Santa Barbara News-Press: March 02, 2023

Court appearance

Homeless woman charged in alleged cellphone theft to return to court - A2

Wine and chili

Buellton festival set for March 19 at Flying Flags RV Resort - B1

Our 167th Year 75¢

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023

Planning panel calls for more research on pipeline

County commission reviews addition of 16 new valves for pipeline now owned by ExxonMobil

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara County Planning Commision is calling for more research on addition of valves to the old Plains All American Pipeline, now owned by ExxonMobil.

The pipeline has been shut down since a 2015 rupture that resulted in the Refugio oil spill off the Gaviota Coast. ExxonMobil bought the pipeline in October.

Meeting Wednesday in Santa Barbara, the commission voted 3-2 to direct staff to conduct further research. This could lead to either ultimate denial of the applicants’ request for the upgrade or further review under the California Environmental Quality Act. Staff will report findings back to the planning commission during the April 26 planning commission meeting when this item is resumed.

The motion passed 3-2 with commissioners Larry Ferini (4th District) and Victor Martinez (5th District) voting

in opposition.

The staff report at Wednesday’s hearing was presented by Katie Nall. This hearing concerned the appeal of the Plains Line 901-903 Valve Upgrade Amendment. This is a request for an amendment in a coastal development permit to install 16 new valves along the existing 901-903 pipeline system running from the Gaviota Coast to Los Padres National Forest within Santa Barbara County.

The project would amend the originally approved Celeron/All American Pipeline

Project Major Conditional Use Permit and final development plan as revised in 1988.

Most of the public comments were in support of the appellants seeking denial of the valve project. They said the broader issue goes beyond the approval of ExxonMobil’s request for the 16 valves.

The public commenters and the commissioners expressed concern that the new valves would lead to a reopening of the pipeline or even construction of a new pipeline. The project is seen as necessary to

Protecting the oceans

UCSB students hold news conference in advance of going to Sacramento

By DAVE MASON

NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Several enthusiastic UCSB students stood Wednesday morning in front of the Campus Lagoon and called for action to make 30% of California’s ocean waters Marine Protected Areas by 2030.

The students, who are with the UCSB chapter of California Students Public Interest Research Group, were holding a news conference, complete with signs such as “Protect Our Oceans.” The small audience consisted of UCSB students, a UCSB alumnus and one professional media outlet, the News-Press.

The students will repeat their emphasis on marine conservation when they head to Sacramento this weekend and join CALPIRG students from UC campuses throughout the state. An estimated 60 students are expected to show up, including eight or so from UCSB.

On Monday, the students from UCSB and other UC campuses will gather on the state Capitol lawn to rally in support of adding MPAs, and they will meet with members of the higher education committees of the Assembly and Senate, CALPIRG Students campus organizer Ori Liwanag told the News-Press Wednesday evening.

CALPirg also plans for students to meet with a representative of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.

Currently 9% of the ocean along the California coast consists of Marine Protected Areas, which UCSB student Kristi Copeland, who hosted Wednesday’s news conference, compared to “national parks but in the water.”

Although California is a leader in Marine Protected Areas, there’s more that Californians can do, and it’s critical to do it quickly because of climate change, Miss Copeland, 20, told her audience before other speakers talked. After the news conference, some students composed handwritten letters that will be taken to Sacramento.

While the letters were written, Ms. Copeland — whose majors include physical geology with an ocean science emphasis — told the News-Press that the most recent

For more information, go on Instagram and look for: @ ucsbcalpirg.

review by California Fish and Wildlife shows the biomass of fish in Marine Protected Areas has grown significantly.

MPAs are designed to offer protection for marine life and habitat and can limit human activities to various degrees.

According to the California Fish and Wildlife website (wildlife. ca.gov), the three main types of MPAs are State Marine Reserves, State Marine Park and State Marine Conservation area.

According to Fish and Wildlife, fishing, kelping and other extractive activities aren’t allowed in SMRs with the exception of scientific collecting with a permit.

“SMPs don’t allow any commercial

UCSB student Kristi Copeland talks about the importance of Marine Protected Areas during a news conference Wednesday in front of the Campus Lagoon. MPAs include the nearby Campus Point area. Standing behind Miss Copeland is another of the conference’s speakers, Jake Twomey. Please see OCEANS on B4

comply with Assembly Bill 864, which was authored by First District Supervisor Das Williams when he was an Assembly member. AB 864 mandates operators to install best available technology on existing pipelines within the coastal zone to reduce the volume released in the event of a potential line failure. Installation of BAT is required by April 1. Even if the appeal is denied and the project is approved, the April 1

Please see PIPELINE on A3

Residents seek city’s help with evictions issue

Tenants address Santa Barbara City Council

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Nearly a dozen Santa Barbara residents appealed Tuesday to the City Council for help with preventing evictions from the homes they’ve occupied for years or even decades.

They say their landlords want them gone just so they can bring in new tenants and raise the rent.

The residents, speaking during the council’s public comments period, contend their landlords use the excuse of having to make repairs for “safety” and “habitability” reasons, when in reality any changes they make are merely “cosmetic” in nature to justify their ouster.

The tenants said that if and when they are offered money to relocate, it’s simply not enough to cover Santa Barbara’s high rents.

“Rent evictions are far too easy,” Stanley Tzankov, cofounder of the Santa Barbara Tenants Union, told the council.

“They claim they need to do renovations and evict. It’s the only way they can flip the rental unit.

“The harm to the community is incredible.”

The Santa Barbara Tenants Union is an all-volunteer, tenantled organization dedicated to defending tenants against unjust evictions, rent increases, and negligent and abusive landlords, according to a statement on their website (sbtu.org). “Union members provide each other and other tenants education, solidarity and mutual support in the fight to make housing a human right.”

Rick Hanson told council members that he and others had leases from a prior landlord, but when their new landlord took over, he immediately evicted half the tenants.

As for the others, the new landlord only gave them new leases “if he decided they deserve it,” Mr. Hanson said.

Mr. Hanson, who said he’s lived in the same place for 25 years, claimed the landlord has tried to evict the other tenants, too. “He has yet to offer us a lease or follow the law,” he said. He said he and his housemate, who has lived there 40 years,

“have paid for the house several times over the years.

“This is absolutely a travesty,” he said, nearly in tears. “I’m upset about it.”

Kenny Chism, a Westmont College graduate, complained about Santa Barbara’s high rents, saying renters often need three roommates “just to make it work.”

“I haven’t lived anywhere else as an adult,” he said. “There’s no way to pay rent this high. I make friends, and within a year, they have to leave.”

He joined the others to protest “the shoddy excuse of mandatory renovations” to raise the rent. “I implore you to ban rent evictions and put in place policies to stop evictions,” he said.

One speaker, who said he’s lived in Santa Barbara since 1965, said fighting his eviction “has been really hard on me. I’m winning, but it doesn’t feel like I’m winning.

“Rent eviction is a farce,” he said. “It’s a ridiculously easy way for a slumlord to make cosmetic repairs and then raise the rent.

“Something has to be done. Too many citizens can’t afford to stay in Santa Barbara anymore, especially seniors.”

Another speaker noted that when she and others in her building spoke up about repairs that actually did need to be made, “we got evicted, all of us, instead of him doing something about it.”

She said the three-month relocation fee she received is not enough to pay the high rents Santa Barbara landlords are asking, and that she still has not found a place to live — even while her old place sits vacant.

“It hasn’t been easy to find a place to live under these circumstances,” she said, crying. “Everybody is hiking it up. This shouldn’t be happening. We should do more. I’m really upset and nauseous at what’s going on.”

Another speaker said he’s not been evicted yet, but expects he will be once his elderly landlord passes away and another takes over.

He stressed that if council members were to take any action, they should focus on

Please see EVICTIONS on B4

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Logan Bernhoit, one of the speakers at a UCSB news conference, stands in front of students writing letters to lawmakers and state officials in Sacramento. Eight or so UCSB students will be at the Capitol Monday to campaign for expansion of Marine Protected Areas. Mr. Bernhoit said he wants to protect the oceans and the marine-related memories of future generations.

Attempted murder suspect to go back to court

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The man charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing a homeless man in the neck in downtown Santa Barbara in January will return to court next week to set a date for his preliminary hearing, prosecutors said.

The defendant, Mitchell Grant Grote, 27, appeared in court Feb. 21 to set his preliminary hearing date, but the matter was continued to March 7, Senior Deputy District Attorney Kevin Weichbrod told the News-Press.

Mr. Grote pleaded not guilty at his Jan.

31 arraignment in connection with the stabbing two days before. He remains in custody on more than $1 million bail.

Prosecutors charged him with two felony counts: attempted murder and assault with personal use of a deadly weapon.

Mr. Grote “did unlawfully and with malice aforethought attempt to murder a human being,” prosecutors said. They identified the injured man as W. Vankoppen. They charged the defendant’s alleged offenses were serious and violent felonies, and that his actions were “willful, deliberate and premeditated.”

The charges carry with them special

allegations of use of a deadly weapon, a knife, and causing great bodily injury.

Prosecutors also listed aggravating factors, including that Mr. Grote’s alleged actions disclosed a “high degree of cruelty, viciousness or callousness.”

Santa Barbara police arrested Mr. Grote on Jan. 29 after responding earlier in the day to calls reporting an injured and bleeding man near Anacapa and De La Guerra streets.

They located the victim, who they described as a middle-aged homeless man. He was suffering from a stab wound to the neck and was quickly transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital by medics.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band at Lobero

Patrol officers began their investigation, and detectives were called in to assist. Officers from the Community Action Team were able to assist and advance the investigation rapidly due to their relationships with people in the Santa Barbara community who are suffering from homelessness. With information provided by community members, C.A.T. Officers identified Mr. Grote as a suspect, and probable cause was developed to make an arrest, police said. He was found later on Milpas Street and arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide. email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

Woman to appear in court for charges related to alleged cell phone theft

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A homeless woman will return to court next month for a second chance to enter a plea on charges connected to the alleged Christmas Eve theft of a cell phone from a witness who saw her standing outside an upper State Street restaurant moments after someone threw a rock that smashed the eatery’s front window.

Nelly Gackowska, 60, appeared in court Monday for further arraignment on charges of second-degree robbery and grand theft from a person, both felonies.

“Ms. Gackowska appeared in court yesterday,” Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Branch told the News-Press on Tuesday. “The case was continued for further arraignment on the information to April 3.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty at her initial arraignment.

But after a judge at a preliminary hearing ruled

that her case could proceed to trial, she was granted a second opportunity to choose between pleading guilty or not guilty, Ms. Branch said.

Ms. Gackowska could receive a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.

The defendant represented herself at her preliminary hearing, but a public defender was appointed to represent her at her new arraignment.

The witness, Rebecca Brand, saw the front window of Rudy’s restaurant shatter before her eyes. She contends that Ms. Gackowska forcibly took her cell phone from her moments later because she took pictures of the defendant at the scene, and because she was calling 9-1-1 to report the incident.

Ms. Brand said the defendant injured her by repeatedly slamming her cell phone against her hip while trying to pry it from Ms. Brand’s hand, and that the alleged attack left her with a large bruise.

Tree down on Highway 101

However, Ms. Brand never actually saw who threw the rock that broke the window, and prosecutors have declined to charge the defendant with that offense despite Rudy’s willingness to press charges.

“We don’t have enough evidence to prove a vandalism (incident) beyond a reasonable doubt, so that charge has not been filed for the broken window,” Ms. Branch said previously.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

SANTA BARBARA — The Preservation Hall Jazz Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

The legendary New Orleans ensemble is commemorating its six decades of music with its “Pass It On — 60th Anniversary Musical Celebration” tour. The band was formed by Allan Jaffe, who bought a New Orleans building with his wife, Sandra, and named it Preservation Hall. The band has toured with singer Josh Groban and has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, The Grateful Dead and many other renowned musicians. Today, the ensemble is led by Allan’s son, Ben Jaffe.

While traditional New Orleans jazz remains the band’s core focus, the ensemble also explores original compositions, AfroCuban rhythms, R&B influences and collaborations with artists beyond the jazz spectrum. Tickets cost $56 and $46 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a pre-show reception.

To purchase, go to lobero.org or call the Lobero box office at 805-963-0761.

— Dave Mason

SpaceX launch set for today

The SpaceX launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, scheduled for Wednesday, has

been delayed to today.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket was rescheduled to take off at 10:52 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 4 East. It is carrying 51 Starlink satellites, which are part of a

program to provide internet access to 50 countries. The satellites will be placed in low Earth orbit. If the launch takes place today as scheduled, it will stream live at SpaceX.com, and you can watch a

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recording of it there later as well.

After the launch, the Falcon 9’s reusable first stage will land on the drone ship called Of Course I Still Love You.

— Dave Mason

FBI confirms COVID-19 likely came from Wuhan lab

By CASEY HARPER THE

CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The FBI has confirmed initial reports that the Biden administration is now saying the most likely source of COVID-19 is the virology lab in Wuhan, China.

The news comes after the Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Energy gave classified briefings to key lawmakers and the White House saying the most likely origin of the virus was the lab in China.

“[FBI] Director Wray confirmed that the

Bureau has assessed that the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from a lab incident in Wuhan, China,” the agency said in a statement.

House Republicans have vowed to investigate the origins of COVID-19 and whether American taxpayer dollars may have played a role since the lab has received federal funding.

Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup, ROhio, and House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said they are widening their investigation into the matter.

“Uncovering the truth about the origins of COVID-19 is vital to U.S. national security, critical to the prevention of future pandemics, and will bring some semblance of closure to the families of those who lost loved ones during the pandemic,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the Biden administration, requesting documents, communications, records and more. The Biden administration’s admission comes after Republicans were roundly mocked by other lawmakers and the media during the pandemic for making the same assertion, as The Center Square previously reported.

Please see WUHAN on A4

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KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO Rebecca Brand stands outside Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant for a News-Press photo shoot. She was there on Christmas Eve and said that’s when a homeless woman injured her by repeatedly slamming her cell phone against her hip while trying to pry it from Ms. Brand’s hand.

COURTESY CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

A large tree falls across northbound Highway 101 on a windy Wednesday, just south of La Cumbre Road, causing a backup. The incident happened around 9:15 a.m., and no injuries were reported. Santa Barbara city firefighters and Caltranas employees cut up the tree to remove it. The California Highway Patrol posted a tweet at 1:18 p.m. that all lanes were reopened.

Federal bill threatens

preempt more stringent California Consumer Privacy Act

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is being threatened by the reintroduction of a federal bill sponsored by Rep. Pallone Frank, Jr. (D-N.J.). The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 1, in a “Promoting U.S. Innovation and Individual Liberty through a National Standard for Data Privacy” hearing, at which time the American Data and Privacy Protection Act, (ADPPA) will be considered. This drew the attention of California Governor Gavin Newsom, state Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the California Privacy Protection Agency tasked with the enforcement of the CCPA.

“There is no doubt that stronger federal action is needed to protect the privacy of Americans, but these actions must not preempt existing protections in place,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

The Landmark CCPA provides for:

• The right to know about the personal information a business collects about them and how it is used and shared;

• The right to delete personal information collected from them (with some exceptions);

• The right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal information;

• The right to nondiscrimination for exercising their CCPA rights.

• The right to correct inaccurate personal information that a business has about them; and

• The right to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information collected about them.

The ADPPA threatens to preempt California’s law with a weaker federally imposed privacy act according to a release by Mr. Bonta.

“California is at the forefront of privacy in response to quickly changing technology. We urge

to

Congress not to undercut the important protections that have been established through efforts by the states. Any federal law should set the floor, not the ceiling for privacy law,” Mr. Bonta said.

The California Protection Agency’s Deputy Director of Policy and Legislation, Maureen Mahoney, in a July 2022 memorandum stated “The American Data Privacy Protection Act … seeks to preempt nearly all provisions of the CCPA, as amended by Proposition 24, the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020. California’s private right of action for a negligent data breach, in Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 1798.150, is explicitly carved out..” She recommended opposition to the bill.

In response to the proposed ADPPA, a letter signed by the governor, attorney general and executive director of the CPPA was issued to congressional leaders on Feb 28, states in part

“The American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) seeks to extend to every American the privacy rights that they deserve. However, by prohibiting states from adopting, maintaining, enforcing, or continuing in effect any law covered by the legislation, it would eliminate existing protections for residents in California and sister states. Undermining existing state protections is unnecessary to secure passage of the ADPPA.”

The signatories proposed the following changes to the ADPPA:

• Allow states to respond to changes in technology and data collection practices to allow rigorous enforcement in those areas most affecting residents; and

• Ensure that the ADPPA is passed without a preemption clause in order to protect critical data privacy protections in state law and preserve California’s authority to establish and enforce those protections. The offending line in the ADPPA says “the bill preempts state laws that are covered by the provisions of the bill except for certain categories of state laws and specified laws in Illinois and California.”

Bipartisan train safety legislation introduced in Congress

By J.D. DAVIDSON THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) –Republicans and Democrats in Congress want to tighten railroad regulations and spend more than $20 million to develop rail safety nearly a month after a train carrying hazardous materials derailed near the OhioPennsylvania border.

New legislation proposed by three Democrats and three Republicans addresses instruments that monitor high temperatures and help prevent wheel bearing failures, which the National Transportation Safety Board said caused the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

“It shouldn’t take a massive railroad disaster for elected officials to put partisanship aside

and work together for the people we serve – not corporations like Norfolk Southern,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. “These commonsense bipartisan safety measures will finally hold big railroad companies accountable, make our railroads and the towns along them safer, and prevent future tragedies, so no community has to suffer like East Palestine again.”

The Railway Safety Act of 2023 focuses on five areas, including stronger safety procedures and notifications for trains carrying hazardous materials, wheel bearing failure, crews, future improvements and support for communities impacted by rail disasters.

“What happened in East Palestine was a horrific tragedy,” said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri.

Please see TRAINS on B4

‘Will the media and Big Tech be apologizing to us?’

WUHAN

Continued from Page A2

In 2020, the Associated Press called the idea a “myth.” The same year, The New York Times called it a “conspiracy theory,” and The Washington Post called it a “fringe theory.”

In 2021, social media companies like Facebook were taking down posts that claimed COVID-19 was man-made.

“FBI Director Wray confirmed on national TV that the FBI has thought COVID came from the Wuhan lab for a long time,” said House Majority Leader Steve

Scalise, R-La. “Republicans were right all along. But got called conspiracy theorists. Will the media and Big Tech be apologizing to us?”

Republican lawmakers blasted those tech companies and the media for “covering up” for China.

“The media originally labeled anyone who questioned China’s official COVID narrative as xenophobic, a conspiracy theorist, and more,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who was among the first to push the lab-leak theory. “They never did apologize for covering up for China. Worse, they’re still doing it.”

Green garlic

Also referred to as spring garlic, green garlic resembles green onions. However, it has a larger white portion at the base, where the bulb is forming.

Aromatic and flavorful, green garlic is an exceptional flavoring agent for most meals calling for either green onions or garlic. This week I prepared some green garlic mussels as the Fix of the Week, page B2. Green garlic can be enjoyed in both raw and cooked preparations. It’s also excellent over steamed rice, in pasta dishes and over homemade pizza. The individual shoots can also be tossed in olive oil, seasoned and grilled, paring quite well over a grilled steak.

Green garlic can be found at the Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Camino Real, and Tuesday Santa Barbara farmers’’ markets from several local farmers. Price averages $3 per bunch.

Pixie tangerines

Sweet, seedless, juicy yet firm, pixie tangerines are one of the most desirable eat-out-ofhand tangerines to emerge all year.

Brought into the forefront thanks to a group of Ojai-based farmers, including Friends Ranches who participates at our Saturday Santa Barbara farmers’ markets weekly, this easy-to-peel variety is a huge hit with the kids.

You can add pixie tangerines to mixed green salads, or pair them with seafood dishes. These pixie tangerines are a real treat, and they’re the hybrid result of crossing Dancy and King mandarins.

You can find pixie tangerines for the month to come at many weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets. Price averages $3 per pound.

Life theArts

CALENDAR

COURTESY PHOTOS

Buellton Wine and Chili Festival

Tasty

event

Red mustard greens

Delivering peppery notes with a distinct mustard flavor, this member of the Brassica family makes for a nice presentation in a salad.

Enjoyed both raw and cooked, red mustard greens are recognized by their variegated purple and green leaves. The larger and more mature the leaves, the sharper the mustard’s flavor.

I purchased my certified organic red mustard greens this week from John Givens Farm of Goleta, available at the weekly Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Camino Real, Tuesday Santa Barbara and Thursday Carpinteria farmers’’ markets.

Price averages $3 per bunch.

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

Wine and chili lovers will gather on March 19 in Buellton at the 2023 Buellton

Wine and Chili Festival.

Taking place at Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground, this year’s festival has a lineup of wineries, breweries and spirits, along with live music, food trucks and a chili cook-off.

Tickets include chili tasting and live entertainment from Ghost Monster, DJ F.I.U. and more.

The Hot Chili Ticket is $55 for guests 21 and older and includes tastings, a souvenir wine glass, unlimited wine, craft beer and spirit tastings. For guests under 21 years old, the Mild Chili Ticket is $20 and includes unlimited chili and salsa tastings but no alcohol.

Buellton is the home to several of the region’s best craft breweries and wineries. Local breweries and wineries participating in this festival include Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Buscador Winery, Brick Barn Wine Estate and more.

Buellton chili and salsa makers participating include Flying Flags represented by general manager Jim Colvin, Figueroa Brewing Co., the Buellton Rotary Club and

others.

Local businesses and residents can participate in the annual Chili Cook-Off to see who has the best chili and salsa in Santa Ynez Valley. Restaurants, nonprofit groups and community members can register at www. buelltonwineandchilifestival.com.

lodging-hotels. email: mmcmahon@newspress.com is March 19 at Flying Flags RV Resort

Santa Maria and Lompoc can catch a ride on the Brew Bus for $25. For pickup locations, visit Buellton’s Wine and Chili Festival website.

Looking for a safe ride to enjoy the endless wine, spirits and beer in Buellton? Locals and visitors staying in Santa Barbara, Goleta,

Visitors to Buellton can stay at Flying Flags, 180 Avenue of the Flags, or Sideways Inn, 114 E. State Route 246, which was made famous by the Academy Awardwinning film “Sideways.”

FYI

The Buellton Wine and Chili Festival will take place March 19. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.buelltonwineandchilifestival. com or call the Buellton Chamber of Commerce at 805-688-7829.

COURTESY PHOTO

Dorothy Churchill’s “The Lightness of Being,” an oil painting on canvas, is part of “SURREAL WOMEN: Surrealist Art by American Women.” The exhibit will open with a 1st Thursday reception from 5 to 8 tonight at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara The exhibit will be on display Friday through April 24. For more information, www. sullivangoss.com.

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 4 p.m. “Entangled: Responding to Environmental Crisis,” runs through March 25 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The museum is open from 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays and college holidays. For more information, call 805-565-6162 or visit westmont.edu/museum.

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 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.

Noon to 5 p.m. “Clarence Mattei: Portrait of a Community” is on view now through May at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which is located in downtown Santa Barbara at 136 E. De la Guerra St. Admission is free. Hours are currently from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit www.sbhistorical. org

5 to 8 p.m. “SURREAL WOMEN: Surrealist Art by American Women” will open with a 1st Thursday reception at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St. The exhibit will be on display Friday through April 24. For more information, www.sullivangoss.com.

7:30 p.m. The Miro Quartet will perform at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Admission is $20 for museum members and $25 for nonmembers.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group will perform Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors” at the Garvin Theatre on the college’s west campus in the 900 block of Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara. Tickets range from $18 to $26 for general admission, with discounts for students, seniors and SBCC staff. To purchase, go to www. theatregroupsbcc.com or by calling the Garvin Box Office at 805-9655935.

MARCH 3 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “SURREAL

WOMEN: Surrealist Art by American Women” is on display through April 24 at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, www.sullivangoss.com.

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023

Beer enthusiasts gather near a sign for Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Figueroa is among the participants in this Buellton Wine and Chili Festival.

At left, participants include Firestone Walker Brewing Co. At right, this year’s festival is taking place at Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground in Buellton.

Buscador Winery, one of the festival’s participants, inspires smiles with its vintages.

Pacifica Graduate Institute celebrates Black History Month

Pacifica Graduate Institute and its Alumni Association honored local black individuals during a celebration Feb. 17 at their Lambert Road campus in Carpinteria.

Dr. Leonie H. Mattison, the institute’s president and CEO, said she’s extremely proud of the school’s black students, faculty, alumni, trustees and others who have contributed to the history, growth and success of Pacifica Graduate Institute and the community. “I look forward to supporting, strengthening and nourishing an equitable and inclusive environment that promotes, respects and encourages diversity in its fullest sense.”

Pacifica Graduate Institute and its Alumni Association said this year’s honorees at the Black History Month event included many residents who have advocated for change, equity and common understanding, including Audrey Gamble; Connie Alexander; Sojourner Kincaid Rolle; James Joyce III; Isaac Garrett; Jordan Killebrew; Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt; Wendy Sims-Moten; Krystle Farmer Sieghart; Simone Akila Ruskamp; Leticia Forney Resch; and, the Rev. Dr. Dave N. Moore.

“As the celebration of Black History Month continues, it’s also imperative to acknowledge the centuries of struggles endured by black people and the work still to be done for equality and justice,” Pacifica Graduate Institute said in a statement. “Most recently, the shocking and heartbreaking brutality against Tyre Nichols — another atrocious act of violence against people of color — continues to be a visceral reminder of the plague of racism in our society and the work still left to do.”

“We understand that feelings of anger, hopelessness, and despair are natural responses to tragedies like these, which is why it’s vital to connect as a community, not only to support each other, but to strengthen the bonds that benefit everyone in our local community,” said Dianne Travis-Teague, senior director of Alumni Relations. “Our Alumni Association’s CareLine (805-679-6163 or go to pgiaa.org) was established to help anyone in our community process and unpack thoughts and feelings that may emerge during times of crises.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

flavor of the broth to incredible.

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.

GREEN GARLIC MUSSELS

1 pound mussels.

Fix of the Week

As I made my rounds through the farmers market on a rainy Saturday morning this past weekend, I came across the first green garlic of the season. It’s grown and harvested by Rudy Domingo of Arroyo Grande. The tops possessed a vibrant green coloration, and at the base, small cream-colored bulbs were attached.

I find the Incredibly aromatic, fresh shoots of green garlic to be one of nature’s finest condiments — regularly enjoyed in my scrambled eggs, chopped over an array of salads, or used to infuse flavor into sauces, salad dressings, and stir fry’s, as well as added to roasted meats and vegetables.

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group will perform Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors” at the Garvin Theatre on the college’s west campus in the 900 block of Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara. Tickets range from $18 to $26 for general admission, with discounts for students, seniors and SBCC staff.

To purchase, go to www. theatregroupsbcc.com or by calling the Garvin Box Office at 805-9655935.

7:30 p.m. Cabrillo High School Performing Arts will present the musical “The Wizard of Oz” at 7:30 p.m. March 3, 4, 10 and 11 with an “Emerald City” matinee, in which the audience is encouraged to wear green, at 1 p.m. March 11. The performances will take place at the school’s Little Theater, 4350 Constellation Drive, Lompoc. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for youths under 18. To purchase, visit www.gofan. co.

Fresh green garlic shoots are quite a treat, most readily available from now until late spring. They are the form of young garlic that has yet to reach full maturity. It is often harvested by farmers as a technique to help thin the fields to provide the surrounding garlic shoots enough room to reach their ideal bulb size.

Because the bulb portion has not fully formed, green garlic yields a

MARCH 4

9 a.m. Santa Barbara Airport is partnering with Alaska Airlines and Atlantic Aviation to host local nonprofit Alpha Resource Center’s second annual Plane Pull fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the Alpha Resource Center. Registration is at 9 a.m., followed by the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and the first team pull at 9:45 a.m. For more information, go to alphasb.org/plane-pull or contact Jeff Henson at Alpha Resources Center, 805683-2145 or jhenson@alphasb.org.

7:30 p.m. The State Street Ballet will perform “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” and other dances at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets cost $38 to $106. To purchase, go to granadasb.org or call the box office at 805-899-2222.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group will perform Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors” at the Garvin Theatre on the college’s west campus in the 900 block of Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara. Tickets range from $18 to $26 for general admission, with discounts for students, seniors and SBCC staff. To purchase, go to www. theatregroupsbcc.com or by calling the

softer, more delicate texture.

Also commonly referred to as baby garlic, spring garlic or simply garlic shoots, this milder stage of garlic can be used as you would both garlic and green onions in most cases, with both the tops and bottoms edible.

This week I used my green garlic in a steamed mussels dish. Sauteing both the tops and bottoms along with celery and grated ginger root, I find the

Garvin Box Office at 805-965-5935.

7:30 p.m. Cabrillo High School

Performing Arts will present the musical “The Wizard of Oz” at 7:30 p.m. March 3, 4, 10 and 11 with an “Emerald City” matinee, in which the audience is encouraged to wear green, at 1 p.m. March 11. The performances will take place at the school’s Little Theater, 4350 Constellation Drive, Lompoc. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for youths under 18. To purchase, visit www.gofan.co.

MARCH 7 7 p.m. “Four Winters,” a documentary about resistance fighters during World War II, screens at Paseo Nuevo Cinemas on lower State Street in Santa Barbara. A Q & A will follow.

MARCH 16

5:30 p.m. Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi

— Lewis Atterbury Stimson professor and chairman in the Department of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center and surgeon-in-chief at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center — will present a public lecture titled “In the Eye of

2 tablespoons olive oil.

1 bunch green garlic, tops and bottoms chopped.

2 large celery ribs, finely diced. 2-inch piece ginger root, peeled and diced small or grated. 32 ounces low sodium chicken broth.

1 lemon, cut in quarters.

¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped.

Clean mussels by removing the byssus (beard) portion and rinse under cool water. In a medium pot, sauté green garlic, celery and ginger root. Cook until soft. Then add the chicken broth and half of your lemon. Simmer for about five minutes, then bring to a boil, add mussels and cover.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mussels open. Place broth and mussels into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.

Yield: Serves 3.

the Storm: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The free talk will take place at the Wolf Education and Training Center, 529 W. Junipero St., adjacent to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara. Reservations are required by March 10. To attend, contact J.V. Vallejos at 805-681-7528 or jvallejo@sansumclinic.org.

MARCH 18

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform “John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. To purchase tickets, go to granadasb. org. For more information, visit www. thesymphony.org or call 805-898-9386.

MARCH 19

3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. To purchase tickets, go to granadasb.org. For more information, visit www.thesymphony. org or call 805-898-9386.

— Dave Mason

TIMOTHY TEAGUE PHOTOS

At top, the women honored at a recent Pacifica Graduate Institute event included Wendy Sims-Moten, left, and Sojourner Kincaid Rolle. Above, Dr. Leonie H. Matttison, president and CEO of Pacifica Graduate Institute, left, and Dianne Travis-Teague, senior director of Pacifica’s Alumni Association, share a positive moment during the recent Black History Month celebration at Pacifica’s campus in Carpinteria.

FARMERS MARKET Sam Edelman

SAM EDELMAN PHOTO

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Thursday, March 2, 2023

ARIES — Social events and group activities could bring new interests your way that provide a rich field of knowledge for you to delve into, Aries. Someone could recommend books on the subject. This could be very exciting, especially since a lot of new people who share this interest could come into your life.

TAURUS — A number of people involved in the healing professions could cross your path today, Taurus. You might hear news about recent discoveries in those fields that sparks your interest. What you learn could affect your life in a profoundly positive way, so you need to write down not only the contact information for the people you meet but also the resources they use.

GEMINI — A potential new love partner could show up, Gemini, perhaps someone from a distant state or foreign country or in a field like law or education. You could have a lot of interests in common with this person. Some intriguing discussions could result. Whether you choose to pursue this attraction depends on your situation, but you can enjoy this person’s company today anyway. Tomorrow - who knows?

CANCER — Family members could spring some surprising news on you today, Cancer. This news may concern people you know or perhaps a family member has some interesting plans of his or her own that you weren’t aware of. Although positive, this news could throw you for a loop. It should definitely cause you to alter your thinking in some way.

LEO — Invitations to some exciting social events in your neighborhood could come today, Leo. You might hear from some friends who are planning to attend, so you could be enthusiastically looking forward to these events. You will enjoy getting together with your friends. Bear in mind that you could also meet new people who prove to be valuable business contacts.

VIRGO — Good news involving a small, extra sum of money could come today, Virgo. You might receive a check in the mail. Take a friend out to lunch. You will both have fun. Afterward, you may want to blow the rest of the money on something frivolous, but don’t go that far. Think about one or more

items you want and concentrate on those.

LIBRA — Bonding is today’s keyword, Libra. Relations with close friends should be enhanced by increased communication, perhaps some fascinating conversations about new ideas and exciting world events. This new intellectual rapport could bring you closer than you were before. Romantic relationships, in particular,

SCORPIO — A lot of unfinished tasks may need doing around the home today, Scorpio. You might decide to ignore some of the work that desperately needs to be handled in favor of a project that you think you will enjoy more. Don’t stick family members with the boring stuff! If you pull together to get the worst out of the way, then you can all have fun with the more interesting tasks.

SAGITTARIUS — Some great news about a friend’s good fortune could be exciting, Sagittarius, and you might spend a lot of time on the phone not only congratulating that friend but also discussing it with other people. This is good for you, as you’re apt to find it inspiring and use it as motivation to continue pushing ahead yourself.

CAPRICORN — When it comes to managing money today, Capricorn, you should go with your gut, whether it involves personal finances, job-related concerns, or the funds of a group you’re affiliated with. Be less concerned about logic and more with how you feel about sources of income, specific investments, or ways of planning expenses.

AQUARIUS — A new fascination with history or an exotic culture could drive you to learn more about it, Aquarius. It could become an obsession, for today at least. You might spend a lot of time online or in the library or talking to people who specialize in this field. By day’s end, your mind could be spinning like a top. Take a walk and clear your head or you might not be able to sleep.

PISCES — You may find that your instincts are right, Pisces, particularly where other people are concerned. You and a friend could come up with the same words at the same time, which might be a little disconcerting for both of you. Still, this increased intuition is likely to help your understanding of those close to you more than you ever expected.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Thursday, March 2. It was cool in Los Angeles. We were working the daywatch out of Missing Persons. The boss is Captain Stewart. My partner’s Bill Gannon. He’s a good player. My name’s Friday.

We got a call about an incident at a Ventura club. We checked it out. One player was dummy and spoke with us.

“It’s terrible, officer.”

“Just the facts’, ma’am.”

“My partner is at four spades. The queen of clubs was missing, and she’s still missing. He’s been sitting there trying to decide which way to finesse.”

HEART TRICKS

The defense took two hearts, and West next led the nine of trumps. If South drew trumps, he would have none left, and then if he misguessed in clubs, the defense would cash hearts. He finally led a club to the ace and let the jack ride. West ruffed, and East still got a club trick. We took South into custody on a charge of going down. He should lead a trump to dummy at Trick Four and let the jack of clubs ride. He is safe for 10 tricks even if West wins.

Your partner deals and passes, and the next player

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

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

PUZZLE

passes. East in today’s deal opened two hearts with this hand. Do you agree?

ANSWER: Were East the dealer, to open two hearts would be questionable at best, with a sidesuit void and playability in two other suits. Opposite a passed hand, players often ignore the textbook requirements. Still, I would accept a pass, one heart or three hearts.

West dealer N-S vulnerable

“Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time.” — Voltaire

OCEANS

Continued from Page A1

extraction, and SMCAs restrict some types of commercial and/or recreational extraction.”

Unless there are specific prohibitions, swimming, wading, boating, diving and surfing are allowed in MPAs, according to Fish and Wildlife.

At Wednesday’s news conference in front of the UCSB lagoon, Miss Copeland pointed out the nearby Campus Point Marine Protected Area and Coal Oil Point Reserve, which is part of the UCSB Natural Reserve system.

As the wind blew powerfully over the lagoon and sprinkles of sunlight danced on the water on a partly cloudy day, other speakers expressed their passion for marine conservation.

Jake Twomey, a freshman majoring in economics, noted that the massive 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara inspired the creation of Earth Day.

“Everyone needs to take care of the planet, not passively but actively,” Mr. Twomey, 18, told the small audience. He noted

that since the 1969 oil spill, “the problem has escalated beyond oil spills and pollution….

““The U.N. said that we need to conserve 30% of our oceans by 2030 or ecosystems will collapse …,” Mr. Twomey said, referring to research by scientists working with the United Nations.

“This is what we’re fighting for, a future so the next generation can experience the delicate beauty that our Earth provides us,” he said.

Another speaker, Leona Gomez, told the audience she’s looking forward to going to Sacramento to support the expansion of Marine Protected Areas.

“As college students, we are told over and over again how we need to do our part and recycle the compost and try to waste as little as possible,” Miss Gomez, 22, a senior majoring in communications, said. “While it is crucial that we continue to do our part and treat the environment with care, our individual efforts mean nothing if we don’t have the support of our government officials trying to make the world a better place for generations to

come.”

She noted that conservation benefits everyone, including the fishing industry.

Logan Bernhoit, a junior majoring in economics, expressed his appreciation for the Pacific Ocean as a scuba diver.

“One of my greatest memories was scuba diving at night and

seeing the giant manta rays at night in Hawaii, doing flips in the ocean,” Mr. Bernhoit, 20, told the small audience. “It took my breath away.” He said he wants future generations to have similar memories.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Tenants ask for change to rules governing evictions

EVICTIONS

Continued from Page A1 changing the law governing “no fault” evictions that allows landlords to evict tenants if they say they “intend” to make repairs. “The legal argument is over intent,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if they do it or not. You should remove ‘intent’ from the language and put the burden on them. It has to be tied to safety and habitability concerns.”

And then there was 9-year-old Olivia Asher, who spoke after her mother, Amber, had her turn.

TRAINS

Continued from Page A4

As the already quiet council chambers grew even more silent, the tiny girl approached the microphone, which had to be lowered so she could address the council.

“Please stop the landlord from kicking us out of our house,” she said.

Wendy Santamaria, an organizer with the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, begged the council “to do something with the power you have.”

She said she’s been working with families, day in and day out, who are on the brink of homelessness as their landlords

“The safety regulations governing our nation’s railroads must be updated to ensure that a disaster like this never happens again.”

The bill would mean new safety requirements and procedures for trains carrying hazardous material and require carriers to give advanced notice and information to state emergency officials about the contents. It would also establish rules for train size and weight.

“The Norfolk Southern train derailment left Pennsylvania and Ohio families, businesses, and first responders grappling with a disaster that spilled hazardous materials in their community. It shouldn’t have happened here and it shouldn’t happen anywhere else in America,” said Sen. Bob Casey, DPennsylvania. “The Railway Safety Act will make freight rail safer, hold rail companies accountable for putting communities and workers in harm’s way, and protect people over profits.”

The bill would require two-person crews aboard every train and increase fines the U.S. Department of Transportation can impose for safety violations. Ohio lawmakers, last week, also proposed a twoperson crew requirement on trains in the state, and that plan was met with opposition from the Ohio Railroad Association, which said that should be handled at the federal level.

focus only on profit.

These people do not want to end up homeless on the street or be displaced and have to move away — if they can find some place they can afford, she said. “I want to appeal to your heart,” she said. “These are real people, not just those in this room but hundreds of others who could not be here.”

She finished by stressing that she and others will continue to show up for future council meetings and keep telling their stories until something is done.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

The bill would also pump $22 million into the Federal Railroad Administration for research and development grants and another $5 million to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for stronger tank car safety features. The act would also require trains carrying hazardous materials to be scanned by hotbox detectors every 10 points and establish requirements for wayside detectors.

According to the NTSB, Norfolk Southern train 32N, a general merchandise freight train, was traveling from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania, with 149 cars, including 20 cars with hazardous materials among its cars. A total of 38 cars derailed, including 11 tank cars with hazardous materials.

As previously reported by The Center Square, NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said each rail company establishes its critical thresholds for heat in wheel bearings. Norfolk Southern’s is 115 degrees Fahrenheit; the second of the two indicators the crew received showed the temperature at 103. The final reading, which came miles later, was at more than 250 degrees.

That was too late, Ms. Homendy, has said.

“Through this legislation, Congress has a real opportunity to ensure that what happened in East Palestine will never happen again. We owe every American the peace of mind that their community is protected from a catastrophe of this kind,” said Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio.

‘Congress has a real opportunity to ensure that what happened in East Palestine will never happen again’

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Leona Gomez, a senior majoring in communications, tells the UCSB audience that conservation depends on both individual efforts and government support.

UCSB students gather after a news conference in support of additional Marine Protected Areas. In addition to the whale image, they’re holding a sign with their Instagram address: @ucsbcalpirg.

‘Everyone needs to take care of the planet, not passively but actively’