Josephine Chelini (Cota) and Georgio Chelini, an immigrant from Lucca Italy. He was the youngest of the family of seven children. He went to Franklin Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School. He later graduated from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo (BS Printing). He served in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged after graduating from college. He returned to Santa Barbara where he met his wife, got married, and worked for various local printing companies such as Channel Lithograph and Haagen Printing. He spent most of his career at Haagen where he eventually became President after the employee purchase of the business. During his life he spent a lot of years volunteering in various organizations. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) and was President in 1968. He also was a member of the Santa Barbara Boys Club, where he was introduced to printing, which became his profession after graduating from Cal Poly. He volunteered for the Santa Barbara Fiesta organization and became El Presidente (Old Spanish Days) in 1978. Later he served on the Board of Directors of the West Side Boys Club. With his older brother, George Chelini (Executive Director of United Boys Club), they showed the deep commitment to the local Boys Club organization in Santa Barbara. He lived a full life and loved Santa Barbara, which he called home, for possible for Edward to live out the rest of his life in his own home. He leaves a large United Way Boys and Girls Club, PO Box 1485, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

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. All Obituaries must be reviewed, approved, and prepaid by deadline. We accept all major credit cards by phone; check or cash payments may be brought into our office located at 715 Anacapa Street.

The deadline for Weekend and Monday’s editions is at 10a.m. on Thursdays; Tuesday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Fridays; Wednesday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Mondays; Thursday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Tuesdays; Friday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Wednesdays (Pacific Time). 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.

Life theArts

Restaurant Week

Special prices offered for wining and dining at fifth annual event

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Locals and visitors will have a chance to experience the best of Santa Barbara’s food scene at a fraction of the cost during the fifth annual Santa Barbara Restaurant Week April 14-23.

Each participating restaurant will offer a prix-fixe menu that includes a $35 two-course lunch and $45 and $55 three-course dinner option. Throughout the week, tasting rooms will also offer special wine tasting experiences.

Diners can feast at eateries they have been dreaming about but haven’t had the chance to due to time, finances or because they have secretly wanted an

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 in Montecito. 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.

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., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, www. sullivangoss.com.

By appointment on weekdays: “Holly Hungett: Natural Interpretations” is on view through May 20 at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara’s gallery, 229 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and weekdays by appointment. For more information, call the foundation at 805-965-6307 or go to www.afsb.org.

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.

APRIL 4

7 p.m.: The Wynton Marsalis Septet will perform a variety of jazz music at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $46 to $131 for general admission and $20 for UCSB students with ID. To purchase, go to www.artsandlecturesucsb.edu or call Arts and Lectures at 805-893-3535. You can also buy tickets at www.granadasb. org or by calling The Granada at 805899-2222.

suit.

excuse to eat like a king all week long.

Among the participating restaurants will be Arnoldi’s Cafe, Apertivo, La Paloma, Louie’s California Bistro, Los Arroyos, Rascals, Sama Sama, Santo Mezcal, Blackbird, Bluewater Grill, bouchon, Oppi’s Bistro, Opal, Soul Bites, The Set at the Hilton, Chase Restaurant, Costa Kitchen & Bar, Flor de Maiz, Olio Pizzeria, Pascucci and Tre Lune.

FYI

Visit www.sbrestaurantweeks.com for more details, including a full list of participating restaurants, tasting rooms and hotels, helpful tools to plan your visit and options for business owners interested in sponsoring or participating in the event.

Santa Barbara Wine Collective and The Society: State and Mason. This year’s event is presented by Santa Barbara Uncorked and sponsored by Jordano’s Foodservice and Pacific Beverage Co.

Wine tasting will take place at Cordon of Santa Barbara in Solvang, Margerum Wine, Frequency Wines, Kunin Wines,

For more than 20 years, Restaurant Week founders Tim Zagat and Joe Baum orchestrated a four-week celebration of New York’s finest food. Their focus was making the area’s best dining experiences accessible to all, and the event became such a hit that cities around the globe soon followed

In spring 2018, the Santa Barbara Restaurant Week founders brought the foodie phenomenon to the American Riviera, showcasing the best of Santa Barbara’s more than 450 restaurants and eateries. Proceeds from the event will be donated to ProStart, a two-year culinary arts and hospitality management program supported and managed by the California Restaurant Association Foundation.

San Marcos High School is among the 140 public high schools in California that use this curriculum, which reaches more than 13,500 students every year.

email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

APRIL 5

7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Colin Hay, the former lead vocalist for Men at Work, will perform at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. The concert will feature his songs varying from “Now and the Evermore” to “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself.” The evening will also feature special guest Lazlo Bane. Tickets cost $59 and $69 for general admission and $106 for VIP seats, which include a pre-show reception. To purchase, go to lobero.org or call the Lobero at 805-963-0761 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or 1-888456-2376.

APRIL 6

7:30 p.m. Stacie Burrows will perform her one-woman dark comedy “Bulletproof Unicorn,” which she wrote, at the Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Ms. Burrows, a Los Angeles comedian, tells how she went to Texas to fix everything that was wrong with her dysfunctional family. It was a challenge. Tickets cost $30 for general admission and $50 for a patron ticket, which includes one drink. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org.

APRIL 7

7:30 p.m. Stacie Burrows will perform her one-woman dark comedy “Bulletproof Unicorn,” which she wrote, at the Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Ms. Burrows, a Los Angeles comedian, tells how she went to Texas to fix everything that was wrong with her dysfunctional family. It was a challenge. Tickets cost $30 for general admission and $50 for a patron ticket, which includes one drink. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org.

APRIL 8

7:30 p.m. Stacie Burrows will perform her one-woman dark comedy “Bulletproof Unicorn,” which she wrote, at the Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Ms. Burrows, a Los Angeles comedian, tells how she went to Texas to fix everything that was wrong with her dysfunctional family. It was a challenge. Tickets cost $30 for general admission and $50 for a patron ticket, which includes one drink. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org.

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTOS

Angel Oaks at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, is among the participants in Santa Barbara Restaurant Week. (The hotel is in Goleta.)

How to make a dream come true

If you’ve been reading me, you know I have a passion for music and especially guitars. If you haven’t been reading this column, first, welcome, and now you know.

I have also always wanted to work at a music store, not as a career move but just to be around music in a different way. Recently, I made that dream come true and had one of the best days I can remember. If you have a dream you want to make real, let my story inspire you to go for it.

Here’s what I did.

First off, I must confess that I actually tried to get the traditional holiday gig at Guitar Center, and they turned me down flat. Trust me, I was not crushed. But not too many people know as much about Martin guitars as I do! That being said, I went on my merry way and didn’t think that much about it.

After the holidays, I was speaking to my buddy Harry at Martin Guitars about my latest acquisition. He encouraged me to try our local store, Instrumental

Music, where I also know the owner John fairly well. He’s a fine player. Harry sent John an email extolling my knowledge of guitars and especially Martins. When I called John later, he told me to come in that very weekend.

Giving up a day in my weekend can be a sacrifice, but this was worth it. I dressed up in my dusty rock-n-roll duds, put on my shades, and away I went.

Driving over, I could practically smell the wood in the high-end acoustic room and was relieved that I had left my credit cards at home.

I talked with the sales guys first. They were really cool and showed me around the Martin room. I checked out the inventory, and we talked guitar and I played a little. Then the first customer came into the room. He was a regular and already familiar with these

guitars, but I helped him select the best guitar for him. It actually took a couple of hours, and we both had a blast.

Next I talked to a guy on the phone about a guitar he had a deposit on and about choosing another guitar to gig with. That conversation lasted for another hour, and the sales guys were having a great time listening to me convey the intricacies of the brand and which guitars are best for what. You don’t know what you don’t know, and I’m still learning too.

Then a very talented musician named Hefty Chieftain came in, bought a strap for his uke, and said he was playing that evening at a local microbrewery, the Naughty Pine Brewing Co. I texted my wife to get ready for beer and tacos. And when my “workday” ended, we went over to hear him play his

original music.

Let’s just say this was a very different environment from the usual concert venues we go to, and the seating was outside (not my thing when it’s cold out). But the place catered to all ages and dogs, and after running home to get down jackets, we had a great time, and the music was awesome.

Yes, it was a really fun day, and I may do it again. But even if I don’t, I got to fulfill a dream, helped a friend, and made some new friends in the process. I checked that dream off my bucket list. If you have a similar desire, I suggest you go for it.

Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., is an award-winning psychotherapist and humanitarian. He is also a columnist, the author of eight books and a blogger for PsychologyToday. com with more than 28 million readers. He is available for video consults worldwide. Reach him at barton@bartongoldsmith.com. His column appears Saturdays and Mondays in the News-Press.

Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation recognizes

second-generation board members

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation has four board members who have made it a priority to serve the community by giving children scholarships to those with young talent.

Members Erin Bonski-Evans, Neil Di Maggio, Marjorie Gies and Noel Lucky all serve the foundation’s 2023 board as second-generation board members.

Two members, Ms. BonskiEvans and Mr. Di Maggio, both competed for PASF awards themselves, adding to the close relationship of the foundation. Additionally, Ms. Gies and Ms. Lucky have family members who have served on the foundation’s board.

Established in 1982, the Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation was founded to provide financial aid to deserving vocal and instrumental students in the Santa Barbara County area. The annual competition motivates young musicians to strive for excellence and supports them in their growth as performers.

The board members will join seven others in completing the foundation’s board for the 2023 season.

PASF has helped hundreds of students achieve their performing arts goals through competition award funds, as well as through encouragement

awards to select students who need assistance in the audition process. Applicants of the scholarship range in age from 16 to 29.

They compete for scholarships amounting to more than $27,000. Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of talent and skill, but financial need is

also considered. For more information, visit pasfsb.org. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Sharon Russell’s art to grace Casa Barranca in Ojai

Sharon Russell, the artist behind the “Art for the Soul” series, is collaborating with Casa Barranca Organic Winery & Tasting Room, 208 E. Ojai Ave., in Ojai to showcase Ms. Russell’s paintings from April through June. Ms. Russell, an imaginary

realist, captures universal themes from the collective unconscious in her series. She has published two art books with accompanying stories, “Innocence to Wholeness: Journey of the Heroine” and “Light Bearer.”

A Los Angeles graphic designer

by trade, Ms. Russell later delved into Jungian psychology and practiced as a psychotherapist in Ojai for more than 15 years. A lifelong artist, she continues to create storybook, mythological and animal-themed watercolors that enchant and inspire.

To get a glimpse of her creative

process, watch her watercolor demonstration on YouTube by searching for “Sharon Russell Ojai artist.” For more information, call Casa Barranca Organic Winery & Tasting Room at 805-640-1255.

— Marilyn McMahon

Natural history museum plans variety of events

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

The museum and Sea Center crews at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History have scheduled events covering everything from dark matter to the California condor.

On Friday, University of Toronto Postdoctoral Fellow Daniel Gilman will remotely share a presentation on the unknown nature of dark matter and dark energy. This is a

free public talk presented by the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit. No registration is required.

The museum’s Palmer Observatory will be open April 8 to the public. You can view the night sky through the museum’s state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope. This free event is appropriate for all ages.

Ever want to learn more about the conservation of the California Condor? On April 10 at Dargan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (18 E.

Ortega St.), Estelle Sandhaus, the Santa Barbara Zoo director of conservation and science,will share more about this species and give tips on how you can do your part to conserve the bird. This event is free, and no registration is required.

There are also exhibits currently open at the museum.

“Drawn by a Lady: Early Women Illustrators” is now open until July 2. This exhibit explores Victorian women who were illustrators and

authors.

Additionally, “Storytelling: Native People through the lens of Edward S. Curtis is open until April 30. This exhibit is full of photos and ethnographic records of the various Western Native tribes, all collected by Edward S. Curtis, a historian of the early 20th century. For more information, visit www.sbnature.org/ email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Abel Maldonado Center announces spring break schedule

SANTA MARIA —The Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, 600 S. McClelland St., in Santa Maria is extending its weekday hours of operation from noon to 8 p.m., beginning Friday through April 14 for spring break. The Youth Center will resume its weekday hours of 3:30 to 8 p.m. April 17. The center is a safe supervised setting where teens engage in recreational activities. Its

amenities include a game room, an art studio, basketball courts, a computer lab, fitness center, movie room, musical instruments and a photo booth.

It is also the hub for many popular programs, including Girls Night In, Teen Treks, Teen Trails, the Great Mystery Series and leadership clubs, such as Full STEAM Ahead and Key Club. Membership is free for teens ages 12 through

18 and attending grades 7 through 12. The McClelland Street Market, located within the Youth Center, offers a variety of hot and prepackaged foods for purchase. Questions can be directed to the Recreation and Parks Department at 805- 925-0951, ext. 2260, or dsmitherman@cityofsantamaria.org.

— Marilyn McMahon

From left are Erin Bonski-Evans, Noel Lucky-Ris, Marjorie Gies and Neil DiMaggio.

Diversions

Thought for Today

—

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Monday, April 3, 2023

Aries: You may be working on a large project that draws on your creative energy, Aries. In terms of long-term goals and dreams, this sort of project is right up your alley. Today you might hit a snag or some sort of emotional block that could make it hard for you to continue. Slow down and take a break.

Taurus: Don’t be surprised if someone rubs you the wrong way today, Taurus. It’s likely that pressure has been building in other people’s minds for quite some time. They might have been afraid to share their feelings before simply because they were too intimidated to say anything that might cross you.

Gemini: It’s possible that you’ve relied on your imagination to pull you out of tough situations lately, Gemini. When the real world begins to get you down, you can always turn to your fantasy world. On this day, there’s a stubborn blast of realism that might bring you down and keep you there.

Cancer: Relax and settle down today, Cancer. Take some time to enjoy where you are and the people around you. There’s a promise that you need to fulfill, and you should think about how you can honor it now. Do something for others instead of keeping the focus on you and your goals and ambitions.

Leo: Today a bubble of confusion clouds your reality, making it difficult to decide what to do next, Virgo. Be careful that you don’t tie your stomach in knots from the tension created by your mental confusion. Problems with indigestion are likely now because of your worries over what your next step should be.

Virgo: Today a bubble of confusion clouds your reality, making it difficult to decide what to do next, Virgo. Be careful that you don’t tie your stomach in knots from the tension created by your mental confusion. Problems with indigestion are likely now because of your worries over what your next step should be.

Libra: Try not to be too swayed by your emotions today, Libra. You might get in trouble if you get carried away with a drama that doesn’t pertain to you in any

way. Your connection to other people’s feelings could draw you into a maelstrom. Keep in mind that your imagination is your life raft. Do what you can to distance yourself from the emotional trauma that surrounds you.

Scorpio: Don’t doubt yourself today, Scorpio. You should be feeling quite strong, although inadequacy could sneak into the picture. This could be because you’re having trouble understanding issues that are rather cloudy. Just because things aren’t clear doesn’t mean they aren’t working out in your favor. As long as you remain confident that things will come out fine, they will.

Sagittarius: You’re at a creative high point right now, so make sure to nurture this side of your being, Sagittarius. It could be that you’re in danger of running into an obstacle. Try not to get discouraged. Instead, it may be best for you to reflect on what you’ve done in the past. Enjoy emotional stability today instead of letting your emotions jump around from one thing to the next.

Capricorn: You’re apt to be in a good mood today, Capricorn. The roller coaster of feelings you’ve been on is finally coming to a stable platform. Get off the ride and enjoy the comfort of solid ground. Take a walk and treat yourself to something you enjoy - ice cream or a new book. Deal with practical issues instead of getting lost in your imagination.

Aquarius: It’s important to be more sensitive toward other people’s feelings today, Aquarius. You may feel more vulnerable than usual. You should do what you can to keep from becoming a victim. Realize that harsh words coming your way now could be a reflection of the harsh words that you’ve dished out in the past.

Pisces: You’re likely to be very aware of things going on around you today, and you may internalize the opinions of others, Pisces. Be careful about opening yourself up so much that you get hurt by someone’s offhand, unflattering comment. You will find the most comfort in tangible and stable things.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Monday, April 3, 2023

The blame game began in Eden: Adam blamed Eve, she blamed the serpent, and he had not a leg to stand on. Even today, some people won’t take the blame for a foul-up until they exhaust every other possibility.

Today’s West led the ten of hearts against 3NT, and dummy won and led the queen of diamonds. When East took the king, he returned ... a heart. West won the next diamond and led a third heart, but South won and ran the diamonds. East was stuck for discards, and South wound up with 11 tricks.

“I expected your hearts to be Q-10-9-x-x,” East told his partner.

SURE THING

It’s not whether you win or lose but how you place the blame. East had a sure thing by leading the deuce of spades at Trick Three. When West took the ace of diamonds, he could lead another spade, and East would get three spade tricks. As for East’s don’t-blame-me comment, once West showed the ace of diamonds, he could hardly hold another queen. Then South would have at most five points for his 1NT bid.

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

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

Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday-Saturday and on the crossword solutions page in Saturday’s Life section.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

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

left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player raises to two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner has opening values or more with support for the unbid suits, especially spades.

(He may have a powerful hand with a suit he intends to bid; that seems unlikely here.) Your hand is too promising for an invitational jump to three spades. Cue-bid three hearts.

“I don’t care how busy I am - I will always make time for what’s most important to me.”

Kevin Hart

California issues $150 million in grants to train behavioral health providers

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) will be issuing grants totaling $151.4 million to reinforce California’s healthcare workforce.

“The grants going out today will increase health care access throughout the state and educate our future health professionals. These are important jobs, good careers, and the state will help pay to educate and train those who want to enter the healthcare profession,” Gov. Gavin Newsom stated.

HCAI is a state entity that plans for California’s healthcare needs in areas of workforce, facilities and health information.

HCAI Director Elizabeth Landsberg noted, “With awards like these and others, supporting training behavioral health providers, California’s commitment to expanding access to behavioral health care is clear.”

The $177.7 million will support behavioral health providers at 134 nonprofit Community-

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 11, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at 4699 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA 93110, the Goleta Water District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing pursuant to CA Water Code 10753.5(a) to consider whether or not to adopt an updated groundwater management plan (GWMP). At the hearing, the District will consider input from the public and local stakeholders, including comments on the GWMP and protests to the adoption of the plan.

Proper

Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp, or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-3362627). MAR 27; APR 3 / 2023 -- 59185

Based Organizations throughout California. Through the CBO Behavioral Health Workforce Grant Program as many as 5,000 eligible individuals will get support through scholarships, loan repayments, stipends and recruitment and retention incentives.

Behavioral Health Workers are part of the larger plan to transform California’s health and human services system into one where all Californians can access services for emerging and existing behavioral health needs, regardless of health payer status, through the expansion of the workforce to meet the demand for mental health and substance abuse care to children and youth through age 25.

“Through these grant awards we will put more behavioral health professionals in areas of unmet need and further our goal of increasing access to equitable and affordable health care for individuals throughout the state,” said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly.

Another $33.7 million will go to University of California at Berkeley to 892 students

participating in The Behavioral Health Social Work Training and Fellowship program under Berkley’s California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC). Funding is derived from the Social Work Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program, which benefited from $59.4 million in awards from HCAI.

“We know California needs more social workers and needs them now. This funding will pay stipends to support those getting their clinical hours for an MSW degree and those working to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers,” said Ms. Landsberg.

Gov. Newsom’s 2023 Budget Act included $4.7 billion for the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative and $1.4 billion for the Workforce for a Healthy California for All programs. Both of these initiatives provide for $151.4 million in grants issued by HCAI.

“California is going to need thousands more health care workers over the next several years to address growing patient needs and to replace retiring workers,” said Gov. Newsom.

LA man’s Grubhub lawsuit could determine if app-based workers are employees

By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - A Los Angeles man was recently awarded a $65.11 win in a federal lawsuit. However, the lawsuit could have a greater impact than financial compensation.

“Raef Lawson is the first gig worker in America to be declared an employee by a court for wage law purposes,” lawyer Shannon

Former Arkansas governor announces run for president

By KIM JARRETT THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) - Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced his presidential bid in a Sunday interview with ABC News’ Jon Karl.

A formal announcement in Bentonville will happen later this month, Gov. Hutchinson said on the Sunday program “This Week.”

“As I’ve traveled the country for six months, I hear people talk about the leadership of our country and I’m convinced that people want leaders that appeal to the best of America and not simply to our worst instincts,” Gov. Hutchinson said in the interview. “That inspires me when I see everyday Americans say, ‘just give us good leadership, give us common sense, consistent conservatism and optimism about our great country.’ And that inspires me and I believe I can be that kind of leader for the people of America.”

Gov. Hutchinson was the governor of Arkansas from 2015 to earlier this year.

Gov. Hutchinson has been critical of Donald Trump and said before the former president’s indictment that Mr. Trump should leave the 2024 presidential race if indicted.

“It’s out of respect for the institution of the presidency of the United States. And, that’s a distraction that is difficult to run for the highest office in the land under those circumstances,” Gov. Hutchinson told USA TODAY.

He joins former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in the Republican race for the nomination against Mr. Trump. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and former vicepresident Mike Pence are also reportedly considering runs.

Gov. Hutchinson was elected to three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served as the administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration under former president George W. Bush.

Liss-Riordan told Bloomberg on Friday.

Mr. Lawson is a former Grubhub Inc. driver. On Thursday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley ruled that he was a Grubhub employee, not an independent contractor during his tenure with the company.

The aspiring actor briefly drove for the food-delivery service app in 2015 and 2016. Judge Corley ordered Grubhub to pay

Mr. Lawson $65.11 for minimum wage violation. Lawson received no compensation for overtime because he never worked more than 40 hours in one week for the company.

The ruling marked the end of an eight-year-old case that had been watched closely by the gig economy industry.

The ruling may determine if drivers qualify under California law to receive reimbursement for their personal vehicle expenses

– and if they can make retroactive claims.

In the suit, Grubhub argued that workers like Mr. Lawson are not employees since they set their own hours and operate like freestanding businesses.

Judge Corley disagreed, arguing that he met California’s definition of an employee, including that the work he did for Grubhub was “not outside its usual course of business,” according to Bloomberg.

Poll: 60% of voters avoid talking about controversial issues like gender identity

By GLENN MINNIS THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Nearly six out of every 10 voters admit they are now staying quiet about certain issues in order to keep the peace and avoid conflict, a new Morning Consult poll finds.

In the poll of 2,007 voters commissioned by State Policy Network, researchers found that 59% of respondents insist they are now taking such steps, especially when it comes to hot-button subjects such as sexual orientation and gender identity, political campaigns and abortion.

“We’ve gone through a period where debate on difficult topics has gotten very ugly,” State Policy Network Senior Messaging Strategist Erin Norman told The Center Square. “It’s common to see people compare relatively minor disagreements on policy to instances of slavery or genocide. Most people just aren’t interested in having those types of discussions and for most people politics isn’t the focus of their life. It’s easier to just stay quiet than deal with any potential fallout. Especially when you see how the mob can swiftly turn and threaten careers and livelihood.”

Still, Ms. Norman added she isn’t surprised that researchers found when voters do speak out less than one out of every four of them (22%) insists they aren’t

lying about their true feelings.

“The people you do see speaking out are the ones drawn to the chaos or have a significant incentive, like getting elected or making a lot of money off of making people angry, to do so,” she added. “Most people are talking quietly in circles of people they trust – not with a megaphone.”

Topping the list of subjects voters said they make every effort to steer clear of is sexual orientation and gender identity at 34%, followed by political campaigns and abortion, both at 32%.

“A lot of political communication is designed to stir up emotion – particularly fear,” Ms. Norman added. “You are seeing the result of decades of people deciding to use fear to persuade on politics. It’s why Obama was able to win so decisively in 2008 – he was talking about hope for a brighter future and that break from the cycle of fear was very welcomed.”

On the political front, 32% of voters said they have totally stayed away from that subject, with 28% of respondents adding they have specifically refrained from talking about Democrats and 29% saying the same about Republicans.

On the subject of guns, 27% of respondents said they now stay away from the subject, the same as with race relations; and 25% said they no longer openly discuss the issue of immigration.

Texas leads U.S. with fastest economic expansion

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Texas continues to lead the U.S. with the fastest economic expansion, according to new data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

As measured by Texas’ gross domestic product, the value of all goods and services it produces, the Texas economy expanded at an annual rate of 7% – nearly triple the national GDP rate of 2.6%.

“It is no surprise that Texas continues to lead the nation, thanks to the hardworking men and women of this great state who have built the most dynamic economy in America,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “This astounding economic growth in Texas, reflected also in our state’s nationleading and record-smashing job creation, is further proof that when given the freedom to succeed, businesses invest and people aspire. That is truly the secret to the Texas model. Together, we are building an even greater Texas of tomorrow.”

Preliminary current dollar GDP estimates for the entire year of 2022 show that Texas’ economy grew to an estimated $2.36 trillion in size – up from $2.1 trillion in 2021. This represents an estimated growth rate of 14.8%, also faster than the national rate.

Real gross domestic product increased in 46 states and the District of Columbia in the fourth quarter of 2022, led by Texas, the BEA reported.

“Current-dollar GDP increased in 45 states and the District of Columbia,” it reported; in 2022, “real, or inflation-adjusted, GDP increased in 42 states and the District of Columbia.”

Following Texas, the next states reporting the greatest percentage change of real GDP were Oregon (5.6%), Nevada (5.3%), West Virginia (5.2%), New Mexico (4.8%), Wyoming (4.5%), Tennessee and Oklahoma (4.3% each), Utah (4.2%) and Florida and Washington (3.7% each).

The professional, scientific, and technical services industry increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the BEA reported. Industry gains were the leading factor in 15 states’ GDP gains, it said.

Retail trade increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and was the leading contributor to the GDP increase reported in 10 states.

The mining industry increased in 49 states and was the leading contributor to states reporting the greatest percentage of GDP increases including Texas, West Virginia, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Oklahoma, the states with the first, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh-largest increases in real GDP, it said.

The agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry decreased in 20 states, contributing to GDP decreases in South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa, the only states reporting decreases.

In the fourth quarter of 2022,

personal income nationally increased at an annual rate of 7.4% and state personal income increased in 48 states and the District of Columbia, according to the BEA.

The highest personal income percent change was reported in Massachusetts of 15.3%, followed by California’s 11%, Nevada’s 10.1%, Idaho’s and Indiana’s 10.9% each, South Carolina’s 9.7%, Utah’s 8.9%, Tennessee’s and Delaware’s 8.6% each, and Florida’s 8.5%. Professional, scientific, and technical services increased in 49 states and the District of Columbia. This industry was the leading contributor to GDP increases in 13 states and the District of Columbia.

The information industry increased in 47 states and the District of Columbia and was also the leading contributor to the increase in eight states including Texas, the state with the fifthlargest increase, the report found.

The real estate and rental and leasing industry increased in 43 states and the District of Columbia, also acting as the leading contributor to increases in six states including Idaho and Florida, the states with the first and third-largest increases.

The mining industry decreased in 28 states and was the leading contributor to the decreases in Alaska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, the states with the first, fourth, fifth, and sixthlargest decreases, the report found.