Santa Barbara News-Press: July 13, 2023

BIll would keep U.S. in NATO

Senators reintroduce bil prevent any president from withdrawing from alliance - A3

Tom Cruise does it again

Review: Star proves no mission is impossible - B1

Parklets in limbo

Dems move forward bill to chip away historic water rights

By KENNETH SCHRUPP

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — The California Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife today passed a bill out of committee that would empower the State Water Board to chip away at historic water rights and significantly reduce rural water allocations.

Under SB 389, sponsored by Ben Allen (D-Redondo Beach), the California State Water Resources Control Board and its five appointed members would be able to review historic riparian and appropriative water rights to determine whether or not they are appropriate.

Already passed by the California Senate, the bill’s affirmative vote in committee is a strong sign the bill may become law.

The main targets of the bill are holders of pre-1914 water rights who secured their water rights before a formal permitting and records process was adopted. By challenging water rights holders to provide exhaustive paper trails proving their rights’ legality and complete adherence to “beneficial use,” the State Water Board would effectively hold riparian and appropriative

Fate uncertain for 41 dining areas not on State Street

Editor’s note: This is a continuation of a News-Press series this summer on parklets and State Street.

By NEIL HARTSTEIN

NEWS-PRESS COUNTY EDITOR

The parklets on lower State Street will be around for at least another year, thanks to the Santa Barbara City Council.

That’s because the council voted June 27 to continue the closure of the downtown promenade beyond Dec. 31 and at the same time allow the parklets to stay there as well as others nearby.

The problem is they only account for half the parklets now operating in Santa Barbara.

According to staff, there are 82 parklets up and running in the city. Thirty-eight of them are on the promenade (500-1200 blocks) and the 400 and 1300 blocks of State. Another three are on the zero block of West Victoria.

The council agreed that they could remain until Dec. 31, 2026, or until the council adopts and enacts into law the new State Street Master Plan, whichever is earlier.

But the other 41 are left in limbo, their owners unsure of their fate after the end of the year.

Where are they?

“They are scattered throughout

the city; many are in the general downtown area, but also on Milpas, San Andres, Coast Village Road, and the Mesa,” Meghan Salas, the city’s parking programs

supervisor, told the News-Press.

Some, on side streets connecting State to Chapala, including West Carrillo and West Figueroa, are just a block or two from State but

nevertheless remain in jeopardy. What’s going to happen to these 41 parklets? Will they have to be

water rights holders guilty-untilproven-innocent, with their water, and their livelihoods, on the line at the board’s discretion.

“It gives a clear mandate to the State Water Board to start reviewing and determining whether these riparian and appropriative rights are appropriate,” said Nick Dokoozlian, a California Assembly Republican Caucus consultant covering the bill.

“Their end goal is to upend the California water rights system to benefit favored political groups through unelected bureaucrats.”

Amid significant opposition from a broad coalition ranging from water districts that provide water to big cities, all the way to California farmers, bill author Sen. Ben Allen (D-Redondo Beach) painted the law in a different light, focusing on how this bill is designed to ensure the State Water Board has the data it needs to best manage future droughts.

In his official statement on the bill, Sen. Allen said, “SB 389 provides information-gathering tools that allow the State Water Board to align a watershed’s reported demand with the diversions and use authorized under California law, thus more accurately determining water availability for all beneficial uses.”

Local investigator Craig Case arrested on embezzlement charges

By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

A Santa Barbara area private investigator has been arrested on embezzlement charges.

Craig Case, a longtime local private investigator, is facing a number of other legal allegations.

Mr. Case was served the arrest warrant Tuesday while at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court for unrelated charges.

He is expected to return to court today in Santa Barbara and again on July 31.

Last year News-Press

columnist Robert Eringer reported that there were 26 court actions taken against Mr. Case, going back over 40 years since 1978, the first year he got his license as a private investigator.

Those included the Santa Barbara Bank & Trust obtaining a default judgment against Mr. Case for $72,195; Everest National Insurance Company vs. Mr. Case, a default judgment of $54, 720.27; and Capitol One Bank U.SA. vs. Mr. Case, a default judgment of $8,435. 27.

email: lhibbert@newspress.com

Dems shut down stronger sentencing for trafficking

(The Center Square) —

Despite passing unanimously with bipartisan support in the California Senate, a bill to bring California’s sentencing for trafficking minors in line with other states by making it a “serious felony” failed in the California Assembly Public Safety Committee due to unanimous Democratic abstention. SB 14 would have made trafficking of minors a serious felony that would qualify under California’s three strikes law, which keeps dangerous, serial

criminals off the streets, and make individuals convicted of the crime ineligible for early release. Bill author Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, said, “After passing the Senate with a unanimous, bipartisan vote, I had hoped Democrats on the Assembly Public Safety Committee, led by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, would agree to make sex trafficking of a minor a serious felony. I am profoundly disappointed that committee Democrats couldn’t bring themselves to support the bill ...”

Meeting to discuss airport improvement

SANTA BARBARA — The community is invited to join Santa Barbara Airport for an informational open house regarding the proposed Terminal Improvement Project. The meeting is set for July 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. and is an opportunity for the public to discuss the airport improvements and provide input.

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Burglary suspect caught

SUMMERLAND — A Summerland burglary suspect has been apprehended thanks to a community member. At approximately 1:24 p.m., the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call that the suspect was in the area of Via Real and Santa Monica in Carpinteria. Deputies quickly responded to the area and detained 30-year-old Halen Bretz of Santa Barbara.

Mr. Bretz was positively identified by a witness and is being booked at the Main Jail in Santa Barbara on suspicion of brandishing a knife (misdemeanor), burglary (felony), and dissuading a witness (felony).

Mr. Bretz is being held without bail on a probation detainer.

Community assistance was key to the safe and successful apprehension of this suspect, the Sheriff’s Office noted.

— Liam Hibbert

Berkley to house 23 homeless people in Super 8 motels

By SHIRLEEN GUERRA THE CENTER SQUARE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — The City of Berkeley is planning to spend $12.5 million over the next five years to house homeless people in Super 8 motels rooms.

The plan that was approved Tuesday at the City Council meeting would put at least 23 homeless people into a 23-room Super 8 motel at the cost of about $2.5 million per year. The program would start in August and run through July 2028.

The city said its plan is to enter into a master lease with the property owner of the Super 8 for the entire property. The city will hire the nonprofit service provider Insight Housing to operate the facility.

“There will be no major renovations/remodeling as we are not converting this motel to permanent housing, but simply using the existing infrastructure as a setting for a shelter program – a model that proved effective throughout California during the pandemic and which the city is currently using successfully at other locations,” Peter Radu, assistant to the Berkeley’s city manager, stated in an email to The Center Square. The state of California’s Encampment Resolution Funding would pay for $4.9 million of the cost. The rest of the funding would come from the city’s Measure P funds.

The proposed project

Southern border apprehensions and gotaways total over 135,000 in June

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — At least 135,481 foreign nationals were apprehended or reported evading capture after illegally entering the southwest border in June, according to preliminary data obtained by The Center Square.

“Gotaways” is the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection term that refers to the number of people who are known and reported to illegally enter the U.S. between ports of entry who intentionally try to evade capture by law enforcement and don’t return to Mexico. In June, gotaways totaled at least 32,840, with the greatest numbers

reported in the Tucson and El Paso sectors, as they have nearly every month this year.

CBP doesn’t publicly report gotaway data. The data was obtained by The Center Square from a U.S. Border Patrol agent who provided it on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. It only includes Border Patrol data and excludes Office of Field Operations data. Total numbers would be higher if OFO data were included.

The numbers are significantly lower than previous months because the Biden administration is shifting illegal entry to the ports of entry, former acting CBP Chief and former Border Patrol Chief Mark Morgan told The Center Square. “As

Border Patrol apprehensions go down [between ports of entry], the encounters at Office of Field Operations are skyrocketing,” he said. “There were over 90,000 OFO apprehensions in April. June will be higher.

“OFO apprehensions alone are on pace for one million encounters this fiscal year, a 300% increase from fiscal 2020.”

The Biden administration is “shifting the crisis from in between the ports of entry to the ports of entry themselves,” Morgan said while at the same time are calling the change “a new legal pathway and claiming victory. It’s a perversion and violation of the law. A big lie. One government-sponsored shell game.”

CSU employees rally at Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach

By SETH SANDRONSKY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Is there workplace strength in numbers for higher pay and better benefits? California State University employees in multiple labor unions think so.

To this end, employees in the Academic Professionals of California, California Faculty Association (CFA), CSU Employees Union, SEIU Local 2579, Teamsters Local 2010, UAW Local 4123 and Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) rallied for what they say is a “fair contract” via a collective bargaining agreement outside the CSU Chancellor’s Office in Long Beach on July 11.

A lack of progress on contract talks propelled the CSU employees’ actions, according to a CFA statement. “This bargaining campaign will center our most vulnerable faculty and address long-standing inequities experienced by many members,

an expanded and strengthened parental leave policy and a vision for community safety rooted in our anti-racism and social justice principle,” CFA President Charles Toombs said.

Against this backdrop, the CFA has reopened four articles of its 2022-24 Collective Bargaining Agreement, from workload to paid leave, salary, and health and safety. The CFA represents 29,000 professors, lecturers, librarians, coaches and counselors in the 23-campus CSU system in the nation’s most populous state.

“The CSU recognizes and values the open exchange of ideas, opinions, and lawful free speech activities,” said Amy Bentley-Smith, a spokesperson for the CSU Office of the Chancellor. “The CSU is committed to continue bargaining with our unions and reaching an agreement with each one.”

Money is in dispute between the CSU and its employees unions. That dispute involves

students. Current funding is insufficient for the CSU to cover all of its obligations, from its students’ tuition to employees’ compensation, according to the Interim Chancellor at the July 11 meeting in Long Beach, The Los Angeles Times is reporting. The CSU funding gap of about $1.5 billion threatens to worsen. Therefore, much is uncertain for the CSU and its 460,000 students and unions that represent nearly 60,000 employees.

A state budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed this week includes a 5% year-overyear increase in the CSU base funding level that was part of the Higher Education Compact that both CSU and University of California entered into with the Administration last year, said H.D. Palmer, a spokesperson for the state Department of Finance.. The CSU campuses include Cal State Channel Islands in Camarillo.

Senate GOP: Biden created child trafficking ring

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — U.S. Senate Republicans launched a video on Wednesday claiming that President Joe Biden has “created the largest child trafficking ring in U.S. history.”

The video quotes Republican senators at hearings expressing concern about the extraordinary number of unaccompanied minors being trafficked to and through the U.S. southern border. In one clip, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, says “Biden does not care about the 300,000-plus unaccompanied children that have been placed

with sponsors since he became president.”

In another, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, says, “The Biden administration has utterly failed to secure the border and has encouraged parents to send their minor alien children on dangerous trips to the United States unaccompanied. It’s failed to protect these children after they’ve been let into the United States.”

The video points to reports that reveal at least 85,000 children have gone missing because the federal agencies tasked with caring for them can’t account for where they are. After the children were

Please see CHILDREN on A4

Bipartisan bill aims to keep U.S. in NATO

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — A new bill would prohibit future presidents from trying to withdraw from NATO.

U.S. Sens Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, and Marco Rubio, R-Florida, reintroduced a bill that would prohibit any president from withdrawing from NATO without Senate approval or an act of Congress.

“Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine and Finland’s accession and Sweden’s pending accession into NATO all underscore the same thing: NATO is stronger than ever,” Sen. Kaine said in a statement. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to NATO and ensure any U.S. president can’t unilaterally decide to leave the alliance without congressional approval.”

“NATO serves as an essential military alliance that protects shared national interests and enhances America’s international presence. Any decision to leave the alliance should be rigorously debated and considered by the U.S. Congress with the input of the American people,” Sen. Rubio said in a statement.

The bill requires the U.S. president to seek the advice and consent of the Senate before suspending, terminating,or withdrawing U.S. membership in NATO.

If the president attempts to leave NATO without Senate approval or an Act of Congress, the bill prohibits any funding from being used to do so and also authorizes Congressional Legal Counsel to challenge the administration in court.

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

Biden administration expands parole program

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Despite a federal judge in Florida ruling more than once that the Biden administration parole program is illegal, the administration has expanded it and created another parole program to allow even more people into the U.S.

There have been multiple “parole” programs created by the Biden administration, which critics argue violate federal law. One created ahead of Title 42 ending expanded entry to citizens of four countries who were previously prevented entry or limited entry. In May, 30,000 citizens each from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba and Haiti, or 120,000 total, would be allowed in using the CBPOne App. After scheduling an appointment through the app, they arrive at a port of entry and are processed by Border Patrol agents with the expectation of being released into the U.S.

Texas Attorney General

Ken Paxton sued to block the app’s use, saying, “The Biden Administration deliberately conceived of this phone app with the goal of illegally pre-approving more foreign aliens to enter the country and go where they please once they arrive. (President)Joe Biden, (DHS Secretary) Alejandro Mayorkas, and the entire Biden administration have prioritized creating and protecting new ways for illegal aliens to stream into this country, no matter the cost or consequence to struggling American citizens.”

Under Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the Department of Homeland Security expanded and created another parole program: a new family reunification parole process for citizens of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. It facilitates “access to lawful pathways,” also opening regional processing centers for the first time in U.S. history outside of the United States.

The first processing centers, in Colombia and Guatemala, enable citizens there to make an appointment to meet with an immigration specialist to help them be processed before they ever arrive in the U.S.

“The new processes are for nationals from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras whose family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and who have received approval to join their family in the United States,” DHS said in a statement.

“Specifically, nationals of these countries can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for a period of up to three years while they wait to apply to become a lawful permanent resident.”

“These new processes promote

family unity and provide lawful pathways consistent with our laws and our values,” Secretary Mayorkas said in a statement.

“The Department has proven that the expansion of safe, orderly, and lawful pathways, combined with strong enforcement, is effective in reducing dangerous, irregular migration to the United States.”

On May 31, DHS stopped using DNA testing to confirm people who claim to be family members are actually family members. Now, large groups of people are arriving at the border claiming to be family members and Border Patrol agents have no way to disprove their claims, a Border Patrol agent tasked with processing them told The Center Square.

Certain citizens of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras “who are beneficiaries of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative may be eligible to be considered for parole under the new processes,” DHS says. “The processes begin with the Department of State issuing an invitation to the petitioning U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member whose Form I-130 on behalf of a Colombian, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, or Honduran beneficiary has been approved.”

“Beneficiaries awaiting an immigrant visa could include certain children and siblings of U.S. citizens and certain spouses and children of permanent residents,” meaning possibly millions more will be allowed into the U.S. Those invited through the program “can then initiate the process by filing a request on behalf of the beneficiary and eligible family members to be considered for advance travel authorization and parole.”

DHS claims the new parole process is “only on a discretionary, case-by-case, and temporary basis upon a demonstration of urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, as well as a demonstration that the beneficiary warrants a favorable exercise of discretion.”

Parole lasts for up to three years and those being paroled are eligible to request employment authorization while they wait for their visa to be approved. After their visa is approved, “they may apply to become a lawful permanent resident.”

Secretary Mayorkas argues the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes him, “in his discretion, to parole non-citizens into the United States temporarily on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.”

Information about the process was published in Federal Register Notices for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Attorneys general seek oversight

(The Center Square) — A 27-state coalition of attorneys general is asking the Supreme Court to side with a lower court regarding the unconstitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding mechanism.

The coalition filed an amicus brief in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of

America Ltd.

Under current law, CFPB can obtain hundreds of millions in funding by sending a half-page letter to the Federal Reserve.

However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled last year that the Obamaera funding mechanism is illegal and that Congress has the power of the purse to oversee fed eral agency funding.

The parklet at bouchon

Council member seeks feedback

PARKLETS

Continued from Page A1

removed after Dec. 31?

At this point, no one knows for sure.

That’s why the council voted June 27 to ask staff to return to them with recommendations addressing the state of the parklets throughout the city, including whether to allow the continued presence of the other 41.

“So far, it has been anything goes for parklets throughout the city. Some are really thoughtfully designed, and some are more hastily thrown together,” Councilmember Kristen Sneddon told the News-Press.

She’s the one who made the motion asking for staff feedback regarding the parklets citywide.

“There are roughly as many parklets off State Street as there are on State Street, and people seem to really enjoy eating outdoors,” Councilmember Sneddon said. “There is a lot to consider when looking at a more permanent citywide parklet program beyond Dec. 31.

“In El Pueblo Viejo, there will need to be more uniform design guidelines that are approved by the Historic Landmarks Commission, and everywhere throughout the city, each parklet needs to be safe, clean, and ADA compliant.

“On June 27, Council asked staff to come back with a draft citywide ordinance to address these concerns. It may be that parklets are only considered safe on streets with certain widths or speed limits, and there may be a maximum number of parking spaces on a block that could be taken by parklets.

“Staff is working these details out, including whether there would be a sunset date, or date for evaluation of the success of the program.”

According to staff, it’s way too soon to say what their recommendations might be, or when they will report back to the council.

“Council directed us to develop a permanent program for parklets outside of the Promenade,” Sarah Clark, the city’s downtown plaza and parking manager, told the NewsPress. “We will begin that process soon.

“It is going to be an involved process that will likely require review by a number of decision-making bodies, including HLC, ABR (Architectural Board of Review), and (council) Ordinance Committee. As a result, at this point I don’t have any more information about when that program might come online or what it

CHILDREN

Continued from Page A2

smuggled into the U.S., the Biden administration released them to sponsors under the oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement.

The Biden administration says the children are coming to live with family members. But reports show many weren’t placed with family members or anyone else

Border Patrol agents apprehending human smugglers

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE

SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

CENTER

(The Center Square) — Border Patrol agents working in the busiest sector at the northern border are continuing to arrest human smugglers, contributing to their convictions.

Over the last nine months, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents alone have apprehended over 4,6000 foreign nationals who’ve illegally entered the U.S. from Canada from over 67 countries. Despite being understaffed, they’ve apprehended more people this fiscal year than in the last seven years combined.

Their efforts demonstrate “their resolve to hold the line all day, every day,” Swanton Sector Border Patrol Chief Robert Garcia says.

The Swanton Sector, which shares 295 miles with Canada, includes all of Vermont, six upstate New York counties and three New Hampshire counties.

In one weekend in June, for example, agents arrested 111 illegal border crossers from 15 countries. In another week in June, they apprehended 141 people from 17 countries, Chief Garcia said.

Foreign nationals are illegally crossing between ports of entry, often at night, through remote

wilderness entering northern U.S. states to avoid detection. Many are single men who run away from agents before being caught.

Despite their best efforts, Border Patrol agents in the last four months reported roughly 1,000 people they could confirm who evaded capture, according to data obtained by The Center Square from a Border Patrol agent. Agents are successful for many reasons, Chief Garcia argues, including because of the support they receive from local residents. In the first six months of this year, agents received over 460 concerned citizen reports about suspicious activity.

“THANK YOU to all who help us secure the border, protect our nation, and reduce crime in our local communities,” Chief Garcia said in a recent social media post.

He also regularly posts notices encouraging residents to report suspicious activity. One recent notice states, “The U.S. Border Patrol is asking people who live, work, or travel in the border areas of eastern New York, Vermont and New Hampshire for information regarding suspicious vehicles or people who may be smuggling humans, drugs, weapons or other contraband across the U.S. border with Canada.

might look like.”

Ms. Salas declined to speculate on what might happen to the 41 other parklets should the council not act in time to keep them operating beyond Dec. 31.

“As Sarah mentioned, we have only just begun the process of creating this new program and therefore cannot speak to when this program would be ready to go,” Ms. Salas

they knew. Initial reports indicated more than 45,000 children, in just a few months evaluated in an Axios investigation, were missing by early 2022. Since then, that number has more than doubled. Unaccompanied minors using falsified papers have been working in meat processing plants, prompting federal investigations over alleged child labor law violations. They’ve also been involved in encouraging others to participate in organized crime at a public school by soliciting funds

said. “The program might include some sort of council direction on transitioning the temporary parklets to permanent, but we don’t yet know what that will look like so it would be premature to discuss what may or may not need to be removed.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

to pay their human smuggler, or coyote, who helped them illegally enter the U.S.

Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called for an investigation and asked the Florida Supreme Court to empanel a grand jury to investigate trafficking of children into Florida. It did, and the grand jury found the federal government’s management of unaccompanied children’s release and transport resulted in “facilitating the forced migration, sale, and abuse of foreign

children.”

The process “exposes children to horrifying health conditions, constant criminal threat, labor and sex trafficking, robbery, rape and other experiences not done justice by mere words,”

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said when announcing the findings in April. She also called on Congress to investigate and take action.

Since then, Congress has held several hearings, and clips from those hearings are highlighted in the Senate GOP video.

DAVE MASON/ NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

and other restaurants in the zero block of West Victoria Street can remain until Dec. 31, 2026 or until the State Street Master Plan is adopted, whichever comes first.

“There are roughly as many parklets off State Street as there are on State Street, and people seem to really enjoy eating outdoors,” Councilmember Kristen Sneddon told the News-Press “There is a lot to consider when looking at a more permanent citywide parklet program beyond Dec. 31.”

Life theArts

Not impossible for Tom Cruise

Star goes to new heights for stunt work and his character in “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part One”

By DAVE MASON

NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Since Tom Cruise started playing Ethan Hunt in 1996, he’s faced an impossible mission. But he chose to accept it. His mission: Keep topping the stunts he does in each “Mission Impossible” movie.

He’s managed to do that. And if you were impressed with what Mr. Cruise did in the previous films — performing a HALO jump from an incredible altitude, standing on the wing of an airplane as it takes off or hanging outside high up on the tallest building in the world, all real stunts — you won’t be disappointed with “Dead Reckoning, Part One.”

Mr. Cruise does a stunt that his character, Ethan, knows is crazy, and it won’t be spoiled here. When you see it, remind yourself it’s a real stunt, not a green screen trick.

Clearly Mr. Cruise is fearless. But not only with the stunts. He’s been willing to show Ethan’s courage, fear, vulnerability and strength in a franchise in which Mr. Cruise and Ethan have both matured. Mr. Cruise has always had a knack for making characters compelling, but he has been Ethan long enough that he now becomes the character in a more effortless style. Both Ethan and Mr. Cruise are more comfortable in their own skin.

Likewise, the storytelling has become even better, and the supporting cast continues to stand out.

If you love excitement and strong characters in a story with twists that will surprise you, go see “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part One.”

Yes, two-part movies are becoming more and more common, and it’s a bit frustrating to have to wait a year to see

FYI

“Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part One” is playing at Metro 4 in Santa Barbara and Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta. See metrotheatres.com for the times.

The Paramount Pictures/ Skydance/TC Productions movie is also screening at Regal Edwards Santa Maria & RPX (regmovies. com) and Movies Lompoc (www. playingtoday.com).

The movie has a running time of two hours and 43 minutes. It is rated PG-13 for violence, action, some language and suggestive material.

how a movie, such as “Fast X” of the “Fast and Furious” franchise, will resolve its story. Finally, viewers will see the end of “Dune” when “Part 2” comes out later this year.

But “Dead Reckoning, Part One” ends with a good resolution. You can still enjoy this story even if you never see Part Two, which comes out next year.

And director Christopher McQuarrie, who co-wrote the story with Erik Jendresen, maintains good pacing throughout the film. And there are some incredible scenes that defy gravity.

It’s not spoiling too much to say this movie has the classic elements of a spy movie: a car chase with humorous twists, fighting on a train and action that never seems to be repetitive.

This movie franchise was inspired by the CBS series “Mission Impossible,” created by Bruce Geller, and as such, contains the usual elements such as the mission’s directions on a tape that

will self-destruct in 10 seconds. “Dead Reckoning” uses the traditional “Mission Impossible” elements such as incredibly realistic masks that allow the heroes to become anyone, as well as composer Lalo Schifrin’s timeless theme. And there’s the tradition of the team trying to get access to a weapon before it falls in the villain’s hands. In this case, the main villain is someone you likely wouldn’t expect, and it won’t be spoiled here. Unless you’ve read extensively about this movie, you will be surprised.

The effort to get this special access leads the Impossible Missions Force to run into some people from the past, including the White Widow from “Mission Impossible: Fallout” (Vanessa Kirby) and a ruthless villain from Ethan’s past — Gabriel, played with an eerie calmness by Esai Morales.

Another character from “Fallout,” Ethan’s friend Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), is back in this movie, and the plot involves Grace, a thief played by Hayley Atwell, arguably best known for playing Agent Carter in the Marvel Studios movies. Grace joins the team in its effort to save the world from Ms. Atwell, Ms. Ferguson and Ms. Kirby are three reasons this story succeeds.

They express their emotions with careful nuances, and their characters are willing to take risks. Back to help Ethan is his team — computer pros Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) and Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg). Once again, Benji gets many of the funniest lines in a “Mission Impossible” film, and Mr. Pegg wisely plays those scenes with total seriousness. The story for “Dead Reckoning” is a clever one, but is explained well so viewers can follow it and enjoy the dialogue and action. Never mind if you’re sitting back on a fully reclining chair. You will be on the edge of your seat.

email: dmason@newspress.com

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 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-chapel-omsb 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. The exhibit, which runs through Sept. 4, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/butterfliesalive.

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.

7:30 p.m. “Guys and Dolls” runs through July 29 at the Garvin Theatre at Santa Barbara City College. Tickets for the Theatre Group at SBCC production cost $18 for general admission and $15 for seniors and SBCC staff. To purchase, go to theatregroupsbcc. com.

8 p.m. Singer and pianist Jimmy Webb will perform his hits, including songs from the Glenn Campbell songbook, at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. He will also perform songs from his collaborations for many artists during his 50-year musical career. Tickets cost $55 to $71 for general admission. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

JULY 14

7:30 p.m. “Guys and Dolls” runs through July 29 at the Garvin Theatre at Santa Barbara City College. Tickets for the Theatre Group at SBCC production cost $26 for general admission, $21 for seniors and SBCC staff, and $17 for students. To purchase, go to theatregroupsbcc.com.

JULY 15

7:30 p.m. “Guys and Dolls” runs through July 29 at the Garvin Theatre at Santa Barbara City College. Tickets for the Theatre Group at SBCC production cost $26 for general admission, $21 for seniors and SBCC staff, and $17 for students. To purchase, go to theatregroupsbcc.com.

8:30 p.m. The UCSB Summer

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Ethan Hunt is back in “Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning, Part One.”

APPLETV+ Rebecca Ferguson, who stars, above, in AppleTV+’s “Silo,” returns as Ilsa in “Dead Reckoning.”

BEN CROP PHOTO

From left, Raymond Wallenthin, Felicia Hall, Nick Ehlen and Annika Abbott star in Theatre Group at Santa Barbara City College’s production of “Guys and Dolls,” which runs through July 29 at the college’s Garvin Theatre. To buy tickets, go to www.theatergroupsbcc.com

PERFECTION IS EFFORTLESS

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Black Mission Figs

The fresh fig season comes in two waves. The first one arrived early this month, and the second one is the final push in the fall season.

Currently, Avila and Sons Farm out of Hanford has an impressive assortment, including these richly flavored black mission figs. They’re recognized by their deep purple skin, but once sliced open, a red flesh is exposed. They’re best when harvested in their firm-ripe stage, when the figs’ flavor becomes sweeter.

This week I prepared bacon wrapped black mission figs as the Fix of the Week, elsewhere on this page.

You can expect to find these figs at the Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Goleta,

Tuesday State Street and Wednesday Solvang farmers’ markets. Price averages $7 per large basket.

Santa Rosa plums

One of my favorite general eating plums, this variety is a local favorite, possessing a red to purple skin with white speckles. Inside is a sweet yellow flesh. They deliver a nice, firm texture, yet are still quite juicy. These durable plums are ideal for taking to the beach or on a hike, and they’re plums that kids thoroughly enjoy.

You can currently find Santa Rosa plums from Burkdoll Farms at all weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets. Price averages $4 per basket or pound.

Red zebra

One of the many types of heirloom tomatoes to be enjoyed during the summer season, this variety is recognized by red and purple streaks across the skin. Inside, a pink to red flesh is exposed, delivering a sweet and fruit flavor. These tomatoes are ideal for caprese salads, gazpacho, or for sauces and salsas.

Due to their large size and rounded physique, they are also well suited for sandwich and burger toppers.

Grown by Her Family Farm, they can be found at the Saturday Santa Barbara farmers’ market while in season. Price is $4 per pound.

— Story and photos by Sam Edelman

FIX OF THE WEEK

By SAM EDELMAN NEWS-PRESS COLUMNIST

One of the most delicious in-season treats to hit the farmers markets this time of year are fresh tree-ripened figs. This local delicacy is one that I anxiously await each season, taking full advantage of their rich flavors, unique textures, and overwhelming nutritional attributes.

There are more than a dozen types of fresh figs you will encounter at the farmers markets throughout their season. However, there are three that are the most readily available. The most common local favorite is, of course, the black mission fig. Possessing a deep purple skin that appears almost black, this fig has an inner flesh that is a beautiful reddish-pink. Sweet tree-ripened black mission figs are as good as they get and offer the most dynamic flavor profile. The next two varieties you may come across are Kadota and Calymerna figs, which are often mistaken for one another, and quite difficult for the untrained eye to decipher until they are sliced open. The Kadota figs possess one of the highest sugar contents, yielding an almost honey-like flavor. This variety displays a yellow to white center when sliced. Its counterpart, the Calymerna, rather possess a beautiful pink coloration when sliced. Both portray a bright green external appearance.

As for the nutritional content,

fresh figs pack it in, containing iron, potassium, beta-carotene, as well as benzaldehyde (anticancer compound), flavonoids and a digestive enzyme called ficin. They are also an exceptional source of fiber. The dark pigments of the black mission figs possess even higher levels of beneficial antioxidants.

Eat them fresh, chopped into a salad, or try them grilled. You won’t be disappointed either way.

Another great use for figs is to wrap them in bacon to serve as a tasty appetizer.

BACON WRAPPED FIGS

1 basket black mission figs, stems removed and sliced in half lengthwise.

6 ounce container goat cheese.

1/4 pound almonds or walnuts (I use the Avila and Sons Tomato Flavored brand).

1 cup fresh basil leaves.

1-quarter pound of very thin-cut bacon (or prosciutto). Cut strips into quarters

Press one teaspoon of goat cheese onto each fig half. Place 1-2 almonds or walnut halves onto the top of the goat cheese. Cover the top of the cheese and nuts with your basil leaf. (It should just about wrap around and cover the entire fig). Finally, wrap the bacon around the fig and basil. You should use 2 quarter strips per fig half, crisscrossing around each side. These can be made the day or morning prior to serving. Just keep them refrigerated.

In a non-stick pan at mediumhigh heat, place your bacon-

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

Cinema series continues at the Sunken Garden at Santa Barbara County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, with Alien.” Admission is free. You can get there as early as noon to claim a space with your blankets (nothing plastic, nothing nylon, no tarps) and low-to-theground, low-back chairs.

JULY 16

2 p.m. “Guys and Dolls” runs through July 29 at the Garvin Theatre at Santa Barbara City College. Tickets for the Theatre Group at SBCC production cost $24 for general admission, $19 for seniors and SBCC staff, and $14 for students. To purchase, go to theatregroupsbcc.com. This matinee will be livecaptioned for the hearingimpaired.

JULY 20 8 p.m. The Jerry Douglas Band will perform its bluegrass and folk music at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

wrapped figs and cook, turning every couple of minutes until the bacon gets nice and crispy.

If you use the non-stick pan, you shouldn’t need to grease your pan, as the bacon will do the trick for you. Total cooking time should be about 8 minutes.

When finished, place the figs on a paper towel to remove any excess grease. Serve hot or cold.

Yield: Serves about 4.

Tickets cost $35 and $45 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

JULY 21

7:30 p.m. The Cowboy Junkies will perform their country music and folk rock at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

Tickets cost $55 and $65 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

To purchase, go to lobero.org.

AUG. 11

8 p.m. Blake Lynch, aka Nurse Blake, will perform his healthcare-related standup comedy at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara.

Tickets cost $48.50 to $93.50 at granadasb.org.

The $195 VIP package includes perks such as a photo opportunity with Nurse Blake.

— Dave Mason

I’ve dipped them in a sweet chili sauce and blackberry reduction sauce in the past, but they are also great just as they come.

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, AM1290, the News-Press radio station.

Cowboy Ball set for Aug. 26

The Cowboy Ball at Foxen Canyon Ranch returns to Los Olivos this summer to raise funds for low-income students in the area. The ball enters its 13th year on Aug. 26. People around the county will gather for dinner, horseback riding demonstrations and an auction.

Chef Brett Stephen of High on the Hog will prepare a top sirloin dinner accompanied by local wine and a selection of local beers from Figueroa Mountain Brew Co. Live music will be played by Christina Barnes and David Ochoa.

Proceeds let the nonprofit provide scholarships to lowincome students, continue to provide services to those in the community with mental or physical challenges, help fund the cost of the herd, and help keep the facility running smoothly. Tickets for the Cowboy Ball event are $150. To purchase, visit www. syvtherapeuticriding.org/events.

Diversions

horoscope • puzzles

Thought for Today

“Well done is better than well said.”

— BenjaminFranklin

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Thursday, July 13, 2023

ARIES — A friend may seem in a dark and gloomy mood and unwilling to talk about it. Don’t force the issue. This probably has more to do with your friend’s circumstances than with you, Aries. It’s best if you continue to pursue your cherished goals. Not only could you advance your interests but you might also inspire your friend and bring him or her out of the dumps. Go for the gold.

TAURUS — Professional interests might temporarily interfere with your social life, Taurus. This might cause a little friction between you and a close friend or romantic partner. Your friend is more apt to want to brood than discuss it with you. Don’t worry. This person will come out of the funk and be more understanding. Explain the situation the best you can and then continue with your work.

GEMINI — Responsibilities to work, family, or both could temporarily delay plans for a muchneeded vacation. This could be a bit depressing, Gemini, but don’t let it get you down. Take care of your responsibilities as quickly as you can and then move ahead with your plans. All signs are that this trip is important to you and should go ahead as scheduled.

CANCER — Your financial situation should continue to expand now, Cancer. Believe in yourself. Don’t worry if you hear rumors that make the future seem rather grim. This is probably misinformation coming from unreliable sources. Continue to work toward your goals. Meanwhile, check out the rumors and find the real facts. You will probably discover that all is far better than the gossipers claim.

LEO — Today it may seem like home and family responsibilities are interfering with your social life, Leo, including a get-together you really want to attend. Don’t worry. All signs are that something unexpected will occur at the last minute that makes it possible for you to proceed with your plans. Try to take care of your duties as efficiently as you can so you can enjoy the evening.

SUDOKU

throughout the entire day.

LIBRA — A temporary lack of funds might interfere with creative projects or your ability to have fun, Libra. You might encounter an apparent coolness from a close friend or romantic partner that you might not understand. Don’t make too much of it. This probably relates more to the person’s general mood than to anything you’ve said or done. Your friend should be back to normal in a few days.

SCORPIO — If you spend the day at home, Scorpio, the walls may seem to close in around you. Squabbles over nothing could erupt between you and other household members, and a lack of energy could plague you. This is a good day to get some exercise. Take a walk, ride a bike, or take a cardio class. This should work off your frustrations while creating more physical energy.

SAGITTARIUS — Today you might be waiting for a letter or call from a close friend or love partner, Sagittarius. Its delay could cause a powerful feeling of gloom. Don’t let it spoil your day. The communication will come, and if not today, then within a few days. Meanwhile, this is a great time to try your hand at writing or music. Be creative while you wait. You might also call another friend.

CAPRICORN — Whatever skills or talents you’re using to accomplish your present goals may seem blocked, Capricorn. This could give rise to a sense of frustration if you let it, but don’t fall into this trap. If you can’t get motivated, focus on something else, perhaps an activity you’ve never tried before. This could get your mind going again while allowing your other skills to pick up steam.

AQUARIUS — You might feel creative, artistic, and full of ideas for new projects. However, Aquarius, other responsibilities could keep you from starting on them. At the same time, your mind could be so focused on them that your other work takes longer than it should. Write down your ideas before they escape, then concentrate on the tasks at hand. Finish those and then you can pursue what you really want.

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

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

Monday, November16, 2015

Daily Bridge Club

VIRGO — You may wake up feeling strong and energetic, but as the day wanes, stress could cause you to feel tired and worn out. Be careful, Virgo. You could become short-tempered around others. This won’t happen if you avoid the temptation to go like a house afire first thing in the morning. Pace yourself and your relations with others should remain excellent

PISCES — Spiritual matters could be very much on your mind, Pisces. You may want to delve into metaphysical studies and meditation, but work or family responsibilities could interfere with making those desires a reality. Don’t let this get you down. Instead, stay focused on the mundane chores and finish them. Then you can move on to the really fascinating matters.

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.

DAILY BRIDGE

‘Play Bridge With Me’

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, July 13, 2023

PUZZLE

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.

“Whoever said life is a box of chocolates was wrong, at least in my case,” Unlucky Louie told me. “It’s at best like a tin of mixed nuts.”

double, and your partner responds (“advances”) two clubs. What do you say?

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

Louie was today’s South in a penny game and roared indelicately into 3NT. (A second bid of two spades might have been better.) West led the queen of hearts.

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.

Louie won with the ace and led the jack of clubs, and East took the ace and fired back a heart. Louie won and took the queen of clubs. When West discarded a spade, Louie cashed the king of clubs and tried a diamond to his jack. West produced the king and took three hearts for down one.

ANSWER: Your hand is powerful, but your partner was obliged to respond to your double no matter how weak his was. He may have no points and a flimsy club suit. Bid two diamonds, showing significant extra strength. If you happen to have a game, your partner will bid again.

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

“Nuts,” Louie growled.

MISPLAY

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.

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.

After Louie wins the first trick, he should lead the ace and a low diamond. If West wins (or if diamonds broke 3-2 or if East held K-10-x-x), Louie could win four diamonds, three spades and two hearts. If West ducks the second diamond, dummy’s queen wins. Then Louie forces out the ace of clubs, winning two clubs, two diamonds, two hearts and three spades.

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.

Trump seeks to postpone documents trial

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Former President Donald Trump wants to postpone any trial on allegations he illegally kept and concealed classified documents at Mar-a-Lago until after the 2024 presidential election.

Attorneys for Mr. Trump and alleged co-conspirator Walt Nauta filed a motion late Monday that detailed the reasons they want to push back the trial, which is set for December 2023. The motion cited a number of reasons for the delay, including the sheer amount of discover materials in the case, which so far include 833,450 pages of records and nine months of security camera footage. Defense attorneys also said that ultimately a trial won’t be needed anyway.

“This extraordinary case presents a serious challenge to both the fact and perception of our American democracy,” defense attorneys wrote in the motion. “The Court now presides over a prosecution advanced by the administration of a sitting President against his chief political rival, himself a leading candidate for the Presidency of the United States. Therefore, a measured consideration and timeline that allows for a careful and complete review of the procedures that led to this indictment and the unprecedented legal issues presented herein best serves the interests of the Defendants and the public.”

Mr. Trump is leading early polls for the GOP presidential nomination. If Mr. Trump gets the nomination, he would likely face President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election. Defense attorneys further

argued that no trial would be needed.

“The intersection between the Presidential Records Act and the various criminal statutes at issue has never been addressed by any court, and in the Defendants’ view, will result in a dismissal of the indictment,” they wrote in the motion.

Defense attorneys also said special counsel Jack Smith’s proposed schedule for the case would interfere with Mr. Trump’s defense in other pending cases and Mr. Trump’s campaign schedule. They argued any trial during the election cycle would make it difficult for Mr. Trump to get a fair trial.

“Proceeding to trial during the pendency of a Presidential election cycle wherein opposing candidates are effectively (if not literally) directly adverse to one another in this action will create extraordinary challenges in the jury selection process and limit the Defendants’ ability to secure a fair and impartial adjudication,” according to the motion.

The defense motion called the prosecution’s proposed schedule “simply untenable.”

Defense attorneys cited the volume of the discovery materials in the case and noted that other trials, including that of former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, had been allowed additional time to process discovery materials. Defense attorneys said that prosecutors have yet to complete the discovery process and that the first production of discovery materials would take months to review.

“That initial production was substantial and voluminous. Therein, the Government produced more than 428,300 records (in excess of 833,450

pages) consisting of approximately 122,650 emails (including attachments) and 305,670 documents gathered from over ninety (90) separate custodians,” according to the defense motion.

“The initial production also included some 57 terabytes of compressed raw CCTV footage (so far there is approximately nine months of CCTV footage, but the final number is not yet certain).”

Defense attorneys also said they want the public to be able to see all the evidence if a trial is needed.

“In general, the Defendants believe there should simply be no ‘secret’ evidence, nor any facts concealed from public view relative to the prosecution of a leading Presidential candidate by his political opponent,” they wrote in the motion. “Our democracy demands no less than full transparency. But it is nonetheless

Judge denies Biden administration appeal of social media injunction

By JOE MUELLER

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – A court order limiting how the Biden administration interacts with social media companies is being appealed to the 5th U.S. District Court of Appeals.

On July 4, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty ordered nine U.S. government agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the White House, from specific communication actions with social media companies. The order was the result of evidence and testimony in Missouri v. Biden, a lawsuit filed by Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt before he was elected to the U.S. Senate.

On Monday, Judge Doughty denied the Biden administration’s motion to stop the injunction he put in place.

“This is a big victory and continues to ensure the Biden Administration can’t censor speech online,” Sen. Schmitt posted on social media. In his 13-page memorandum

COURTESY PHOTO

President Joe Biden

denying the administration’s motion, Judge Doughty, appointed by former President Donald Trump, said Mr. Schmitt and now Mr. Bailey “have shown a likelihood of success on the merits” of the case.

“As discussed in detail in the Memorandum Ruling, all of the Defendants likely ‘significantly encouraged’ and/or ‘jointly participated’ with the social media companies to engage in viewpoint-based suppression of protected speech,” Judge Doughty wrote referencing his 155-page memorandum. “Additionally, the White House Defendants and the Surgeon General Defendants were found to have likely engaged in coercion of social media companies.”

Judge Doughty also disagreed with the Biden administration’s argument it would be “irreparably injured” by the injunction.

“… the First Amendment free speech rights of Plaintiffs by far outweighs the Defendant’s interests,” Judge Doughty wrote.

Judge Doughty also stated the preliminary injunction only prohibits what the administration has “no right to do – urging, encouraging, pressuring, or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression, or reduction of content containing protected free speech on socialmedia platforms.”

Odds makers go wild over White House cocaine mystery

By BRETT ROWLAND

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The continuing mystery of who left cocaine in the White House has spawned memes, jokes, uncomfortable questions, security concerns and online wagering.

BetOnline’s odds list included first son Hunter Biden (-525), chef Edward Lee (+1600), an Olympic Gold Medalist (+2500), Patrick Mahomes (+2500) and Matthew

McConaughey (+2800). According to the fine print, the wagering runs through the end of the month and if no one is publicly identified, no action will result.

Sportsbetting.ag had the same list and lines as BetOnline as of Friday afternoon. The odds-on favorite at Costa Rica wagering site Bovada was a tour group guest.

Others on the list: Hunter Biden, janitorial staff, secret service agent, an ambassador or

premature to even engage in the evaluation of such issues and the Court should therefore postpone its consideration until the Defendants are able to participate in an informed debate.”

Because the case presents “novel, complex, and unique legal issues, most of which are matters of first impression,” the existing trial schedule should be withdrawn, defense attorneys said. They also cited Mr. Trump’s other pending legal matters.

“Finally, previously scheduled trials in other matters for both President Trump and defense counsel make it nearly impossible to prepare for this trial by December 2023,” according to the motion.

Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts that allege he kept sensitive military documents, shared them with people who didn’t have security clearance, and tried to get around the government’s efforts to get them back. He is charged with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information along with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal and false statements and representations.

The 49-page indictment laid out the charges against Mr. Trump and his valet and alleged co-conspirator Walt Nauta. Mr. Trump was charged with keeping classified documents after leaving office and later obstructing the government’s efforts to get them back. The indictment contains specific dates and times with tothe-minute details of where the documents were stored, where they were moved, and who was involved.

Among the records were 197 that contained classified markings, including 98 marked “secret” and 30 marked “top secret.” The “top secret” designation means that unauthorized disclosure “reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage” to national security,” according to the indictment. Mr. Trump turned those records over to the National Archives and Records Administration on Jan. 17, 2022, in response to demands from that federal agency.

On June 3, 2022, an attorney for Mr. Trump provided the Federal Bureau of Investigation with 38 additional documents with classified markings. And during a raid of Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8, 2022, the FBI recovered 102 additional documents with classified markings. While the U.S. Secret Service provided security to Mr. Trump while he was at his Palm Beach property, Mr. Trump never told the agency that classified documents were stored there, according to the indictment.

Mar-a-Lago hosted 150 social events – such as weddings, fundraisers and movie premieres for tens of thousands of guests from January 2021, when Mr. Trump left office, through the FBI raid on Aug. 8, 2022. Mar-a-Lago had about 150 employees during that time, prosecutors said in the indictment.

Prosecutors allege the documents belong to some of the nation’s most secret agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, National GeospatialIntelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, the Department of Energy and the Department of State.

By SETH SANDRONSKY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - U.S. employers added 209,000 nonfarm jobs in June, under the monthly average of 278,000 for the first half of 2023, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. June’s unemployment rate fell to 3.6% versus May’s 3.7%.

Employment growth continued in construction (23,000 jobs), government (60,000 jobs), health care (41,000 jobs) and social assistance (24,000 jobs) sectors. Social assistance has averaged 22,000 new hires per month over the first half of 2023, in agreement with the average of 19,000 per month in 2022.

Monetary policy matters to employment growth. Take the Federal Reserve Bank’s halt of interest-rate hikes to tame a rise of inflation, or a general uptick in prices. That policy change helps construction activity, which relies upon borrowed money for payroll expenses and more, such as supplies.

Retail trade employment shed 11,000 jobs in June, according to the BLS. Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers lost 10,000 jobs. Employment in transportation and warehousing shed 7,000 jobs, as did couriers and messengers, and warehousing and storage firms.

The documents contained information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of the United States and other allied nations, U.S. nuclear programs, plans for possible retaliation in case of an attack and potential U.S. vulnerabilities, according to the indictment.

Mr. Trump stored the boxes in several locations at Mar-a-Lago, his social club with 25 guest rooms in Palm Beach. The boxes that contained classified documents were stored in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, his bedroom and a storage room, prosecutors alleged in the indictment.

The club was not authorized to store classified documents. Prosecutors further alleged that Mr. Trump showed classified documents to people not authorized to see such records. In one case on July 21, 2021, at the Bedminster Club in New Jersey, Mr. Trump allegedly showed a writer, a publisher and two staff members classified documents. During the recorded interview, Mr. Trump said that the documents were “highly classified” and that could have declassified them while president, but could no longer do so after leaving office, according to the indictment.

In August or September 2021, prosecutors allege Mr. Trump showed a representative of his political action committee a classified map of a country. In April, Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in New York related to charges he paid hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels through a lawyer before the 2016 presidential election and covered it up as a legal expense before being elected president.

Air transportation employers added 3,000 new hires.

Self-employment dipped quite a bit in June, continuing a trend underway. Employment in professional and business services changed little in June, with 21,000 jobs created, according to the BLS. “Monthly job growth in the industry has averaged 40,000 thus far in 2023, down from 62,000 per month in 2022.” Employment in professional, scientific, and technical services continued and upward trend, with 23,000 new hires in June.

Job-stayers pay increased 6.4% in June versus 6.6% in May, according to the June ADP National Employment Report, a production of the ADP Research Institute and the Stanford Digital Economy Lab. “For job changers, pay gains slowed for the 12th straight month, to 11.2%, the slowest pace of growth since October 2021.”

“The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons increased by 452,000 to 4.2 million in June,” according to the BLS, (citing the household data survey) “partially reflecting an increase in the number of persons whose hours were cut due to slack work or business conditions.

Persons employed part time for economic reasons are individuals who would have preferred full-time employment but were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs.”

More terrorists found at northern border than at southern border

lawmaker, and even former President Donald Trump.

As previously reported by The Center Square, the Secret Service confirmed 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 Secret Service spokesperson.

By BETHANY BLANKLEY

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Federal agents patrolling the busiest U.S. Customs and Border Protection sector at the northern border are apprehending a record number of foreign nationals illegally entering the U.S. through Canada.

In just the past nine months, since the beginning of the 2023 fiscal year on Oct. 1, border

agents in the Swanton Sector have apprehended more than 4,600 people from over 67 countries, more than they have in the past seven years combined. The sector covers 295 miles along the Canada-U.S. border and includes all of Vermont, six upstate New York counties and three New Hampshire counties.

In June, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents alone apprehended at least 676 illegal

foreign nationals and reported 287 gotaways. In May, they apprehended at least 503 and reported 157 gotaways, according to preliminary data obtained by The Center Square from a Border Patrol agent.

This is after they apprehended 742 illegal foreign nationals and reported 142 gotaways in April and apprehended 816 and reported 371 gotaways in March.

WHITE HOUSE PHOTO Donald Trump

U.S. employers add 209,000 jobs in June, as jobless rate falls to 3.6%