The headlines about Putin and the reality about Russia and China

“PROMINENT RUSSIAN MILITARY BLOGGER KILLED IN ST. PETERSBURG CAFÉ EXPLOSION”

Things are not always what they seem. Layers, smoke, trick mirrors, deception.

What looks to be a Ukrainian intelligence operation is quite likely something else.

One of Mad Vlad Putin’s main goals is to crack down on the Russian people; to follow in the footsteps of his hero Joseph Stalin and make Russia one big prison (and morgue), acting as chief warden (and mortician).

This is especially important one year after his brutal incursion into Ukraine because so many of the Russian people are wishing he were gone: once friendly oligarchs and disenfranchised FSB and GRU cronies along with ex-generals weary of seeing their troops slaughtered for just a few yards of Ukrainian turf.

How do you accomplish instilling fear into your citizens while insisting on the need for even more draconian powers?

With false-flag terrorism.

If you want to know who blew up Putin propagandist Vladen Tatarsky to smithereens with a booby-trapped bust of himself, look no further than Russia’s powerful internal security service, the FSB. Ukraine has denied responsibility for this vanity killing (a bomb hidden within a bust of the victim). But citing Ukrainian intelligence as the culprit may garner sympathy and pump up the few remaining pro-Putin militarists.

President Putin’s goons will more likely blame it on some domestic anti-Putin organization, round up all the usual suspects and dump them in a gulag or psych ward (another Stalinist-era tactic).

Mr. Putin pulled a similar stunt in September 1999 when, to consolidate his new power as prime minister of Russia, got his FSB (which he had earlier ruled as director) to plant bombs that exploded in or near five apartment buildings in Russian cities, including Moscow. Mr. Putin blamed this outrage on Chechen separatists and triggered the Second Chechen War, which made him hugely popular in the eyes of the Russian populace, hungry for revenge.

More than 300 men, women and children were killed in this wave of terror. Chalk them up as Mr. Putin’s first round of murder victims, sacrificed to propel him from prime minister to president.

“XI & PUTIN HAVE THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL UNDECLARED ALLIANCE IN THE WORLD”

Again, don’t believe everything you read, even when it comes from a prestigious journal, in this case Foreign Policy, written by a highly esteemed sage, Graham Allison of Harvard University, who appears to be indulging in our latest national group fantasy as we beat a drum toward war.

Shock! Horror! We are supposed to quake in our boots, right?

I have the utmost respect for the man who authored the definitive work on the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, but (based on reliable sources) here is what I believe is really going down: China is shrewdly trying to alarm the United States by pretending to side with Russia though it has done no such thing. Again, smoke, mirrors and deception.

All President Putin got from his so-called “historic” meeting with Xi Jinping in Moscow was Beijing’s offer to share some intelligence. That and some components for unmanned aircraft. The Russian dictator walked away from the encounter bitterly disappointed and wondered aloud to his closest advisers why President Xi even bothered to fly in for “their” photo op (which was actually Mr. Xi’s photo op.)

President Xi concluded his visit to Moscow by saying, “Change is coming that hasn’t happened in 100 years, and we are driving this change together.”

What Mr. Xi meant by change is, “You are now the junior partner of our always tense relationship, and you will help us by incapacitating yourselves even further than you already have done through your misguided, bloody and downright stupid war on Ukraine.”

To which Mr. Putin lamely replied, “I agree,” before bowing his head as President Xi departed in his motorcade, leaving Mad Vlad to the ongoing care of his numerous physicians.

Bottom line: President Putin needs weapons from China, and he’s not getting any. This “change” is purely about China’s emasculation of Russia, and Mr. Putin knows it.

President Xi is running circles around President Putin as part of China’s long-term strategy of strengthening itself through weakening both Russia and the United States.

Mr. Xi only needs to walk circles around Joe Biden.

As (literally) witnessed by…

“CHINESE SPY BALLOON DID GATHER INTELLIGENCE FROM SENSITIVE US MILITARY SITES BEFORE IT WAS SHOT DOWN, US INTELLIGENCE REVEALS”

Duh. Their balloon was doing figure eights above our nation’s nuclear ICBM silos in Montana and dispatching electronic signals by satellite in real time back to China. Meanwhile, our military continues to fret about whether it is woke enough.

Do you think the Chinese military-intelligence complex would go to the trouble and expense of dispatching a balloon halfway across the globe just to snap souvenir photos like those taken by Chinese tourists in Solvang?

Speaking of which, I’ve often wondered why Chinese visitors, in droves, seem to have a fetish for Danish-style architecture or a passion for aebleskivers (fried batter balls). Gee, you think it might have something to do with Solvang’s close proximity to Vandenberg Air Force Base, the launch site of a Minuteman III ICBM test missile last month?

Woke or awaken, take your pick.

“PUTIN’S WARNINGS IGNORED AS FINLAND TO JOIN NATO ALLIANCE”

Finland officially became the 31st member country of NATO last Tuesday. This is yet another slap in the face for putrid Putin while Finland’s protection from its aggressive neighbor is now assured by 30 other countries.

Mad Vlad had said, “The expansion (of NATO) into this territory (Finland) would certainly provoke our response.”

Translation: Perhaps Dmitry (Drunkard) Medvedev will erect another inebriated tirade, this time about dropping a bomb on Helsinki.

For the sixth year in a row, Finland has ranked No. 1 in the World Happiness Report.

The Finns just got even happier.

“US INDICTS RUSSIAN SPY WHO TRIED TO INFILTRATE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT”

Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov was planted in the U.S.A. as an “illegal” by Russia’s GRU (military intelligence) and while masquerading as a Brazilian citizen named Victor Muller Ferreira, earned a master’s degree at Johns Hopkins in foreign policy, then signed up as an intern with the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Upon arriving in The Netherlands, Mr. Cherkasov was extradited to Brazil and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for falsely obtaining Brazilian identity documents.

Mr. Chekasov has now been indicted in the United States on charges of espionage. Turns out, FBI Counterintelligence had been onto him for quite some time.

Which explains the following …

“RUSSIA ARRESTS WALL STREET JOURNAL REPORTER ON SPYING CHARGE”

Emboldened by President Joe Biden’s shoddy, inequitable trade of notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout for basketball player Brittney Griner, poisonous Putin now has someone to trade for Mr. Chekasov’s safe return to Russia. “NEWSOM

WYATT, Carolyn Virginia

Carolyn Virginia Wyatt passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, in Santa Barbara on March 5, 2023. A loving devoted wife and adoring mother and grandmother, she was born in Hollywood, CA on February 6, 1936. She is survived by her husband Philip Wyatt, her children Scott, Jon, and Lori, and her grandchildren, and stepchildren.

She attended UC Santa Barbara before transferring to the University of Southern California where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. At USC she met Wallace Wolf, whom she married in 1957. He predeceased her in 1997.

While in Los Angeles, she was a fashion designer working with Helen Rose, a principal in a commercial TV production company, a runway model, and an executive on the 1984 �������������������

Carolyn was a caring friend and an inspiration to many throughout her life. Despite her passing, her contagious smile, laugh, wit, charm, and love of life will always be treasured.

Throughout the years, Carolyn enjoyed riding horses and playing tennis both for leisure and competition. Among her many talents in the arts were pottery, painting, ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� on her roses. Her passion and fondness for her dogs and those of others is warmly remembered.

Carolyn was a staunch supporter and participant in many philanthropies in the Santa Barbara community including the Breast Cancer Resource Center, Serenity House, ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� contribution in her name to one of these organizations.

DOMINGUEZ, Eleanor

Eleanor Dominguez, 82, of Santa Barbara, CA, passed away peacefully and surrounded by generations of family on February 21, 2023. A loving wife and mother, Eleanor was known for her kindness and unwavering dedication to her family. She touched countless lives with her generous spirit and warm presence. Eleanor is survived by her loving husband of over 60 years, Alfred, who remained by her side throughout her life, ensuring she was always surrounded by love and care. Eleanor is also survived by her devoted daughter Roxanne, her son James, her sister Rose Marie, and four grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother Consuelo Reynoso, father Ascension Reynoso, and brothers Ruben and John.

Eleanor was born on June 15th, 1940, in Richmond, CA. Shortly after the war her family moved to Santa Barbara, CA. Eleanor attended local schools. After graduating from Santa Barbara High School she entered the workforce, eventually working at U.C.S.B. as a systems analyst for over 30 years.

Eleanor will be remembered for her kind heart, generosity, and her unwavering dedication to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Eleanor’s memory will live on through the cherished moments shared with her loved ones.

A rosary service will be held Monday, April 10th, 7:00 PM at St. Raphael’s Church, Goleta. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 11th, 10:00 AM at St. Raphael’s Church, Goleta, followed by a reception at the church.

CLAYTON, Barbara

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara J. Clayton on March 24, 2023, at the age of 86. She was born on September 16, 1936, in Newton, Illinois to Clarence and Bessie Jourdan. The Jourdan family moved to Santa Barbara in 1938 where Barbara was raised and educated.

Barbara met the love of her life, Robert Clayton, at the skating rink in 1951. They married in 1953. The young couple raised 4 children and were very active in the community. Barbara was ahead of her time in many areas. She insisted that her children wear seatbelts, long before seatbelts were required, and that they wear sunscreen, when zinc oxide was the only choice. She also baked all of the household bread in an effort to eliminate food additives, believing that additives and preservatives caused behavior issues in children. She was a trailblazer. Robert and Barbara were happily married for 64 years when Robert passed away in 2017.

Barbara, in addition to raising 4 active children, spent her career at Applied Magnetics. She held several positions at AMC before retiring as materials manager. She loved her job and the many friends she made there.

Outside of work, Barbara had many passions. She loved working in her garden, playing cards, and going to the casinos. She enjoyed painting, arts and crafts, lawn bowling, and alley bowling. She was a dedicated member of MacKenzie Park Lawn Bowls Club for many years.

Barbara is survived by her children: Robin Shaffer (Curt Shaffer), Kim Clayton, Rolanda Cordero, and Robert Clayton II. In addition, she is survived by 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Barbara will be remembered for her kind heart, generosity, and her unwavering dedication to her family and friends. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A celebration of her life will be held May 20th, at the second annual Jourdan/Musgrove Family reunion in Buellton at the Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground. For more information contact Rolanda Cordero via email (rolandac@verizon.net) or by phone at 805-315-3587. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara’s memory to VNA Serenity House.

DUNHAM, Margaret Mary

On March 22, 2023, at the age of 98, Margaret “Margie”/ ”Sister” Mary Dunham, passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was born on May 21, 1924, to George and Francesca Duarte Wilson, in Piru, Ventura County, CA (where the lake is now).

Growing up during the depression she learned to garden, sew, and to be thrifty, skills she would use later in life as a wife and mother. She had a green thumb and could revive plants that were usually headed to the trash. She also enjoyed crafting dolls, mice, slippers, and even sewed beautiful Fiesta dresses for her girls to wear in the Santa Barbara Fiesta Parades.

Her children loved hearing stories about her education at a one-room tent school on Casitas Pass Road. When the tent school closed, she attended schools in Carpinteria and graduated from Carpinteria High School in 1941.

On March 3, 1946, she married Gordon Dunham, they were married 35 years until his death in 1981. Together they raised five children in Santa Barbara. Her family was her life. She loved her family and little dogs unconditionally. She played a significant part in many of her grandchildren’s lives, watching after them, getting them to school and back, while caring for their daily needs. She was blessed by a long and healthy life, except for the last few years where she suffered with dementia. She was loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Margie was predeceased by her Parents, George & Francesca Wilson; Husband, Gordon Dunham; Brothers Marvin, Carol, Edgar, Alfred, Paul, Woodrow, Daniel & Chester; Sisters Muriel Yaryan, Barbara Shiells, Isabella Dreyer & Jessie Field; and Grandson, Jim Usher.

Margie is survived by her children, Suzanne Usher (Ed), Janet Yanez (Joey), Steve Dunham, Nancy Dunham Campbell and Carole Dunham Taylor.

She was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Karen Widler (Mitch), Jim Usher (Roxanne), Joe Yanez (Danielle), Julie Griffith (Matthew), Danielle Ramirez (Vince), Casey Dunham, Kevin Campbell, and Meghan Taylor. She was a proud grandma of 10 great-grandchildren: Waylon Widler, Ethan Usher, Maggie Usher, Devin Griffith, Riley Griffith, Billie Yanez, Emme Yanez, Jesse Ramirez, Kaya Campbell and Kalani Campbell, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Margie asked that friends and loved ones, when they are able, visit a park and eat a cookie and enjoy their surroundings.

In memory of Margie, donations may be made to the Jim Usher Memorial Scholarship at rodeoboosters.com/donate or to a charity of their choice.

Obituary notices are published daily in the Santa Barbara News-Press and also appear on our website www.newspress.com To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@ newspress.com or fax text only (no photos) to (805) 966-1421. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and the date(s) you would like the obituary to be published. Photos should be in jpeg format with at least 200 dpi. If a digital photo is not available, a picture may be brought into our office for scanning. We will lay out the obituary using our standard format. A formatted proof of the obituary and the cost will be emailed back for review and approval. The minimum obituary cost to print one time is $150.00 for up to 1.5” in length -- includes 1 photo and up to 12 lines of text, approximately 630 characters; up to approximately 930 characters without a photo. Add $60.00 for each additional inch or partial inch after the first 1.5”; up to approximately 700 characters per additional inch. All Obituaries must be reviewed, approved, and prepaid by deadline. We accept all major credit cards by phone; check or cash payments may be brought into our office located at 715 Anacapa Street. The deadline for Weekend and Monday’s editions is at 10a.m. on Thursdays; Tuesday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Fridays; Wednesday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Mondays; Thursday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Tuesdays; Friday’s edition deadlines at

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

ARTHUR VON WIESENBERGER . . . . .Co-Publisher

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

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

HOW TO REACH US . . .

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

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

NEWSROOM ADVERTISING

HOW TO GET US . . .

CIRCULATION ISSUES 805-966-7171 refunds@newspress.com newsubscriptions@newspress.com vacationholds@newspress.com cancellations@newspress.com

News Hotline 805-564-5277

Email...dmason@newspress.com

Life 805-564-5277

Sports 805-564-5277

News Fax 805-966-6258

Corrections 805-564-5277

Classified 805-963-4391

Classified Fax 805-966-1421

Retail 805-564-5223

Retail Fax 805-564-5139

Toll Free 1-800-423-8304

Voices/editorial pages ..805-564-5277

COPYRIGHT ©2023 SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

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

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

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

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

VOL. 167 NO.