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T H U R S DAY, SE P T E M BE R 3 , 2 0 2 0
For whom the bell tolls Bell rung 34 times to honor lives lost in Conception boat fire
By GRAYCE MCCORMICK NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
The sun broke through the clouds for just a moment at 7 on Wednesday morning. At the end of the Breakwater of the Santa Barbara Harbor, 15 to 20 family and community members gathered in the morning gloom to have first looks at the new plaque commemorating the 34 souls lost in the Conception fire. The plaque reads, “In honor of those who lost their lives September 2, 2019 on board the Conception at Platt’s Harbor, Santa Cruz Island.” The light green plaque placed on a large rock then lists each of the victim’s names. Following the unveiling, a bell was rung 34 times — for each life lost. Despite the chilly ocean breeze, attendees embraced one another, reflected at the photo memorial and gazed out at the blue waves that their lost family members and friends loved so much. James Adamic lost three family members in the tragedy: his sister, Diana Adamic, her husband, Steve Salika and their daughter, Tia Adamic-Salika. They were celebrating Tia’s 17th birthday when the boat went up in flames. “They were all there together. They all wanted to go on a trip together. They all perished together,” he told the News-Press. “It’s a good way to keep their memories alive for everybody, and it’s a nice way of being recognized for our loss. It’s very touching.” The memorial, covered in bright flowers, candles, dolphin balloons and personal valuables, displayed photos of the victims and various messages alongside them. Swim fins, hats, leis and goggles were draped over the shrine, as attendees clutched the framed memories of their loved ones. “This is such an incredibly important day to remember,” Suzanne Grimmesey, from the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, told the News-Press. “We remember all the lives that were lost, and it will be permanently imprinted in many people’s minds. We’re grateful
ANNELISE HANSHAW/NEWS-PRESS
Sprouts, at 29 S. Milpas St., opened its newest location Wednesday.
Sprouts opens Milpas St. locale By ANNELISE HANSHAW NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
RAFAEL MALDONADO/NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
Above, the city of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department held a virtual commemoration and plaque dedication on the one-year anniversary of the Conception boat tragedy. A bell was rung 34 times for each life lost. At left, the memorial next to the plaque displays photos and personal memorabilia of each victim.
Please see MEMORIAL on A10
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Green-shirted staff members wave a line of 10 customers through the sliding doors of Sprouts, a grocery store specializing in health foods. Inside, employees wearing gloves arrange produce into pyramid-like displays. Tags labeled “plant-based” and “gluten-free” flutter as carts zip pass. Sprouts opened its newest location at 29 S. Milpas St. Wednesday, led by interim store
manager Eric Sustin. He saw people peering through the windows prior to opening, and he met a mother and daughter that planned ahead to shop on the opening day. “It’s a big deal to have Sprouts around here,” customer and local resident Jim Head said. He usually shops for fresh foods, but the only other healthy grocery store nearby is Trader Joe’s. But he’s tired of shopping there. Mr. Sustin hopes the store can provide a healthy option for residents. Please see Sprouts on A2
ICBM missile launched during Vandenberg test By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR
An unarmed Minuteman III ICBM missile was launched shortly after midnight Wednesday during an operational test at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The purpose of the intercontinental ballistic missile test launch program is to validate and verify the weapon system’s safety, security, effectiveness, and reliability, according to Air Force Global Strike Command. The launch occurred at 12:03 a.m. Wednesday. Col. Kris Barcomb, 30th Operations Group commander, was the launch decision authority. “Our outstanding Airmen and space professionals continue to showcase flawless execution Please see TEST on A10
CONNOR RILEY PHOTO
An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test at 12:02 a.m. Wednesday at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
News-Press makes endorsements
A memorial at SEA Landing has the name of every lost soul, surrounded by flowers. At right, a plaque was dedicated to the 34 victims.
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The Santa Barbara News-Press has made these endorsements for the 2020 election. President: Donald Trump. U.S. House of Representatives, 24th District: Andy Caldwell.
State Senate District 19: Gary Michaels. State Assembly District 35: Jordan Cunningham. State Assembly District 37: Charles Cole.
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L O T T E RY RESU LTS
Comics................. A8 Classified.............. A9 Life.................... A 3-6
Wednesday’s SUPER LOTTO: 24-27-36-40-46 Mega: 10
Wednesday’s DAILY 4: 4-7-8-5
Tuesday’s MEGA MILLIONS: 15-25-26-38-47 Meganumber:22
Wednesday’s FANTASY 5: 13-14-23-25-27
Wednesday’s DAILY DERBY: 10-02-03 Time: 1:46.25
Wednesday’s POWERBALL: 1-4-11-20-69 Meganumber: 18
Obituaries........... A10 Soduku................. A7 Weather.............. A10
Wednesday’s DAILY 3: 8-1-1 / Wednesday’s Midday 2-8-9
