Santa Barbara News-Press: January 12, 2023

Laura

Lake Cachuma keeps rising

Adventures in kayaking

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Lake Cachuma is expected to fill up and spill over sometime this weekend, helping Santa Barbara County’s fight against the drought.

On Wednesday, the lake continued to rise two days after the storm that doubled its capacity level. In approximately one day’s time, the reservoir’s capacity rose almost 10% in the aftermath of the storm.

On Saturday, Lake Cachuma’s capacity was at 35.9%. After the storm that stretched into Monday night and early Tuesday morning, the lake rose to 73% capacity, according to Eric Boldt, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service at Oxnard.

On Wednesday, Matt Young, the Santa Barbara County Water Agency manager, told the NewsPress that Lake Cachuma was at 82.4%, “with a water elevation of 741.2 feet. It is expected to continue filling and reach its nominal full elevation of 750 feet early this weekend. Beyond that, flashboards installed on the gates

add 3 feet of additional storage to 753 feet’.”

This was confirmed by Mr. Boldt.

“It’s currently at 82.4% and is expected to reach 100% and spill over the spillway sometime this weekend,” Mr. Boldt said. “This is great news for the drought with improvement in the short term and very good for water supply for the city of Santa Barbara.”

The NewsPress asked Mr. Boldt how rainfall averages compare to last year.

“We are well ahead of last year — for the water year starting Oct. 1, Santa Barbara is currently at 13.09 inches. Last year at this time we only had 8.83 inches.”

Noted Mr. Young, “The National Weather Service forecasts lightmoderate rain this weekend (1 inch to 3 inch), and possibly more rain early next week. The federal Bureau of Reclamation and County Flood Control

closely monitor the weather and model potential inflows to the reservoir. Inflows that would push the reservoir elevation above its capacity would be released downstream by USBR, in such a way to minimize downstream flood peaks.”

FYI

Lael Wageneck, the public information officer for Santa Barbara County Public Works Department, talked to the News-Press about the progress at Lake Cachuma.

“At the beginning of the day on Jan. 9, Cachuma Lake was at roughly 700 feet,” Mr. Wageneck said. “It is now at approximately 742 feet. So the elevation of the lake rose 42 feet in two days (on Wednesday).

“... Cachuma started Jan. 9 at 36.6% capacity, and as of 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday is at 83% capacity … With the lake’s filling rate, we anticipate it will reach 100% capacity this weekend,” Mr. Wageneck said.

The storm’s continuing impact was seen around Santa Barbara County. The rise in water at Lake Cachuma caused a vessel to sink, and News-Press photographer Kenneth Song took pictures of the efforts to recover the sunken watercraft.

The recent flooding and resulting damage led to the closure of Nojoqui Falls Park in Solvang. And elsewhere in the Danish-themed city, Alisal Road was under a hard closure due to flooding from recent rainstorms.

Down south, the Montecito Creek, which saw rising waters during the storm, was flowing steadily next to Olive Mill Road in Montecito.

On Wednesday, Rep. Salud Carbajal joined more than 30 California members of Congress, as well as U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, in a bipartisan letter to to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, to request expedited support, funding and other assistance to

State Street does well during storm

Storm drains remain open, not affected by parklets

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

State Street fared well during this week’s major winter storm, despite some minor flooding onto downtown sidewalks, city officials said.

“Storm drains remained open and flowing, though some were at capacity during heaviest downpours,” Sarah Clark, the city of Santa Barbara’s downtown plaza parking manager, told the News-Press.

“We had high volumes of water everywhere, but especially the 400, 500 and 600 blocks, where we saw some minor flooding onto the sidewalks,” she said. “However, the water drained away pretty quickly once the rain eased up. In some areas, this left mud behind which crews are working on cleaning.”

Stormwater runoff was able to flow down the street uninterrupted despite the presence of the outdoor dining parklets that line both sides of lower State Street — including 15 parklets that, as of the last city inspection, had not made the required adjustments in their design necessary to accommodate stormwater runoff, missing a Dec. 1 deadline.

“Parklets on State Street did not prevent the flow of stormwater,” Ms. Clark said. “We checked the street regularly to make sure water was flowing along the gutter,

and parklet drainage channels remained open. We did not have to move any parklets.”

City staff headed out Wednesday for the next round of inspections, she said. The delinquent parklets had been issued administrative citations that gave a Jan. 6 compliance deadline. Each administrative citation carries a fine of $100.

Following Wednesday’s reinspection, the city will send out another round of administrative citations for any parklets that remain noncompliant.

“If a business receives two admin citations and fails to remedy the violation by the compliance date on the second

SB City Council to consider parklet fees

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara City Council today will consider implementing a proposed fee structure for the outdoor dining parklets that line State Street and nearby side streets.

The fees will pay for the cleaning, maintenance and operation of the downtown’s Pedestrian Promenade, But first, the council will deal with two items connected to this week’s winter storm that slammed into the city with heavy rain and high winds.

Council members will meet at 2 p.m. in the David Gebhard Room at 630 Garden St., Santa Barbara.

They will receive a report from city staff regarding the recent storm and the city’s response, presented by Emergency Services and Public Works departments.

Then they will be asked to adopt a resolution ratifying Monday’s Declaration of Local Emergency issued by the city administrator, acting in the capacity of director of emergency services.

City Administrator Rebecca Bjork proclaimed a local emergency due to conditions of extreme peril to the safety of

persons and property caused by storms and flooding. The law requires the council to ratify such an emergency declaration within seven days.

Later in the meeting, the council will be asked by staff to provide final direction to staff to establish a schedule for Outdoor Business Facility Charges for use of the public right-of-way on the State Street Promenade, including from the 400 to 1300 blocks of State Street. The staff will return to the council for adoption of a resolution setting the Outdoor Business Facility Charges as recommended.

On Sept. 20, the council took a number of actions regarding interim operations on State Street. One of the actions was directing staff to present payment options for the outdoor dining parklets to the Finance Committee for consideration before returning to council for approval of a payment structure.

On Dec. 6, the Finance Committee heard a presentation from staff, but after considerable discussion, the committee could not agree on a recommended payment structure and directed staff to forward the item to the full council for discussion and approval.

LOTTERY RESULTS

Wednesday’s SUPER LOTTO: N/A Meganumber: N/A

Tuesday’s MEGA MILLIONS: 7-13-14-15-18 Meganumber: 9

Wednesday’s DAILY DERBY: 04/07/11 Time: 1:40.28

Wednesday’s DAILY 3: 4-0-9 / Wednesday’s Midday 5-1-8

Wednesday’s DAILY 4: 7-3-8-2

Wednesday’s FANTASY 5: 2-6-22-23-27

Wednesday’s POWERBALL: N/A Meganumber: N/A

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

The water level rose another 10% Wednesday at Lake Cachuma, which is expected to fill up and spill over sometime this weekend.

At left, efforts are under way Wednesday to recover sunken watercraft at Lake Cachuma. At right, Montecito Creek flows parallel to Olive Mill Road Wednesday in Montecito.

COURTESY PHOTO

Sarah Clark

Laura Capps discusses her goals after being sworn-in as 2nd District Supervisor

By KATHERINE ZEHNDERD NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

At approximately 8:45 on Tuesday morning, Laura Capps was sworn in as the new 2nd District supervisor, assuming the seat of now-Assemblymember Gregg Hart. Supervisor Capps was sworn in prior to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting.

“We had to cancel the (public) ceremony so it was a quiet, small heartwarming experience, which was really nice because my family was able to be with me,” Supervisor Capps told the NewsPress. “I’m honored, excited and already rolling up my sleeves to do well not only for the 2nd District but the entire county.”

“My whole career has been centered on public service in and around government at different levels — state, national and local — with advocacy groups and nonprofits, trying to make people’s levels better,” Ms. Capps said. “I was born and raised in Goleta/Santa Barbara and have experience in government outside of the county. I was involved in the community as a child thanks to my parents’ connection with public service.”

Her father was the late U.S. Rep. Walter H. Capps, and her mother is former U.S. Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara.

“I grew up with a sense of community engagement and activism: nonprofit work through church, volunteering at the food bank, etc,” she said. “My experience in Santa Barbara as a child made me who I am as a person.”

Since 2016, Ms. Capps served as a trustee on the Santa Barbara

Plane lands on highway

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY — A two-seat, single engine airplane with one occupant was forced to land Wednesday on State Route 246 after experiencing engine failure.

The plane landed safely around 12:35 p.m No damage or injuries were reported.

The FAA has been notified, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

— Katherine Zehnder

Firearm recovery in Lompoc

LOMPOC — Lompoc police arrested Daimien Davis, a known gang member, Tuesday on suspicion of several felonies including: gang member in possession of a loaded firearm and violation of state parole.

At approximately 2:54 p.m. Tuesday, police detectives attempted to stop Mr. Davis for allegedly violating his terms of state parole. The Lompoc Police Department said Mr. Davis fled from officers on foot to avoid capture. Mr. Davis was caught by officers nearby, and the Lompoc

Unified School District board. (She left the school board when she joined the Board of Supervisors.) She said she believes in the motto, “When we do right by our children, we do right by us all.”

Ms. Capps has started and run nonprofits, served on 10 national and local nonprofit boards and managed large government affairs and communication operations. She has served as a White House speech writer for President Bill Clinton; western communications director for U.S. Sen. John Kerry’s presidential campaign; and a senior aide to U.S. Sen. Edward “Ted” Kennedy, D-Mass.. Ms. Capps also served as UC Berkeley’s director of government affairs.

In Santa Barbara County,

Supervisor Capps has worked with No Kid Hungry to help provide more food for kids in need. Ms. Capps has served as president of the Community Environmental Council, chair of the Commission for Women, a trustee of UC Berkeley and on the board of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and a master’s from the London School of Economics.

Supervisor Capps spoke of how she plans to honor Assemblymember Hart’s legacy.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Ms. Capps to fill Mr. Hart’s seat in December because he was starting his work as an Assembly member. The term for which Ms. Capps was elected began with her swearing-in on Tuesday.

FYI

Constituents can reach out to 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps at lcapps@countyofsb.org.

“I have a lot of admiration for Gregg Hart. He is a really good listener, and that is key to the job. First and foremost, we are here to help people, and we have to be responsive to constituents’ needs.”

Supervisor Capps identified poverty and housing as two of her primary goals she wants to address.

“Too many neighbors live in poverty, which is an interconnected issue which touches on: housing, health, homelessness, transportation and climate change. People can’t afford to live where they work, which impacts climate change due to carbon emissions. Poverty is my priority.” said Supervisor Capps.

She said solving the housing problem will require energy, commitment and creativity. “We have a housing crisis here; housing is unaffordable for most people. We have mandates from the state (for affordable housing), and we need to forge a balanced plan that helps people like teachers, firefighters and nurses live where they work.”

TRAFFIC, CRIME & FIRE BLOTTER

“It’s been good to work with her thus far. We have had two BOS meetings and have worked together for about a month,” 1st District Supervisor Das Williams told the NewsPress. “I particularly look forward to tackling climate change issues with her as that is a passion we share, and to handle a number of issues important for working people. There is a lot the county does on poverty issues, another passion we share.”

Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann told the News-Press she’s delighted to have Ms. Capps as a colleague on the board.

“Laura brings a stellar history of working for families and children at all levels of government — and of pushing the government to do better,” Supervisor Hartmann said. “She is congenial, hard-working, and deeply committed to public service.”

Supervisor Capps said she and her fellow board members want to hear from their constituents and are open to ideas.

“My commitment to public safety and first responders and extreme climate events are the new normal, and that is where the county comes in to keep us safe and plan for the future.”

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

14 Santa Maria roads reopen after storm

SANTA MARIA — The city of Santa Maria has reopened all 14 roads, except one stretch, that were closed due to flooding during Monday’s storm.

Only Black Road between Betteravia and Stowell roads remains closed due to standing water.

Mark van de Kamp, the city of Santa Maria’s public information manager, said the city continues to deploy resources to protect the public and to prevent or limit damage to property and infrastructure.

Efforts began Wednesday to pump large amounts from a flood control basin in the northwest portion of the city. This pro-active project will make room for anticipated runoff from predicted weekend rain, according to a news release.

The city, in cooperation with

Santa Barbara County, will pump water out of the large Blosser Basin, into the Blosser Channel, which discharges into the Santa Maria River to the north.

Residents are urged to avoid swift moving water and to stay out of flooded city parks. They are encouraged to use appropriate decontamination measures if they have skin contact with storm water, which typically contains pollutants.

For more information, see the interactive city road closure map posted online at arcg. is/1evPrj1. This interactive map also has links to where to get free sand at five locations within Santa Maria.

For the latest information, go to twitter.com/city_santamaria, or www.cityofsantamaria.org.

— Katherine Zehnder

Police Department firearms/ ammunition detection K9 was called out to the scene.

Detectives located a loaded 9mm handgun in a nearby planter where witnesses saw Mr. Davis hid from officers prior to being arrested.

— Katherine Zehnder

Dog on cliff rescued

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara County Fire Department on Wednesday rescued a dog who was trapped approximately 75 feet down a 150-foot cliff.

The rescue happened at 10:34 a.m.

in Santa Barbara County. The dog owner was on scene and unhurt.

The dog was lowered to the beach and walked out to a safe location for reunification with its owner, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

— Katherine Zehnder

Rose Pruning Day rescheduled for Jan. 21

SANTA BARBARA — In anticipation of this weekend’s storm, the annual Rose Pruning Day has been postponed at A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden.

The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department has rescheduled the volunteer event for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21 at the oneacre garden, which is inside Mission Historical Park and near the Santa Barbara Mission. The address is 420 Plaza Rubio, Santa Barbara.

Volunteers are invited to spend the morning to prune the garden in preparation for spring growth. The annual event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and returned in 2022 with a recordbreaking turnout of more than 100 volunteers, according to a news release.

The parks department is seeking up to 150 volunteers for this year’s event.

“Volunteers are vital to maintaining over 1,500 rose bushes,” said Ramiro Arroyo, parks

supervisor. “Being able to do all this work in one day means we’re ready to mulch and feed the roses as soon as new growth starts in February. This promotes better growth, and we end up with an even better-looking garden than the year before.”

No experience is required to volunteer. The Santa Barbara Rose Society will give pruning demonstrations. Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves and tools, including hand pruners, loppers and small handsaws. Parks and Recreation staff will be onsite to help sharpen and sanitize tools as needed. Sturdy clothes, including long sleeves and pants, and sun protection are recommended. RSVPs are not required to participate.

In the event of rain, the event will be postponed again to Jan. 28.

For more information, contact the Parks Division at 805-564-5433.

Street sweeping resumes

SANTA BARBARA — The city of Santa Barbara’s street-sweeping operations resumed Wednesday.

Street sweeping is necessary to keep the city’s streets and storm drains clean, especially after this week’s storm, officials said.

Residential neighborhoods are swept during the daytime. To assist in efficient sweeping, people are asked to remove all vehicles and

obstructions such as trash cans from the front of their house.

Street sweeping operations will not occur Monday due to the Martin Luther King Day Jr. holiday.

For a block-by-block street sweeping schedule and holiday sweeping cancellations, visit santabarbaraca.gov/streetsweeping,

— Neil Hartstein

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

The annual Rose Pruning Day prepares the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden for spring growth.

COURTESY PHOTO

Supervisor Laura Capps said her goals include working on climate change, homelessness and poverty.

COURTESY PHOTO

A single-engine airplane made a safe landing Wednesday on State Route 246.

Oversight Committee launches investigation into Biden’s classified documents, NARA

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — U.S. House Oversight and Accountability Committee

Chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has launched an investigation into the classified documents found at a private office used by President Joe Biden after his time as vice president ended years ago.

Rep. Comer sent a letter to the National Archives and Records Administration and the White House Counsel’s Office demanding answers and pointing out that “NARA instigated a public and unprecedented FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago – former President Trump’s home.”

Rep. Comer is calling for communications records between the Department of Justice, the White House and Nara as well as interviews with NARA staff.

“The Committee is concerned that President Biden has compromised sources and methods with his own mishandling of classified

documents. Under the Biden Administration, the Department of Justice and NARA have made compliance with the Presidential Records Act a top priority,” the letter to President Biden’s White House counsel said. “President Biden has claimed he was not going to ‘get myself in the middle

of whether or not the Justice Department should move or not move on certain actions they could take.’”

Rep. Comer called NARA’s handling of the records “inconsistent” and raised questions of a double standard.

“For months, NARA failed to disclose to Committee Republicans or the American public that President Biden — after serving as Vice President — stored highly classified documents in a closet at his personal office,” the letter to NARA said. “NARA learned about these documents days before the 2022 midterm elections and did not alert the public that President Biden was potentially violating the law. Meanwhile, NARA instigated a public and unprecedented FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago — former President Trump’s home — to retrieve presidential records.

NARA’s inconsistent treatment of recovering classified records held by former President Trump and President Biden raises questions about political bias at the agency.”

This is one of several

investigations the committee has pledged to dive into this year along with inquiries into big tech colluding with federal law enforcement to censor Americans as well as inquiries into Hunter Biden, the president’s son.

These investigations could dig up new evidence and provide a steady stream of political ammunition against Democrats.

This investigation in particular will give Republicans cover in defending former President Donald Trump, who came under heavy fire for storing alleged classified documents of his own after the FBI raided his Mar-aLago home in Florida.

“Biden knew for years that he’s been storing highly classified documents in his personal office,” U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, said. “He knew it when FBI agents were raiding Mar-a-Lago, and he knew it when he appointed a partisan special counsel. He knew the whole time but still had his DOJ goons persecute Trump.”

Casey Harper works at The Center Square’s Washington, D.C., bureau.

U.S. House committee readies to battle fentanyl scourge

By RAELYNN RICARTE THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF REPORTER

(The Center Square) — U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-Pennsylvania, led Wednesday’s meeting of the House Energy and Commerce Committee that focused on stopping the flow of deadly fentanyl and other illicit drugs over the nation’s southern border.

“In 2002, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) seized more than 379 million lethal doses of fentanyl — enough to kill each and every American,” Rep. Joyce said in opening remarks on the second day of the committee convening in the 118th Congress.

He chaired the roundtable discussion because Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, who took up the gavel Monday, was absent due to a work scheduling conflict.

The committee referenced recent news from the DEA that nationwide seizures last year totaled over 50.6 million fentanyl pills and more than 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder.

Rep. Joyce, a physician, drew broad agreement from GOP leaders at the table that the Schedule I temporary designation of fentanyl-related substances should be made permanent. They felt greater penalties were needed when traffickers were caught to act as a deterrent to criminal activity.

“It should be a priority,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Florida. “This is poison. It’s a weapon of mass destruction.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but 50 to 100 times more potent, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Although fentanyl is a prescription drug used to treat patients with severe pain, it becomes dangerous when manufactured illegally for its heroin-like effect.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that illegal fentanyl powder is often added to other drugs because of its

extreme potency, which makes it dangerous.

Much of the illegal fentanyl is sourced from China and then transported through many different means into the U.S., noted committee members.

It only takes two milligrams of fentanyl, the size of 10 to 15 grains of salt, to kill, said Deb Cullen, who lost her 22-year-old son Zachary to illegal fentanyl.

“One packet of Sweet ‘N Low filled with fentanyl is enough to kill 500 people,” she said.

Deb and her husband, Paul Cullen, had been invited to Capitol Hill to put the human face on what Rep. Joyce and others called a “war” on youth. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for people 18-45 years old in the U.S., according to the CDC.

“Our son did not die of an accidental overdose, he was poisoned – actually he was murdered,” said Mrs. Cullen. “It is a very real life game of Russian roulette, and most of the time, they don’t even know they are taking it.”

The highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded by the CDC was for a 12-month period ending in March 2022: Provisional data estimated over 110,000 deaths, primarily from fentanyl, during that time period.

Although new numbers from the CDC show a 2.27% decrease in overdose deaths, the fatality rate is still far too high, said Joyce, drawing agreement from other committee members.

The Cullens said there was an urgent need for Congress to act quickly to secure the nation’s borders to reduce the availability of fentanyl.

“I struggle to understand why our government is not making it a priority to stop the loss of so many lives,” Mrs. Cullen said. “We need you to take over so we can take the time to grieve our horrible loss.”

She and Paul felt that young people needed more education about the dangers of fentanyl and asked the committee to undertake a public awareness campaign.

Zachary, they said, died after

FAA resumes U.S. domestic flights after system malfunction halted air traffic

BY THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF

(The Center Square) — The Federal Aviation Administration is allowing domestic flights to take off after a system malfunction grounded all passenger flights earlier Wednesday.

The hours-long pause, however, continues to cause flight delays throughout the U.S.

The FAA on Wednesday delayed all domestic flights until 6 a.m. Pacific/9 a.m. Eastern after a safety system malfunction.

“The FAA is working to restore its Notice to Air Missions System,” the agency announced in a tweet. “We are performing final validation checks and reloading the system now. Operations across the National Airspace System are affected. We will provide frequent

updates as we make progress.”

More than 1,000 flights were affected by the problem with the system that is used to alert flight operations personnel about essential information.

President Joe Biden “has been briefed by the Secretary of Transportation this morning on the FAA system outage,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted. “There is no evidence of a cyberattack at this point, but the President directed DOT to conduct a full investigation into the causes. The FAA will provide regular updates.”

The Santa Barbara Airport didn’t experience the level of halt that other airports did, said Angi Daus, marketing supervisor. She told the News-Press that was

using cocaine laced with fentanyl while at a birthday party with friends. They said their son was not an addict, but they had learned that he used drugs recreationally from time to time.

“That was a poor decision but it should not have been fatal,” said Mrs. Cullen.

Mr. Cullen asked the committee to address the role that social media plays in drug trafficking. He said there were plenty of online sites where teens and young adults could arrange to buy illegal substances.

“Social media companies are not doing enough to selfregulate,” he said. “There needs to be greater transparency and accountability.”

Committee members agreed to investigate that issue further.

Rep. Mike Burgess, R-Texas, said Democrats in control of the federal government for the last two years had blocked GOP efforts to make Schedule I status permanent. He said Democrats appeared more concerned about creating more potential penalties for offenders than protecting youth and other vulnerable populations.

“I don’t know why they step away from this instead of moving forward,” said Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Kentucky.

Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, said it was virtually impossible to stop the movement of fentanyl without securing the southern border, something the Biden administration refused to do.

“Our border patrol agents are now social workers,” he said.

COURTESY PHOTO

President Joe Biden

STORM

Continued from Page A1

Caltrans in response to the storms that have severely damaged road and highway infrastructure across the state. The requested funding could be used for the repair or reconstruction of federal highways and roads on federal lands that have suffered serious damage because of natural disasters.

The National Weather Service

said today’s forecast for Santa Barbara calls for a low of 51 and high of 66, with Friday mostly cloudy with a low of 50 and high of 64.

Friday also has a 10% chance of nighttime precipitation and 30% chance during the daytime.

The chance of rainfall on Friday is higher in other parts of the county: 20% during the night and 50% during the day in both Lompoc and Santa Maria. Santa Ynez has a 10% chance of rain during the night and 50% during

the day.

On Saturday, there will be rain in Santa Barbara with a low of 48 and a high of 60 and 50% chance of nighttime participation and a 80% chance of rain during the day. The chance of rainfall is similar elsewhere in the county.

On Wednesday, State Route 154 remained closed between the roundabout with State Route 246 near Santa Ynez and State Route 192.

Jim Shivers, public information officer for Caltrans District 5, told

the News-Press that there is no timetable for reopening.

“Our Caltrans maintenance team is responding to rockfall and debris on the roadway in multiple locations.,” Mr. Shivers said. “There are rockslides and mudslides in multiple locations within the entire segment of SR 154 (now closed) as well as slope failure in various locations which are in areas above the highway. There is also debris on the roadway.”

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

HOWELL, Bob

6/13/1941 - 12/14/2022

Surrounded by his family and their deep love, Bob Howell peacefully passed away on December 14, 2022, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara. Bob was born June 13, 1941, in Boise, Idaho to S.E. and Mildred Howell. After his father’s unexpected death in 1943, he was fortunate to spend his summers at his grandparents’ farm in southeastern Idaho, where he learned to fly-fish - a passion that grew with each successive year.

Just as he was beginning junior high, Bob and his mother moved to California, and after graduating from high school, Bob took a temporary job while in college. That job caused him to set college aside and begin a career of over 40 years in the pest control industry culminating with his becoming the president of the Pest Control Operators of California. After settling in Santa Barbara in 1971 with his wife, Sally and their young children, Scott and Kathy, he was able to pursue his second passion, golf. He loved spending time with all his family and was so fortunate to have all his grandchildren live nearby from the time they were born.

He and Sally loved their extensive travels - from Nova Scotia to New Zealand and from Switzerland to French Polynesia, taking his golf clubs and fly-fishing rods on most every trip. As a young father, Bob and his family would make many lasting memories during their trips to San Diego for summer vacations; and when the kids were older, they would spend countless extended weekends water skiing at Lake Nacimiento. But the best trips were with Sally, their children and grandchildren to Park City for Christmas, to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone in the summer, and twice to Hawaii - the second time to celebrate Bob and Sally’s 50th wedding anniversary in 2012.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sally, his son, Scott, his daughter, Kathy and her husband, David Bleak, and his grandchildren, Jason Howell, Delaney Howell, Brad Bleak, and Abby Bleak. Private services will be held at a later date. Contributions to Visiting Nurses Association/Serenity House would be welcomed.

PARKLETS

Continued from Page A1

citation, they will have their right-of-way operation privileges suspended and will have to remove their facilities,” Ms. Clark told the News-Press previously.

Most of the restaurants with parklets that made the adjustments installed a drainage channel to allow the water to flow beneath it or alongside it.

Others have pulled their parklets away from the curb and made them more narrow. A few have removed platforms and switched to portable, at-grade designs.

The first round of inspections revealed only 17 of the 50 parklets between the 400 and 1200 blocks of State Street had

COUNCIL

Continued from Page A1

Staff will propose several payment structures for the council’s consideration.

The proposed payment option presented to the council last September was a graduated rate based on square footage starting at $5 per square foot per month.

Staff will request a final council decision on a payment structure for the outdoor

FLIGHTS

Continued from Page A3

because of cancellations already in the airport’s flight schedule.

“We were a lucky airport in

made the adjustments. A second round showed 12 parklets were noncompliant, with four more left to be inspected. Three of those four remained delinquent, bringing the total to 15.

“Several of these businesses have contacted us and are working to bring their facilities into compliance,” Ms. Clark said at the time.

In most cases, restaurants have cut drainage channels, using a steel diamond plate to bridge the gap. Others have pulled their parklets away from the curb and made them more narrow. A few have removed platforms and switched to portable, at-grade designs.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

business facilities on the State Street Promenade.

To date, food and beverage businesses are operating approximately 50 outdoor business facilities.

The Subcommittee advised staff that the payment structure should be at a level sufficient to generate enough revenue to pay for costs associated with ongoing maintenance and operation of the State Street Promenade. This includes State Street from the 400 to 1300 blocks and the cost

that as of 5 a.m. all equipment was back up, and running and flights were back on by 6:15 a.m.,” Ms. Daus said in an email. “However, we always feel the impacts of larger airports being a small hub. And so, as

associated with employing a code compliance officer.

The officer would enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and, if needed, design requirements.

Promenade-related expenditures in Fiscal Year 2023, which include deep cleaning and staffing, are estimated to be approximately $515,000 and are expected to rise the following year.

Additionally, City Council, the Subcommittee, and community

you can see from our flight schedule on our website (flysba. santabarbaraca.gov), we are feeling the impacts of that issue from this morning.

“We do not have any system or technical outages or issues

stakeholders have expressed an interest in adding a 0.5 Full Time Equivalent code compliance officer for ADA, design, and other regulatory requirements in the State Street Promenade and citywide parklets. The estimated cost for such a position is $83,000 per year.

Therefore, staff anticipate Fiscal Year 2024 costs to be approximately $675,000.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

and recommend all passengers contact their airlines for the most up-to-date information on their flight status,” she said.

News-Press Managing Editor Dave Mason contributed to this report.

notices are published daily in the Santa Barbara News-Press and also appear on our website www.newspress.com

Obituary

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

Chicago 38/29/sh 33/22/sf

Dallas 58/35/s 56/36/s

Denver 44/28/pc 50/36/pc

Houston 64/40/pc 60/39/s

Miami 79/62/s 80/51/pc

Minneapolis 25/11/c 24/11/c

New York City 49/48/r 53/33/c

Philadelphia 53/50/sh 52/31/pc

Phoenix 73/49/s 74/49/s

Portland, Ore. 51/47/sh 51/47/r

St. Louis 43/25/sn 38/24/pc

Salt Lake City 48/32/pc 47/38/pc Seattle 53/48/r 55/46/r

Washington, D.C. 54/48/c 52/32/pc

p.m. 1.0’ Jan. 14 2:53 a.m. 4.2’ 9:37 a.m. 2.0’ 2:27 p.m. 2.8’ 8:13 p.m. 1.5’

Beijing 39/30/sn 47/24/pc Berlin 50/47/r 51/43/r Cairo 65/51/s 65/51/pc

Cancun 82/65/pc 83/65/pc London 55/43/r 51/43/pc Mexico City 70/49/s 67/46/pc Montreal 34/32/sn 35/18/r

New Delhi 66/54/s 66/49/pc

Paris 54/46/c 52/44/pc

Rio de Janeiro 85/75/r 88/76/t

Rome 58/40/pc 58/43/c

Sydney 80/67/pc 80/68/pc

Tokyo 56/41/s 58/53/pc

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

The water level rises at Bradbury Dam, next to Lake Cachuma.

At left, Nojoqui Falls Park in Solvang was completely closed to the public due to recent flooding and resulting damage. At right, Alisal Road in Solvang was under a hard closure Wednesday due to flooding from recent storms.

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS

The bottom of a parklet is canted to allow for drainage on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.

Life theArts

CALENDAR

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

TODAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Interlopings: Colors in the Warp and Weft of Ecological Entanglements” is an exhibit that runs through March 12 at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara.Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The exhibit features weavings dyed with pigments from non-native plants on Santa Cruz Island. The weavings were created by artists Helen Svensson and Lisa Jevbratt. For more information, see sbbotanicgarden.org. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “The Search for the Modern West,” an exhibit, continues through Feb. 20 at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, see sullivangoss. com or call the gallery at 805730-1460.

‘Paddling into a Natural Balance’

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

‘Paddling into a Natural Balance” with Carpinteria freelance writer and photographer

Chuck Graham will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way.

As part of his presentation, Mr. Graham will recount his many adventures hiking and kayaking in the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary. He will also share many of his award-winning photographs that document the islands and their recovery over the past 30-plus years.

In addition to Mr. Graham’s talk, there will be a pre-lecture reception for museum members only from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. To attend, register at sbmm.org/ santa-barbara-event/ and become a member at sbmm.org.

Admission is free for SBMM’s Navigator Circle Members, $10 for all other members and $20 for members of the public.

This event is sponsored by Marie L. Morrisroe.

Mr. Graham, who has been a lifeguard and island guide, has been leading kayak tours and backpacking trips at Channel Islands National Park for more than 20 years.

Born in Santa Monica, he moved with his family to Carpinteria in 1975.

He studied at Santa Barbara City College, Westmont College

For

FYI

and the Institute for Children’s Literature. He also holds an honorary master’s degree from Brooks Institute of Photography recognizing his work, which has appeared in many local and national publications.

His stories and photos have appeared in National Geographic

Mr. Graham’s commercial clients have included Patagonia, Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, California Coastal Commission, Los Padres National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Channel Islands Provisioners.

He has also written and photographed two books — the award-winning “Carrizo Plain: Where the Mountains Meet the Grasslands” (2021) and “Hike the Channel Islands: The Best Day Hikes in Channel Islands National

Park”(2022).

Mr. Graham said this about his life and work:

“Kayaking around the Channel Islands National Park has afforded me countless experiences with the unique web of biodiversity that is found throughout the chain. Kayaking has been the best way to immerse myself with its flora and fauna. With more than 25 years of paddling the islands, I am now writing my third book, ‘Paddling into a Natural Balance,’ which includes stories and photos about kayaking and conservation surrounding one of the leastvisited national parks in North America.”

email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

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

JAN. 13

7 p.m. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar will perform a free concert at Isla Vista Elementary School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Isla Vista, as Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara resumes its programming.

7 p.m. The Los Angeles Reed Quintet will perform during the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos. The program will include music by Mendelssohn, Mahler, Ligeti, Nina Shekhar, Yanjun Hua, Corelli, Fred Coots, and Sam Lewis

JAN. 14

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

JAN. 15

7 p.m. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuélla will perform a free concert at The Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. The concert is presented by Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara.

JAN. 17

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

COURTESY PHOTO

Saxophonist Patrick Posey and the rest of the Los Angeles Reed Quintet will perform Jan. 13 during the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series at St. Mark’s-in-theValley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos.

publications, Backpacker, Men’s Journal, Outdoor Photographer, The Surfer’s Journal, The Surfer’s Path, Canoe & Kayak, Adventure Kayak, American Forests, BBC Wildlife Magazine and Outdoor California.

Local writer, photographer to speak about life and work

At left, Chuck Graham travels in his kayak around Santa Cruz Island. Mr. Graham, a photographer who has paddled around the Channel Islands for more than 25 years, is writing his third book, “Paddling into a Natural Balance.” At right, a humpback whale raises its pectoral fl ipper in this photo taken by Mr. Graham.

Freelance photographer and writer Chuck Graham will share his kayaking and hiking adventures at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara.

more information, call the museum at 805-962-8404 or visit sbmm.org.

CHUCK GRAHAM PHOTOS

Carpinteria kayaker Chuck Graham took this photo of northern fur seals at Point Bennett on San Miguel Island.

JAN. 19

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

7 p.m. Photographer, writer and kayaker Chuck Graham,

JAN. 21

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Plains, Trains & Violins” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St. The concert includes Miguel del Aguila’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “The Journey of a Lifetime” (El viaje de una vida) with violin soloist Guillermo Figueroa and the concert world premiere of Elmer Bernstein’s “Toccata for Toy Trains.”

The orchestra will also perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”). Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 22

3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Plains, Trains & Violins” concert at The

Granada, 1214 State St. The concert includes Miguel del Aguila’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, “The Journey of a Lifetime (El viaje de una vida)” with violin soloist Guillermo Figueroa and the concert world premiere of Elmer Bernstein’s “Toccata for Toy Trains.”

The orchestra will also perform Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”). Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

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

JAN. 24

2 to 6 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at Camino Real Marketplace, 7046 Marketplace Drive, Goleta. For more information, go to vitalant.org. 7 p.m. UCSB Arts & Lectures presents mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and a music ensemble in “Eden” at The Granada, 1214 State St. “Eden” explores the individual human connection with nature and features music from four centuries. Tickets cost $46 to $131 for general admission and $20 for UCSB students with ID, one hour

before the performance, and youths 18 and younger. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 25 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. For more information, go to vitalant.org. 7:30 p.m. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The ensemble will perform Beethoven’s “Coriolan” Overture and Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Opus 93; Anatoly Lyadov’s “The Enchanted Lake”; and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” The concert is being presented by the Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara. TIckets cost $36 to $156. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

FEB. 1 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Coast artist and London native Annie Hoffman’s exhibit “Seeing Ourselves in Colour” will be displayed through Feb. 28 at Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. For more information, visit anniehoffmann. com.

— Dave Mason

Broccoli

Broccoli is a very versatile vegetable that is well suited for raw and cooked preparations. Whether steamed, roasted, sauteed, fried or even pickled, there’s something about that underlying sweet and herbaceous flavor that keeps drawing me in for more.

This week I prepared a pureed broccoli potato-leek soup as the Fix of the Week, below.

Reaching peak flavor during the cooler times of year, broccoli is readily available at all weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’’ markets from several local growers. Certified organic is available.

Price averages $3 per pound.

Bearss limes

Also commonly referred to as

a Persian lime, these are some of the most flavorful and juicy limes you will encounter locally.

Limes are a good source of vitamin C, as well as a long list of essential minerals.

You can expect to find Bearss limes from several local growers at the weekly Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Camino Real, Tuesday Santa Barbara, Wednesday Solvang and Thursday Carpinteria farmers’ markets. Price averages 50 cents each.

Almond toffee butter

You must be careful with this jar of toffee-infused almond butter, as once you give it a taste you might find yourself consuming the entire jar in a single sitting. It’s just that good. Use this butter as a spread on

fresh apple slices, spread it on a piece of sourdough toast, or use it to fill the cavity of a celery stick. This butter is excellent for using in dessert recipes, most notably cookies, and can be used instead of peanut butter in most cases.

This rich butter is produced from the Avila and Sons annual almond harvest. It’s available at the weekly Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Camino Real, Tuesday Santa Barbara, Wednesday Solvang, and Thursday Carpinteria farmers’’ markets.

Price is about $12 per jar.

Sam Edelman is general manager of the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association and host of “Farm to Table,” which airs live 9 a.m. Thursdays on KZSB AM 1290. Sam Edelman photos

Fix of the Week W

hich member of the Brassica vegetable family are you consuming the most of this time of year?

For some, it may be cauliflower or cabbage, while others possibly enjoy kale or Brussels sprouts. Then there’s the radishes, mustard greens, Bok-choy, turnips and Romanesco that are likely a little lower on the list. I try to mix it up with the various Brassica offerings throughout the week, with at least one of them hitting my plate daily through the winter months.

Today, I’m focused on likely the most popular member of this illustrious nutrient-dense vegetable family: fresh broccoli.

Composed of a flowering head, which is harvested before the tiny buds begin to open, as well as a hearty stem at the base, fresh broccoli is one of the most highly consumed vegetables this time of year. With both the crown portion and stems edible, broccoli is an incredibly versatile vegetable.

Enjoy broccoli roasted in the oven, in stir-fry’s, added to soups or raw in broccoli-based salads. There are many ways to prepare

this somewhat sweet, grassy and herbaceous-flavored addition to your meals.

Some prefer broccoli’s naturally crunchy texture, while others may prefer to steam the florets until soft. Season broccoli simply with salt and pepper, top it with melted cheese, or enjoy it raw as it comes dipped in your favorite hummus.

Broccoli is also a nice addition to blended soups. I find the subtle broccoli flavor throughout, and light green hue of the broth, quite a comforting option to enjoy on a cool wintery evening.

This week, I combined some fresh leeks, Yukon gold potato, cloves of garlic and some freshly harvested broccoli in a delicious soul-warming blended soup.

CREAMY BROCCOLI POTATO LEEK SOUP

3 tablespoons butter.

1 ½ pounds broccoli, chopped.

1 large leek, cut into small rounds.

4 garlic cloves, minced.

1 large Yukon gold potato,

peeled and diced.

1 large carrot, peeled and diced.

3 tablespoons flour.

5 cups chicken or vegetable broth (I used low sodium).

8 ounces low-fat sour cream.

1 teaspoon ground cumin. Salt and pepper to taste.

Optional: 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves.

In a medium soup pot, heat butter at medium-high. Andd broccoli, leeks, garlic, potato and carrot. Sauté for about 6-7 minutes. Mix in flour. When it just turns brown, add broth, ground cumin and salt and pepper. Miix well.

Simmer for about 15 minutes or until all ingredients are soft. Transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender and blend until very smooth. If adding the fresh cilantro, blend in with soup. If using a standard blender, transfer the contents back to the pot and turn to low heat. Mix in sour cream until smooth. Serve warm.

Yield: Serves about 6.

Hoffman presents ‘Seeing Ourselves in Colour ‘ at Gallery Los Olivos

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Central Coast artist Annie Hoffman will be showcasing her vibrant and colorful paintings in a month-long exhibit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Feb.1 through the 28 at Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave. in Los Olivos.

A reception with the artist will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5 at the gallery.

The exhibition, “Seeing Ourselves in Colour,” showcases Ms. Hoffman’s innate ability to capture the feelings and emotions of those she paints and brings a whimsy and light to her work, sharing the wonder and joy for the viewer or grateful owner to bask in its beauty.

Ms. Hoffman is a native of London and was inspired early on by Vincent van Gogh and William Turner. She then moved overseas and worked and studied at UCLA and Santa Monica College. She also spent a year studying at the classical art “Academie Notre Dame des Champs” in Paris before returning to Los Angeles, determined to become a serious painter.

“I am fascinated by movement and by color and light. Our coast (the Central Coast) can overawe me with its beauty. The coast itself is an exceptional source of landscapes, while our annual Fiesta is the ultimate color of life,” said Ms. Hoffman, who celebrates this with her portrait of a little girl titled “Dance Poetry.”

COURTESY IMAGE

“Dance Poetry” is among artist Annie Hoffman’s works.

FYI

“Seeing Ourselves in Colour” will be on display 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Feb.1 through the 28 at Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave. in Los Olivos. For more information, visit anniehoffmann.com.

While Ms. Hoffman paints in multiple genres, including landscape (plein air and studio), portraiture and still life painting, this exhibit centers on her figurative work, in which she shows people in various environments and groupings.

Ms. Hoffman said that when she interprets the resource

material she collects every day — photographing and sketching scenes from daily life — she feels as if she is directing a play, using her imagination to understand and present the mood and emotion of her subjects.

Her devotion has led to studying with renowned artists including Lance Richlin, an “old master”style figure and portrait painter; Sharon Burkett-Kaiser, a wellknown California impressionist and a student of the legendary 20th century Russian impressionist Sergei Bongart; and with the Chinese master impressionist Jove Wang.

Ms. Hoffman has received many awards and recently was the winner of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Curators Choice Award. And she took first place at the Westlake Village Artists Guild in 2021.

She teaches private classes and workshops, gives frequent demonstrations to local art organizations, and is an active member of local and national art associations.

“We reside in an increasingly concrete and artificial environment, and for me, painting explores the poetry and drama of the human condition and its connection to the natural world, tying both together to provide a path back to my own sense of balance and harmony,” said Ms. Hoffmann.

FARMERS MARKET Sam Edelman

SAM EDELMAN PHOTO

Thought for Today

“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.”

— Swami Sivananda

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Thursday, January 12, 2023

ARIES — If you’re currently romantically involved, expect your relationship to reach a new understanding and sense of unity, Aries. If you aren’t involved, you could meet someone special today, and it might be like love at first sight. An instant bond could form between you because of mutual intellectual interests.

TAURUS — An old friend you haven’t seen in a long time could turn up. This should be a pleasant surprise, Taurus, as you will have a lot of catching up to do. You might have good news, as you’ve been busy and could have come across some very exciting information.

GEMINI — Some great news could come today that turns your life upside down momentarily. Gemini, you will find it very exciting. New neighbors could move in and you might spend some time getting acquainted. Much of your day could be spent seeking information in a field that interests you.

CANCER — News might bring exciting opportunities for increasing your income, Cancer. Perhaps you will learn of ways to start your own business. Maybe the demand for people with your skills has increased. You might discover the efficiency some new technology for managing your finances.

LEO — Discussions could bring some exciting information your way that alters your thinking slightly. You tend to be oriented toward social, political, or humanitarian issues, Leo. Today you might have the chance to put your talents to work. Someone could ask you for assistance.

VIRGO — Today you may take up the study of astrology, numerology, alchemy, or other occult discipline. Your intellectual abilities are particularly sharp, Virgo, so you may want to combine them with your tendency toward mysticism. This should keep you busy for much of the day, but you need to watch out for intellectual overload.

LIBRA — New friends, new goals, and new attitudes could

all appear on the scene, Libra. Unexpected developments within a group are likely to require reevaluating a course of action. This is probably a positive development, and it could be exciting, but it’s going to mean some immediate adjustments.

SCORPIO — If you’ve been aiming for a specific career goal, Scorpio, it might suddenly manifest with the current planetary energy. You could be catapulted into the public eye in some way. The possibility of an increased income could arise, although it might be speculative at this point. Your mental energy continues high, so you should be able to easily grasp all the ins and outs of your situation.

SAGITTARIUS — This should be a stimulating day, Sagittarius. The possibility of a journey might arise unexpectedly. This could be exciting as some close friends or a romantic partner might accompany you. A new turn in your intellectual or spiritual interests could have your mind going a thousand miles an hour.

CAPRICORN — Unexpected economic developments might make a sudden and positive difference in your situation, Capricorn. Perhaps your field becomes more competitive, and people with your skills are more in demand. Whatever it is, you can expect more money to come your way in the future.

AQUARIUS — Your social life might suddenly be busier than you expected, Aquarius, perhaps because of the appearance of some interesting new people. This could involve a group with which you’re affiliated, perhaps one with a humanitarian focus. Expect to be busy over the next few weeks, as this trend isn’t likely to slow down soon.

PISCES — Books and conversations with friends could take up most of your day, Pisces. The intellectual stimulation could have positive and negative effects on your health. Positive because it raises your enthusiasm and puts you in an enthusiastic state of mind, and negative because it might get you so excited that you forget to eat or rest.

SUDOKU

Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great way to test your knowledge of the English language. Every number in the codeword grid is ‘code’ for a letter of the alphabet. Thus, the number 2 may correspond to the letter L, for instance. All puzzles come with a few letters to start. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If the letter S is in the box at the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should be to find all cells numbered 2 in the grid and enter the letter S. Cross the letter S off the list at the bottom of the grid. Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Cy the Cynic is always dieting but insists he’s not overweight. Cy says that, according to the charts, he is three inches too short.

Cy came up short of tricks at today’s slam. He ruffed West’s king of spades and took the A-J of trumps. When East discarded, the Cynic tried to unblock his high diamonds, but West ruffed the third diamond and led another spade.

The Cynic ruffed, led a trump to dummy and threw two clubs on the J-10 of diamonds, but then he had to try a club finesse with his queen. Down one.

BLOCKING

Cy has a “wait” problem: He won’t take time to plan his play. At Trick One, Cy can discard a blocking high diamond. He ruffs the next spade and takes the A-J of trumps and two diamonds. Cy can then lead a trump to dummy and discard three clubs on the J-10-9 of diamonds.

Cy might also ruff the first spade. He could take the A-9 of trumps, ruff the last spade and lead high diamonds. If West ruffed the third diamond, he would be end-played.

You hold: A K Q 7 6 7 5 4 7 5 K J 6. You open one spade, and your partner bids 1NT. The

opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: In “Standard” methods, a rebid of two spades would suggest a six-card or longer suit. Pass, though to bid two spades anyway might work when you hold a strong five-carder and weakness in both red suits. In the “two-over-onegame-forcing” style, partner’s 1NT response is forcing, and your correct systemic bid is two clubs. West dealer Both sides vulnerable