Santa Barbara News-Press: October 08, 2022

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s toker, Hart debate issues

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Candidates Mike Stoker and Gregg Hart addressed everything from infrastructure to abortion rights, climate change and crime at a forum this week.

Mr. Stoker and Mr. Hart, who are running against each other in the newly formed 37th Assembly District in the Nov. 8 election, answered questions from moderator Claire Van Blaricum and the audience during the forum Thursday evening at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club. The event was presented by the League of Women’s Voters chapters in

Assembly candidates discuss crime, climate change and more at forum

Santa Barbara and Santa Maria Valley, Future Leaders of America and the Santa Barbara-Goleta Valley branch of the American Association of University Women.

Mr. Hart, the Democratic candidate and current 2nd District representative on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, stressed the importance of dealing with climate change, funding law enforcement and creating a diverse portfolio of water sources.

Mr. Stoker, the Republican nominee and a former regional Environmental Protection Agency administrator, stressed his goals of helping small

business owners, keeping criminals in jail and building reservoirs to complement a diverse portfolio of water sources.

“California is heading in the wrong direction,” Mr. Stoker, a former Santa Barbara County supervisor, said. “We need a change. Look at what’s going on; it’s crazy.

“Small businesses do not have a representative for them.

Parents are under attack for being parents,” Mr. Stoker said. “Criminals are allowed to go free; we make excuses for them.”

Mr. Stoker stressed he wanted to be an advocate for small businesses and taxpayers, as well as for “smart energy

County school board decides to post historical minutes on website

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara County Board of Education took a step Thursday toward greater public access to its minutes.

The board voted 7-0 Thursday to have Dr. Susan Salcido, the superintendent of schools, direct her staff to post an additional two years of minutes and board packets to the board’s website, sbceo.org.

That brings the website’s total up to five years of minutes. The minutes will need to be reformatted to become ADA-compliant. All meeting minutes prior to 2020 are not currently ADA compliant.

“We had a really healthy discussion, and I liked the way the board worked together to resolve points of view and we reached a unanimous decision,” board president Judy Frost told the News-Press. “In 2025, we will drop 2018 (minutes) so there will be a rolling seven years on the website.”

Board member Michelle de Werd told the NewsPress that she supports full public access. She noted that the previous requirement to request historical minutes was a barrier to that access.

“In this age of technology, it is not difficult to post minutes,” Ms. de Werd said. “I rely on these minutes as well for details.

“I think the reluctance at the meeting during the discussion was due to the concern of burdening the staff. But I think we resolved the issue,” she explained.

“The minutes are very minimal, and very substantial information is included in the board packets. Board

packets also include a record of voting.”

Ms. Frost said the board members also agreed that the work on the minutes could be scheduled appropriately within the priorities of the county staff.

“It was a great discussion, and we all learned a lot. And we were able to work together and come up with a compromise and it passed unanimously,” she said.

Ms. de Werd noted, “I think it was a great outcome for our board that hasn’t had full transparency in years past, and I think requesting the minutes is a barrier for people. There haven’t been very many requests for historical minutes.

“I believe as a board member, I shouldn’t have to request minutes,” she said. “I shouldn’t have to wait 10 days for information … Memories are short; time passes between one meeting to the next. Information and agreements can be forgotten or confused.”

Ms. Frost said the board is moving toward greater public access to the minutes and wants to ensure they are ADA-compliant.

Additionally, for the first time in the board’s history, Thursday’s meeting was recorded on video. This followed months of battling over the issue, but the board voted 7-0 Sept. 1 to implement video recordings.

The recordings include Spanish translations. At this time, there is no option for digital participation and comment on a platform such as Zoom, although that may change in the future.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

policies to lower the price of gas at the pump.

“I’m going to fight for smart water policies — desalination on the coast and more reservoirs throughout the state,” he said.

Mr. Stoker noted reservoirs haven’t been built in California since the 1960s.

Mr. Hart emphasized the need to make the transition to clean-burning fuels as the state deals with climate change and one of its byproducts, wildfires.

“Electric vehicles are a critical component,” he said.

Conceding the change to electric vehicles won’t be easy, Mr. Hart said, “I

see this as a half-full cup.”

“I drive an electric vehicle myself,” he said. “I can tell you it’s great.”

Mr. Stoker said he’s all for electric vehicles and renewable resources. “But it’s not going to happen overnight.”

“We need to do it right. We need to do it smart,” he said.

Concerning wildfires, Mr. Hart noted the county’s purchase of military grade helicopters that were successfully deployed in fighting wildfires. He also cited innovations such as the use of goats to graze areas, reducing the fuel for fires.

“I agree pretty much,” Mr. Stoker said

see CANDIDATES on A4

De la Guerra Plaza event to focus on affordable housing

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Santa Barbara County

Day 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at De La Guerra Plaza.

This free public event is designed to promote local, affordable housing and connect residents with nonprofits and

Barbara

providers. The event will include housing workshops, tenant and landlord resources, ADU resources, workforce housing information,

COURTESY PHOTO

The annual Housing Santa Barbara event will take place today in De la Guerra Plaza.

Please

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

At left, “California is heading in the wrong direction,” Mike Stoker said during the California District 37 State Assembly candidate forum Thursday at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club. He criticized various trends, including the early release of inmates. At right, “It doesn’t work to lock everyone up, but it’s critically important to lock up people who pose a public safety threat,” candidate Gregg Hart said as he discussed law enforcement at the forum.

Odyssey leads Homer’s owner to Coast Village Road

those posted on Google about her former department, which garnishes a dismal 2.6 (of 5) star rating.

Editor’s note: “Rumors & Buzz,” which runs each Saturday in the News-Press, is written by a journalist who has chosen a nom de plume: “Momus.” In Greek mythology, Momus is the god of satire and mockery.

Ashop called Homer will soon hang its shingle on Coast Village Road.

Homer is the brainchild of Montecito resident Terry Pillow, who hails from Arkansas and has enjoyed a distinguished career with Ralph Lauren and Tommy Bahama. Until this squib, Terry’s handcrafted luxury leather tote bag, designed by himself, has been mellow Montecito’s best kept secret.

Through word of mouth only, Terry, who motors around town in a fire engine red Jeep he’s owned since college, has created a cult following among women in Montecito willing to spend months on a waiting list to own one of his “Extraordinary Carry” signature bags, crafted with the kind of buttery leather one normally associates with French luxury design house Hermes.

“There will also be accessories that relate to wine,” says Terry, “including coasters.”

Look for Homer, named after Terry’s father and grandfather, in early November.

Momus wishes Terry much success.

NEW POLICE CHIEF

Before her appointment last month as Santa Barbara’s new police chief, Kelly Ann Gordon was chief of police in Monterey Park, a city seven miles east of Los Angeles.

Momus hopes the Santa Barbara Police Department under Chief Gordon’s leadership receives better reviews than

The biggest gripe among the majority of 30 reviewers is that officers in that department were generally unhelpful.

Aubriann Navarro wrote (also three years ago): “Horrible staff. Very lazy and careless. Gives attitude.”

Yelp reviews are even worse, weighing in at 2.5 (of five) stars.

Jim B. of Long Beach wrote: “The department is a complete joke.”

Upper C of L.A.: “The cops here are the reason why people hate cops.”

Bogard C of L.A.: “The police department is inept.”

But this 5-star review by Keo P mitigates all the negatives: “They were very gentle when they handcuffed me, and their patrol vehicle was very roomy. Just the right amount of force was used to gain my compliance. Will get arrested by them again, for sure.” A man after our own heart.

SAN YSIDRO RANCH HONORED

Ty Warner’s San Ysidro Ranch has been voted “Best Resort in America” by readers of Travel & Leisure magazine.

But locals despair over his Channel Drive property, the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara, which remains shuttered, along with the nearby Coral Casino — especially the latter’s private club members who cannot retrieve their membership buy-in unless/until they are replaced by a new member.

But who in their right mind would buy membership into a club that has been closed for 31 months with no date as to when, or if ever, or under what circumstances, it will reopen?

Meantime, 3,000 miles away in New York City, Ty’s other prestigious U.S. hotel, The Four Seasons, on 57th Street, is also shuttered tight with no plan to

reopen anytime soon, despite luxury travel returning with a vengeance post-COVID.

The buzz around NYC is that Ty’s dispute with Four Seasons, which also extends to the Biltmore, has reached an impasse leaving neither side is willing to budge.

“They are at war,” the New York Post reported.

Ty’s gripe: Management in 2018 and 2019 was paid handsomely while he reaped zero profit.

It is believed by industry insiders that the legal dispute could go on for years, leaving both sites cobwebby and in decline — a Halloween movie in the making?

$62.2 MILLION CAMPAIGN

You’ve heard of the Six Million Dollar Man.

How about the 60-million-dollar man?

That would be billionaire Rick Caruso, owner of the Rosewood Miramar, who has so far spent $62.6 million of his own cash in a quest to get elected mayor of Los Angeles — 10 times more than that raised by his opponent, U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles.

“Is Caruso seeking to buy the election?’ poses John Regardie in the Los Angeles Times. “Of course, he is.”

Usually, in politics, whoever spends the most money, wins.

Which means if Mr. Caruso loses, he will have to add crow to the menu of Caruso’s, his signature Miramar restaurant.

SNEAKING IN ANTIBODIES?

Given all the government/ pharmaceutical deception in their handling of COVID-19, especially regarding vaccine mandates and the push to vaccinate young children, Momus cannot help but wonder if reports about a polio resurgence and the need for children to be vaccinated for polio is just a ruse for infusing such serums with COVID-19 antibodies.

Just sayin’.

TITTERS

Santa Barbara thespian Billy Baldwin tweets: “If Trump were still president today … Ukraine would have been handed to Putin on a silver platter.”

You’re still suckered by an old hoax, Billy. It was President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan that made Russian President Vladimir Putin believe he could get away with invading Ukraine. He would not have dared if Mr. Trump was still in office because The Donald was an unpredictable wildcard.

(Last week we mistakenly referred to Billy as a “Montecito thespian.” A reader corrected us, pointing out that he now resides near the Santa Barbara Mission, and Momus confirms this to be true.)

Gavin Newsom on Instagram: “Time to take your money back from greedy oil companies that are stealing $$ at the pump.”

Aw, Gov, give it up and get real. More like, greedy California state government is stealing $$ at the pump, charging the highest gas tax in the country at 67 cents a gallon.

If you have a tip for Momus, send it to momus@newspress.com.

Vaqueros sweep LA Mission to become last undefeated WSC team

By MICHAEL JORGENSON SBCC SPORTS WRITER

The No. 17 SBCC women’s volleyball team continued to roll on Wednesday at LA Mission, outlasting the Eagles in a thrilling third set to win 25-11, 25-16, 32-30.

The Vaqueros are now the last undefeated team during WSC play, improving to 9-7 overall, 3-0 conference while dropping LA Mission to 11-6, 2-1.

“We played a really clean first set. Excellent serving, strong passing and error-free attacking,” said head coach Kat Niksto. “Credit to LA Mission, they bounced back and put up a strong fight in the next two sets, pushing the

Death ruled as accidental

The death of Jonathan Paul Thomas, 45, which occurred on Jan. 12 while he was in custody at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail in Santa Barbara, has been ruled as accidental, according to a report released Friday by the District Attorney’s Office.

Autopsy results revealed the death was caused by a combined effects of morbid obesity, dilated cardiomyopathy, acute methamphetamine intoxication, active resistance and restraint,

third set all the way to 32-30! I was proud of how our team performed under that pressure, especially when I ran out of subs before the set finished!”

Sophomore middle blocker Karoline Ruiz had an excellent night attacking with seven kills on just nine swings and no errors for an outstanding .778 hitting percentage. It was the second time in her career that she has hit .750 or better.

Freshman outside hitter Callie Rule also played well, hitting at a .385 clip while racking up six kills on 13 swings. Libero Jacelin McKie and outside hitter Ava Guenther both had strong serving nights with three aces each.

Santa Barbara has now won five straight matches for the first time this season, having dropped just one set since Sept. 24. In 2021, SBCC enjoyed three separate five-match win streaks.

The Vaqueros will be back home next Wednesday, Oct. 12 for their next match against Moorpark at 6:00 p.m. The contest will take place on High School Volleyball Night, when all local high school players can attend the match for free.

Michael Jorgenson works in communications/ media relations at Santa Barbara City College. email: sports@newspress.com

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

according to the report.

“After review of the investigation, the District Attorney’s Office concludes the physical force used by custody deputies to restrain him prior to Thomas’ accidental death was reasonable and lawful, and they bear no state criminal liability,” according to the report.

The legal analysis was based on an investigative, autopsy and coroner’s reports; video and audio recordings; photos; and witness interviews collected during the investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office and submitted to the District Attorney’s Office by

Detective Adam Alegria.

District Attorney Joyce Dudley announced Friday that the legal analysis was concluded.

Mr. Thomas had been arrested on the night of Jan. 11 on domestic violence-related charges.

To see the full report, go to JonathanPaulThomasICDfinal.pdf (countyofsb.org).

— Dave Mason

Street sweeper fire at UCSB

An operator exited safely after

realizing his street sweeper caught on fire Thursday near Henley Hall at UCSB.

The operator called 9-1-1, and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded with three engines.

Smoke was reported from as far away as the Santa Barbara Airport tower. The fire was knocked down and is under investigation, Capt. Scott Safechuck, the department’s public information officer, said.

No injuries were reported. Call time was 7:28 a.m.

— Katherine Zehnder Santa Maria hosts fire prevention fair

SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria Fire Department will host a Fire Prevention Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Preisker Park in the Ruiz picnic area.

Safety information, training and activities will be offered along with prizes while supplies last.

The Kiwanis Club will provide free hotdog lunches to the first 100 attendees.

Fire Prevention Week is held in the U.S. during the week of Oct. 9 to:

• Recognize the tragedies of 1871: the Great Chicago Fire and the Peshtigo Fires in Wisconsin.

• Promote fire safety.

• Prevent loss of life and property.

For more information, call the Fire Prevention Office at 805-9250951, ext. 8533.

KENNETH SONG

NEWS-PRESS

Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Ann Gordon

By MOMUS

New lawsuit challenges California law punishing doctors that spread COVID-19 misinformation

By MADION HIRNEISEN THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Two Southern California doctors who stood up against mandatory masking and raised concerns about COVID-19 vaccines are challenging a new law that allows medical professionals to be disciplined – even lose their licenses – for spreading misinformation about COVID-19.

Los Angeles psychiatrist Mark McDonald and Orange County primary care physician Jeff Barke filed a federal lawsuit this week to stop a new California law that labels the spread of misinformation or disinformation about COVID-19 as “unprofessional conduct.” The case was filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against the Medical Board of California and Attorney General Rob Bonta. They are represented by the Liberty Justice Center, a nonprofit legal group based in Chicago.

AB 2098, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last month, allows state medical boards to take “enforcement actions” against practitioners who spread false information, and in severe cases, revoke their licenses to practice. The bill defines misinformation as “false information that is contradicted by contemporary scientific consensus.”

The lawsuit claims that AB 2098 violates free speech rights in the First Amendment and prevents California doctors from presenting views that challenge the “scientific consensus.” The suit also states that throughout the pandemic, “consensus opinion” and official guidance have shifted upon learning new information.

“If this period has taught us anything, it is that the scientific and medical environments are constantly evolving, as new information

and studies confirm or reject prior policies,”

Dr. McDonald said in a statement. “Doctors need the freedom to explore alternatives and share opinions that challenge the scientific consensus – that is inherent in the nature of the scientific enterprise. California cannot insert itself into the physician-patient relationship to impose its views on doctors and end all debate on these important questions.”

AB 2098 was introduced to combat misinformation peddled by doctors surrounding COVID-19 vaccines, which have been confirmed to be safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration. The spread of false information during the pandemic regarding the COVID-19 vaccines “weakened public confidence and placed lives at serious risk,” the bill states.

According to the lawsuit, both Dr. Barke and Dr. McDonald became “outspoken” during the pandemic about “flaws” in the public health response to the pandemic. Both doctors objected to isolating children, opposed mandatory masking for the adult population, supported the use of medications like Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 and “raised concerns” about the vaccines.

Dr. McDonald, in particular, drew attention from the Medical Board of California, which appears to be pursuing an investigation into anonymous complaints regarding his social media activity.

In December 2021, the board notified Dr. McDonald about an anonymous complaint alleging his posts on Twitter and Facebook about masks were flagged as misinformation.

The board reached out again in January 2022, asking Dr. McDonald to respond to allegations that he was promoting the use of

Ivermectin to cure COVID-19 on Twitter. Dr. McDonald responded, stating it was “his practice to advocate for medical treatments that have the strongest empirical evidence to support their efficacy and safety.”

The Medical Board emailed Dr. McDonald again on Aug. 30 requesting an interview, which will likely take place in the coming months, according to the suit. The plaintiffs claim that the board’s “pursuit” of Dr. McDonald “demonstrates the intent of the Board to sue the power granted to them by the State of California to punish doctors” for speech.

In addition to the lawsuit, Dr. McDonald and Dr. Barke also filed papers this week seeking a preliminary injunction.

West Coast governors, British Columbia premier ink climate agreement

By MADISON HIRNEISEN THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – West Coast leaders struck a new climate deal Thursday, pledging to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy – a move leaders say will boost the region’s economic power.

The governors of California, Oregon and Washington and the premier of British Columbia met in San Francisco Thursday to sign a Statement of Cooperation. The deal lists commitments to quickly transition to a low-carbon economy, speed the creation of a regional zero-carbon electricity grid and build electric vehicle charging infrastructure, among other plans. The new agreement updates a compact signed by leaders of the same regions in 2016.

Officials emphasized that the West Coast has not been spared from the increasingly catastrophic impacts of climate change – more intense heat, prolonged droughts and devastating fire seasons.

British Columbia Premier John Horgan

shared that a community called Lytton was wiped off the map by wildfires in his province, and Gov. Gavin Newsom noted that three California towns – Paradise, Grizzly Flats and Greenville –faced the same fate.

Officials said the compact emphasizes their commitment to the future and their nationleading strides in developing a “clean energy economy.”

“This is not just a commitment to our children and our grandchildren – it is the best economic development strategy on the earth today,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday. “We understand the best economic prospects is to build a clean energy economy – to put people to work building silicon anode batteries in Moses Lake, to put people to work in solar cells in Bellingham and California and British Columbia. We’re building jobs. That’s why we’re leading in the Pacific Coast.”

Gov. Newsom doubled down on Gov. Inslee’s comments, saying that reaching the region’s climate goals is “not just about electric power – this is about economic

power.”

“This is about dominating the next big global industry,” Gov. Newsom said.

The agreement signing comes a few months after California announced all vehicles sold in the Golden State must be zeroemission by 2035. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said Thursday that her state would follow in California’s footprints, and

Washington announced in August that it would do the same.

Gov. Newsom also signed a package of climate bills last month that he touted as a historic investment in the state’s future. The package included a measure establishing targets to achieve California’s 100% clean energy policy by 2045.

The agreement signed by West Coast leaders on Thursday has no “legally binding obligation” attached but outlines regional goals for climate action.

Taxpayer Funded: Feds pay $100K to train grad students in ‘Diversity, Equity, Inclusion’

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) — A top federal health research agency awarded more than $100K in taxpayer dollars for diversity and equity training for grad students to make them “agents of change.”

The National Institutes of Health allocated $103,380 via a federal grant to train students at the the NIGMS T32 predoctoral training program in Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Davis in equity and inclusiveness.

Federal documents detailing the grant show it allots the money for students to lead equity and inclusivity training for their classmates at UC Davis.

“We expect that our novel curriculum will significantly improve mentorship and DEIA [diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility] awareness across a broad range of graduate students in biological sciences,” reads the project description. “Our practical focus aims to empower them to become agents of change, leading to a renewed focus on sustaining a climate of equity, inclusivity, respect, and justice in our institution.”

The funding will create a 10-week course for graduate students called, “Mentoring Up in an Equitable and Inclusive manner.” The grant says the plan is that the program will affect the broader academic community at the campus.

“…graduate curricula often fail to sufficiently acknowledge that our society carries within it historical and deep-rooted injustices and biases,” the report description reads. “This may lead students from backgrounds and communities who suffered from biases and injustices to feel less supported, reduce their sense of belonging, and hamper their growth as valued members of the scientific community.”

The funding will create a 10-week course for graduate students called, “Mentoring Up in an Equitable and Inclusive manner.” The grant says the plan is that the program will affect the broader academic community at the campus.

Critics argue the program is a distraction from medical research and training that should be the students’ focus.

“This grant program distracts from the purpose for which students are studying — to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their field,” said Jonathan Butcher, a policy expert at the Heritage Foundation. “This grant description is saturated in identity politics and racial buzzwords. It will not help molecular biology students to learn molecular biology if they sit through sessions telling them that they have ‘deep-rooted biases.’”

Mr. Butcher also argued taxpayers should not be footing the bill.

“Taxpayers should reject the idea that students should be thrown off their studies for a project like this, and they should also be asking why students should be part of a diversity training programs that have not demonstrated positive impact on participants,” he said.

The program’s director, Professor Frederic Chedin, did not respond to a request for comment.

WE HAVE OVER 80 IN-STOCK TO SELECT FROM!

COURTESY

COURTESY PHOTO Gov. Gavin Newsom

UkraineFest

Both candidates support right to have an abortion

a constitutional right in the state of California, voted on in 1974 and reaffirmed in 1981 by the state Supreme Court.”

after Mr. Hart spoke. But he added that it was important to have more clearance with dead wood.

Both candidates said they support a woman’s right to an abortion.

Mr. Hart said he supported state Proposition 1, a Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom. It’s on the Nov. 8 ballot.

“The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strip away a woman’s right to have legal access to abortion is a travesty. It’s the first time the Supreme Court has rolled back a fundamental right for women in our lifetimes,” he said.

Mr. Stoker said he has always supported a woman’s right to an abortion, but noted, “it’s already

“I’m not going to overturn any laws. I’m not going to overturn Roe v. Wade,” Mr. Stoker said. “I’m not going to overturn the women’s constitutional amendment.”

But he added parents should have the right to give consent if their under-age daughter seeks an abortion.

On infrastructure, Mr. Hart pointed to the quantity of street improvements on the city and county levels, as well as the Highway 101 work that is five years from completion.

But Mr. Stoker criticized the state Legislature for its pattern of diverting money slated for infrastructure to other priorities.

He said the state government

persuades voters to approve bonds to build reservoirs, then diverts the money to environmental projects unrelated to reservoirs.

“The people running this state have not made infrastructure a priority,” he said.

On the issue of affordable housing, Mr. Stoker proposed fast tracking for housing projects, reducing costs for developers.

He added that mobile home parks have proven to be affordable.

“I think there’s tremendous creativity and resourcefulness on the local level,” Mr. Hart said, regarding affordable housing efforts. But he noted local governments need more funding to address the issue.

On public safety, Mr. Stoker stressed the need to keep criminals in jail.

“It’s catch and release,” Mr.

Stoker said. “We’re not going to stop the problem with crime unless we make those who commit a crime pay for the crime, not by letting them out early.”

Mr. Hart, a former Santa Barbara City Council member, said that during his long career as an elected official, he has worked to increase funding for law enforcement. He also stressed the need to support mental health and drug and alcohol treatments for those who need it.

“It doesn’t work to lock everyone up, but it’s critically important to lock up people who pose a public safety threat,” Mr. Hart said.

Mr. Stoker also cited the urgency of mental health treatments. “I will support a bond to get mental health clinics built throughout the state.”

dmason@newspress.com

ELLIOTT, Neil W.

1942 - 2022

Neil Elliott passed away at the age of 80 on Sunday, August 7th, at Cottage Hospital with his daughter by his side.

Neil was born March 7, 1942, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Harry C. Elliott II and Margaret (Julius) Elliott. He was the oldest of four children and traveled the United States with his family as a small child before they settled in California. He grew up loving cars and music, and he attended many schools across Southern California, ultimately graduating from Chaffey High School in 1959.

He later received a degree in Pharmacy from Idaho State University and worked at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital as a pharmacist.

Throughout his life, Neil continued to pursue the love of travel fostered by his parents, traveling around the world solo at the age of 24 and later visiting Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand with his wife and daughter. He also enjoyed many vacations in Hawaii with his family, including his parents, siblings, wife, and daughter and her family.

He had a great passion for the arts, expressed in the form of collecting art books and a love of Opera. He held season tickets to many California Opera venues and chased Wagner’s Ring Cycle around the world, ultimately viewing it 37 times in its entirety.

However, none of Neil’s other passions could hold a candle to the love he had for his family both near and far. He always enjoyed spending time with them, and in his later years, his granddaughters were the light of his life. Neil didn’t always say much, but when he did, he shared his wisdom and demonstrated a great sense of humor.

Neil is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara (Arthur) Elliott, daughter Marissa Elliott (Geoff Hendershot), and three granddaughters who thought the world of him. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda Elliott-Langen (John) and Norma Byrne (Gary); brother Harry C. Elliott III (Debbie); sister-in-law Patricia Rogers (Patrick); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

His family wishes to thank Dr. Ahmed, Dr. Delio, Dr. Nagy, and Dr. Uyesaka for their help in making the last few years of Neil’s life as good as they could be, as well as the care team at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and caregivers from Right At Home for their care and support during his final weeks.

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

format with at least

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

City, county officials will be on hand for event

Continued from Page

and entertainment, local food vendors, and activities for kids and families.

The music line up includes

Rob Moreno Quartet from

and the

Coderre

noon to 2 p.m.

Today’s event will feature

more than 30 community agencies and service providers including:

• Santa Barbara Community Housing Corp.

• Good Samaritan Shelters.

• Tri-Counties Regional Center.

• Independent Living Resource Center.

• Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara.

• Habitat For Humanity.

Mayor Randy Rowse, 1st District

Supervisor Das Williams, 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart, 3rd District Supervisor Chair Joan Hartmann, 4th District Supervisor Bob Nelson and 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino will also be in attendance.

“Housing Santa Barbara Day is an important day in our community for working families to connect with affordable housing resources that are

available,” Jerry Morales, a housing authority representative, said in a statement. “This annual event will give the community a chance to collaborate with the city to voice their concerns, find affordable housing and spend a day of fun with their families.”

October is National Housing

KENNETH

Lectures at

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

Gregg Hart, center, speaks as his opponent Mike Stoker, left, and moderator Claire Van Blaricum listen during the California District 37 State Assembly candidate forum.

‘Walking the Walk’

By MARILYN MCMAHON

STAFF WRITER

His friends thought Ed Begley Jr. was “whacko” when he became passionate about the environment at the age of 20 and living in the San Fernando Valley.

“I began riding my bike, recycling, composting, using public transportation, became a vegetarian and using environmentally safe cleaners,” said Mr. Begley during a phone interview from his home in Studio City.

Now 73, the well-known TV and movie actor has a passion that remains unabated.

“I continue to pick the lowhanging fruit and do things that are good for the environment and my pocketbook.”

Mr. Begley, who is being honored by the local ECO Team for going green before anyone even knew the term, will be in conversation with Barbara Greenleaf, ECO Team founder and author, at 9:45 a.m. Sunday at Congregation B’nai B’rith in Santa Barbara.

Entitled “Walking the Walk,” the conversation will trace Mr. Begley’s personal journey as a sustainable-living activist. His committed lifestyle was the subject of the reality series, “Living With Ed,” and he continues to promote earthfriendly ideas and products through his writings.

His mantra is: “Live simply so others may simply live.”

Mr. Begley will also discuss his 50-year Hollywood career from his breakout TV role as Dr. Victor Ehrlich in NBC’s “St. Elsewhere” to his recent film, “Book Club, ‘’ with Diane Keaton and Candice Bergen.

“I am particularly flattered to be honored by the ECO Team, which encourages individuals to make small changes that help slow climate change and heal the planet with its emphasis on the carrot instead of the stick. Collectively, these little things add up to a lot,” said Mr. Begley, who was born in Los Angeles, grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., and attended Stella Niagara Education Park, a private Catholic school in Lewiston, N.Y.

When he was 13, the family moved back to California, where he graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks and from Los Angeles Valley College in North Hollywood.

Mr. Begley told the News-Press he was motivated to become environmentally conscious by two events — the first Earth Day in 1970, which was founded because of the Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969, the same year the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught fire.

“It’s a bad sign when a river catches fire, and also, the smog in the San Fernando Valley was real, and I wanted to do something about it,” he said.

Although Mr. Begley had hoped to buy a fancy electric car, he couldn’t afford one because he was still a college student, so he settled for a Taylor-Dunn electrical vehicle that cost $950.

“It was basically a golf cart with a windshield wiper and horn that was legal to drive on streets but not the freeway. I quickly learned how much cheaper it was to go the extra miles in an electric car versus the same distance in a gasoline car, not to mention the lack of cost for maintenance — no lube jobs, tune-ups, oil changes, replacing fan belts — virtually no maintenance.”

Ed Begley, Jr. will discuss how to ‘live simply so others may simply live’

Ed

At left,

Cancer

Cancer Awareness

for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

At right,

Cancer Center

Ridley Tree goes pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER

STAFF WRITER

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center is going pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink lights will illuminate the building at 540 W. Pueblo St. in Santa Barbara during October to commemorate those lost to breast cancer. The illumination is also in honor of breast cancer patients and their families, as well as medical professionals and researchers who are working to find a cure. The pink glow was funded by Sansum Clinic’s Women’s Health Initiative.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer, likely to affect one in eight women, according to the American Cancer Society.

“We encourage individuals to be proactive, and to schedule their annual breast screenings,” Matt Baumann, the cancer center’s vice president of oncology, said in a news release. “We want people in our community to know that if they receive a breast cancer diagnosis, our multidisciplinary team is best-equipped to walk them through every stage of their journey.”

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center noted it provides the most comprehensive breast cancer care on the Central Coast. Its multidisciplinary team offers advanced breast imaging and the latest surgical, medical and radiation oncology treatments.

Meanwhile, Sansum Clinic’s Imaging Department has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the

American College of Radiology. Fellowship-trained breast radiologist Winifred Leung, who works at Sansum Clinic, specializes in breast imaging including 3D mammograms, automated breast ultrasound, breast MRI, image-guided biopsy and breast needle localization. Dr. Leung closely coordinates with oncologists and surgeons at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center.

“An annual breast screening is so important to catching cancer early, when it is more treatable,” said Dr. Leung, who leads the Santa Barbara Breast Care Alliance.

“Millions of women skipped important breast screenings during the pandemic.

This is critical because we know this imaging saves lives.”

consultant, explained the approach is to treat the person, not just the cancer, by supporting patients in many ways.

When radiation therapy is part of the treatment for breast cancer, the level of technology and the team delivering it impacts effectiveness and safety, RidleyTree Cancer Center noted. “Our center’s state-of-the-art linear accelerators deliver sophisticated, image-guided radiation therapy.”

FYI

For more information on the RidleyTree Cancer Center’s breast cancer program, visit patientcare.ridleytreecc. org/cancer-center/patient-care/ medical-services/medical-service/ details/breast-cancer-program.

Radiation therapy decreases the risk of cancer returning in the breast, said Shane Cotter, a radiation oncologist.

To schedule a mammogram, go to mammography.sansumclinic. org/medical-services/radiologyGR/ mammography.

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center noted that breast surgery, together with medical and/ or radiation oncology, are the mainstays of breast cancer care. Specialists collaborate to create a personalized treatment breast cancer plan for each patient.

“Our multidisciplinary approach to fighting breast cancer gives women the best chance for a good outcome,” Eric Bank, a medical oncologist, said.

Katrina Mitchell, a fellowshiptrained breast surgical oncologist and board-certified lactation

“The radiation removes any residual amounts that might be left behind. The better the technology, the better we can target the area we want to treat, and avoid areas we do not want to treat.”

Clinical research has fueled the greatest advancements in breast cancer care in recent years, according to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. Overall breast cancer mortality rates have slowly gone down since 1999, and many working in oncology link this to advancements in research. Ridley-Tree’s Clinical Research Department gives patients access to clinical trials at leading cancer and academic centers around the world.

And the department recently opened a radiation oncology clinical trial for breast cancer patients.

“It’s exciting to have a trial that is on the leading edge of how we make important decisions about radiation treatment, and to be working alongside many trial sites and large academic centers,” Dr. Cotter said. “We always look forward to opening studies that we think ask the best questions, and best serve the patients in our community.”

The cancer center stresses the importance of patients knowing about their family history of breast cancer. Some gene mutations can increase risk for breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, mutations that account for as many as half of all hereditary breast cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ridley-Tree’s genetic counselors help patients understand complex genetic information and coordinate with patients’ oncologists and surgeons on how best to incorporate the results into their care.

“Genetic counseling is not only important for someone with a cancer diagnosis, but it can also be incredibly helpful for their family members when making decisions about what screening options they have, and what they can do to help prevent cancer or catch it early,” said Danielle Sharaga, the genetic counseling program manager. email: kzehnder@newspress.com

BEGLEY

Continued from Page B1

After many years as a successful movie and TV actor, Mr. Begley realized his dream in 1985 when he got solar panels and purchased a wind turbine in the desert near Palm Springs, which “feeds clean power into the electric grid.”

The father of three grown children and grandfather of three, Mr. Begley lives with his wife, Rachelle Carson in a home that is 1,585 square feet in size, using solar power, wind power and an electricitygenerating bicycle used to toast bread, according to Wikipedia.

writing and a great cast, and in ‘She-Devil’ I got to work with Meryl, which was such an honor. I played Roseanne Barr’s husband who had an affair with Meryl,” said Mr. Begley, who has fond memories of working with actor William Daniels, who played Dr. Craig, the irascible chief of surgery in “St. Elsewhere.”

“He is an actor I just thought the world of. He played these Type A personalities quite effectively, but in real life he is the sweetest guy in the world.

FYI

“Walking the Walk,” an informal conversation with Ed Begley Jr. and Barbara Greenleaf, will begin at 9:45 a.m. Sunday at Congregation B’nai B’rith, 1000 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Free on-site parking. For more information, contact Barbara Greenleaf at bkgreenleaf@gmail.com.

Their droughttolerant garden is composed of native California plants.

Mr. Begley and friend Bill Nye compete to see who can have the lowest carbon footprint.

Although he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2016, Mr. Begley continues to act.

“I work all the time.

Currently, I have roles in ‘Young Sheldon,’ ‘Better Call Saul’ and ‘Amsterdam,’ ” he said.

There are no plans to retire, and as for highlights during his acting career, he quickly named two — “St. Elsewhere,” the medical drama that was on TV for six seasons from 1982 to 1988, and “She-Devil,” a 1989 film starring Meryl Streep.

“St. Elsewhere had great

I rode on the coattails of Bill Daniels . . . the kind of Mutt and Jeff routine of Dr. Craig looking up and berating the 6-foot–4inch doctor Victor Ehrlich.

So I owe all my success on the show to Bill Daniels,” said Mr. Begley on the Wikipedia site.

For environmental novices who want to start contributing to the well-being of our planet, the actor readily offered five tips:

• Install an energy-saving thermostat in your home or apartment.

• Replace all incandescent light bulbs with LED lights.

• Ride a bike as the weather or your health permits.

• Take public transportation if it’s available near you.

• Use vinegar and water and baking soda instead of harsh cleaners.

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

SBCC ranks in top tier of schools with Gilman Scholars

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The State Department has recognized Santa Barbara City College as one of the U.S. colleges and universities that sent the most scholars abroad through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program during 20202021.

The Gilman Scholarship expands access and equity in study abroad and international internship opportunities among American undergraduate students with high financial need.

“In recognizing the top institutions with students studying abroad as Gilman Scholars, the United States continues to prioritize its commitment to provide access and equity to international experiences for all Americans,” said Lee Satterfield, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which created severe obstacles for students to study abroad, the Gilman Scholarship was able to support nearly 800 Gilman Scholars from 48 states

and territories to study or intern, both in-person and virtually, in 77 locations around the world.

The Gilman competition is administered at SBCC through its Study Abroad Program and program adviser Nicole Walther.

SBCC was one of the first among community colleges in California to create comprehensive semester abroad programs.

The programs are faculty-led and change every year.

Upcoming Study Abroad programs include Rome in Spring 2023 to study English, personal development and Italian language. Summer 2023 offers two programs: one in Tokyo to study communication and film studies and one in Costa Rica to study Spanish grammar, beginning surfing, and stretching and relaxation.

The Fall 2023 program will take students to Bali to study marine biology, oceanography, sociology and anthropology.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Department of State and proud that through our program and the Gilman Scholarship, the desire

to study abroad can become a reality for our low-income and disproportionately impacted students.

The scholarship is very competitive, so to be selected reflects their commitment to learn about other cultures and engage with others throughout the world,” said Ms. Walther.

City College noted the Gilman Program helps students gain the professional skills, language abilities and knowledge needed for successful careers.

Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 35,000 Gilman Scholars from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories have studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe.

The Gilman Scholarship is a public diplomacy program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and is implemented by the Institute of International Education.

For more information, visit www.gilmanscholarship.org.

email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

Bedford Winery plans Halloween revelry

with Bedford wines.

LOS

by Harvest Dinner and the performance. The dinner will be prepared by Stephan Bedford and the Bedford Culinary Team and served

The event will include live music, comedy skits, puppetry, games and prizes for costumes, which are encouraged.

Tickets are $75. Seating is limited. Call 805-344-2107 for reservations.

For more information, visit www.bedfordwinery. com.

—Marilyn

COURTESY PHOTO

A drought-tolerant landscape stands outside Ed Begley Jr.’s home in Studio City.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Diversions

Thought for Today

Horoscope.com

October

ARIES — This is one of those days when you will be walking along and all of a sudden hear a street performer playing music. Suddenly your feet start to move and soon you’re dancing. You find yourself boogying down the rest of the road. It won’t take much to get you grooving. Once you start, it may be hard for you to stop. Go with it!

TAURUS — Don’t take things that don’t belong to you, Taurus. Your penetrating eyes are apt to spot things that are easily pocketed, even though you know deep down that those things aren’t meant for you to keep. Your imagination might try to convince you that it’s OK to pull such sneaky maneuvers, and you may be tempted. Don’t deceive yourself.

GEMINI — Try not to think too much about what is “supposed” to happen next, Gemini. The truth of the matter is that things don’t necessarily work out the way they’re planned, so don’t count on something that has no guarantee of coming to fruition. Stick to your own way of doing things and try not to get too hung up on the results.

CANCER — Water your plants today and make sure they’re getting enough light, Cancer. If you don’t have any plants, take this opportunity to go to the nursery and pick up a couple for your home or office. Nourish the organic things in your life to help remind you of your own roots, which are extremely important for you right now.

LEO — You’re on a roll today, Leo. Don’t let other people’s insecurities or shallow understanding about an issue get in the way of your progress. There’s a distinct advantage to the way you approach things. Feel free to exert your will on those who need strong direction. If you’re confident about the answer, don’t be shy about saying so.

VIRGO — You may be wondering whose shoulder you should cry on, Virgo. Usually yours is the shoulder that everyone else likes to use. The collar of your shirt is probably soaking wet by now, thanks to all the tears that have spilled on you. Your compassion for others is definitely one of your biggest strengths but be aware of the fact that it can also be one of your

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

biggest weaknesses.

LIBRA — Your coals have been smoldering for a while, and there is a great deal of smoke pouring from your blackened embers, Libra. The good news is that there’s apt to be a great gust of wind today, acting as the catalyst that ignites the flames. You’ve provided the heat and the fuel. The missing element of air is finally coming your way, so be prepared.

SCORPIO — Be wary of big promises today, Scorpio. This could be one of those days when people are more likely to take a gamble because they’re unrealistic about how things are going to work out. Don’t be surprised if the stock market jumps as a result of the dollar signs that people imagine. It will be hard for others to resist when people receive promises of a big payoff.

SAGITTARIUS — Feel free to go shopping online for yourself, Sagittarius. While you’re at it, you might as well pick out some things for others, too. You’re apt to be in tune with the pleasant spirit of the people around you. On the other hand, if they’re being especially negative or cranky, don’t hesitate to just go elsewhere.

CAPRICORN — You’re likely to gravitate toward those who can put on a show and carry your imagination to a far-off land today, Capricorn. Look for this quality in others instead of turning to the TV to satisfy this need. If you aren’t careful, you may end up a couch potato all day, without talking to anyone.

AQUARIUS — Connect with those who carry you upward and encourage your fantasies today instead of those who try to bring you down to reality, Aquarius. There’s a need for you to shine more brightly than usual, and there’s no reason why this wish shouldn’t be granted. Everything will work out splendidly for you as long as you align yourself with admirable people and noble causes, so go for it.

PISCES — You’re likely now on the brink of completing a major move of some sort. Your first reaction may be to sit in solitary deliberation as you wrestle with the pros and cons of each piece of the situation. Try not to overload your head with too many details. Look at the overall picture. Perhaps you will find the answer you seek on a walk.

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.

that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the

boxes

and a word in English in each of the

on the

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

“Every story I create, creates me. I write to create myself.”

— Octavia E. Butler

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT,

EDISON STREET,

KAREN K DUNCUM

ROAD,

of JOSEPH E. HOLLAND, County Clerk-Recorder of SANTA BARBARA COUNTY on 08/26/2022 by E29, Deputy. The registrant commenced to transact business on: Not

NOTICE: This

SEP

Classified

A

Statement

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT, FBN No: 20220002328 First Filing. The following person (s) are doing business as: MATCHDER GROUP, 200 WEST MASON ST #2, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101, County of Santa Barbara. Full Name(s) of registrants: JOEL P ANGELES: 200 WEST MASON ST #2, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101. This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL. This statement was filed in the office of JOSEPH E. HOLLAND, County Clerk-Recorder of SANTA BARBARA COUNTY on 09/19/2022 by E30, Deputy. The registrant commenced to transact business on: Not Applicable. Statement Expires on: Not Applicable.

NOTICE: This fictitious name statement expires

years from the date it was

in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be

before that time. The

of this statement does not of itself authorize the

in this state

business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (See Section 14400, ET SEQ., Business and Profession Code). (SEAL) SEP 24; OCT 1, 8, 15 / 2022--58691

Federal data shows job creation slowed in September

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The U.S. economy added 263,000 nonfarm jobs last month, the lowest total new jobs for a month all year.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the data, which showed the unemployment rate declined slightly to 3.5%.

“The unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent in September, returning to its July level,” BLS said. “The number of unemployed persons edged down to 5.8 million in September.”

That rate varies by demographic.

“Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for Hispanics decreased to 3.8 percent in September,” BLS said.

“The jobless rates for adult men (3.3 percent), adult women (3.1 percent), teenagers (11.4 percent), Whites (3.1 percent), Blacks (5.8 percent), and Asians (2.5 percent) showed little change over the month.”

The number of part-time workers who couldn’t find a fulltime job decreased as well.

“The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons decreased by 306,000 to 3.8 million in September,” BLS said. “These individuals,

who would have preferred fulltime employment, were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs. “The number of persons not in the labor force who currently want a job was little changed at 5.8 million in September and remains above its February 2020 level of 5.0 million. These individuals were not counted as unemployed because they were not actively looking for work during the 4 weeks preceding the survey or were unavailable to take a job.” Democrats and some economists touted the economic numbers, but the Dow dropped 400 points immediately after their release.

“Among those not in the labor force who wanted a job, the number of persons marginally attached to the labor force was little changed in September at 1.6 million,” BLS said. “These individuals wanted and were available for work and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months but had not looked for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. The number of discouraged workers, a subset of the marginally attached who believed that no jobs were available for them, increased by 119,000 to 485,000 in September.”

Texas GOP leadership formally declares Texas is being invaded

FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PRECONSTRUCTION AND LEASE-LEASEBACK SERVICES

services, the scope of the project, the selection process, and the information that is required to be included in the proposal.

The recommendation for award will be made to the firm that provides the best value to the District as set forth in the RFP. The RFP and prequalification package is available on the District’s website, www.syvuhsd.org, or by contacting Terry Westfall at 805-686-3570 twestfall@syvuhsd.org.

The proposal in the form specified in the RFP must be received no later than 3 p.m., on October 27, 2022.

Elysia Lewis, Business Manager Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District 2975 East Highway 246 Santa Ynez, CA 93460

Any failure to submit the proposals before the deadline will cause the proposal to be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposer is solely responsible for the timely delivery of their proposal.

A mandatory job walk/conference is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on October 13, 2022. Please meet at the District office, 2975 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez,

The District

For

syvuhsd.org.

the

Registrar of Voters

The executive committee calling on Gov. Abbott to defend Texas and America

By BETHANY BLANKLEY

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

OCT

the

(The Center Square) – The executive leadership of the Republican Party of Texas has formally declared an invasion at the Texas southern border. It’s also calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to do what no governor of Texas has ever done before: declare an invasion and protect Texas and Americans from what it says are transnational criminal organizations creating an imminent threat to their lives.

The Texas GOP’s State Republican Executive Committee formally declared an invasion in a resolution it passed during its latest quarterly meeting held Sept. 24.

The resolution states that during World War II, allied forces totaling about 156,000 landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944. By comparison, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of foreign nationals who’ve illegally entered the U.S. in Texas is equivalent to the number of allied D-Day forces entering every month for the past 18 months.

With the Biden administration ending the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico Policy,” Texas could see an increase of an additional 18,000 people illegally entering daily, or the equivalent to the number of allied D-Day forces landing in Texas every 10 days.

“The health, safety, and welfare of Texans are under an imminent threat of disaster from the unprecedented levels of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling coming across the U.S. border from Mexico,” the resolution states, “spearheaded by violent international drug cartels that have operational control over our unsecured U.S.-Mexico border.”

It also states that the Biden administration ordering U.S. Border Patrol agents to unlawfully “process into the United States an unlimited number of illegal noncitizens” violates the “Guarantee Clause, Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, as it relates to the Federal Government protecting any state against invasion.”

It points to Article I, Section 10, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants authority to the states to protect themselves from an invasion when the federal government fails to do so.

Under the authority of the U.S. Constitution, the Texas GOP SREC is calling on Gov. Abbott to declare that Texas is being invaded and

“organize the appropriate assets of Texas to repel this growing lawless invasion.” This includes transporting “by any means available, an increasing number of undocumented illegal non-citizens across the same border they illegally crossed.”

The resolution also points to Gov. Abbott last month designating transnational cartels as terrorist organizations and calling on President Joe Biden to do the same.

It also points to multiple counties that “have so boldly declared an invasion because the health, safety, and welfare of their residents are under an imminent threat of disaster from the unprecedented levels of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling coming across the U.S. border from Mexico.”

So far, judges and commissioners representing 33 counties have declared an invasion. While they and the Texas GOP have all expressed support for Gov. Abbott’s border security efforts through Operation Lone Star and other actions he’s taken, they are calling on him to do even more to protect Texans and Americans.

In McMullen County, the fourthleast populated county in Texas, for example, its judge declared an invasion in the county and in Texas.

In one month alone, “McMullen County law enforcement documented over 4,000 illegal aliens who avoided apprehension by Border Patrol and whose whereabouts are currently unkown,” its county judge, James Teal, said in a disaster declaration he issued in July.

McMullen County, located roughly 104 miles north of Laredo, has a population of 600. In one month alone, foreign nationals evading law enforcement outnumber citizens 7 to 1.

“The ongoing crisis on the Texas border is not acceptable and has resulted in a security threat and humanitarian disaster with overwhelming consequences to the residents of McMullen County and Texans, alike,” Mr. Teal said.

Other county judges have also declared an invasion in their county as well as at the southern border.

The Texas GOP SREC maintains that only Gov. Abbott can “extinguish the worldwide incentive for millions of undocumented non-citizens to continue to gain illegal access to the United States via Texas” because of the lawlessness of the Biden administration.