Reviews of vice presidential debate
‘Sojourners Mural’
Artist Gus Harper depicts relationship between humans and their environment - B1
Our 165th Year
Columnists discuss Pence, Harris and the girl with a question - C1
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Freedom Rally
Carbajal, Caldwell square off in debate By JOSH GREGA
Pro-Trump rally draws support and vocal opposition
KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
Local supporters of President Donald Trump gathered on Saturday afternoon at the intersection of State Street and Las Positas Road for a Freedom Rally.
By JOSH GREGA
NEWS-PRESS STAFF-WRITER
Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, faced off against his Republican challenger for the 24th Congressional District, Andy Caldwell, in a virtual debate Saturday night hosted by Scott Hennessee on KEYT-TV. The hour-long debate covered many topics relevant to the Central Coast, such as economic relief from the COVID-19 pandemic, oil drilling, and political division. Some questions for the candidates were posed by the host, others came from viewers, and others from local reporters. After the two candidates gave their opening statements, the debate began with the topic of how best to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Hennessee breached the subject by asking Mr. Caldwell if he stood by his preferred method, isolating the most vulnerable people while pursuing herd immunity for the least susceptible and thereby getting the economy up and running. The host pointed out that the World Health Organization director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it would be “unethical” to do so. Mr. Caldwell pointed out that two weeks ago a WHO report revealed lockdowns are disproportionately hurting poor people, and that increased poverty will lead to higher comorbidities. The Republican praised Sweden’s no-lockdown handling of COVID-19 and took exception that smaller businesses
were shut down during the lockdown. “The problem here is that we shut down parts of our economy. We didn’t shut down Target, Costco, or Wal-Mart, but we shut down mom-and-pop shops and stores, and that was a huge problem. We’ve got to open up our economy,” said Mr. Caldwell, who is also a News-Press columnist. The WHO director-general’s statement came from Oct. 12. The question of whether or not COVID-19 restrictions on businesses are too tight arose later in the debate and Mr. Caldwell called them “arbitrary and capricious.” He cited that people can go to a dispensary or sit close together on airplanes but can’t go to church. Rep. Carbajal said the best way to handle the coronavirus is to listen to the recommendations of experts and public health professionals by wearing masks and social distancing. As for what to do about small businesses hurting amid the pandemic, Rep. Carbajal said more federal funding is needed. The congressman also made the first criticism of a couple the candidates would make about the two men in the presidential race and took shots at President Donald Trump for “politicizing” the practice of wearing masks. The congressman also said the president is “doing everything possible to divide us” when Americans are already divided enough. Mr. Caldwell took aim at former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden Please see debate on A10
NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
Local supporters of President Donald Trump gathered on Saturday afternoon at the intersection of State Street and Las Positas Road for a Freedom Rally. The group demonstrated in favor of the Commander in Chief, as well as local Republican candidates. As the demonstrators waved American flags, “Trump 2020” flags, and signs with messages in support of law enforcement, the group was met with both honks of approval from passing vehicles as well as shouts of vulgarity and middle fingers raised. The loudest responses against the rally included a man who drove past it a few times and paused to call the demonstrators “Nazis.” He eventually made his way over to the rally on foot and shouted at the demonstrators. Additionally, two young women walked over to the rally with signs bearing some choice four letter words directed toward police. One of the women smacked a sign a female demonstrator was holding and the sign hit her in the face. The police were then called and responded to the intersection. Caroline Abate, a Republican running for Goleta Union School Board, said the more aggressive responses to the demonstration are indicative of the stark political divide that America is undergoing and must overcome. “This is what’s at the root of the problem in our country, and the work that needs to be done is for each person to think very carefully about their own personal behavior and how to make sure we stay one country,” she said. The school board candidate told the News-Press that she
Voter registration deadline approaching By MITCHELL WHITE NEWS-PRESS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The demonstrators waved American flags, “Trump 2020” flags, and signs with messages in support of law enforcement. It was met with both honks of approval from passing vehicles as well as shouts of vulgarity.
hoped their presence would get the public to think hard about what kind of future they want for the United States, which she said is undergoing “the single most important election” in its history. She added that the country is being torn in two diametrically opposed directions, “Christian capitalism” and “atheistic socialism.” “There’s so much at stake on this ballot and in this election that we hope to make people aware, to think about the issues a lot more carefully and a lot more thoroughly,” she said. “People need to think very carefully about their vote, because the direction in which our country goes has significant consequences.” Please see rally on A5
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The Santa Barbara Police Department was called to the demonstration after two women walked over to the rally with signs bearing some choice words towards law enforcement.
The deadline to register to vote in California is Monday, and there are several ways to register. Those who register by the deadline are ensured to receive all their voter material needed for the Nov. 3 general election. Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters Joe Holland said it has never been easier to vote in California, with registration serving as the first step to do so. “I highly recommend that voters register by the October 19 deadline,” Mr. Holland said in a news release. “It ensures that the voter has the opportunity to receive, review and mark his or her ballot safely and securely at home. If a voter is unsure about their voter registration status or needs to change registration information like address, go to SBCVote.com.” All California residents are eligible to vote, as long as they are a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. To register to vote online, visit registertovote.ca.gov. Paper applications can also be found at most U.S. Post Offices, or the Department of Motor Vehicles. Several county elections offices were open Saturday to assist voters. Eligible voters may use the conditional voter registration process through Election Day, available only at the County
Registrar of Voters offices or a polling place to register and vote. Ballots cast conditionally will be processed once the Registrar of Voters Office has completed the voter registration verification process. The three election offices, in Santa Barbara, Lompoc and Santa Maria, will remain open through Nov. 3, officials said. Secure ballot drop boxes are located throughout the county to return voted ballots 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. County officials issued a response earlier this week following reports of groups promoting unofficial ballot drop boxes not affiliated with the county. While these drop boxes may be promoted as “official” or “secure,” the use of unauthorized, non-official drop boxes is prohibited by state law. “Voters who want to return their ballot via a drop box should only use official county drop boxes that are clearly recognizable, designed to meet state standards for security, and bear the official Santa Barbara County Elections logo,” officials said. Elections staff are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying potentially illegal ballot drop boxes by calling 800-SBC-VOTE or 800-722-8683. To learn more about the drop box locations, visit www.sbcvote. com. email: mwhite@newspress.com
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LOTTERY
Classified............... A9 Life.................... A3-4 Obituaries........... A10
Saturday’s SUPER LOTTO: 7-19-25-29-42 Meganumber: 1
Saturday’s DAILY 4: 5-7-6-2
Friday’s MEGA MILLIONS: 27-32-50-52-57 Meganumber: 12
Saturday’s FANTASY 5: 1-3-12-18-26
Saturday’s DAILY DERBY: 05-09-10 Time: 1:46.25
Saturday’s POWERBALL: 6-10-31-37-44 Meganumber: 23
Soduku................. B2 Weather.............. A10
Saturday’s DAILY 3: 9-5-1 / Sunday’s Midday 4-4-3