Santa Barbara News-Press: December 24, 2022

Helping 1,000 families

Foodbank distributes food to people in time for Christmas

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County gave away

FYi

approximately 50,000 pounds of food Friday to more than a thousand families driving through holiday distribution sites in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.

12.

“In Santa Maria, people started lining up at 5 a.m.. There was a line of cars six miles long,” she said. “It was in the 40s down there.”

location,” she said. “In total we served 1,050 families at a rate of four to five people per household.”

Biden signs reforms inspired by Conception fire

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

President Joe Biden on Friday signed legislation that included a reform inspired by the 2019 Conception Boat fire at Santa Cruz Island.

The Small Passenger Vessel Liability Fairness Act, first proposed by U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, changes an 1851 law that can prevent maritime accident victims and their

Special Christmas tree inspires couple’s book

By JARED DANIELS NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

For the past 10 years, two Christmas trees have gone up in the home of two retired Solvang teachers.

One is a typical tree adorned with Christmas ornaments and a topper; the other, an artificial tree layered with family photographs.

This unique family tradition is the subject of “The Story Tree,” a newly-released children’s book written by Chip and Julene Fenenga and published by Santa Barbara-based Polyverse Publications.

The tradition began following

“It went fast and furious,” Judith Smith-Meyer, senior communications manager for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, told the News-Press afterward. “We served 250 families (at Franklin Elementary School) in Santa Barbara and ran out of food at 10 minutes before

“When we host events like this, we see how willing people are to wait in long lines for food on a cold morning,” Ms. Smith-Meyer said. “It gives a very human presence to people who are having a hard time.”

To make a donation to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County or to become a volunteer, go to foodbanksbc.org/about-us. Please see FOODBANK

“We served approximately 800 families at the Santa Maria

“There was a woman in labor who came out to get food for her other children before going to the hospital,” Ms. Smith-Meyer said. “There was another woman nursing a baby that was just one or two days old.

“Approximately two-thirds to three-fourths of those who came out to get food were moms,” she

nO nEws-PRE ss On MOndaY

Because of the Christmas weekend, the News-Press will not publish on Monday. But the News-Press office will be open as usual on Monday. The News-Press will resume publishing on Tuesday.

COURTESY PHOTO Solvang couple Chip and Julene Fenenga wrote “The Story Tree,” a Christmas season book inspired by their family tradition.

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal Please

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Cristina Ortega and her son Daniel Alvarado spend their time volunteering during the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s holiday food distribution Friday at Franklin Elementary School. Food was given to 250 families driving through the Santa Barbara site.

Christmas memories and a holiday’s evolution

to strand it with colored lights that, back then, were rather temperamental.

ROBERT ERINGER

Igrew up celebrating Christmas, and I’m not trading it for “winter holidays” or anything else.

Greet me with “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa” or “Happy Holidays” or whatever makes you feel good, fine with me, glad you are enjoying the Yuletide season. But I’m sticking with “Merry Christmas!”

For me this is a cultural, not a religious thing. I did some Sunday schooling at a Unitarian church but discovered spirituality much later in life. Much more important to me as a child were Christmas trees and frosty snowmen and carols vibrating from the hifi radio and nighttime drives around other neighborhoods to see twinkly displays of Christmas lights but most especially displays of Santa Claus on a sleigh with reindeer led by a red-nosed Rudolph.

Lugging home an evergreen from Ralphs on Wilshire Boulevard was a big deal — and an even bigger deal for my father who braved stinging pine needles

Thereafter, all family members participated in the ritual of adorning the tree with glass ornaments, silvery tinsel, a Nativity scene beneath and a star on top. It was a warm and fuzzy family experience celebrated with hot cocoa and marshmallows in festive mugs and much good cheer.

I still have the red and white stocking I hung over the fireplace as a kid. Even though it is frayed and beat up, I bring it out annually. Just looking at it makes me feel like a happy 8-year-old.

Christmas Eve was a very special affair with friends dropping by, and, for us kids, excited anticipation about the impending arrival, once we were asleep, of St. Nick, for whom we set out a note and cookies.

There was simply nothing better as a child than the thrill of rounding a corner into the living room early Christmas morning to find a stocking loaded beyond the brim with chocolate and candy canes and small gifts and, under the tree, dozens upon dozens of beautifully wrapped and ribboned presents for my two brothers and me.

Try as they may, wacky wokesters and politically correct cuckoos will never take Christmas from me, not in spirit, not in words, no way, no how.

Now the reality.

THE BIRTHDATE OF JESUS

The latest calculation about

when Jesus of Nazareth was born — based on the starry sky above — puts that date around mid-June or October or even early spring, depending on the exact year of his birth, which is also in contention but believed to be sometime between 2 and 7 B.C.E/B.C.

An article in the Royal Astronomical Society’s quarterly states, “Astronomical and historical evidence suggests that the Star of Bethlehem was a comet which was visible in 5 B.C. and described in ancient Chinese records. The evidence points to Jesus being born in the period 5 B.C. March 9-May 4.

So why do we celebrate the birth of Jesus on the 25th of December?

Answer: The first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine in the year 336 chose this date to co-opt the pagan festival of Yule on Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, a celebration that continues for 12 days (hence the 12 days of Christmas) filled with gift giving and spiritual reflection, merriment and feasts, symbolizing a rebirth (through longer days) of the sun and, by extension, new beginnings. It’s an opportunity to welcome a “new year” free of unwanted bad habits — that became new year resolutions.

As for the word “Christmas” or “Christ’s mass,” the word “mass” derives from the Latin “missa,” which means “sent.” Together, Christmas means “The Christ Jesus has been sent to God,” and those who take part in a “mass”

are thereafter sent into the world as beacons of light.

And on that note, have a very Merry Christmas!

Robert Eringer is a longtime Montecito author with vast experience in investigative journalism. He welcomes questions or comments at reringer@gmail. com.

Book conceals faces of narrator, parents so readers can place themselves in the sory

FYI

“The Story Tree” by Chip and Julene Fenenga with illustrations by Nicky Drew is available at Chaucer’s Books in Santa Barbara, Tecolote Books in Montecito, The Book Loft in Solvang, Lost and Found in Carpinteria, and online at Amazon.com.

the death of Mrs. Fenenga’s mother, Ruby, who left behind an artificial Christmas tree that came into Mrs. Fenenga’s possession. However, she simply felt that putting ornaments on the tree wouldn’t “do it service,” which led to Mr. Fenenga suggesting a more meaningful tribute to his late mother-in-law.

“We ended up printing out a bunch of pictures and putting them on as ornaments, and it became a ‘family tree,’” Mr. Fenenga told the News-Press. “And so about 10 years ago we started doing it mostly because we noticed people’s reactions when they’d come in. We had a regular Christmas tree, and then my wife set this family tree up and everybody always went around that one.”

The tradition has helped the Fenengas put family at the center of their Christmas celebrations, with photos being added and updated as new family members are born and others grow up and start their own families.

“It’s one of those things where it just evolves every year,” Mrs. Fenenga said. “I have a new granddaughter, so adding a granddaughter picture on the tree, and just all the stories that come to life — it’s just a beautiful nod to my mom.”

“Some years it can be really tough,” Mr. Fenenga added. “My dad passed away, and then that Christmas his picture is on the family tree.

“And when you’re putting it up it’s a different feeling (compared to adding it before his passing). But then you realize that he’s connected to these people and those people, and we wouldn’t be here without that — it’s all a story. And, at least for a time, they’re all back.”

“The Story Tree” retells the start of the Fenengas’ tradition through the eyes of an unnamed child narrator, who is celebrating her first Christmas since the passing of her grandmother.

Like Mrs. Fenengas, the narrator of the story comes into possession of an artificial Christmas tree, and works with her family to garnish it with old family photographs. In doing so, the family shares and revels in the memories that the photographs provide.

One of the unique features of the book’s illustrations, which were done in watercolor by illustrator Nicky Drew, is the

deliberate concealing of the narrator and her parents’ faces — a design choice that was specifically requested by the authors so that any child reading the book would be able to easily place themselves in the story and relate it to their own family.

This style, while subtle, is indicative of the authors’ desire to share their family tradition and the joy it has brought them with others.

Through watercolor illustrations that expertly express both the darkness of winter and bright warmth of the Christmas season, and writing that makes a “grown-up” message digestible for young children in a sincere manner, “The Story Tree” invites young readers to explore the importance of family during the holiday season.

email: jdaniels@newspress.com

COURTESY ROBERT ERINGER

Columnist Robert Eringer still has the Christmas stocking he had when he was a kid.

NICKY DREW ILLUSTRATIONS

Nicky Drew illustrated “The Story Tree,” inspired by the Fenenga family’s tradition of putting photos on a Christmas tree.

‘This event is an important opportunity for those struggling to get support’

said.

Ms. Smith-Meyer described the mood during the distribution as joyful.

“People work really hard and are in dire straits and cannot make ends meet. They come to the Foodbank, and there is a radiance of gratitude and rejoicing,” she said. “It’s really great to have food when you don’t think you can put food on the table. People are grateful to have food to keep their families healthy.

“Our volunteers feel the same way,” Ms. Smith-Meyer said. “It’s a different kind of reward when you get to see the people you are helping.”

In Santa Maria, 650 turkeys and 1,000 pounds of pork were distributed.

In Santa Barbara, 250 chickens were given away.

In addition, a large amount of produce was purchased for this distribution, including cilantro, jalapenos, onions and oranges. Other food distributed included cheese, tortillas, milk, beans and nut butter.

“It is harder to get produce donated at this time of year,” said Ms. Smith-Meyer.

In Santa Barbara, VIP guest volunteers included members of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors: Laura Capps (2nd District), Joan Hartmann (3rd District) and Das Williams (1st District).

“The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is the premier food distribution and hunger relief organization in our county,” Supervisor Hartmann told the News-Press. “They are on the front lines providing nutritious meals to thousands of our neighbors in Santa Barbara County through their network of partner agencies.

“I always look forward to my time volunteering with the

Foodbank and am humbled to witness both the great need, but also, the generous spirit of community members, local businesses and our agricultural community who support the Foodbank’s mission and bring a little extra joy and comfort to those most in need.”

Also at the Santa Barbara location were Assemblyman Gregg Hart, D-Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara City Councilman Mike Jordan.

“It is really important for the community to demonstrate generosity of spirit towards neighbors in need of help this holiday season,” Mr. Hart told the News-Press. “This event is an important opportunity for those struggling to get support and a tribute to the effectiveness of the foodbank to marshall resources and volunteers during this season of gratitude and goodwill.”

Councilman Jordan stressed the importance of the Foodbank’s work.

The lack of healthy food, or food insecurity, too often teams up with the lack of affordable housing to create what should be an intolerable reality — keeping people in poverty, at risk, and tearing at the fabric of our community,” he told the NewsPress. “The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County serves a vital need, both ongoing and in times of disaster, to help those most at risk in our community.”

At the Santa Maria location were Guadalupe Mayor Ariston Julian and Santa Maria City Councilman Carlos Escobedo.

“In Guadalupe, we have partnered with the Foodbank for nearly three years to distribute food items to local residents,” Mayor Julian told the News-Press. He stressed the importance of volunteers helping the Foodbank distribute food to the greater Santa Maria Valley.

Ms. Smith-Meyer said the Foodbank served 111,000 individuals during the third

quarter of 2022, which is the highest number since the first quarter of the COVID-19 pandemic. She added that the Foodbank will get numbers for the fourth quarter in January, but said it doesn’t seem like the numbers are decreasing.

“On a day like today we see the human face of those numbers,” Ms. Smith-Meyer told the NewsPress. “People are working really hard, working multiple jobs. Both parents are working, and they still can’t put food on the table.

“Donations of any size make a big difference,” she said, adding, “We always welcome new volunteers. We will be training our new volunteers in January.” email: kzehnder@newspress.com

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Volunteers open up boxes of frozen whole chicken, which were given away to people driving through the Franklin School site.

Volunteers place food items into the recipient’s trunk at Franklin School.

Adrian Corona, who along with his mother Ary Zagar showed up to volunteer for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s holiday food distribution, picks up a bag of fruits to place into a recipient’s car at Franklin School.

Bank of America invests more than $2.6 million in local nonprofits

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Bank of America this year directed more than $2.6 million in philanthropic capital to nonprofits and charities across Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties.

The bank said the support is helping to remove barriers to economic mobility and social progress, with a particular focus on nonprofits providing basic needs, paid career training and placement, education and economic development.

Bank of America’s support includes entrepreneurial programs with Women’s Economic Ventures in Ventura and Santa Barbara, Women’s Business Center San Luis Obispo, SCORE of San Luis Obispo and Women’s Business Center San Luis Obispo.

The bank’s efforts also include paid intern and work training programs with Ojaibased Concerned Resource & Environmental Workers for teens and UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental Sciences.

It also includes support to education initiatives at Ventura

Make your retirement a great one

Retirement planning is one of the most important financial decisions in a lifetime.

But the process is so much more than investment returns.

A comprehensive retirement plan will encompass investments, tax strategies as well as estate planning. Once these important aspects of the retirement plan are in place, the really important decisions come into play.

Over the years, the most successful retirees are those who continue the planning process to ensure a successful and content retirement.

There are several very important concepts that should be implemented upon retirement. They include health and exercise, community involvement, social life, fulfilling life-long goals and giving of your time, talents and treasure.

It’s important to remember that it is common for people, within the first few days and weeks of retirement, to feel lost. When you’ve been working for decades and then suddenly stop that routine, it’s jarring. But the great thing about retirement is you can finally do all those things you’ve wanted to do that you didn’t have time for previously.

Concentrate on your health!

Everyone wishes they could exercise more often, and now you have the time to do it. It is important to get into an exercise routine early in your retirement. Your mental and physical well-being is dependent on a healthy body and mind.

Think about joining a gym or health club. Begin a regular exercise program that really fits you. Working out with friends can add to the experience and brings accountability and community. Eat healthy and stay in shape!

Think about a sport you would like to take up or a sport you wish you had more time to dedicate to before retirement. Whether you take up a new sport or want to get back into a sport you love, retirement gives you that opportunity.

Everyone wishes they could read more. Perhaps there are books you always wished you could read. Look at the “best novels of the past 25 years,” or pick a subject you enjoy and start there. Regardless, reading is a fun and rewarding hobby that will also help keep you mentally fit. Consider taking a class. There

INVESTMENTS

are plenty of free or inexpensive classes available for you to learn a new skill or explore a topic that really interests you. Challenge yourself and learn in a way that is both enjoyable and rewarding.

Travel the world! One of the top things people hope to do when they retire is travel. Odds are, there is probably somewhere that you’ve always wanted to visit. Well, now is the time to do it!

Get a rewarding part-time job. If you miss the routine of working, you can always get a fun job. You might want to impart your wisdom to others. There are many mentor programs out there that are always looking for people willing to help. Perhaps you’re not ready for a parttime job just yet. Volunteering can be a rewarding hobby. Find a “cause/non-profit” organization that means a lot to you and get involved.

A good retirement community is an absolute haven for seniors looking for engaging activities. These communities are chock-full of incredible amenities that can cater to just about every possible desire you might have as a retiree.

Take the time to research the retirement communities in the area you would like to live. These living centers are great places to congregate with old friends and new. They offer various restaurants and dining experiences you can share with friends and family.

Remember, socializing is an important part of a healthy retirement.

Finally, retire well by keeping your family and friends close and by keeping the Good Lord in the middle of it all!

Stay the course!

Tim Tremblay is president of Tremblay Financial Services in Santa Barbara (www.tremblayfinancial.com).

College Foundation and the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College and other steadfast organizations like SLO Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.

Most recently, Bank of America donated $90,000 to Foodshare VC and Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

In addition to philanthropic capital, the company’s local employees also contributed nearly 31,000 volunteer hours, ranging from home renovations in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity to free financial education workshops in English

and Spanish as part of the bank’s Better Money Habits program.

“Nonprofits are on the front lines of addressing complex societal challenges — understanding the needs and obstacles the Central Coast faces. Bank of America is partnered with those nonprofits to support development of the solutions and services that promote economic advancement,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, president of Bank of America Ventura and Santa Barbara. email: kzehnder@newspress.com

TIM TREMBLAY

COURTESY PHOTO

Bank of America holds a celebration to celebrate its Neighborhood Champions program, which invests in communities through nonprofits.

At least 1.5 million people without power in U.S. due to winter storm

By TOM GANTERT THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) - A major winter storm that is crossing the country has left at least 1.5 million Americans without power on Friday, according to a website that tracks power outages.

PowerOutage.us reported that most of the power outages were in the eastern part of the country with North Carolina (187,303), Virginia (145,767), Tennessee (143,640), Maine (114,537) and New York (104,375) having the most customers impacted as of 1 p.m. EST.

PowerOutage.us tracks and updates power outage data from utilities all over the U.S.

In Tennessee where temperatures were 9 degrees, the Memphis Light, Gas and Water utility announced the cold temperatures and high demand had created a “critical power supply situation.”

The Tennessee Valley Authority ordered all local power companies to drop between 5% and 10% of their electric load to avoid major outages across its service area. That means customers were expected to experience rolling blackouts where customers could expect outages two times a day on average.

‘Basing current maritime liability rules on a law written in 1851 is ridiculous’

REFORMS

families from receiving compensation from those responsible for the accident.

The new law requires owners of small passenger vessels to be held legally responsible for damages in future boating accidents and incidents, regardless of the value of the boat. The period of time during which victims can file a claim is also increased from six months to two years.

“As chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’m proud to see important reforms that I’ve fought for signed by President Biden today — including long-overdue updates to maritime liability laws that have denied victims’ families compensation for wrongful deaths at sea,” Rep. Carbajal, DSanta Barbara, said in a statement. “This is an important change, inspired by the families of the 34 precious lives lost on the Conception in 2019, that will ensure families of future maritime disasters do not face the same antiquated laws when seeking the support they deserve.”

Sen. Feinstein said the maritime liability rules were updated in the wake of the Conception fire “because current law is fundamentally unfair to victims of maritime tragedies.

“Basing current maritime liability rules on a law written in 1851 is ridiculous,” she said in a statement. “Owners of small passenger vessels who are found to be legally responsible for damages should be required to make those payments, and that’s what our bill does.”

The new law requires owners of small passenger vessels to be held legally responsible for damages in future boating accidents and incidents, regardless of the value of the boat.

The measure was included in the final Fiscal Year 2023 defense policy bill, which passed the House and Senate in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote over the past few weeks.

Due to changes made to the bill prior to initial passage out of the House in March, the new law only applies to future liability claims.

“Unfortunately, in the course of bipartisan negotiations earlier this year on our bill, there were some that felt that making this change retroactive for all past maritime accidents, as I had proposed, would go too far,” Rep. Carbajal said. “As I have made clear since March, I completely disagree with that line of thinking, especially when it comes to getting justice for victim’s families, but I believe fixing our laws for the future will be the best case for proving them wrong.

“I am actively exploring the pathway to building on today’s success by enabling restitution for the families of Conception victims that I have worked with and gotten to know over the past three years.” email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Carbajal’s Federal Firefighter Fairness Act becomes law

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

President Joe Biden on Friday signed into law a measure authored by U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal to improve disability and retirement benefits for federal firefighters.

The Federal Firefighter Fairness Act is designed to do so by ensuring federal firefighters receive the same access to job-related disability and retirement benefits as state, county and municipal firefighters.

“Federal firefighters have been on the front lines in California fighting wildfires as we experience longer and more extreme fire seasons, but their threshold to prove work-related illness is much higher than their state or local counterparts here in California and around the nation,” Rep. Carbajal said in a news release.

“That’s why I have worked for years to get this bipartisan commonsense bill to improve federal firefighters’ health and retirement benefits across the finish line,” he said.

“I’m proud today, after five years sponsoring and advocating for this bill, to see it signed into law by President Biden.”

The Federal Firefighters

Fairness Act creates the presumption that federal firefighters who become disabled by serious diseases — including heart disease, lung disease, certain cancers and infectious diseases — contracted the illness on the job.

The International Association of Fire Fighters estimates this measure would improve benefits for more than 10,000 firefighters across the U.S.

“Cancer is the No. 1 killer of firefighters, and eliminating this threat is the IAFF’s highest priority,” said Edward A. Kelly, IAFF general president.

The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2021 was introduced by Rep. Carbajal and Rep. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska; Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., in April 2021.

The measure, which Rep. Carbajal has sponsored since his first year in Congress, first passed the House in May 2022 and again as a part of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

Sen. Tom Carper, D-Delaware, and Sen. Susan Collins, RMaine, are the lead sponsors of a bipartisan companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

A LAWYER. On 1/18/2023 at 1:00 PM, Best Alliance Foreclosure and Lien Services Corp. as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Delinquent Assessment Lien, recorded on 7/26/2022 as Document No. 2022-0033713, of Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of Santa Barbara County, California, property owned by: Ann C Lippincott, Trustee of the Ann C Lippincott Family Trust dated November 20, 2002 and Edward W. Emerson, Trustee of the Edward W. Emerson Trust dated July 19, 2007, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business In this state.) At: thenorth door of the main entrance to the County Courthouse 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA, all right, title and interest under said Delinquent Assessment Lien in the property situated in said County, describing the land therein: As more fully described on the above-mentioned Notice Of Delinquent Assessment. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4820 Sawyer Avenue. Carpinteria, CA 93013 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. If the property has no street address or other common designation, directions may be obtained pursuant to a written request submitted to the beneficiary c/o the Trustee listed herein within 10 days from the first publication of this notice. Said sale will be made, “AS-IS” and “WITH ALL FAULTS” and that no representations or warranties are made as to the legal title, possession, legal condition, location, or encumbrances existing or regarding the physical condition of the property, to pay the remaining principal sum due under said Notice of Delinquent Assessment Lien, with interest thereon, as provided in said notice, assessments, interest, late charges, estimated fees, charges, costs of collection, and expenses of the Trustee, to-wit: :$16,946.33 Estimated. Accrued interest, assessments, late charges, costs of collection and charges, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. This sale shall be subject to a right of redemption. The redemption period within which this property interest may be redeemed ends 90 days after the date the sale is final.NOTICE

TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:

care for janitorial supplies and equipment. Able to observe and use safe working conditions. Ability to understand and apply University and Department policies and procedures to specific situations. Ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems. Ability to accomplish work within deadlines; may handle more than one project at a time. Able to work effectively in a team environment and needs to receive and follow instruction from supervisors. Notes: Days and hours may vary to meet the operational needs of the department. Maintain a valid CA driver’s license, a clean DMV

of the position or equivalency as determined by the hiring authority. 1-3 years Experience in working with diverse communities and across multiple identities and respect and consideration for all identities, perspectives, and differences. Notes: Satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check. Campus Security Authority. Some evenings and weekends are required. $58,940 - $64,700/yr. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu Job # 46211

If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property or necessarily a 100% ownership interest in the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off or resolving ownership interest issues, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens as well as the ownership interest(s) and salability of the property that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust or lien on the property. Please Note, the sale may not be final until either 15 or 45 days after the sale date – see Notice to Tenant. Further, no Certificate of Sale or Trustee’s Deed may be issued until the sale is final. Your bid is subject to being over bid by the Tenant or “eligible bidder” after the sale and if your bid is over bid, your only remedy is to the refund of your actual bid amount without interest or payment of any other costs, expenses or funds of any kind or nature incurred by the initial successful bidder. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, lien holder, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866) 266-7512 or visit this Internet Web site www.elitepostandpub.com using the T.S. number assigned to this case. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify sale or postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. Step one, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (866) 266-7512, or visit this internet website www.elitepostandpub.com using the file number assigned to this case TS# 22-22087 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Step two, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid (“NOI”) accompanied by an affidavit or declaration in accordance with Civil Code Section 2924m(c)(2)(A)(B)(C)(D) so that the trustee receives it no later than 5 p.m. on the 15th day after the trustee’s sale. Step three, you must submit a written bid along with the funds constituting the bid payable in lawful money of the United States, in the form of cash, a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state so that the trustee receives the bid and the funds no later than 5 p.m. on the 45th day after the trustee’s sale. Bids will only be accepted from an eligible tenant buyer or eligible bidder who has submitted a timely NOI in accordance with Step two above. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. The claimant under said Delinquent Assessment Lien heretofore executed and delivered

Life theArts

CALENDAR

Christmas spirit shines bright

Just look in the 1800 block of Chino Street in Santa Barbara, where Santa Claus is leading a special Christmas train. Or take a drive on Veronica Place, a Santa Barbara street that is carrying on its tradition of spectacular displays. That’s demonstrated

at homes where everything is wrapped in lights, even the palm trees.

Sightseers recently packed decorated trolleys, which took them to see Christmas decorations in places such as West Micheltorena Street in Santa Barbara.

You never know where or how Christmas

might appear in Santa Barbara. The Grinch, who used to dislike Christmas but came to see the light, peeks through the trees in the 1300 block of Portesuello Avenue in Santa Barbara.

There’s no doubt about it. You’ll see the Christmas spirit everywhere, as

The calendar appears Mondays through Saturdays in the “Life & the Arts” section. Items are welcome. Please email them a full week before the event to Managing Editor Dave Mason at dmason@newspress.com.

TODAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Interlopings: Colors in the Warp and Weft of Ecological Entanglements” is an exhibit that runs through March 12 at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara.Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The exhibit features weavings dyed with pigments from non-native plants on Santa Cruz Island. The weavings were created by artists Helen Svensson and Lisa Jevbratt. For more information, see sbbotanicgarden. org.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit “Parliament of Owls” runs through Feb. 5 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. For more information, go to www. sbnature.org.

DEC. 31

8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its annual New Year’s Eve concert, featuring music varying from The Beatles to James Bond to Broadway, at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Pops conductor Bob Bernhardt will conduct the concert, which will feature renowned soprano Mela Sarajane Dailey. There will also be champagne, noise-makers and, of course, party hats. To purchase tickets, go to thesymphony.org or thegranadasb.org or call the symphony at 805-893-9386.

9 p.m. The Boogie Knights and Spazmatics will perform during the New Year’s Eve Disco Boogie Ball at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. Tickets cost $50. To purchase, go to chumashcasino. com/entertainment.

JAN. 3

10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at the Marian Regional Medical Center, 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. For more information, go to vitalant.org.

7:30 p.m. The American Theatre Guild will present the North American tour of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” a theatrical concert celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin, at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets cost $59 to $114. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 4

7:30 p.m. The American Theatre Guild will present the North American tour of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” a theatrical concert celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin, at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets cost $59 to $114. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 5

1 to 5 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at the Lompoc Police Department, 107 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc. For more information, go to vitalant. org.

JAN. 13

7 p.m.

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar will perform a free concert at Isla Vista Elementary School, 6875 El Colegio Road,

COURTESY PHOTO Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuélla will perform free concerts Jan. 13-15 in Santa Barbara County as Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara resumes its programming. More details are under each date in this calendar.

News-Press photographer Kenneth Song discovered as he explored enchanted neighborhoods in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Merry Christmas!

— Dave Mason

Christmas lights and decorations have turned Santa Barbara County into a winter wonderland.

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Christmas lights grace the 1800 block of Chino Street in Santa Barbara

Trolleys full of sightseers tour check out Christmas decorations in the 800 block of West Micheltorena Street in Santa Barbara. (The trolleys are operated by the Santa Barbara Trolley Company.)

The Grinch peeks through a tree at the 1300 block of Portesuello Avenue in Santa Barbara.

Santa Claus issues an ominous warning to passersby in the 1300 block of San Miguel Avenue in Santa Barbara.

Santa’s all smiles in the 400 block of Payton Street in Goleta.

Police Activities League inspires children’s smiles at Winter Wonderland

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara Police Activities League presented personalized gifts to 176 children during PAL’s 22nd annual Winter Wonderland holiday at the Carousel House.

Seventy-two local families had the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit Dec. 15 with pictures with Santa, dancing, holiday crafts, face painting

and more. Dinner and dessert were catered by El Pastorcito Taqueria.

All children in attendance received a wrapped holiday gift.

Of those children, 85% were sponsored by the Santa Barbara Police Department employees, 10% by community members and 5% by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s office.

At the Winter Wonderland, local police officers helped

serve dinner and spent time with families.

The evening was a special reprieve for the families during a time of year that can be difficult for many. For many of these families, time together to simply have fun is a rare occasion, according to PAL. Some of the families at this year’s event have recently become homeless or are facing grief and loss. Some of the people are single parents

without familial support for their children.

PAL noted that it strives to build positive mentoring relationships between teens, the police department, and members of the community through leadership, mentorship, and academic enrichment programs. For more information, visit www.sbpal. org.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Making your relationship more romantic

Iknow that keeping the romance alive in a relationship can be hard. It’s easy enough to accomplish, however, if you remember to do the following: be more loving, give more attention to sex, touch each other, offer affection, do nice things for your partner and share your feelings.

Let me break it down further:

• Being more loving is not only the best way to improve your relationship, but also one of the most important things you can do for yourself.

First be kind. Kindness comes from a place of love and respect, and it requires you to think about other people’s feelings before your own. Be generous. Giving acts — whether they are large or small — are an expression of love, so don’t be stingy with your time or money when it comes to giving back in some small way each day!

Finally, think about how others are feeling rather than just how you are feeling. Make it a practice to do this at least once an hour throughout the day. This will help prevent selfishness from creeping into your life and will ensure that others are always at the forefront of your mind!

• Giving more attention to sex is not just a box to check off on your to-do list. Sex is a key part of any relationship and should be treated as such. It’s an opportunity for you and your partner to connect on a deeper level.

If you’re having problems getting in the mood, you can make sex more exciting by communicating with your partner and trying new things together. If something bothers or frustrates you about your partner’s bedroom behavior, communicate! Being open about what does (and doesn’t) turn you on will help both of you feel more comfortable during sex.

Try new things together — the bedroom doesn’t need to stay the same forever! Again it’s important to communicate what you’d like to do differently. Your partner will appreciate it, and it will make sex more fun. No matter how long you have been together, you don’t know everything there is to know about each other’s bodies or minds!

So continue to explore and ask each other questions. This can happen before or during sex … whatever works best for both of

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

Goleta, as Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara resumes its programming.

JAN. 14

7 p.m. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuélla will perform a free concert at Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. The concert is presented by Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara.

JAN. 15

7 p.m. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuélla wlil perform a free conceert at 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.

JAN. 17

1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, 4436 Calle Real, Santa Barbara. For more information, go to vitalant.org.

JAN. 19

2 to 5:30 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, 524 Chapala St., Santa Barbara. For more information, go to vitalant.org.

JAN. 21

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Plains, Trains & Violins” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St. The concert includes Miguel del Aguila’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “The Journey of a Lifetime” (El viaje de una vida) with violin soloist Guillermo Figueroa and the concert world premiere of Elmer Bernstein’s “Toccata for Toy Trains.” The orchestra will also perform Dvorak’s Symphony No.

you.

• Touching each other during the day is a great way to show affection and connect with your partner. Casual touch, stroking hair, touching fingers as you pass each other in the hall, or a backrub, can be a great source of comfort.

Touching is also a great way to relax, especially if your partner is comfortable touching you in return. Touch releases oxytocin in the brain, which makes you feel more connected and confident. Touching could help you sleep better at night too!

Studies have shown that couples who cuddle up together at night tend to go into deep REM (rapid eye movement) sleep quicker than those who don’t touch each other before bedtime. And of course, touching is great for romance.

• Offering affection is another way to make your relationship more romantic. At home, you can express your affection with kisses, hugs, or however you like. Out in public, try snuggling up to each other and looking lovingly into your partner’s eyes, which can foster intimacy.

• Doing nice things for your partner will help your relationship in so many ways. This means thinking about what they would like to do and making it happen. Go out to eat, watch a movie together, go on vacation, or take a hike. Do things together that each of you might normally do alone. Enjoy each other’s company.

• Sharing your feelings is one of the best ways to build intimacy. When was the last time you told your partner that you love them? When was the last time they told you? If it’s been a while, do it today and tomorrow and the next day. Let your partner know how much you appreciate them, and do it in your own words every day.

I invite you to try any or all of these suggestions. Any one of them can make your relationship a more romantic, fun and loving place to be.

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

9 (“From the New World”). Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 22

3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Plains, Trains & Violins” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St. The concert includes Miguel del Aguila’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “The Journey of a Lifetime (El viaje de una vida)” with violin soloist Guillermo Figueroa and the concert world premiere of Elmer Bernstein’s “Toccata for Toy Trains.” The orchestra will also perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”). Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

4 to 5 p.m. “Roy Dunn: Capturing Imagery of Our Wild Neighbors” will take place at the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang.

JAN. 24

2 to 6 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at Camino Real Marketplace, 7046 Marketplace Drive, Goleta. For more information, go to vitalant.org.

7 p.m. UCSB Arts & Lectures presents mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and a music ensemble in “Eden” at The Granada, 1214 State St. “Eden” explores the individual human connection with nature and features music from four centuries. Tickets cost $46 to $131 for general admission and $20 for UCSB students with ID, one hour before the performance, and youths 18 and younger. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. For more information, go to vitalant.org.

COURTESY PHOTOS

At left, children receive presents during the Police Activities League’s recent Winter Wonderland at the Carousel House in Santa Barbara. At right, a police officer participates in the Winter Wonderland.

The Christmas spirit is soaring in the 1500 block of Veronica Place in Santa Barbara

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS Christmas decorations add magic to the 1500 block of Veronica Place.

Thought for Today

“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.” — Pindar

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Saturday, December 24, 2022

ARIES — You’ve been more thoughtful lately and truer to yourself. This is due to your recent introspection. You really can change your life. All it takes is time and commitment. You’ve made great progress in your development. Continue on this path and you will wind up in a much better place.

TAURUS — You’re feeling confident and more comfortable in your own skin than you have in a long time, Taurus. You’re so accomplished, why are you the last one to acknowledge it? Try to look up from your desk long enough to socialize with friends and loved ones. You’ve been so focused on work that your relationships may have suffered a bit.

GEMINI — It’s time to loosen up, Gemini. The planetary aspects bring a new cycle of tolerance and understanding your way. You could use a bit of both. Take baby steps as you introduce the kinder, gentler you to your friends and co-workers. They won’t accept a rapid transformation, but they won’t mind gradual changes.

CANCER — Remember all those resolutions you made in the past? It’s time to recommit to them. All signs indicate that you need to take better care of yourself. You’ve been so busy working that exercising has begun to feel like a luxury you can’t afford. Actually, exercise and proper nutrition are luxuries you can’t afford to ignore.

LEO — This is an auspicious time for you, Leo. It gives you the energy and enthusiasm to make the necessary changes in your life. There is a lot of work to do, but you’re up to it! First focus on your relationships. Your loved ones don’t care about your professional successes. They want (and perhaps need) to spend more time with you.

VIRGO — You have tremendous creativity inside you, Virgo. Have you begun to use some of it? This creative cycle will last for the next month or so. Don’t let it pass without taking advantage of it. Use the other side of your brain for a change. Take up sketching, painting, or fiction writing.

What you do is less important than doing something.

LIBRA — Get excited because this is going to be one great day! Everything will go your way. It will seem as if you simply can’t lose. At work, team members look to you as the leader. At home, family members express gratitude and affection. You may be tempted to try this luck at the casino, but don’t be impulsive.

SCORPIO — This is a good day for quiet contemplation, Scorpio. You may have worried about finances lately, but there’s no longer any need to concern yourself. All signs indicate that your financial fortunes are about to change. You’ve been working hard and should reap some rewards. Today’s aspects suggest that you will.

SAGITTARIUS — Sagittarius, you’re bound to enjoy this day!

It’s full of possibilities and opportunities. It may begin routinely, but keep your eyes and ears open for hints of change. Your new adventure may come about in a mundane way. You might meet someone in line at the store who becomes a business partner.

CAPRICORN — Forget about work for a change and focus instead on your love life! This is one area that can really use some attention. There’s no sense waiting for your partner to do it. It’s up to you. Why not book a romantic weekend? It will do wonders for your relationship and add spark just by anticipating the fun you will have.

AQUARIUS — You greet the day energized! Your confidence is at an all-time high because of recent events. You have every reason to be proud of what you’ve accomplished, especially at work. But your love life could benefit from the same level of commitment. Why not be proactive? Arrange a romantic evening for you and your partner.

PISCES — You have strong humanitarian instincts, Pisces. You think of your fellow humans more than most. This, combined with your intuition and empathy, makes you well suited for the healing professions. If you’ve felt a bit disgruntled at work lately, it may be that you’re in the wrong career. Consider training as a counselor or therapist.

INSTRUCTIONS

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Saturday, December 24, 2022

I asked players at my club what phrase best captured the Christmas spirit. Unlucky Louie chose “Peace on Earth.” Rose cited “Good will toward men.” And Cy the Cynic lived up to his name by suggesting “Batteries not included.”

Cy trusts nobody, whatever the season. As today’s West he led the jack of clubs against four spades. (South’s 2NT showed about 11 points, balanced.) South won in dummy and led the queen of trumps, and East took the king and led the nine of hearts.

ACE OF TRUMPS

The Cynic took his ace and returned a heart. South won, lost a trump to the ace and took the rest. Making four. “Don’t you trust anyone?” East sighed.

The bidding (and East’s defense) marked East with A-K-x in trumps. But if he had a singleton heart, South would have four and would have responded one heart. Cy should duck the first heart. When East takes the ace of trumps, he leads his last heart and gets a ruff.

All my club members and I wish for my readers a holiday season of peace and joy.

ANSWER: You have enough strength to invite game but not to force. A jump to three diamonds would be fine if your partner would treat it as invitational. If three diamonds would be forcing — some expert partnerships treat it that way — or if you’re not sure, underbid with two diamonds or try 2NT. North dealer N-S vulnerable

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 Sunday’s Life section.

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

African beadwork doll represents culture and traditions of Zululand

J.E. has a tall (3.5 foot) fabric and beadwork African doll that her father collected in South Africa in the 1960s. He was working on a project that took him to Zululand.

This doll has a weighted base, and J.E. uses it for a doorstop. She is wondering if it is worth something. Yes, it is, and not only that, but it is also a great example of a mature female doll. Notice those two round breasts.

I can place it as made by the Zulu people of South Africa, who descended from the Nguni people of Southeast Africa. And I can be definite about that because I actually saw the doll makers of Zululand at work when I visited South Africa in 2005.

When my son was studying at Duke University, he was sent over on a collaborative program with the University of the Witwatersrand, and he was based in the Kruger National Reserve. I came to visit him and to visit my old South African college friend who was from Zimbabwe. When

we left my son at the Kruger, my friend and I toured the 10,0000 square miles of the Zululand reserve along the Indian Ocean. When J.E. sent in this photo, I recognized it as a Zulu female doll. And how elegant she is. I love the way the face is portrayed with a line down the middle of the face, emphasizing the forehead central area and the nose.

Dolls for centuries have been used as play things, but perhaps more importantly they have been associated with burial rituals, marriage rituals and fertility rituals.

To give you some context, let me give you some contemporary cultural dolls that answer to all those rituals. Think of a wedding cake. We place two dolls on the very top. Those are our marriage dolls.

Fertility dolls are those that have the most desirable babymaking genetic potential. (Think of the Barbie doll.) But because male fertility is not often displayed in American culture, we have only one representation, the female fertility figure of a grown voluptuous woman. Not so in African culture where fertility dolls are both male and female.

Doll making has been a tradition in Zululand since the 14th century. The artists of the doll, who are female, start with a frame of wood. In the case of J.E.s doll, the wood frame has a base weight.

The wood is shaped into a female profile. This can be a long, elegant shape of the hourglass form. Or it can be a fertility form, rotund and pregnant. It can also be a young female form.

You will notice that J.E.’s doll has breasts and long earrings signaling it is an adult woman. Most Zulu dolls are narrow waisted, tall and lean.

I was so impressed by Zululand’s many markets when I visited South Africa. The markets sold such dolls and the wonderful, beaded necklaces, and the electrical (colored) wire baskets, which are an invention of the 20th century in fine art. Such color I saw, and I most remember the

yellow and red of those tiny beads worked into meticulous patterns.

Previous to this artistry of dolls, baskets and jewelry mainly created by the female artists, Zulu arts were military arts of the shield (often Zebra hide) and spears and clubs made by fierce Zulu warriors.

J.E.’s doll has colored beads, strung by hand on a rope, and worn as a necklace. Also, we can see everything is handmade including the fabric on the clothing and the twine embroidery around the doll.

Some dolls have caps of the auspicious cowrie shells, used in the early days for money. All have beadwork, and some have beadwork hairstyles.

A subset of the Zulu Doll is the Zulu Blanket Doll, which is traditionally a bride doll. It’s given to a bride by her new mother-inlaw and father-in-law, and the doll is created in the bride’s likeness.

The doll wears a blanket/cape — the traditional wedding attire —

and a traditional golden circular necklace.

A beadwork apron of five panels, representing the gift the bride’s father, would have given of five heads of cattle as dowry. This doll would also wear a wedding veil, symbolizing the division between herself as a maiden and herself as a wife.

I have seen similar Zulu dolls to J.E.’s, but none so tall, and therefore I would put the value at $600. Of course, because of its age, if sold at auction, it may sell for close to $1,000.

Dr. Elizabeth Stewart’s “Ask the Gold Digger” column appears Saturdays in the News-Press.

Written after her father’s COVID-19 diagnosis, Dr. Stewart’s book “My Darlin’ Quarantine: Intimate Connections Created in Chaos” is a humorous collection of five “what-if” short stories that end in personal triumphs over presentday constrictions. It’s available at Chaucer’s in Santa Barbara.

Maurice Singer named new Music Academy board chair

MONTECITO — Maurice Singer is the new board chair at the Music Academy of the West.

Mr. Singer, a founding principal of The Evergreen Advantage, a real-estate investment trust, succeeds Eileen Sheridan, who served as board chair from 202022.

Mr. Singer and four new directors will start their terms Jan. 1.

“I’m honored and excited to serve as board chair of this dynamic, forward-thinking institution that affords the next generation of classical musicians the opportunity to continue to develop their skills and explore new inroads to the ever changing and challenging career paths in the music industry,” Mr. Singer said in a news release.

The New York City native studied English and economics at the University of Vermont and went on to hold senior management

positions in the film and television industry, including president of HBO Films and senior vice president at Home Box Office, Columbia Pictures Corp. and Westinghouse Broadcasting Co.

After becoming a financial adviser, he founded Los Angelesbased Riviera Capital Management in 1993.

New board members at the Montecito academy are Michele Brustin, former executive director of the Performing Arts Association of New York State; Daniel Dokos, partner at the international law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges and head of Global Finance; Rachel Fine, executive director of the Yale Schwarzman Center; and Joshua Ramirez, a Realtor with Compass Real Estate in Santa Barbara, and co-founder of Princeton North, an innovative branding and marketing company.

Medicare

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

Maurice Singer

COURTESY PHOTO

Because of its age, this African doll could go for as much as $1,000 if sold at an auction.

IDEAS &

COMMENTARY

DID YOU KNOW?

Bonnie Donovan

ere are many way to celebrate Christmas

Did you know Christmas is celebrated in over 160 countries? Billions of people around the world celebrate with their own traditions. Did You Know? researched a few popular Christmas traditions in America.

Watching Christmas movies like some old ones such as “It’s A Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street,” both from the 1940s. The classic children’s animated TV specials like “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” as well as the 2004 movie “The Polar Express.” Other movies include “Home Alone, “Elf” and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” (which, long before the live-action movie adaptation, was an animated TV special).

“The important thing is there are plenty of newspapers, with plenty of different people controlling them, so there are a variety of viewpoints, so there is a choice for the public.”

— Rupert Murdoch

‘Soldiers of the Press” was a radio series that ran from 1942 to 1945 to showcase the contributions that United Press reporters made during World War II. These shows featured war correspondents in every venue of action throughout the war. These real-life dramas were encapsulations of their eyewitness accounts from behind the enemy lines in Japan, New Guinea, China, Germany and Italy.

Each of these war correspondents deserves a place in history for their dedication, bravery and their willingness to “tell it like it was on the front line.” These tough reporters are portrayed as the people they were. War correspondents knew the risks of their assignment, and over 60 journalists died in the line of duty alongside the fighting men and women whose stories they were reporting upon.

Ernie Pyle was the most famous American journalist covering World War II. He reported from the front line dodging bullets to get true-to-life stories. On April 18,

I’

1945, Pyle was killed on Ie Shima by a sniper. He was buried in the National Punchbowl Cemetery in Hawaii with his fellow war heroes. When the International Federation of Journalists published its first annual report of journalists killed in 1990, very few anticipated that the journalists killed list would still be going and growing 30 years later. These numbers are reminiscent of what Ernie Pyle said, “You are never safe in a war zone.”

“Freelance journalists are the most vulnerable since they work alone without help.”

— Åsne Seierstad

According to The Committee to Protect Journalists, 67 journalists were killed in 2022. That is a 30% increase over last year. Russia’s war in Ukraine, chaos in Haiti, violent crime in Mexico and response to civil protests has contributed to a sharp spike in fatalities of journalists killed this year.

The International Federation of Journalists tallied 385 journalists currently imprisoned for their work, with the highest figures in China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Turkey and Iran. That’s an increase of 30 journalists over last

year. Many will remain there for years, simply trying to report the news.

With the number of media worker killings on the rise, the IFJ called on governments to do more to protect journalists. Failure to act emboldens those who suppress information and undermines the people’s ability to hold leaders accountable.

“Without better protection for journalists, it limits the ability of people from keeping their leaders from abusing their political power.”

— Anthony Bellanger

Knut Dörmann, from the IFJ Legal Division, said current Geneva Convention regulations regarding the rights of journalists in conflict zones, are not being enforced. He said attacks against reporters in conflict situations are international war crimes but governments are ignoring international law.

“No matter how many rules you agree upon, they aren’t enforced during a war.”

— Suzy Kassem

CPJ compiled a list of the countries that are most unsafe for journalists. They are Eritrea, North Korea, Saudi Arabia,

Ethiopia, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, Iran, China and Myanmar. Seven of these countries are also the worst jailers, led by China and Myanmar with 105 journalists in jail according to CPJ’s annual census. Most journalists imprisoned globally are charged with anti-state crimes.

The safety of journalists is an essential condition for the realization of the universal, inalienable right to freedom of expression, as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But human rights and democracy are only guaranteed if journalists can work freely and without fear of political persecution, violence, intimidation, government surveillance and the threat of censorship.

Democracy is under threat around the world. They are confronting challenges within and outside of their borders. Public distrust and the failure of governments to work for the people ignites political polarization, which allows leaders to undermine the duties of the press. Politicians and media use selective censorship to empower one party over another, which destroys the tenants of democracy. In America, animosity toward journalists continues to grow as more instances of censorship have been revealed about liberal media

“killing stories” for Democrats during elections. This tarnishes the opinions people have with the media and it severely reduces our credibility with other nations also.

The world has always turned to America to help protect their freedom and democracy.

American journalists set the bar for the reporting of factual events during WWII. But a lot has changed since then. The ranking of the media on The World Press Freedom Index shows a big decline in freedom of speech in many democracies worldwide. This includes the U.S., which slipped down to No. 45.

European nations dominate the WPF rankings with the most press freedom. Norway ranked No. 1 and Sweden finished No. 2. The Netherlands, Finland and Switzerland rounded out the top five. Canada rose four positions to No. 18 and was classified as having a “good” press freedom climate.

Unlike China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Iran, Myanmar and other nations where media reporters are censored by the government and journalists literally fear for their lives, journalists in the U.S. have unlimited freedom of the press, without the fear of reprisal. But you’d never know it.

Everyone already knew that

is is no laughing matter

ve tried; Lord knows I’ve tried.

Tried, that is, to think positive thoughts, to get back in the game, join the conversation, to believe I could help alter the negative results of terrible policy, to absorb what passes for “news” without crying for my country.

But I have failed.

There is no good news.

None. Nada. Zilch. Nul. Zero. Bupkis.

I’ve been turtled up since the November election, but the holidays have me wishing, hoping, wanting, to get out of this funk.

The “news” keeps getting in the way.

For example, the U.S. has promised to pour a neverending supply of dollars into the Russian “incursion” into Ukraine. Unlike some of my

friends, I support this effort, as difficult and as painful as it may turn out to be.

But the situation has me wondering where is/ was the international tribunal, the U.N. discussions, the sober remorse of undeclared war and wanton attacks on civilian populations by an aggressive and unrelenting neighbor?

Half the world, apparently, cares nothing for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and supports the efforts of Vladimir Putin to crush its very existence.

As for the current U.S. administration, it does show some resolve when it comes to Ukraine’s independence and survival, but nothing at all for U.S. sovereignty or its borders.

Tens of billions, probably hundreds of billions for Ukraine but not a sou for the U.S.? Well, all right, a couple billion dollars to add more notetakers at the southern border where tens of thousands of “immigrants” — invited by President Joe Biden and his Washington cohort — pour over the Rio Grande every week.

This is a policy? This is a border?

This is a crime.

I know I promised in last week’s column to define a Republican strategy to combat the ongoing and worsening crime situation in the U.S., particularly in its cities and towns and especially the kind of “petty” theft perpetrated by individuals, gangs, and sometimes mobs against so many businesses.

Maybe I can in an upcoming

column, although it has become extremely difficult to think I/ we would have any impact whatsoever.

A case in point: While watching a show I thought had great promise when it debuted nearly a year ago — “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Cox Cable’s Channel 25 — I had to excuse myself from the TV den.

Jesse’s constant smirk in the face of dozens of videos capturing the unrestrained havoc taking place in grocery stores, department stores, drugstores, clothing shops, variety stores, and other kinds of businesses had me heading to my computer to find something more interesting to watch or listen to.

Speaking of listening, I could not listen to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as he gave his impassioned speech on the floor of the U.S. House of

Representatives Wednesday to a combined House/Senate (and special invited guests).

Those present continually interrupted President Zelensky, who spoke in hesitant but reasonably correct English, with applause and standing ovations, making it nearly impossible for the unshaven head of state to develop cadence with his plea.

Mr. Zelensky too seemed mildly annoyed as the audience broke his rhythm and lessened the impact of his entreaties.

It would have been nice if someone (such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi or Vice President Kamala Harris) had asked that people withhold their applause until the end.

Mr. Zelensky looked to be about to ask exactly that, but he was there to solidify the effort of his diplomats and his countrymen

One of the oldest Christmas traditions dates back to the 15th century. That is, of course, decorating a Christmas tree. Each year, 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. Whether you go and cut down your own tree, buy one or use an artificial tree, decorating a tree is one of the first signs that the Christmas holiday season is upon us.

Holiday decorating is not just the tree, decorating your home with Christmas lights, and some displays even coordinate the lights to turn off and on in unison with Christmas songs. While you are decorating your home, don’t forget to hang stockings for each of your family members, even that special pet.

The tradition of hanging mistletoe in the house goes back to the 18th century. Mistletoe was said to bring good luck to homes by getting rid of evil spirits. More commonly, it was also used as a sign of love and friendship. This is where the custom of kissing under the mistletoe originates.

Of the many Christmas traditions celebrated around the world, the most common is having a Christmas meal with friends and family. While we all love a good meal, the actual process of baking together is often a family tradition in itself. Making cookies, baking pies or building gingerbread houses falls in line with the holiday spirit that it is better to give than receive. Don’t forget to set a few cookies out with a glass of milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

Gift giving is one of the most beloved traditions of Christmas, and it goes back to when the Three Wise Men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus in the manger.

At work, one popular tradition of exchanging presents is through Secret Santa. This is when each person is given another’s name in the group and is responsible for getting them a gift without them knowing who their Santa is. A fun twist on the Secret Santa tradition is known as White Elephant. In this tradition, all gifts are placed on a table. Numbers are drawn so each person can choose a gift. Recipients have the option to take a previously opened gift from another person or test their luck by selecting from the table of gifts.

The tradition of gift-giving is centered around showing how much we appreciate others. As you go about your holiday shopping, remember Christmas is a time to think

The author is a Center Square contributor James Buckley

PURELY POLITICAL

COURTESY IMAGE

Columnist William Haupt writes that democracy is guaranteed only if journalists around the world can work freely and without the fear of persecution and censorship.

Arthur von Wiesenberger Co-Publisher Co-Publisher

Wendy McCaw

Oh happy day!

Ihave been writing about our transition, beginning in the 1960s, from a nation of God-fearing Puritans to self-centered pirates, all of which served to precipitate the decline of family, society, and culture in America and in past civilizations.

This transition was previously described in Princeton law professor Robert P. George’s paper “Solzhenitsyn’s Prophecy” based on a speech Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn delivered to Harvard in 1978.

Solzhenitsyn warned America of our slide into oblivion characterized by a loss of faith in our country, its institutions, its principles, its culture and its way of life. Solzhenitsyn viewed our weakness as the fruit of materialism, consumerism, self-indulgent individualism, emotivism and narcissism.

We had come to embrace a false idea of liberty, conceiving of it as doing as one pleases (pirates), rather than the freedom to fulfill one’s human potential and honor one’s conscientious duties to God and neighbor (Puritans).

Solzhenitsyn subsequently indicated our moral decline had to do with the fact that America had forgotten God. Specifically, that we worship ourselves, deify our own desires,and have fallen into an idolatry of self, and after that a catastrophe always ensues. His prescription to remedy our otherwise fatal ailment? What has been forgotten can be remembered. We must remember God to a world that has forgotten Him and resolve to live not by lies.

Accordingly, let’s go back and remember our beginning, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” In this day, we have lost the meanings of these basic terms, including that which makes for happiness.

In the age of our founding, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were considered unalienable rights endowed by and found in our Creator as our biblical heritage informed to us that a Savior was born, Christ Jesus, who

plainly stated that He is “the way (to God), the truth (the truth that sets men free) and the life (abundant and eternal)”.

Moreover, as stated in a concurrent document to the Declaration — the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which served as a model for the U.S. Constitution — happiness is defined as follows, “the happiness of a people and the good order and preservation of civil government essentially depend upon piety, religion, and morality, and as these cannot be generally diffused through a community but by the institution of the public worship of God and of the public instructions in piety, religion, and morality ...”

Unfortunately, today, America lives as if it no longer values piety, religion and morality and neither does it believe in sin. Instead, we succumbed to the fallacious concept of the separation of church and state as we suffer the consequences of the same. That is, consider what has happened to the soul and spirit of America as we abandoned the faith and truth cornerstone of our existence.

Students of history, such as Solzhenitsyn, understand that empires come and go, based upon their fidelity to faith and truth. Hence, our living in a post-truth society means we are desperately in need of being saved from ourselves.

America needs to remember and return to God again as the basis of our reconciliation with one another in our families, our society and our body politic. As the great Christmas hymn states, “Hark! the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King!’ Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”

It would also behoove us to remember the spirit of, ironically, a 1960s hymn ....“Oh Happy Day, when Jesus washed my sins away and taught me to watch, fight, and pray,” as we pursue a truly heart-felt and soul-searching return to the true meaning of Christmas.

Andy Caldwell is the COLAB executive director and host of “The Andy Caldwell Show,” airing 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays on KZSB AM 1290, the NewsPress radio station.

Memories of Flightline Restaurant

Editor’s note: This letter to the editor, intended for publication, was addressed to News-Press staff writer Neil Hartstein, who has been reporting on Flightline Restaurant at the Santa Barbara Airport.

Neil,Thank

you for the detail in your article. I’m a former Santa Barbara resident who has great memories of the former Elephant Bar and High Sierra (restaurants in the same location).

I shared the following comments on the topic on my Facebook page:

“This story is so frustrating in several ways. It shows just how idiotic my old hometown has become in their governmental ignorance. Three years of revenues to the city never appeared.

“Also, when this was opened as the Elephant Bar way back in the 1980s, my Dad did some of the drafting design work on the facility. Dec. 31, 1983, the day I passed my private pilot checkride, after promising myself I’d finish before the end of the year, my Dad took me and the family here for a celebration lunch.

“I ate lunch here with my Mother before she and I left town to drive her to the East Coast to live with my sister after my Dad had passed. The last time I ate here was with my Uncle Joe, Aunt Nancy and Uncle Mike.

“I met Mr. (Warren) Butler on a visit and had a nice chat with him. The memorabilia collection he had of military and civilian aviation as well as other military material, at times made the restaurant seem more like a fascinating museum than an

eatery. The Flightline was always on my to-do list when I’d visit my hometown.

“I’ll always have the memories of walking the building and seeing my Dad’s design work, and sitting around a table with family and friends as a newly-minted 17-yearold pilot. That was so much fun. Such great memories.

“I sincerely hope that the government of my hometown can get their act together and get moving to properly utilize this incredible resource. I’m sure the FBOs would both be happy to do joint referrals and pursue other win-win scenarios.

“I hope the people of Santa Barbara press hard on the government where, if they do intend to adjust the master plan, they get their collective (butts) moving and do it before flushing cash flow down the tubes each month.”

Thank you.

out his duties and by signing an agreement with the offending business to remain in place.

Another “business decision”?

I now realize that the city of Santa Barbara is making many questionable “business decisions,” which indicates that it is operating more like a businessfor-profit than a government that is supposed to be serving the citizens fairly and openly.

I guess “former city attorney” is a step toward better government.

Dave Blunk Santa Barbara

Will 2023 be better?

Soon the year 2023 will be here. What will what does it look like? Will there be changes? Will the Biden administration get serious about the southern border? Will it do more to stop the invasion of drugs, illegals, sex trafficking, and terrorists?

Let’s say it: Merry Christmas!

Do you recall the war that was launched on Christmas several years ago? It was another great example of how easily we can all be manipulated.

I’m not sure how the momentum got going, but I would liken it in some ways as the early stages of wokeness. A glimmer of that war recently surfaced at a public library. They removed the Christmas tree because it could offend some people. How many times have we heard that cop-out excuse?

But, after some public pressure, it was put back up. That’s how it must be. Don’t let them nick away at it. Just cut it right off.

For reasons I don’t understand, a large portion of the left hates Christianity. I can’t say all because I know many liberals and liberal priests who of course fully support Christian principles.

However, the attack on Christmas was very real. Nativity scenes were removed from parks, crosses taken down, people’s yards destroyed because the display didn’t agree with someone who thought they knew better. And as always, the media jumped on it.

Shawn Meehan MSgt, USAF, retired Founder, Guard The Constitution Minden, Nevada

The trouble with ‘business decisions’

The wrongful mistreatment of the Flightline restaurant investors by the city of Santa Barbara’s former attorney is just atrocious.

“A business decision.”

Now I understand why the city’s zoning enforcement officer allowed an illegal seafood processing business into the Eastside. It was a “business decision.”

Or why that former city attorney violated the local zoning ordinance and the California government cby not carrying

Second, will the Congress and President Joe Biden be more responsible economically? Or will they continue to spend like drunken sailors while average Americans are struggling to pay their bills? Doesn’t reckless, excessive spending cause inflation?

Third, will the mainstream media and social media keep average Americans well informed? Or will they continue to censor, manipulate, or omit what is really happening as they did with the Hunter Biden laptop, thereby keeping half of America in the dark?

Hopefully 2023 will be an historic year during which our leaders will turn things around and do what is best for America.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

Editor’s note: The News-Press today is reprinting the famous 1897 New York Sun editorial that Francis Pharcellus Church wrote in response to a letter from 8-yearold Virginia O’Hanlon. Merry Christmas!

DEAR EDITOR:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, “If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.”

Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no

romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the

wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

However, in this case, because it was more of a conservative issue (which I don’t understand why it would be), they downplayed it was real.

For a while, things got so bad, people cowered and merely mumbled “Happy Holidays.” To say Merry Christmas had become an offensive statement. We had been so kowtow and worried not to offend anyone, and it just became easier to stick with the generic words “Happy Holidays.”

My wife and I refused to succumb to the brow beating. However, today there are still holdouts.

Department stores instructed their employees not to say Merry Christmas. The most woke company in the world, Disneyland, jumped on the anti-Christmas sleigh and joined in as well. But ironically if there’s any place on the planet that has focused more on Christmas, it’s the Magic Kingdom. If you’ve ever been in the Anaheim park in December, it’s drenched in Christmas.

It took a few years and people started pushing back. For a while it became a taunt, “I’ll wish you a Merry Christmas, and I dare you say something.”

After a while the words Merry Christmas became once again mostly accepted. Retail started allowing employees to greet their customers with those two wonderful words. Disney quietly backed off.

Those who had launched and supported the campaign to make the words Merry Christmas a dirty phrase faded into the forest and realized they lost the war. A war that should have never been waged.

Thankfully there is still strength in numbers of people with more kind hearts than not. It was one episode in this nation where the people won over the few who tried to impose their foolishness.

Let’s keep an eye on it, and let the Christmas haters know we’re offended that they’re NOT participating.

Last week I attended the Cambria Christmas Market with my family. It has become a huge event with thousands going to see the spectacular light show. Even during torrential rains and high winds, attendees were determined to stick it out.

They also have displays of various real and mythical versions of Santa Claus. The stories range from a flying witch to an angry ogre and the more traditional Santa that we

Andy Caldwell

Diana Thorn Carpinteria

Henry Schulte

The author lives in Solvang

COURTESY PHOTO

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

KENNETH SONG/NEWS-PRESS

Warren Butler stands out the building that housed the Flightline Restaurant and its predecessors at the Santa Barbara Airport. Mr. Butler, who owned the Flightline Restaurant, accused the city of Santa Barbara of acting in bad faith by refusing to reassign the restaurant the lease given to High Sierra Grill. Flightline sued the city, and the two parties have settled for $225,000.

COURTESY NORTH POLE

Christmas 1944: The Battle of the Bulge

of the stunning 1940 German drive that overran France and secured Nazi domination of Europe.

Among Dwight D. Eisenhower’s associates at Supreme Allied Headquarters, fear was visible with alarm.

The tide of the battle did not clearly turn until Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army broke through to the 101st Airborne Division, surrounded by the Wehrmacht in Bastogne, Belgium, the day after Christmas.

Brutal fighting continued through January. However, with the relief of Bastogne the Nazi vision of the future of Europe — and the world — failed.

history, the Battle of the Bulge remains our biggest single land engagement. Approximately a quarter of a million U.S. troops were pitted against a comparable number of German forces.

Basic lessons of the Bulge include personnel and matériel, and leadership. Eisenhower’s skills include getting difficult personalities to work together, constant attention to logistics and organizational genius.

Both sides suffered enormous losses in men and supplies. The Allies could replace them; the Germans at that point could not.

volunteered and were vital to Allied victory.

At the tactical level, Corporal Henry F. Warner near Dom Butgenbach, Belgium knocked out two German tanks. Then his 57-mm. anti-tank gun jammed. He was firing a pistol at a third approaching tank when the German driver backed up and withdrew.

One of Warner’s shots had killed the commander, and the crew was unable to proceed, a common reaction of German troops.

American, British and other Allied soldiers were much more likely to improvise and continue fighting after officers went down.

Christmas includes the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the largest land battle fought by the United States. This was hell on earth.

On Dec. 16, 1944, Nazi Germany launched an enormous offensive through the quiet, thinly defended Ardennes Forest in Belgium.

Adolf Hitler and planners in Berlin achieved total surprise. German forces rapidly gained ground.

For Europeans among the Allies, the attack was reminiscent

Other battles in U.S. history were more costly or complicated.

During the Civil War, Gettysburg and other engagements resulted in a higher percentage of casualties among combatants.

During the Second World War, such enormous amphibious invasions as Normandy, Iwo Jima and Leyte Gulf in the Philippines were inherently more complex in logistical terms than the Bulge. In the European theater, the scale of the war on the eastern front was much greater than in the west.

Nonetheless, in American

Controversial Patton undeniably was a brilliant combat leader. At Kasserine Pass in Tunisia in early 1943, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps decimated poorly led American troops. Eisenhower put Patton in command. A month later, these same troops defeated Rommel’s troops at El Guettar. Patton immediately, accurately evaluated the Ardennes offensive — and acted fast.

During the Bulge, AfricanAmerican soldiers were offered combat service, previously denied, but only if they sacrificed earned military seniority. Thousands

Warner, killed later in combat, received the Medal of Honor.

When the Nazi Reich surrendered, Eisenhower commented the war was over but not won. True victory meant Germany embraced stable democracy.

Admirable and effective German Chancellor Angela Merkel was TIME Magazine’s 2015 “Person of the Year.” The Allies have won the war, by Eisenhower’s demanding standard of success.

Honor contemporary Germany, which is economically strong, firmly democratic and committed to European peace. Honor the men who faced, fought

and won this battle.

To learn more, read Carlo D’Este “Patton: A Genius for War” and see the movie “Patton,” the 1970 movie starring the late Westlake Village actor George C. Scott.

Arthur I. Cyr is author of “After the Cold War - American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia” (NYU Press and Palgrave/Macmillan). He is also the director of the Clausen Center at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisc., and a Clausen Distinguished Professor. He welcomes questions and comments at acyr@carthage.edu.

Christmas trains transport timeless joy

‘This year we should skip having the train run around the Christmas tree,” caused a strong reaction within me.

When my wife Carol continued, “Because the track would extend so far out into the room that someone might trip on it,” my Christmas spirit replaced my response, honed while growing up near Philadelphia, of “Who would be that clumsy?” with “Tell them to walk more carefully.”

I wondered, “Why my strong reaction about a train around a Christmas tree?” Research indicating that Christmas Day was the day the first passenger train in 1830 did not resonate with me. However, the most frequently cited reference, of it being related to the commercial of Lionel trains running around the tree when the children emerged, while seeming awfully commercial, came closer to matching my childhood.

My childhood memories are of my father building his Christmas layout on a couple of plywood boards in our basement. I can still visualize the Lionel shifter — which is described as a 0-4-0 engine with the first zero being the wheels under the front, sometimes called the “cow catchers” of steam engines, the four meaning there were four large drive wheels in the middle, and the other zero meaning there were no small wheels under the cab. Of course, there was a

“tender” to carry the coal for this steam engine that dutifully pulled freight cars and a red caboose so conductors could check on the train. Our other engine was a 2-60 steam engine, sometimes called a “Pacific,” which pulled three green Pennsylvania passenger cars past the essential scenery and buildings that included the ever-present station and industrial sidings. Some called these trains “toys,” perhaps to discourage the involvement of adults, instead of

“models.” What is the difference?

“Toys” are “an object for a child to play with, typically a model or miniature replica of something.” The word “model” was derived from the Latin word “modulus,” meaning a “measure,” and “models” are “an informative representation of an object, person or system,” which makes it fun to visualize what “object, person, or system” are an “informative representation” for models like Giselle Bundchen. The definition of “models”

seems to encompass all the various electric trains I have tried, including Lionel trains with their three railed track and many fun accessories, such as signal lights that flashed. At my 50th high school reunion, I learned the wisdom of my friend, Bruce Greenberg, trading in his Ph.D. degree and academic career for one writing the definitive books on Lionel Trains and conducting the leading shows for enthusiasts. My space could never accommodate a Lionel layout,

where engines were about a foot long, so during my career as a student, I tried the “N” gauge trains with a scale of 1:148, meaning they were 148 times smaller than the real trains. Unfortunately, this meant that the slightest vibration derailed their thumb size engines.

Later with three children, while traveling on business, I heard that the German train manufacturer Lehman Gross Bahn was offering a special 50th anniversary set of an 0-4-0 engine and two passenger cars. Their scale of 1:22 — and their metal construction being solid enough to be run outdoors — meant they might survive children as they ran under a Christmas tree. My calls in every city resulted in “Sorry, sir, we are out,” until the store in D.C. said “Sir, we have one set left,” which I gladly — OK, somewhat gladly — skipped a happy hour to acquire.

Not having a basement meant that I never could justify taking the space for HO, whose scale of 1:87 and 4–6-inch engines, increased their stability but required around 36 inches for a 360-degree turn.

In Santa Barbara, my LGB train that circles the Christmas tree is an 0-4-0 steam engine, a flat car and caboose. Having often taken trains when living back East, and even enjoying the 26-hour ride from Santa Barbara to Seattle, in the quiet, early mornings I can almost hear the tracks grunting and vibrating as the Christmas train makes an appearance from behind the tree in the same way that they do from out of tunnels.

Much like the engineer who used to blow his whistle to send a greeting to his girlfriend as he passed through Santa Barbara,

Don’t lose sight of Big Tech’s problems

The story of Elon Musk’s acquisition, transformation and public rehabilitation of Twitter is nothing short of remarkable.

Here is that rarest of confluences: A right-leaning (or at least right-sympathetic) mega-billionaire privately acquires a disproportionately influential public company out of genuine public-spiritedness, perhaps even a hint of noblesse oblige, and an earnest commitment to preserving open discourse in our modern digital public square; exposes grievous previous company wrongs for the whole world to see in a dramatic unveiling of the eponymous “Twitter Files”; and makes decisive personnel decisions to toss out core leaders of the wretched and corrupt old regime, and begins to chart a promising new path forward.

There has been no equivalent

Woke comic books

Did you know that Superman’s son is bisexual? So is Batman’s sidekick, Robin, and lots of other superheroes created by Marvel and DC Comics.

The author of the bisexual Superman story says gay people write to say they “burst into tears” when they saw that the characters had become gay.

While it’s nice to make LGBTIQ+ people feel more welcome in the world, not everyone is happy.

They became bisexual “out of nowhere!” complains comic creator Eric July in my new video. “They make it seem as if the only way that you can relate to a character is because you’re gay and that character’s gay, which is nonsense!”

Mr. July, who is black, says you don’t have to share the same traits as a superhero to enjoy the character. His favorite was Batman. “I ain’t got Bruce Wayne money, and I’m not rich! And I’m certainly not white.”

Mr. July points out that there have long been gay comic superheroes, like Northstar. But what’s new and dumb is that DC and Marvel are changing the identity of established characters.

A new Batman is black. There’s a new Spiderman-like character, except she’s a lesbian who uses a wheelchair. Iron Man is now a black teenage girl. Really.

Maybe this is progress.

“When I was a kid,” I say to Mr. July, “all the characters were white. It’s a good thing more are non-white.”

“But they’ve been just reduced to being an item to pander to certain audiences that aren’t really buying into it,” Mr. July responds.

No, they sure aren’t. Marvel and DC had the bestselling graphic novels. Now the best sellers are from Japan. Often, they aren’t even in color, yet they outsell Marvel and DC. The American-made books aren’t even in the top 20.

“They turned off their audience by ... hyper emphasizing the social justice element.” says Mr. July.

Marvel made its evil character M.O.D.A.A.K. resemble Donald Trump. They

story in my adult lifetime, and there is unlikely to be a similar story again any time soon. This is not the type of corporate development one typically reads about in The Wall Street Journal or sees discussed on CNBC. The story is a unicorn.

The remarkable nature of the Elon Musk/Twitter saga, and the specific revelations about Twitter’s blacklisting of the infamous 2020 campaign-era Hunter Biden laptop story and its censorship/shadowbanning of myriad other right-leaning content creators, has led many on the Right to fete Mr. Musk with praise — at times, even fawning adoration. To be sure, that praise is wholly warranted: Mr. Musk has thus far proven wrong the skeptics who were unsure just how big an impact he might be able to make at Twitter, answering the call of his civic duty as the world’s wealthiest man. Indeed, he has gone above

and beyond his civic duty.

But as transformative as Mr. Musk has been in the nascent stages of his Twitter ownership, it is crucial to not forget the bigger picture.

Twitter, though the preferred communicative organ of the American political class and the broader commentariat, pales in comparison to most other Big Tech platforms in terms of its reach. In terms of pure social media platforms alone, Facebook is orders of magnitude more popular than Twitter globally, and is over four times as popular just in the U.S. based on number of users. Facebook’s fellow Meta subsidiary, Instagram, is also roughly three times as popular as Twitter based on volume of American users.

Outside of pure social media, Google and Amazon — the monopolistic internet gateways to information and commerce, respectively — are likely the two most powerful of all the Big

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John Stossel Please

Josh Hammer

Brent E. Zepke

The author lives in Santa Barbara.

Arthur I, Cyr

PHOTOS COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Gen. Dwight Eisenhower

Gen. George S. Patton

CAROL ZEPKE PHOTO

Brent Zepke’s LGB train circles his and his wife Carol Zepke’s Christmas tree.

about others and the joy of giving rather than receiving.

Sending Christmas cards is a great way to communicate with friends and family and express that you are thinking of them. Did you know that in the United States alone, more than two billion Christmas cards are sent annually?

The Elf on a Shelf became a family Christmas tradition back in 2009. It is derived from a children’s story about Santa’s elves watching over children and reporting back to Santa if they were good or bad that day.

The tradition has become extremely popular amongst adults and kids, as the elf hides in a new spot every morning around the house and the kids try to find it. The elves are said to have magical powers from being adopted and loved by a child.

However, the kids must follow one simple rule, and that is to not touch the elf or the elves may lose their magic. If touched, the elves cannot report the children’s Christmas wishes back to Santa.

Music plays a large role in many Christmas traditions around the world. We listen to holiday favorites songs, such as “O Holy Night,” “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bells” and many others.

One Christmas tradition that has been passed down from many generations is caroling, in which a group of people shows up to homes and sing holiday songs to them. This tradition of caroling dates back to the 13th century and is still practiced in many countries to this day.

Now for some truly unique and somewhat strange traditions that are practiced in different places around the world.

Here are just a few:

• The tradition of wearing overthe-top holiday sweaters will most likely stay strong and continue to bring people together for some laughs.

• How would you like to take a nice dip in freezing cold water on Christmas morning? This may not be for you but hundreds of people in Brighton, England schedule a Christmas day dip every year with just a swimsuit and their Santa hat. The thought of jumping in frigid waters on Christmas

morning is not for everyone!

• One of Norway’s Christmas Eve traditions that date back centuries is the act of hiding all the brooms in the house. This act deprives the witches and evil spirits of finding something to ride on.

• Numerous cities throughout the U.S. and Europe host a Dickens Fair. San Francisco has been hosting one annually since 1970. Attendees will feel as though they have traveled back in time to a Victorian London setting where old-timey vernacular is used, vintage clothing is adorned, and bangers and mash are served.

• One of the scarier traditions takes place in Austria.

While St. Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls with presents, his evil accomplice, Krampus, is said to capture the naughty children and take them away in a sack. Krampus is described to be a half-man/half-goat, and young men dress up in costume to frighten kids during the Krampus Parade, which has grown in popularity across Europe.

• In Sweden, they construct a giant straw goat, known as The Yule Goat, which is over 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, and weighs over 3 tons. Every year, the goat is built in the same spot.

• The Rink at Rockefeller Center has to be one of the most iconic outdoor ice skating venues in the world. The seasonal rink starts to really lure in skaters once the Rockefeller Center tree is lit in early December.

• If roast turkey or ham does not seem appetizing for Christmas dinner, then how about fried caterpillars? This delicacy can be enjoyed in South Africa at Christmas. The Pine Tree Emperor Moth, also known as the Christmas caterpillar. It is covered in different colors and is said to give a little extra luck in the New Year to all those who eat it. We’ll stick to Black eyed peas!

No matter what Christmas traditions you practice during the holiday season, it is always a fun time of the year to celebrate with family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

Bonnie Donovan writes the “Did You Know?” column in conjunction with a bipartisan group of local citizens. It appears Saturdays in the Voices section.

Most journalists are liberal on social issues

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social media, TV and the fishwrap censored conservatives during the last election. Public schools and universities are adamantly censoring free speech to support the pro progressive platform throughout America. This is fostering the aggrandizement of socialism also.

FDR told us, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Many reporters across the traditional

news media are struggling against institutional tics and timidities that make “balance” a false idol.

Most journalists are liberal on social issues, like abortion and gun control and even evolution. And most work for corporations run by young liberal university grads who were taught that Republicans are weird, scary and a threat to them. Therefore, reporters are as liberal as the men who own them.”

At one time when journalism was a passion, not a profession, the U.S. was admired and looked

up to as a nation to emulate for their courageous efforts to speak up and support admirable principles with actions to protect global free speech and democracy. But today, America has lowered the bar for protecting free speech to facilitate progressive idealism, which is affecting free speech globally.

Today, most U.S. journalists will never appreciate freedom of the press until they lose it. If you ask most any reporter who Ernie Pyle was, and what he did for freedom and democracy, most will say he

was a goofy guy on “The Andy Griffith Show” who owned a gas station and joined the army.

“I won’t say that newspapers misquote me, but I sometimes wonder where Christianity would be today if some of those reporters had been Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.”

— Barry Goldwater

This commentary was provided to the News-Press by The Center Square, a nonprofit dedicated to journalism.

Home, where people can share their lives

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which Carol wished was not in the middle of the night, the engineer and conductor prepare to send Christmas greetings of hope to the town folks they serve.

Heads appear in the windows of first the ceramic fire station, where the men and women help combat the disasters caused by lightning and careless humans; the police station, where blue uniforms help combat disasters caused by humans; the bookstore, where information is available about and relief from, the successes and failures, and their causes, of humans; the church, where “faith” is available to re-enforce “hope” for an understanding of the need for the fire station, police station and bookstore; the drug store, where at least temporary relief can be bought for the problems that come with living as well as those

to receive the largesse about to be approved, so he remained respectfully quiet.

But back to Jesse (whose show was halted for Mr. Zelensky’s appeal). Just before the news department broke into his “Primetime” show for the address, Mr. Watters was airing video of various stores in various cities throughout the U.S. where hundred of “shoplifters” were taking things off shelves and walking out without paying, as if the stores were open just to give stuff away. Nobody stopped them.

Lionel Trains grace a 1929 ad.

not solved by fire station, police station, bookstore or church; and finally the home, where people can share their lives and use their

Guards (none of them “armed” anymore, as far as I can tell) did nothing.

There were no chases, and, apparently, there’ll be no negative consequences for these raids. On screen, for all to see, was the complete collapse of our civilization, our beautiful experiment in self-government.

Jesse just smiled and made some snarky comments.

Many of those stores will be shut down. Many will leave never to return. Many, if not most, of those businesses are in the poorer sections of town. A couple years from now there will be no drugstores, variety stores, liquor stores,

”faith” to celebrate the “hope” that arrives with Christmas. Things expire, including my subscriptions to Model Railroader

or restaurants in those neighborhoods.

Soon, the same perps whose arms were laden with illgotten goods are likely to begin shaking down restaurant diners, snatching watches, jewelry, credit cards and cash from cowed customers, as was once fairly common in New York City in the ’70s and ’80s.

Eventually, eager young “reporters” will be out on the streets of those various cities and towns railing against the cowardly store owners and “greedy” corporations who’ve refused to service their section of the city or town. They will conduct “interviews” with

and Garden Railways magazines, my hopes for a permanent train layout, Bruce’s running train shows although he still writes books, and one of these days, or years that anymore seem like days, will include my grandchildren’s interest in Christmas trains, but not including the spirit the Christmas trains bring to the towns and people. Perhaps that is the “modulus” of my strong emotions about a Christmas train. Merry Christmas 2022.

Brent E. Zepke is an attorney, arbitrator and author who lives in Santa Barbara. His website is OneheartTwoLivescom.wordpress. com. Formerly, he taught law and business at six universities and numerous professional conferences. He is the author of six books: “One Heart-Two Lives,” “Legal Guide to Human Resources,” “Business Statistics,” “Labor Law,” “Products and the Consumer” and “Law for NonLawyers.”

residents who will complain that more well-off Americans don’t care about them, and the “reporter” will nod in agreement.

Yada yada yada. You’ve heard it all before. And you’ll hear it all again. Merry Christmas and, against all odds, here’s to a Happy New Year!

James Buckley is a longtime Montecito resident. He welcomes questions or comments at jimb@ substack.com. Readers are invited to visit jimb.substack.com, where Jim’s Journals are on file. He also invites people to subscribe to Jim’s Journal.

Facebook is just as much to blame as Twitter

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Tech oligarchs and have both been exposed in the past for manipulating their internal algorithms to redound to parochial commercial interests.

Furthermore, Apple and Google, which combined have a duopoly on smartphone app access, could, in the absence of additional legislation, easily collude — just as they did with respect to Parler after the Jan. 6 jamboree at the U.S. Capitol — to nuke users’ access to the Twitter app, thus severely diminishing, if not outright undoing, all of Mr. Musk’s salutary changes to the platform.

Nor is this a pure thought exercise.

Just on the narrow topic of the “Twitter Files” revelations pertaining to the October 2020 chicanery about the Hunter Biden laptop story, it is important not to forget that Facebook is just as much to blame as Twitter.

Recall how just in August, Mark Zuckerberg straightforwardly admitted to popular podcaster Joe Rogan that Facebook suppressed circulation of the New York Post’s Hunter laptop exposé, on the precipice of the 2020 presidential election, after an FBI warning about the dissemination of possible “Russian disinformation.”

Let’s be clear: Mr. Musk acquiring, transforming and rehabilitating Twitter has no bearing whatsoever on preventing future malfeasance at Facebook.

Truth is, as great as Mr. Musk has been not merely for Twitter but for the health of

America’s digital town square in general, concerted public policy and legal changes are still needed to wrest control away from powerful Silicon Valley bureaucrats and to restore that control to its rightful place: with the American people.

The most fundamental questions of all, when it comes to the Big Tech debate, pertain to sovereignty: Who will write the rules that govern our digital town square and our digital marketplace? Who will secure equal access to those digital institutions -- woke, unaccountable and nerdy computer science Ph.D.s, or the American people?

The beneficence of one serendipitously right-leaning (or right-curious) plutocrat does not in any way change how our legal and political processes should resolve these thorny questions. And specifically, it is crucial that all of the rethinking conservatives have done the past few years on Big Tech, when it comes to Section 230, antitrust and common carrier regulation, not be rendered moot now that Mr. Musk runs the big blue bird.

The problems with Big Tech are structural and sprawling; they are not idiosyncratic to Twitter, which has among the smallest user bases of any of the internet platforms typically included when politicians and commentators speak of “Big Tech.” When a new Congress is sworn in in January, it is imperative not to forget this.

To find out more about Josh Hammer and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www. creators.com.

Copyright 2022 by Creators.com.

Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ creates happy atmosphere

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know. But they all had a common thread. Most originated in the Nordic region and Germany, all gave gifts in some form or another and all were loved, real or not.

But the big takeaway for me was how all the employees not only made a point of saying “Merry Christmas,” but they did it with great enthusiasm.

In fact, almost everyone greeted or said goodbye with those two great words. And it does something. It creates a happy atmosphere and adds to the festive mood and makes strangers friends in seconds.

The primary focus of Christmas is, of course, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but as we all know it morphed into a lot more. So I don’t get why there are so many people who still fight

the Christian aspect of the holiday. Christmas is what you make it; shopping, family, church, big dinner, gift giving, helping others and/or all the above. No one forces anyone to participate and celebrate Christmas so who are those forcing people not to?

Right after Thanksgiving, I make a point to say “Merry Christmas!” with gusto accompanied with a big smile. These days what I get in response are more smiles and a “Merry Christmas,” much fewer “Happy Holidays!” And of course, as I began this article saying how easily we can all be manipulated, there are some things you have to just take on faith.

Santa Claus is real. Merry Christmas!

Henry Schulte welcomes questions or comments at hschulteopinions@gmail.com.

Superman could

solve

climate change all by himself

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hired leftist writer Ta-Nehisi Coates to create a Captain America series. Mr. Coates made the villain, Red Skull, a bizarre version of Jordan Peterson.

Instead of just saving lives, today’s comic superheroes lead protests.

The cover of a Superman comic shows Superman’s son leading a school “strike for climate.”

It’s so stupid! Superman, with all his powers, could solve climate change all by himself. But now he holds a protest sign.

“These guys are writing material for their peers,” says Mr. July. “So even if the Son of Superman falls completely off the charts like it did, right? It’s still a win in their mind.”

I thought that capitalism would be a break on the silliest of the woke world. But in this case, they’re just sabotaging their own projects. The bisexual Superman series was canceled after 18 issues.

Marvel came up with two not-so-super heroes named “Snowflake” and “Safespace.” Really.

“Snowflake is nonbinary

and goes by they-them,” says the writer in Marvel’s video introducing the characters. Fan reaction to the preview video was pretty bad. Marvel decided not to release Snowflake and Safespace.

I wanted to ask Marvel and DC why they seem fine with losing market share. Aren’t their investors angry?

Neither company would talk to me.

At least their stupidity gives new opportunities to independent creators like Eric July. He’s raised $3.7 million to fund a new superhero comic book, “Isom.” The market will decide if people want to pay for new characters like him. But Mr. July understands something that Marvel and DC apparently no longer do: Capitalism means giving people what they want.

Every Tuesday at JohnStossel.com, Mr. Stossel posts a new video about the battle between government and freedom. He is the author of “Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media.”

Copyright 2022 BY JFS Productions Inc.

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