Santa Barbara News-Press: June 01, 2023

Guide Dogs for the Blind holds exercises at the Santa Barbara Airport -

Mayor’s Ride wraps up CycleMAYnia 2023

Alleged Ojai drug dealer pleads not guilty

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

An accused Ojai drug dealer who allegedly overdosed in his car last month in Carpinteria pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple felony drug charges, including the possession for sale of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine

The defendant, Christopher Elizalde, 26, is scheduled to return to court on July 5 for a pretrial readiness/settlement conference, court officials said.

He was arrested on April 22 by sheriff’s deputies who responded around 3:15 p.m. to the 5900 block of Birch Street in Carpinteria to a report of a man who was unresponsive in his car.

When they arrived, they found a man, later identified as Mr. Elizalde, unresponsive with drug paraphernalia in his lap. Also in the vehicle, deputies found a large quantity of dangerous drugs including suspected fentanyl, M30 pills, cocaine and ketamine.

Sheriff’s deputies worked with detectives from the Special Investigations Bureau to author search and arrest warrants for Mr. Elizalde and his Ojai residence. Later that evening, at approximately 8:30 p.m., detectives served a search warrant at his home in the 1200 block of Gregory Street in Ojai where they reported recovering additional fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone M30 pills and cocaine.

trial.

Wednesday was his second arraignment on the nine-count felony Information (formerly the complaint) filed against him.

The nine-count Information filed against Mr. Elizalde charges him with possession for sale of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, heroin and methamphetamine, all felonies.

In addition, it charges him with possession for sale of M30 fentanyl pills, Xanax and Clonazepam, and possession for sale and the sale of ketamine, again, all felonies. A misdemeanor count charges him with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ketamine is an anesthetic used on people and animals. It is generally abused as an hallucinogenic, and comes in either liquid or powder form.

M30 fentanyl pills are counterfeit oxycodone, which sells under the brand name OxyContin. Real oxycodone are typically blue pills that come stamped with the “M” on one side and the milligrams on the other (10, 20, 30, etc.).

Counterfeit oxycodone looks the same but always with “30” imprinted on the back. They are created using some other base, usually acetaminophen (Tylenol), and pressed with fentanyl. Most are manufactured in large labs in Mexico by the cartels, using ingredients from China, and then sent in bulk to the United States.

Officials and citizens from throughout

during the Mayor’s Ride on Wednesday.

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

In honor of the end of National Bike Month and CycleMAYnia, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, the City of Santa Barbara, the County of Santa Barbara, MOVE, Cycling Without Age of Santa Barbara (CWASB), and BCycle, hosted a South Coast Mayor’s Ride on May 31 at Arroyo Burro Beach, also known as Hendry’s Beach.

Founded in 2009, CycleMAYnia began as a community meeting aimed at starting a bike culture here in Santa Barbara County. Inspired by events and programs in other towns, the goal is to engage the cycling community directly through the month of May. CycleMAYnia has been hosting events for the month of May since 2010.

This bicycle ride saw 40 mayors and county supervisors from all over Santa Barbara County join a tour of existing and planned bicycle infrastructure projects, led by the City of Santa Barbara Transportation Division and Santa Barbara County Public Works staff.

The bike ride was about five miles long at Las Positas Multi Use Path. The group made five stops to discuss the history of developing a multi use path, how it gets built, benefits of connections to open space and community amenities like Elings Park and the critical

As a result of their investigation, approximately 2.9 ounces of ketamine, 1.82 pounds of fentanyl, 1.16 pounds of cocaine, 4.6 ounces of heroin, 4.7 ounces of methamphetamine, 616 oxycodone M30 pills, and 50 benzodiazepine pills were taken off the streets, according to the sheriff’s office.

Mr. Elizalde entered his initial not guilty plea when he was first arraigned on April 27 following his arrest.

A preliminary hearing in his case was held on May 11, at which time he was held to answer on the charged felony offenses and ordered to stand

Xanax is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines that have a depressant effect (downers) on the brain and nervous system. Benzos include prescription drugs such as Valium, Klonopin, Xanax and Ativan.

In this case, Mr. Elizalde is charged with possession for sale of alprazolam, which sells under the brand name Xanax. It is an anti-anxiety drug.

Clonazepam, which sells under the brand name Klonopin, is an anti-seizure medication. email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch is successful

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was launched at 11:02 p.m. Tuesday, carrying 52 Starlink satellites to orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This was the fourteenth launch and landing for the Falcon 9 first stage booster.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing satellite Internet access coverage to over 54 countries. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in

2019. The launch and rocket landing was successful and the satellites were deployed about 17.5 minutes after launch as planned, according to SpaceX. SpaceX has now launched more than 4,500 Starlink satellites, more than 4,100 of which are currently active. Additionally on May 30, the Dragon and the Ax-2 crew return to Earth after their 10-day orbit mission. This mission had four crew members aboard and was an orbiting laboratory.

email: abahnsen@newspress.com

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Santa Barbara County depart from the parking lot at Arroyo Burro Beach County Park in Santa Barbara

City of Santa Barbara Supervising Transportation Planner Jessica Grant speaks to those gathered for the Mayor’s Ride. Please see RIDE on A4

Burton Mound plaque stolen from Ambassador Park

The Burton Mount plaque at Ambassador Park in Santa Barbara was stolen and remained missing as of Wednesday.

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN

On May 30, the Santa Barbara City Parks Department confirmed that the Burton Mound plaque at Ambassador Park had been stolen. This plaque is California Historic Landmark #306.

According to California Historical Landmarks, this site of the plaque was thought to have once been the Native American village of Syujtun, which has

yielded some of the most important archeological evidence found in California.

In 1542 the village was recorded by Juan Cabrillo while on his voyage of discovery, and was recorded again in 1769 by Father Juan Crespí and Gaspar de Portolá.

Don Luís Burton, after whom the mound was named, acquired the property in 1860. The Parks Department shared that the plaque was stolen on May

18 from Ambassador Park. Santa Barbara Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Sgt. Ethan Ragsdale, confirmed the report. Per information from representatives at the Santa

Barbara Parks and Recreation department, there is no update on the investigation but they are continuously looking for more information and leads. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

18 governors urge Biden to end mortgage rule for those with good or poor credit

By JOE MUELLER

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Eighteen governors sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a change in a policy regarding mortgage fees.

Earlier this year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency changed pricing used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government-

sponsored companies that guarantee most of the nation’s mortgages. By instituting a loan-level pricing adjustment, critics and the governors believe the FHFA will be overcharging borrowers with good credit and undercharging those with bad credit.

“In short, the new LLPA framework will inevitably increase mortgage costs for lowerrisk individuals and handicap those borrowers

with larger down payments,” the governors wrote to President Biden and FHFA Director Sandra Thompson. “Further, the changes provide no incentive to borrowers to maintain good credit and will confuse borrowers at all credit levels.”

Republican Govs. Mike Parson of Missouri and Brian Kemp of Georgia are leading the

Please see MORTGAGE on A3

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Governors say interest rate increases are a reason to stop policy

MORTGAGE

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coalition against the policy.

“There is never a good time for bad policy, and this measure by the Biden Administration is certainly bad policy,” Gov. Parson said in a statement.

“This backward policy only serves to punish hard-working Americans who follow good financial practices, all while worsening overall housing market conditions. Only the Biden Administration would think it can solve a supply issue by subsidizing demand and bad credit.”

However, the Urban Institute in April said the criticism of the policy was “misplaced” and doesn’t provide a comprehensive assessment.

“FHFA is not raising fees on borrowers with good credit to lower them for those with bad credit,” Jim Parrott wrote in a blog post. “It is raising fees on loans there is little reason to discount so that it can better serve those who need the help.”

Mr. Parrot said borrowers who put down less than 20% on a home will still pay more in total mortgage fees because they will pay a private mortgage insurance premium in addition to either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac fees. Private mortgage

insurance protects the lender if borrowers stop making loan payments.

“So if the cost of mortgage insurance is added to the (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) pricing grid, the borrowers’ costs will track their risk as one would expect: those with lower credit scores will pay more than those with higher credit scores, and those with higher loan-to-value ratios will pay more than those with lower loan-to-value ratios,” he said.

The governors stated interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve and record inflation during the last year are additional reasons to stop the policy. If Biden doesn’t change the rule, they advocated for Congressional action.

“Your actions are threatening the American housing system,” the governors wrote. “By upending the existing financing model that relies on individual financial responsibility, you are increasing uncertainty in the housing market and our nation’s economy.” In addition to Missouri and Georgia, governors from Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming signed the letter.

U.S. House passes debt limit deal; Senate up next

Fiscal conservatives say measure doesn’t go far enough to cut spending, budget deficits

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The U.S. House of Representatives voted late Wednesday to pass a debt limit deal brokered by the White House and Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

The vote was 314-117 in favor, with dozens of Republicans and some Democrats voting against.

The measure, if approved by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden, would suspend the nation’s debt limit until Jan. 1, 2025, after the 2024 presidential election; cap non-defense spending but also limit defense spending increases; and expand work requirements for some of those receiving food stamps, among other things.

With the bill now heading to the Senate, it still faces a tough vote as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have already expressed hesitation or outright disapproval.

The Senate faces a looming deadline Monday, the day the U.S. Treasury has said puts the federal government at risk of defaulting on its debt obligations, which many economists say could have significant impacts on the country’s debt rating and economy.

Rep. McCarthy fought off dozens of Republican defections to get the bill across the finish line in the House.

Those critical of the bill, named the “Fiscal Responsibility Act,” argue it is a far cry from the one Republicans passed weeks ago to raise the

The measure, if approved by the Senate and signed by President Joe Biden, would suspend the nation’s debt limit until Jan. 1, 2025, after the 2024 presidential election; cap non-defense spending but also limit defense spending increases; and expand work requirements for some of those receiving food stamps.

debt limit, saying it has been hollowed out by concessions made to Democrats.

One of the concerns is that it would suspend the debt limit until 2025, after the 2024 presidential election. The U.S. is approaching $32 trillion in debt and fiscal conservatives say federal spending, and massive budget deficits, must be cut. Critics argue that the bill passed by House Republicans earlier in May went much farther to cut spending.

“The Limit, Save, Grow Act, passed by House Republicans, responsibly raised the debt limit while reining in spending,” Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., wrote on Twitter Wednesday. “The Fiscal Responsibility Act simply does not live up to the expectations we set, and I cannot in good conscience vote for it.”

In just 4 days, agents apprehend thousands of people, drugs at border

In just a few weeks, enough fentanyl seized to kill nearly 65 million people

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE

CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to apprehend tens of thousands of people and seize large amounts of illegal drugs being trafficked and smuggled across the southern border.

BP Chief Raul Ortiz said Tuesday that within the past 96 hours, agents apprehended 13,584 illegal foreign nationals and reported roughly 4,013 gotaways. Gotaways are those who illegally enter primarily between ports of entry and intentionally avoid getting caught. Law enforcement officers have told The Center Square they have no idea who or where they are.

Agents also seized 445 pounds of marijuana, 118 pounds of methamphetamine, 14 pounds of fentanyl, 22 pounds of cocaine, and two firearms over this same time period. Chief Ortiz also said agents apprehended six sex offenders, five known gang members and one known felon.

The previous week, he said 10 agents were assaulted while apprehending 2,043 illegal foreign nationals. Over the same week, they reported 7,570 gotaways. They also seized 1,058 pounds of methamphetamine, 343 pounds of marijuana, 140 pounds of fentanyl, 66 pounds of cocaine and 16 firearms. They apprehended nine sex offenders and four felons, including one with a record of

manslaughter. In a 24-hour period just before Memorial Day weekend, Chief Ortiz said three agents were assaulted. Agents had uncovered 132 pounds of fentanyl, five pounds of methamphetamine, 248 pounds of marijuana, and three bulk cash seizures in three sectors totaling $299,110. They also seized 50,532 rounds of ammunition and 15 guns. They also apprehended three known felons and three known gang members.

The 286 pounds of fentanyl they seized in a short time frame is enough to kill roughly 64.8 million people with 2 milligrams being a lethal dose.

He also posted a video captured by Border Patrol technology showing how an

Pence to announce 2024 White House bid

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square)

–

Former Vice President Mike Pence will announce his 2024 candidacy for president in Iowa next week.

Several media outlets broke the news Wednesday, indicating the announcement will likely come June 7 in Des Moines, Iowa.

The latest polling from Morning Consult puts Mr. Pence at 5% support, behind former President Donald Trump at 56% and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at 22%.

Mr. Pence earned the ire of Mr. Trump and many of his supporters for refusing to illegally reject the 2020 election results, even under the explicit threat of death at the hands of the perpetrators of the infamous Jan. 6 Capitol riot. The announcement comes the same day that former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie reportedly broke the same news of a 2024 announcement next week.

individual climbed up and jumped over the border wall in the San Diego Sector after dropping a 4-year-old child over it to enter the U.S. illegally. Despite high numbers of people and drugs coming through the San Diego Sector, CBP recently announced it was lowering part of the border wall in an area from 30 feet to 18 feet.

He made the announcement after the number of people who illegally entered through the southern border alone totaled more than the population of six states. The number of people illegally entering through the northern border this fiscal year outnumbers total illegal border crossers from four previous fiscal years combined.

Radio host and commentator Larry Elder, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy have announced their 2024 ambitions as well. The Morning Consult poll put Haley and Ramaswamy both at 4% support. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., announced he is running on Monday.

The first GOP caucus is in Iowa on Jan. 22, 2024, while the first GOP primary is Jan. 30 of the same year in New Hampshire. The first group of states holding their presidential primary votes is in March of next year.

States push back against Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in universities

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – A coalition of education experts, governors and lawmakers are pushing back against the “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” policies that have become the norm in public colleges and universities around the country. Several states have legislative efforts underway to require intellectual diversity, and professors tell The Center Square they welcome the change.

Texas is the latest state to take on DEI, a broad category that employs teams of administrators to enforce equity and racial policies at the educational institution.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation this week that would stop taxpayer funding for DEI programs at public colleges and universities.

Critics say these DEI programs have become taxpayer-funded “indoctrination” into ideas pushed by one political party.

Scott Turner, who works with the National Association of Scholars, told The Center Square that “the DEI problem is ultimately political in nature, so the responses must themselves be political.”

“This is sticking in the craw of many academics, who see these initiatives as threats to academic freedom, whereas we see them as restoring the necessary conditions for academic freedom,” added Dr. Turner, who is a professor emeritus of Biology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Ohio’s state Senate passed Senate Bill 83 with a 21-to-10 vote

earlier this month that would, among other things, ban most mandatory diversity training at state-funded colleges and universities.

These efforts have been met with pushback. Ohio State’s Board of Trustees released a statement publicly opposing the legislation.

“We acknowledge the issues raised by this proposal but believe there are alternative solutions that will not undermine the shared governance model of universities, risk weakened academic rigor, or impose extensive and expensive new reporting mandates,” the statement said. “Trustees will seek to continue to engage with the members of the legislature to address the fundamental flaws in this current version that diminish Ohio State’s ability to fulfill its educational and research missions and negatively impact the state’s economic future.”

Florida governor and nowpresidential candidate Ron DeSantis signed legislation earlier this month that bans state taxpayer funding for DEI programs at the state’s public colleges and universities. Gov. DeSantis also signed legislation that would ban those institutions from using DEI statements in hiring and admissions decisions, forbidding what critics say has become an ideological litmus test for new hires and students.

Gov. DeSantis said the bills he signed “reorient our universities back to our traditional mission.”

“And part of that traditional mission is to treat people as individuals, not to try to divvy them up based on any type of superficial characteristics,” he said. “We are going to elevate

$6 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma ‘disappointing’ says AG Bonta

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

merit and achievement above identification with some groups, and in order to do that we had to look at this relatively new concept called [DEI].”

Gov. DeSantis argued there should be intellectual diversity on campuses but that DEI enforces “orthodoxy” of belief.

“But this has basically been used as a veneer to impose an ideological agenda, and that is wrong” he added. “And in fact, if you look at the way this has actually been implemented around the country, DEI is better viewed as standing for ‘Discrimination, Exclusion, and Indoctrination,’ and that has no place in our public institutions.”

About three dozen bills of this kind have been introduced in roughly 20 states around the nation.

“The push to force higher education institutions to admit students, hire faculty, and require courses based on race, sex, or other determinants is not a movement in the right direction,” Hillsdale College Economic Professor Gary Wolfram told The Center Square. “Identifying people other than on the basis of, as Martin Luther King said, ‘the content of their character,’ is likely to divide us rather than unite us.”

Mr. Wolfram argued there are other ways to encourage diversity in education.

“Scholarship aid based upon financial circumstances as well as educational potential can be a method where a college or university can create a mixture of students that leads to an improvement in our society and so-called ‘diversity’ without encouraging discrimination,” he said.

(The Center Square) - On Tuesday, a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit gave the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, full immunity from civil suits but ordered Purdue Pharma to pay $6 billion to settle the matter.

Purdue Pharma, makers of Oxycontin, released the opioid in 1996 and aggressively marketed the drug as a treatment for pain without revealing its addictive potential. Following thousands of lawsuits, Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019.

“Today’s court decision allows nearly $500 million of Purdue Pharma’s ill-gotten gains to be brought back to California, to heal our communities and provide real relief to countless suffering families. However, disappointingly, the decision does not require Purdue to lift the Sacklers’ liability shield from private claims. The victims of this crisis deserve justice and they should have the option to take Purdue to court for it,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta commented. The settlement requires $1.175 billion to be paid by the Sackler family over the next 16 years, to a Supplemental Opioid Abatement Fund to provide support and services to survivors and victims of opioid addiction and programs that address opioid addiction.

California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, the non-consenting states and New Hampshire, a supporter of the suit, are the beneficiaries.

‘A wonderful representation of the multi use path’s purpose’

The money received by the states will partially fund the Master Disbursement Trust. California will receive $112,236,111 of which $21,222,222 will go to the Abatement Fund.

The Sackler family will pay an additional $175 million in incremental cash under the Shareholder Settlement Agreement to the Master Disbursement Trust.

“The aggregate payments .. would total $5.5 to $6.0 billion, … $5.5 billion is approximately 97% of the total amount of all non-tax cash distributions that Purdue made to the Sacklers since January 1, 2008, nearly 12 years prior to the Petition Date,” the settlement states.

“There are also material nonfinancial terms. The Sackler Mediation Parties have agreed to allow any institution or organization in the United States to remove the Sackler name from physical facilities and academic, medical, and cultural programs, scholarships, endowments, and the like.”

Additionally Purdue Pharma will provide to the Public Document Repository additional privileged materials, including additional material related to lobbying, public relations, compliance and documents regarding recommendations from McKinsey & Company, Razorfish, and Publicis related to

the sale and marketing of opioids. This is expected to help “guide legislators and regulators” in the future.

The Court set aside substantial time during the hearing to give a voice to personal injury victims including those who have lost loved ones, requiring members of the Sackler families to listen.

The Sackler family issued a statement saying:

“The Sackler families are pleased to have reached a settlement with additional states that will allow very substantial additional resources to reach people and communities in need. The families have consistently affirmed that settlement is by far the best way to help solve a serious and complex public health crisis. While the families have acted lawfully in all respects, they sincerely regret that OxyContin, a prescription medicine that continues to help people suffering from chronic pain, unexpectedly became part of an opioid crisis that has brought grief and loss to far too many families and communities.”

In a release by the Department of Justice, Mr. Bonta said, “The opioid crisis has left a trail of pain, grief and destruction across the nation that will leave its mark on generations to come. Its ringleaders — Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family — bear responsibility for causing much of this grief.”

Participants in the

RIDE

Continued from Page A1

regional connections that are developing a complete bike route across the county.

Lauren Bianchi Klemann, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Public Information Office, shared that it was “a perfect ending to a successful month, provided an insightful opportunity for decision-makers to see the impressive accomplishments made in transportation improvements which are actively weaving together communities, raising safety standards, and ultimately creating a better and happier quality of life for all.”

CWASB Chapter Organizer, John Seigel Boettner, showcased the organization’s trishaws, a pedal-powered sidecar, and shared information about the community organization’s work in the Central Coast.

The trishaws were ridden by Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse as well as Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte.

Elizabeth Wright celebrated her 95th birthday at the bike riding event by participating along with other seniors from Heritage House, riders with visual impairment, and adaptive riders who all got to experience the joys of being out on a bike or trishaw.

Additionally, BCycle provided BCycle

electric bikeshare bikes for other Santa Barbara County elected officials and staff on the ride.

Jessica Grant, Supervising Transportation Planner with the City of Santa Barbara, thought the Mayor’s Ride was a “wonderful representation of the multi use path’s purpose.”

According to Ms. Bianchi Klemann, the City of Santa Barbara has received $94 million to date toward active transportation projects and on-going planning efforts. Updates and results from CycleMAYnia will be available for the public in a few weeks. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Mayor’s Ride progress down the bicycle path along Las Positas Road in Santa Barbara on Wednesday.

Life theArts

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

CALENDAR

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

TODAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its permanent mineral exhibit of rocks and crystals that is on view in the small hall off the museum’s central courtyard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which opened April 22, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature. org/minerals.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The James Castle exhibit is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, see sbma.net.

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.

JUNE 3

Special canine training

Guide Dogs for the Blind goes through special exercises at Santa Barbara Airport

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. The McGuire/Moffet Band and Cadillac Angels will perform at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara. For more information, visit www. coldspringtavern.com.

4 to 7 p.m. Zoo Brew, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s annual fundraiser that caters to beer and animal lovers alike, will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. with a VIP hour from 3 to 4 p.m. The zoo is at 500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara. General admission tickets are $75 per person and include unlimited beer tastings and one Zoo Brew 2023 commemorative tasting cup, and VIP tickets are $110. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. For more information, call 805-962-5339.

JUNE 4

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan will perform their mix of guitar and harmonica blues, rags and good-time music at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara. For more information, visit www. coldspringtavern.com.

By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Dogs and their trainers from Guide Dogs for the Blind were hosted by the Santa Barbara Airport recently as they went through training.

GDB, Transportation Security Administration, airport staff and the six puppies in training met in the main terminal to walk through the different processes involved in helping a blind or visually impaired person get through an airport with ease. People passing by made sure to get pictures as

the trainers proudly showed off the dogs they had worked hard to train over the last several months.

“It’s been great, she’s an awesome dog. Wonderful house manners, easy to train,” said Karen Nollau about Amethyst, her golden retriever in training. “She just doesn’t

know how to handle herself in a party environment. But she’s learning,” Mrs. Nollau said with a laugh, pointing out the hectic terminal.

The dogs went around the airport and were introduced to the different situations potentially required of them to get around the mayhem.

They first walked through a TSA security line (no ID or ticket necessary for the canines), then went outside on one of the airport’s porches to introduce them to the sound of a nearby plane. They also went through baggage claim

Please see TRAINING on B2

5:30 to 8 p.m. The WineStock music series starts with The Double Wide Kings playing at Fess Parker Winery, 6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos. Other performers in the series include Tearaways from 4 to 7 p.m. July 23, Bryan Titus Trio from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 and Harmony All Stars from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 10. Tickets for each concert cost $20 per person and $15 for wine club members. To purchase, go to fessparkerwineshop.com/Tickets/ WineStock-2023.

JUNE 9 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Pearl Chase Society’s Kellam de Forest Speaker Series will continue at the Carrillo Recreation Center. 100 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara.

This is the third installment in the series. Author and editor Douglas Woods will discuss the transformation of Santa Barbara’s architecture following the great earthquake of 1925 to a model Spanish Revival-style city. For more information or to make a reservation, call 805-403-7053.

JUNE 10

7 p.m. A concert will feature South of Linden, The Vonettes, Ron Solorzano of Mestizo and The Youngsters at Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. Cost is $15 for general admission. You can buy two tickets for $25 at https://www.thealcazar.org/ calendar/11838-south-of-lindenfirends.

JUNE 15

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony and vocalist Tony DeSare will perform Frank Sinatra’s hits at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets for “An Evening with Sinatra” can be purchased at granadasb.org.

— Dave Mason

Managing

At left, puppies are trained at the Santa Barbara Airport by Guide Dogs for the Blind. At right, negotiating stairs is part of the training.

A puppy goes through the baggage claim at the Santa Barbara Airport during Guide Dogs for the Blind training.

At left, one of the puppies being trained by Guide Dogs for the Blind gets acclimated to the environment at the Santa Barbara Airport. At right, a puppy goes through training at the airport.

Organic Harvest Moon potato

The freshly dug new potatoes have arrived, with several local farmers bringing their spuds to market. This variety, in my opinion, is one of the tastiest I’ve ever experienced. It’s grown by Jacob Grant of Roots Farm of Los Olivos. Harvest Moon potatoes have a deep purple skin with a distinctly yellow flesh. They’re nutty, a little sweet and full of flavor. There really is no need for salt or butter when they’re cooked, although feel free to add if desired.

Roast and serve these potatoes with roasted chicken, pan fry them, or boil and mash. This week I used them to prepare a Harvest Moon and Carrot Salad as the Fix of the Week, below.

They’re available at the Saturday Santa Barbara, Tuesday Santa Barbara, and Wednesday Solvang farmers markets. Price is $4 per pound.

Patty pan squash

This saucer-shaped squash can be found in an array of colors, with the yellow specimens being the most common. This squat summer squash has scalloped-like ridges and delivers a slightly sweet and grassy flavor.

It’s ideal for grilling, and I like to cook the very small

“baby” patty pan squash on skewers. They can also be sliced in half and sauteed or used as a zucchini substitute in many cases. Slice this squash and use it as a pizza topper or hollow out the larger patty pan squash and stuff. You can expect to find patty pan squash from several local growers at most weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets. Price averages $3 per pound.

White peach

The aroma of this seasonal favorite will draw you in as you walk down the aisles of the farmers’ markets this time of year. Sweet and juicy, white peaches deliver a nice mild “peachy” flavor throughout. They’re ideal to eat as they come, or you can enjoy them in a host of cold and cooked preparations.

White peaches can be quite delicate and more susceptible to bruising than the yellow varieties so they’re best when ripened on the countertop, then consumed as soon as they’re ready.

White peaches are an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as a good source of vitamins E and K, magnesium, copper, zinc, folate and dietary fiber. You can find freshly harvested white peaches at all weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets from several growers. Price averages $4 per pound.

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

FARMERS MARKET

Sam Edelman

Fix of the Week

TRAINING

and strolled through a checked baggage line.

“Our mission is to provide a passenger experience for all passengers that is the easiest, safest and most comfortable while traveling,” Airport Marketing Supervisor Angi Daus told the News-Press.

The first potato dig of the season is under way, with a wave of freshly harvested spuds making their way to market this past week.

The bright green tops of the potato plants are currently thriving in the warm spring conditions, with an expansive network of potatoes developing below the soil. Freshly dug and brought to market, these “new” potatoes are as delicious as they come, notably sweet since their natural sugars have yet to complete their transition to starch.

There were about a dozen varieties of freshly dug potatoes at the farmers market this past weekend, with Los Olivos farmer Jacob Grant of Roots Farm with the greatest diversity. All yielding varying textures, flavors, shapes, sizes and colors, a few of the highlights included the Purple Majesty, Yellow Fingerling, Harvest Moon and German Butterball. There has been an increasing demand for these more specialty varieties from both local shoppers, specialty grocers and chefs, which has led to some innovative ways to incorporate unique varieties into our meals.

Potatoes can be quite a nutritious addition to your diet, which tends to be a surprise to most. Fresh potatoes deliver a great supply of beneficial complex carbohydrates, as well as some protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B6 and C, copper, and manganese. The potato skin possesses an added fiber bonus, so

unless you can’t stand the texture difference, with the skin is the way to go.

Potatoes are, obviously, one of the most versatile vegetables around, pairing well with breakfast, lunch, and dinner creations. This week

I used the very flavorful Harvest Moon potatoes in a homemade roasted potato-carrot salad. The purple skins and golden yellow flesh make for a nice presentation.

ROASTED HARVEST MOON AND CARROT SALAD

1 pound Harvest Moon Potatoes, rinsed and dried (or any variety you prefer).

3 medium carrots, peeled and diced.

Olive oil.

Salt and Pepper.

¼ cup Greek yogurt.

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.

2 celery ribs, finely chopped.

¼ cup finely chopped parsley.

2 green onions, cut into thin rounds.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and place a mixing bowl with carrots. Toss in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for about 35 minutes, or until fork tender.

Let cool to room temperature and place in a mixing bowl. Toss roasted vegetables with remaining ingredients until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Yield: Serves 4 sides.

“Regardless of whatever their capabilities might be.

“The actual experience of going through TSA and hearing planes, that’s a very unique situation that our dogs can’t really experience otherwise,” said Alex Gregory, a field manager for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The volunteer work by the puppy raisers has made many of them attached to the dogs,

which they will inevitably have to give back to the organization. An emotionally difficult step of the process, but one that Mrs. Nollau assures is well worth it. “Once you’ve had the privilege of turning a leash over to a blind or vision-impaired person and seeing what that means to them, it becomes a lot easier.”

email: lhibbert@newspress.com

Thought for Today

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Thursday, June 1, 2023

ARIES — Disturbing dreams or unsettling moods could arise today, causing you to wonder if something is wrong or something bad is going to happen. Let it go, Aries. If anything goes wrong, it isn’t likely to be anything major. A recent event may have triggered old impressions that are causing these feelings.

TAURUS — Disconcerting developments in the lives of family members could cause some stress at home. There could be some problems with the structure of the house itself. Perhaps the plumbing or electricity needs attention. If a family member is upset, Taurus, keep the lines of communication open.

GEMINI — Don’t be surprised if many visitors come to your door today. A relative or coworker could be in a black mood, which could spill over to you, as you’re feeling more intuitive than usual. Realize that this isn’t coming from you, Gemini, and let it go! Misinformation could come your way by phone, email, or mail.

CANCER — Low biorhythms could have you feeling a little depressed. You may tend to doubt your goals and abilities. Don’t let this send you into a fit of gloom, Cancer. All is better than it seems. Realize that today you’re likely to blow every little setback out of proportion. Give everything you try your very best effort. Go out tonight and have a good time!

LEO — Communication with friends or family may not come easily today, Leo. An unusual level of inhibition could keep you from reaching out to others. You might try to shake this off by working too hard, even if you aren’t sure exactly what you want to do. This is a good day to read, study, or work on projects in solitude.

VIRGO — Your intuition is likely to be operating at a very high level today, Virgo. This isn’t a good day to be around sick or depressed people. You will probably pick up their gloom and it could possibly spoil your day. This is a good day to finish old projects that you may have postponed.

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, June 1, 2023

“My results playing with Joe are improving,” Ed, the club expert, told me.

“He’s ceased his mad pursuit of overtricks?”

“He’s as bad as ever,” Ed sighed, “but lately when he loses a cold game, we haven’t been vulnerable.”

Joe Overberry thinks it’s nobler to go down trying for overtricks than to make his bid. He was declarer at today’s 3NT, and West led the queen of spades.

“Joe won with the ace,” Ed said, “and took his ace and queen of clubs. West followed with the eight and ten, dummy with the deuce and three.”

50 POINTS

“Joe then led a spade to dummy’s king and tried the king of clubs, but when West threw a diamond, Joe took only eight tricks. He said that if clubs had split 3-3, he would have made an overtrick. At least we lost only 50 points.”

Joe should have been plus 400. When West’s 10-8 of clubs appear, Joe can overtake his queen with dummy’s king, then lead the nine to force out East’s jack. The king of spades is an entry to the seven and three of clubs. DAILY QUESTION

You hold: Q

LIBRA — Fear about your financial security could plague you today, Libra. Dissatisfaction with some of work you’ve been doing and delays in reaching some of your goals might have you wondering what you could do better. Doubts about a friend’s motives might cause you to waver in your trust of that person.

SCORPIO — Have you been wondering if you’re in the right profession? Disillusionment with your field could have you feeling mildly ill from stress and considering a total career change. Perhaps this is the right course of action to take, but perhaps not. Look into the options available and see how you feel about them, Scorpio, but wait a few days before making any final decisions.

SAGITTARIUS — Unsettling news from far away could have you somewhat upset and a little depressed. The temptation to withdraw and brood might seem too strong to resist, but this may not be the best course of action. Getting things done is likely to be the best therapy in emotional situations like this, Sagittarius.

CAPRICORN — A friend might be ill, causing you considerable worry. One of the goals you’ve been trying to reach could be delayed in some way, causing frustration. Your financial situation could also be on your mind. You could be worrying needlessly, Capricorn. The situation is cloudy and may not be as unsettling as it seems. You may have received some misinformation.

AQUARIUS — Relations with colleagues could be a bit strained due to increased job stress. If you’ve been thinking of entering a business or romantic partnership, this isn’t the day to decide. Your mind may be a bit muddled. Misunderstandings or misinformation could cause you to doubt the wisdom of the partnership.

PISCES — Today you might feel a little under the weather due to physical and emotional stress over the past few days. Take it easy today if you can. This isn’t the day to be too busy or start new projects. Miscommunication could cause an upset or two, Pisces, so try to maintain your cool. Don’t make mountains out of molehills.

SUDOKU

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 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

your left, opens two hearts (weak).

Your partner doubles, and the next player bids three hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: To double and perhaps oblige you to act at the three level, partner will have a hand worth 15 points or more, often with help for all the unbid suits. Bid four spades. You will be a favorite if he has

9 6 2, 9 3,

8 4, A Q 5 4. You would bid three spades to compete with a weaker hand.

— Martin Luther King, Jr.