Santa Barbara News-Press: March 30, 2023

Firefighters hit by minivan

Gaviota collision leads to closure of southbound Highway 101 and back up on State Route 154

defendant in parental kidnapping case pleads not guilty

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A woman charged with kidnapping her 1-year-old daughter from county services and leading police on a chase through Santa Barbara while driving under the influence of alcohol pleaded not guilty Monday during her arraignment.

Sandra Tapia, 39, of Canoga Park, is charged with child stealing, child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death and evading an officer with willful disregard, all felonies.

The child stealing charges alleges that she “did unlawfully, maliciously, and not having right of custody, take away, entice, detain and conceal minor child … with intent then and there to detain and conceal such minor child from the person having the lawful charge of such child.”

Ms. Tapia also is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving while having

a .08% or higher blood alcohol level, both misdemeanors. Law enforcement arrested her March 23 on suspicion of parental kidnapping of a baby after a pursuit on southbound Highway 101. Close to 11 a.m. March 23, deputies responded to the area of Santa Barbara County Social Services on Camino Del Remedio to the report of a parental kidnapping that had just occurred, Raquel Zick, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, said.

Deputies spotted the suspect fleeing the area in her Audi SUV on Calle Real at Camino Del Remedio, where they attempted to stop the vehicle.

Ms. Tapia failed to yield and led deputies on a pursuit along southbound Highway 101, exiting on Garden Street and then traveling on city streets, Ms. Zick said. The pursuing deputies lost sight of Ms. Tapia’s vehicle in the

Please see KIDNAPPING on A4

Prosecution, defense discuss options in electronic peeping case

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Two firefighters were struck by a minivan at approximately 5:20 a.m. Thursday, while they were addressing a minor injury vehicle accident on the side of Highway 101 and State Route 1 interchange near Gaviota.

The firefighters were originally addressing a vehicle that rolled over on the southbound side of Highway 101.

As they were assisting the first party alongside California High Patrol officers, the driver of a minivan — a 2016 Nissan Quest — lost control on the highway due to the wet conditions of the rain and swerved toward the first responders. The minivan struck two of the firefighters, then continued onto the dirt shoulder and overturned, according to CHP Officer M. Griffith.

The collision led to the closure of southbound Highway 101 until 12:30 p.m. in the Buellton and Gaviota area.

Due to the closure, southbound State Route 154 — the alternative to Highway 101 — experienced major backups and delays from State Street past the Salvar Road overpass for most of the morning and early afternoon.

There was a total of seven people injured in the early morning collision: two firefighters with major injuries, one CHP officer with minor injuries and four additional patients with minor injuries, said Capt. Scott Safechuck, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The details were later confirmed by the CHP.

The patients with minor injuries included the driver and three passengers in the Nissan Quest. They were taken to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa

Maria.

The firefighters involved were a captain and an engineer, both with the county fire department. They were immediately transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, one by ambulance and one by helicopter.

As of 8:18 a.m., they were awake and talking, Capt. Safechuck said. Then around 2 p.m., Capt. Safechuck announced the captain was in stable condition and that the engineer was now back home.

The CHP officer with minor injuries was transported to Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital in Solvang. The collision is now under investigation by the CHP. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

The prosecution and defense in the case of a man charged with 26 counts of unlawful electronic peeping are discussing possible resolutions to the case that would avoid the need for the case going to trial, prosecutors said.

The defendant, Justin Asinobi, appeared in court Wednesday, but the case was continued to May 3, Deputy District Attorney Dalia Granados said.

“Defense is reviewing the discovery, and we are discussing possible resolutions,” she told the News-Press. “No trial has been set yet.”

Mr. Asinobi, 23, pleaded not guilty to the charges, all misdemeanors, at his arraignment. Prosecutors say if the case goes to trial and he is convicted, Mr. Asinobi could get up to six months in Santa Barbara County Jail for each count.

The defendant has been charged with unlawful electronic peeping between Oct. 1, 2021 and Feb. 15, 2022.

The complaint filed against him alleges that he “willfully and unlawfully used a concealed camcorder, motion picture camera or photographic camera to secretly videotape, film, photograph or record by electronic means another identifiable person, or through the clothing worn by that other person, for the purpose of viewing the body or undergarments worn by that other person, without that person’s knowledge or consent.”

A case involving electronic peeping was initially reported in 2022, and as a result, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office conducted an almost yearlong investigation into the allegations.

As a result of that investigation, the District Attorney’s Office charged Mr. Asinobi, alleging he placed hidden cameras in places where persons had a reasonable expectation of privacy.

“What I can tell you at this point is that there are multiple victims and there were multiple

devices hidden in private homes,” Prosecutor Granados said.

A search warrant signed on Feb. 23, 2022 permitted the search of devices belonging to Mr. Asinobi in which the alleged recordings were located, the complaint said. After viewing the secret recordings, law enforcement officers were able to identify 12 of the people depicted in the recordings, and although an additional 14 were visible, they have not been identified yet, prosecutors said.

In a move to protect the confidentiality of those alleged victims who were identified, counts 1 through 12 in the complaint lists them only by their initials. In counts 13 through 26 pertaining to alleged victims who remain unidentified, all but four are listed as Jane Doe. The final four are listed as John Doe.

The defendant was released from custody after a judge approved his motion for pretrial supervised release despite objections voiced by prosecutors.

The judge based his ruling on the defendant’s lack of criminal history, age and no new law violations being picked up in the last year.

Pretrial supervised release means that Mr. Asinobi was released with supervision by probation under certain terms and conditions. Probation has a pretrial unit that is assigned to be responsible for supervising the defendant, the prosecutor said.

The terms and conditions of his release are: no contact with all victims, stay away from Isla Vista, GPS monitoring, reside with his parents, a curfew of not being able to leave his home before 7 a.m. and being home by 10 p.m., no electronics/recording devices except for accessing his father’s computer for the purposes of school and medical reasons, and a cellphone with the condition of only using it to call his parents and for medical purposes.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Country and folk singer-songwriter Tom Russell to perform at Lobero - B1

Westmont students to perform at Santa Barbara Bowl - A3

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PHOTO Capt. Scott Safechuck, a spokesperson for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, reported that two county firefighters were transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital after they were hit by a van while attending to a minor injury accident.

AG Bonta files emergency motion to keep gun restrictions in place

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE

CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square)California Attorney General

Rob Bonta filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit yesterday to immediately stop parts of a court order that blocks the enforcement of certain provisions of the Unsafe Handgun Act.

With families in Tennessee still reeling from a school shooting that left 3 nineyear-olds and 3 school employees dead yesterday, the appeal comes at a sensitive time.

“California’s common sense gun safety laws save lives, and the Unsafe Handgun Act (UHA) is no exception,” said Mr. Bonta.

A preliminary injunction by the Central District of California struck down the UHA requirements for a chamber load indicator on semi automatic pistols, and a magazine disconnect mechanism that prevents the pistol from firing when the magazine is not inserted.

Since the UHA was enacted in 2021, the provisions for these features were added to the law along with a microstamping requirement.

If granted, the emergency motion to partially stay the preliminary injunction, would halt portions of the Central District of California’s order striking down the UHA’s requirements. If the motion is not granted, firearm dealers would be allowed to sell additional models of semiautomatic pistols beyond the 32 approved models.

The UHA provisions in question are primarily preventative for unintended and self inflicted shootings. The AG’s concern is that with the injunction, gun manufacturers will seek to expand the proportion of firearms available on the market that do not have the additional UHA mandated features.

“Accidental shootings are preventable. The fact that children under five are the most likely victims makes these accidental gun deaths even more tragic and inexcusable,” Mr. Bonta said. Research by IHME shows the United States as an outlier, set apart from other high-income countries and territories in a gun violence study. The study states, “Since 1999, the share of all childhood deaths caused by gun violence in the US has increased by about 0.5%, with the largest portion consistently due to physical violence, followed by suicide, and the smallest share caused by unintentional firearm injuries.”

Between 2014 and 2018, accidental deaths in California decreased by two thirds after the new gun safety requirements when chamber load indicators and magazine disconnect mechanisms were required. California has stringent gun laws which Mr. Bonta credits for the state’s directional shift in gun-related deaths.

As weapons become faster, more powerful, and more deadly, this risk only increases. Flooding the marketplace with unsafe semi automatic pistols that do not meet necessary safety requirements poses a serious threat to public health and safety, especially for children and young adults,” Mr. Bonta said.

DEATH NOTICES

DZAMBA, Arlene, 90, of Buellton. Died March 14 in Santa Barbara. A graveside funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard. A reception will follow the service. Loper Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Windy day in Santa Barbara

Wind gusts ranging from 10 to 20 mph whip the grass at the San Marcos Foothills Preserve Wednesday in Santa Barbara. Today’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies following night-time precipitation that was expected after the News-Press went to press Wednesday evening. “Dry conditions with a warming trend are expected Friday through at least early next week,” the National Weather Service said.

Alarcon to lead CommUnify’s family and youth services

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Natalia Alarcon is excited about her promotion to director of family and youth services at CommUnify.

Ms. Alarcon previously served as assistant director of community services for CommUnify. The promotion was announced March 21.

“I am really excited to be in this role and to be able to demonstrate my leadership in this position,” Ms. Alarcon told the News-Press. “I really love working with youth. It’s nice to be in a position where I lead a department whose sole focus is youth and families in our county.”

Ms. Alarcon is a long-time resident of Santa Barbara County and grew up in the city of Carpinteria. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from UCSB and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University.

The News-Press asked Ms. Alarcon how her career has prepared her for this position.

“I started in nonprofits when I was at school in an internship while I was earning my master’s degree. It introduced me to the nonprofit world. One of my first jobs was working with girls on probation in Santa Barbara and Lompoc. Since then, all of the experience and jobs I have had pour into my current position. My experience has ranged from direct service to oversight and development of programs.”

Ms. Alarcon discussed her new duties.

“I will be overseeing five programs focusing on youth and families spread out throughout the county.”

The programs are Familias Seguras/Secure Families, Cal-SOAP, Adolescent Family Life Program, Los Compadres (including Youthful Offender Block Grant) and South Coast Youth Safety Partnership.

“Some programs will serve the entire county while others will focus on a specific area. With this position it will require me to work closely with stakeholders who have an emphasis on youth. We have partnerships with local schools, the probation department and several hospitals,” said Ms. Alarcon.

“One of my goals in the position is to focus on the Familias Seguras program based in Santa Maria.

Natalia Alarcon

The program is focused on youths in fifth-seventh grades. We work closely with elementary schools to develop a direct pipeline to mental health services. I would like to expand the program and the footprint. I would love to see that program expand into Lompoc and Santa Barbara,” said Ms. Alarcon.

“My other goal is being able to develop close partnerships with stakeholders and look at areas to enhance partnerships and to find creative ways in which we can reach out to youth and provide services. The mental health impact on youth needs to be brought to light, so we can find ways to serve youth even more.”

“I am really looking forward to leading an incredibly seasoned team and work with stakeholders who have the same passion to work with youth,” Ms. Alarcon said. “I want to see youth come into themselves and be stewards in the community.” email: kzehnder@newspress.com

California attorney general’s letter asks feds to ensure access to asylum

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - A coalition of 12 attorneys general led by California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta, today issued a letter to the federal government “to continue to explore common sense solutions to both protect access to asylum and ensure a more efficient and orderly process.”

In light of the impending expiration of Title 42 on May 11, 2023 which empowered federal health authorities to deny entry to immigrants in the interest of public health, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are looking at ways “to better ensure lawful, safe, and orderly mechanisms for migrants to seek safety in the United States,” once the title comes to an end.

“I welcome the federal government’s efforts to ensure the asylum process is safe and orderly. However, we must also remain committed to ensuring that migrants have a meaningful opportunity to apply for asylum,” Mr. Bonta stated.

Generally, an asylum-seeker is someone who requests sanctuary

and protection from another country. Immigrants requesting asylum can be targets for violence, political refugees, persecuted individuals or individuals facing human rights violations, and war refugees.

The DHS and DOJ proposed rule (1) premises eligibility on manner of entry; (2) expands the circumstances under which an individual can be denied asylum based on third-country transit outside of the limits of the statute; and (3) raises the deliberately low credible fear screening standard.

The coalition believes the proposed rule is in conflict with the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and could harm already vulnerable asylum seekers, and, by extension, the States who are signatory to the letter.

“Offering protection to the vulnerable and those in need is a core American value and tradition,” said Mr. Bonta.

The UN Refugee Agency review states that during 2014 the United States of America was ranked the second highest industrialized nation with asylum seeker claims with 121,200 asylum applications. Only Germany had more claims and continued to be the largest single recipient of new asylum claims.

Mr. Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan,

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COURTESY PHOTO

Westmont College students to perform at Santa Barbara Bowl

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Westmont College will host its Spring Sing Saturday at the Santa Barbara Bowl.

The show will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the bowl, 1122 N. Milpas St., where Westmont students will perform

Broadway-style skits, songs and dances.

The most popular skits of the night are brought by the residence halls on campus. Each hall creates and produces a skit unique to their living space and compete against each other for prizes, and maybe the best award of them all, bragging

rights.

The theme this year is “April Fools!” because the competition will be held on April 1. You can expect hilarious pranks and stand-up performances to take the stage as the contestants stay true to the theme.

Alyson Gee, one of the production coordinators for the

UCSB men’s tennis climbs to No. 26 ahead of match at Oregon

By ERIC BOOSE

UCSB SPORTS WRITER

The UCSB men’s tennis team keeps on climbing, reaching their highest team ranking since 1998 this week, as they prepare to take on the No. 64 Oregon Ducks in Eugene on Thursday. The Gauchos come into the match having won their last six, jumping up to No. 26 in the national rankings after a momentous victory over then-No. 28 Cal last weekend. The last year on record that UCSB was ranked among the nation’s top 30 teams was 1998, when they were No. 23.

UCSB is 8-10 all-time against Oregon, with their last meeting coming in January of 2020, a 4-0 defeat in Eugene. The Gauchos were originally scheduled to host the Ducks this season, back in February, but rainy weather forced a change of plans. The teams agreed to move the match to Eugene.

Santa Ynez sweeps Bishop Diego in girls’ volleyball

The Pirates took home another win, defeating Bishop Diego in a non-league girls’ volleyball game

3-0 on Monday.

“The girls continue to impress me with how versatile they all are and how well they adjust to the changes made,” said Santa Ynez head coach Melissa Rogers.

Kaki Allen and Hannah Allen defeated their opponent 21-14 and

UCSB earned a milestone victory over Cal in their last match, defeating the Golden Bears, 4-3, for the first time in program history. The Gauchos dominated doubles, then battled through close, back-and-forth singles competition, with Kai Brady’s triumph on the sixth and final singles court clinching victory.

UCSB returns home and resumes Big West play in their next match, welcoming UC Riverside to the Arnhold Tennis Center on April 4. First serve against the Highlanders is scheduled for 2 p.m. As will all home Gaucho tennis matches, it will be free to attend, and there will be a live stream of all the action through ucsbgauchos.com

Eric Boose is assistant director of athletic communications at UCSB.

email: sports@newspress.com

SPORTS ROUNDUP

21-18. Cailin Glober and Sadie Lishman won 21-6, then ended their match with a forfeit. Halle Swanson and Ashley Martin had a decisive win in their match with scores of 21-14 and 21-10.

The Pirates will play San Luis Obispo next on April 4.

Santa Ynez boys golf compete in tournament

The boys golf team at Santa Ynez came in second place at the

fifth CCAA Mountain League match of the season on Monday at the Santa Maria Country Club.

The Pirates lost to host St. Joseph by only one shot, with a final score of 412. Senior Rye Winans shot a three over par, coming in first for the Pirates.

Von Gordon shot an 81, Owen Hirth and Jackson St. Denish both shot an 85 and Marcelo Andrade shot an 86.

The Pirates will play in another Mountain League matchup on April 4 in Paso Robles.

— Complied by Annika Bahnsen

event, told the News-Press that attendees can look forward to “a night full of laughter, good music and overall good vibes.”

Last year, Westmont returned to the bowl for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sasha Kuljis, one of the residence halls’ directors, noted how excited she is for the event. “It’s going to be so fun to celebrate our hard work by dancing our faces off and laughing really hard!”

Tickets cost $14 to $37. To purchase, visit westmont.edu/ student-life/campus-activities/ spring-sing. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

COURTESY PHOTOS

Westmont College’s cheer team is one of the many performances that will be represented at the 2023 Spring Sing event.

Last year, many students at Westmont entered their own acts into the performance, including local band The Solid People.

California Senate Democrats stick by law that allows open prostitution

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - Last month, in a sting operation called “Operation Better Pathways” with the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, 16 human trafficking victims were identified including 8 children. The operation’s coalition of federal, state and local law enforcement targeting areas known for sexual exploitation in San Diego and National City revealed the impact SB357 was having on identifying victims of human trafficking. San Diego’s District Attorney Summer Stephan, who went to the locations being investigated, noted, “Young women being openly trafficked in broad daylight, with individuals paying for sex lined up like they were going through a fast-food drivethrough. It’s an unacceptable situation.”

Altogether 48 suspects were taken into custody. In an attempt to repeal Senate Bill 357, which decriminalized loitering in a public place with the intent to commit prostitution, California Minority Leader Brian Jones (R) brought an amendment to the floor, knowing that Senator Mike McGuire (D) would bring a motion to lay the amendment on the table – in other words, to scuttle it.

“If history is any guide, as I think has already been communicated, the majority leader is going to ask to lay this motion on the table.”

“A yes vote on laying these amendments on the table means letting a bad law stay on the books that isn’t working as intended, and in fact is allowing more women and young girls being sex trafficked. It means less arrests of pimps (who) are sex trafficking and

Newsom declares victory over Big Oil as he signs new legislation

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - “With this legislation, we’re ending the oil industry’s days of operating in the shadows. California took on Big Oil and won.” Gov. Gavin Newsom announced at the signing of the latest legislation touted to rein in the oil and gas industry.

The law is the latest in a slew of new oversight for the oil industry following last year’s legislation on reporting requirements, and drilling restrictions in sensitive areas like neighborhoods and schools.

The approval of SBX12 created two new entities within the California Energy Commission (CEC). The yet to be formed Division of Petroleum Market Oversight which will gather data on pricing practices and other relevant industry information and then provide guidance to the governor and the CEC.

The Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee whose members are also from the CEC, would give advice to the division and the CEC.

The strongest state-level oversight and accountability measures on Big Oil in the nation is intended to “bring transparency” to California’s oil and gas industry.

“We’re not only protecting families, we’re also loosening the vice grip Big Oil has had on our politics for the last 100 years,” Gov. Newsom said.

SBX1-2, known to Republicans as the “Gavin Gas Tax,” was authored by Sen. Nancy Skinner and passed by a super majority in both the Senate and the Assembly. It is expected to cost between $7 million and $10 million to administer.

“I am proud of my colleagues

for passing this first-in-thenation protection against price gouging by Big Oil,” Sen. Skinner said in a statement released by the Governor’s office. “This landmark law will allow us to hold oil companies accountable if they pad their profits at the expense of hard-working families. With SBX 1-2, California has sent a clear message to the oil industry: Open your books and prove you’re not price gouging, otherwise Big Oil will pay the price — not consumers.”

Gov. Newsom had initially proposed a windfall tax on oil companies which would go back to California taxpayers, in September, but any such plan is still unclear and has not yet been disclosed.

Experts warned California officials against policies increasing gas prices and the need for caution in crafting legislation. The number of refineries operating in California have been steadily in decline with just 9 refineries remaining who can create the special-blend gasoline the state demands.

The law will go into effect on June 26, the 91st day after the end of the special session.

law enforcement having fewer tools to help victims left out on the street. A no vote means this law has a chance to be repealed which will help victims of sex trafficking end pimps’ free rein on sex trafficking, and give law enforcement all the tools they need to protect women, young girls and all victims of sex trafficking. The truth is students, residents, business owners, tourists and the very sex workers engaging in this activity are victims of this bad and dangerous piece of legislation.” SB357, authored by Sen. Scott Weiner ,was passed last year with 29 Democrats voting for the bill. It had no Republican support.

“It’s time as a legislative body that we correct and fix a bill that is wreaking havoc in our communities across California. I’m referring to SB357 from last session that legalized loitering for

prostitution and took away a critical tool that law enforcement officers used to help sex trafficking victims,” Sen. Jones said. According to Sen. Jones, the bill was so controversial when it was passed, that it took Gov. Gavin Newsom nine months to sign the bill and in doing so he issued a formal letter. Part of that letter stated “..we must be cautious about its implementation. My administration will monitor crime and prosecution trends for any possible unintended consequences and will act to mitigate any such impacts.”

Sen. Jones went on to emphasize, “We now know what those unintended consequences are, as communities throughout California are asking for a repeal of SB 357 for putting their families at risk and worsening sex trafficking rings, many of the victims of which are … underage. Last month

local television stations (revealed) video of sex workers soliciting right outside a Catholic School in East Oakland. Parents and residents were asked if this was a regular occurrence outside of the school, they said ‘It’s everyday, during all periods of the day.’ The situation is so bad in San Francisco that officials there have put up barricades on Mission Street because of the increase of sex work and traffic. An aide to the county supervisors office went on a ride-along with police and described the scene like this, ‘It was shocking. It was something we have never seen before. That intensity. That many sex workers. Pimps standing there.’”

The amendment was tabled in a vote along party lines from a motion brought by Sen. McGuire, meaning that its consideration has been postponed indefinitely.

Newsom requests ‘Major Disaster’ declaration as California is trampled by storms

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - California

Gov. Gavin Newsom has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration through the Regional Administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Robert Fenton. The request comes following months of a “Late Winter Storms event” that continues to bring historic rain, soaking the state and creating havoc for some communities. Forty-seven counties are under a State of Emergency. The total FEMA-incurred cost for just four counties exceeds $92 million. The request for relief through a Major Disaster Declaration for California asks for public assistance, individual assistance, disaster assistance programs, disaster loans and hazard mitigation.

Calaveras, Los Angeles,

Monterey, and Tulare Counties’ damages would be mitigated by the Public Assistance support program which includes 100% federal cost share for the removal of debris and emergency protective measures for the first 90 days. This may be extended beyond the time period for a 90% cost share.

Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne Counties would benefit from the Individual Assistance Programs.

The Governor also expanded the storm state of emergency to the counties of Alameda, Marin, Modoc and Shasta.

Small Business Administration disaster loans and funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Loan Program would benefit the business sector.

“The ongoing Late Winter Storms event continues to impact the State, endangering lives and

EPA under fire over handling of billions in new funds

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is in hot water after regulators seemed to suggest they had more money than they could spend but needed to spend it anyway. That funding came in part from the Inflation Reduction Act, and now lawmakers are pointing to watchdog reports showing rampant waste, fraud and abuse could become a major issue for the environmental agency.

Morgan Griffith, R-Va., led a hearing Wednesday where lawmakers heard from several experts, including Sean O’Donnell, the inspector general for the EPA. Griffith pointed to the national deficit, raising questions about how the EPA is using federal funds in a time of rising debt.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., Griffith and Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, sent a letter to the EPA Tuesday raising concerns about EPA’s use of funds

after controversial comments on the EPA website.

The lawmakers argue that rush to spend can lead to rampant waste, fraud and abuse.

“For example, GAO examined lessons learned from grant management of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funding and noted that President Obama’s push to spend funds quickly created a ‘large spike in spending’ for some agencies, and that this law required an accelerated rollout of funding,” the letter said. “As a result, GAO concluded that some federal agencies encountered oversight challenges.”

The questions come as Congressional Republicans also work to roll back the EPA Waters of the United States rule, which gives the federal government broad power over even small local ponds.

The lawmakers called for documents and answers about how funding will be used, pointing out the EPA does not have a perfect track record. Federal watchdogs have raised similar concerns.

Estimate: About 1 million people worldwide seek asylum per year

ASYLUM

Continued from Page A2

Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

The coalition noted that if asylum is improperly restricted, it will limit the ability of asylum

seekers to integrate into state workforces and potentially strain state-funded services and the proposed rule would unfairly harm many asylum seekers, particularly those with fewer resources. They are also of the view that the provisions of the current proposal conflict with the more expansive

protections guaranteed under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Mr. Bonta said, “Our nation has long been a beacon of hope to immigrants from around the world seeking safety and a better life. I urge the federal government to carefully consider the potential impacts of this

proposal on the fundamental right to seek asylum in the United States.”

It is estimated that annually there are about 1 million asylum seekers around the world. By the end of 2021 there were approximately 4.6 million individuals awaiting asylum claim decisions globally.

Infant was not physically injured in incident

KIDNAPPING

Continued from Page A1

area of W. Pedregosa and De La Vina Street, where they terminated their pursuit.

The assisting deputies shared information with the Santa Barbara Police Department,

who located Ms. Tapia, her vehicle and the 1year-old girl in the 200 block of East Los Olivos Street. Ms. Tapia was taken into custody at approximately 11:18 a.m. without further incident and was booked at the Main Jail in Santa Barbara on suspicion of kidnapping (felony), child endangerment (felony), evading

(felony) and driving under the influence (misdemeanor). The infant was released to Social Services at the scene and was not physically injured. Ms. Tapia was released from custody Tuesday night on $200,000 bail. email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

property while creating a disaster that is beyond the capabilities of State and local government,” the request stated. “California has faced, and continues to face, persistent snowfall as well as heavy precipitation, high winds, and river and urban flooding across the State.”

California has been deluged by the Late Winter Storms since February 21, which prevent flood waters from receding, and hinders damage assessments from being carried out. New rain and snowfall as of March 28, further complicates matters.

It is anticipated that “extended

advance planning” would be necessary in anticipation of more flood threats in the Spring as historic snowpack melts. In March two tornadoes touched down. One in Carpinteria and the other in Montebello. Elsewhere, several locations are at risk of flooding as water levels rise in rivers and reservoirs and threaten to breach banks and levees, and high winds result in power outages. There were school closures as well, and road closures due to snow, erosion, and avalanches. Across the state there has been massive loss of personal property and agricultural exports.

The strongest statelevel oversight and accountability measures on Big Oil in the nation is intended to “bring transparency” to California’s oil and gas industry.

Sun-dried tomato chickpea atbread

Brought to the Saturday Santa Barbara farmers’ market each week thanks to Baba Foods Small Batch, this product is made from their annual harvest of garbanzo beans.

Vegan and gluten free, this protein-packed item is ideal for warming up and dipping in your favorite hummus, or used as a great bread substitute. This week I prepared a chickpea flatbread topped with lemon hummus, the Fix of the Week, page B2.

This is a very healthy and simple lunch to prepare. Available in an array of flavors, I really enjoy the sun-dried tomato flavor infused into this product. Price is $8 per 8 ounce package or 2 for $15.

Passionfruit

The first passionfruit of the season has started to emerge, available at the Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Camino Real Marketplace, Tuesday Santa Barbara, Wednesday Solvang and Thursday Carpinteria farmers’ markets from several local growers.

Because the season has just started, you may need to let them continue to ripen on the counter until the skin turns purple.

Passionfruit is very aromatic, and inside the thick skin is a yellow seedy pulp that is brimming with tropical flavor. A little sweet and a little tangy, passionfruit is excellent in beverages, smoothies, or as a dessert topper. It also pairs quite well with chicken and pork preparations, as well as fish. I often add a little passionfruit pulp to ceviche.

Price averages $6 per pound. Certified organic is available.

Spring strawberries

The rain has delayed the freshly harvested red ripe strawberry season, but the first delicious fruit of the season is finally starting to emerge.

One of the most highly sought and versatile fruits available at all weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets, strawberries are excellent in a fruit salad, sliced and used to top a spinach salad, rolled into crepes, or used as a topper for pancakes and waffles.

Use strawberries to make homemade preservers, syrups or sauces, or in a filling for a strawberry pie or strawberry shortcake. This season is just beginning so expect to find delicious fruit from now through the summer season.

Price averages $14 per 3-pack.

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

Life theArts

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023

Inspired by real-life adventures

Country and folk singer-songwriter Tom Russell to perform at Lobero

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Tom Russell recalls the time Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter got into his cab.

“I got a call to pick up a guy in front of a theater,” Mr. Russell told the News-Press about his days driving a taxi during the early 1980s in New York City. “I saw the name on the marquee: Robert Hunter, the Grateful Dead lyricist doing a solo act. I went, ‘Wow.’

“I picked him up, and we’re doing the normal business thing when you don’t talk much,”

Mr. Russell said. “He was nice, had been drinking a little Jack Daniels.

“He asked me what else I did. I told him I wrote songs,” Mr. Russell said. “He said, ‘Sing me one of your songs.’”

Mr. Russell, a Los Angeles native and UCSB graduate who taught in Nigeria, did so, and that started an adventure in which Mr. Hunter drove Mr. Russell to Mr. Hunter’s house that night to pick up a cassette of that song.

And with that, Mr. Russell was back in the music business, with Mr. Hunter singing Mr. Russell’s “Gallo del Cielo” at his concerts. Mr. Hunter also invited Mr. Russell to perform with him on stage.

Since then, Mr. Russell has made his voice heard as an awardwinning singer/songwriter known for his country and folk music and maybe just as importantly, songs inspired by his personal adventures.

Like the time he and his brother Pat and their friend Billy faced armed rustlers in San Luis Obispo. More about that later.

“Definitely, there are little snatches here and there. You’ve got to have a hook line and a rhyme,” Mr. Russell told the NewsPress about his life unfolding in his songs such as those on his 2019 album, “October in the Railroad Earth.”

“You can take pieces of your life, and they become important enough to add a few rhymes and a hook,” Mr. Russell said. “I think I am telling my story.”

A Santa Barbara audience will hear Mr. Russell do just that when he performs at 7 p.m. Friday at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

“I grew up listening to my brother’s records of Johnny Cash and country music and old Hank Williams records,” Mr. Russell told the News-Press by phone from his home outside Round Rock in central Texas. “I got heavily into folk music, especially Bob Dylan, who I got to see several

times at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and the Hollywood Bowl.”

The singer, guitarist and songwriter earned his master’s in sociology and criminology in the late 1960s at UCSB, and he went on to teach in Ibadan, Nigeria, during the Biafran War.

“It’s been an interesting trek down the road in different countries,” Mr. Russell told the News-Press about his life. “I’ve been able to write songs and make a living, which is a blessing.”

Mr. Russell started his career in music in the early 1970s in Vancouver, B.C., playing Skid Row bars. He later moved to Texas and formed a band with singerpianist Patricia Hardin, and in the late 1970s, they moved to San Francisco.

After ending the musical partnership with Ms. Hardin, Mr. Russell moved in 1980 to New York City, where he drove taxis, met Mr. Hunter and got back into the music business with guitarist Andrew Hardin, who wasn’t related to Patricia. The Tom Russell Band performed and recorded four albums between 1984 and 1994, and Mr. Russell

recorded solo albums, including one he briefly discussed with the News-Press, “The Man From God Knows Where.”

“I took the words of my ancestors who traveled from Ireland to the U.S.A. and ended up in Wisconsin and Iowa,” he said. His other notable albums included “Rose of Roscrae,” which has been described as a Western folk opera.

Mr. Russell described his 2019 album, “October in the Railroad Earth,” as “Jack Kerouac meets Johnny Cash in Bakersfield.”

Among the album’s songs are “Highway 46,” a reference to the highway in Bakersfield and a tribute to country legends who lived in the city, such as Merle Haggard and Buck Owens.

As a tribute to Johnny Cash, Mr. Russell ends “October in the Railroad Earth” with “Wreck of the Old 97,” a traditional trainwreck song.

“Johnny recorded a song of mine called ‘Veterans Day,’” Mr. Russell recalled. “I ran into him at a festival in Switzerland, and he got me up on stage to sing ‘Peace in the Valley.’

CALENDAR

“He was singing the lyrics into my right ear. It came out of my mouth, and I was sounding like Johnny Cash’s ventriloquist dummy,” Mr. Russell said, chuckling.

Mr. Cash stopped in the lobby of the hotel where he and Mr. Russell were staying in Switzerland and wanted to see Mr. Russell, who was sleeping in his room upstairs.

“The band was really nervous. Johnny kept saying, ‘Where’s Tom?

Where’s Tom?’” Mr. Russell said. “The fiddle player called and said, ‘Get down here. Johnny’s asking for you.’ I got dressed really quick.

“He was very cordial, very nice, and we got into an intimate discussion about songwriting,” Mr. Russell recalled.

He talked about the experience that inspired his song, “Billy, Pass Me The Gun.”

“My brother Pat is a livestock contractor in California,” Mr. Russell said. “I was a year out of UCSB. I went to Cuesta College (in San Luis Obispo) to get my grades back up before I went back to UCSB.”

Mr. Russell was staying with his brother when Pat looked out the window and saw men firing a gun and poaching cattle late at night.

“He grabbed a gun and said, ‘Get in the truck. We have to go after these people,’” Mr. Russell said. “We went down the road in his truck, going about 80 miles per hour. He went to pick up his partner, Billy.

“He forgot the gun outside the truck back at the house,” Mr. Russell recalled. “We got out there and got behind those characters, who were straight out of James Dickey’s ‘Deliverance.’”

The men pulled over outside San Luis Obispo and pointed their guns at Mr. Russell, Pat and BIlly, who were in Pat’s truck.

“Pat says, ‘Pass me the gun, Billy.’ Billy says, ‘Pat, we ain’t got no gun.’

“I was just shaking and got below the dashboard,” Mr. Russell said. “We got out of there. My brother called the cops.”

No shots were fired, and Mr. Russell, Pat and Billy survived the experience. But Mr. Russell knew there was a story to tell.

“I knew there was a song there,”

Mr. Russell said.

Mr. Russell’s song “Pass Me the Gun, Billy,” is among the songs on the singer’s “October in the Railroad Earth” album.

Mr. Russell said he is halfway through producing an album of new songs.

“I don’t know what makes you a great songwriter, but it’s continuing with a catalog of interest that keeps growing thematically.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

Lompoc soldier accounted for from Korean War

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced this week that Army Cpl. Carmen Carrillo, 20, of Lompoc. who was killed during the Korean War, was accounted for on Feb. 3.

In the spring of 1951, Cpl. Carrillo was a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on May 17 after fighting against the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces in Gangwon Hongchun, Republic of Korea. There is no indication his remains were recovered after the battle, and he was never recorded as a prisoner of war. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953, and his remains were determined to be nonrecoverable in January 1956.

In 2013, the Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery and Identification recovered multiple sets of remains near Gangwon Hongchun, R.O.K., which is consistent with the area associated with Cpl. Carrillo. Six sets of remains were transferred to the United States, believed to belong to U.S. service members. The remains were disinterred on

Sept. 22, 2021, and transferred to the DPAA laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii for analysis.

To identify Cpl. Carrillo’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis.

Cpl. Carrillo’s name is recorded on the American Battle Monuments Commission’s Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Cpl. Carrillo will be buried in his hometown on a date yet to be determined. For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at 800-892-2490.

For more information, see https://www.dpaa.mil/Resources/ Fact-Sheets/Article-View/ Article/569610/progress-on-koreanwar-personnel-accounting.

Cpl. Carrillo’s personnel profile can be viewed at: https://dpaa-mil. sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id= a0Jt00000004p3tEAA. email; kzehnder@newspress.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 805565-6162 or visit westmont.edu/ museum.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Storytelling: Native People Through the Lens of Edward S. Curtis” is on display through April 30 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. For more information, visit sbnature.org.

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. By appointment on weekdays: “Holly Hungett: Natural Interpretations” is on view through May 20 at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara’s gallery, 229 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and weekdays by appointment. For more information, call the foundation at 805-965-6307 or go to www.afsb.org.

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.

5:30 p.m. A lecture will be given about the sculptures of Ed and Nancy Kienholz at at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. The talk will be presented by James Glisson, the museum’s curator of Contemporary Art. This will be in conjunction with the exhibition scenes from “Marriage: Ed and Nancy Kienholz.” To purchase, visit tickets.sbma.net. 7 p.m.: Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will perform “Dark of the Moon: A New Musical” on Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the theater, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Prices are $30 to $69.50 with special discounts for students, seniors, military and Equity members. Lower-priced preview performances are March 2931. To purchase tickets, go to rubicontheatre.org.

MARCH 31

11 a.m.: Voctave, an 11-member a cappella ensemble, will perform a family friendly concert at the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Youths 17 and younger will be admitted free. The regular tickets for 18 and older is $10. To purchase, go to musicacademy.org.

6:30 p.m. Voctave, an 11-member a cappella ensemble, will perform its evening concert at the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Tickets cost $75. To purchase, go to musicacademy. org.

7 p.m.: Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will perform “Dark of the Moon: A New Musical” on Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the theater,

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

The remains of Cpl. Carmen Carrillo, 20, of Lompoc, who was killed during the Korean War, were recently identifi ed.

Tom Russell will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $35 to $75. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

COURTESY PHOTO

“You can take pieces of your life, and they become important enough to add a few rhymes and a hook,” singer-songwriter Tom Russell said. “I think I am telling my story.”

St. Francis Foundation names new executive director, board president

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Tina Frontado is succeeding Debbie Cloud as executive director of the St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara. And Salvatore “Tory” Milazzo is succeeding Kathleen Baushke as the president of the foundation’s board.

Ms. Cloud ran the St. Francis Foundation for almost 40 years, beginning when the foundation was part of St. Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara.

Ms. Frontado has a long history of commitment to the nonprofit sector and has worked with Santa Barbara area nonprofits such as Hospice of Santa Barbara, the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, SEE International and the Santa Barbara Education Foundation. She has also been the funding bridge and adviser between the corporate and business world and philanthropic organizations and endeavors.

Ms. Frontado brings extensive volunteer and board of directors’ experience including Compassionate Care of Carpinteria, Business Giving Roundtable, Girls Inc. and Sarah

Fix of the Week

Planted in early spring and harvested during the first half of the summer season, fresh garbanzo beans become readily available. When initially harvested, these

House. She is a past recipient of the Women of InspirationCarpinteria, Girls Inc. and Leadership in Arts Award from the Children’s Creative Project.

Ms. Frontado holds a master’s of public administration with an emphasis in organizational and strategic management from Cal State Northridge and a bachelor’s in economics and sociology from UCSB. She grew up in Carpinteria.

Mr. Milazzo, the St. Francis

“chickpeas” are sold fresh off the plants for a very limited window in green pods.

Encased within the pods are two or three small green beans. As the beans are left to dry, the green pods fade to yellow, and the beans take on a beige color. The texture of the beans from fresh to dried also change from a tender crunch to rock hard when fully dried out. Once dried, these garbanzo beans can be used in an array of ways, but must be processed to be palatable.

For those who attend our Saturday Santa Barbara farmers’ market on a regular basis, you have surely encountered the Baba Foods Small Batch stand that is most notably known for their extensive line of delicious hummus products. These tasty spreads, of course, are produced from Baba Foods annual harvest of garbanzo beans that were once harvested fresh, dried, then

Foundation’s new board president, is a director and investment executive for Union Bank and HighMark Capital Management in Santa Barbara.

Mr. Milazzo, an Alabama native, and his family moved to Santa Barbara in 2008 from Jackson Hole, Wy., where they were longtime residents. He has had a lifelong interest in the outdoors, and after college he worked as a mountain guide in the Wrangell

St. Elias National Park, Alaska. Mr. Milazzo attended Colgate University.

Established in 1956, the mission of the St. Francis Foundation is to promote and support healthcare in the St. Francis tradition in the Santa Barbara South Coast community, with particular attention to those most in need.

The St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara annually awards grants to local agencies focused on helping to relieve human suffering. Recipients include Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation, Doctors without Walls, Serenity House, Friendship Center, and Hillside House.

The Parish Nursing Program, which began at the former St. Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara, and which is now managed by Cottage Health, is a particular focus of the St. Francis Foundation. The program nurses work in local churches and with organizations such as PathPoint Mental Health Program, Catholic Charities, PATH, and many local service agencies. For more information, go to www. stfrancisfoundationsb.org. email: kzehnder@newspress.com

simmered until soft and blended with other ingredients such as tahini, lemon juice and seasonings to create the final product. From garlic artichoke and avocado cilantro, to spicy harissa and a zesty lemon, you can typically find more than a dozen flavor offerings on any given Saturday.

In addition to hummus, which is probably the most common use for processed garbanzo beans, Baba Foods offers a couple of other products that I am quite fond of.

The first is a roasted garbanzo bean. These remind me of corn nuts, with a much lighter crunch and nuttier flavor. Roasted and tossed with olive oil and salt, these are one of my kids favorite snacks.

The other product is a chickpea flatbread.

Most are not aware that garbanzo beans can be processed into a flour-like substance and used to make breads, crackers and an array of other baked goods. Think cauliflower crust, but instead of cauliflower, Baba Foods is utilizing its protein-packed garbanzo beans in a similar fashion. Vegan and gluten free, this chickpea flatbread is ideal for those with such dietrestriction.

This week I used two of Baba Foods Small Batch products; sundried tomato chickpea flatbread and Baba Foods Lemon hummus, to produce a very simple and healthy lunch. I topped my flatbread with a little roasted turkey, but vegetarians can skip that ingredient. And smoked salmon would make for a nice substitute.

I also topped the thin rounds

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Prices are $30 to $69.50 with special discounts for students, seniors, military and Equity members. Lower-priced preview performances are March 29-31. To purchase tickets, go to rubicontheatre.org.

7 p.m. Folk and country singer and songwriter Tom Russell will perform at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $35 to $75. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

8 p.m. A gala fundraiser will take place at Music Academy of the West’s Lehmann Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Tickets for the gala, which includes the Voctave concert at 6:30 p.m. at the academy’s Hahn Hall, cost $150. To purchase, go to musicacademy.org.

APRIL 1

2 and 7 p.m.: Rubicon Theatre

with some tomato and Persian cucumbers, which can be found this time of year from the Beylik Family Farm.

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.

CHICKPEA FLATBREAD WITH LEMON HUMMUS

8 ounce package chickpea flatbread (I used the sun-dried tomato flatbread).

Lemon hummus (or any flavor you prefer).

6 ounces roasted turkey.

1 large tomato, cut into rounds.

1 Persian cucumber, cut into thin flat strips.

Thinly sliced red onion.

Pinch of fresh sprouts. Olive oil.

Aged balsamic vinegar. Freshly cracked pepper. Toast the four flatbreads in the toaster oven. This can also be done over the stovetop in a lightly oiled pan, or in a conventional oven.

Once warm and slightly crispy, add a spread of lemon hummus over each and top with turkey, followed by the tomato, cucumber, red onion, and sprouts. Then finish with a very light drizzle of olive oil and aged balsamic, followed by freshly cracked pepper.

Yield: Makes four rounds.

of Ventura will perform “Dark of the Moon: A New Musical” on Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the theater, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Prices are $30 to $69.50 with special discounts for students, seniors, military and Equity members. To purchase tickets, go to rubicontheatre.org.

APRIL 2

2 p.m.: Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will perform “Dark of the Moon: A New Musical” on Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the theater, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. Prices are $30 to $69.50 with special discounts for students, seniors, military and Equity members. To purchase tickets, go to rubicontheatre.org.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Tina Frontado Salvatore “Tory” Milazzo

FARMERS MARKET Sam Edelman

— Dave Mason

SUDOKU

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Thursday, March 30, 2023

ARIES — You might be extremely busy now. Invitations to large parties, small gatherings with close friends, and intimate evenings with romantic partners might come up today. Be discriminating in those you accept, Aries. Concentrate on seeing people who share your interests.

TAURUS — Unexpected visitors could wake you up to the possibility of new work opportunities, Taurus. This could advance your current job or be work you can do on your own - maybe on a volunteer basis. Whatever it is, you will probably find it exciting. You might even be impatient to get on with it. Pace yourself. If you tire yourself out, you won’t be able to continue.

GEMINI — If you aren’t romantically involved, an errand, walk, or other foray into your neighborhood might bring an exciting new person into your life. This encounter may or may not lead to something lasting, Gemini, but you will enjoy it anyway! If you’re currently involved, a casual outing with your partner could result in intimate conversations that bring the two of you closer.

CANCER — Money that you may have been hoping to use to better your living or working condition could suddenly come your way today, Cancer. Ideas for how to put it to work in the most efficient, satisfying way could pop into your mind quickly. You will probably want to write them all down, consider your options carefully, and then choose the ones that suit your needs best. Go to it.

LEO — When you run errands today, check the bulletin boards in local businesses. You may have been longing for adventure and dreaming about getting away from it all, Leo, but today you might find the excitement you crave right in your community. New events, people, and businesses that you will enjoy could be moving in.

VIRGO — Information received today excites your imagination and encourages you to start a new artistic or creative project, Virgo. Stories, pictures, abstract concepts — all could come together in your mind and form an inspired idea that could change your life. Gird your loins, write down your thoughts, and see where it all

takes you.

LIBRA — Adventure is the word for today, Libra. A lot of physical and mental energy, as well as enthusiasm, might lead you to aim for goals that others consider too risky or unrealistic. Don’t let their opinions stop you. After giving each idea an objective assessment, if you still believe you want to try, start looking into it seriously.

SCORPIO — New career goals may come your way with the current aspect, Scorpio, opening up possibilities you may not have considered. This could be very exciting. It might even work toward the fulfillment of childhood dreams that you abandoned long ago. They may involve the arts, modern technology, or both.

SAGITTARIUS — Fascinating new information could arrive today from TV or the Internet, opening up new educational opportunities. The possibility of making contact and perhaps visiting new friends in other countries might come to your attention. You will probably find this very exciting, Sagittarius, and make plans immediately.

CAPRICORN — A sudden burst of physical energy and determination could lead to additional income for you, Capricorn. This is probably due to an unexpected opportunity to do some extra work outside the scope of your usual employment. It could also be a long overdue payment for past work. You could also receive acknowledgement of some kind for work well done, further firing your enthusiasm. Go for the gold!

AQUARIUS — Friends or a group with which you’re affiliated could propose a trip. This might seem like a great adventure, Aquarius, so you’re likely to go for it. You will probably have a wonderful time. You might make some new friends while you’re away, or even fall in love. A little break might fire your enthusiasm for pursuing career or educational opportunities when you return. Go for it!

PISCES — An opportunity to do some extra work outside the scope of your regular job could present itself to you. Take it, Pisces. Not only could you earn some extra money but you might also open new doors that expand your professional horizons. The only danger is that you might work too hard and tire yourself out. It’s OK for a while, but don’t make a habit of it.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, March 30, 2023

With two deals left in a semifinal of the Soloway Knockout Teams at the Fall NABC, Simon COPE’s foursome (Delmonte, F. Kolesnik, K. Rosenberg) trailed Marty FLEISHER by 2 IMPs, having begun the fourth quarter down by 46.

At both tables, West opened 1NT.

When COPE’s pair sat East-West, 1NT was passed out, down two for plus 200 to FLEISHER. In the replay, young Finn Kolesnik bid two hearts as South after two passes — not an obvious action — and North had a shot at four hearts.

LOSING LEAD

Bidding game was wrong in theory, but West found the natural lead — the only losing lead — of a trump. Declarer won and should have led the king of clubs next, starting to set up dummy’s suit. Instead he led a diamond to dummy’s ace and returned a club.

If East had grabbed his ace, he would have beaten the contract. But he played low, and South scored his king and embarked on a crossruff that produced 10 tricks, plus 620.

COPE gained 9 IMPs, took the lead and won the match, 125 to 120.

Your

CODEWORD PUZZLE

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-Saturday and on the crossword solutions page in Saturday’s Life section.

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

opens two clubs (strong, artificial), you respond two diamonds and he bids two spades. What do you say?

ANSWER: Slam is likely, and you might raise to three spades, setting the trump suit, intending to bid more later. (If partner goes to four spades, you will cue-bid five clubs.)

A possible action is a “splinter” jump to four hearts to show spade support, heart shortness and slam interest.

West dealer Both sides vulnerable

“Where there is great love, there are always wishes.”

— Willa Cather