Santa Barbara News-Press: May 08, 2023

UCSB baseball evens series

Big seventh inning leads to Gaucho victory in Riverside - A3

‘Taste of Santa Barbara’

Week-long event a celebration of everything culinary - B1

Alleged SM courtroom arsonist found not competent to stand trial

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A Nipomo man charged with arson for allegedly setting a fire inside a Santa Maria courtroom that caused an estimated $750,000 in damage has been declared mentally incompetent to stand trial, prosecutors said.

The attorney for defendant Eric Wolfgang Spies, 31, declared his doubt as to Mr. Spies’ legal competency on March 2, and criminal proceedings against him were suspended.

The court appointed two doctors to evaluate him, but one of them had not completed his mental competency evaluation by Mr. Spies’ next court date on March 30, when the judge was expected to set a date for his competency determination hearing.

So the case was continued to April 20.

On that date, “the judge ruled that the defendant was not currently legally competent to stand trial,” Deputy District Attorney Austin Ingalls told the News-Press. This means the defendant is unable to assist in his or her own defense.

Both sides are due back in court on Thursday.

“On that date it is expected that the court will make a ruling on where the defendant is to receive restoration services,” the prosecutor said.

Mr. Spies had pleaded not guilty to felony charges of arson and second-degree commercial burglary in connection with the Feb. 18 incident, in which he allegedly broke into the Santa Maria courtroom and set a fire, triggering the sprinkler system.

Court officials said the combination of flames and water caused extensive damage to furniture, wall paneling, cabinetry, carpeting and court records. They estimated the cost to be about $750,000.

Mr. Spies allegedly went to the Santa Maria court complex, ignored a security guard’s order to leave and broke two glass doors to gain entry into the criminal court building. Once inside, he allegedly forced his way into a courtroom, pulling the doors so hard that he broke the wood frames on the top of the doors.

Court officials allege he then started a fire on the defense counsel’s chair, which spread to the table and carpet. The fire was so hot that it melted the lights in the ceiling and caused the sprinklers to come on, court officials said.

The defendant reportedly told the security guard he had received a notice about an upcoming hearing on a misdemeanor vandalism case and went to the court complex to see where he had to show up.

Mr. Spies remains in custody at the Main Jail in Santa Barbara. He is being held on no bail.

His case is being heard in San Luis Obispo County because a Santa Barbara County judge, without specifying why, declared it would be a conflict of interest for a local judge to preside over his criminal case.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Westmont bids fond farewell to Class of 2023

Carp Council to pick new firm to aid in city manager search

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Carpinteria City Council is expected today to pick a new recruitment firm to aid the city in its search for a new city manager.

The council already picked one at its last meeting on April 24, voting 4-1 to authorize executive search services to be conducted by Regional Government Services to find a successor city manager to Dave Durflinger, according to City Clerk Brian C. Barrett. RGS is a management consulting firm that the city has an existing contract with for Human Resources support.

However, since then, “RGS

Please see CARP on A4

By KIRA LOGAN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Members of Westmont College’s Class of 2023 gathered under the warm Montecito sun Saturday to celebrate their commencement.

Surrounded by loved ones, esteemed faculty, and most importantly the graduates, Saturday’s ceremony was filled with leis, laughs and love. Westmont College, a private Christian university in Montecito, held its graduation ceremony on Thorrington Field from 9 a.m. to noon. This year, Westmont is celebrating 85 years of becoming a university and providing a collegiate education.

There were about 320 seniors in the graduating class, ranging from majors of theater arts to data analytics, with a total of 30 different graduating majors.

Russell Howell, a professor of mathematics at the college, gave the introductory remarks before the graduates entered the field.

“Today’s celebration is a culmination of their (the graduates’) achievements,” he said. “This event helps us cherish the oldest traditions and biggest accomplishments of academia.”

The graduates then entered with a bagpipe fanfare, performed by Mike Reynolds, Andrew Reynolds and Jim Mulligan. The graduates entered, separated by major, and were greeted with cheers, chants, noisemakers and most overwhelmingly: love. Families caught their first glimpse of their graduates as they walked into the stadium to begin the ceremony.

The processional began with a performance of “Festival March,” presented by the Westmont Orchestra, as graduates walked into the stadium. The love and celebration in the air was felt, heard and seen.

The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Gayle

Beebe, the president of Westmont College. Charlie Farhadian, a professor of world religions and Christian mission, then led the crowd in a prayer.

A hymn was then performed, titled: “Be Thou My Vision,” which was led by Blake LaBrie, a graduating senior from Westmont. Attendees were invited to stand up and sing along, as lyrics were printed in their programs.

Dr. Beebe then led the litany of gratitude for the Westmont community: “With joy and expectation, I express our commitment, on behalf of the full Westmont community, to pray for you as you continue to discern God’s calling throughout your lives.”

Joel and Lori Ann Banez addressed the faculty and staff in their litany of gratitude, Tim and Holly Anderson gave remarks for parents and families, and Nathanael Nims addressed his

fellow graduates. Spencer Harris, a member of the Class of 2023, then read scripture to the audience: “Colossians 1:15-20 frame Westmont’s story and motto,” he

Prince Harry back in U.S. after quick trip for coronation

By MATT SMOLENSKY NEWS-PRESS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Prince Harry, a Montecito resident, traveled to London for the Saturday coronation of his father, King Charles III, but he didn’t stick around long, leaving on a commercial flight shortly after the end of the coronation service.

The Duke of Sussex landed in Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, just over a day after leaving. His quick departure from London was ostensibly so that the Prince could celebrate the birthday of his son, Prince Archie.

Harry was not accompanied on his travels by Meghan or his children, who remained in Montecito.

Harry was one of the first members of the royal family to arrive at Westminster Abbey for the coronation, entering alongside his uncles, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew, and two of his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. While his appearance at the event was his first public appearance with his family since the release of “Spare,” the prince’s controversial memoir, many noted that he was relegated to the third row for the coronation, seated next to the even more controversial Andrew.

said. Mercy Milliken then joined the stage for her student reflection, to which she reminisces on her time at Westmont and connects

Prince Harry was also not invited to join the “working royals” that appeared with the King and Queen on the Buckingham Palace balcony following the ceremony. He also did not join other members of his family on their precession back to the palace, instead departing the abbey separately. email: news@newspress.com

Westmont graduate Tobi Oyebade reflects on his experiences as a student during the ceremony.

Students added personalized decorations to their mortarboards.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

Westmont College graduating seniors turn their tassles during the Class of 2023’s commencement ceremony at the school’s Thorrington Field on Saturday.

‘Every semester has felt like a new universe’

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Lecture to focus on debris flow risk reduction

Above, Westmont College graduate Mercy Milliken speaks at the Class of 2023 commencement ceremony. At right, Jonathan Walker, co-founder and CTO of local software company Appfolio,

GRADUATION

Continued from Page A1

her college journey to the Class of 2023’s scripture verse, Colossians

2:7.

“Every semester has felt like a new universe,” Ms. Milliken said. “(But now) I look around, and I find myself planted.”

Ms. Milliken continued her speech about what it means to “belong.”

“What makes Westmont so special is the opportunity to give and receive Christ’s love in so many different ways,” she said.

After Ms. Milliken’s remarks, another hymn was sung. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” led by Abigail Bradshaw, Class of 2023.

Tobi Oyebade joined the stage shortly after, with another student reflection. Mr. Oyebade commemorated his college years and experience coming to California.

“Thank you to the professors who became friends, the friends who stayed close (...) and to everyone working behind the scenes.”

Mr. Oyebade reflected on his transition to college, stating: “I left so much of myself at home, but thankfully my parents prepared me well,” and “In Santa Barbara,

every route is the scenic one.” Closing his remarks, Mr. Oyebade said: “When you’re rooted in Christ, you’re signing up to love, and love well. And to love well, you need to listen.”

President Beebe then presented the Westmont Medal to Jonathan Walker “for the tremendous contributions he makes to us and to the world.”

Mr. Walker, co-founder and CTO of AppFolio, was in the class of ‘91 at Westmont College and said he was “very honored to have been chosen.”

The commencement speaker, Chandra Mallampalli, was introduced and gave his remarks. The Westmont history professor spoke about the relevance of fast and slow, and its relation to all aspects of life.

“Being rooted in Christ preserves our humanity and core relationships,” Dr. Mallampalli said. “(...) and gaps can be the moment where we sink into our roots and connect with God.”

Dr. Mallampalli referenced the age of acceleration and spoke about how fast we are moving technologically.

“Being successful cannot mean that we blindly conform to our age of acceleration.” Dr. Mallampalli explained.

This was Dr. Mallampalli’s last year teaching at Westmont College, and he told the class of 2023 that he’ll always remember them as the last class he had the privilege of teaching.

Dr. Mallampalli closed his remarks with an optimistic promise. “Savor the experience of receiving your diploma. I have no doubt that you have what it takes to flourish in this age of acceleration.”

Following the commencement speaker was the awards presentation of both student and faculty awards.

Reece Davidson and Danny Rubin were presented with the Dean’s Award, given to one male and one female graduating senior who has shown academic excellence, participated as an intercollegiate athlete and proven the significance of their faith.

Emma Mitchell was presented with the Dave Dolan Award, given to the student who has made the Westmont community more cognizant to the spiritual and social needs of the nation and world.

Caleb Marll and Ebunoluwa Kalejaiye were awarded with the Kenneth Monroe Award, given to one female and male graduate who have demonstrated leadership and integrity both in and out of the classroom.

Lastly, the Faculty Scholarship Awards were given to graduating students with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Those students included: Elliese Hagemeister, Mercy Milliken, Emma Mitchell, Madelyn Simonsen and Alison Thomas.

Subsequently, the faculty awards were to follow. The Bruce and Adaline Bare Outstanding Teacher Awards were presented to Dr. Daniel Gee, Dr. Steve Rodgers and Dr. Meredith Whitnah. Lastly, the Faculty Research Award was presented to Dr. Ben Carlson.

Following the awards presentation was the conferment of baccalaureate degrees. Graduates were asked to move their tassels from right to left, and the crowd exploded in applause and cheers.

The graduates then began to walk the stage and collect their diploma after years of hard work. After each name was called, came a burst of love, pride and encouragement from family members and attendees.

For some graduates, families brought fog horns and confetti poppers to savor the moment as much as they could. Confetti pieces filled the isles and fell graciously onto the floor as a symbol of endearment and admiration for their loved one.

The graduates walked in order of major, starting with art majors and finishing with theater arts majors. Graduation honors were announced with each student if applicable, indicating their cum laude status.

After the last graduate walked the stage, Helga Houstan, a parent and Board of Trustees member, led a prayer for the graduates.

“We pray that these graduates will continue to stay rooted in their family and friends,” she said.

The Class of 1973 was also acknowledged at the commencement. Members were visiting their college campus for their 50th class anniversary.

Graduates then turned, with direction from President Beebe, to thank their parents and attendees for their presence and support. Family members waved to their beloved graduate and graduates waved back, creating a moment of mutual appreciation, respect and love.

The ceremony came to a close with a benediction from Scott Lisea, a campus pastor.

graduates) into this.”

A recessional officially closed the ceremony, performed by the Westmont Orchestra. A president’s reception was held after the ceremony on Carr Field.

email: klogan@newspress.com

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY – County Fire officials are urging residents to catch a special lecture on “Living with Fire, Floods, & Debris Flows” on May 11. Experts will explore risk reduction, forecasting strategies, and effective risk communication. The lecture is part of UCSB’s wildfire prevention and policy lecture series. Panelists will discuss strategies to reduce the risk of debris flows associated with heavy rains, fire and flood; approaches to forecasting; and strengths and challenges associated with communicating risk.

The discussion will be held at Henley Hall, UCSB. A reception will be held from 4:45-5:30 p.m. The panel discussion will run from 5:306:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Join us at @UCSB & @SB_ FSC. Register now: http://bit. ly/40Y07i1

– Neil Hartstein

Friends, family and loved ones of graduating seniors cheer during the ceremony.

“We’re going to speak blessing over you,” he said. “Let’s sing this blessing and send them (the

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KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

speaks after receiving the Westmont Medal from Westmont College President Gayle Beebe.

Graduates sing the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” during the event.

Polo match in Santa Barbara

All three Gauchos earn spots on podium at Big West Championships

By KRISTEN KELLER UCSB SPORTS

The UCSB men’s and women’s track and field teams competed in the first weekend of the Big West Championships which consisted of the women’s heptathlon and men’s decathlon. The Gauchos sent Jessica Swalve, Brad Thomas and Matt Molina to the meet, and all three of these Gauchos made it to the podium.

The first of the two multis to finish was the women’s heptathlon. Swalve grabbed second place after competing in all seven events, moving herself up to fourth in the UCSB record books in this event with a score of 5255. Her best events were the shot put, where she placed first with a throw of 13.56 meters, and the 800-meter run, where she grabbed first with a time of 2:21.64. Her second-place finish came against 18 other competitors.

On the men’s side, both Thomas and Molina earned spots on the podium, placing second and third, respectively. Thomas put up the third-best score in UCSB’s history at 7414, which gave him second at The Big West Championships. He placed first in the long jump with a distance of 6.98 meters while also taking the top spot in the shot put and the javelin, putting up throws of 14.35 meters and 62.66 meters, respectively. Molina, on the other hand, finished in third place at The Big West Championships. His first-place finishes came in the high jump, the 110 hurdles and discus. His high jump ended with a mark of 1.96 meters while he threw a distance of 40.04 meters in the disc and ran a time of 14.83 seconds in the 110 hurdles. He beat his own record with a score of 7053 to stay in sixth in the record books.

These stellar performances for the Gauchos set the stage for next weekend as the rest of the team competes in The Big West Championships on Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13. Live results will be available for the meet.

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

Big seventh inning helps Gauchos even series in Riverside

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS WRITER

The UCSB baseball team (29-14, 14-6 Big West) scored runs in each of the first three innings, then hung a four spot on UC Riverside (10-31, 4-16 Big West) in the seventh to take the lead for good, winning Saturday night’s game, 9-5, to even up the weekend series at a game apiece. Reed Moring earned the win in relief, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Gauchos struck first on Saturday, getting on the board after just three pitches thanks to Christian Kirtley’s 11th home run of the season. Jared Sundstrom made it two extra-base hits in three batters with a one-out double, and he would come around to score, thanks to Aaron Parker’s two-out base knock through the left side.

However, as it has been throughout this Riverside road trip, the bottom of the first was unkind to UCSB again on Saturday. The Highlanders scored three runs of their own before making an out, hitting back-to-back singles followed by a threerun home run.

Trailing after an inning for the third straight game, the Gauchos did what they had done a night earlier, scoring two runs in the second, this time taking back the lead. LeTrey McCollum laid down an excellent bunt toward third base for a lead-off single, then Corey Nunez drove a ball into the left-center gap for a double, scoring McCollum from first to tie the game. Two groundouts later, Sundstrom strode into the batter’s box and brought Nunez home with a base hit into right field, making it 4-3 Santa Barbara.

UCSB extended their lead in the third, with Jonah Sebring working a lead-off walk before stealing second and taking third when the throw sailed in to center field. Parker’s groundout brought home Sebring and made it 5-3. But Riverside got a run back in the bottom of the inning on another home run, then tied the game at five an inning later with an RBI triple. Gaucho starter Hudson Barrett came back with a scoreless fifth and worked into the sixth before being lifted with two outs and a runner on second. Moring relieved him and left that runner stranded with a strikeout. The freshman righty then got a huge hand from his offense (and Riverside’s defense) in the top of the seventh.

A hit and an error put Parker and Ivan Brethowr aboard to start the inning, and after a fielder’s choice made it runners on the corners, Nunez dropped down a bunt which sparked chaos. The Highlanders’ first baseman collected the ball and threw back to third, trying to catch the retreating Parker, but the throw was bad and kicked away into foul territory. Parker scored with McCollum, who had been running from first the entire time, close behind him. Nunez took second with ease. The Gauchos were not done scoring either, as Kirtley doubled to right center on the very next pitch, scoring Nunez. Sundstrom hit another RBI single into right field later in the inning to bring home Kirtley and make it 9-5.

Moring finished the game on the mound, allowing just a single in the seventh and a pair of walks in the eighth, stranding all three runners. He worked a perfect ninth inning to finish out the win, including a pair of strikeouts.

As Title 42 comes to close, NYC documents diseases from foreign nationals bused from border

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Ahead of the public health authority

Title 42 ending on May 11, New York City Health Commissioner

Dr. Ashwin Vasan instructed New York health-care providers to undergo several precautions and tests in light of an alarming trend of diseases spreading among illegal foreign nationals arriving from the southern border.

Title 42 was put in place to limit entry to the U.S. to prevent the spread of COVID19 and other communicable diseases during a public health emergency.

One month before it was lifted, Dr. Vasan warned, “COVID-19 continues to circulate in NYC.”

In addition to the coronavirus, he also expressed alarm about those arriving from countries who hadn’t been vaccinated for polio or the chickenpox and were coming from countries with high rates of infectious tuberculosis.

“Many people who recently arrived in NYC have lived in or traveled through countries with high rates of TB,” he wrote in an April 11 letter to physicians and health care providers.

“I am writing now to underscore how critical it is that health care providers take a wide range of considerations into account when working with” foreign nationals arriving from the southern border, he urged.

Everyone arriving must be screened for diseases and viruses, Dr. Vasan said, stating that “Vaccination rates for

Texas makes preparations to secure Mexico border ahead of Title 42 ending

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

certain diseases are low in some of the most common countries of origin, with rates hovering around 50% for polio as an example.”

He instructed medical practitioners to assess everyone who hasn’t been screened since arriving for symptoms of active TB.

“Health care providers should also assess all immigrants who recently arrived in the U.S. for latent TB infection,” he said. TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. Those infected with it spread it through the air by coughing, sneezing or spitting.

TB’s preventable and curable.

Multidrug-resistant TB “remains a public health crisis and a health security threat,” the World Health Organization states. The organization also recently declared a worldwide health emergency related to the coronavirus was over.

In 2021, 1.6 million people died from TB, including 187,000 people with HIV, the WHO reports. Worldwide, TB is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer, the WHO states. In 2021, an estimated 10.6 million people reportedly had tuberculosis worldwide.

There’s also been an outbreak of chickenpox among families who recently arrived and are staying in shelters and other facilities in New York City, Dr. Vasan said. “Most cases have been among unvaccinated children, but cases have also occurred among young adults,” he said. “Children

Please see TITLE 42 on B4

(The Center Square) – Texas Army and Air National Guard Operation Lone Star troops are making preparations to prevent entry of illegal foreign nationals between ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico border ahead of the public health authority Title 42 ending May 11.

National Guard engineers are continuing to reinforce razor wire barriers along the TexasMexico border near El Paso. Additional soldiers have been mobilized to support construction efforts. The reinforced razor wire barriers “will create essential impediments to combat the unprecedented influx of illegal border crossings the end of Title 42 is expected to cause,” the governor’s office says.

“The Texas National Guard is a highly organized and efficient force,” Major Sean Storrud, Task Force West commander, said in a statement. “Although illegal immigration is absolutely a national problem that requires a national solution, the Texas National Guard is doing our part.”

In December, additional personnel and equipment were

sent to El Paso to respond to the border crisis, including 200 additional staffers and 40 additional high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV) to expand operations in the area, according to the Texas Military Department. This is after 400 personnel were deployed responding to a state of emergency issued by the city’s mayor at the directive of Gov. Greg Abbott.

All sectors along the border increased “their response posture to protect Texas against the flood of migrants and cartel activity streaming into our state,” TMD said.

The end of Title 42 is expected to result in “a massive influx of illegal immigrants allowing criminals to further exploit gaps while federal authorities are inundated with migrant processing,” the Texas Military Department said. Since last December, a designated number of 136th Airlift Wing C-130J cargo aircraft, air crews, support, and response Airmen have been on alert, “prepared to provide any necessary capability at the Governor’s direction,” it said.

The Security Response Force from the 236th MP Company,

trained in Civil Disturbance Operations and Mass Migration Response, can be rapidly deployed to border areas, TMD says.

The Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard also mobilized numerous assets in the Brownsville area as part of a “mass migration response exercise.”

Soldiers also assisted DPS Brush Teams in monitoring traffic along U.S. 83 near Laredo using night vision technology to enhance visibility into the brush along the highway. The area is frequently used by human smugglers because of its proximity to a nearby residential area, law enforcement officers have explained.

Their efforts are filling “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.”

Since Gov. Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in April 2021, as of May 5, OLS officers have apprehended over 371,000 illegal foreign nationals. They’ve made over 27,000 criminal arrests, with more than 25,000 felony charges reported. They’ve also seized over 385 million lethal doses of fentanyl, enough to kill more than everyone in the U.S., according to the governor’s office.

On May 12, more people are

Two firms under consideration to aid in city manager search

CARP

Continued from Page A1

has decided to decline the City Manager recruitment project,” he said.

In addition, another of the four contenders for the job, Peckham & McKenney, “has informed the city that it no longer has the capacity to take on the work,” City Clerk Barrett said.

“This leaves the proposals from Raftelis and CPS HR Consulting,” he said.

Staff recommends the council select one of them as the city’s executive recruitment consultant.

“Our project team for the City of Carpinteria (City) comprises skilled professionals, seasoned in local government management with search experience across the country,” Raftelis wrote in its proposal.

“Our team has completed over 300 searches, and we have had significant success in identifying and retaining ideal candidates who meet each organization’s unique set of needs and expectations.

“We are confident our approach will result in a successful leader for the organization.”

CPS HR Consulting said in its proposal that they are “uniquely qualified to undertake this effort as we have vast experience in assisting non-profit and public agencies with executive search, screening, and placement.

“We understand that each agency is unique, and our extensive experience allows us to tailor our process to specifically meet your needs. Our work with local government agencies throughout the United States gives us an in-depth understanding of government operations, programs, and services.

“We understand how important

this transition is for you and are perfectly placed to assist you in this endeavor.”

Raftelis includes Jim Armstrong, a former Santa Barbara city manager with knowledge of Carpinteria and the region, among its group of recruiters, staff said. Additionally, Raftelis is the only group that offers a community engagement option at an additional cost.

CPS notes in its proposal that its project team is prepared to begin work 60 days after executing the contract, staff said.

The cost of a full recruitment ranges from $30,000 to $37,500, excluding any travel costs associated with the candidates, which may be incurred by the city. If council members decide to hold off on picking an executive search consultant, staff recommends they either form an ad hoc committee of the City Council to review the remaining consultant proposals/conduct

interviews, etc., and make a recommendation for a recruitment consultant; or direct staff to solicit additional consultant proposals.

Staff also recommends that the council form an ad hoc committee to work with whichever consultant is selected to draft an ideal candidate profile and other key recommendations for council consideration.

But that might not happen in time given City Manager Durflinger’s early December retirement date and the necessary steps/work that need to be done by then, staff said.

“Soliciting additional proposals raises the prospect of the need for council to consider an interim appointment or hire to fill the City Manager position while the recruitment-hiring process is completed,” staff said.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Westmont women’s soccer returns to Africa

By RON SMITH WESTMONT SPORTS WRITER

Westmont women’s soccer will leave early Monday morning, May 8, for the program’s sixth mission trip to Africa. The Warriors have made trips to Kenya and Uganda every three to four years since 2006, working with Sports Outreach International. This will be their first trip since 2019.

After 34 hours of travel, the Warriors will arrive in Nairobi, Kenya early on Wednesday, May 10, where they will meet up with their host, Robert Katende, the executive director of Sports Outreach International. Katende is widely known for his work impacting young people from the slums and his development of Phiona Matesi who became an

international chess sensation. Her story was made known through the movie, Queen of Katwe.

During their three days in Nairobi, the Warriors are scheduled to visit the chess program at Kibera, serve lunch at a Kibera feeding site, participate in ministry at schools in the Mukuru slums, and visit with a women’s empowerment group in Tushauriane.

On Saturday, May 13 the team will travel to Kampala. During their time in Uganda’s capital city, the Warriors will worship with local churches, participate in an outreach soccer game and work with youth soccer teams.

A drive to Gulu, Uganda is planned for Thursday, May 17. In Gulu, the team will tour

the Good News Community Center and Koro Farm, conduct a soccer clinic and Bible study with local girls, and work on the farm by planting bananas.

Back in Kampala on Tuesday, May 23, the team will participate in projects and sports activities and a soccer game with the senior Sports Outreach senior ladies’ team.

Sprinkled into a busy 17-day itinerary are opportunities for some sightseeing. The team has plans for a trip to the source of the Nile River, a riverboat safari, and a trip to Murchison Falls National Park.

Ron Smith is the sports information director at Westmont College. email: sports@newspress.com

Sundstrom on base four times to lead Gauchos in win

BASEBALL

Continued from Page A3

ON THE STAT SHEET

• Sundstrom led the Gauchos at the plate Saturday night, going 3for-4 with two RBI. He was also hit

by a pitch and scored a run.

• LeTrey McCollum was hit by a pitch Saturday night, his teamleading 12th time being beaned this season. He has been hit by the fourth-most pitches in The Big West this year.

• Nunez just needs a homer to

hit for the cycle in this series. The Gaucho shortstop, who went 1-for5 with a triple on Friday, went 2for-5 with a double and two RBI on Saturday.

• Including Saturday, Moring has made his last five appearances out of the bullpen.

The freshman righty has now gone seven innings over three games without allowing a run.

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

expected to surge the southern border to enter illegally than at any time in U.S. history. Officials estimate over 13,000 people from all over the world are expected to initially attempt entry every day, which is roughly double the current number. Roughly 40,000 are reportedly waiting in Mexico to enter El Paso, prompting the mayor to declare a state of emergency.

President Joe Biden sent 1,500 National Guard troops to the border to help Border Patrol process illegal foreign nationals into the country, not to expel them or ensure border security, according to a new plan announced by the Department of Homeland Security. The crisis at the southern border has so far resulted in at least over 6 million people illegally entering the U.S. since January 2021. A record amount of fentanyl and other deadly drugs seized after being brought into the country are enough to kill the U.S. population several times over. Officials have expressed concerns about the unknown volume that hasn’t been seized.

The Biden administration, the Mexican government, and other governmental leaders have entered into agreements to facilitate even more people from all over the world entering the U.S. by “expanding legal pathways” outside of the laws created by Congress. The states and Congress have yet to take action to stop their efforts.

The end of Title 42 is expected to result in “a massive influx of illegal immigrants allowing criminals to further exploit gaps while federal authorities are inundated with migrant processing,” the Texas Military Department said.

Life theArts

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 5 p.m.: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its permanent mineral exhibit of rocks and crystals that is on view in the small hall off the museum’s central courtyard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which opened April 22, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/ minerals.

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.

MAY 13

‘Taste of Santa Barbara’

Everything culinary on agenda during countywide week-long event

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

As the Santa Barbara region continues to gain notoriety as a world-class culinary and cultural destination, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, is presenting the much-anticipated return of “Taste of Santa Barbara” from May 15 through 21.

After a successful inaugural year in 2022, the “Taste of Santa Barbara” has established itself as one of the region’s favorite signature food and wine celebrations, featuring a broad array of events and special happenings at restaurants, bars, farms and wineries, as well as pop-ups, workshops, speaker panels and more.

Signature events include “Lights, Camera, Julia,” a screening of some of the legendary Montecito chef’s most iconic television shows; “Cherry Bombe x Taste of Santa Barbara,” an afternoon of inspiring discussions with local female winemakers, chefs and producers making Santa Barbara County’s food and drink scene thrive; and the popular “Taste of Santa Barbara Wines” event featuring wine tastings and conversations with winemakers at the historic El Presidio in downtown Santa Barbara.

Many of the region’s restaurants and bars will participate in “Dine Around Town with Julia Child” and “Pub Crawl with Paul” when the public can enjoy tribute dishes or specials as well as cocktails inspired by Julia and Paul Child.

7 p.m. Vocalist Julie Christensen will perform with guitarist Joe Woodard and bassist Steve Nelson at the Ojai Underground Exchange, 616 Pearl St. in Ojai. Ms. Christensen’s album, “The Price We Pay for Love,” was recently released. Tickets are $35. To purchase, go to ojaiundergroundexchangetickets. square.site. For more information, call 805-340-7893.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Platinum Sounds” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The orchestra’s 70th anniversary program will feature Grammy-nominated American violinist Philippe Quint on Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Opus 64. And the symphony will showcase its own players performing Jonathan Leshnoff’s Concerto Grosso, previously commissioned for the symphony’s 60th anniversary. The orchestra will also perform Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org

MAY 14

3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Platinum Sounds” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The orchestra’s 70th anniversary program will feature Grammy-nominated American violinist Philippe Quint on Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Opus 64. And the symphony will showcase its own players performing Jonathan Leshnoff’s Concerto Grosso, previously commissioned for the symphony’s 60th anniversary. The orchestra will also perform Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org. A pre-concert talk with Nir Kabaretti, the symphony’s music and artistic director, will take place at 2 p.m.

May 18 3 to 5 p.m. A recruitment reception for volunteer docents will take place at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. The year-long training course begins each September.

For more information or to attend, visit www.sbma.net/ docent or contact education@ sbma.net.

— Dave Mason

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023

The popular “Taste of Santa Barbara Wines” event will feature wine tastings and conversations with winemakers at the historic El Presidio in downtown Santa Barbara.

COURTESY SCHLESINGER LIBRARY, HARVARD RADCLIFFE INSTITUTE

Julia Child was a groundbreaking chef who made culinary challenges entertaining for viewers of her TV programs.

Getting in touch with each other

As part of the SBCE and the Foundation’s commitment to education, this year guests can get in the kitchen with Apples to Zucchini Cooking School for a week of hands-on classes with some of Santa Barbara’s culinary stars.

Through the SBCE’s partnership with the Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from the “Taste of Santa Barbara” is used to make grants to local organizations making a difference in Santa Barbara County’s food system.

Sponsoring the event are Visit Santa Barbara, PBS Distribution, Montecito Bank & Trust, Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Chumash Foundation, bouchon, Margerum Wine Company, Acme Hospitality, Apples to Zucchini Cooking School, Ensemble Theatre Company at the New Vic Theatre, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation, Cherry Bombe, Edible Santa Barbara and WA Event Management.

“The ‘Taste of Santa Barbara’ is a unique opportunity to explore the diverse culinary offerings of the region and brings together the best chefs, winemakers, producers and more to showcase their talents

and create an unforgettable experience for all,” said Donna Yen, executive director of SBCE.“It’s really important to us that the ‘Taste of Santa Barbara’ is accessible to our entire community, so this year we’ve expanded our programming to offer a variety of events that appeal to all our audiences.

“We’re also committed to providing an educational platform for important conversations about our region’s food and wine businesses to help deepen connections between the

community and these industries. We’re excited about this year’s program and look forward to welcoming everyone back!”

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

FYI

“The Taste of Santa Barbara” will be held from May 15 through 21 throughout Santa Barbara County. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sbce.events/taste-ofsanta-barbara.

Santa Ynez Valley Summer Classic set for June 24

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The 2023 Santa Ynez Valley Summer Classic, which supports service projects benefiting the Santa Ynez Valley and larger Santa Barbara County region, will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 24 at St. Mark’s-in-the Valley, 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in Los Olivos.

Included will be dinner, live entertainment by Dewey Roberts and silent and live auctions.

Tickets are $250.

Proceeds benefit:

• The Santa Ynez Valley Community Kitchen, a food hub for addressing food insecurity through teaching and training, food recovery, supporting microeconomic culinary projects and charitable feeding on- and

FYI

The 2023 Santa Ynez Valley Summer Classic will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 24 at St. Mark’s-in-the Valley, 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in Los Olivos. Reservations are required. For more information, call 805-448-7070 or visit smitv.info/ summerclassic.

off-site in collaboration with area organizations and individuals.

• Open Doors, a program that offers meeting space on a no-fee basis for more than 100 nonprofit and community-based organizations annually. Serving as a welcome center, it is open all day every day for local residents, workers and visitors with clean, open restrooms, Wi-Fi network, labyrinth, shaded courtyard and

other amenities, like ice water on hot days and treats and water for dogs.

• St. Mark’s professional preschool, which offered an entire school year of in-person early childhood education in 2020-2021 and is preparing for the new school year with generous scholarship assistance.

• The 41st Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series, which brings world-class professional musicians to the community. St. Mark’s serves as a concert and arts venue for area music studios, artists and arts education. Donations to this community service work can also be made at smitv.info/servesyv or by texting servesyv to 44321.

email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

You know your marriage is in trouble when you are rebuffed whenever you attempt closeness.

I’m talking about affection here, not sex. If you are afraid to give your partner a hug and a little kiss for fear of being pushed away or having them turn their cheek, then yes, you have a problem. You can restore intimacy, but you both have to want to do it, and to come to that conclusion, you definitely need to talk about what’s going on, which can be hard for many couples. That’s where therapy comes in handy. You don’t need to commit to a year or even a month. There is absolutely nothing wrong with calling a therapist and saying “We want one session, just to help us communicate our current feelings.”

Then see how it goes. Take what you learn, and then go home and see if you can communicate on your own and reclaim some closeness. If it doesn’t go well, and you liked the therapist, I recommend you go back a time or two more.

Intimacy, both physical

and emotional, is an essential component of a healthy marriage.

According to a survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, lack of intimacy is a top reason couples divorce.

Unfortunately, if you just wait for the mood to come over you (or your partner), it could be a long, long time. Then again, smoothing things out between the two of you doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be a little embarrassing at first, but once you find what connects the two of you, the rest will come naturally.

After you have been really nice to each other for a little while, if you want more intimacy, you can set the scene to create a romantic atmosphere. Take a bubble bath together, light a candle or many candles, pop open some champagne, and have fun. You may have forgotten how and are now in the rediscovery phase. All you have to do is acknowledge it to each other and be kind and playful.

Relationship therapists and researchers such as Howard J. Markman, Scott M. Stanley, and Susan L. Blumberg, co-authors

of “Fighting for Your Marriage: Positive Steps for Preventing Divorce and Preserving a Lasting Love,” recommend that couples work on rebuilding intimacy by expressing affection and spending quality time together. I recommend nurturing your relationship every day. My wife and I never seem to be able to pass each other without touching or kissing. We cuddle close at night and hold hands when we are out. We say the “three little words” daily and remind ourselves how lucky we are that we both found a really nice person to hang out with for the rest of our lives. And did I mention the deep, warm 60-second hugs?

You can have the same thing, if you give it a try.

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 or 818-879-9996. He has lived and practiced in Westlake Village for more than two decades. His column appears Saturdays and Mondays in the News-Press.

Cottage Health honors volunteers at luncheon

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

The Cottage Health Volunteer Awards Luncheon took place this past April at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort to honor the many volunteers who dedicated their time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year, 450 Cottage volunteers have donated close to 95,000 hours of service at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital

and Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital in Solvang.

Cottage volunteers serve across nearly every department, including Emergency, Surgery, Intensive Care, Physical Therapy, Orthopedics and Wound Care.

Ron Werft, president and CEO of Cottage Health, praised the vital work of volunteers during the awards luncheon with 150 volunteers in attendance.

Special recognition and a lifetime recognition award were presented to Toni Straka for

her 62 years and 15,578 hours of volunteer service at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Cottage also awarded five $3,000 academic scholarships to Santa Ynez Valley Union High School students who plan to pursue their dreams of careers in healthcare. The recipients were Gabriel Rodriguez, Chase Sylvia, Diana Corona, Allison Linane and Jazmin Gonzalez Salinas.

email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Library to host 2023 Community Baby Shower

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER FYI

The Santa Barbara Public Library is hosting the annual Community Baby Shower from 10:30 a.m. to noon May 20.

If you’re expecting a baby or have a little one already, this shower is for you.

Community members are welcome to come by the Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu Street, anytime during this free event to see what the library and community organizations have to offer for their new baby.

The first 50 people through the door will get a gift bag with swag and toys from the partnering community organizations and a free board book from the Library. A variety of community

The Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St., is hosting the annual Community Baby Shower from 10:30 a.m. to noon May 20. For more information, visit www.sbplibrary.org.

organizations invite parents to connect to learn how to support their baby’s health, development, and early literacy.

Local organizations will be tabling with fun activities and resources to share, including Cottage Hospital, PEP, Baby Sign Sessions, UCSB Child Studies, Children’s Resource and Referral, Family Service Agency, Nurtured Births, Communify, Centerline, Storyteller Children’s Center,

WIC-Nutrition Services and Breastfeeding, CALM, Haven Family Resource (Then Comes Baby), Santa Barbara County Education Office-Early Care and Education, Help Me Grow Santa Barbara County, Tinkle Belle Diaper Service and Oaks ParentChild Workshop. SBPL will also highlight the wide array of services that support children and families, including early literacy classes, parenting classes, and more. This event is a chance for new parents to connect with each other and the organizations in our community that serve them, discover learning resources, and learn more about early literacy, all under one roof. email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

Sacred Space to host ‘Astrology Oracle’ workshop

SUMMERLAND — Led by Dr. Jennifer Freed, a 90-minute “Astrology Oracle” workshop will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 17 at The Sacred Space, 2594 Lillie Ave. in Summerland. Participants will learn how to draw on a wealth of astrological wisdom to reveal the primitive,

adaptive and evolving choices available to them in every moment, relationship and opportunity.

It will deepen their understanding of the happenings in their world, magnify their impact and enhance their daily joy by aligning their energy, thoughts

and responses with their highest potential, according to The Sacred Space.

For more information about the workshop, which is limited to 14 people and costs $150, call 805565-5535.

— Marilyn McMahon

La Cumbre Ranch is part of the “Taste of Santa Barbara Farm Tours.”

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Monday, May 8, 2023

ARIES — Keep your eyes and ears open today, Aries. You may receive some important information on specific ways to increase your income. This is just one of the many wonderful things bound to happen to you. You’re looking great and people are responding to your warm, pleasant manner. Bask in the glow of all the goodwill surrounding you. It won’t last forever!

TAURUS — You may be privy to some important knowledge, Taurus. Perhaps an article gives you the impetus you need to invest in a promising stock. Perhaps you learn a famous person is coming to town to give a lecture. If your heart starts to race the minute you hear the news, this should be all the motivation you need to take the next steps.

GEMINI — A visit to a local museum or art gallery may move you to tears, Gemini. Suddenly, you’re aware of all the beauty around you and inspired to create some original works of your own. You do have a strong creative bent, so why not see how far your talent will take you? If possible, spend the evening surrounded by loved ones.

CANCER — There are no half measures today, Cancer. You feel every emotion to the nth degree. This could make for an intense day. Make an effort to calm down. Rather than inject your opinion into every conversation, make it a point to step away from the group. The talk is animated enough without you stirring things up further.

LEO — You’re likely feeling a desire to do something different and a little crazy. Today you may fulfill that desire by attending a group event, perhaps a concert. Or you could indulge a childhood fantasy and go to the circus. Whatever you do, take along the special someone in your life. The fun you’re bound to have will be so much sweeter when shared with a loved one.

VIRGO — You have many talents, Virgo. Today’s astral energy indicates that your abilities will be rewarded. Congratulations! You’ve certainly worked long and hard to achieve your goals. Why not make plans to celebrate? Call some friends or your partner for an impromptu get-together.

LIBRA — You’re looking gorgeous today, Libra, and have likely noticed the admiring glances you’ve received. Your passion is running high, and you may be able to spend this evening with a special someone. Fulfill your romantic fantasies. Light candles, use your best china, and dress with sensuality in mind. Your partner will appreciate the effort.

SCORPIO — This could be your lucky day, Scorpio, especially in matters of the heart. You may feel particularly close to your special someone, as well as others in your immediate circle of friends. This is due in part to the planetary configuration. It shows your intuition and optimism running high.

SAGITTARIUS — Try not to do everything all at once today, Sagittarius. Your social life is heating up and you may be in a frenzy preparing for all the gatherings you’ve been invited to. All this on top of your regular workload could send you into a tailspin. Pace yourself. Get your work done first before thinking about your social life. Remember, if you were unemployed, you wouldn’t be able to go out at all!

CAPRICORN — It looks like your ship is about to come in, Capricorn. The planetary configuration indicates that you can expect additional financial resources, perhaps a raise. You deserve it! You’ve been working long and hard these past several months. You’ve earned the respect of authority figures and the admiration of peers. Be careful not to fritter away the extra money.

AQUARIUS — Take extra care with your appearance today, and clean the house a bit this morning. You may have some visitors, Aquarius. Invite them in and make them comfortable. It’s likely that they can be of great benefit in furthering your career. Perhaps one of them is well connected in a company you’ve long wanted to work for. Or maybe you will get an interesting stock tip. Stay alert!

PISCES — You may feel wanderlust and crave something new and different in your life. You just can’t help but be a bit bored by the dullness of the routine. If adventure is what you want, why not plan an exotic trip? Even if you don’t have the money now, you can still start doing some research.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Monday,May8,2023

“Ihadachoice,”theMadHatter toldAlice.“Icouldletdeclarermake agameorlosemyhead.”

TheplayersattheHatter’swere takingateabreak;bothRedQueens hadbeenardentkibitzers.

“IwasEast,”theHattersaid, “andNorth-Southgotto3NT.The DormousewasWest;hejudged toleadthesevenofhearts.Asit happened,aspadewouldhavebeen best.”

Declarer,theMarchHare,sawthat hewassafeunlessWesthadfive hearts.ButEastsurelyhadaheart honor;Westwouldhaveledtheking from K-Q-J-x-x. So by putting up the ace,declarermightblockthesuit. Moreover,hewouldnotfaceaspade shift.

FINESSE

“WhenSouthplayedtheace,”the Hattersaid,“Iwantedtounblock myqueen.Butyouknowhowthat QueenofHeartsfeelsabouthaving hercardcaptured.SoIfollowedlow. Southcametohishandandlostthe diamondfinesse,butwecouldn’t beat3NT.AtleastIkeptmyhead.”

East’scorrectplay,indeed,isto dumphisqueenofheartsunderthe ace.

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. Everynumber 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

andhebidsonespade.Theopponents pass.Whatdoyousay?

ANSWER: New-suitbidsby responderareforcing,unlessheisa passedhand,butminimumbidsina newsuitbyopeneraregenerallynot forcing.Here,openerhasnomore than18points,andnogoodtrumpfit isevident,soyourchancesforgame donotjustifyfurtherexploration. Pass.

Southdealer

“We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.”

Helen Keller

High weed tax in Pennsylvania may repeat California’s mistakes

By ANTHONY HENNEN THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – A revenue analysis estimates that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for adult-use cannabis could bring in more than $250 million annually — but legalization advocates aren’t so enthusiastic.

The concern is not about legalizing and regulating marijuana. Instead, it’s a worry that Pennsylvania will repeat the mistakes of high-tax states that have failed to move people from the illegal market into a regulated one. “I think a 20% tax rate is the fastest road to looking like California,” said Meredith Buettner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition.

The California comparison isn’t a compliment. High taxes and overbearing bureaucracy has kept the state’s marijuana industry in the black market, analysts say as only 20% of the industry has moved into the regulated market. Other high-tax states, like Illinois, have similar problems – though they come closer to converting a majority of the industry to the legal market.

Instead of learning from the mistakes of

other states, Pennsylvania is in danger of adopting them. “A 20% tax is prohibitively high,” Ms. Buettner said. “We’ve seen markets that have rolled out tax rates that high and really have a hard time pulling folks into the regulated market ... it’s simply cost-prohibitive for folks. They’re more likely to just stay in the illicit market.”

In Gov. Shapiro’s proposed budget, he estimated that marijuana sales would bring in $189 million annually by fiscal year 202728. The latest analysis, from the Independent Fiscal Office, estimated that legalizing marijuana would do more for the budget than Gov. Shapiro expects: $253 million would flow into the commonwealth’s coffers annually by fiscal year 2027-28. The IFO assumes legal sales would start in January 2025 with a 20% excise tax and that retail sales would also be subject to sales and use tax.

But lower taxes in border states means residents may buy elsewhere, Ms. Buettner said. “I don’t think that it is reflective of a tax rate that will work for the commonwealth,” Ms. Buettner said. “You can see the tax rates of our surrounding states. … what’s the incentive

to buy legal products here in Pennsylvania when it’s cheaper to go to New Jersey or Maryland? Not only do you drive folks back to the illicit market, but you drive folks out of the Pennsylvania market.”

Regulating marijuana is a tricky business. Federal law complicates action on the state level and fixing mistakes becomes harder after legalization. New Jersey has been slow to capture the illicit market due to limited numbers of dispensaries and an onerous licensing process.

States like Colorado, however, have grown their program and captured the vast majority of the black market. Colorado has a 15% excise tax and a 2.9% sales tax on recreational marijuana.

Pennsylvania starting at 20%, before local taxes are added, makes it harder to have prices low enough to be competitive with the illegal market, Ms. Buettner said. Marijuana operators face a 70% effective business tax rate, so without a “reasonable” levy, legalization could fail.

“When you look at the numbers, you really have to look holistically about how expensive these products are already going to be,” she said. “It has the potential to stunt the success of a market.”

GOP lawmakers say Biden administration is secretive on Snake River Projects

By TIMOTHY SCHUMANN

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, was joined by Congressman Dan Newhouse, RSunnyside, and Senator James Risch, R-Idaho, in questioning the White House Council on Environmental Quality, or CEQ, about community engagement methodology regarding ongoing projects in the Columbia River Basin.

“In March 2023, after months of confidential mediation sessions involving the

defendants and plaintiffs in National Wildlife Federation et al. v. National Marine Fisheries Service et al., FMCS, on behalf of CEQ, announced public listening sessions to provide members of the public an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about the future of the Columbia-Snake River System with representatives from the U.S. Government,” the letter from the legislators to the Biden administration’s CEQ laid out.

As nearly every constituent represented by the three members of Congress resides within the Columbia River

Basin, the concern is that their constituents’ interests are not being represented in these closeddoor mediation sessions.

Legislators also appear worried the Biden administration’s CEQ isn’t representing those constituents’ needs either, calling this letter “their latest effort to hold the Biden administration accountable to the agriculture, power, transportation, and many other stakeholders who rely on the benefits of the Lower Snake River dams for their livelihoods.”

As part of this process, there have also been calls to remove

up to four hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin, as previously reported by The Center Square, which could cost upwards of ten billion dollars. The Columbia River Basin alone produces 40% of the United States hydroelectric power, and consists of some 258,000 square miles of land, much of which is agricultural. If the removal of those dams moves forward, it could have widespread impacts on every constituent in the region, and Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers wants to make sure those constituents have a voice in this process.

Maricopa County Board chooses replacement for expelled Republican lawmaker

By CAMERON ARCAND THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed Julie Willoughby on Friday morning to fill the vacancy of expelled Republican Rep. Liz Harris.

Ms. Willoughby was sworn in shortly after.

Following Ms. Harris’ expulsion, three names were selected by Legislative District 13 Republicans for the board to decide from. Ms. Harris, Ms. Willoughby, and Steve Steele were chosen by the group. They were then interviewed individually by the board.

“The conversations were considerate and cordial,” Supervisor Jack Sellers said

of the interviews of the candidates, who represent the area covering Legislative District 13 and therefore got to make the final recommendation. Ms. Willoughby lost to Ms. Harris by a narrow margin in the 2022 midterm election. Ms. Harris was expelled by the state House for inviting a guest to give a presentation riddled with false claims accusing many Arizona leaders of being connected with the Sinaloa Cartel.

“I would like to thank the PC’s from District 13 for selecting three qualified candidates for our consideration,” Mr. Sellers later said in a news release. “I interviewed all of them about important issues such as Prop 400, homelessness, water, and elections. We take this duty seriously and follow a process that

includes background checks and interviews so residents can be confident in the person chosen to fill the vacant seat.”

While the motion to go forward with an appointment of Ms. Willoughby went forward, Democrat Supervisor Steve Gallardo voted against Ms. Willoughby and noted that he would not have voted for any of the three names on the list.

“I cannot in good faith support a candidate,” Mr. Gallardo said at the meeting.

Ms. Willoughby will serve out the remainder of Ms. Harris’ term through 2024. The appointment means lawmakers can get back to business. Ms. Harris represented the House Republican majority’s one-member advantage and their ability to pass partisan legislation.

Arizona business, ag leaders warn about federal pollution proposal

By CAMERON ARCAND THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — A proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency could put Arizona and many more regions across the United States in a bureaucratic fiasco, local leaders say.

The agency is expected to reach a decision in August on whether or not to decrease the particulate matter standard as part of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which could make it harder for cities like Phoenix to meet their requirements. Particulate matter is defined as a “mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air,” according to the agency.

Specifically, the EPA wants to go from 12 micrograms per cubic meter down to a range between 9 and 10 micrograms per cubic meter. By lowering the number, the agency makes these “nonattainment” areas put together action plans in order to lower the number of pollutants, which could lead to more stringent actions on emissions at the business and consumer levels.

“Everyone supports clean air. Arizona has demonstrated, however, that innovation and ingenuity by manufacturers and the private sector are far more efficient at cleaning the environment than heavy-handed federal regulation,” Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of

Commerce and Industry, told The Center Square in a statement.

“The best example: despite hosting some of the nation’s fastest population and economic growth over the past three decades, Arizona’s overall air quality has actually improved. We fear the EPA’s proposal to more stringently regulate fine particulates known as PM2.5 will create dubious public health and environmental benefits, but will cost jobs and hurt employers at a time they can least afford it. This EPA plan needs to return to the drawing board,” he added.

There is also concern about what it could mean for the agriculture sector, as there are concerns that more regulations could lead to high costs in the

thin-margin industry.

“Nobody has a more vested interest in clean air, soil and water than our farmers and ranchers. Our lives and livelihoods depend on it. That’s why Arizona’s agricultural industry is constantly innovating to grow the food we need in a way that is cleaner, more efficient and requires less water,” Arizona Farm Bureau CEO Philip Bashaw told The Center Square in a statement.

According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, there are 16 nonattainment areas in the state across seven counties, which includes cities such as Phoenix and Yuma. By contrast, eight counties have zero nonattainment areas as of October 2022, according to the department.

Doctor recommends extensive health screening for immigrants

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should be screened and vaccinated urgently with all needed recommended immunizations, including those required for school attendance,” he said.

“Young children of immigrant families should be screened for possible developmental or behavioral issues as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics,” Dr. Vasan also recommended. Health care providers should also

perform blood tests on all arriving children and pregnant and lactating women for lead poisoning, he said. Lead poisoning disproportionately impacts children and pregnant women “who recently arrived in the U.S. Some people may arrive from their countries of origin with lead burdens and compromised nutritional status,” he said.

Those arriving should also be screened for parasitic infections based on their country of origin, Dr. Vasan said, and practitioners should also “consider screening for other infectious diseases.”

“Medical screening may identify a

wide range of infectious diseases and noncommunicable conditions and is recommended as soon as feasible upon arrival in the U.S.,” he states.

Dr. Vasan instructed all practitioners to document and report cases of infection. His letter also provides information on how to potentially bill Medicaid, help illegal foreign nationals apply to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, and receive a range of free counseling, legal and other services all at U.S. taxpayers’ expense.