Santa Barbara News-Press: July 10, 2023

Coach of the Year

Westmont baseball’s Tyler LaTorre honored - A3

Action takes more than a few laps in upcoming films- B1

Our 167th Year 75¢

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2023

Alleged shooter in s tearns Wharf killing ordered to stand trial

By NEIL HARTSTEIN

NEWS-PRESS COUNTY EDITOR

The alleged gang associate charged with personally wielding the gun used to shoot and kill an innocent bystander on Stearns Wharf last Dec. 9 was ordered to stand trial following his preliminary hearing Friday, prosecutors said.

The defendant, Jiram Jhunue Tenorio Ramon, “did unlawfully, and with malice aforethought murder Robert Dion Gutierrez, a human being,” according to the amended complaint filed against him.

“I filed an amended complaint prior to the hearing charging only Count One and the special allegations and circumstances,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Tate McAllister told the NewsPress.

Following the one-day hearing, “defendant Tenorio was held to answer on Count One and all special allegations and circumstances,” the prosecutor said.

“Arraignment on the Information is 8/24 in Dept. 6.”

Mr. Tenorio Ramon and three other alleged gang associates were charged in

the fatal shooting of Mr. Gutierrez, 52, of Camarillo, who was walking with wife on the wharf in Santa Barbara at the time.

Mr. Gutierrez got caught in the crossfire between the defendants and two juveniles with alleged ties to Ventura County street gangs.

A special allegation charges the defendant with Street Terrorism, contending that he committed the offense “for the benefit of or at the direction of or in association with a criminal street gang, to wit: WESTSIDE (SANTA BARBARA) with the specific intent to promote, or

further, or assist in criminal conduct by gang members.”

The special circumstance filed against Mr. Tenorio Ramon alleges that he committed the murder for “criminal street gang purposes,” and that he “intentionally killed Robert Dion Gutierrez while the defendant was an active participant in WESTSIDE (SANTA BARBARA), a criminal street gang, and that the murder was carried out to further the activities of the criminal street gang.”

A second special allegation contends that in the commission of the murder, the

Fair begins Wednesday

defendant “intentionally and personally discharged a firearm, to wit: a handgun, and proximately caused great bodily injury … or death to a person other than an accomplice.”

A third special allegation is that Mr. Tenorio Ramon was on felony probation at the time of the shooting. A fourth special allegation alleges “aggravating factors” in that the crime involved great violence, great bodily harm “and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, or callousness”;

Please see TRIAL on A4

Work to begin on s an Jose Creek Bridges

By LIAM HIBBERT

CORRESPONDENT

By LIAM HIBBERT

CORRESPONDENT

The 2023 Santa Barbara County Fair starts Wednesday at the Santa Maria Fairpark.

The five-day event runs Wednesday through Sunday in Santa Maria at 937 S. Thornburg S.. The family-friendly event will host a whole variety of attractions this year.

From the Hyperdrive ride to ax throwing, there will be plenty of attractions at this year’s fair. In total there will be 10 carnival rides.

Sunday features the arena concert entertainment, starting at 2 p.m. The center stage features a number of performers across the fair days. Check the website to learn more at https:// www.santamariafairpark.com/p/ getinvolved/fairs--festivalscopy1/ arena-entertainment/centerstage-entertainment2.

The main stage will feature some of the biggest musical performances at the fair, including the best of the Eagles

Please see FAIR on A4

NEWS-PRESS

PHOTOS COURTESY SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FAIR

Grammy-winning country star Ashley McBryde will perform at the Santa Barbara County Fair in Santa Maria.

which has many hits on alternative radio, is among the performers at the fair.

Construction update

Here’s a recap of various construction updates from around the county.

The Santa Claus Lane Bikeway is temporarily open and will remain so until after Labor Day weekend. The bikeway between Carpinteria Avenue and Santa Claus Lane will then re-close for the final installation of the barrier rail. There is a temporary railing in place.

Highway speeds reduce to 55 miles per hour in construction

zones.

Highway 101 improvements are underway on the San Ysidro Overcrossing in conjunction with the San Ysidro Roundabout.

The Olive Mill Roundabout

Multi-purpose road at Lake Los Carneros and Stow House repaved

The multi-purpose road to Lake Los Carneros and Stow House has gone through maintenance improvement.

The repavement project began June 26 and wrapped up July 6. 3,600 linear feet of pavement was rehabilitated.

construction is underway, which is expected to cause 5-10 minute delays. The majority of construction will occur between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The San Ysidro roundabout is under construction, and is also expected to result in 5-10 minute delays. The majority of construction will occur between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The following is a summary of the current and upcoming road closures.

NorthbouNd highway 101

• Sunday nights, 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m., 1 lane: Santa Monica Rd. to Olive Mill Rd.

• July 9, 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m., onramp at Ortega Hill Rd.

• Monday - Thursday nights, 8:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m., 1 lane:

“This is a popular path used by naturalists, families, seniors, bicyclists, parents with their strollers and people from all walks of life who come to this scenic spot for its beauty and serenity,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “Whether they are frequent visitors of Lake Los Carneros and the Stow House or experiencing these special locations for the first time, we are so glad they are now able to enjoy a smooth, freshly paved road.”

- Liam Hibbert

Weekly Old Town road closure

The Lompoc Old Town Market will take place on Fridays and Saturdays each week until November and will result in the following lane closure during each event.

The left turn lane on State Route 246, Ocean Avenue, will be closed at State Route 1, H Street, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

-Liam Hibbert

Two arrested on drug, weapon charges

GOLETA – Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a Goleta man and woman found in possession of an array of illegal drugs and two loaded firearms.

On Thursday, July 6, at approximately 1:32 a.m., a Goleta patrol deputy attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle for a headlamp violation in the area of N. Glen Annie Road and Cathedral Oaks Road. After initially failing to pull over, the driver eventually pulled over on San Milano Drive.

Deputies contacted the driver, 36year-old Benicio Pereda, while the passenger, 36-year-old Marisol Loza allegedly attempted to flee towards a residence before she was quickly apprehended.

Deputies conducted a probation search of the vehicle and found ammunition, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin, drug paraphernalia and evidence of narcotics sales. A Sheriff’s K9 unit responded to the area to search the area where Ms. Loza allegedly ran from the vehicle and located a loaded Ruger .357 revolver and a loaded Beretta .22 semi-auto handgun.

The suspects were arrested on suspicion of being a felon

Santa Monica Rd. to Olive Mill Rd.

• On-ramp at S. Padaro/Santa Claus Ln., closed until late August, drivers can use Via Real and the northbound on-ramp at N. Padaro

Ln.

• On-ramp at San Ysidro, closed until early 2025 (for roundabout and highway work), drivers can use the northbound on-ramp at Sheffield Dr.

• Off-ramp at San Ysidro, closed until January 2024 (for roundabout and highway work), drivers can use the northbound off-ramp at Sheffield Dr.

SouthbouNd highway 101

• Sunday nights, 10:00 p.m.7:00 a.m., 1 lane: Olive Mill Rd. to Bailard Ave., on-ramps at N. Padaro Ln. and Reynolds Ave.

Lompoc housing update

The City of Lompoc has released a revised draft 2023-2031 general plan housing element update with over 2,000 new housing units.

The release comes after Lompoc presented a draft to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in May. The new draft must accommodate 2,248 new housing

in possession of ammunition (felony), possession of a controlled substance for sales (felony), transportation of a controlled substance (felony), being a felon in possession of a firearm (felony), being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm (felony), and possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm (felony).

Mr. Pereda was booked on the additional charge of failure to yield to a traffic stop (misdemeanor) and is being held without bail on a probation violation. Ms. Loza was booked on the additional charges of obstruction (misdemeanor) and concealing evidence (misdemeanor). She is being held on $50,000 bail.

– Neil Hartstein

One killed, one wounded in shooting

COURTESY PHOTO

• July 9, 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m., off-ramp at Evans Ave.

• Monday - Thursday nights, 9:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m., 1 lane: Olive Mill Rd. to Bailard Ave., on-ramps at N. Padaro Ln. and Reynolds Ave.

• week of July 10, 9:00 p.m. - 7:30 a.m., off-ramp at Evans Ave.

Eva NS av E uNdErcro SSiN g

• Flaggers will direct traffic as needed while crews work on slope paving and sidewalks.

S. JamES oN L N. & Po SiL iP o

• July 16 - 20, 7:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.: Flaggers will direct traffic as needed while crews pothole in preparation for upcoming bridge replacement work.

-Liam Hibbert

units within the City of Lompoc between the years of 2023 and 2031. The city expects to receive formal comments from the state by Aug. 9, 2023. The next opportunity for public participation on the Housing Element Update will be at a City of Lompoc Planning Commission public hearing scheduled for Sept. 13, 2023.

-Liam Hibbert

WENDY McCAW. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Co-Publisher ARTHUR VON WIESENBERGER . . . . . Co-Publisher

YOLANDA APODACA . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Operations DAVE MASON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Managing Editor

HOW TO REACH US . . .

moved towards the gunfire and located two gunshot wound victims amongst the crowd. A confrontation is believed to have preceded the shooting.

A 21-year-old Guadalupe man sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wound injuries.

The second victim, a 14-year-old male juvenile from Lompoc, died as a result of his injuries.

Detectives and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene and are still actively working this investigation. Detectives believe numerous witnesses who were in the area left without police contact and need to be interviewed.

Witnesses related to this case along with anyone that may have any information regarding this incident are asked to contact Detective Hesch at (805) 928–3781 ext. 1349 or the Communications Center at (805) 928–3781 ext. 2277.

– Neil Hartstein

Man taken into custody in theft

case

SANTA MARIA – On June 19, officers were sent to a business in the 700 block of Arctic Avenue regarding a theft report. The investigation revealed that an

employee, 39-year-old Matthew Shewmake, had allegedly embezzled a large quantity of computers and computer components from the business. The total value of the embezzled items were estimated at approximately $20,000.

The Detective Bureau took over the investigation. The Property Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant for a storage locker belonging to Mr. Shewmake in the 1900 block of Preisker Lane.

On Wednesday, July 5, Mr. Shewmake was contacted by police at his storage space on Preisker Lane and taken into custody without incident. Detectives subsequently served a search warrant and searched his rented storage space. Computers and computer components stolen in this case were recovered from the scene.

Mr. Shewmake was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on felony embezzlement and theft charges.

Several computers, laptops and other components are still outstanding. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Servin at (805) 928-3781 ext. 1367 or the Communications Center at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2277.

– Neil Hartstein

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Westmont baseball’s LaTorre named Coach of the Year

By RON SMITH WESTMONT SPORTS WRITER

It is hard to imagine a better start to the head coaching career of Tyler LaTorre. In his first year at the helm of Westmont Baseball, LaTorre led his team to a 48-9 season (.842), Golden State Athletic Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championships, an impressive 11-1 postseason record, and, most remarkably, an NAIA World Series Championship.

Along with those accomplishments, LaTorre can now add “Coach of the Year” honors to his resume – twice, as a matter of fact. On Friday, LaTorre was named both the 2023 NAIA Baseball Coach of the Year. This followed his selection as the 2023 ABCA/ ATEC NAIA Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association.

“This is such a well-deserved honor for Coach LaTorre and we are very proud of him for this significant achievement,” said Westmont’s athletic director Robert Ruiz. “To accomplish what he has in his first year as a head coach is no small feat.

“I have been particularly impressed by his ability to lead our program so well through a time of transition. Transition is rarely easy, and often takes intentional steps to create new rhythms and patterns of leadership that allow for continued growth and success. To be honored as national coach of the year is a recognition that he earned through masterfully leading our players through his first season as our head coach.

“Tyler represented the college and our athletic program on a national stage and we are glad to see him recognized for his success.

“This accomplishment is another milestone victory for our baseball program. We are grateful to see the continued success that Tyler has established in the baseball program. The future for Westmont baseball is bright.”

The 2023 season came to its conclusion in Lewiston, Idaho with Westmont defeating host LewisClark State (37-18) by a score of 7-6 to win the 66th Annual Avista NAIA World Series. The Warriors, who were the third-seeded team in the 10-team double-elimination tournament, had to defeat five teams in order to claim the national championship. That included not only the host, but also top-seeded Southeastern of Florida (58-6), who was the previous year’s champion.

Along the way, the 2023 squad set program records for single season wins (48), runs scored (461), runs

UCSB Athletics promotes Goerke to Deputy AD/SWA/COO

By KRISTEN KELLER UCSB SPORTS

UCSB Athletics is thrilled to announce the promotion of Jessica Goerke, who will now serve as the Deputy Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator and Chief Operating Officer for the department, Director of Athletics Kelly Barsky has announced today.

“An exceptional communicator and collaborator, Jessica has worn many hats over the past couple of years and excelled in every role,” Ms. Barsky said.

“She brings with her experiences from a variety of institutions, demonstrates her leadership skills on the national stage, and has been a forward-thinking, results-driven administrator here in Santa Barbara. She will have a significant impact on serving studentathletes and our community as she steps into this role to further assume many of the operations and day-to-day administration within the department. I’m excited to welcome Jessica into this new role and work alongside her to serve our Gaucho campus and community!”

In this role, Ms. Goerke will oversee many of the day-to-day operations of the department. She will provide leadership and direct supervision for selected sports and administrative areas, including direct oversight over the academic and student success outcomes for the department. Along with that, she will act as the department’s representative in various campus engagements while serving on the council of The Big West.

Ms. Goerke initially joined UCSB Athletics in October of 2017 as the Assistant Athletic Director of Academic Services before transitioning into the role of Deputy Athletic Director and interim SWA back in January of 2022.

In addition to her service to the UCSB campus, Ms. Goerke was named to two NCAA committees in 2022. She currently serves on both the Division I Committee on Academics along with the Men’s Soccer Selection Committee. Ms. Goerke’s appointments on both committees will carry her through 2024 when she will be eligible for reappointment.

Before landing in Santa Barbara, the North Aurora, Illinois native made stops at the University of Illinois, Georgia Tech, and the University of Akron, elevating the academic profiles of each of those institutions in her various roles.

Ms. Goerke earned a B.A in History with a minor is Secondary Education from North Central College in 2010 and received her teaching credential for the state of Illinois shortly after. In 2012, she earned a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Administration from Akron. She also belongs to the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A), and has since 2012, while also serving on the Board of Directors in the role of Director of Program and Events since June 2020.

“I am thrilled and deeply honored to be chosen as the next Senior Woman Administrator and Chief Operating Officer for the UC Santa Barbara athletics department,” Ms. Goerke said. “I am ready to embrace the challenges ahead, grow both personally and professionally, and make a significant impact in my new role. I look forward to working closely alongside our Athletic Director Kelly Barsky as we bring her strategic plan for UCSB Athletics to life.”

Ms. Goerke will officially take on this new title and its responsibilities effective immediately.

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

batted in (414), walks received (278), saves (18) and strikeouts of opposing batters (435).

“This past season was the most humbling time spent on a baseball Diamond in my life,” expressed LaTorre. “Coaches spend decades coaching for a season like this one, and I had it in my first year as a head coach. I will never, for a second, take for granted the sacrifices that were made by my family, our assistant coaches, our players, and our alumni to get Westmont Baseball to the pinnacle we achieved in 2023.

“First, to Robert Ruiz and the rest of our athletic department, thank you for allowing me to watch and learn from all of you about what it takes to have the ultimate care for your players and to be a steward of God’s glory.

“To my wife, Stacey, thank you for allowing me to have the time away from our family to achieve this award. Your hard work and dedication to our family is paramount to who I am as a man, husband, father, and coach. There is no amount of appreciation that I can give you to surpass the love and support you give me.

“To Elijah Ontiveros, Rick Hubbard, and Greg Venzor, I can’t thank you enough for the endless hours of work you poured into this program and its players. Without fail, all three of you put our players before yourselves and I am forever indebted to you and your families. This award is a tribute to your servant leadership.

“Most of all, thank you to our players. I get emotional just thinking about each and every one of you. Thank you for believing in each other, believing in ‘winning baseball’, and buying into the ‘Warrior Way.’

“This award is a testament to our program and our Westmont community. So many coaches, players and community members came before us to lay the groundwork for the success we’ve had and we will have.”

LaTorre is the seventh Westmont coach to receive NAIA Coach of the Year honors following Russ Carr (men’s soccer 1972), Chris Milner (women’s tennis 1982), Russell Smelley (women’s cross country 1995), Mike Giuliano (women’s soccer 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003), Kirsten Moore (women’s basketball 2012-13, 2020-21) and John Moore (men’s basketball 2019-20). Ron Smith is the sports information director at Westmont College.

email: sports@newspress.com

Registration open for Fall volleyball leagues

United States Youth Volleyball League offers several coed youth programs

NEWS-PRESS STAFF REPORT

The United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL) has announced that registration is open for the organization’s 2023 Fall Leagues. These programs provide a fun, safe and supervised environment for boys and girls to learn the ‘FUNdamentals’ of volleyball alongside the life skills of motivation, persistence and teamwork.

The eight-week fall league programs provide instruction to boys and girls ages 7 to 15 with curricula aimed at teaching volleyball skills in a positive environment.

The league sessions are twice per week beginning the second week of September and ending the first week of November. Practices and games operate in a non-competitive format and offer participants the development of coordination, confidence, self-esteem and sportsmanship. In Goleta, the program will take place on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. at the Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave. Teams fill quickly, so those interested are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot. Registering early allows participants to save with discounted pricing available until August 1. The registration fee includes a uniform t-shirt and participation medal.

For general information on registration, locations or schedules call 888-988-7985 or write toinfo@usyvl.org. For specifics on the Goletaprogram or to volunteer, contactJennifer@ usyvl.org.

email: news@newspress.com

California working to create its own Naloxone supply

By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - California took a step to create a cheaper and more accessible supply of Naloxone nasal products.

It will do so through its CalRx Initiative, unveiled by Gov. Gavin Newsom this year. The state will spend $30 million to “support a partner, or partners, in developing, manufacturing, procuring, and/or distributing a naloxone nasal product under the CalRx label,” according to a

Numerous musical acts to be featured

at fair

FAIR

Continued from Page A1

and Creedence Clearwater Revival on July 12, thanks to tribute bands, and Uncle Kracker on July 14.

For more information on performances and times on the main stage, visit https://www.santamariafairpark. com/p/getinvolved/fairs--festivalscopy1/arenaentertainment/main-stage---entertainment.

For Wednesday and Thursday, fair gates open at 3 p.m. and close at 10 p.m.

On Friday through Sunday, the fair will be open from noon to 10 p.m.

Ticket prices cost $11 to $13 in advance and $14 to $16 at the gate. Carnival wristbands are $35 in advance and $45 at the gate. A season admission pass costs $50, but must be purchased in advance at the Fairpark box office. Tickets are available online, at the fair’s box office, and in person at these five presale locations.

• 718 W. Main St., Santa Maria.

• 1557 Stowell Center Plaza, Santa Maria.

• 708 North H St., Lompoc.

• 1920 N. Broadway, Santa Maria.

Here are some discounts available at the box office:

• Wednesday: $5 admission for all tickets purchased at the gates until 5 p.m.

• Thursday: $5 admission for tickets purchased by seniors (62 and older) at the gates until 5 p.m.

• Friday: Free admission for youths ages 6-11. (Kids 5 and younger are admitted free every day.)

• Saturday. Free admission all day for military and law enforcement personnel with ID. Parking at the fair is $10 per vehicle.

For information on trolley rides to Santa Maria Fairpark and other details, visit santamariafairpark. com. email: lhibbert@newspress.com

‘One more fatal overdose is one too many’

NALOXONE

Continued from Page A3

release from the governor’s office.

“One more fatal overdose is one too many,” Gov. Newsom said.

“California is tackling the opioid epidemic from all sides. Naloxone is, quite literally, a lifesaver – so we are making it more accessible and affordable for anyone who needs it.”

Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses, and the

Lane closures expected

BRIDGES

Continued from Page A1

southbound bridges and replace them in separate phases.

The highway will remain open during construction, but travelers will encounter lane closures from July 11 through July 14 – two lanes in each direction on Highway 101 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. One lane will remain open in both directions during this time.

For the $26 million State Route 217 project, expect construction to begin on this project the week of July 16. The northbound detour will be from Sandspit Road to Moffett Place to James Fowler Road to Fairview Avenue to Highway 101. The Southbound detour will be Highway 101 to Fairview Avenue to James Fowler Road to Moffett Place to Sandspit Road. Following the full closure, southbound State Route 217 will be reduced to one lane before the Sandspit Road exit. This lane reduction will remain in place for the duration of the project. Two lanes will remain open on northbound state route 217. Bridge construction is expected to be complete in Summer 2025.

email: news@newspress.com

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

BLOTTER

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Missing girl located

SANTA MARIA – The Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) is pleased to report that on the evening of Friday, July 7, 16-year-old missing person Olga Tibercio Vazquez was located. Olga has been safely reunited with her family. The SMPD would like to thank the public for their assistance in this case.

The teen left home about a month ago and her parents filed a missing persons report. She was believed to be in the Santa Maria area with friends.

— Neil Hartstein

County Fire aids with Kern County fire

KERN COUNTY – Santa Barbara County Fire officials reported Saturday that they sent a strike team to assist Kern County firefighters with a 1,000-acre fire in the Lepec/ Fort Taejon area.

SBC Fire sent five type-3 engines with 19 firefighters and a battalion chief and a strike team leader trainee.

– Neil Hartstein

governor’s office said it saves lives.

While the U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently approved a four-milligram naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray product for over-the-counter use, the Newsom administration thinks this will not help low-income, uninsured, and underinsured residents. The administration thinks people need a more affordable version of this same medication.

“California is committed to leveraging its purchasing power

by fostering partnerships that can address the affordability and availability of naloxone nasal products,” California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said.

“By reducing barriers and increasing accessibility, this initiative will play a significant role in combating the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic in California. To put it simply, this will help save lives.”

Over the past five years, California has distributed more

than 2.6 million naloxone kits, reversing more than 181,665 overdoses, according to the governor’s office. It has done so via the Naloxone Distribution Project created by the Department of Health Care Services in 2018. Since California established its CalRx program to manufacture low-cost generic prescription drugs, it will use the resource to combat the opioid epidemic, in addition to the naloxone kits it has been distributing for the past five years.

Defendant faces possible life in prison

TRIAL

Continued from Page A1

that the defendant was armed with or used a weapon at the time of the commission of the crime; and that the victim was “particularly vulnerable.”

And a fifth special allegation is that the crime was a serious and violent felony. The defendant faces a maximum penalty of

life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of both first-degree murder and the special circumstance that the murder was committed for the benefit of the Westside gang.

Prosecutors allege the four Santa Barbara defendants were driving on Stearns Wharf when they verbally challenged their alleged Ventura County rivals, and that they stopped their vehicle for the purpose of deploying two of their party to attack them with a firearm.

Prosecutors allege they then fled the scene

of the shooting, two on foot and two by vehicle, and that those in the vehicle then circled back to the location of the shooting to extract those who fled on foot to avoid apprehension.

According to police, Mr. Dion “was struck and killed by one of the rounds fired” during the shootout. He was treated at the scene for his gunshot wound and taken to the hospital, where he died on Dec. 20.

email: nhartsteinnewspress.com

Today Tue.

COURTESY SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FAIR

The fair lineup features Uncle Kracker, whose hits include “Follow Me,” “Smile” and the Kenny Chesney duet “When The Sun Goes Down.”

NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO

Screams of joy are heard during a ride at last year’s Santa Barbara County Fair. This year’s fair starts on Wednesday.

Life theArts

The race at the box office

Action takes more than a few laps in August movies

CALENDAR

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

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily: The Sistine Chapel Art Exhibition runs through Sept. 4 at the Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara. Tickets start at $25 for adults, $18 for children, and $22 for seniors, military and students. Each ticket also includes admission to the mission museum. To purchase, go to santabarbaramission.org/sistinechapel-omsb or stop at the museum’s gift shop.

COURTESY PHOTO Boogie Knights, above, will perform 1970s hits during the New Year’s Eve Disco Boogie Ball at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. And the Spazmatics will play hits from the ’80s. Tickets cost $50.

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.

Father Joe Schwab is hosting personal tours that delve into the theological and philosophical perspectives of Michelangelo’s art. Groups of 10 or more can contact Donna Reeves for a private tour at development@sboldmission.org.

The Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. The concert is presented by Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its recurring summer exhibit, “Butterflies Alive!” Featuring a variety of butterflies, this experience allows guests to walk through a garden while nearly 1,000 butterflies flutter freely around them. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which runs through Sept. 4, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/ butterfliesalive.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The James Castle exhibit is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, see sbma.net.

JU lY 12

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Fasten your seatbelts for “Gran Turismo.”

Starring David Harbour and Montecito actor Orlando Bloom in a movie about car racing, the film is among the August releases.

On your mark, get set — grab popcorn!

Here’s what you can see between pit stops.

Aug. 2: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Seth Rogen and Shamon Brown Jr. star in this quirky twist on already quirky characters.

Aug. 4: “The Meg 2: The Trench.” Jason Satham and Sienna Guilloruy star in the sequel about a giant shark/sea creature who always has room for dessert — and

that’s a bad thing. Stay out of the water, everyone!

Aug. 4: “Problemista.” Julio Torres and Tilda Swinton star in this movie about a young toy designer trying to realize his dream by helping an art world outcast.

Aug 11: “The Challengers.” Zendaya and Josh O’Connor star in this movie about a tennis champion who becomes a coach to her husband when he starts his tennis career.

Aug. 11. “Gran Turismo.” David Harbour and Orlando Bloom star in this movie about a young Gran Turismo video gamer (played by Mr. Harbour), who wins the opportunity to race cars for real.

Aug. 11: “Go West.” Sean Astin and Mallory Everton star in this movie about crazy pioneers who head west.

Aug. 11: “Jules.” Ben Kingsley and Zoe Winters star in this sci-fi comedy.

Aug. 11: Wide release of “Passages.”

Franz Rogowski and Ben Whishaw star in this movie about two men who’ve been in a relationship for 15 years but face a crisis when one of them has an affair with a woman.

Aug. 18: “Back on the Strip.” Spence Moore stars as Merlin, a magician who tries to get gigs in Las Vegas. Oh, yes, he gets gigs — but not as a magician. Move over, Magic Mike.

Aug. 18: “Blue Beetle.” Xolo Maridueña stars as the third version of a longtime DC Comics superhero. A scarab gives the young man special powers, but he has to learn how to deal with this creature who’s grown attached to him, in more ways than

one.

Aug. 18: “Strays.” Starring Will Ferrell and Jamie Fox, this is a twisted version of the genre of live-action movies about talking dogs and their owners. The stray dogs realize one of their friends was abandoned, and they’re out for revenge in this comedy. This definitely isn’t “Lassie.”

Aug. 25: “The Hill.” Joelle Carter and Dennis Quaid star in the story of Rickey Hill, who overcame a disability to become a Major League Baseball.

Aug. 25: Wide release of “White Bird.”

Bryce Gheisar and Orlando Schwerdt star in this movie about a French Jewish girl who hides from the Nazis in a hayloft, with the help of a kind boy.

email: dmason@newspress.com

7:30 p.m. Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Daniel Champagne will perform at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., suite 205, Santa Barbara. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $23 cash at the door. To purchase a ticket and get a dinner reservation, go to www. sohosb.com.The concert is for all ages.

JU lY 13

8 p.m. Singer and pianist Jimmy Webb will perform his hits, including songs from the Glenn Campbell songbook, at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. He will also perform songs from his collaborations for many artists during his 50-year musical career. Tickets cost $55 to $71 for general admission. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

JU lY 15

8:30 p.m. The UCSB Summer Cinema series continues at the Sunken Garden at Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, with Alien.” Admission is free. You can get there as early as noon to claim a space with your blankets (nothing plastic, nothing nylon, no tarps) and low-to-theground, low-back chairs.

JU lY 20

8 p.m. The Jerry Douglas Band will perform its bluegrass and folk music at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $35 and $45 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

JU lY 21

7:30 p.m. The Cowboy Junkies will perform their country music and folk rock at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $55 and $65 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a preshow reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase, go to lobero. org.

aUG. 11

8 p.m. Blake Lynch, aka Nurse Blake, will perform his healthcarerelated standup comedy at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $48.50 to $93.50 at granadasb.org. The $195 VIP package includes perks such as a photo opportunity with Nurse Blake.

— Dave Mason

GORDON TIMPEN PHOTO

A young gamer (played by David Harbour) gets the chance to race cars professionally in “Gran Turismo.”

Jaime Reyes (Xolo Mariduena) discovers the power of a scarab in “Blue Beetle,” scheduled for an Aug. 18 release in theaters.

Beautify Goleta event set for July 22

The City of Goleta’s community cleanup program, Beautify Goleta, has its next event on Saturday, July 22.

The event will focus on Calle Real and the surrounding Winchester Canyon and Brandon neighborhoods. There will also be a free bulky item drop off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goleta City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive. Winchester II Open Space, located at the intersection of Calle Real and Jenna Drive, will be the meeting place for a Community Cleanup from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is open to anyone who wants to come help pick up litter.

The Beautify Goleta theme for the July event is “Put A Smile on Your Place.” All volunteers who participate will receive a Beautify Goleta volunteer t-shirt. Additionally, all volunteers will be entered into a prize giveaway for waste reduction-themed items like bento boxes and reusable snack bags.

To sign up or find out more information, visit https://www. cityofgoleta.org/your-city/publicworks/environmental-services/ beautify-goleta.

David Starr to perform in Solvang

SOLVANG — David Starr, Americana and blues artist from Arkansas, is set to perform at the Lost Chords Guitars venue, 1576 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang.

The show is on July 15 at 8 p.m.

The artist will be showing off his new project, “Better Me.”

“David Starr has a voice you will never forget. His music is authentic, his songs are honest, full of emotion and truth,” said John Oates of Hall & Oates.

Mr. Starr’s concert in Solvang is part of a much larger tour between a number of U.S. states and the United Kingdom.

Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. To purchase tickets, visit lostchordguitars.com/shows/davidstarr.

For more information, visit www.DavidStarrMusic.com.

— Liam Hibbert

SDRI announces new board president

The Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (SDRI) has announced the appointment of Dr. Kenneth Waxman as the new president of the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Waxman succeeds Dr. Alex DePaoli, who served SDRI for 6 years as board president. Dr. DePaoli will continue to serve on the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Board Executive Committee.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation for the exceptional contributions of our past board president, Dr. DePaoli, whose unwavering dedication to advancing research and innovation has been instrumental in driving progress in the field of diabetes,” said Dr. Samuel Klein, SDRI’s Chief Scientific

Officer. “It is with immense gratitude that we welcome our incoming Board President, Dr. Waxman, whose exceptional expertise and passion for scientific advancement hold great promise for our organization and the entire diabetes community.”

Dr. Waxman served as a professor of surgery at UC Irvine, and for over 15 years he served as the program director of surgery at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Dr. Waxman went on in 2010 to establish Future Doctors of South Sudan, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the medical school and postgraduate medical education for South Sudanese medical students.

Dr. Waxman has authored multiple publications, including over 150 original peer-reviewed research articles and numerous chapters in medical texts.

- Liam Hibbert

SBMA announces new board members

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) has announced three new members of the Board of Trustees.

The SBMA announced Susan Drymalski Bowey, J. Raj K. Dhawan and Laura Selwyn Wyatt as new board members. They started their terms on July 1. Ms. Bowey was previously on the board from 2007 to 2019. She attended Northwestern University and the Harrington Institute of Interior Design.

Mr. Dhawan has over 40 years of experience in the aerospace Advanced Composites Materials industry. Some of his personal art has been exhibited in the SBMA, as well as the Getty Museum, Art Gallery of Toronto, and LA County Museum of Art.

Ms. Wyatt received a B.A. in Communications from the University of the Pacific and then worked in the film and music industries as well as for software and public relations firms. Her father, Paul Selwyn, was a SBMA trustee in the 2000s.

-Liam Hibbert

Popular movie series

- Liam Hibbert

Diversions

Thought for Today

“A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.”— GeorgeS.Patton

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Monday, July 10, 2023

Aries: You may have been saving up for something you really wanted, Aries, when an unexpected expense compels you to spend some of your savings. This could cause some gloom. Make sure you’ve exhausted all of your other options before digging into your nest egg.

Taurus: Some hidden problems in your house could suddenly appear, Taurus. This could involve plumbing, electricity, or the walls. Repairs are definitely indicated. It’s best if you see to them right away rather than wait. The problem will only escalate if neglected. It’s probably better to call in professionals than to try to do it yourself.

Gemini: Some strange communications could come your way today, Gemini. Hang-ups or blank emails could have you wondering who the person is and what they want from you. This is probably due more to problems with phone lines or Internet connections than to anything else, so don’t waste time worrying. If you think you know who’s trying to reach you, wait until tomorrow and contact him or her.

Cancer: A group you’re affiliated with could find some discrepancies in their financial records and ask you to check into it, Cancer. This is probably due more to mistaken entries or lost pages than to any major disaster, but solving it will set everyone’s mind at ease. Don’t be surprised if you have to dig through little scraps of paper buried in the bottom of files.

Leo: Secrets that someone close has been trying to keep hidden could come out today, Leo. This may or may not be something Earthshaking, but either way, some quick damage control might prevent them from becoming common knowledge. The people around you are more understanding than you know, so express how you feel.

Virgo: Some strange news concerning friends who live far away could come to you secondhand today, Virgo. Attempts to reach the people in question may prove fruitless, at least now. Withhold judgment about what you hear until you talk to your friends, as much of what is passed on to you is likely to be

misinformation. Libra: Some rather unsettling insights into a friend’s thoughts and feelings could come to you today. Your intuition is keener than usual, Libra, so trust your instincts about everyone, even strangers. Disconcerting though it may be, the experience will increase your understanding of others and enable you to deal with them in the right way.

Scorpio: A disagreement with a friend or family member could cause confusion and hurt feelings if it isn’t nipped in the bud. Communication is the key, Scorpio. Avert misunderstanding by explaining in detail exactly what it is you need or what you’re prepared to give. Don’t assume everyone knows this already. Do this in person if you can.

Sagittarius: Plans to get some long-neglected tasks done around the house or yard may be interrupted by a phone call from someone dear who lives far away. You might be so excited by the call that you are no longer in the right frame of mind to finish your work once the conversation ends. Don’t worry. You can always get the tasks done later.

Capricorn: Plans to get together with a close friend or romantic partner might go awry due to circumstances beyond your control, Capricorn. Sudden events could necessitate being out of touch. You might have to face delays when you’re trying to make arrangements. Don’t give up - you will reach your goal but just a little later than you’d hoped.

Aquarius: A member of your household has perhaps been withholding some negative emotions for a long time. He or she may finally let loose with everything today. This could prove disconcerting, Aquarius, as you probably had no idea this was going on. Some honest talk is definitely in order.

Pisces: An unexpected and perhaps unwelcome call or email from a co-worker might mean you have to work some extra hours, Pisces. This could be frustrating. You may feel that someone is taking unfair advantage of you. If you aren’t up to doing it, say no. This won’t affect your long-term standing with this person.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Monday, July 10, 2023

“My husband’s an attractive man,” a club player told me, “but I didn’t marry him for his looks — especially the ones he’s been giving me at the bridge table.” She had been today’s West.

“My husband was East. Against four hearts I cashed the K-A of spades. My hubby played the deuce and then the ten. His ten looked like a suit-preference signal, showing diamond strength, so I led the jack of diamonds next.”

HIGH RUFFS

“South took the ace, led a club to the ace and ruffed a club high. He got to dummy with the seven and eight of trumps to ruff two more clubs high and went to the jack of trumps to pitch a diamond on the good fifth club. Making four. My husband gave me a look that could have put out a fire.”

West missed her best play. The defense will always get any diamond tricks they have coming — unless South sets up dummy’s long club for a discard. At Trick Three, West must lead a trump, removing a vital entry to dummy before South starts the clubs. South will fail.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: 10 7 5 4

Q 9 8 Q J 3. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one

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

spade and he next bids two diamonds. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: This case is close. A raise to three diamonds would suggest a hand worth about 10 points with at least four-card support. I would choose that action with 8 7 5 4 2, 4, K Q 9 8, A 3 2. As it is, the club honors may not be too useful to partner. Pass and blame your system if you miss game. South dealer N-S vulnerable

Feds in Miami arrest 18 criminal foreign nationals, target for removal

By BETHANY BLANKLEY

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Miami-based agents with Immigration and Customs

Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, working with Border Patrol agents, arrested 18 criminal foreign nationals who they say pose a danger to their communities.

The four-day operation was conducted from June 26 to June 30 by officials working in ICE ERO Miami Stuart suboffice. The majority arrested are Guatemalan citizens, followed by citizens of Mexico, Honduras, Brazil and Saint Lucia.

“ERO is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects citizens throughout Florida by arresting and removing of those who pose a safety threat to our communities,” ERO Miami Field Office Director Garrett Ripa said in a statement.

ICE is required by law established by Congress to arrest foreign nationals who

Virginia National Guard units being sent to the border announced

By MORGAN SWEENEY THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) - Three of Virginia’s National Guard units will lead Joint Task Force Cardinal as part of Operation Lone Star to help secure the southern border.

Troops will be deployed from the Guard’s Portsmouth-based 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment and the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, with assistance from Army and Air National Guard units from Lynchburg, Winchester, Fredericksburg, Danville, Staunton and Hampton.

The task force was assembled as a result of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s May Executive Directive Number Four, which stipulates that approximately 100 members of the state’s National Guard and 21 supporting personnel will be sent to Texas to aid border mission Operation

Lone Star.

Virginia was one of 13 states to respond to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s letter to governors calling for help at the border upon the expiration of Title 42.

It was anticipated that troops might deploy July 1, but as of Thursday, the soldiers and airmen were “completing their final preparations and will deploy to Texas within the next few days,” Guard spokesman A.A. “Cotton”

Puryear told The Center Square.

Mr. Puryear noted that the Guard will not release the exact date of departure ahead of time for operational security reasons.

Cardinal’s leaders have also determined that only 10 personnel are needed for the task force leadership and support element instead of 21.

Virginia’s offer of 100 plus troopers and personnel for 30 days was one of the more generous among the Republican-led states that responded. It is estimated the operation will cost the commonwealth $3.1 million.

Democrats accused Gov. Youngkin of making a career move with taxpayers’ money.

“Youngkin is spending our family’s taxpayer dollars to fund a political stunt 2,000 miles away from the Commonwealth,” said Susan Swecker, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Virginia. “To the governor, I’ll say this: Don’t use my tax dollars to fund your presidential campaign.”

The figure will increase if the troops stay longer than the anticipated 30 days. Gov. Youngkin’s directive is in effect until September.

Gov. Youngkin stood firmly with Gov. Abbott in his directive, citing the dangers to Virginians if the flood of illegal immigrants is left unstemmed.

“The influx of fentanyl alone presents a severe threat to the Commonwealth,” Gov. Youngkin wrote. “Porous borders further allow national security threats, violent criminals, and human traffickers to cross into the United States with impunity. All states have become border states.”

The majority arrested are Guatemalan citizens, followed by citizens of Mexico, Honduras, Brazil and Saint Lucia.

are in the U.S. illegally. Under the current administration, this process was changed to primarily arrest and process for removal the most violent offenders.

Among those arrested, four were already in the system to be processed for removal. They include a 36-year-old Guatemalan woman arrested for hit-and run, child neglect and DUI; a 27-year-old Mexican man arrested for hit and run, battery and DUI; a 44-year-old Mexican man arrested for DUI, property damage, hit and run, and resisting an officer; and a 24-year-old Brazilian man arrested for cocaine possession. Their removal hearings are all pending.

Those who are placed into removal proceedings receive due process and go before federal immigration judges at courts within the Department of

Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. This process is separate from ICE immigration courts within the Department of Homeland Security. After the judges weigh the merits of each case, ICE ERO officers carry out removal decisions.

In fiscal year 2022, ICE ERO agents arrested 46,396 illegal foreign nationals with criminal histories. In total, they had 198,498 associated charges and convictions, including: 21,531 assault offenses, 8,164 sex and sexual assault offenses, 5,554 weapons offenses, 1,501 homicide-related offenses, and 1,114 kidnapping offenses.

ICE is also urging members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives to contact its tip line at 866-347-2423, (internationally 001-1802872-6199), or online. Tips may remain

anonymous.

ICE prioritizing removing the most dangerous criminal aliens has been consistent policy within the agency regardless of the presidential administration. More recently, news organizations misreported that a recent Supreme Court ruling would enable the agency to prioritize removals of the most dangerous offenders. However, the ruling allowed a new Biden administration policy to stand by default, arguing the states that sued over it didn’t have standing. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ September 2021 final memorandum, “Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law,” drastically altered deportation policies, including limiting issuing detainer requests for dangerous criminal aliens. The policy also

thwarted federal immigration law established by Congress stating that illegal entry is a crime in itself and a deportable offense.

The new policy, in contradiction to federal law, states: “The fact an individual is a removable noncitizen therefore should not alone be the basis of an enforcement action against them. We will use our discretion and focus our enforcement resources in a more targeted way. Justice and our country’s well-being require it.”

Texas and Louisiana sued, asking the court to halt the policy, and lost.

As a result of new policies administered by the Biden administration, the greatest number of illegal entries in U.S. history have been reported at both the northern and southern borders. In the first fiscal year of the Biden administration, deportations dropped by two-thirds, according to CBP data. In fiscal 2021, deportations dropped to the lowest level since fiscal 1996 despite record-high illegal entries.

‘Freedom fence’ saved El Paso native from being ‘prisoner’ in her own home

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Dolores Chacón, who lives in the historic home of her great grandparents in what is now the El Segundo Barrio (Second Ward) of El Paso, says she was a prisoner in her own home until a border fence went up in 2008.

The fence was erected behind her home after the Secure Fence Act of 2006 passed with overwhelming Democratic support and was signed into law by former President George W. Bush.

Much of the fence in the El Paso area was built during the Obama administration, and was later replaced by a stronger, taller Trump wall in 2020. But before there was any structure at all, Ms. Chacón said foreign nationals ran roughshod through her property, on her roof, broke into and hid inside her home, which backs up to the Texas-Mexico border.

At a recent visit to her home organized by The Texas Public Policy Foundation, Ms. Chacón shared what it was like to live on the border under different administrations.

She calls the 2008-era fence that towers over a smaller chain-linked fence with barbed wire bordering the back of her property her “freedom fence.” Because of it, she said, “I got my freedom back.” Prior to the fence, “I was a prisoner in my own home,” afraid to go outside. At the time, she, her mother, daughter and eventually, granddaughter

were living there and “were not protected.” With only a chain-linked fence between her and the Mexican border, people cut through the fence all the time using pliers. “The weekends were even worse,” when men would cut through the fence, bend it and damage it, or “throw themselves over” it. “I had no privacy. I had no freedoms. Nothing, nothing whatsoever,” she said.

“When you lose your freedom, that’s when you want solutions. You have to speak up. When people cannot live freely and enjoy the quality of life that they deserve, it’s shameful,” she lamented. Prior to the fence being built, she’d often clean up blood on the ground left by those who’d illegally entered the U.S. as they passed through her property because they came “injured, shot or stabbed. Her back patio was previously “an open border.” If it wasn’t for Border Patrol agents, Ms. Chacón said she would never have felt safe. She couldn’t leave her home because there were “men on my roof, under my car” and she’d ask them to leave because she needed to go to work. Finally, one Border Patrol agent gave her a device to push a button every time she needed help. Every time she pushed it, an agent came.

“God bless Border Patrol,” she said. Every time she sent a signal, an agent came and picked up men who’d illegally entered from Mexico who were on her property.

“It was madness. It was insane. Nobody

should live under those conditions. My property was damaged. My roof was damaged. Nobody paid me back. Why do I stay here? Because it’s my home,” she said.

Former Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott explained the purpose of a border barrier “is to slow down the criminal activity to the point that Border Patrol agents can respond before they [illegal foreign nationals] can do significant damage and get into your house.”

Border barriers and wall construction evolved over decades and the fence put up behind Ms. Chacón’s home, Chief Scott said, was another version installed in urban areas “where we thought we needed to see through it.” At the time, “battery operated power tools were basically non-existent or super expensive. They were barely starting to come out on the market. You could not buy them at Home Depot for a hundred bucks.”

But once battery-operated power tools became easily accessible, “you could cut a hole through this in about 20 to 30 seconds, depending on the batteryoperated tool,” he explained. The Trump wall, which was larger, thicker and cemented in concrete below the surface was much more effective, he added. A portion of it is located on the other side of the highway farther behind the two fences in Ms. Chacón’s back yard.

Ms. Chacón said Mr. Trump’s border policies made her feel safe. “With the Trump policies, you didn’t have all of the homeless people,” she said, referring to

those released onto the streets by the Biden administration near Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church a few blocks away. “You didn’t have the crime.”

Because of the Trump wall, Remain in Mexico and other policies, Ms. Chacón said there was less crime in the neighborhood. When asked if she noticed a difference after President Joe Biden took office, she said, “Yes, we saw it right away. It’s a disaster.”

Chief Scott said that “urban areas like this are always more of a threat because [residents will] call Border Patrol, but some of the neighbors may not.” Cartel smugglers may have bought or rented a house one block over so that those coming across have a place to “quickly get across and then hide, settle down for a few minutes, let law enforcement cool off and then have a car come in and get out.

“These areas are always very high priority for the smugglers especially if you’re carrying a commodity. Just think if you’re a drug smuggler, and you can get close to the other side of this fence in today’s environment, if you have somebody on the north side that’s renting a house, all you have to do is have one of those slingshot launchers to shoot little balls of heroin, methamphetamines, fentanyl or whatever.

“All that was factored into the new border wall system, including the height, under the Trump administration,” he said, “and unfortunately, [President] Biden shut it all off and opened our borders.”

OLS officers apprehend smugglers, find teens stuffed in trunk in 100 degree weather

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Human smugglers are continuing to be apprehended by law enforcement officers working through Texas’ border security mission, Operation Lone Star. Texas DPS troopers, sheriffs and their deputies, police officers and constables, Border Patrol and other federal agents as well as law enforcement officers from other states are trying to stop Americans and foreign nationals from smuggling people north from the Texas-Mexico border. The smugglers are responding to social media ads from cartels believing they’ll be paid several thousand dollars per person they successfully bring north, law enforcement officers have explained to The Center Square.

Every day, law enforcement officers are finding people, both adults and children, hiding in train cars, inside the beds of pick-up trucks, packed in cars, or hiding in the cabs of semi-trucks. They also find them hiding behind bales of hay, stacked tires, crates of fruit or vegetables in the back of trucks, or inside of moving vans or trucks.

In February, Kinney County Sheriff’s Office deputies apprehended smugglers

from Houston who’d stuffed a 5-yearold in the trunk. It took three deputies to revive her and save her life. In neighboring Uvalde County, officers and Border Patrol agents found people hiding in grain cars.

Most recently, officers found teenagers stuffed in a car trunk in south Texas where temperatures reach well over 100 degrees.

In Brackettville, Texas, in Kinney County, DPS officers working with Florida troopers recently stopped the driver of an Infinity G35 on Highway 90. When asked if it was his vehicle, the driver said, “no, it’s my friend’s, my brother’s.” He said he was from Dallas and was using an expired California driver’s license.

When the officer asked if he had anything illegal in the car, “No drugs, no weapons, nothing at all?” he replied, “no.”

In response to the driver saying he’d been in neighboring Del Rio that morning, the officer asked him, “How long were you in Del Rio?” He replied, “I just came in for the morning.”

“So you’re heading back to Dallas now?” the officer asked. He replied, “yes.” The officers then searched the car and found two teenagers in the trunk, ages 14

and 16, being smuggled into the U.S. The passenger, a female, was also in the U.S. illegally.

All three were turned over to Border Patrol and the driver was arrested and charged with smuggling of persons.

In Maverick County, DPS troopers working with Florida troopers observed two drivers of a Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Mustang, driving in tandem on FM 418 and pulled them over. After they stopped, several illegal foreign nationals bailed out and ran toward the brush.

One of the drivers, from Houston, said he was being escorted by the driver of the Mustang who spoke no English. Both had Texas driver’s licenses. The one who spoke no English had a Texas ID stating he’s under age 21. Both drivers were arrested and charged with smuggling of persons.

Three Guatemalans who’d illegally entered the country and bailed out from inside the Pathfinder were apprehended and turned over to Border Patrol.

Also in Maverick County, DPS drone operators located a human smuggler who was guiding groups of foreign nationals across the Rio Grande River from Mexico to illegally enter the U.S. in Eagle Pass. A DPS Tactical Marine Unit responded and apprehended the smuggler in the river.

Jose Delgado-Zuniga, a Mexican national, was arrested and faces state criminal charges for smuggling of persons.

DPS troopers also rescued two Guatemalan children, ages 8 and 11, at the edge of the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass. They told troopers a woman they didn’t know left them at the edge of the river in Mexico and directed them to cross into Texas.

In neighboring La Salle County, troopers pursued a semi-truck driver heading north on Highway 35 to San Antonio after he refused to stop for a traffic violation. During the pursuit, the driver exceeded 85 mph and drove on the wrong side of the highway. The driver eventually veered off into the brush and numerous illegal foreign nationals bailed out from inside the cab.

The driver, Eduardo Aradas, of Florida, was arrested and faces state criminal charges for smuggling of persons and evading arrest. Twelve foreign nationals who’d illegally entered the U.S. were turned over to Border Patrol.

Since Gov. Greg Abbott launched OLS in March 2021, OLS officers have apprehended more than 387,000 illegal foreign nationals and made over 30,400 criminal arrests, with more than 28,500 felony charges reported.