Santa Barbara News-Press: January 03, 2021

A Saturday in Solvang Locals, tourists flock to Copenhagen Drive - A3

Our 165th Year

A way to be together Business creates life-size cutouts for special occasions - B1

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SU N DAY, J A N UA RY 3 , 2 0 21

Making the holidays a bit brighter New Beginnings partners with Banana Republic, Gap to provide gifts to families and veterans

By MITCHELL WHITE

Oceanic discoveries in 2020

NEWS-PRESS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

By GRAYCE McCORMICK

Local nonprofit New Beginnings had the good fortune of expanding its annual “Adopt-aFamily” program this year.

By doing so, the group was able to provide holiday gifts for families and formerly homeless veterans through its charitable initiative that channels the local retail sector to purchase gifts for those in need.

The second annual event featured gifts for three families and four veterans who reside in New Beginnings’ Johnson Court, its 16-unit housing complex that opened in February 2020 in Santa Barbara.

The retailers included in this year’s efforts were local employees from Banana Republic and Gap, as well as Salty Brothers Soap Company, and Skechers.

Community members also assisted in the event.

Through the partnership, New Beginnings has helped to ensure that parents who are struggling financially are still able to provide holiday gifts to their children.

“This was an opportunity to give people some gifts that they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get or give themselves,” Dr. Jackie Kurta, board president for New Beginnings and registered therapist told the News-Press.

The families and veterans were selected following consultation with the New Beginnings program staff, who were asked to identify families who were in need or were struggling financially due to the pandemic. The beneficiaries included a family of seven, a single mother with two children and a veteran and his son. Most of the children are under the age of 15, said Michael Berton, development director for New Beginnings.

The retailers have said they hope to expand the program next year to help out more families, he added.

New Beginnings provided the retailers with a “wish list,” which included items such as pillow or clothing, and store employees purchased and wrapped the gifts for distribution.

“It was perfect for us to do this around the holidays,” said Mr. Berton. “Our clients were very appreciative and it really changed their perspective… they could focus on having a good holiday despite all the other challenges.

“It was really rewarding, and what was more powerful than the gifts was seeing how people care.”

Dr. Kurta explained that many events that New Beginnings would typically host around the holidays have been canceled due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

The nonprofit conducted meal distribution in the spring and summer, but they have since been canceled in recent weeks.

Dr. Kurta has been involved with New Beginnings for eight years, serving as a board member for six. She took the role of board president in January 2020 alongside Kristine Schwarz, executive director of the nonprofit. The two attended Antioch College together.

“This organization serves our community in so many ways, including segments of the population that don’t always get served,” she explained. “It’s a combination of homeless services and counseling services.”

New Beginnings has been offering free counseling services Please see GIFTS on A8

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Throughout 2020, many scientific breakthroughs were made, but a lot of important research and discoveries were achieved regarding Santa Barbara’s perhaps most treasured asset: the ocean.

On July 22, a study was published showing that sharks are almost completely absent from reefs in several nations, meaning there’s a decline in the reef shark population.

Dr. Jenn Caselle, a research biologist at the UCSB Marine Science Institute, was one of Please see ocean on A6

COURTESY NOAA

Harvesting large fish, like yellowfin tuna, prevents the carbon in their bodies from sinking to the seafloor when they die.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Representatives from Gap pose with gifts that were donated to families in need.

By MITCHELL WHITE NEWS-PRESS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Representatives from Banana Republic stand near an assortment of gifts that were distributed by New Beginnings.

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The first round of applications for the state’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is officially open.

On Nov. 30, 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature announced the allocation of $500 million available to small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is administered by the state’s Office of the Small Business Advocate, which is part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

“Small business owners and our nonprofits serve as the economic heart of every California community,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement. “This grant program isn’t the end, it’s the beginning.

It’s a bridge to help the millions of Californians, whose dreams and livelihoods are now on the line, as we work with the State Legislature to create additional support.”

The grants will not be issued on a first-come, first-served basis and will be awarded after the close of each application round. The first round of applications ends at 11:59 p.m. Friday. Details on the second round of applications will be Please see relief on A6

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

Remembering Chuck’s 2020 Waterfront Grill

Forest Service extends state-wide campsite and picnic area closures

CHRISTIAN WHITTLE

WS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Developed recreation sites in California will rein closed through May 15 after the USDA ForService issued an order extending the closures ursday.

The order was issued for the entire Pacific Southst Region and its 18 National Forests, which indes the Los Padres National Forest.

The initial closure order went into effect March 26 d was set to expire April 30. t applied to recreational use areas such as campunds, day use sites and picnic areas.

The order was issued to discourage large gathers of people and promote safe social distancing of ying more than six feet apart. n the Santa Barbara Ranger District, 12 campunds and picnic areas will remain closed, includthe Fremont campground and White Rock and d Rock picnic areas.

The order Thursday does not add to the closures eady in place for Santa Barbara. While other arlike the Monterey Ranger District have closed ilheads and forest roads, locals will still have acs to the many Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Bar-

bara Front Country trails and access roads. “What we’re seeing a lot of folks are doing is they’re driving up alongside of the road and just going for hikes up there. That’s ok. There’s not an order against hiking trails,� said Andew Madsen, U.S. Forest Service spokesman. “We just want to make sure if people go out they’re safely spaced between one another. If you get to a trailhead and there’s just too many cars there, you should find a different area to go to as opposed to trying to get in.�

As state and local responses to the coronavirus pandemic continue to evolve, the Forest Service felt that the situation warranted a two week extension of the closures, said Mr. Madsen. “At the end of that they’ll evaluate and see where we’re at and whether or not we’re going to continue as we need it,� said Mr. Madsen. “This order can be rescinded at any time. If local health officials say it looks like the sky has cleared up we can rescind the order tomorrow. For right now, we don’t want to extend it out too far. “We just want to make sure in the next couple of weeks as we monitor what’s going on that we are taking the appropriate steps along with our state and local partners.�

COUNTY CASES

COUNTY CITIES

496

SOUTH UNINCORP. SANTA BARBARA GOLETA ISLA VISTA GOLETA VLY/GAVIOTA SANTA YNEZ VALLEY LOMPOC LOMPOC FED. PRISON SANTA MARIA ORCUTT NORTH UNINCORP. PENDING

CONFIRMED OVERALL

11

ANNOUNCED THURSDAY

4,470

TESTS TO DATE

111.8

and Endless Summer Bar Cafe close permanently

COUNTY AGES 22 57 7 1 13 5 84 106 135 36 25 5

0-17 18-29 30-49 50-69 70-PLUS

21 84 183 167 41

COUNTY STATUS AT HOME 75 RECOVERED 376 HOSPITALIZED 33 INTENSIVE CARE UNIT 12 HEALTHCARE WORKERS 66

By JOSH GREGA NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

More than 20 years after they first opened, Chuck’s Waterfront Grill and The Endless Summer Bar CafÊ are permanently closed. On the morning of April 30 the waterfront restaurant announced its closure with a farewell post on its Instagram account.

The post read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce we have closed our doors for good. Thank you for your constant support. The memories will never be forgotten.�

Despite the current economic chaos due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prospect of Chuck’s and Endless Summer ceasing operation dates back to before the outbreak. According to the agenda of a March 24 Santa Barbara City Council meeting in which assignment of the RAFAEL MALDONADO NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS was the first item, restaurant’s lease /to a new operator At left, Todd Boehr cools off co-owner Steve Hyslop Chuck’s and Endless Summer after his daily swim at Leadbetter informed the Waterfront Department of his desire to Beach with a five gallon jug of 2019. sell the establishment in August water.

Above, beekeeper Dave After receiving the department’s lease assignment Schroder keeps bee boxes in requirements, Mr. Hyslop began searching for a new his backyard and collects the buyer honey.and ultimately found it in businessman Aaron Petersen, who operates a number of restaurants in Solvang including Chomp, The Coffee House by Chomp,

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ewsPress photo editor Rafael Maldonado had quite the year capturing newsworthy CA. moments as they AT A GLANCE happened.

Here are just /a1,582 few of 50,410 CASES OVERALL / THURS. his best photos.

2,044 / 90 For more photos DEATHS OVERALL / THURS. from 2020, see B3.

TOP 3 IN COUNTIES LOS ANGELES RIVERSIDE SAN DIEGO

23,233 4,031 3,564

New variant of COVID-19 Beaches remain all; found in San open Diegoafter County

RATE PER 100,000

Brekkies by Chomp, and Mortensen’s Danish Bakery.

The initial lease for the Chuck’s and Endless Summer property is 10 years with four, five-year options to extend the term of the lease.

Mr. Petersen is inheriting the existing lease with only the four, five-year options remaining, with an average seasonally adjusted base rent of $23,585 per month.

Though Mr. Petersen plans to continue running Chuck’s and Endless Summer in line with its current operation for a time, the restaurant has upgrades planned for around the fall. According to the agenda, under Mr. Petersen’s business plan the second floor of the establishment will be converted into a traditional deli cafĂŠ focused on sandwiches, soups, and salads, with a gourmet grocery area selling wine, beer, and prepackaged foods. For evenings, the second floor will have a full bar and a dinner menu focusing on “adult food and beverages.â€?

The restaurant’s ground floor is proposed to be similar to Mr. Petersen’s Chomp restaurants. Its menu of burgers, fries, and shakes will cater to families, young adults, and retirees, and for evenings will be converted to a “dinner type atmosphere.� email: jgrega@newspress.com

Š 2021 Ashleigh Brilliant, 117 W. Valerio Santa Barbara CA 93101 (catalog $5). www.ashleighbrilliant.com

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county announces U.K. health experts11 say new this variantCOVID could be up to 70% more infectious than others. The good cases, largest since last week news is that the current COVID vaccines being

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During a conversation last week indication at all that it increases public health, because there is between Gov. Gavin Newsom and so much spread right now and so the virulence — and by virulence I Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the many people who are infected mean the ability to make you more — and we’re not running all of National Institute of Allergy and sick or kill you.

Infectious Diseases, the director the samples through this sort “In addition,� said Dr. Fauci, of gene sequencing — it would said it was likely there will be “it doesn’t seem to evade the

more cases with the variant in be impossible for us to say with protection that’s afforded by the all certainty that the variant California, as well as the United antibodies that are induced by the XFFL PS FWFO UXP XFFL MPOH DPVOU States. isn’t here. And almost all of us, I vaccines. think, agree that there’s a high “We likely will have reports “The other thing that they’ve (of the new strain) from other probability that the variant is noted in the U.K. is that people here, although at this point it states,� said Dr. Fauci. “I think who get infected don’t seem to get NBJM JO CBMMPUT XJMM CF ESPQQFE PGG you’re gonna start seeing it doesn’t appear to be dominant, reinfected by this,� he explained, because if it was you might see it because if you have that much “which means that the immunity ‰" MBSHF OVNCFS PG CBMMPUT XJMM of a prominence of this in the initially in the samples that are that’s given to you when you get being run.�

U.K., with all the travel — not infected is protective against this Last month, Dr. Henning only directly to the United particular strain.�

Ansorg, health director for Santa States, but from other countries The Santa Barbara County Barbara County, said it was intermittently — I don’t think Public Health Department did “common for viruses to mutate,� that Californians should think not issue a daily status report and usually giving new strains the that this is something odd. This is dashboard update on Saturday, samples from COVID-positive ability to spread more easily, something expected. citing “scheduled system patients, and “we have not found anta Barbara County, though said the new strain had not “It looks pretty clear from the maintenance.� any evidence of the variant in been detected locally.

U.K. group,� Dr. Fauci added,� that Updates were expected to group of tests that we ythat thefirst numbers in fact the transmissibility of this The new mutation has been resume today. ran.�

The Santa Barbara County Pubdubbed VUI-202012/01. mutant is more efficient than the According to the state’s COVID She confirmed that again on KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS Health Department announced transmissibility of the standard U.K. health experts say this dashboard, the county has a total Wednesday, saying there has still The weather will be sunny and in the 70s this weekend along the South Coast. new confirmed COVID-19 cases variant could be up to 70% more virus that we’ve been dealing with of 17,759 total cases of COVID-19, been no detection of the variant.

Thursday, the county’s up to now. infectious than others. The good which is an increase of 368 cases The Statebringing of California is testing are confirmed COVID-19 almany to 495. er than “Namely,� he continued, “it’s newsinisperson. that the current COVID reflected in the county’spositive. data as of more samples each day Cottage Health, * Of 16 patients in isolation, 6 pat and wasit has the not largest number in The couple will still have to be able to bind to receptors on vaccines being marched out are Thursday. identified the new the numbers tients are in critical care. cells better and therefore is expected to be effective variant either. $BMJGPSOJB USVMZ NBUUFST BOE re than aamong week, residents, with all but one physically present within against Califor- by transmitted better.

There’s no She added, “... ForCounty. all of us in niathe mutation. email: mwhite@newspress.com A look at the status of Cottage * Cottage has collected 3,577 cuming from the North and provide whatever proof mulative test samples: 206 resulted The number of healthcare work- the county clerk may require. They Health through Thursday: * Cottage Health is caring for a in GPS UIF QVOEJUT BOE UIF DBNQBJHOT positive, 3,124 resulted in negainfected with the virus grew must also present photo identificatotal of 205 patients across all cam- tive, and 247 are pending. In most ain on Thursday, moving to 66. tion. of these tests, patients did not reThe number still recovering at is The license can then be issued puses. * 153 are acute care patients; 220 quire hospital admission. w just 75. via email. acute careofbeds remain available. to 60to years old and near the end its service Road closures and detours are expected Adults who wish be married life,aaccording to city Monday * In surge planning, capacity is to Wednesday, at Santa Barbara and can also conduct ceremony to officials. by the ov. Newsom allows UIF FJHIU QSFTJEFOUT FMFDUFE JO UIF Detoursasinlong the surrounding areas will be 270 acute Micheltorena streets. for adding care COVID-19, solemnize the marriage, as identified in effect to minimize construction duration No parking signs will be posted at least 72 both parties are present, and have beds. numbers rtual marriages and disruption to normal*traffic flow.

Traffic hours prior to construction and detour signs SANTA BARBARA — Conduit installation Of the 153 patients, 9 patients at least one witness who can join A look at nationwide and worldnwork a move that’s sure to bringof Santa control and temporaryare delays should be is continuing on portions will be in place.

The city has contracted with on ventilators; 66 ventilators wide numbers through Wednesday: the live video conference. ief to California’s couBarbara Street asengaged part of the FY20B Pavement expected along Santa Barbara Street and Granite Construction, who is working on remain available (adult, pediatric The order will last for cross 60 days In the United States, there are s,Maintenance Gov. Gavin Newsom associated streets. Access will be Project.signed an the project"DF 4NJUI JT B %FNPDSBUJD QPMJUJDBM in*conjunction with Earthbound neonatal ventilators) the discretion of and 1,095,210 confirmed cases ecutive Thursday willthe and maintained for residents and businesses, Theorder work began Nov.that 3, with new is subject to Electric. The project is funded through with * Of the 153 patients, in iso- C.63,861 deaths and 155,737 have fulthe county ow adults to obtain marriage li- aimed should be 16 are underground conduit and wiring at clerk.although temporary disruptions Measure lation with COVID-19 symptoms; 7 ly recovered. anticipated, especially while paving activities ensuring reliable traffic signal operations in nses via videoconferencing raththe area. Most of the existing equipment is 50 are taking place. — Mitchell White

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marched out are expected to be effective against the mutation.

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A new, more contagious variant of COVID-19 that was first detected in the United Kingdom has been found in San Diego County,STAFF officials announced last WS-PRESS REPORT week.

Fletcher, chair of the n aNathan dramatic change after a San Diego Board of Supervisors, dnesday night memo from the said the man was 30 years old with ifornia Police Chiefs Associano recent history of travel. The n man indicated Gov. Newsom startedthat to develop symptoms uld be closing beaches and29 on Dec. 27, wasall tested on Dec. teand parks, the governor indicated the result came back positive. t The onlysample beaches in Orange County was then tested for thebe UK variant that and fate. that result uld suffering also came backthat positive, Bottom line, wasofficials their said. mo. That memo never got to TheNewsom man has said reportedly not ,� Gov. at his daily been hospitalized. ess conference. “Because there is no travel That allowsMr. Santa Barbara Counhistory,�

Fletcher said, “we and city of Santa to do the not believe this isBarbara an isolated ntinue govern beaches case intoSan Diego the County‌ There are probably other cases of will this ng the South Coast, which sameopen, strainasinlong San Diego main as physical County.â€? tancing is followed.

Losthat Angeles County Public Those are doing good work, Health Director Barbara Ferrer want to reward that work,� Gov. said on Monday that local health wsom said. officials had tested only 26

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SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

NEWS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

A Saturday in Solvang Locals and tourists enjoy weather and local restaurants and shops despite lockdown

GRAYCE MCCORMICK / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Groups of locals and tourists came to enjoy the sunny weather and local food in Solvang on Saturday.

Numerous lines formed outside businesses on Copenhagen Drive, but the majority of adults were wearing masks and social distancing from other families.

By GRAYCE MCCORMICK The city of Solvang has been back and forth on whether or not it will enforce the regional stay-at-home order for its local businesses, and without a real law enforcement arm, many residents and businesses are just doing what they can to get by.

On Saturday morning, several dozens of locals and tourists gathered to soak in the cool, sunny weather on Copenhagen Drive, forming many lines outside bakeries, restaurants and ice cream parlors.

They enjoyed their bites to eat on public benches and tables spaced far apart.

At Old Danish Fudge Kitchen, managers Don Heiduk and Manuel Santos saw a consistent flow of customers, but nothing near their usual crowd during the holiday season.

“People are, for the most part, a little bit down from usual, but it’s been steady,” Mr. Santos told the News-Press.

“Traffic-wise, this time of year, it’s down 25%,” Mr. Heiduk told the News-Press. “Between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s usually one

BROCK & CO.

Buying

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Watchmakers Accumulations Vintage Watches Estate Jewelry and more Statues of Solvang’s founders are now wearing Christmas hats and masks amid the pandemic.

of the busiest weeks of the entire year, and definitely the numbers aren’t the same.”

However, the to-go nature of Fudge Kitchen allows them to stay open and operate with their regular hours.

Red Viking Restaurant drew a line of hungry visitors on Saturday

as well, and Manager Norma Quintero echoed that business is quite a bit slower, especially at this time of year.

“Weekends for sure get busy, but it’s nothing compared to how it was before,” Ms. Quintero told the Please see SOLVANG on A4

Contact us today Brock & Co. 1482 E. Valley Rd, Studio #3, Montecito, CA 805-565-0621 After hours Mobile number: 562-500-3299

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NEWS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

Businesses, visitors grapple with changing guidelines

GRAYCE MCCORMICK / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Tourists gathered at the iconic windmills in Solvang on Saturday.

“Between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s usually one of the busiest weeks of the entire year, and definitely the numbers aren’t the same,” said Fudge Kitchen Manager Don Heiduk.

SOLVANG

Continued from Page A3 News-Press. “There’s definitely a lot less business.”

Many customers decided to take their takeout order from Red Viking and eat it on one of the public tables on Copenhagen Drive. According to Ms. Quintero, that’s been a common theme since the lockdown.

“In fact, they take our tables and put them across the street,” she said. “There’s definitely a lot of people that go for that.”

At Solvang Flavors, a crêperie with authentic Italian gelato, owners Chris and Amanda Combs have seen a steady flow of foot traffic, as well.

“Business has been OK,” Mr. Combs told the News-Press. “The first initial week was slow, with one or two people outside filming the streets because there was nobody there, but we’re starting to pick back up. We’re still down probably 25%.”

However, he and his wife said they felt discouraged with all the changing rules.

“Probably the most frustrating thing, honestly, is the lack of continuity to the whole thing,” Mr. Combs said. “There’s so much confusion around, ‘Are we able to

sit? Are we not able to sit?’ One day the city was like, ‘OK cool, you can open,’ but then the new mayor comes in and says no.”

The co-owner referenced Michael Cherney, the owner of peasants FEAST in Solvang, who got a warning for dining in his own restaurant with his family and a few of his close employees.

“Some of the people in town that did get fines — it was in the midst of being told, ‘Yes you can be open,’ and, ‘No, you can’t,’” Mr. Combs said. “How are they supposed to be the ones to plan for that?”

He said he’s personally contacted the health department a couple times to try to better understand the guidelines.

“We don’t know what guidelines we’re supposed to be under, so we’re just going on our own,” he said. “The restaurants are supposed to be responsible for policing whether people sit or where they sit or how they should eat their food — it’s just sort of ridiculous.

“The agencies responsible for sending out this information aren’t actually getting it to the restaurants and then restaurants are getting fined for orders they didn’t even know about. Within 24 hours, the rules changed

Locals and tourists brought their children and dogs to Copenhagen Drive in Solvang on Saturday, despite the stay-at-home order.

like three times. How can we legitimately enforce that?”

Solvang Flavors opened in 2018 had to close down for three and a half months during the worst of the pandemic, but Mr. Combs said overall, he’s still optimistic.

“It’s just the unknown. When you’re going years back trying to project sales and things like that, all of it’s out the window now,” he said. “October is usually a slow month for us, but we did really well. It’s hard to really say, but we made it through this year, so…”

Mrs. Combs echoed her husband’s sentiments as well.

“People are realizing that it

is ridiculous and that they can’t actually physically do this and this and this,” she told the News-Press.

“That messes with their psyche…

At one point they have to say, ‘This is crazy. How can we live life going forward like this?’”

She added that she believes the Santa Ynez Valley has been careful enough to be able to continue running some businesses.

“I feel like everyone has been mindful of everything, especially here in the Valley. I’m proud of our Valley and everything we’ve done.” email: gmccormick@newspress.com

“Weekends for sure get busy, but it’s nothing compared to how it was before. There’s definitely a lot less business,” said Red Viking Manager Norma Quintero.

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Acura Santa Barbara 401 S Hope Ave, Ste D, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 • 855-691-2908 • SoCalAcuraDealers.com (1) Subject to availability through January 4, 2021 on approved credit through Acura Financial Services®, DBA American Honda Finance Corp. Closed-end lease for 2021 RDX 10 Speed Automatic (TC1H3MJNW). Lease offer only available to current qualified owners of any 2011 or newer Acura, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX, Lexus RX, or Mercedes Benz GLC vehicle. MSRP $39,225.00 (includes destination; excludes tax, title, license, insurance, registration, options, documentation fees and the like). Actual net capitalized cost $32,630.10. Net capitalized cost includes $595 acquisition fee. Total monthly payments $13,284.00. Option to purchase at lease end $23,927.25. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual sales in prices. Must take new retail delivery on vehicle from dealer stock by January 4, 2021. Monthly payment/total due at lease signing calculated with $1,500 towards cap cost reduction. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear, and up to 20 cents/mile over 10,000 miles/year. Not all customers qualify for Loyalty/Targeted Conquest offer. See participating Acura dealer for complete details. (2) Subject to availability through January 4, 2021 on approved credit through Acura Financial Services®, DBA American Honda Finance Corp. Closed-end lease for 2020 MDX 9 Speed Automatic (YD3H3LJNW). Lease offer only available to current qualified owners of any 2010 or newer Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Genesis, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes Benz, or Volvo vehicle. MSRP $45,525.00 (includes destination; excludes tax, title, license, insurance, registration, options, documentation fees and the like). Actual net capitalized cost $33,521.00. Net capitalized cost includes $595 acquisition fee. Total monthly payments $13,644.00. Option to purchase at lease end $24,583.50. Dealer participation may affect actual payment. Dealer sets actual sales prices. Must take new retail delivery on vehicle from dealer stock by January 4, 2021. Monthly payment/total due at lease signing calculated with $1,500 towards cap cost reduction. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear, and up to 20 cents/mile over 10,000 miles/year. Not all customers qualify for Loyalty/Conquest offer. See participating Acura dealer for complete details.

A6

NEWS / CLASSIFIED

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

PUBLIC NOTICES

Classified

Interested persons are invited to comment on the following wireless telecommunications facility named “SV00514A� located at 7785 S. Highway 1, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA, and specifically on potential effects to historic properties located at or near this facility, if any. The site consists of a proposed new generator to an existing telecommunications facility. Comments regarding potential effects to historic properties should be submitted by email to KerryWilloughby@ AceEnvironmentalLLC.com. Address: 9976 Peak Lookout St., Las Vegas, NV 89178, (702) 614-4431. This notice is provided in accordance with the regulations of the FCC 47 CFR Part 1, Subpart I and Appendices B and C. JAN 3 / 2021 -- 56681

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computer Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench Co seeks R&D Instr & Ctrls Eng in Santa Maria, CA for turboexpander ctrl sys R&D projs. Reqs Bach in elec eng/elecs/sim + 2 yrs exp in job offrd/instr eng. Must know NEC, IEC & CE & app to ind ctrl sys; hispd rot mach ctrl & prot sys; instr & elec des for haz locs; ind prog langs + exp w/ PLC Des & Prog.

Resp: ACMTC, Attn: C. Wolfe (MK), 3037 Industrial Pkwy, Santa Maria, CA 93455.

DIRECTOR Human Resources As the chief staff human resources officer (CHRO) at UC Santa Barbara, serves as a strategic HR leader and a hands-on leader, overseeing over 30 HR professionals in the delivery of a broad array of essential and dynamic HR services to the campus community.

Leads, develops and manages progressive human resources services, programs, and systems aligned with the university mission of teaching, research and public service. Collaborates and consults with UC systemwide Human Resources on matters of policy and programs for which the UC Office of the President has purview. Overall management responsibilities include oversight for the following campus HR functions and services: Compensation and Classification, Employee Engagement, Employee and Labor Relations, Employee Services, Talent Acquisition/ Training and Development, UCPath Position Control/Workforce Administration, and HR office operations. Reqs: Master’s degree in HR management or other related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. 10+ years of progressively responsible human resources management experience in a large, complex organization. Experience in a progressive academic institution or experience in a public institution preferred. Knowledge of federal and state employment laws. Salary is competitive, commensurate with experience. Notes: Satisfactory completion of fingerprint background check, Form 700 filer, and mandated reporter.

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. For primary consideration apply by 1/21/21, thereafter open until filled. Apply online at https:// jobs.ucsb.edu Job # 13330

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PUBLIC NOTICES

State law (Health and Safety Code Section 40923) requires the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (District) to publish a list of regulatory measures scheduled for consideration each year.

These regulatory measures, or rules and regulations, are adopted in order to reduce air pollution in Santa Barbara County. Air quality rules and regulations that may be adopted or amended during 2021 are listed below. Other measures may be proposed for adoption per the criteria specified in Section 40923 of the Health and Safety Code.

Before the adoption or amendment of any regulatory measure, the District publishes a notice in a local newspaper and holds a public hearing to accept comments from affected businesses and other interested parties.

Rule Title 102 Definitions 201 Permits Required 202 Exemptions to Rule 201 312 Open Fires 317 Organic Solvents 321 Solvent Cleaning Machines and Solvent Cleaning 322 Metal Surface Coating Thinner and Reducer 323.1 Architectural Coatings 324 Disposal and Evaporation of Solvents 330 Surface Coating of Metal Parts and Products 333 Control of Emissions from Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines 337 Surface Coating of Aerospace Vehicles and Components 339 Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Coating Operations 341 Municipal Solid Waste Landfills 349 Polyester Resin Operations 351 Surface Coating of Wood Products 353 Adhesives and Sealants 354 Graphic Arts 358 Stationary Gas Turbines 362 Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) from Miscellaneous Combustion Sources 363 Particulate Matter (PM) Control Devices 401 Agricultural and Prescribed Burning 809 Federal Minor Source New Source Review 810 Federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration 901 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) 1303 Part 70 Operating Permits – Permits If you would like to check on the status of a rule, please visit the District’s website at www.ourair.org/rules-and-regs/. For more information, contact Tim Mitro at (805) 961-8883.

Published Sunday, January 3, 2021, SBNP -- 56635

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL)

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING*

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DÉMANDADO): SUSAN M. QUINN; MICHAEL DAVENPORT; and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTĂ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, a Nebraska corporation NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you.

Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program.

You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¥AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DĂ?AS DE CALENDARIO despuĂŠs de que le entreguen esta citaciĂłn y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefĂłnica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mĂĄs informaciĂłn en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentaciĂłn, pida al secretario de la corte que le dĂŠ un formulario de exenciĂłn de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrĂĄ quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mĂĄs advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recommendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remissiĂłn a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniĂŠndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperaciĂłn de $10,000 Ăł mĂĄs de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesiĂłn de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direcciĂłn de la corte es): Superior Court of California 1100 Anacapa St Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Anacapa Division CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso:) 20CV02136

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección, y el número de telÊfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): W Dean Cloud (714) 250-7422 (714) 316-3637 dcloud@firstam.com First American Title Insurance Company 5 First American Way 2nd Fl Santa Ana CA 92707-5913 DATE: (Fecha) 6/25/2020 Clerk, by (Secretario) /s/ Elizabeth Spann, Deputy (Adjunto)

email: gmccormick@newspress.com

Based on guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the California Governor’s Stay at Home Executive Order N-33-20, issued on March 19, 2020, to protect the health and well-being of all Californian’s and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission hearings will no longer provide in-person participation.

We have established alternative methods of participation in the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission hearings, pursuant to the California Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, issued on March 17, 2020, which states: • Providing an opportunity to “observe and address the meeting telephonically or otherwise electronically,â€? alone, meets the participation requirement; and • “Such a body need not make available any physical location from which members of the public may observe the meeting and offer public comment.â€?

The following alternative methods of participation are available to the public: 1. You may observe the live stream of the County Planning Commission meetings on (1) Local Cable Channel 20, (2) online at: http://www.countyofsb.org/ceo/csbtv/livestream.sbc; or (3) YouTube at: https://www.youtube. com/user/CSBTV20 2. If you wish to make a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, the following methods are available: • Distribution to the County Planning Commission - Submit your comment via email prior to 12:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to the Commission hearing. Please submit your comment to the Recording Secretary at dvillalo@countyofsb.org. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately. • Video and Teleconference Public Participation – To participate via Zoom, please pre-register for the meeting using the below link.

When: January 13, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Topic: County Planning Commission 01/13/2021 Register in advance for this webinar: https://countyofsb.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2C8yQhdUT1yWZ7o2gv5jQQ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

OR PARTICIPATE VIA TELEPHONE: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 213 338 8477 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 720 928 9299 or +1 971 247 1195 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 602 753 0140 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 470 250 9358 or +1 646 518 9805 or +1 651 372 8299 or +1 786 635 1003 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 267 831 0333 or +1 301 715 8592 or 877 853 5257 (Toll Free) or 888 475 4499 (Toll Free) or 833 548 0276 (Toll Free) or 833 548 0282 (Toll Free) Webinar ID: 929 5651 6727 The Commission’s rules on hearings and public comment, unless otherwise directed by the Chair, remain applicable to each of the participation methods listed above.

The Planning Commission hearing begins at 9:00 a.m. The order of items listed on the agenda is subject to change by the Planning Commission. Anyone interested in this matter is invited to appear and speak in support or in opposition to the projects. Written comments are also welcome. All letters should be addressed to the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, California, 93101.

Letters should be filed with the secretary of the Planning Commission no later than 12:00 P.M. on the Monday before the Planning Commission hearing. The decision to accept late materials will be at the discretion of the Planning Commission.

Maps and/or staff analysis of the proposals may be reviewed at https://www.countyofsb.org/plndev/hearings/ cpc.sbc a week before the hearing or by appointment by calling (805) 568-2000.

If you challenge the project(s) 19CUP-00000-00047, 19CUP-00000-00005, 19DVP-00000-00010, 13GPA-00000-00005, 13RZN-00000-00001, 13TRM-00000-00001, 13DVP-00000-00010, 17RDN-00000-00005, or 20APL-00000-00029 in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence to the Planning Commission prior to the public hearing.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this hearing, please contact the Hearing Support Staff (805) 568-2000. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the hearing will enable the Hearing Support Staff to make reasonable arrangements. * This is a partial listing of the items to be heard at the Planning Commission Hearing of January 13, 2021.

Previously noticed Case Nos. 19CDP-00000-00131/19CUP-00000-00047 (Verizon Wireless at Camino Majorca Telecommunication Facility); 19CUP-00000-00005/19DVP-00000-00010 (Central Coast Agriculture LLC Cannabis Cultivation); and 20GOV-00000-00003/13GPA-00000-00005/13RZN-00000-00001/13TRM-00000-00001/13DVP-0000000010, 17RDN-00000-00005 (SB Clark, LLC Residential Subdivision – Key Site 3) were continued to this hearing from the hearings of October 28, 2020, November 4, 2020, and November 12, 2020. See previous notice for full descriptions of these items. If you have any questions, call Planning and Development at (805) 568-2000.

Hearing on the request of Mary O’Gorman, Appellant, to consider Case No. 20APL-00000-00029, an appeal of the Director’s approval of Case No. 19AMD-00000-00013, in compliance with Section 35-182 (Appeals) of Chapter 35.82.080 of the County Land Use and Development Code (LUDC). The project includes a request for an Amendment to Final Development Plan Case No. 15DVP-00000-00003, which was approved by the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission on September 14, 2016. The Amendment requests the authorization to increase the number of commercial tenants in the existing commercial building from three to four tenants, and to exempt the undergrounding of the existing overhead fiber optic line fronting the project site along Turnpike Road. The application involves a property zoned C-2 (Retail Commercial), Assessor Parcel No. 067-230-032, located at 4791 Calle Real, in the Eastern Goleta Valley Community Plan (EGVCP) Area, Second Supervisorial District.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION RECORDING SECRETARY (568-2000)

DEC 13, 20, 27 / 2020; JAN 3 / 2021 -- 56641

150 authors of the study. They wrote that humans are ultimately the cause of the decline, due to overfishing of sharks and their prey and the use of destructive fishing practices such as the use of longlines and gillnets.

Reef sharks generally don’t pose a threat to humans, so the scientists advised to reduce overfishing and increase marineprotected areas and shark conservation zones.

Along with saving sharks, UCSB researchers also launched an online tool to save whales this year.

UCSB’s Benioff Ocean Initiative launched Whale Safe, a tool that predicts the presence of whales in the channel and helps inform ship captains to slow down and avoid hitting whales, as many cargo ships kill the endangered species unknowingly.

Scientists also discovered at the end of October that industrial fishing has much higher carbon emissions than we originally thought. UCSB marine data scientist and co-author of a study published in “Science Advances,�

Juan Mayorga, and his team found that when fish die naturally in the ocean, they sequester carbon for thousands or even millions of years.

Industrial fishing disrupts that sequestration both from releasing CO2 from extracting fish from the sea and from the boats’ greenhouse gas emission by consuming fuel oil.

They found that carbon emissions from fishing are 25% higher than what was considered from fuel consumption.

On top of fishing’s carbon emissions harming the environment, scientists discovered that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a harsh decline in aquaculture.

The U.S. exports lots of fish as well as imports, and the pandemic’s trade restrictions slowed those exchanges, which heavily impacted the seafood industry. In addition, the majority of seafood is consumed in restaurants, even though seafood takeout and home-cooked recipes increased.

While local demand and purchasing softened the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, scientists are now looking into ways to create a robust seafood industry in the future, including policy changes.

It goes without saying that the scientific community hopes to find more solutions in 2021, and protect the waters that Santa Barbara residents have the privilege to enjoy.

DATE OF HEARING: JANUARY 13, 2021

20APL-00000-00029 Amity Group Commercial DVP Amendment Appeal Goleta Addendum to 16NGD-00000-00010 Tess Harris, Supervising Planner (805) 568-3319 Sean Stewart, Planner (805) 568-2517

Darrel E. Parker, Executive Officer

UCSB researchers study sharks, whales Continued from Page A1

PUBLIC NOTICE Air Quality Regulatory Measures that May Be Adopted or Amended in 2021

%XPRESS (AULING

ELECTRICIAN

COURTESY PHOTOS

A study found that reef sharks are going functionally extinct in some areas, largely due to overfishing. Researchers collected data from 58 nations on 371 reefs.

ocean

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JAN 3 / 2021 -- 56653

Blue whales are one of the species tracked by the Whale Safe tool, which publishes automated report cards for shipping companies, calculated by measuring the portion of travel they follow the voluntary speed limit. Morgan Visalli, BOI scientist and project lead, hopes to spread this information so businesses can be aware if their products are imported sustainably.

Fund provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 relief

Continued from Page A1 announced at a later date, officials said. “Inclusive, equitable relief is fundamental to the small business support developed by this administration,� CalOSBA Director Isabel Guzman said in a statement. “This grant program provides that support through a network of Community Development Financial Institutions and Community Based Organizations ensuring reach to those highly impacted small businesses in disadvantaged communities, underserved small business groups, and industries disproportionately impacted by this pandemic.�

The California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Lendistry has been designated by the State to act as the intermediary for the program to disburse the grant funds. “As an organization dedicated to efficiently providing capital to underserved small businesses, and with a deeply experienced senior management team that mirrors the diversity of our home state of California, Lendistry is proud to partner with the CalOSBA in this bold and critical effort,� Everett K. Sands, Lendistry’s founder and CEO, said in a statement. “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic Lendistry has assisted 20,000

small businesses in a dozen states and deployed nearly a halfbillion dollars in capital, and we are bringing the full force of our technology, expertise and relationships with partner CDFIs and community organizations to bear on CalOSBA’s landmark commitment to California’s small businesses.�

The program will prioritize distribution based on priority key factors, including: geographic distribution based on COVID-19 health and safety restrictions following the state’s Safer Economy plan, county status and the regional stay-at-home order; industry sectors most impacted by the pandemic; and underserved small business groups served by the state supported network of small business centers, such as businesses majority owned and run on a daily basis by women, minorities/persons of color, veterans and businesses located in low-to-moderate income and rural communities.

Mission-based lenders and small business advisory and technical assistance providers can help small businesses with the application process in multiple languages and formats. Many of the state supported small business centers, which prioritize the expansion of technical assistance to underserved business groups, are also available to help.

For more information on grant requirements and eligibility, please visit careliefgrant.com. email: mwhite@newspress.com

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

PAGE

A7

sports@newspress.com

NEWS

Sports

A7

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

SU N DAY, J A N UA RY 3 , 2 0 21

Gauchos rally behind clutch threes, double-double

By MARK PATTON NEWS-PRESS SENIOR WRITER

It wasn’t the basketball laugher that UCSB had expected, but Devearl Ramsey and JaQuori McLaughlin were laughing anyway.

The Gauchos’ emotion was more relief than levity when Ramsey, who had missed his first six shots on Saturday night, hit two clutch three-pointers down the stretch to rally the Gauchos to a 65-61 men’s basketball victory over Cal State Fullerton.

“He said, ‘Finally!’” McLaughlin said of Ramsey’s first, game-tying three, “and we both started laughing a bit.”

McLaughlin assisted both of the shots, which included a decisive three with just 54.6 seconds remaining, to finish with a double-double of 19 points and 10 assists.

“My coaches and teammates keep telling me to keep shooting the ball,” Ramsey said. “They don’t lose faith in me and they keep feeding me the ball.

“They know I put in the work and that they’ll drop eventually.”

The victory, coming just a day after Friday’s 81-63 rout of Fullerton, looked doubtful after the Titans surged to a 41-27 lead during the opening minutes of the second half. By that time, UCSB (6-3, 2-2 Big West Conference) had made just 11-of-39 shots while missing all 12 of its three-pointers.

The Titans (1-2, 0-2 Big West) were making their own threes (8-for-14, 57.1%) and all of their free throws (19-for-19) to throw a scare into the Gauchos.

Dante Maddox Jr. led them with 19 points on 4-for-5 shooting from three.

But UCSB’s defense clamped down hard on Fullerton’s drivers, forcing them into 22 turnovers.

McLaughlin had five steals and Ramsey added four.

“I’m just proud of our guys,” coach Joe Pasternack said. “We got down 12, 14 points, and in conference, anybody can beat anybody.

“But we talk about kills — getting three stops in a row is a kill — and we got the most this year with eight. When we get stops, and kills, that gets our offense ignited, and that’s what brought us back.”

Fullerton missed its first five shots and committed three turnovers during the first three minutes.

Brandon Cyrus scored back-to-back baskets to give UCSB a quick 6-0 lead.

The Gauchos made six of their first 12 shots, increasing their lead to seven points, 14-7, on Sékou

UCSB’s Amadou Sow, center, reaches for a rebound during UCSB’s comeback victory over Fullerton on Saturday at the Thunderdome. He had seven rebounds and two blocks in the game.

Touré’s fast-break layup off Ramsey’s pass. But they shot just 5-of-22 the rest of the half while missing all 10 of their three-pointers.

“We just couldn’t buy an open shot today,” Pasternack said.

The Titans drove right at UCSB in the first half, drawing enough fouls to shoot 13-for-13 from the freethrow line. They also out-rebounded UCSB’s bigger lineup 21-15 by the half.

Fullerton finished the period on a 20-9 run, starting with back-to-back threes by Dante Maddox and Tray Maddox.

Amadou Sow came alive to score the Gauchos’ last five points of the first half, converting a three-point play off a hook shot and making two more foul shots.

But Dante Maddox beat the halftime buzzer with another three — Fullerton’s fifth in seven attempts — to give his team a 32-27 lead by halftime.

It got worse for UCSB before it got better. It missed its first five shots of the second half including two more three-pointers to fall behind by 14 points. Tray Maddox’s basket put the Titans ahead 41-27 with 15:30 to go.

But Fullerton’s star transfer from Oakland, who scored 27 points on Friday, did not make another basket the rest of the night. He finished with nearly as many turnovers (eight) as points (12).

“We threw three different guys at him,” Pasternack said. “We started with Brandon Cyrus, and then JaQuori guarded him, and then Sékou guarded him.

We kept throwing bodies at him.”

McLaughlin, who didn’t attempt a three in the first half, broke the Gauchos’ 0-for-12 streak from distance to trigger a 19-5 run. He also assisted three consecutive baskets on the post — two by Destin Barnes and another by Robinson Idehen — and then stole the ball to set up Touré’s fast-break layup.

“I thought our bench did an outstanding job tonight,” Pasternack said. “Robinson and Destin and Sékou — it was that group that brought us back and got stops.”

McLaughlin added two foul shots to draw UCSB within 44-43. He went 10-for-12 overall from the foul line.

Jalen Harris snapped a 5 1/2 -minute scoreless spell for Fullerton by scoring a runner, but McLaughlin found Ramsey open in the corner and the senior guard swished it to tie the game, 46-all, with 8:42 left.

“It was a relief to see one go in,” Ramsey said. “It was definitely a good feeling, but I knew it would come sooner or later.”

Pasternack had told Ramsey to keep shooting when he was open.

“As the game kept going on, he was 0-for-5, I think, and I said to myself, ‘I can’t believe I told him that,’” he said with a laugh. “But every single time, I had confidence it was going to go in because I watch him every single day of practice.

“He’s a really, really good three-point shooter, but he was just in a slump, like all players get into it. It took a lot of courage to hit those two shots.”

It did take another seven minutes for UCSB to wrest the lead away from the Titans. A three by Josh Hall and a fall-back, three-point play by Dante Maddox got Fullerton’s lead back to five points.

But McLaughlin took over in the last 6:09, scoring nine of his points which included seven free throws.

His last two assists set up a dunk by Miles Norris which got the Gauchos within 59-58 with 2:20 to go, and Ramsey’s last three for a 63-59 lead with 54.6 seconds left.

“JaQuori started attacking and getting to the freethrow line, and that really helped in the second half,” Pasternack said.

Hall’s basket with 39.3 seconds left got the Titans within two points, but Ramsey’s two free throws sealed the win with 0.7 on the clock.

“Sometimes it’s good to have a game like this,” Ramsey said, “to come back and show how gritty we can be.”

By MITCHELL WHITE At times on Saturday, it appeared that the Gaucho women simply couldn’t miss.

For the second day in a row, the UCSB women’s basketball team defeated the Cal State Fullerton Titans, 79-60, at Titan Gymnasium.

UCSB (2-6, 2-2 in Big West play) drilled 14 of its 26 attempts from three-point range on Saturday, and at one point drained 10 straight three pointers.

The second and third quarter shooting spree helped the Gauchos blow past the Titans, as the visitors outscored the hosts 50-27 in the two periods.

Fullerton held an early advantage, 11-8, before Danae Miller’s three with 4:23 left in the first tied the game at 11. The Titans (0-5, 0-2) would take a 1413 lead into the second period. It was the first time Fullerton led at the conclusion of a quarter this season, and the lead would be short lived.

UCSB went on a 19-0 run to open the second quarter, as Taylor Mole connected on three threepointers, the last giving the Gauchos a 35-17 lead with 4:44 left in the first half.

UCSB made eight of its 15 attempts from distance in the first half, outscoring Fullerton 25-8 in the second quarter.

UCSB remained in control into the third. Doris Jones got the friendly roll on a jumper with 6:34 in the period to give the Gauchos a 48-30 lead. She would add a three-pointer with 2:52 left in the period to make it 55-37.

Comprehensive Cancer Care. Close to Home.

email mpatton@newspress.com

Hot shooting leads UCSB women past Fullerton NEWS-PRESS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

UCSB senior Devearl Ramsey, who made two clutch three-pointers down the stretch after missing all six of his shot attempts previously, celebrates after he secured a loose ball late in Saturday’s game against Cal State Fullerton at the Thunderdome.

Anya Choice’s three one possession later was UCSB’s 10th straight make from distance.

Following a rare miss, Miller was able to corral the rebound and pulled up from distance, splashing home a three to make it 61-41.

Holding for the final shot in the third, Miller was able to knock down a driving layup as the clock wound down to give UCSB at 63-41 lead heading to the fourth.

Mole continued to power UCSB’s offense in the final period. Her three with 7:48 left made it 68-46 in favor of the Gauchos, and her layup with 5:20 left made it a 24-point contest, 72-48.

Miller finished with 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Mole had 19 points on 7-10 shooting, including 5-6 from deep. Jones added 17 points and six boards, and Choice chimed in with 11 points.

Aimee Book had 19 to lead the Titans.

As a team, UCSB shot 50% from the field and held a 35-29 edge on the board. The Gauchos did damage in the open floor, recording 20 fast-break points compared to just five for Fullerton.

UCSB is scheduled to be back in action on Jan. 12 against The University of Hawaii, though the team announced Saturday that it will be pausing teamrelated activities following a COVID-19 positive test within the program.

The Rainbow Wahine were scheduled to play host to UC Riverside on Jan. 8 and 9 in the SimpliFi Arena. email: mwhite@newspress.com

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center provides patients with every opportunity for a successful outcome.

Access to advanced treatments and technol0gy, national clinical trials, and research-based supportive care and wellness programs, right here in Santa Barbara.

In partnership with

ridleytreecc.org • 540 W. Pueblo Street, Santa Barbara

A8

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

NEWS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

‘It was just so wonderful to witness their joy’ GIFTS

Continued from Page A1 throughout the pandemic, allowing those in need to get the proper assistance.

A majority of the nonprofit’s funds goes to provide direct services to its clients, with additional funds covering overhead costs.

“I’m very proud of how we’ve structured this and how Kristine has run it,” she said. “Donors can be confident that their money is going to the clients,” she said.

Dr. Kurta was at Johnson Court last month helping distribute the gifts to the clients, describing it as a wonderful experience.

“It was just so wonderful to witness their joy and appreciation, as well as the gratitude that they have,” she said. “We expressed it to them for all they have done for us and our country in their years of service. We did the best we could… to make people’s holiday a bit brighter.”

The local housing shortage continues to be an issue, and due to some of the financial burdens brought about from the pandemic, more people are in need of housing or shelter.

The winter season also makes it more difficult for those without shelter, Dr. Kurta explained.

She went on to discuss the 2020 Point-inTime count, which includes a survey of those living without shelter in Santa Barbara. The count revealed that a significant portion of the population is without permanent housing.

The New Beginnings Safe Parking Program has continued to see an increase in people looking for a safe place to reside. Dr. Kurta said a good percentage of those in the parking program have full-time employment, though many are in the service industry that has been affected by the pandemic.

“There’s a lot of partners to collaborate with and fill these gaps wherever we can,” she said.

In addition to the Safe Parking Program, New Beginnings offers supportive services for veterans, a counseling clinic and life skills.

Dr. Kurta explained that the clinical interns and volunteer clinical supervisors have been able to establish a strong bond with their clients.

“They are able to understand, from the personal perspective, what (the client) experiences and how we can be of service,” she said.

One of the recipients of this year’s Adopt-aFamily program was a single mother of two, who was provided gifts for her children.

“So much of our staff is really personal with the clients,” she added. “They establish a personal relationship, professional of course, but they are face-to-face… or had been (before the pandemic) to help the clients with whatever they need.

“To not be able to be in person but still maintain that helpful relationship has been a challenge, but we’ve been keeping people connected to the services that exist. That connective link has been really vital to so many people.”

While many have turned to technology, utilizing FaceTime or Zoom sessions to connect digitally, that isn’t always the case for the clients at New Beginnings.

“We just try to get as creative as possible,” Dr. Kurta said.

While many of the gatherings and events have been put on hold, New Beginnings’ staff are still doing site visits and connecting in person, wearing personal protective equipment and observing health protocols.

The nonprofit is located at 324 E. Carrillo St., Suite C, in Santa Barbara. For more information, visit www.sbnbcc.org or call 805-963-7777. email: mwhite@newspress.com

COURTESY PHOTOS

A veteran client opens gifts with Veteran Supportive Services Specialist Rhandi LaChonce at Johnson Court.

LOCAL FIVE-DAY FORECAST TODAY

RENZ, Wesley James

Wes Renz passed away peacefully at home, December 12, 2020 at the age of 95. He was born September 4, 1925, to George and Ruth Renz, in Bakersfield, CA. He graduated from Bakersfield High School. In 1943 he enlisted in the Navy and served much of his time in Guadalcanal. He received an honorable discharge in 1945. He was a proud World War II Veteran.

Upon returning to Bakersfield, he pursued an electrical contractors license while working as an electrician in Bakersfield. He met his soul mate, Joyce, in Bakersfield through mutual friends. He served in the Kern County Sheriff Reserves from 1952-1957, while working for Fischbach and Moore as a General Foreman and Supervisor. Through Fischbach and Moore, he worked at Edwards Air Force Base, Camp Cook, and Vandenberg Air Force Base. He was involved in the electrical installation of the missile guidance system.

Wes and Joyce eventually moved to Santa Barbara in 1959, where they bought their current home, and raised their family. He started his own business, Renz Electric, in 1962, retiring in 1990.

Wes and Joyce traveled extensively after his retirement. They have an impressive shell collection, which began with Joyce’s parents. They celebrated their 67th anniversary in July.

Wes is preceded in death by the love of his life, Joyce Taylor Renz, their son, Rick Renz, his parents, and siblings. He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Renz Bayer, and Jodi Renz (Dennis Anderson), niece Shelley Fitzpatrick (Casey), and two granddaughters, Lauren and Lanette Renz, along with many other nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to his Hospice nurses from Central Coast Hospice, Kelli Tenis and Keri Pena, and a special thank you to Jeannine Todd, also from Central Coast Hospice.

A celebration of his life, along with Joyce’s and Rick’s, will be held at a future date, when Covid safe.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your favorite charity.

He is survived by his wife, Hope Smith of Santa Barbara; his daughter, Lynn Peters and son-in-law Edward Peters of Berkeley, CA; his son, Scott Hausrath, of Santa Barbara; his nieces, Erica Wood of VA and Judy Van Enige of CA: and his nephews, Dan Fish of NY and Stan Smith of CA, and their respective children.

Sydney grew up in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of four children of William and Eleanora Smith. Siblings Elberton, Emily, and Montford were 16, 14 and 9 years old at the time of his birth. Despite the age gaps, his family was close-knit and supportive, and remained so throughout their lives.

Syd joined the army in 1944 at age 17, just after high school, enrolling in Stanford’s army program for 6 months until he reached 18. He shipped out from San Francisco to Japan during the occupation at the end of WWII and was stationed at Ashigawa, Japan.

After two years of service, he returned to the U.S. and enrolled at the University of Arkansas and received his Bachelor’s degree in History. Several years later he returned to California and met his future wife, Hope, in Ojai, both participating in a folk-dance festival. After marriage, Sydney and Hope went back to college, earning additional degrees in psychiatric social work and library science, respectively. Their careers and educational pursuits took them to UCLA, San Jose State University, and Syracuse University in New York. Back in Southern California again, they purchased a home in Isla Vista, and Sydney began a long social work career at Camarillo State Hospital with additional work licensing long term care facilities and adult day care programs in Santa Barbara County.

Syd was a compassionate individual and was genuinely interested in everyone he came into contact with. He had a marvelous sense of humor and a comforting, nonjudgmental way of interacting with people, which endeared him to many. He had an almost eidetic memory and loved to reminisce about experiences he’d had and the people and places he’d known. He could relive memories down to the minutest details. Also an avid reader with a keen interest in sociology and politics, he had a passion for social justice, preserving the environment, and protecting endangered species to which he generously donated. All told, Sydney was a loyal, loving friend and mentor and will continue to be missed by all who knew him.

There will be no services due to Covid 19 restrictions. Family will meet at a later date for a military service and spreading of ashes at sea.

Grateful appreciation goes to Brightstar Caregiving of Santa Barbara, who helped Sydney stay at home as long as possible, Mission Terrace and Dr. Ohmlid, Above All Care, Casa St. James, and Assisted Home Hospice. We are grateful for all your loving support and care.

For Sydney’s full biography, please see https://mcdermottcrockett.com/tribute/details/196568/Sydney-Smith/obituary.html#tribute-start. Please send cards or leave condolences with Jennifer Parks at jparks@mcdermottcrockett.com. The family would love to hear from Sydney’s friends and colleagues whom he may have lost touch with over the last several years.

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Barbara Mary McColm passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Barbara on September 19, 2020. Barbara, who was known for her sophisticated beauty, grace and loving dedication to her family and lifelong friends, was 84 years old.

Mostly cloudy

Barbara was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 9, 1936 to Beatrice and John Hundt. While living in Phoenix, Arizona, she met Robert Carter McColm, who was stationed at Luke Air Force Base. They were married in 1955.

63 45

65 41

66 39

71 41

69 43

63 44

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Barbara and Bob moved to Los Angeles, and then to Santa Barbara, where their shared interest in art and design merged seamlessly with the ownership and expansion of the Santa Barbara based Scandinavian furniture store, Danica House.

Barbara traveled with Bob to many countries for both business and pleasure, making close friendships across the world. With her eloquent and gracious hospitality, their house was always open to visiting friends from near and far. Many of Barbara’s most treasured days were shared with Bob in France, walking the cobble-stone streets of Paris, collecting art, visiting museums and experiencing the city they adored.

After 58 years of marriage, Bob proceeded Barbara in death. Nancy and Robert Scheffel, her sister and brother-in-law, also proceeded her in death. Barbara is survived by her four children: Michael, of Santa Barbara; Mark (Brenda), of Paradise, CA; Mary Benenati (Jesse), of Santa Barbara, and Matthew, of Santa Barbara. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, as well as Bob’s sister, Patricia Thompson Perry (Carl) of Santa Barbara. Barbara leaves behind treasured memories and rich traditions that will be forever embraced and cherished by those who love her.

Attended by close friends, family and many grandchildren, a private graveside service was held at Santa Barbara Cemetery on September 22.

Sydney Howland Smith, 93, of Santa Barbara, passed away on October 7, 2020, at Casa St. James in Santa Barbara, after experiencing a gradual decline spanning many months. His last evening was spent with family.

TUESDAY

McCOLM, Barbara Mary

Special thanks and deepest gratitude to Hector Guerrerro and all of those who provided care and support throughout Barbara’s long illness.

SMITH, Sydney Howland

MONDAY

If desired, contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association (apdaparkinson.org) or to Sansum Diabetes Research Institute (sansum.org).

WOLF, Herman Hans

Herman was born June 9, 1930, in Santa Barbara to German immigrants Hans and Kathe Wolf, who owned and ran The Goleta Bakery. Growing up in Santa Barbara, he attended Wilson Elementary School and was one of Frank van Schaick’s “kids” enjoying camping trips, beach outings, sports and learning life lessons from “Van” with the other kids at camp, Go Wild Cats! He attended La Cumbre Junior High School and graduated in 1948 from Santa Barbara High School, where he was in the marching band and ran track.

In 1950 Herman married his high school sweetheart, Nancy van Rensselaer, and they settled in Goleta so he could work alongside his parents at the bakery, eventually taking over as owner and head baker after his father Hans, passed away in 1962.

Herman spent two years in the Army during the Korean War, stationed at Fort Ord, Monterey, California. Herman and Nancy had two children, Ron who was born in Monterey and Susan, who was born in Santa Barbara.

The bakery was a popular destination for local school kids taking field trips. They would watch him make donuts, decorate cakes and take a tour of the bakery, receiving a cookie on their way out.

Many residents of Goleta had their birthday, graduation, wedding and baby shower cakes made by Herman who eventually saw those babies grow up and order cakes of their own as he continued baking for the next generations.

Herman and Nancy retired from the bakery in 1980, but he stayed on and helped out when needed for a couple of new owner changes, as he couldn’t completely wean himself off of getting up early and baking, much to the chagrin of wife Nancy.

In his actual retirement days, he enjoyed traveling, attending concerts and took a wood carving class and made some impressive carvings. He enjoyed walking on the beach with his dog, watching old movies and watching the grand kids grow up.

After wife Nancy passed away in 2017, Herman moved to Lompoc to be closer to daughter Susan Pierce (Chuck) and grandchildren Jeffrey and Steven Whitehair, Katie Pierce and four great-grandchildren, Cambria, Jackson, Natalie Whitehair and Aleshia Valrie. Herman was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Nancy, son Ron Wolf, grandson Seth Pierce and cousin Peter Wolf.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from the Comprehensive Care Center of Lompoc and his daily companions from Visiting Angles of Santa Barbara.

Starbuck-Lind Mortuary of Lompoc will handle arrangements. No services will be held at this time with Covid restrictions in place. Private scattering of ashes by immediate family will take place in the near future.

Obituary notices are published daily in the Santa Barbara News-Press and also appear on our website www.newspress.com To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@newspress.com or fax text only (no photos) to (805) 966-1421. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and the date(s) you would like the obituary to be published. Photos should be in jpeg format with at least 200 dpi. If a digital photo is not available, a picture may be brought into our office for scanning.

We will lay out the obituary using our standard format. A formatted proof of the obituary and the cost will be emailed back for review and approval.

The minimum obituary cost to print one time is $150.00 for up to 1.5” in length -- includes 1 photo and up to 12 lines of text, approximately 630 characters; up to approximately 930 characters without a photo. Add $60.00 for each additional inch or partial inch after the first 1.5”; up to approximately 700 characters per additional inch.

All Obituaries must be reviewed, approved, and prepaid by deadline. We accept all major credit cards by phone; check or cash payments may be brought into our office located at 715 Anacapa Street.

The deadline for Tuesday through Friday’s editions is 10 a.m. on the previous day; Saturday, Sunday and Monday’s editions all deadline at 12-noon on Thursday (Pacific Time).

Free Death Notices must be directly emailed by the mortuary to our newsroom at news@newspress.com. The News-Press can not accept Death Notices from individuals.

Intervals of clouds Times of sun and and sun clouds

INLAND

INLAND

COASTAL

INLAND

COASTAL

Pismo Beach 60/44

Partly sunny

A shower possible

INLAND

COASTAL

INLAND

COASTAL

COASTAL

Shown is today's weather. Temperatures are today's highs and tonight's lows.

Maricopa 60/44

Guadalupe 61/47

Santa Maria 63/46

Vandenberg 57/47

New Cuyama 61/38 Ventucopa 52/42

Los Alamos 67/43

Lompoc 59/47 Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2021

Buellton 65/44

Solvang 64/40

Gaviota 64/44

SANTA BARBARA 63/44 Goleta 63/43

Carpinteria 62/46 Ventura 61/48

AIR QUALITY KEY Good Moderate

Source: airnow.gov Unhealthy for SG Very Unhealthy Unhealthy Not Available

ALMANAC

Santa Barbara through 6 p.m. yesterday

TEMPERATURE High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

62/38 63/40 79 in 1980 26 in 1976

PRECIPITATION 24 hours through 6 p.m. yest.

Month to date (normal) Season to date (normal)

0.00” 0.00” (0.24”) 1.95” (5.54”)

City Cuyama Goleta Lompoc Pismo Beach Santa Maria Santa Ynez Vandenberg Ventura

STATE CITIES Bakersfield Barstow Big Bear Bishop Catalina Concord Escondido Eureka Fresno Los Angeles Mammoth Lakes Modesto Monterey Napa Oakland Ojai Oxnard Palm Springs Pasadena Paso Robles Sacramento San Diego San Francisco San Jose San Luis Obispo Santa Monica Tahoe Valley

61/42/c 61/38/pc 45/25/pc 57/29/c 55/50/pc 60/49/c 64/43/pc 56/51/r 61/45/c 63/50/pc 49/21/c 60/47/c 60/49/c 59/48/c 60/51/c 61/41/pc 61/48/pc 68/48/pc 64/48/pc 62/40/c 61/49/c 63/48/pc 58/52/c 62/49/c 66/44/c 59/47/pc 45/32/c

Mon. Hi/Lo/W 61/38/pc 65/44/pc 61/43/r 59/42/r 61/43/r 65/41/pc 60/44/r 63/48/pc

52/35/pc 39/35/r 35/23/sn 59/33/s 48/27/s 67/45/s 83/67/pc 29/24/s 39/36/r 41/37/r 65/42/s 51/47/c 40/30/pc 40/32/sf 49/44/r 43/36/r

POINT ARENA TO POINT PINOS

Wind northwest 4-8 knots today. Waves 1-3 feet with a west-northwest swell 3-6 feet at 16 seconds.

Visibility clear.

POINT CONCEPTION TO MEXICO

Wind northwest 4-8 knots today. Waves 1-3 feet with a west-northwest swell 3-6 feet at 16 seconds.

Visibility clear.

SANTA BARBARA HARBOR TIDES Date Time High Time Jan. 3 Jan. 4 Jan. 5

1:14 a.m.

11:34 a.m.

2:00 a.m.

12:32 p.m.

2:49 a.m.

1:48 p.m.

3.7’ 5.1’ 3.9’ 4.5’ 4.3’ 3.8’

LAKE LEVELS

Low

5:40 a.m.

6:58 p.m.

6:56 a.m.

7:41 p.m.

8:32 a.m.

8:29 p.m.

2.6’ -0.3’ 2.6’ 0.1’ 2.3’ 0.6’

AT BRADBURY DAM, LAKE CACHUMA 64/46/pc 66/44/pc 49/26/s 58/24/r 56/49/s 58/39/r 65/44/s 56/39/r 58/41/r 65/50/pc 47/18/sn 55/38/r 60/42/r 57/36/r 59/42/r 65/44/pc 61/46/pc 72/48/s 66/47/pc 58/35/r 56/39/r 64/51/s 59/45/r 59/39/r 61/43/r 63/47/pc 41/14/sn

NATIONAL CITIES Atlanta Boston Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Miami Minneapolis New York City Philadelphia Phoenix Portland, Ore. St. Louis Salt Lake City Seattle Washington, D.C.

Wind west-northwest 6-12 knots today. Waves 3-6 feet with a west-northwest swell 5-9 feet at 19 seconds. Visibility clear.

TIDES

LOCAL TEMPS Today Hi/Lo/W 61/38/c 63/43/c 62/44/c 60/44/c 63/46/c 63/45/c 57/47/c 61/48/pc

MARINE FORECAST

SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL

58/41/s 38/32/sn 35/27/pc 60/35/pc 50/31/pc 69/43/s 75/56/c 37/17/sn 44/34/pc 46/35/pc 69/45/s 53/41/r 44/28/pc 46/33/c 49/40/r 47/35/c

At Lake Cachuma’s maximum level at the point at which water starts spilling over the dam holds 188,030 acre-feet. An acre-foot is 325,851 gallons, equivalent to the amount of water consumed annually by 10 people in an urban environment.

Storage 124,387 acre-ft.

Elevation 727.21 ft.

Evaporation (past 24 hours) 4.9 acre-ft.

Inflow 0.0 acre-ft.

State inflow 0.0 acre-ft.

Storage change from yest.

-45 acre-ft.

Report from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

Last

New

Jan 6

Jan 12

Today 7:06 a.m.

5:02 p.m.

9:53 p.m.

10:33 a.m.

WORLD CITIES

First

Jan 20

Mon. 7:06 a.m.

5:03 p.m.

10:58 p.m.

11:06 a.m.

Full

Jan 28

Today Mon. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Beijing 32/15/pc 32/5/pc Berlin 35/33/sn 35/32/sn Cairo 71/55/pc 72/55/pc Cancun 83/67/sh 82/65/t London 42/36/c 41/35/sn Mexico City 76/47/s 74/46/pc Montreal 25/22/c 30/23/pc New Delhi 69/58/t 70/58/t Paris 37/33/c 37/33/sn Rio de Janeiro 77/72/sh 80/73/t Rome 52/40/sh 52/42/sh Sydney 77/70/t 81/72/t Tokyo 45/36/pc 49/39/pc W-weather, s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

B1

page

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

Life

SU N DAY, JA N UA RY 3, 2 021

Wish you were here!

Business makes life-size (and bigger) cutouts to spread joy during COVID-19

By GRAYCE MCCORMICK

B

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

rian and Shelly Ehler know the importance of staying safe and socially distanced to avoid spreading COVID-19.

But they understand the difficulties of not being able to see their loved ones in person during the pandemic.

And they know there’s a missing space for everyone without their families, friends and just people in general at holidays, sporting events, morning coffees and afternoon teas.

They know all that. So they found a way to bring about smiles throughout the isolation.

And they did it all with cardboard and a flatbed printer.

The Ehlers own a business in Oxnard called AllBlownUp, where they make custom cardboard cutouts of people from photos of them.

It began in 2005, when Mrs. Ehler was invited to attend two weddings on the same day.

She sent a life-size cutout of herself to the bride whose wedding she couldn’t attend, and it was a hit. Wedding attendees posed for photos for Mrs. Ehler’s cardboard cutout, and the bride thanked her for making an effort despite the conflicting schedule.

“Our slogan has always been, ‘You think you can’t be in two places at the same time? Now you can. You’ll be the life of the party when you’re not even there,’ ” Mrs. Ehler told the News-Press.

Little did the couple know their idea would be picked up 15 years later amid stay-at-home orders, isolation and social distancing.

Mrs. Ehler said that this was the first Mother’s Day and Father’s Day she couldn’t spend with her parents, and she knew many were in the same boat.

“We were really trying to promote that this is the best gift you can send to your mom,” she said. “Don’t send flowers, send this for less money. Flowers are expensive.”

Soon the effort moved to nursing homes and assisted living, where the visitor regulations are tighter than most other places.

Where the business really blew up, though, was graduation season.

“Graduations were magical for our company,” Mrs. Ehler said. “Overnight, people started ordering cutouts or big heads as graduation gifts, and it blew up over the next month to two months. We were doing graduation orders nonstop.”

Another niche the Ehlers found was hearing from a synagogue in Henderson, Nev., where the staff said they’d like to fill their synagogue for the upcoming High Holy Days.

Then swim teams were reaching out for audiences at meets, and their cardboard cutouts turned into fundraisers.

Mrs. Ehler said they’ve made and sold thousands of cardboard cutouts since the pandemic.

“The only thing that’s worth doing is something that’s a winwin-win,” she said. “It’s good for me, it’s good for you, and it’s good for the world. When it comes to this fundraiser, it’s a win for us, a win for them and a win for all the fans who are loving it.”

She said while it’s silly, athletes are able to look up and remember that their parents want to be there so badly that they went to the effort of making a goofy cardboard Please see CUTOUTS on B4

FYI Visit allblownup.com to learn more about the business and order a cardboard cutout.

COURTESY PHOTOS

AllBlownUp, an Oxnard business, made many giant cardboard cutouts of high school and college graduates’ heads for family and friends during COVID-19.

AllBlownUp owners Brian and Shelly Ehler pose with their 25th wedding anniversary cardboard cutout.

AllBlownUp makes custom cardboard cutouts of people by using photos of them.

“The only thing that’s worth doing is something that’s a win-win-win. It’s good for me, it’s good for you, and it’s good for the world. When it comes to this fundraiser, it’s a win for us, a win for them and a win for all the fans who are loving it.”

Shelly Ehler Co-owner of AllBlownUp, talking about making the cutouts for fundraisers

B2

PUZZLES

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

JUMBLE PUZZLE

No. 1227

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ACROSS

1 Currency of Thailand 5 Kiss 9 U.S. city just south of Timpanogos Cave National Monument 13 Minus 17 Something to shoot for 19 One who hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turned pro?

20 Strong adhesive 21 Indiana governor Holcomb 22 She debuted on March 9, 1959, in a blackand-white striped swimsuit 24 Virtual pet simulation game that won an Ig Nobel Prize for its Japanese creators 26 [Grrr!]

27 Glenn Miller classic 29 Purchases on 14 de febrero 31 Major talent grp. representing athletes and entertainers 32 Outpourings 36 Overplays, with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 39 Toy that was originally called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ă&#x2030;cran Magiqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Magic Screenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) 44 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lost ____ is never found againâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;: Benjamin Franklin 45 Natl. Humor Month 46 Mild, light-colored cigar 47 Things found in wandering souls?

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Online subscriptions: Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzle and more than 4,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

48 Rhodes of the Rhodes scholarship 49 Photo finishes 51 U.S./U.K. divider: Abbr.

53 Loyally following 55 Flag carrier with an alphabetically ordered name 56 Trim 57 Game that got a big boost when Johnny Carson demonstrated it with Eva Gabor on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Tonight Showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 59 Showy shrub 61 Schlepped 62 City in north-central Florida 63 Writer Arthur Conan ____ 64 Umpteen 65 Day to play with new toys 69 Food ____ (Thanksgiving feeling) 71 Like subway walls, often 73 Final authority 74 William ____, founder of Investorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Daily 76 ____ area, part of the brain linked to speech production 78 Toy that was derived from a wallpaper cleaner 81 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m here to helpâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 82 Contented sigh 83 Phillies div.

85 ____ treatment 86 Harlem attraction, with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;theâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 87 Golf great Sam 89 Place for torn-off wrapping paper

91 Combined 93 Most common day to call in sick: Abbr.

94 Right away 95 Toy with 18 spoken phrases, including â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I love youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;May I have a cookie?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 97 Investment firm T. ____ Price 98 A halogen-containing salt 100 ____-Locka, Fla. 101 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My luck has to change at some pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 103 Politician parodied

by Dana Carvey on 1990s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;S.N.L.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 107 Performed a Latin ballroom dance 111 Puzzle toy solved in a record 3.47 seconds in 2018 114 Toy that astronauts brought to space to secure tools in zero gravity 117 Goes off 118 Grannies 119 Not on solid ground, say 120 Piece in the game go 121 Strong criticism 122 Chichi 123 Spring event 124 Rigging pole

â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

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We apologize for the omission of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Horoscope.

It was not

_ available at presstime.

â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

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50 Promoting peace 52 Actress Taylor of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mystic Pizzaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 54 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;That was Zen, this is ____â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (philosophy pun) 58 Smart 60 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Tempestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; king 62 Cleanliness fixation, e.g., in brief 63 Brit. military award 66 Little bits 67 Reason for glasses 68 Singer with a selftitled No. 1 album in 2002

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88 With some downside 90 Shot from a doc 92 Statement of resistance 95 Big name in small planes 96 Took care of a tabby, say 97 Counters 99 Tik____ (app) 102 Ballpark figures 104 Lasting impression 105 Give up (on) 106 Shopping site with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Toysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; section

108 Straddling 109 Sight from the Sicilian town of Taormina 110 Textile worker 111 One whistling while working in the Garden?

112 Address with dots 113 Swimsuit part 115 Suffix suggested by the wiggling of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand 116 Calf-eteria?

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1

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How to play Codeword Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great test of your knowledge of the English language.

Every number in the codeword grid is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;codeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 you off. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If theNovember letter S is in the box the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should Monday, 16,at 2015 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.

Daily Bridge Club

Sunday, January 3, 2021

SOLUTION ON3/,54)/. /. $ D3

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Play BRIDGE Bridge With Meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PUZZLE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency 6XQGD\ -DQXDU\

Since 1981 Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve written a monthly left, opens one heart. Your partner <RX PLJKW DJUHH WKDW VRPH SUR WKH TXHHQ RI FOXEV NLQJ DFH doubles, and the next player passes. column for the ACBLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magazine.

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RI KHDUWV DQG 6RXWK UXIIHG DJDLQ DQG z - z OHG D VHFRQG WUXPS WR (DVW¡V DFH y - y . EAST WEST PASSED HAND 6RXWK UXIIHG WKH QH[W KHDUW DQG GUHZ â&#x2122; K53 WKH PLVVLQJ WUXPS â&#x2122; 7 6287+ 94 â&#x2122;Ľ Q85 Now I must inDFH clubs.

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SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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SOLUTION ON D3

CODEWORD PUZZLE 25

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6 Game with red and yellow cards 7 1904 Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fair city: Abbr.

8 Flint is a form of it 9 Moonfish 10 Sacking site in A.D. 410 11 Physical, e.g.

12 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Holy cow!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 13 Appointment that may be hard to change 14 Curve 15 Dr. Fauciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agcy.

16 Poli ____ 18 Premiere arrival 20 Classic comics teenager with good manners 23 They can elevate art 25 Alley ____ 28 Org. with boosters 30 The beginning, in an idiom 33 By the end of 1996, one million of this toy was sold in a shopping frenzy 34 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;South Pacificâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; hero 35 2014 film directed by Ava DuVernay 36 Goes after 37 Simian world 38 First toy to be advertised on TV 40 Open hostilities DOWN 41 St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home 1 Longest-serving Israeli 42 See the sights prime minister, 43 Feed lines to familiarly 46 Its box once read â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A 2 Driver around sweet little game for Hollywood sweet little folksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; 3 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;And, touching ____, 48 Toy that sold more make blessed my cars in America in rude handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;: Romeo 1991 than the Honda 4 Small snare drums Accord or Ford 5 Inaccurate information Taurus

SOLUTION ON D3

12

1/3/2021

Randolph Ross is a retired high school principal and math teacher who lives in Manhattan. He has been making crosswords for The Times since 1991. The theme of this one arose out of some factoids about 111-Across and 33-Down that he gave a grandson. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It occurred to me that for this Christmas and Hanukkah, with so many grandparents and family not able to see the children from their lives in person, a crossword about toys might bring a smile.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; W.S.

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TOY STORY

BY RANDOLPH ROSS / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

Sunday, January 3, 2021

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

PUZZLES

B3

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

NYT CROSSWORD SOLUTION B I B I

A D A M

H A S A T

A P E D O M

B A S S I

R A N T O

H E R S

T B U S A L A N T B I E D O L O M A D R O S A S M S E T C H R C L A R O P I A S A T O R N T W T E D O C A A N Y C H R T I L E D O C A S P L H N L E A S E A D T R A A T C H A T D A T E R O S S P E B I K S C U B R S N A N A A K A R T Y

R U E R F L

S O I E P L T A I N T H C A A A S K E A E I L T R I S T E L A I S T M S A Y A Y D O T S P S H I T Y C A O P A R O T E S I S A S T H

R O M E

E X A M

M S A N Y E R I G O T C H O O D S P A T E C H T I M U C E C I E T O K L A Z A L E D O Y L E S C O M A O O N E I U S E M A P O L L O N E M O H Y R O W M D U E S A M B A E L Y P U T T A S T O N W S P A

T O U R A S H A N T I L E A

S C I

S E L M A L E O N E D Y E R

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Sunday, January 3, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW

© 2021 UFS, Dist. by Univ. Uclick for UFS

Scenes of 2020

CODEWORD SOLUTION

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News-Press photographer Kenneth Song captured all kinds of moments in 2020.

Among his best photos were these three.

Above, a visitor begins his leisurely stroll through the San Marcos Foothills Preserve March 29 in Santa Barbara.

At left, Danny Goldberg prepares to drop off groceries March 21 in Santa Barbara for persons who are 65 and older and have compromised immunity.

Good deeds such as these became common during the pandemic.

Below left, Santa Barbara County firefighters respond to a vegetation fire Nov. 27. The blaze burned the space between Calle Real and northbound Highway 101 between Patterson and Fairview avenues in Goleta.

The fire reportedly burned through a homeless encampment and allegedly originated there.

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SUDOKU

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Solutions, tips program at

Fill 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 © Puzzles by Pappocom page in Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life section.

'LIILFXOW\ /HYHO

Bunnin Cadillac

Bunnin Chevrolet

(805) 898-2400

(805) 898-2400

301 South Hope Ave. Santa Barbara www.bunninchevroletcadillac.com

Jaguar Santa Barbara

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Alfa Romeo of Santa Barbara 300 Hitchcock Way Santa Barbara

(805) 845-9610

Audi Santa Barbara

BMW Santa Barbara

(805) 682-2000 1 (800) 676-1595

(805) 682-2000 1 (800) 676-1595

402 South Hope Ave. Santa Barbara www.sbautogroup.com

402 South Hope Ave. Santa Barbara www.sbautogroup.com

INSTRUCTIONS

www.sudoku.com

OTIV ! $UEATLOERM $IRECTORY

www.alfaromeoofsantabarbara.com

SOLUTION TO YESTERDAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PUZZLE

KENNETH SONG/ NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

401 South Hope Ave. Santa Barbara

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(805) 682-2800 1 (800) 676-1595 www.sbautogroup.com

301 South Hope Ave. Santa Barbara

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Santa Barbara (805) 845-9610

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Santa Barbara

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B4

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

NEWS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

CUTOUTS

Continued from Page C1 cutout of themselves. Some fans even made cardboard cutouts of their dogs for the athletes to look up and see.

The process, Mrs. Ehler said, is fairly simple.

She and her husband use a flatbed printer and photos print directly onto the cardboard, and all they have to do is cut out the shape and off it goes to its recipient.

The biggest challenge is the high-resolution requirement — if buyers send a fuzzy photo or a small file size, the photo will blow up to life-size and be very blurry and pixelated. However, regular smartphone cameras are good enough, according to the business owner.

A half-size cutout to put in a chair costs $39; a full-size cutout costs $89; and customers can also order doubles for anniversaries or wedding pictures.

The Ehlers typically need two to three days to make the cutouts.

“When I wasn’t able to be with my mom for Mother’s Day, I sent her all of her grandchildren as cardboard cutouts,” Mrs. Ehler said. “She called me and she just cried. She said, ‘You’ll never know what that means to me.’”

Mrs. Ehler’s mother had been in isolation from the very beginning, and had to isolate alone because she lost her husband prior to the pandemic.

“Though it seems silly, it helped,” she said. “It made her smile every morning. She just laughed, and seeing them made her feel better.”

While some people may be “too cool” to want a life-size replica of themselves, Mrs. Ehler believes the cutouts resonate with people these days because “there’s so much love in them,” and it’s a way to let members of the family and loved ones know that they’re being thought about, even though the health orders may not let them be there in person.

The cutouts also remind people to smile and laugh during the pandemic.

And sometimes humor makes all the difference.

“The mission of our company is to spread joy, and honestly, it does spread joy,” Mrs. Ehler said.

“Once you get one, you might look at it and think, ‘Oh, that’s silly,’ but when you see one or send one, it’s always someone’s favorite gift.” email: gmccormick@newspress. com

AllBlownUp co-owner Shelly Ehler’s mother poses with cutouts of her grandchildren.

“When I wasn’t able to be with my mom for Mother’s Day, I sent her all of her grandchildren as cardboard cutouts. She called me and she just cried. She said, ‘You’ll never know what that means to me.’ ” Shelly Ehler

Co-owner of AllBlownUp

AllBlownUp packed a Synagogue in Henderson, Nev., for the upcoming High Holy Days.

AllBlownUp made a cardboard cutout of a bride’s brother who couldn’t make it to her wedding because he was overseas.

AllBlownUp provided cardboard cutouts to pack the stands of swim meets so the athletes can remember their support systems.

As the owners of AllBlownUp, Brian and Shelly Ehlers like the “winwin-win” of creating cardboard cutouts of people missing their loved ones during the pandemic.

These cardboard cutouts were created to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary.

Voices sunday

SECTION

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voices@newspress.com

guest opinion ANDY CALDWELL: Predictions for 2021/ C2

JA N UA RY 3, 2021

Search for the truth Americans will become even more limited to what they hear and see

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o here we go. A new year with a new president.

And if the corrupt media had been journalists instead of shills for the Democratic Party, it’s likely Joe Biden wouldn’t be filling those shoes.

My question is, when is the special counsel going to start their investigaHenry schulte tion into Mr. Biden’s col- The author lives in lusion with Solvang China? And, because of the cover-up with his son, I think this also warrants further discussion about impeachment. Sound silly?

Apparently Democrats didn’t think so four years ago on Trumped-up charges that ripped the country apart and cost taxpayers millions.

Well, things are just not quite the same when a Democrat cheats their way into office. Mr. Biden’s involvement with China wasn’t an October smoking gun. It was a smoking cannon.

The Democrats went for impeachment of President Donald Trump over a phone call, but Mr. Biden’s story of millions for favors was buried under mountains of concrete. The story was and is huge. It compromises this incoming president beyond belief, but it’s still being covered up.

But the bigger story as we enter into a new year of politics, is from now on, Americans will be limited even more to what they hear and see. It will be controlled, measured and omitted.

You won’t hear the words “fake news” anymore because President Trump won’t be around to call them out. The media and big tech guys can feed America whatever

they want, and there will only be Fox News and a few radio shows to bring forth the facts. Democrats say Fox News are liars and I reply, show me the lies.

I have yet to be presented with any proof.

It won’t matter what action Mr. Biden, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, Congress or any of the American haters do because they are protected by the biggest baby blanket in the world, and now Facebook and Google have admitted to holding hands.

With Mr. Biden’s staff stacked full of employees of all the major big tech companies, all we’ll hear about are butterflies and rainbows. They don’t have 24/7 Trump hating reporting to fill their papers or airwaves anymore. We won’t be inundated ad nauseum what an evil man President Trump was. Instead, we’ll be treated to what a breath of much needed fresh air Mr. Biden will bring. So what if he did collude with China? They’ll always counter President Trump did worse.

Mr. Biden was protected, prodded and groomed while in hiding because the Democrats understood who they were dealing with.

And when he emerged to finally campaign for president, we all know what happened.

Even if you still believe it was a fair election, then forget for the moment about the votes.

Instead look at the cover up of actual and real news that would have brought down any candidate under normal conditions.

But with the kind of protection

I

the strings in this Manchurian horror show achieved a double coup.

They managed to arrange Biden’s out-ofnowhere victory over the popular — but unelectable in a general David Limbaugh election — Bernie Sanders, and they snuck in the wildly unpopular Kamala Harris as vice presidential candidate under the Biden cover.

The liberal media conspired in this ruse, presenting Mr. Biden as an affable and honorable centrist, shielding his frailty and corruption while ignoring Ms. Harris’ undeniable extremism. Never mind that Mr. Biden has a long history of plagiarism and lies — and now a history of graft — and that he was anything but conciliatory when he falsely cast President Donald Trump throughout the campaign as a racist.

So the progressive media and all other forces who dogged Trump for four years and concealed the extremism of the Democratic presidential ticket have enabled a

certain radicalization of the American presidency for the next four years. By all rights, American patriots can’t be blamed for being scared out of their wits about what appears to be coming.

I believe every word I wrote in my book about the dangers that the national Democratic Party represents for the nation.

I stand by this paragraph from Chapter One: “Well-meaning people say Republicans and Democrats have the same fundamental goals but different ideas and strategies for achieving them. I’ve always regarded this as wishful thinking, but if it were ever true, it no longer is today. The two parties, as presently constituted, have distinctly different visions for America based on conflicting worldviews.

“Some will object that all Americans want everyone to be prosperous, safe, free and to live in harmony, but I’m not sure that’s even true anymore, given the left’s anti-Americanism, its intolerance and authoritarianism, its romance with socialism, its hysterical environmentalism, its preoccupation with identity politics, its radicalism on race and gender, its attempts to erase our bor-

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“In 1990,” he continued, “we wouldn’t have a worldwide web.

If we had had this pandemic in 1976, we wouldn’t have been able to John stossel read the genome of the virus. And ... in 1950, we wouldn’t have had a single ventilator.”

These last 20 years, adds Mr. Norberg, have been especially good. “Mankind has attained more wealth than ever.”

I pushed back. “There’s more to life than wealth! And a lot of this money went to the top 1%. Ordi-

nary people think they’re doing worse.”

“If you look at specifics like global poverty, child mortality, chronic undernourishment and illiteracy,” Norberg replied, “they all declined faster than ever.”

Those things — global poverty, child mortality, undernourishment and illiteracy — are pretty good measures of quality of life.

“Literacy might be the most important skill,” Mr. Norberg said.

“It’s the skill that makes it possible to acquire other skills. We’ve never seen literacy at these high levels ever before. (Even) in the most problematic countries around the world, it’s better than it was in the richest countries 50, 60 years ago.

That’s most important for those who have the least.”

Of course, there were bad trends in 2020. Murder rose in the U.S. Social media algorithms divided us further.

“Suicide is up,” I told Mr. Norberg.

“I can definitely see the problems,” he replied. “But once upon a time, if you ended up in the wrong school or neighborhood, you had nowhere to go — no other community available to you. Now there is, and that opens up a world of opportunity. Some awful things as well, but some beautiful things.”

That meant that even during this pandemic, people found new ways to help others.

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Volunteers used the internet to find better ways to donate their time. Young people brought food to the elderly.

Zoom and Slack taught us that not being in the office sometimes works as well, or better.

Businesses had new tools with which to adapt.

Restaurants moved to takeout and delivery, aided by apps like UberEats and Grubhub.

Such healthy adaptation rarely makes news because reporters seek out problems.

Many worry loudly about climate change. Some claim the environment keeps getting worse. A disPlease see STOSSEL on c3

Please see DONOVAN on c4

ders, its culture of death, its devaluation of the Constitution, its hostility to Second Amendment rights and much more.”

But no matter how bleak things look to all who have a clear-eyed understanding of the radicalism of the Democrats’ agenda, there are some reasons for optimism.

President Trump showed that an outsider actually can win the presidency and advance a constructive agenda against nearly overwhelming resistance. He single-handedly transformed the Republican Party into a far more efficient and effective policy vehicle.

His very presence smoked out the radicalism, authoritarianism, corruption, destructiveness and utter meanness of the left.

Leftists loathe him so thoroughly that they showed the entire country how far they’re willing to go to silence their opponents and eradicate Americans’ liberties.

President Trump presented a template for how the Republican Party should and can expand its base, and how it should push its own agenda every bit as aggressively as Please see LIMBAUGH on c4

Fear not, there was some good news in 2020

as 2020 the worst year ever? The media keeps saying that.

We did have the pandemic, a bitter election, unemployment, riots and a soaring national debt.

But wait, look at the good news, said historian Johan Norberg. His new book, “Open: The Story of Human Progress,” points out how life keeps getting better, even if people just don’t realize it.

2020 was “the best year in human history to face a pandemic,” he said.

Had the pandemic happened in 2005, “You wouldn’t have the technology to create mRNA vaccines.”

Let’s make Santa Barbara better in 2021

n the New Year, we thought it would be important to reflect upon and state the major focus of this column.

The aim of the “Did You Know?” column includes encouraging the citizens of Santa Barbara to preserve and protect her unique qualities.

We identify major issues that pose the greatest threat of irreparable damage to the qualities of our community.

These threats include the rampant changes to the downtown corridor, along with the height and density of buildings with indistinct architecture imposing onto the streetscape. In our world today, many social and political ideologies influence the forces that are working against our way of life in Santa Barbara that we strive to protect.

Some of these ideas we address throughout the year as they pertain to our local situation.

Santa Barbara Mayor Cathy Murrillo appeared on KEYTTV Monday night after our first rain since April. We received 1.55 inches of rain, and she was informing the public that the rain travels from the street to the ocean, and that grates are in place to catch the natural debris of trash, leaves and even masks.

However, along the shoreline some citizens have spotted hypodermic needles, human feces and other debris issuing from the various transient encampments in town. San Marcos Pass got 3.52 inches of rain and now the creeks are flowing.

We want to warn everyone to stay alert when they are down by the ocean since it is unknown what has washed from encampments along the creek beds and streets.

An increasing number of tents have been noticed along Mission Creek by the northbound 101 Carrillo onramp.

Speaking of dangers, the “warp speed” delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the last two weeks. Ten million doses were delivered nationwide, yet only 1.9 million vaccines were administered.

The vaccines should have gone to our frontline essential workers and our most vulnerable populations.

That is nurses, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, teachers, nursing home employees and their residents, grocery store employees, etc.

To save the most lives, isn’t the priority for these vaccines to go to Emergency Responders and the elderly first? Yet we hear that politicians as well as our own Salud Carbajal are getting the vaccine before the more vulnerable.

Another area of concern that could be spreading COVID is the Labor Line on East Yanonali Street. Besides the day laborers not socially distanced, there can also be up to 20 people playing cards.

These people go home to their families, who work locally and may be spreading the virus to vulnerable populations.

Although this lack of social distancing has been reported to the proper authorities, no change in the activity at this location has been noticed.

These activities may contribute to the spiking COVID numbers in the local rest homes. Last Sunday, two people died in a local senior living facility.

Four weeks ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom closed the restaurants, gyms, hair, nail salons, and personal services, etc. The churches and places of worship have been closed since March 2020, with an intermittent opening of limited

old Joe got, that alone was enough to swing things his way regardless.

It has been reported had the Democrats known about Mr. Biden’s romance with China, at least 10% of them would have changed their votes. That likely would have been enough to overcome the rigged election.

This is our future. We’re allowing dictator tactics to enter our free elections through a back door.

Mr. Biden won by omission. A tactic used by the press since forever.

Write the story but leave the bad stuff out, or water it down or write it a bit more flowery. Play with the readers’ mind. Make them second guess.

We’re going to witness something America has never seen before.

The Democrats will be like an army getting ready for battle by getting the artillery and tanks lined up on the front. And no one will make it past their defenses.

Democrats are going to build their barricades in every branch of government and weld the doors shut with plans that in four years, there is no way any Republican can squeeze through. They do mean war.

The entire country will be like California, a one-party state that will become a one-party country, and you can see what California has become.

At that point, just like California today, why vote? Many Californians have felt that way for some time now.

Half this country, if not more, are dead set against this takeover, but we’ve lost control of a free press and free speech. Two of the most powerful liberties that made America what it is.

Without them we’re done.

Despite the Democrats, never give up

have long believed that the radical left represents an existential threat to the republic. Indeed, my last book, “Guilty By Reason of Insanity: Why the Democrats Must Not Win,” was based on that premise.

So now what?

Since it appears that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will take office in less than three weeks, my deepest fears should only be intensifying. Right?

We needn’t carry on this disingenuous debate about whether Mr. Biden is a centrist, because his growing mental incapacity makes it a moot point. As long as he is titular president, some invisible committee, one of whose central members is likely former President Barack Obama, will be orchestrating his every move.

But it will be shocking if Mr. Biden, once sworn in, remains in office very long. In one of his unforced gaffes, he casually acknowledged having told “Barack” that, while he and Ms. Harris agree on most things, if a disagreement on moral principle arises, he will “develop some disease” and resign.

The Democratic power brokers pulling

DiD You KnoW?

Bonnie Donovan

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SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

C2

VOICES

VOICES

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

Summer school is the answer

I

Wendy McCaw Arthur von Wiesenberger

Co-Publisher Co-Publisher

guest OPINION

The Pirates of the Coronavirus

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hese ensuring nobody are my goes to jail. In annual keeping with the psychic philosophy that predicthere is no such tions for the New thing as criminals, Year in the tradition Andy Caldwell only victims in need of the very best of an intervention. supermarket Disneyland tabloids. Enjoy! will join countless other Santa Barbara County companies and move to Supervisor Greg Hart will Texas! Having had enough miss being the chairman of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s of the board of supervisors never-ending shutdown, because he will no longer the Mouse will move its lead the weekly press house. conferences, which Not to worry, however, featured him praising because Gov. Newsom and parroting whatever will use federal stimulus the governor would want dollars to buy the park him to say about the while repurposing the coronavirus shutdown. same.

Nonetheless, he will The new park will entertain himself by binge be called Coronavirus watching reruns of the Land. Its big ear mascot press conferences. will be Dr. Fauci. The Newly retired Supervisor Haunted Mansion will be Peter Adam will finally redesigned to look like confess to the world that the White House, with he wasn’t primarily all President Donald Trump that concerned about our haunting the frightened maintenance deficit, as children of liberals with much as he was trying warnings about socialism, to make the county go China and Iran, along with bankrupt by way of forcing various promises to Make it to pay its bills. His America Great Again. How ulterior motivation? Force frightening indeed! the county to be more One new “Star Wars” business-friendly, including show will feature vignettes as it affects the oil industry of various stars warring and property rights in against American values, order to stay afloat. such as Miley Cyrus Unfortunately, however, twerking with Santa Claus. he eventually got The kids will love it. outplayed by Supervisors It’s a Small World Das Williams and Steve will feature old people Lavagnino, aka the from throughout the Doobie Brothers, who country dying alone brought in millions by from loneliness, because way of fast tracking no family members are the permitting path for allowed to visit them, marijuana grows, while because you can never be passively countenancing too safe, you know. what appears to be the Star Wars: Rise of the premature death of the Resistance will feature oil industry. Meanwhile, California politicians the maintenance deficit battling some of the most continues to grow renowned scientists in unabated, as does oil and the world who have the gas imports from other temerity to declare that countries, while California the phenomenon of herd virtue signals about how immunity is the key to the green it is. long-term survival of the Isla Vista’s Twilight galaxy. Darth Vader, who Zone effort to eliminate happens to look a lot like homeless people camping Gavin Newsom, will be the in a park, by way of star, of course. replacing their tents with The most popular little huts in the same park, ride? The Pirates of the will catch on throughout Coronavirus, will feature the South County! Santa politicians and bureaucrats Barbara Mayor Cathy pillaging and plundering Murillo will be beside small businesses while herself because she failed distributing billions of in her initiative to facilitate dollars in unemployment a similar homeless hut payments to fellow city in a parking lot rather criminals behind bars. than a park. Who knew the As the saying goes, a good people of the South County time was had by all. loved parking lots more than parks?

Andy Caldwell is the District Attorney executive director of COLAB Joyce Dudley, along and the host of “The Andy with the county’s public Caldwell Show” weekdays defender, will eliminate from 3-5 p.m. on News-Press overcrowding in the jail by Radio AM 1290.

letters tO the News-Press I

Let’s think about each other

had to respond to Don Thorn’s letter of December 27, 2020 regarding “freedom” (Voices, Dec. 27).

The only technical word that came to mind was “hogwash!”

Truly the only real “freedom” that any of us has is that of thought. We have the “freedom” to think anything we want about anyone we want, be it good, bad or indifferent. However, the moment we step out our front door into society, we are bound by rules and regulations that guard not only us, but those around us, from harm.

Mr. Thorn sounds like he thinks that if he owns a car, he has the “ freedom” of not having to obtain a driver’s license, or have car insurance or to follow the law about having to wear a seatbelt! Can you picture what would happen at an intersection if there were no stop signs or yield signs? Could we trust drivers to do what is right for others or just his “freedom” to only do what he wants?

Mr. Thorn’s quote of “why are you spreading hysteria, fear and hurting people,” referring to Gov. Newsom and Dr. Anthony Fauci is a bit of a puzzle to me. California has only taken from January 2020, to reach over two million cases of

COVID and as of Mr. Thorn’s Dec. 27 letter, there have been over 24,220 deaths, and these numbers continue to climb everyday! Those numbers only show me that the population of California continues to enjoy its “freedom,” regardless of how it affects those around them!

To be clear, I am disappointed and angry about shutdowns that affect so many workers, when the financial support has not been put into place as their safeguard!

We have seen that financial help stalled and come to a complete halt by Washington! A monumental failure by our government to preserve, protect and defend the people of this country!

Robert Silsbury Carpinteria

Hawley bravely takes on electors

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enator-elect Josh Hawley seems to possess a long-lost Republican trait: courage.

Although his upcoming challenge to electors will probably be a lost cause, he has my respect and support.

“There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune” (Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”).

This man has a bright future in American politics.

Dale Lowdermilk Santa Barbara

Cold Springs board, do your job!

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ounds like Cold Springs school board Members are from the Twilight Zone where you attack constituents instead of representing them. They wouldn’t last a week on “The Apprentice: School Board Season.”

Let me help you do your job.

Board Members: “Who gave the Measure C auditors fraudulent bond committee members’ names?”

Pause for an answer.

“Great, thanks, YOU’RE FIRED! Now, about the misspending of the developer fees ...”

Welcome to reality, Cold Springs board members.

If you don’t do your job and hold these public employees accountable for their illegal actions or you fail to get a forensic audit to find out where our tax money actually went or if you keep calling people asking legitimate questions “mentally ill,” I’ve got two words for you all.

“Recall election!”

E. Greene Montecito

Students, educators share silver linings Editor’s note: Dr. Susan Salicido is the Santa Barbara County superintendent of schools.

2020: A year of downs, ups, backwards and sideways, to say the least. The year was full of reality that seemed unimaginable at this time last year.

Far too many friends, family members and neighbors lost jobs and closed businesses, and a staggering number of individuals lost their lives. The daily interactions we used to have, connecting us with people outside our homes, were distorted in major ways.

The weight of these nine months has been difficult to bear, and still, we are resilient. We adapt in admirable ways, and find light and silver linings — surprising brightness inside dark circumstances.

The 2020 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, Michele Franz, Orcutt Union School District, made this reflection on 2020: “The silver lining of this pandemic has definitely been how our busy lives have quieted down. There has been more time to connect with my children and my husband and to reconnect with family and friends. The quiet has also allowed me time to seek new learning in all areas of my life — teaching, self-care, relationships and more.”

When a year ends and a new one begins, we often look back to reflect on what has passed, and look to the new year with renewed resolve and optimism. This year, we all look forward to the time when the pandemic is safely behind us.

In that spirit, we sought the help of students, teachers, and school staff from several school districts throughout Santa Barbara County.

We asked what silver linings have come from the pandemic, if any, and what they are looking forward to doing when the pandemic ends.

Here are some of the responses from the Carpinteria Unified School District, the College School District, the Guadalupe Union

School District, the Los Olivos Elementary School District, the Santa Barbara Unified School District and the Vista Del Mar Union Dr. susan School District. salcido “I really like bouncing on my ball while working from home,” said Clara, a student at Vista Del Mar Union School District. “I really look forward to seeing my friends. One of my favorite things is to ride the bus.”

In Santa Ynez, College School District students offered several silver linings and hopes for the new year.

“A silver lining for me during this pandemic has been that at school we have to wear masks and on cold days it keeps me warm,” Mateo said. “One thing I would like to do when the pandemic is over is go to every place that was closed. I would also like to rip my mask off, dig a hole (and bury it), and never see it again.”

“I got a new puppy and he always makes me happy.

When I’m sad, my puppy is always there to put me in a good mood,” Kristin shared.

“What I look forward to when the pandemic is over is getting to see my family!” wrote Stephanie. “I miss them so much and we haven’t seen each other in such a long time. I was supposed to go to Mexico this year to see my family but I can’t with the pandemic going on. But it’s ok, I can see them next year when this is all over,” “I look forward to going back to normal school. I can’t wait to stop wearing masks and worrying about social distancing. I want

to play on the playground with my friends,” said Makyla.

Carpinteria High School student Dianna said a silver lining for her has been “getting to be home to take care of my younger siblings and getting to spend lots of quality time all together as a family.”

Teachers and school staff shared similar sentiments and are looking forward to being together with their students in the classroom.

Said 2021 Santa Barbara County Teacher of the Year, Frank Koroshec, of the Santa Barbara Unified School District: “We now recognize more than ever how important our connection is with each of our students. I am very much looking forward to being reunited with my students to celebrate their accomplishments in person.”

Many teachers praised the skills their students displayed during this challenging year.

“I have marveled at the problem-solving skills that students have equipped themselves with during online learning. They are often teaching me computer shortcuts and tricks.

Their ability to troubleshoot issues has been encouraging,” said Jen, an instructional assistant in the Carpinteria Unified School District.

“As a teacher, I look forward to having all of my students back in the classroom and engaging with them in person each day. Their positive energy and upbeat personalities are contagious, and being exposed to that every day is a big part of why I enjoy teaching so much,” shared Anthony, who’s with the College School District.

When a year ends and a new one begins, we often look back to reflect on what has passed, and look to the new year with renewed resolve and optimism.

This year, we all look forward to the time when the pandemic is safely behind us.

Please see SALIcIDO on c4

ncreased summer school opportunities, especially for elementary school students, are the most promising avenue to address the Joe Armendariz and extremeLanny ebenstein ly negative influence of the coronavirus-induced school closings on students’ educational performance.

Irrespective of the arguments for or against school closings, there is no question they are having and have had a large and detrimental effect on students — especially disadvantaged and younger students. Many students in California and locally will have lost a year or more of regular, in-class instruction by the time schools reopen on a standard basis either this spring or even as late as the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.

It is unnecessary to critique or criticize the effectiveness of online school programs during the past nine months. It is enough to observe that — despite the best intentions of many school administrators and teachers — these programs have in no way been a substitute for regular, inclass instruction.

Online programs were implemented in a necessarily rushed, ad hoc, and improvised manner.

Neither teachers nor parents, nor students, were ready for online instruction. In no way has the instruction that many students have received during the past nine months been equivalent to the program they would have obtained had school remained in session.

The purpose here, again, is not to criticize or critique online programs. It is just to acknowledge that they have been much less for many students than standard, in-class instruction.

For this reason, it is vital and necessary to begin to think about what can be done to catch students up for the learning they have lost. It is not too much to say that many students later in this school year or at the start of the 2021-22 school year will be behind where they were when schools closed in March 2020.

Students who will be particularly impacted include those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Unquestionably, the best approach to address the educational shortcomings that many students will experience will be increased summer school instruction. Currently, summer school is a very restricted program in most schools — typically fewer than one in 10 students participate. As a result of COVID-19, there is no reason this number should not increase greatly, especially for elementary students and students performing below grade level.

Educational research demonstrates that summer school is the most effective intervention to raise student performance.

Typically, the educational performance gap increases the most during the summer. Children from higher socioeconomic families typically have opportunities that continue their cognitive development when school is not in session. These opportunities are not as significant for students from families with lesser means.

The clear answer — confirmed by educational research — is that high quality summer schools of sufficient length in weeks and duration in hours benefit lower socioeconomic students more than any other intervention in ordinary circumstances. In the situation of the year-long school closings associated with COVID-19, increased summer school opportunities are essential and perhaps the only way to protect the lifetime prospects of disadvantaged students in particular.

Summer school is inexpensive to operate. The facilities are already there. Usually teachers who are at an earlier phase in their career provide instruction at an affordable hourly rate.

Their benefits are already paid for. Administration of summer schools is usually provided by teachers who seek to be principals someday.

School districts locally and throughout the state and nation should seek to double, triple, and quadruple the size of their summer school programs in the coming years. Only increased summer school can repair the damage to students’ education caused by the coronavirus.

Joe Armendariz is chairman of the California Center for Public Policy, and Lanny Ebenstein is its president.

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

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2020: The year ‘expert’ credibility died

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f there were ever a time to “question authority,” as the old counterculture slogan of the 1960s urged, the authoritarian age of COVID-19 is that time. 2020 will go down in American history as the year that public health “experts” got everything wrong.

It’s not just that their judgment was faulty. It’s that time and again, the professional elites deceived the citizenry, derided other academics and medical professionals who challenged them and de-platformed outspoken dissidents who refused to obey them. These pathological liars are the true public health threat.

Exhibit A: Anthony Fauci.

The incurably smug director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases led the “Great Mask Hoax” in March 2020 when he told CBS News, “There’s no reason to be walking around with a mask.” He very explicitly characterized mask-wearing as a performative gesture that “might make people feel a little bit better and it might even block a droplet, but it’s not providing the perfect

protection that people think that it is.”

Months later, fact-doctorer Fauci performed a whiplash-inducing 180-degree turnaround and became the planet’s No. 1 mask cheerleader.

Michelle Malkin He rationalized that he needed to mislead the nation about the efficacy of masks “to save the masks for the people who really needed them because it was felt that there was a shortage of masks.”

I don’t know about you, but in my house, we call this sick behavior “covering your behind.”

Last week, Dr. Fauci was at it again.

After repeatedly asserting over the past year that 60-70% of Americans would need to submit to vaccine jabs to reach herd immunity, he cranked up the number to between 70-90% in an interview with The New York Times. Fauci confessed that he manipulated the numbers based on polling data about citizens’ vac-

cine hesitancy.

“When polls said only about half of all Americans would take a vaccine, I was saying herd immunity would take 70 to 75 percent ... Then, when newer surveys said 60 percent or more would take it, I thought, ‘I can nudge this up a bit,’ so I went to 80, 85. We need to have some humility here .... We really don’t know what the real number is.”

“We” need to have some humility?

Speak for yourself, Dr. Gasbag!

Dr. Fauci further disclosed on CNN this weekend that his herd immunity pronouncement was nothing more than a “guesstimate.”

I don’t know about you, but in my house, we call this kind of prestidigitation “pulling things out of your behind.”

Dr. Fauci’s colleagues performed similar feats of scientific fraud, deception, misdirection and political propaganda.

The Erroneous Experts shut down playgrounds, ordered us to stop singing and dancing, and canceled Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas in the name of social

distancing — but gave the green light to Black Lives Matter marches, antifa protests and post-election celebrations by Joe Biden supporters.

The Erroneous Experts caused panic shortages of hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes with unsupported claims that COVID-19 spread through surfaces.

The Erroneous Experts facilitated the suffering of countless patients by recklessly hooking them up to ventilators, turning their lungs to mush and forbidding their loved ones from comforting them as they lay dying unnecessary deaths — while publicity-thirsty doctors and nurses went viral twerking for TikTok and Twitter.

The Erroneous Experts conducted online purges and witch hunts against naturopaths, chiropractors, independent investigative journalists, informed parents and frontline doctors who advocated vitamin D, zinc, sunshine, exercise, hydroxychloroquine or any other common-sense measures that did not involve lining the pockets of Big Pharma — even as two-

faced Fauci admitted he takes vitamins C and D to boost his immunity.

The Erroneous Experts stoked widespread fear of “asymptomatic transmission” of COVID-19, forcing catastrophic lockdowns of healthy people around the globe. But as a new British Medical Journal article acknowledges: “(W)e know very little about the proportions of people with positive results who are truly asymptomatic throughout the course of their infection.”

About half of people classified as “asymptomatic” go on to develop symptoms.

Contrary to the impression Erroneous Experts have left the public with, they have no idea to what extent people with no symptoms transmit the virus to others.

Moreover, the BMJ article makes clear: “No test of infection or infectiousness is currently available for routine use. As things stand, a person who tests positive with any kind of test may or may not have an active infection with live virus, and Please see MALKIN on c4

STOSSEL

DRAWING BOARD

Continued from Page C1 mayed CBS correspondent mourned, “Biodiversity is reportedly declining faster than any time!”

Even if that were true, said Mr. Norberg, “We have never made this much progress against pollution. The six leading pollutants, the ones that used to pollute our lungs and forests and rivers, they’ve declined by some 70%!”

In January, when President Trump announced the assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, “World War III” trended on Twitter. The Selective Service website crashed for fear there would be a draft.

“People think there’s more war,” I said to Mr. Norberg.

“But we’ve forgotten the wars that we had in the past! When I grew up in the 1980s, there were more wars, and battle death rates were four times higher,” he replied.

Less war is one reason people keep living longer. After COVID-19, that trend will continue.

“We have this tendency, for good reasons, to focus on problems, because that’s our way of solving problems,” said Mr. Norberg. “But then there’s the risk that we’ll just despair and think it’s hopeless and we give up. That’s not the solution to our problems.

“Just cheer up and be happy?” I asked.

He answered: “Be a little bit grateful for what we have.”

John Stossel, a former ABC News and Fox Business Channel anchor, is author of “Give Me a Break: How I Exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media.” For other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators. com.

Copyright 2020 by JFS Productions Inc.

hAVe YOur sAY

The perils of not enforcing COVID rules

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he list of California law enforcement agencies refusing to enforce current stay-at-home, crowdsize and masking orders from Gov. Gavin Newsom and county health officials numbers at least two dozen, stretching into most parts of the state.

Negative results of those scofflaw inactions were not obvious at first, while some counties let restaurants stay open despite closing orders, made no effort to prevent gatherings of more than 10 persons and assigned no sheriff’s deputies to enforce face masking.

But now some nasty consequences are clear. Leaping out at readers of county-bycounty statistics during Christmas week was a direct correlation between lack of enforcement and coronavirus prevalence, infections and deaths.

The numbers made it painfully obvious that inaction by law enforcement has cost plenty of lives.

Lack of enforcement has also been counter-productive in achieving the scofflaws’ own proclaimed goals: allowing normalcy to return sooner rather than later. Larger caseloads inevitably mean longer shutdowns.

The refusals to act are pure dereliction of duty in a state where the most common motto of law enforcement is “To protect and serve.” These folks are not doing much to help protect their constituents from the worst pandemic of the last century.

Of the five California counties with The author is a the highest sevenlongtime observer of day average COVIDCalifornia politics. 19 cases in the week leading up to Christmas, just one has taken strong enforcement measures. That’s San Diego County, ranked fifth, where six deputies enforce anti-contagion measures full time.

But sheriffs in the four large counties with by far the biggest case numbers — Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside — all refuse.

Those four counties also had the highest per-capita case rates among the state’s large counties, ranging from 4,110 per 100,000 persons in Orange County to 7,520 in San Bernardino County. Meanwhile, Santa Clara County, whose strict shutdown famously forced the San Francisco 49ers and several college sports teams to hit the road for weeks at a time, had a per capita caseload — 1,176 per 100,000 — far below those of the big scofflaw counties. Socio-economic differences can’t explain such huge gaps.

Do the anti-contagion measures work?

These statistics, reported by the counties themselves, suggest the answer is yes.

This has not yet changed policy anyplace where law enforcement is commanded by people who enforce only the laws they like, even when measures they ignore can spare illness and lives.

Even contracting the virus in early December did not move Sacramento County thomas D. elias

Sheriff Scott Jones to change his policies.

When the state imposed its mask mandate, Sheriff Jones said his deputies would not enforce it, calling violations “minor.” How minor are they when they cause infections and death?

So far, Sheriffs Alex Villanueva, Don Barnes and Chad Bianco, who respectively enforce most laws in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties, and San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner John McMahon continue refusing to enforce key state emergency edicts which have so far survived legal challenges.

Sheriff Villanueva said early on that his deputies won’t “take part in enforcing stay at home orders …” Sheriff Barnes called following the rules “a matter of personal responsibility, not a matter of law enforcement.” Sheriff Bianco said he won’t be

“blackmailed, bullied or used as muscle” by the governor or health officials.

In all their counties, intensive care units were filled to capacity through most of December, but the sheriffs remained adamant.

The only major anti-COVID law enforcement actions in those counties saw Los Angeles deputies break up two underground parties where dozens gathered and may have created “superspreader” events.

It’s not only sheriffs refusing to enforce laws, but also some police chiefs. In Stockton, Ceres, Dixon, Roseville, Folsom and many other cities, chiefs say they prefer an “education” approach to violators of masking and social distancing rules. That matches the stance of the non-enforcing sheriffs in the state’s hardest-hit areas.

There have been no consequences so far for any of the law enforcement people making these sometimes deadly decisions.

That’s worth contemplating as many millions of Californians respect the rules, stay home and try to save their lives and those of people with whom they might otherwise associate. It’s also something voters should remember when the sheriffs involved come up for reelection in 2022 and 2024.

Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com.

His book, “The Burzynski Breakthrough, The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Government’s Campaign to Squelch It” is now available in a soft cover fourth edition.

For more of Mr. Elias’ columns, visit www. californiafocus.net

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021

Republicans can work toward election reform LIMBAUGH

Continued from Page C1

the Democrats do theirs, without the cheating and lawlessness.

He inspired tens of millions of Americans with his unflagging patriotism and his defense and promotion of this country and its interests. The enthusiasm at his rallies was no accident, and it will not diminish but rather surely increase.

Though temporarily dispirited, our side is fired up like never before, and the Republican Party will likely remain the party of Trumpism, even when President Trump ceases to lead it. There will not be another Trump — but there doesn’t need to be, as long as the next GOP president largely follows his policy agenda (apart from spending, which we desperately need to rein in), adopts his template for fiercely fighting for that agenda, and continues to expose and proactively fight against the tyranny of leftist media and social media.

Let’s be healthy and free Society can address COVID-19 without authoritarianism

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he test of one’s convictions when it comes to civil liberties has never been how vehemently you defend opinions or behaviors you agree with. It has always been how fiercely you will go to bat for your opposition’s right to be wrong.

While I condemn those who needlessly flout quarantine recommendations, putting themselves and others in harm’s way, I do not believe this crisis, nor any other, gives our government the power to restrict our people’s freedoms to assemble, to earn a living, and yes, sadly, even be stupid and reckless.

I’m no COVID hoaxer, nor am I downplaying the horror of 306,000 deaths in our country. Since the start of the pandemic, I (and everyone in my immediate circle) have followed strict social distancing recommendations to the letter. My job is fully remote, I wear a mask everywhere on my infrequent outings, and I believe fully in the recommendations of leading epidemiologists and so on.

I am simply firm in my belief that there is no threat, no matter how grave, that is justification for the cavalier abandonment of individual liberties.

I believe Gov. Gavin Newsom has egregiously overstepped the bounds of his office and is pushing law enforcement to pivot from recommending distancing and dispersing gatherings to potentially arresting those who do not comply.

While I applaud the intent of the stay-athome orders, I despise the whiff of authori-

noah Barron

tarianism in their proposed enforcement.

Gov. Newsom would The author lives in like nothing better than Santa Barbara for us to inform on our neighbors for committing no crime. Bad leaders have always promised safety in return for the surrender of freedoms.

Let’s not fall for it this time.

I commend the growing number of local California sheriffs who are openly refusing to use their power to enforce Gavin “French Laundry” Newsom’s stay-at-home orders on individuals.

Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub has said, “Our approach is one of educating the public of the health orders and encouraging compliance with them. Enforcement has always been an option for our staff to use with considerable discretion. However, our primary goal is to seek voluntary compliance whenever possible.”

Sheriff Don Barnes of Sacramento has said his office will not answer calls to enforce mask compliance. “Due to the minor nature of the offense, the potential for negative outcomes during enforcement encounters, and anticipating the various ways in which the order may be violated, it would be inappropriate for deputies to criminally enforce the Governor’s mandate. Accordingly, the Sheriff’s Office will not be doing so.”

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has gone even further, stating his department will

not be “blackmailed, bullied or used as muscle” to enforce the governor’s orders, accusing “extremely hypocritical” Newsom of a “dictatorial attitude.”

I implore everyone in Santa Barbara County to voluntarily comply with the best recommendations coming from epidemiologists and experts, but there is a vast chasm between doing something because it’s the right thing to do, and doing so out of fear of reprisal from the state.

I call on Sheriff Bill Brown to issue a similar statement making it clear that the governor does not have the power to strongarm county law enforcement into curtailing Californians’ free assembly or our citizens’ ability to safely and responsibly keep their businesses afloat.

History is full of ambitious men using the excuse of crisis to seize too much power, from Julius Caesar to Joseph McCarthy. Two things can be true at once: The COVID pandemic can be clear, present and dire, and our civil liberties can still be worth protecting.

The path between tyranny and tragedy is and has always been a narrow one: individual and community responsibility.

So if you see someone behaving in a way you find dangerous and irresponsible, say something — loud and clear. But giving someone a stern talking to and inviting agents of your government to arrest them are not the same.

Don’t let Gov. Newsom off the hook for his baldly autocratic assumption that you are too fearful to know the difference.

So much rides on the U.S. Senate elections in Georgia. If Republicans can hold the majority, we can mitigate much of the planned Biden-Harris mischief.

I also choose to see a dim silver lining in the rampant presidential election corruption. Going forward, Republicans could use it to fuel election reform and scrutiny.

If nothing else, people’s eyes are now wide open and will remain so.

Heading into the New Year, let’s do our best to not be dejected and pessimistic but committed and resolved to re-doubling our efforts to reclaim America’s greatness from those who are on a mission to eliminate it.

Never give up!

David Limbaugh is a writer, author and attorney. His latest book is “Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Why the Democrats Must Not Win.” Follow him on Twitter @davidlimbaugh and his website at www.davidlimbaugh.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

Lockdown doesn’t prevent COVID surge DONOVAN

Continued from Page C1 attendance allowed.

Even with this lockdown, for the past four weeks, we have experienced the largest increase of COVID cases.

Just how is this virus spreading anyway?

In San Francisco, the focus is 173 COVID deaths, yet no mention of 621 deaths from overdoses.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed on Friday called out the city’s school district for beginning a process of renaming schools under its control, rather than reopening them.

He said it was an outrage to even consider changing the school names to eradicate names of the presidents of the United States, such as Abraham Lincoln as well as other white Americans (including Diane Feinstein, the first female mayor of San Francisco) to the tune of $9 million — at a time when the focus should be on the repercussions of the virus to all walks of life.

Californians for balanced energy solutions is asking you to Make Your Voice Heard. Tell the City Council NO on a natural gas ban!

On Jan. 12, the Santa Barbara mayor and City Council will consider a law banning the use of natural gas in new homes and commercial buildings.

If approved, the law could prohibit the use of natural gas

appliances and equipment for barbecues, spas and pools, water heaters, furnaces and cooktops.

Instead, residents could be required to use more expensive electric appliances and equipment that would dramatically increase energy bills for homeowners and tenants, eliminate good paying union jobs and make residents more vulnerable to outages.

In the middle of a public health and economic crisis, now is not the time to impose new costs on Santa Barbara residents and businesses. Tell the mayor and City Council: NO on a natural gas ban by sending an email to SBCityCouncil@SantaBarbaraCA. gov or call 805-564-5318! (https:// c4bes.org/actnow.)

In this New Year, we hope that we all can do our part to be more involved to serve and protect our city. With four City Council seats up for election in November 2021, the stakes are high. Who among us will serve?

We recommend people become more informed about local government and stay tuned to Channels 18 and 20.

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”

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

COVID-19 tests turn out to be unreliable MALKIN

Continued from Page C3 may or may not be infectious.”

So the COVID-19 tests are unreliable as we hurtle toward mandatory, universal testing, tracking and tracing. And, as I reported in my three-part series on the clinical trials, the COVID vaccines are neither safe nor effective by any honest measure. Indeed, the World Health Organization’s chief scientists admitted Monday what I pointed out last month.

“I don’t believe we have the evidence on any of the vaccines to be confident that it’s going to prevent

SALIcIDO

Continued from Page C2 “What I am most looking forward to is welcoming my students with a big hug each day as they come in the front door. And sharing a read-aloud without a mask!” said Heather from Los Olivos Elementary School District.

Carpinteria Unified School District teacher Amber said, “I am really looking forward to being able to give my students a real high five for all of the hard work.

“They have worked so hard, accomplished so much, and they have a really positive attitude about everything. I am so very proud of them all.”

“Social distancing has been very

people from actually getting the infection and therefore being able to pass it on,” Dr. Soumya Swaminathan stated.

The “believe science” cult of Erroneous Experts is the epitome of anti-scientific thought. May 2021 be the year of resistance and the death knell for COVID control freakism.

Michelle Malkin’s email address is michellemalkininvestigates@ protonmail.com. To find out more about Michelle Malkin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.

Copyright 2020 by Creators.com. difficult because of the need for human connection. But it has also made me look for different creative ways of expressing kindness, patience and compassion,” said Dolores, office manager in the Guadalupe Union School District.

It seems that most, if not all of us, deeply miss in-person experiences with friends and extended family.

However, as Dolores reminded us, it is the kindness, patience, and compassion of others that serve as a true light in this dark time.

Thank you to the students, educators, and staff for sharing examples of silver linings, and for helping to articulate our collective hope for a very happy, healthy and fulfilling new year for all.