Santa Barbara News-Press: July 06, 2023

Ducking questions

White House press secretary refers inquiries about cocaine discovery to Secret Service - A3

‘Out of this World’

Sunken Garden film series starts Friday, and this time, it’s all about the aliens and their friends - B1

Opposed to State Street closure

Inflation continues to tick upward

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) –

Recently released inflation data shows prices continue to rise in the U.S.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its monthly Personal Consumption Expenditure Index, a favorite marker of the Federal Reserve to track inflation, which showed prices rose 0.3% in May when excluding food and energy. When taking into account food and energy prices, prices rose 0.1%.

“Disposable personal income (DPI), personal income less personal current taxes, increased $86.7 billion (0.4 percent) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $18.9 billion (0.1 percent),” BEA said. The increase is less than previous months during the Biden administration, when inflation soared to the highest levels in decades. Republicans have hammered President Joe Biden for his role in inflation.

“We would not be in this inflation crisis if not for Democrats’ big spending bills that fueled the labor shortage and gave billions in special interest tax breaks to the wealthy and well-connected, billion-dollar corporations, and big banks,” House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., said in response to the PCE data.

President Biden, though, has touted his economic successes, pointing to relatively low unemployment, the recovery from COVID shutdown-related

Scott

Editor’s note: This is the second of a three-part series on parklets and the closure of lower State Street in Santa Barbara.

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS COUNTY EDITOR

At least two dozen speakers appeared before the Santa Barbara City Council last week to voice their opinions about whether part of lower State Street should continue to be closed to traffic past Dec. 31 so that the outdoor dining parklets could remain on the downtown promenade.

The speakers were divided.

Some voiced strong enthusiasm for keeping the status quo so they and others could continue to eat and shop and just walk around the promenade without having to dodge traffic. Others opposed the idea, citing a drop in retail sales, staff reductions in stores, and increased storefront vacancies.

One voice, however, was conspicuously absent, that of Scott Wenz, president of Cars Are Basic Inc., an all-volunteer advocacy group for motorists.

One would think it would have been the perfect opportunity for him to take advantage of the public spotlight and argue passionately on behalf of a driver’s right to cruise down State Street, maybe not even to shop or dine but simply to take a gander at the historic architecture along both sides of the city’s main artery. But he didn’t show up.

“To what benefit would it have been for CAB to have waited in the gallery, listen to what the staff and council have already stated is their position?” he said Sunday in response to a News-Press query.

“We have submitted letters (before) based upon fact and never been given the courtesy of a ‘thank you for your input and public works data.’

“You will see that CAB has shown repeatedly before council. Commented on failed bike, street narrowing, and closing projects.

Not once has the council or any member of the council used their prerogative to open their mic, asked us specific questions as to

economic troubles, and the slowing of inflation in recent months.

“When I took office, unemployment was over 6 percent,” President Biden said during a speech in Chicago last week where he touted “Bidenomics,” his rebuttal to trickle down economics.

“With the American Rescue Plan, we’ve provided relief and support directly to working-class families. Our economy came roaring back. Unemployment dipped below 4 percent by the end of my first year in office. Now it’s been below 4 percent for the longest stretch in 50 years in American history.”

While inflation’s increase has slowed, prices are still much higher than when President Biden took office.

“From the preceding month, the PCE price index for May increased 0.1 percent…” BEA said. “Prices for goods decreased 0.1 percent and prices for services increased 0.3 percent. Food prices increased 0.1 percent and energy prices decreased 3.9 percent.”

And price increases in the last year are still far higher than what economists consider healthy for the economy.

“From the same month one year ago, the PCE price index for May increased 3.8 percent,” BEA said. “Prices for goods increased 1.1 percent and prices for services increased 5.3 percent. Food prices increased 5.8 percent and energy prices decreased 13.4 percent.

Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 4.6 percent from one year ago.”

Awards announced for Solvang parade

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

It’s not every day the owner of Solvang Skate Shop jumps over Mayor Mark Infanti. But that stunt happened Tuesday

1964 Cadillac de Ville.

Best Automobile: Restored: Paula Albrect’s 1961 Patriotic Corvette.

Best Automobile: Antique:

Please see PARADE on

Speakers at Santa Barbara City Council meetings have been divided on whether the city should continue to keep lower State Street closed

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Police responds to fireworks calls

LOMPOC — The Lompoc Police Department responded to 624 calls for service and 81 officer-initiated actions from June 30 to July 5. Of the 624 calls, 100 were related to fireworks.

One administrative citation was issued for illegal fireworks.

The following is a summary of activity from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on July 4/5.

97: Events created.

40+: Fireworks calls.

11: “Dumpster fires.”

10: Police reports.

5: Arrests

3: “Backyard fires” (residential trees or fences).

1: Arson.

The police department wants to remind residents that the Safe and Sane fireworks authorized usage time is over.

And the department would like to thank the community for helping to have a safe Independence Day.

— Neil Hartstein

Collision in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA – Police responded Tuesday at about 5:30 a.m. to a reported traffic collision at Donovan and Pepperwood.

Officers located a vehicle with significant damage which was occupied by a juvenile passenger with injuries.The juvenile was transported to a local hospital and listed in critical condition.

SMPD Officers are requesting anyone with information on this collision or who have a camera facing the intersection of Donovan and Pepperwood to call Officer D. Rhoads at 805-928-3781, ext.1355.

— Neil Hartstein

Ramps closed today, Friday

VENTURA — Caltrans plans daytime ramp closures on northbound Highway 101 near Ventura today and Friday for pavement work.

Signs will be posted.

Motorists can expect delays.

The northbound Highway 101 Seacliff off ramp will be closed both days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All work is subject to change due to weather or constructionrelated issues. Residents and businesses located near the freeway may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated with construction activities.

Caltrans reminds drivers to “Be Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

— Neil Hartstein

Foot stamp errors hit nearly 12%

By SCOTT McCALLEN

THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF WRITER

(The Center Square) For the first time since the COVID pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the fiscal year 2022 national payment error rate for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The PER measures how accurately SNAP agencies determine benefit amounts and eligibility. A payment error means the agency either underpaid or overpaid the recipient, which can result from an error by the agency or a recipient or fraud.

At 11.54%, the national average PER reflects a 4.18 percentage point increase over fiscal year 2019, the last time the USDA calculated the rate for the food program serving more than 41 million people, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The increase follows many states activating SNAP emergency allotments in fiscal year 2022, allowing all households to receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size. These payment error rates are not synonymous with fraud but are a major performance

Please see ERROR on A4

‘Two-spirit’ communities awarded $5.7 million to combat opioid addiction

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — In Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2023-24 budget, $1 billion was set aside for a “Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis.”

The Department of Health Care Services plays an integral role in administering aspects of the master plan to bring the fentanyl crisis under control, by reinvesting in prevention, harm reduction, and treatment and recovery, through its Medication-assisted Treatment Expansion Project.

Gov. Newsom announced on Monday the awarding of $5.7 million to 25 Two-Spirit/LGBTQ+ entities under the MAT Expansion Project, which falls under the scope of the master plan. “Two Spirit” is a native American concept used to describe an individual who displays characteristics different to their biological sex.

“Awardees will support 2S/ LGBTQ+ organizations’ outreach and education activities for opioid use and stimulant use disorders, while creating tangible links to services and treatment providers within their communities,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass.

“These organizations are focused on the 2S/LGBTQ+ community, striving for health equity through culturally and linguistically appropriate

prevention and education projects.”

MAT supports 12 Indian Health Programs among its 30 grant programs.

On June 1, MAT awarded $7.4 million for Mobile Crisis Care “to support tribal entities in expanding access to behavioral health crisis and non-crisis care.”

The Tribal Local Opioid Coalition was awarded $1.2 million under MAT to support 11 organizations on June 13.

Drug addiction and opioid use is reportedly higher nationwide among lesbian, gay and bisexual adults, according to the governor’s office.

Grants for the awarded entities

fund a maximum of up to $250,000 per awarded party for the 12-month contract period from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 “to increase access to Medication Assisted Treatment, reduce unmet treatment needs, and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths.”

Counseling, behavioral therapies in combination with medications, and culturally appropriate services will be used in the treatment of drug addiction to help Two-Spirit/LGBTQ+ communities sustain recovery.

MAT has also awarded grants to 25 LBGTQ+ community-based service providers for opioid and stimulant use prevention and recovery, and funded low-barrier opioid treatment at Syringe Service Programs

“Education and outreach are critical tools in our arsenal – to prevent tragedy, to connect people with treatment, and to fight the life-threatening stigma that stops too many people from getting help. The best way forward is together – leaving no one alone in this battle,” Gov. Newsom said. DHCS is investing more than $558 million in various opioid prevention and treatment grant activities.

“California has an all-handson-deck strategy for tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis impacting every community across our state and country,” the governor said.

A musical Fourth

The Prime Time Band of Santa Barbara performs for a large crowd Tuesday at the Sunken Garden at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The ensemble, which consists of musicians 40 and older, played a patriotic program featuring Fourth of July favorites. The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation hosted the Santa Barbara program, which also featured the Vandenberg Space Force Base Honor Guard and Polynesian dancers from Hula Anyone.

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COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gavin Newsom

CHRISTOPHER DAVIS PHOTOS

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre

Biden’s press secretary ducks questions on cocaine

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — White House Press Secretary Karine

Jean-Pierre largely referred questions Wednesday about cocaine found in the White House over the weekend to the U.S. Secret Service, which is investigating the matter.

Jean-Pierre was asked repeatedly about the cocaine during a news briefing, including where in the West Wing the illegal drug was found.

She said the cocaine was discovered in a heavily-traveled area where many West Wing visitors come through.

“I just don’t have anything more to share,” she said. “It is under investigation by the Secret Service. This is in their purview.”

The Secret Service confirmed Wednesday that the white powder found in the West Wing on Sunday was cocaine.

The Secret Service continues to investigate how the illegal drug got there.

The cocaine was found during a routine search, according to a spokesperson.

The White House was temporarily closed on Sunday evening after agents discovered

the white powder inside a work area. The building was temporarily closed to allow law enforcement to investigate.

President Joe Biden was not at the White House at the time. He left with his wife for Camp David, the President’s country residence in Maryland, on Friday.

President Biden is confident the Secret Service will “get to the bottom of this,” she said.

Confidence in U.S. government plummets

By CASEY HARPER

THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — The percentage of Americans who have confidence in the U.S. government has plummeted in recent years, a new poll shows.

Gallup released the poll that found that only 31% of surveyed Americans say they have confidence in the U.S. government. That is down from 46% who said the same in 2020.

“This is on par with the lowest rates of confidence measured in the U.S. government since Gallup started tracking it globally in 2006 – with the other lows measured in 2013, 2016 and 2018 under former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump,” Gallup wrote.

The poll also evaluated other G7 countries, which includes Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom.

“Declining domestic confidence

in the U.S. government has occurred alongside declining approval ratings on the world stage,” Gallup wrote. “Median global approval of U.S. leadership slipped to 41% in 2022, down from 45% in 2021 during Biden’s first year in office.”

Of all the G7 nations, the U.S. has the lowest level of faith in its government among the population.

The U.K. is second lowest at 33%, and Germany is the highest at 61%. The concerns among Americans come alongside a marked increase in federal debt spending, the controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadly and chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, and a significant increase in inflation.

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

DHS continues to build border wall

By CAMERON ARCAND

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — The Department of Homeland Security is building 20 more miles of the wall in Texas, as well as embarking on other “Fence Replacement Projects” in Arizona and California.

While United States Customs and Border Protection is continuing border wall construction in the Rio Grande Valley, the agency indicated that it was the result of Trump-era funding from Congress in 2019.

“The Administration continues to call on Congress to cancel or reappropriate remaining border barrier funding and instead fund smarter border security measures, like border technology and modernization of land ports of entry, that are proven to be more effective at improving safety and security at the border,” Customs and Border Patrol said in a press release last Friday. “Until and unless Congress cancels these funds, the law requires DHS to use the funds consistent with their

appropriated purpose.”

In addition, the Yuma Andrade and El Centro Calexico Fence Replacement Projects got the green light from the agency in order to fix barricades that already exist at the southern border, the press release explained.

Although President Biden and other leadership have publicly criticized the concept of a border wall, they have done some underthe-radar continuation in order to fill gaps in vulnerable locations such as Yuma, The Center Square reported in July 2022.

Border crossings have overwhelmed officials in the southwest since the crisis started in early 2021, with more than 1.4 million migrant encounters in Fiscal Year 2023 alone, according to the agency’s data. The Rio Grande Valley sector, where the “18-foot steel bollard fence panels” will be, has had more than 205,000 migrant encounters this fiscal year, and the sector’s river has proved to be a major challenge for federal and state law enforcement.

COURTESY PHOTO President Joe Biden

CAB president continues effort to reopen State Street

STATE STREET

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our objections and then turned to staff to justify their positions based upon fact.

“When staff cannot defend their projects based upon fact and are hired guns for a specific political point of view, it becomes an exercise in futility.”

Mr. Wenz, as CAB president, nevertheless tried again last week, filing a letter of objection and position regarding staff’s recommendation to continue the closure of State Street and presence of parklets on the promenade.

Sarah Gorman, city clerk services manager, confirmed that his letter was, in fact, delivered to the Santa Barbara City Council.

“As you will notice, (it) was never commented on by either staff or council,” Mr. Wenz said.

So what did the letter say?

Dated June 27, the same day as the council vote, and addressed to Mayor Randy Rowse and the council, Mr. Wenz blasted the idea of keeping much of lower State Street closed to traffic and permitting the parklets to stay beyond Dec. 31.

“Once again a bad proposal is before the Santa Barbara Council,” he said.

“The CAB Board is unanimously opposed to the continued closing of State Street and parklets that interfere with both traffic flow and street parking in support of needed private enterprise. It is part of a failed transportation policy, and a decades-old failed process.”

He called the closing of State Street

a “Palace Coup,” a decision made with little or no public discussion, and claimed that one former city official gave a vague reason as to why it was necessary by saying it was to “save” businesses on State Street.

“Note that the answer was not to save retail, restaurants and street vendors,” he said.

Despite his recollection, council members have made it clear why they voted in May 2020 to enact the Economic Recovery Extension and Transition Ordinance that closed State Street to traffic between the 500 and 1200 blocks and allowed the parklets to be there.

Their stated goal was to help Santa Barbara restaurants survive the COVID-19 pandemic during a time when indoor dining was restricted and people had to stay at home or wear masks when venturing out for food, supplies and essential services.

Whatever the reason, the move was a failure, Mr. Wenz said in his June 27 letter to council.

“After two years and massive closing of retail businesses on State Street, and the continued closing of food establishments on the brink, it was clear this policy has failed in its intent,” he said. “With COVID restrictions dropped, there was no justification for continued closing of State Street based upon a ‘pandemic’ of questionable rules and regulations.”

He called statements (allegedly) made by more than one council member that transportation is changing and the street grid has to change with it a case of “blatant political misdirection.”

“Any member of Staff, City Administrator’s office or Council that

Official defends SNAP’s record

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metric as part of SNAP’s Quality Control System.

Stacy Dean — the USDA deputy undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services — said SNAP “played a critical role throughout the pandemic, helping millions of Americans access food and preventing hunger from skyrocketing across the country.”

Ms. Dean said SNAP helped those out of work in the spring of 2020, but placed an “incredible strain” on program administration.

“The first state-by-state set of payment error rates coming out of the pandemic reflects the challenging circumstances under which the state agencies were operating, and from which many are continuing to recover,” Ms. Dean said in a statement.

The overwhelming majority of errors are unintentional and many of the mistakes have stemmed from the significant increase in first-time SNAP recipients and general confusion relating to SNAP rules and application changes during the pandemic, Ms. Dean said. “USDA is committed to supporting states in improving

payment accuracy in SNAP to ensure the program effectively and efficiently serves those who need it and promotes good stewardship of taxpayer dollars,”

Ms. Dean continued. “We are doubling down to work with state partners to find ways to decrease payment errors and tackle the issues aggressively at their root cause. Together, we will continue to move toward a stronger, efficient, more modern future for SNAP and those it serves.”

In spring 2020, Congress allowed states to skip quality control reviews, which resulted in the USDA being unable to publish the annual national and state payment error rates for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. In fiscal year 2022, states resumed reporting error rates to the USDA, allowing for the reinstatement of the annual publication.

Fiscal year 2022 data indicate that together, states had an average overpayment error rate of 9.84% and an underpayment error rate of 1.7%.

Alaska reported a 56% PER rate, while Maryland reported a 35% PER.

The PER reported reflect the payment accuracy of the regular SNAP benefit, but in fiscal year 2022, 45 states were providing emergency allotments.

Report tracks debt in territories

By BRETT ROWLAND

THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF WRITER

(The Center Square) — The five permanently inhabited U.S. territories must address concerns about debt, financial accountability and economic growth, according to a new report.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office found the five U.S. territories — Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa — face financial challenges after the COVID-19 pandemic on top of existing problems such as high import and energy costs, population loss and limited industry.

“The territories have longstanding financial accountability problems, including the late submission of annual audited financial statements, the inability to achieve unmodified audit opinions on the financial statements, and numerous material weaknesses in

internal control over financial reporting,” according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office report. Puerto Rico’s gross domestic product was $106.5 billion as of June 30, 2021. In March 2022, Puerto Rico finalized its largest debt restructuring plan by issuing $7.4 billion in new bonds replacing $34.3 billion in outstanding bonds (a 78% reduction). The restructuring contained initiatives to change Puerto Rico’s struggling pension system.

“Finalizing the overhaul of electric and power operations and adhering to fiscal and financial management reforms are critical to sustained economic growth,” according to a summary of the report.

Guam’s total public debt outstanding was almost $2.6 billion, or about 43% of its $6.1 billion gross domestic product. Guam’s inflation-adjusted GDP declined by almost 2% annually from fiscal year 2016 to 2021, according to the report.

makes this statement are either woefully ignorant of the truth, or intentionally attempting to change the public’s perception of reality,” he said. “The decades (of) failures in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, Santa Barbara, is proof of this.

“How can anyone view the obvious massive resistance to street narrowing …, closing of main thoroughfares … reversed planning in places like Pasadena, and not see the truth is amazing.

“When significant majorities in neighborhoods repudiate the statement ‘transportation is changing’ and the street grid has to change, it stinks from the top to bottom. “CAB calls on the council to remove all parklets (and) return the streets to efficiency of both travel and parking,” he said.

Mayor Rowse was asked Monday to respond to Mr. Wenz’s letter which he wrote on behalf of Cars Are Basic.

“I don’t always agree with CAB’s points on transit projects,” the mayor told the News-Press. “My favorite examples are the Las Positas roundabout and the multiuse bike path along Veronica Meadows. These projects, like most government projects, can seem disproportionately expensive, which tends to get CAB’s attention in terms of taxpayer representation.

“While we may disagree, I respect Scott’s willingness to express his opinions in a public forum and his vigilance on these transportation projects. What may or may not be concepts based in social engineering are policies I often find some common ground with those who don’t favor these changes.

“Since my days at UCSB, the use of the privately-owned automobile has been in the crosshairs of urban planners,” the mayor said. “Alternate transportation, public transit and endless planning efforts have been the devices of choice to get us to change our habits.

“There has been mixed (to put it politely) success in these efforts, while in the meantime those who touted ‘no growth’ are suddenly favoring dense housing to ostensibly end up with the same result, i.e., the move away from cars. So, this piece of our cultural puzzle remains in play as it has for decades.”

It turns out that when it came to the council’s vote to continue closing the 500 through 1200 blocks of State Street to traffic so the parklets could remain, the mayor and CAB were mostly in alignment.

CAB wanted all of State Street reopened to motorists. Mayor Rowse favored keeping two blocks closed to vehicles — probably the 500 and 600 blocks where parklets are thriving — so the rest of the street could reopen in order to reverse declining retail sales, stop the exodus of retail employees, allow current non-food businesses to remain in business and fill already-vacant storefronts.

The mayor voted no to maintaining the status quo past Dec. 31. He said he understood Mr. Wenz’s frustration and decision not to be there June 27 to address the council publicly and voice his objections.

“Scott speaks frequently in front of Council,” the mayor said. “I will admit that he saw, better than I, that the ship had sailed. I remain disappointed in the logic expressed and the lack of action

by our council. I still hold out hope, but I can certainly see where Scott felt he’d be wasting his time.”

On Wednesday, a week after the council vote, Mr. Wenz continued his attack on the closing of State Street, claiming it resulted in a traffic jam before the Fourth of July waterfront fireworks show.

“Had two issues of narrowed roads and lack of freeways on the Fourth,” he said. “Santa Barbara saw massive congestion along the beach (Cabrillo) because of State Street closing and the collateral roads that are being narrowed with loss of capacity.

“This started hours before the fireworks event. It has always been problematic, but this was far worse than before. A CAB member lives down there and was amazed how bad it was over the years before.”

He added that a CAB friend who lives in the San Jose area reported similar problems up north.

“The area is being infected with the anti-car narrow streets,” Mr. Wenz said. “The freeways were traveling at 25 mph with tens of thousands leaving fireworks events.

“Throw in a true emergency, and you see the problem.”

He pointed to the issue of buses and emergency response.

“Here you have it on a one-day day event that was for enjoyment, and the traffic grid all over the state ground to almost a halt,” Mr. Wenz said.

“Wait until the next 1924 earthquake, and the streets are incapable of meeting the emergency needs.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

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Floyd Keinath’s Ford Model A Coupe.

Best Automobile Antique Group: Santa Maria Model A’s Ford Club.

Best Truck: Tom Davidson’s 1947 Diamond T Truck.

Best Fire Engine: Summerset Farms.

Best Tractor: Linquiti’s 1949 Farmall Cub.

Best Equestrian Group: Santa Maria Elks Lodge 1538.

Best Viking Ship: Vikings of Solvang.

Best Color Guard: American Legion Post No. 160.

Best Road Apple Crew: Santa Ynez 4-H Club.

Best Sport Group: Santa Ynez Valley Union High School football team.

Best Walking Group: Garcia Dance Studio.

Best Dancing Group: Vandenberg Space Force Base Jets Gymnastics.

Most Energetic: Gymnastics North.

Best Group for a Cause: Veggie Rescue.

Best School Group: Santa Ynez Valley Union High School water polo team.

Best Youth Group: Santa Ynez 4-H Club.

Best Audience Participation: Bethania Preschool and Afterschool Program.

Best Candy Thrower: Dave Bemis, President, Rotary Club of Los Olivos. email: dmason@newspress.com

Life theArts

THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2023

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Fxrom “Star Trek” xto “Mars Attacks!,” this summer’s free movie series at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is “Out of This World.”

That’s the theme of UCSB Arts & Lectures’ annual series, which blasts off Friday night at the courthouse’s Sunken Garden with director Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

The series will continue Friday nights through Aug. 25, with a break on Aug. 4 because of Fiesta.

Films screen at 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Barbara courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St., where you can bring non-permeable blankets (nothing plastic, nothing nylon, no tarps) and chairs that are low to the ground and low back. Neither humans nor aliens want their view of the screen blocked.

You can beam down to the Sunken Garden — in costume if you like — and claim your spot on the lawn as early as noon on each Friday.

After “Close Encounters,” the series continues with “Alien” on July 14, “Mars Attacks!” on July 21, “The Fifth Element” on July 28, “Star Trek” on Aug. 11, “Guardians of the Galaxy” on Aug. 18 and “Nope” on Aug. 25.

The movies were chosen by Caitlin O’Hara, director of public lectures and special initiatives at UCSB Arts & Lectures.

“When approaching this year’s theme, I thought of movies that I would love to see,” Ms. O’Hara told the News-Press, answering questions by email.

“

‘The Fifth Element’ was one of those films, and I sort of built the theme around that.

“I had other working lists, but the alien-centric roster came together and felt like the most

fun,” she said. “We try to come up with a theme that has something for everyone, and I hope everyone can find a movie in this year’s lineup that they feel nostalgic for, are excited to see, or are curious about.”

Ms. O’Hara added that the series is a fun community event. “You’ll see people talking with their friends and making new connections.

“Everyone has fun guessing answers to the trivia question that our sponsor, Montecito Bank and Trust, puts together,” she said. She added people also enjoy the music from DJs and other activities before the movie.

Here’s a look at the series, film by film.

JULY 7: “CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND”

Cable worker Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) encounters a strange spacecraft. As he tries to figure the whole thing out (mashed potatoes can help), Roy seeks the help of Jillian Guiller (Melinda Dillion), a single mom who thinks her son has been kidnapped by aliens.

Their investigation leads them to Wyoming, where they discover the importance of five musical notes in the aliens’ communications and might just encounter the aliens.

“ ‘Close Encounters’ garnered something like eight Academy Awards and has such a fun score!” Ms. O’Hara told the News-Press. “I know it will be a fan favorite.”

The 1977 movie’s Oscars included best director for Steven Spielberg and best supporting actress for Ms. Dillion. The iconic score is by John Williams, Mr.

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 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily: The Sistine Chapel Art Exhibition runs through

Spielberg’s preferred composer and conductor.

JULY 14:

“ALIEN”

A spaceship crew has a stowaway: a dangerous alien!

(Scotty, beam us off this ship — oops, wrong movie.)

“I don’t think we have had a scary film like ‘Alien’ before, but it seemed like a nighttime outdoor film screening is just perfect for a little thrill,” Ms. O’Hara said.

“Alien” stars Sigourney Weaver and Tom Skerritt. The 1979 film was directed by Ridley Scott.

JULY 21: “MARS ATTACKS!”

Invaders from outer space come down to Earth to greet the president of the United States, played by — who else? — Jack Nicholson.

The 1979 movie is directed by Tim Burton, with the score by Danny Elfman.

“

‘Mars Attacks!’ is a hilarious satire and a great homage to scifi “B” movies of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s,” Ms. O’Hara said. “I love a Tim Burton/Danny Elfman collab, and what an all-star cast!”

In addition to Mr. Nicholson, the satire stars Glenn Close, Pierce Brosnan and Danny DeVito.

JULY 28:

“THE FIFTH ELEMENT”

Bruce Willis stars as a 23rdcentury cabbie who meets a genetically-engineered alien with the ability to unite Earth’s elements. That could be helpful since a big fireball is on a collision course!

“

‘The Fifth Element’ is a great adventure, not to mention a

Sept. 4 at the Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara. Tickets start at $25 for adults, $18 for children, and $22 for seniors, military and students. Each ticket also includes admission to the mission museum.

To purchase, go to santabarbaramission.org/sistine-chapelomsb or stop at the museum’s gift shop.

Father Joe Schwab is hosting personal tours that delve into the theological and philosophical perspectives of Michelangelo’s art. Groups of 10 or more

can contact Donna Reeves for a private tour at development@sboldmission.org.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its recurring summer exhibit, “Butterflies Alive!”

Featuring a variety of butterflies, this experience allows guests to walk through a garden while nearly 1,000 butterflies flutter freely around them. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays.

PICKS of the WEEK

Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens Area Agency on Aging announces the release of Request For Proposals for services authorized by the Older Californians Act.

Funding Available: $557,806 for 7/1/2023-3/30/2025 and $380,700 for 4/1/2025-3/30/2026 for the following services:

Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource CentersCaregiver Support for people with Dementia/ Alzheimer’s-

Foster Grand Parent Program-

LinkagesCaregiver Respite Care Services-

Senior Companion Program (SCP)-

Senior Volunteer Development and Coordination-

Olallieberries

The fresh berry season is really taking flight, with these delicate tangy-sweet olallieberries starting to hit their prime.

Delivering the color and richness in flavor of a blackberry, but the softer nature of the raspberry, they make for a wonderful treat this time of year. They’re an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron, potassium, calcium, dietary fiber and protein.

You can enjoy these tasty berries right out of the basket as they come. You can also add them to smoothies, or use them to make a homemade preserve or as an ice cream topper. They are also a nice addition to muffins, cakes, and breads, as well as pies, crisps and cobblers.

This week I prepared olallieberry carnitas as the Fix of the Week, elsewhere on this page.

You can find olallieberries at the Saturday Santa Barbara farmers’ markets from Two Peas in a Pod Farm. Price is $6 per basket or three baskets for $15.

White doughnut peach

My kids have been absolutely devouring white doughnut peaches. Possessing a pink blush across its skin and cream-colored flesh, these peaches are a low acid variety so they yield a very sweet flavor and clean finish.

Recognized by their flat saucer shape, they also go by the names “Galaxy” peach and “Saturn” peach.

They are a great general eating fruit or can be added to fruit salads and smoothies. They also pair very well with nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, in a mixed green salad.

You can expect to find these white doughnut peaches at all weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets from several local growers. Price averages $4 per pound.

Sriracha Style Bacon Jerky

This gourmet uncured bacon is a fun farmers market find, yielding notes of sweet, spicy and salty, and, of course, the delicious flavor of bacon. They’re brought to use from the Pork Place of Buellton. You can eat this tasty bacon right out of the bag, or add it to a salad, burger or sandwich. This bacon is also good when crumbled and used to top baked potatoes or potato skins.

This sweet and savory bacon delivers a nice chewy consistency. If spicy is not your preferred flavor profile, Pork Palace has other jerky options to choose from.

This jerky is available at the Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Goleta, Wednesday Solvang and Thursday Carpinteria farmers’ markets. Price is $9 per 2-ounce bag.

FIX of the WEEK

By SAM EDELMAN NEWS-PRESS COLUMNIST

If you have made a trip to the farmers market in the past couple of weeks, you most likely noticed the major seasonal transition occurring in the selection of fresh available produce.

This time of year, it is quite common to encounter fresh bunches of aromatic basil, an abundance of sweet peaches, and one of my favorite seasonal fruits: fresh olallieberries.

Olallieberries, in my opinion, are as good as bush berries get, possessing the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Largest Chandelier Clearance 70% All Chandeliers in Showroom Ready for pickup now.

These tantalizing berries are the product of a loganberry and youngberry cross (the youngberry itself is a cross between raspberry and blackberry). They take on the color and flavor of the more antioxidant rich blackberry but have the more subtle texture with smaller seeds seen in a raspberry. This makes fresh olallieberries ideal for both eating on the spot, or for use in baked goods, preserves and sauces, as well as combining with salads and even meat preparations.

June is the best time to pick up your baskets of fresh olallieberries, as the blast of heat later in the season tends to wipe them out as we head deeper into the core summer months. Farmers markets are one of the few places you will encounter this local treat, as they do not transport well due to their fragile nature.

Arroyo Grande farmer Lori Heal, of Two Peas in a Pod Farm, has been bringing in her delicious olallieberries, along with a selection of fresh raspberries, blueberries, mulberries and blackberries to the farmers markets for decades. If you have yet to experience this unique berry, I highly recommend making them your next farmers market purchase. Be sure to show up early though, as this variety often sells out before markets close.

When selecting your berries at the farmers market, they should possess a deep purple to almost black coloration throughout, free of redness. Berries should be free of external bruising, although this is a very delicate berry so take caution when transporting them from the farmers market home. Once home, they should be placed in a plastic bag and put into the refrigerator with a dry paper towel to help absorb some of the moisture. Refrain from washing them until you are ready to use them.

If you see them starting to turn or want to stock up for the year, they freeze quite well.

This week I incorporated olallieberries into a slow cooker pork carnitas dish.

Using either a pork shoulder or pork butt, this dish is infused with fresh orange juice and onion, also seasoned with ground cumin, chipotle flakes, brown sugar, lime, oregano and seasoned salt. The fresh

berries complement the pork meat quite well.

OLALLIEBERRY INFUSED CARNITAS

3-to-4-pound pork butt or pork shoulder, outer fat cap trimmed.

1 basket olallieberry.

1 cup orange juice.

1 onion, sliced in half and sliced. Juice from 2 limes.

Olive oil.

2 tablespoons ground cumin.

2 tablespoons dried oregano.

1 tablespoon seasoned salt.

1 tablespoon brown sugar.

1 teaspoon chipotle flakes.

Trim the outer fat of the pork cut and place in a large bowl. Then rinse, dry and set aside. In a slow cooker, add olallieberries, orange juice, onion and lime juice. Drizzle the pork with olive oil and rub around to coat a very light layer. Mix all remaining ingredients together before rubbing all over the pork exterior. Place the pork in the slow cooker and cook on high for 5-6 hours, or until the pork is super tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Before serving, fry individual batches in a large pan with olive or vegetable oil, adding a little bit of the liquid from the slow cooker to add extra moisture and flavor. The outer pieces of pork should be nice and crispy.

Yield: Serves 10

Sam Edelman is general manager of the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association. He’s also the host of “From Farm to Table,” airing live at 9 a.m. Thursdays on KZSB, AM-1290, the News-Press radio station.

Patriotic spirit

An American flag graces the Reagan Ranch Center Tuesday in Santa Barbara during Fourth of July. Countless pedestrians and bicyclists went down this part of State Street on their way to Independence Day festivities at West Beach.

— Story and photos by Sam Edelman

Diversions

horoscope • puzzles

Thought for Today

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”

— Confucius

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Thursday, July 6, 2023

ARIES — It may seem like close loved ones are trying to pick a fight with you today, Aries. There may tend to be a “me first” attitude stirring up a pot of trouble. Don’t automatically assume that the other person is wrong. There’s a valuable lesson to be learned in every conflict. Take each disagreement as an opportunity to learn something about yourself.

TAURUS — A close loved one may express displeasure with the way things are, Taurus. Maybe there’s some tension in the air. Things could get rather explosive. There’s a feeling urging others to act, a certain restlessness that demands that you take action.

Unfortunately, this action is likely to meet with opposition if you aren’t carefu

GEMINI — Fire up today, Gemini, and let your spirit fly. You have a great deal of ammunition that encouraging you to take charge. Let your adventuresome spirit roam wherever it pleases. Communication with loved ones will be clear. You can expect all social encounters to go smoothly. You will be the hit of any party.

CANCER — Put your reservations aside, Cancer, and go for the thing your heart desires most. Throw caution to the wind and make it happen. Today’s energy urges you to take charge of your life and conquer new territory. There’s dynamism about the day that could leave you behind unless you latch onto the trend and make it work for you.

LEO — There may be tremendous changes in store for you, Leo. Connect with something futuristic and far out. There may be some roadblocks in the way. Maybe your heart is impeding your progress. You don’t need another person to fill in any voids in your life. Your confidence is what you need to bolster your self-esteem.

VIRGO — Be bold and aggressive today, Virgo. Even if this isn’t in your nature, dynamic action can be rewarding on a day like this.

be tested. You may need to make adjustments in order to match other people’s way of thinking.

LIBRA — Love is on your side today, Libra, and all romantic and social situations are favored. This is the perfect time to take the lead on creative projects or anything requiring a keen eye for beauty. Your mood is apt to be positive and jovial. You can’t go wrong in whatever way you choose to express yourself.

SCORPIO — Certain love and romance matters may cause some tension, Scorpio. Inflated egos may get in the way of important communication that needs to take place for harmony between you and your romantic partner. You’re a bit more argumentative than usual. Sparks of disagreement are likely to flare into bonfires if you aren’t careful. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

SAGITTARIUS — Take charge of your life, Sagittarius. The more action you take, the more alive you will feel. Maybe you will decide to have a career on the stage. This is the kind of day when you need more variety than usual. Bright and happy people will catch your eye. Jump on the fast track. You’re ready.

CAPRICON — Don’t hide, Capricorn. This is your time to come out of the shadows. There’s a spark within that’s urging you to act. Move forward and worry about the consequences later. This isn’t a good time to search every sentence for hidden meaning. People may be careless with their words. Don’t overanalyze them.

AQUARUS -- This is a terrific day for you, Aquarius. Your mood is good and everything is flowing your way. The fire within is burning hot. You will take the lead role in every production. Romance and love are definitely in the cards for you. Be yourself and remember that it’s OK to laugh at your mistakes. Humility is good for you.

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

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

People will be delighted to hear from you. Your opinion is precious. You have many insights to offer the group. Your adaptable nature will

Monday, November16, 2015

Daily Bridge Club

PISCES — Other people may steal the spotlight from you today, Pisces, but don’t let it get you down. The key is to learn from the ones who take charge. Have fun and don’t worry about the details. A definite dynamism is helping you transform certain areas of your life that need to change. Get out of the rut you’re in.

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.

DAILY BRIDGE

‘Play Bridge With Me’

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency Thursday, July 6,

Since 1981 I’ve written a monthly column for the ACBL’s magazine. Many have been “over-my-shoulder” style. You listen in on my thoughts during a deal.

“My wife is always urging me to try to avoid ‘accidents’ when we play,” one of my club’s seniors told me. “She says spare parts are no longer stocked for someone my age. Still, those accidents seem to keep coming.”

and your partner bids one spade.

What do you say?

left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

PUZZLE

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.

Ninety of the best of these appear in “Play Bridge With Me,” my 23rd book, just published. The deals are intermediate level; the focus is on logical thinking.

My friend was today’s declarer at 3NT in a team match.

“West led the six of spades,” he told me, “and I had to decide whether to play dummy’s queen or three.

When I tried the three, East took the jack and led a club: deuce, king, queen. West then led another spade — queen, king — and back came a second club.”

ANSWER: No direct spade raise is correct. Bid two diamonds. If partner returns to two hearts, bid two spades, showing extra strength with three-card support. (With a minimum hand, you would pass two hearts or would have raised directly to two spades.) If instead he raises to three diamonds or bids 2NT, you will bid three spades, forcing. South dealer N-S vulnerable

At today’s four spades, I win the first heart in dummy and lead a diamond. I can’t risk losing an early trump finesse; I need a quick pitch for my heart loser. East wins the second diamond and returns a heart, and I win to discard dummy’s last heart on my high diamond. When I finesse in trumps, East wins and exits with a trump.

ANSWER: This case is close. In theory, your 11 points are enough for a jump to two spades, inviting game, but your king of hearts, trapped in front of the opening bidder, may be worthless. Many experts would jump anyway. I would reluctantly downgrade the hand and settle for a response of one spade.

East dealer N-S vulnerable

DOWN TWO

“I took the ace,” South said, “and had to guess the queen of hearts. I played West for the queen and went down two. My wife, who had held 16 points, said that my dummy play was an accident waiting to happen.”

PASSED HAND

Now I must guess in clubs. But East, a passed hand, had the ace of diamonds, queen of hearts and king of spades. He won’t have the ace of clubs, so I lead to the king, making the game.

South’s problems began when he played low from dummy on the first spade. To assure nine tricks, he takes the ace, leads a heart to his king and lets the ten ride. He is sure of at least four hearts, three diamonds, a club and a spade.

For a postpaid to U.S. copy of “Play Bridge With Me,” send $23.95 to PO Box 962, Fayette AL35555. Tell me how you’d like it inscribed. Profits donated.

open one heart,

Movies to vary from ‘Star Trek’ to ‘Guardians’

Continued from Page B1

visual feast. The characters are so creative, and the costumes were done by Jean Paul Gaultier,” Ms. O’Hara said. “And who can resist a good love story?”

Luc Bessno directed the 1997 movie, which also stars Milla Jovovich and Gary Oldman.

AUG. 11:

“STAR TREK”

Producer and director J.J. Abrams relaunched the “Star Trek” universe with this 2009 film starring younger actors as the characters from the original series: Chris Pine as James T. Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, Simon Pegg as Scotty, Anton Yelchin as Chekov and John Cho as Sulu.

And the man who first played Spock — Leonard Nimoy — is back in the role as his character travels back in time in a film that made changes in the “Star Trek” timeline. The movie’s success led to two sequels and set the interstellar stage for a long string of new shows streaming on Paramount+.

In the 2009 film, Kirk and company meet each other at Starfleet Academy. If you’re a Cal State Northridge alum, you’ll recognize the academy’s exterior as the CSUN library.

From there, the adventure takes the characters on their first mission together on the U.S.S. Enterprise.

“I was a little skeptical of the “Star Trek’ remake before I first saw it,” Ms. O’Hara said. “ It can seem like everything is just a remake these days!

“But I understand why a new generation might want its own reimagining of a story, and to have the opportunity to feel the same way their parents and grandparents felt when they fell in love with originals,” she added. “I hope everyone comes in costume!”

AUG. 18: “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY”

James Gunn directed Marvel Studios’ 2014 adaptation of the comic book.

‘The film stars Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Starlord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax, Karen Gillan of “Doctor Who” fame as Nebula, Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot and Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket. These misfits are the galaxy’s hope against a villain who seeks a powerful orb.

“ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ puts humor front and center, which I love,” Ms. O’Hara said. “And again, great music.”

AUG. 25: “NOPE”

Horse-wrangling siblings (played by Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer) try to get evidence of an UFO in director Jordan Peele’s neo-Western sci-fi film.

“ ‘Nope’ is a little funny, a little scary, and always smart and surprising,” Ms. O’Hara said.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Poll: Americans sour on Dems, GOP

By GLENN MINNIS THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Voters across the country have largely soured on the two major political parties, with just 20% of respondents in a new State Policy Network (SPN) survey considering the parties civil and fewer than half of partisans finding their own party “ethical.”

In the poll of 2,043 voters conducted from June 14-18, fewer than one in five of respondents also indicated they see either of the parties as “civil” and just half of interviewees view their own party that way.

SPN messaging strategist Erin Norman told The Center Square the message being sent by voters couldn’t be clearer.

“There is strong and increasing desire among most Americans to return to greater civility in politics, which includes bipartisan

work in Congress,” Ms. Norman said.

“Neither party is putting effort in those places and it’s showing in what the people think of the parties.”

Ms. Norman said all the back-and-forth has frustrated voters who ponder what other options they may have.

“We have had a few cycles where voters have openly said they disliked both major candidates but still went to the polls and voted for one or the other, so there are clearly barriers to a third-party run,” she added.

“But there is a massive opportunity for a major party candidate to take a new approach and win over more than enough moderate and party-leaners to win and go into office with good momentum.”

On average, just 26% of voters (28% of Republicans and 24% of Democrats) said they consider the ideals and policies of the two parties to be balanced and an average of 21% of respondents said they view them

Americans say more work needed on equality

By GLENN MINNIS

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Just one in three voters feel the country is doing a “good or excellent” job at ensuring all Americans are treated equally or even have the “right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” a new State Policy Network survey finds.

In all, 2,043 voters were quizzed on the issue over a fourday period beginning on June 14, with 15% of respondents saying that the country is failing on the issue and another 19% agreeing that the country is now faring poorly after having achieved much success since its founding.

“It’s not that individuals feel they are being treated unequally – it’s a perception of how all Americans are being treated,” SPN messaging strategist Erin Norman told The Center Square in accounting for how 66% agree the country has made “some” or “significant” progress in this area over time.

“There is a focus in the media on all of the worst, if infrequent, cases and often reporting focuses on the discrimination that will rile people up, rather than the facts,” she added.

While she thinks things can be better, Ms. Norman said first, more people need to figure out what it is they want to see from the country.

“We have to know what we are striving for,” she said. “There are a lot of different bars floating around– equality of opportunity, equality of outcome, purposeful inequality to make up for past injustices.

To see the overall rating of America’s performance on equality rise, first we need to come to a common agreement on what we want to achieve.”

as compassionate, with Republicans at just 16%.

Ms. Norman said it’s not hard to see why so many voters see things in such a dwindling light.

“It’s not what we traditionally think of as ‘issues’ – like health care, education, or taxes,” she added.

“It’s a lack of compromise from both sides, and a feeling that there are very few politicians that are focused on solutions to the problems that matter to the American people.”

In addition, just 28% of Democrats say “fair” describes their party’s ideals and policies vs. 30% of Republicans.

An average of 31% of interviewees view their party’s ideals and policies as irresponsible, topped by 35% of Democrats. The poll, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, had a margin of error of 2%.

Kerr v. Planned Parenthood back in appellate court

By J.J. BRANNOCK THE CENTER SQUARE

The Center Square) – A federal circuit court will determine if prolife states like South Carolina, where the court case originally took place, can be forced to spend taxpayer dollars funding abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will consider Kerr v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, the case in question after it was remanded by the Supreme Court back to the appellate earlier this month.

“Practically speaking, this case will decide if taxpayers in prolife states are going to be forced to see their taxpayer dollars being spent to fund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood,” Chris Schandevel, Senior Counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, told The Center Square. The original case sparked up because of an executive order from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster in 2018 barring any entity that operated abortion clinics

More than a dozen states pursuing rail safety measures

By J.J. BRANNOCK

SQUARE

CENTER

THE

(The Center Square) –

Representatives from more than a dozen states are pursuing local measures to help ensure railroad safety.

The actions in Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia are mostly in response to the train derailment along the Ohio-Pennsylvania border on Feb. 3.

release in March, saying “this legislation provides us with tools to hold companies accountable to prevent terrible tragedies like the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine and to make those communities whole.”

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed by Biden in November 2021, provided federal funding to the Federal Railroad Administration to help it create new programs and expand existing ones.

from receiving Medicaid funding, per a statute prohibiting taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. Planned Parenthood chose the federal court system rather than the state, saying the client’s individual right to choose their medical provider had been infringed.

Mr. Schandevel asserted that the case aligned with a division of state and government powers argument, saying that Medicaid encouraged states to provide medical assistance to its citizens and that Congress intended it to be an “agreement” to increase available funding for people so they could afford health care.

Mr. Schandevel said that the state’s position is that Planned Parenthood is “unqualified to provide family planning services because they had insisted on continuing to perform abortions within the state of South Carolina despite the state’s very pro-life stance and despite the statute saying that no taxpayer dollars shall be used to fund abortions in the state.”

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bill in February seeking tighter safety measures for trains carrying hazardous materials, including speed caps at 50 miles per hour, the use of special cars for transportation, and newer braking equipment.

A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate on May 1, the Railway Safety Act of 2023, calls for requirements on defect detectors, a minimum of two people manning the trains, and increasing safety violation fines. U.S.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Twitter that the rail safety legislation “includes provisions we’ve been calling for since February.”

Ian Jefferies, the president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, said in a statement about the RSA, “Railroads support items of this bill and remain fully committed to working with the committee and all members of the Senate to build on these improvements, with the ultimate goal of ensuring all provisions result in meaningful data-driven safety advancements that all can support.”

Neither bill has passed a chamber.

President Joe Biden spoke out in support of the RSA in a press

The legislation included $102 billion in total funding, $10 billion of which the Railroad Administration planned to pump into consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvements.

On May 1, the Railroad Administration submitted a notice of funding opportunity of $5 million to incentivize the development of safety and sustainability on railways. The grant would be annually reimbursed given that useful innovations continued. It also announced more than $570 million to fund project grants in 32 states. The Biden administration said the program, the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, will “make a difference in people’s everyday lives by improving safety and convenience.”

“Every year, commuters, residents, and first responders lose valuable time waiting at blocked railroad crossings – and worse, those crossings are too often the site of collisions that could be prevented,” Mr. Buttigieg said.

“As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re improving rail crossings in communities across the country to save lives, time, and resources for American families.” State legislatures have continued to advance measures in recent weeks.

An audience watches Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in “North by Northwest” in 2013 at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse’s Sunken Garden.