Santa Barbara News-Press: December 29, 2022

More traffic for the holidays

AAA says travel volume in Southern California is 4% higher than 2021

NEWS-PRESS

developer’s hotel plans depend on State Street

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Patrons of The Pressroom have two or three years to watch their beloved soccer games while drinking and dining at the popular English-style pub in downtown Santa Barbara.

The same goes for Restoration Hardware, where customers will still be able to shop for their highend furniture and home decor.

That’s how long developer and landlord Jim Knell estimates it will take before his proposal to build a four-story, 66-room hotel at 710 State St. winds its way through Santa Barbara’s review process and obtains final approval.

And if city officials don’t remove the outdoor dining parklets and open lower State Street to vehicular traffic by then, the two businesses could continue to operate a whole lot longer than that.

Guests of his proposed hotel

must be able to drive up in front, park their cars and register, as they do at every other luxury hotel, Mr. Knell insisted in a recent interview with the NewsPress.

If that doesn’t happen, he said, “I’ll pull it.”

His proposed 32,799-squarefoot hotel with restaurant/bar and conference rooms would go on six lots totalling more than 30,000 square feet on the 700 block of State Street, on the side closest to Anacapa Street.

The project would include the demolition of the buildings housing The Pressroom at 15 E. Ortega St. and Restoration Hardware at 710 State St.

Mr. Knell originally planned to build residential apartments on the site but withdrew his proposal because of the city’s affordable housing requirements and parking restrictions, he said.

James Rafferty, owner of the

Holiday travel is increasing in Southern California as gas prices fall.

That’s the word from the American Automobile Association, which estimates that between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, approximately 9.2 million holiday travelers will make a trip 50 or more miles away from home.

Of that number, 8.1 million are predicted to be traveling by automobile and approximately 771,000 will travel by plane, according to Doug Shupe, corporate communications manager for AAA.

“The overall travel volume in Southern California is 4% higher than last year and down only 1% from 2019, before the pandemic. People are ready to get out there and connect with friends and family and ring in the new year on a new note with loved ones and lots of plans for the future,” Mr. Shupe told the News-Press Wednesday.

Across the nation, AAA expects 112.7 million holiday travelers, with 101.8 million automobile travelers and 7.2 million traveling by plane, up 3.3% from this time last year and down 6% from 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Falling gas prices are seen as a reason for the increase in this year’s holiday travel. The national average on Wednesday for a gallon of gas was $3.13. The national average a week ago was

$3.10, a month ago was $3.54 and a year ago was $3.28. The highest average price recorded was on June 14 at $5.01.

The average on Wednesday for California, which has consistently stayed above the rest of the country, was $4.37. The state average a week ago was $4.34, a month ago was $5.04 and a

year ago was $4.65. The highest average price recorded was on June 14 at $6.43.

The average price in Santa Barbara County was $4.51 on Wednesday, down from $4.52 a week ago and $5.11 a month ago.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, the average gas price in Ventura County was $4.50 a gallon, down

from $5.16 a month ago; in San Luis Obispo County, $4.86 a gallon, down from $5.42 one month ago; and Los Angeles County, $4.46 a gallon, down from $5.11 a month ago.

“Falling gas prices are one factor impacting holiday travel,” Mr. Shupe said. “Another factor

Igor Ortiz pleads guilty to murder

Igor Ortiz has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Santa Barbara resident Alberto Torres.

Mr. Orti also has admitted he committed the murder as part of his association with a street gang.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley on Wednesday announced the plea.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Ortiz admitted that he used a knife in the commission of the murder and committed the premeditated murder in association with members of the Westside criminal street gang for the benefit of the Westside gang.

During the early morning hours of June 1, 2019, Mr. Torres walked

home to his residence on the 1300 block of Cacique Street after finishing his shift at a restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara. Just yards from his home, Mr. Torres was attacked by Mr. Ortiz and an accomplice. During the attack, Mr. Ortiz and his accomplice repeatedly stabbed Mr. Torres, killing him, the District Attorney’s Office reported in a news release Wednesday.

The Santa Barbara Police Department investigated the case. The District Attorney’s Office said Mr. Ortiz will be sentenced on Feb. 8 in Department 2 of the Superior Court in Santa Barbara. At that time, Mr. Ortiz will be sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Jim Knell says he will pull his proposal if street doesn’t reopen to traffic

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

Please

HOTEL

This is the view of Highway 101 Wednesday from Storke Road from Goleta. More drivers are expected on the road this holiday season.

Falling gas prices are seen as a reason for the increased numbers of motorists going on road trips this holiday season. These were the prices Wednesday at the 76 station at 2837 De La Vina St. in Santa Barbara.

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Please see TRAVEL on A4

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Multiple collisions on Highway 101

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to multiple vehicle collisions Tuesday night on Highway 101 between Gaviota and Los Alamos.

In one incident, a Ford Ranger went over the side of the highway and 30 feet into the creek. This happened off the northbound lanes just north of the Gaviota tunnel.

Firefighters used rope systems to rescue two patients — one male and one female. Both had moderate injuries. The patients were transported by ground to

County advises caution at beaches

With more rain expected on Saturday, Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services is reminding residents about health risks associated with stormwater runoff at beaches.

Storm water is untreated rainwater that flows through

After the incident, only one northbound lane was open, and traffic became backed up south of the tunnel.

Firefighters continued Wednesday to work with chainsaws to create a path for tow truck and vehicle removal, Scott Safechuck, the public information officer for County Fire, reported in a tweet Wednesday.

Another collision happened when four vehicles hit a tree that fell with its branches across southbound Highway 101 at El Capitan Canyon, Capt. Safechuck said.

The collision involved four vehicles and seven patients with minor injuries.

After the incidents, Capt. Safechuck

the drain system into creeks, the ocean and other waterways. Contact with storm water while swimming or surfing may increase the risk for illnesses such as rashes, fever, chills, ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea.

To minimize risks, county officials recommend that people do not swim, play or surf in the ocean and creeks for at least three days following rain. Beachgoers

urged caution. “The new year is in reach. Let’s make it there by driving at safe speeds and staying focused.”

— Katherine Zehnder

Serpanza Marie update

A unified command continues to manage a response to a discharge of diesel and hydraulic fluid from a 60foot fishing vessel that ran aground Dec. 15 near Chinese Harbor on Santa Cruz Island.

The vessel, called the Serpanza Marie and owned by Ocean Angel VI LLC, has a capacity of 4,000 gallons and was estimated to be carrying approximately

are also advised to avoid areas near the outfall from drain pipes and creeks that enter the ocean because stormwater runoff may carry high levels of bacteria and pollutants.

Sport harvesters should wait at least 10 days after a significant rain to harvest shellfish, officials said. High bacterial levels, pesticide, herbicide and motor oil grease flushed into the ocean with the storm runoff may contaminate

1,000 gallons of diesel fuel, as well as an unknown amount of hydraulic fluid.

Representatives within the unified command include the U.S. Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Ocean Angel VI LLC.

Weather and sea conditions continued to present an unsafe working environment on Monday, so crews were unable to move the vessel to a more stable location. Overnight, significant swells caused the Speranza Marie to separate from her anchored position and drift aground about 100 yards west from the

the shellfish beds. Adequate cooking of shellfish will destroy harmful bacteria, but may not be effective in killing viruses. In addition, cooking does not eliminate chemical and metal pollutants in shellfish, according to County Environmental Services.

For more information, visit www.sbprojectcleanwater.org.

— Katherine Zehnder

SM landfill to close for holiday

original grounding position in Chinese Harbor, according to a news release. Drone imagery and a helicopter overflight on Tuesday observed significant damage to the vessel, with debris onshore and minor sheening around the vessel, but response crews do not currently have safe access to the site. Salvage and response crews will continue to monitor the weather and sea conditions.

The Coast Guard has issued a safety zone of 4,000 yards around the boat. No vessel or person will be permitted to be within the safety zone without obtaining permission from the captain of the port.

— Katherine Zehnder

on residential solid waste collection routes at no charge during the week of Jan. 9-13.

Charges apply for trees picked up after Jan. 13.

SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria Regional Landfill will be closed on New Year’s Day and will reopen at 7 a.m. Jan. 2.

In Santa Maria, all city administrative offices will be closed on Jan. 2. Residential trash and recycling collection service will not be affected by the closure.

In addition to announcing the closure, the city of Santa Maria is telling residents what can be done with their Christmas trees.

Discarded trees will be collected

The city advises residents to place their Christmas trees on the curb at least three feet away from collection containers on a scheduled collection day. Trees must be free of all stands, tinsel and ornaments. Flocked trees or artificial trees will not be accepted.

Questions may be directed to the Utilities Department at 805-925-0951, ext. 7270.

— Katherine Zehnder

Press Room, celebrated at the time, announcing in May that he had signed a new 10-year lease.

Mr. Knell, however, had architect Kevin Moore re-envision and redraw the plans for a hotel, this time set in an outdoor paseo setting that would include other businesses/eateries.

“It’s a great location,” Mr. Knell said. The current proposal, still in the conceptual stage, “is a lot better than the apartments. It’s similar in style but has much more upgrades. It will upgrade State Street.”

The Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission was suitably impressed by the newly redrawn project and enthusiastically sent it to the city Planning Commision for its review and consideration.

There’s “no date certain” as to when that will happen, Mr. Knell said.

He noted that the lease negotiated by him and Mr. Rafferty includes a buy-out option in which he would pay Mr. Rafferty an unspecified amount to leave the Press Room’s current location on Ortega Street.

“They have a right to relocate, and we pay them a fee,” Mr. Knell said. “They have a nice little business there, but it’s not the highest or best use for the space.”

Mr. Knell said that if necessary, he would provide Mr. Rafferty with another space to rent for the Press Room. But he added he does not have any vacancies right now. “If one becomes available I’m open to it,” Mr. Knell said. “I have no problems with the tenant.”

Mr. Rafferty did not respond to repeated requests from the NewsPress for comment or reaction.

Restoration Hardware’s situation differs from the Press Room, Mr. Knell said. The furniture business, he said, has a month-to-month lease and would not be paid to vacate its current site if and when the hotel project is approved.

Mr. Knell said they might be interested in staying in Santa Barbara, but doubted that they

do it anywhere on State Street given the problems he and others say exist along the city’s main thoroughfare.

“They are saddened by what they see on State Street,” Mr. Knell said. “It no longer fits the culture of Restoration Hardware.”

Restoration Hardware’s corporate headquarters did not respond to a News-Press email seeking comment.

Mr. Knell said he is more angered than saddened by State Street’s current condition, noting he “absolutely” agrees with his tenant, Kelly Brown, owner of The Natural Cafe, who announced he is closing his restaurant at the end of March.

Mr. Brown said it’s bad enough that more and more people work remotely now instead of going to

work downtown where they might stop by for lunch. On top of that, he said, State Street now hosts many homeless people, some of whom aggressively panhandle, urinate in planters and against buildings and drink alcohol or use illegal drugs in public. In addition, the street has rats that feed off of food dropped from the outdoor dining parklets and speeding bicyclists who ride too close to pedestrians, Mr. Brown said.

Mr. Knell is particularly incensed by the continued presence of the parklets, which he says are allowed in front of retailers without their permission.

“It’s wrong.”

Likewise, he criticized city officials for making the Aloha Fun Center add more bathrooms “yet allow restaurants to expand on

Street Street in size (because of the parklets) and not have an issue with bathrooms. It’s just wrong.”

Mr. Knell said he understands that overnight guests at his proposed hotel would have to park on site, now set for the rear of the building, but balked at new guests having to check in behind the building instead of in front.

“With the apartments, I wasn’t that concerned about them going through the back of the building,” he said. “But I don’t want them to have to go to the rear of the property to check in. If they have to enter at the rear of the property because they can’t park in front, I’ll pull it.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Periodicals Postage Paid at Santa Barbara, CA. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Santa Barbara News-Press, P.O. Box 1359, Santa Barbara, CA 93102. Published daily.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Restoration Hardware will be required to vacate its location at 710 State St. if developer Jim Knell is able to carry out his plans to build a hotel.

‘The current proposal ... is a lot better than the apartments’

Developer and landlord Jim Knell would like to build his hotel in this block running along Ortega and State streets. That would mean tearing down the Press Room bar, which is in one of the buildings owned by Mr. Knell, in the lower left. The News-Press building, which is at the far right and represented by its bell tower in the rear, is not owned by Mr. Knell and would not be affected.

Nearly 302,000 apprehended, gotaways reported in California in FY22

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – At least 301,707 people were apprehended or evaded law enforcement after illegally entering California in fiscal 2022, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data obtained by The Center Square from a Border Patrol agent.

This is out of a record 3.3 million illegal entries reported by Border Patrol for all nine southwest border sectors in the fiscal year.

Border Patrol agents apprehended at least 242,393 foreign nationals and reported at least 59,314 known and recorded gotaways in California’s two Border Patrol sectors of El Centro and San Diego, according to the data analyzed.

This excludes the month of September, for which all apprehension data is missing in the San Diego Sector. A reported glitch in the system occurred, which has never happened before, according to the Border Patrol agent who provided the data to The Center Square. The numbers represent 12 months of El Centro Sector data and 11 months of San Diego Sector data.

It also excludes Office of Field Operations data. If OFO data and one missing month of San Diego Sector data were included, the numbers would be higher.

California shares the smallest portion of the Mexico border of 137 miles, nearly evenly split in terms of linear mileage between the El Centro and San Diego sectors.

To put the number of illegal foreign national entries in perspective, if they were combined to populate a city, they would create the 15th largest city in California, behind Santa Ana’s population of slightly more than 307,000 people.

Their combined total would also create the 19th largest county in California and is greater than the individual populations of 36 out of California’s 58 counties.

In the El Centro Sector, Border Patrol agents apprehended 76,321 illegal foreign nationals and reported 8,631 gotaways. The number who were apprehended and evaded law enforcement were enough to populate nearly two El Centros and over two Calexicos, two of three towns where Border Patrol stations are located.

In the San Diego Sector, Border Patrol agents apprehended 166,072 illegal foreign nationals and reported 50,683 gotaways, totaling nearly 15% of San Diego’s population.

Gotaways is the term used by Border Patrol to categorize those

who illegally enter the U.S. in between ports of entry to evade capture by law enforcement. CBP doesn’t publish the gotaway data.

The Center Square obtains it from a Border Patrol agent who has access to CBP’s internal tracking system. The total is believed to be significantly higher because not all gotaways who evade capture are tracked or caught.

Law enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents have expressed the most concern about them because federal, state and local authorities don’t know who or where they are.

These individuals, mostly single men of military age, didn’t enter seeking asylum or making other immigration claims. They also actively evade law enforcement as they make their way north.

Many are believed to be working with cartels and gangs, engaging in human and drug trafficking, intent on committing other crimes in the U.S., law enforcement officers have told The Center Square.

The data also doesn’t reflect the level of crime California law enforcement officers are seeing, including record amounts of fentanyl and other illicit drugs being brought into the state through the southern border, law enforcement officers say. CBP agents are regularly making large busts of meth, cocaine and fentanyl.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Randy Grossman earlier this year said San Diego “has become the epicenter of fentanyl trafficking into the United States.”

At the time, more than 7,300 pounds of fentanyl had been seized at the southern border by CBP agents, excluding state and local law enforcement seizures.

More than 60% of the fentanyl that’s been seized nationwide has been seized in San Diego and Imperial counties, Mr. Grossman said. In 2021, 817 people died from fentanyl in Imperial County alone, and his office is prosecuting fentanyl-related offenses at an increased rate of 1600% over the past five years, he said.

His county’s efforts are similar to Riverside County’s, which has been aggressively prosecuting fentanyl dealers for murder.

From southern to northern California, law enforcement officers are sounding the alarm about the volume of drugs pouring into California.

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux warned earlier this year, “One every eight minutes an American dies of a fentanyl overdose. Pills coming across our southern border is absolutely one of the biggest issues we are facing as a country.”

Fentanyl crisis in California

By RIA ROEBUCK THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Fentanyl seized at the border was sufficient to kill twice the population of North America.

A report released on Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office revealed that the amount of fentanyl pouring over the California border has reached catastrophic proportions. There was enough of the drug reaching the state in 2022 to kill every man, woman and child in North America — twice.

This past year saw a 594% increase in fentanyl seizures compared to 2021. The California National Guard and law enforcement seized 28,765 pounds of fentanyl. A lethal dose of fentanyl can fit inside the square of a keypad letter on an iPhone.

Drugs are carried by people entering the United States, often illegally. The latest number of illegal border crossings released by the Department of Homeland Security reveal that there were 2,378,944 people coming across the southwest border this year, more than triple the amount from 2020.

Since President Joe Biden took office, the number of illegal crossings have steadily increased.

In January 2022, there were approximately 155,000 illegal crossings, but by March that number exceeded 200,000 per month and remained at that average for the rest of the year, with single adults being the largest percentage, more than double that of family units.

It is this mass movement of humanity surging into California and other border states that make it difficult to thoroughly monitor the movements of the fentanyl drug, which is the No. 1 killer of

America’s youth.

A study earlier this year by the Center for Disease Control found a 350% increase in fentanyl-related deaths between 2019 and 2020 in teenagers. Teens are often unaware that they are consuming a fatal drug as pills are made to look like Xanax, Percocet and OxyContin.

Drug cartels use more than 230 underground tunnels to traffic fentanyl and weapons over the border. Customs and Border Protection is stretched to the limit with processing illegal crossings.

“The opioid crisis has touched every part of California, and our nation, this year. As we mourn the many lives lost, California is working harder than ever to fight this crisis and protect people from these dangerous drugs to ensure our communities are kept safe in the first place,” said Gov. Newsom in the report.

Gov. Newsom allocated $450 million for CalHHS to address the opioid issue in 2022, and provided for the training and hiring of 166 new members of the California National Guard, funded from the more than $100 million the state received as part of the $26 billion national opioid settlement with multiple major pharmaceutical companies.

Gov. Newsom will also use part of the settlement “to combat the fentanyl crisis and support federal, state and local law enforcement.”

The report went on to state that the Department of Health Care Services will provide naloxone to institutes of higher education at no cost through the Naloxone Distribution Project and allocated $12 million in grants to schools, nonprofits and other groups addressing opioid use among ages 12- to 24-years old.

reaches high proportions

Santa Barbara

beats Holy Martyrs at Holiday Classic

The Santa Barbara High boys basketball team hung on for a close 80-77 victory over Holy Martyrs on the first day of the Santa Barbara Holiday Classic on Tuesday.

The first quarter ended with Holy Martyrs up 20-17, but Santa Barbara grabbed the lead in the second, eventually winding up ahead by as much as 12 points during the third. Holy Martyrs staged a comeback in the fourth quarter, pulling the game within one point beore a pair of free throws by Carter Battle secured Santa Barbara’s final margin of victory.

Luke Zuffelato led Santa Barbara with 34 points while Tobin Shyrock scored 12 and Finn Wipps and Jack Holdren combined to supply 15.

Dos Pueblos girls basketball falls to Saugus

The Dos Pueblos girls basketball team lost to Saugus on Tuesday, falling by a score of 59-40.

“Credit to Saugus, who outplayed us,” said Coach Manny Murrillo. “There were some positives. We got some good looks on offense, we competed until the end, and we got Lauren Robles in the lineup now. It will take a few games for her to get her legs and conditioning back but that will add some offense we have been missing … We just seemed flat and never really got into our rhythm.”

Leading Dos Pueblos was Carly Letendre with 15 points and four rebounds. Justine Kats contributed 13 points and three rebounds.

Dos Pueblos fell to a 6-6 record with the loss.

Dos Pueblos boys basketball edges Rio Mesa

The Dos Pueblos High boys basketball team defeated Rio Mesa on Tuesday, winning by a score of 74-68.

“This was a tightly contested game,” said Dos Pueblos Coach Joe Zaora. “Righetti did a good job rebounding and making it hard for us to get offensive boards. We were able to use our

changing defenses in the second half which allowed us to create some distance.”

Joe Talarico led Dos Pueblos with 30 points while Justin Stock scored 19 and Daniel Mauldin contributed ten.

Dos Pueblos improved to 5-6 with the win.

Carpinteria boys basketball crushed by Bishop Diego

The Carpinteria High boys basketball team lost by a wide margin to Bishop Diego on Tuesday, losing 56-29.

Senior Kainoa Glasgow led the Warriors with 11 points while Sophomore Sebastian Campuzano added six and Junior Mario Serrano and senior Israel Samaguey each scored five.

Bishop Diego was led by Bryan Trejo’s 15 points. Eight players added at least five points for the Cardinals.

Carpinteria falls to 3-11 with the loss. The team will return to action on Jan. 4 against Santa Paula.

Dos Pueblos boys soccer falls to Crespi

The Dos Pueblos High boys soccer team lost to Crespi on Tuesday, falling by a score of 2-1.

“Our boys came up, battling a pretty tall, and competent, Crespi high soccer team,” said Coach Matt York. “Both sides really fought to control the pace and the strategy during the first half.”

Dos Pueblos went into the half up by one, with a goal scored by senior Matt Sillers. Crespi evened the score early in the second half, eventually taking the lead with two minutes left inthe game.

“Man of the match award goes to captain Gio Jimenez, who erased a lot of problems for us in the middle and was great with his dribbling in tight spaces,” said York. “As coaches, we were proud of the fight and effort they showed despite having to shuffle our lineup with many personnel changes over the holidays. No player embodied that more than JV call-up junior Eden Ordaz Velasco who played great for us at center back.”

Dos Pueblos fell to 1-6 with the loss.

- Matt Smolensky

SOSNER, Joyce

Joyce Sosner, beloved wife of Norman for 66 years, passed away on December 2, following a bad fall, which caused serious internal injuries. She is grievously mourned by her sons, David & Jeremy, their wives, Leonie and Sissy, grandchildren, Marina and Noah as well as countless friends in Hawaii and Santa Barbara, where her generous community volunteerism raised large sums of money for a number of charities mainly, the Santa Barbara Symphony. She was much admired for her creative “Affairs to Remember,” a highly successful program of entertaining fund raisers in which she recruited the help of volunteer hostesses, musicians and singers.

She willed her body to the Johns Burns University School for medical research, thus avoiding a funeral. May she rest in peace.

FR. MAGALLANES, Alejandro

Fr. Alejandro Magallanes was born in Los Angeles, California on January 12, 1943; the son of Francisco Magallanes and Ofelia Serrano. He entered the Capuchin Order on August 31, 1961 at Wilmington, Delaware, where he received the habit. He professed his Solemn Vows on September 1, 1965. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 20, 1969 at St. Bede Church in La CañadaFlintridge, CA.

He graduated from St. Francis High School in La Cañada-Flintridge in 1961. He received a Master of Arts in Theology from Maryknoll College in New York. After ordination he taught religion at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA. He was then assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Los Angeles, as Associate Pastor in 1971. He was the first friar of the province to make a Marriage Encounter. In 1977 he returned to Santa Ana to be the Province’s first Postulancy Director. In 1982 he was Pastor of St. Lawrence of Brindisi Parish in Los Angeles. In 1985 he was one of the co-founders and Guardian of our new mission in Yécora, Sonora, Mexico. In 1988 he was Associate Pastor of Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang, CA. In 1993 he was chaplain at Fresno University Medical Center. He did preaching ministry while residing at St. Francis High School in La Cañada-Flintridge in 2003. In 2004 he was assistant retreat director at San Lorenzo Friary in Santa Ynez, CA. In 2007 he was diagnosed with brain cancer and was given 6 months to live. He was told that his type of cancer was 95% deadly. He survived 15 years more and was lovingly cared for at St. John of God Care Center in Los Angeles. Br. Tran Vu and Tony Driscoll also cared for him with great love and were wonderful instruments of grace for him.

Fr. Alejandro gave his best in all that he was called to do for the Order and the Church. He was a very prayerful man. His many ministries in these past 61 years as a Capuchin are but the exterior manifestation of a deep faith life in Christ. We thank God for his missionary spirit and for his courage in volunteering to go to our mission in Northern Mexico and leading our first fraternity there. He loved Holy Scripture, and tried with all his heart to live the Word of God. He gave much witness to the active contemplative aspect of our Capuchin way of life. He enjoyed the simple joys of life like cycling through God’s beautiful creation or preparing popcorn for the brothers.

Fr. Alejandro died peacefully at St. John of God Care Center in Los Angeles, CA on December 21, 2022. He was 79 years old. He was a Capuchin for 61 years and a Catholic priest for 53 years.

He is survived by his two brothers, Fred and Manuel, and his two sisters, Teresa and Martha, and many nephews and nieces.

Fr. Alejandro’s funeral arrangements are as follows: Rosary is Monday, January 2nd, at 7:00 pm at Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, January 3rd, at 11:00 am also at Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang. Burial is at San Lorenzo Friary, 1802 Sky Drive, in Santa Ynez, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Fr. Alejandro to the Capuchin Franciscan Order, 1345 Cortez Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010. Loper Funeral Chapel, Directors

This

Expert urges to practice safe driving

TRAVEL

Continued from Page A1

is flight disruptions, which may increase auto travel following this past weekend’s winter storm, which impacted Christmas travel.

“People must not forget about safety. We want people to start the new year on the right foot with fun and family,” he said. “Make sure you are well rested. Don’t make dangerous driving decisions. Buckle up and obey the speed limits.

“Don’t drive intoxicated, and don’t drive intexticated,” Mr. Shupe said, referring to texting on

phones.

He also advised that motorists go the distance in preparation.

“Triple AAA anticipates coming to the rescue of over 250, 000 stranded drivers throughout the state of California,” Mr. Shupe said. “The top reasons for calls will include: dead batteries, flat tires, and getting locked out of vehicles. For those taking road trips, inspect your vehicles, including checking belts and hoses. Being stranded is a very vulnerable place to be. A little preventative maintenance will prevent that breakdown.”

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

STAGGS, Dwight Dee

The Legend It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dwight Dee Staggs (DD) at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital on November 17th, 2022. He was 65 years old.

Dwight was born on January 6th, 1957, in Seattle, Washington to Merryle Coy Pinkerton Beckham and James Clebert Staggs, Sr. As a boy, Dwight grew up in various places, such as West Covina, Hawaii, Las Vegas, San Diego, Argentina, Goleta, and Alabama. But he spent most of his life in Santa Barbara.

At a very young age Dwight knew what it meant to work hard and support his family. He worked for the Santa Barbara County Education Office for just shy of 42 years as the Manager of Maintenance and Operations Internal Services. Dwight is described by colleagues as kind-hearted, hardworking, and just an all-around G.O.A.T (greatest of all time).

Dwight loved music and had a large, unique collection of The Beatles records and fan memorabilia. In his younger years he even wrote his own song lyrics. Dwight collected many things, some of the coolest items being his records, Hot Wheels, and Neon Bar Signs. His collections could be seen and admired in his man cave at his house where you could find him watching his football teams, Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide Baby!) and the Los Angeles Chargers. Dwight enjoyed a good mystery, and one could always find a Dean Koontz book laying around his home. Above all, Dwight loved being with his family, whether that was hosting a party where his family could sing and dance all night long or watching football with his brother Jimmy.

Dwight was a strong patriarch to his family, an amazing friend to his peers, and had a smile that could brighten anyone’s day.

He was a loving Father to Amanda Staggs, Dwight Staggs, Melissa Staggs, Andy Staggs, Steven Staggs, and step-daughter Heather Hoagland.

He was the proudest grandfather to Ashley Staggs, Travis Staggs, Anthony Marsango, Alyssa Frausto, Joseph Frausto, Lacie Marsango, Tristen Frausto, Matthew Arzate, Anika Measurall, Logan Staggs, Alora Measurall, and Ariana Staggs.

He was a dedicated great-grandpa to Breydon Soechting, Amesty Soechting, Layla Staggs, and Ellie Soechting.

Dwight was larger than life itself. This obituary doesn’t even begin to capture the man that DD was. The dedicated and amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that he was cannot be expressed in words. He has left a permanent mark on the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. He will be missed dearly!

A celebration of life will be held in January after the holidays to remember the G.O.A.T: Dwight Dee Staggs!

IN MEMORY

JARYL C. “DAVID” WESTON 8/5/1987 – 12/29/2012

It’s been 10 years since he was received into Heaven. We miss him, honor his memory and forever love him. Because, to live in the hearts of those we love is to not have died. Until we meet again... Love Mom, Papa Bill, Jabari & David A.

Today Fri.

City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Cuyama 55/45/r 59/48/r

Goleta 61/49/c 62/51/r

Lompoc 60/50/c 61/52/r

Pismo Beach 61/52/r 62/54/r

Santa Maria 60/51/c 63/55/r

Santa Ynez 59/49/c 62/51/r

Vandenberg 60/53/c 62/54/r

Ventura 59/54/c 58/54/c

p.m. 3.0’ 10:38 p.m. 1.7’

Pasadena 60/51/c 60/51/c

Paso Robles 57/50/r 62/51/r

Sacramento 51/48/sh 55/52/r

San Diego 62/50/c 63/55/c

San Francisco 54/51/r 60/54/r

San Jose 54/49/r 62/54/r

San Luis Obispo 61/52/r 61/55/r

Santa Monica 62/56/c 60/56/c

Tahoe Valley 36/32/sn 43/38/r

Houston 77/61/sh 70/53/r

Miami 80/72/pc 81/71/pc

Minneapolis 35/13/sn 25/21/c

New York City 49/39/pc 53/44/s

Philadelphia 49/33/pc 54/42/s

Phoenix 63/51/c 63/49/c

Portland, Ore. 47/44/sh 53/42/r

St. Louis 63/40/sh 44/35/c

Salt Lake City 38/29/pc 39/35/sh

Seattle 46/42/sh 49/42/r

Washington, D.C. 52/35/s 59/44/pc

Beijing 36/13/s 38/15/pc

Berlin 55/41/c 48/44/c

Cairo 68/54/s 70/52/s

Cancun 81/73/t 83/75/t

London 50/42/pc 54/49/r

Mexico City 69/50/c 67/52/c

Montreal 41/38/r 46/37/r

New Delhi 70/51/pc 66/47/pc

Paris 53/41/sh 58/56/r

Rio de Janeiro 81/72/r 77/72/r

Rome 63/51/pc 64/49/c Sydney 74/67/c 77/65/r Tokyo 55/41/s 51/40/c

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

is Highway 101 traffic as seen Wednesday from the Turnpike Road onramp in Santa Barbara. More drivers are expected on the road this holiday season.

Life theArts

CALENDAR

Latin American beat

¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! series is back with free concerts

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Fxor the first xtime since the pandemic started, ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! is returning with free concerts.

Starting in January, the series will feature four Latin-American ensembles — Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar (Jan. 13-15), Grandeza Mexicana (March 17-19), Tres Souls (April 14-16) and Las Cafeteras (May 19-21).

All of the family-friendly concerts will start at 7:30 p.m. They will take place on Fridays at Isla Vista Elementary School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Isla Vista; Saturdays at Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe; and Sundays at the Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior

High School, 721 E. Cota St.

In addition to the concerts, each ensemble will work with students primarily in grades 4-8 at local schools. The ensembles will also offer community workshops and visit at-risk youth.

The program is a joint effort between UCSB Arts & Lectures, the Marjorie Luke Theatre, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center and the Isla Vista School Parent Teacher Association.

“At Arts & Lectures, we are thrilled to resume the exciting and deeply rooted ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! program at multiple locations throughout the region,” said Celesta M. Billeci, the Arts & Lectures executive director.

Here are more details on each of the musical ensembles.

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

TODAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Interlopings: Colors in the Warp and Weft of Ecological Entanglements” is an exhibit that runs through March 12 at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara.Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The exhibit features weavings dyed with pigments from non-native plants on Santa Cruz Island. The weavings were created by artists Helen Svensson and Lisa Jevbratt. For more information, see sbbotanicgarden.org.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit “Parliament of Owls” runs through Feb. 5 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. For more information, go to www.sbnature.org.

DEC. 31 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its annual New Year’s Eve concert, featuring music varying from The Beatles to James Bond to Broadway, at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Pops conductor Bob Bernhardt will conduct the concert, which will feature renowned soprano Mela Sarajane Dailey. To purchase tickets, go to thesymphony.org or thegranadasb.org or call the symphony at 805-893-9386.

9 p.m. The Boogie Knights and Spazmatics will perform during the New Year’s Eve Disco Boogie Ball at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. Tickets cost $50. To purchase, go to chumashcasino.com/ entertainment.

JAN. 3 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at the Marian Regional Medical Center, 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. For more information, go to vitalant.org.

7:30 p.m. The American Theatre Guild will present the North American tour of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” a theatrical concert celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin, at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets cost $59 to $114. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 4

7:30 p.m. The American Theatre Guild will present the North American tour of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.,” a theatrical concert celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin, at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets cost $59 to $114. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

JAN. 5

1 to 5 p.m. Vitalant blood drive at the Lompoc Police Department, 107 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc. For more information, go to vitalant.org.

JAN. 13

7 p.m. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar will perform a free concert at Isla Vista Elementary School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Isla Vista, as Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara resumes its programming.

JAN. 14

7 p.m. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuélla will perform a free concert at Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, 1065 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe.

JAN. 15

7 p.m. Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuélla wlil perform a free conceert at The Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara.

Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO Mezzo soprano Mela Sarajane Dailey will sing Broadway hits Saturday night with the Santa Barbara Symphony during its New Year’s Eve concert at The Granada.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Grandeza Mexicana, which is among the ensembles in the ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! series, was founded in 2003 to promote Mexican folk ballet.

Originally from Bakersfi eld, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar has been performing for 26 years throughout Mexico and the U.S.

CONCERTS

• Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar (Jan. 13-15).

The ensemble, which is originally from Bakersfield, has been performing for 26 years throughout Mexico and the U.S. The group is directed by Jimmy “El Pollo” Cuéllar, the son of Jaime Cuéllar and has enjoyed a professional partnership with Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles.

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar is featured on Camila Cabello’s new song “La Buena Vida!”

For more information, see www. mariachigaribaldi.net.

• Grandeza Mexicana (March 17-19).

This award-winning Los Angeles folk ballet company started as a nonprofit, which Jose Vences founded in September 2003 to promote Mexican folk ballet. Backed by careful research, Grandeza Mexicana is committed to preserving the traditions of Mexico.

The ensemble has performed at venues such as the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles for the Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration, as well the Skirball Cultural Center and the Ford

Theater, both in Los Angeles, and the Alex Theatre in Glendale.

For more information, go to www.grandezamexicana.com.

• Tres Souls (April 14-16).

This Los Angeles trio — Rocio Mendoza, Roberto Carlos and Jesus Martinez — is known for reviving the romantic musical genre of boleros from the 1940s to ’60s. Tres Souls released its first album, “Boleros Made in L.A.,” in 2019. For more information, see www.tressouls.com.

• Las Cafeteras (May 19-21).

The ensemble takes folk music and brings it to the future by electrifying traditional instruments such as the eightstring jarana, four-string requinto, quijada (donkey jawbone) and tarima (wooden platform).

Las Cafeteras has played with everyone from the Gypsy Kings to hip-hop artist Common. For more information, visit www.lascafeteras.com.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Pomelos

Romanesco

Lime green in color, this Italian member of the Brassica vegetable family delivers a nice nutty flavor when enjoyed raw and cooked. With a unique spiraling pattern, Romanesco has one of the most intriguing and intricate physiques of any vegetable you will encounter.

This week I prepared chili crusted roasted Romanesco as the Fix of the Week, below. Romanesco can be used as you would cauliflower in most cases. And it’s a good source of vitamins A, C and K, as well as dietary fiber and phosphorus.

You can find Romanesco at most weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets from several local growers. Price averages $5 each.

Bacon avocado

With local Hass avocados difficult to find this time of year, some of the winter varieties are starting to fill in.

One of them is this shinyskinned Bacon avocado.

While they have a lower oil content and not as much of that rich nutty flavor as the Hass, Bacon avocados still make for a suitable substitute in making guacamole, adding slices to a sandwich or being diced into a mixed green salad.

This variety was created in 1954 by James Bacon as a hybrid from two Mexican avocado varieties.

You can expect to find Bacon avocados from several local growers at the weekly Santa Barbara, Sunday Camino Real, Tuesday Santa Barbara, Wednesday Solvang and Thursday Carpinteria farmers’ markets.

Likely the largest variety of citrus fruit you will encounter throughout the year, pomelos take on a rounded physique, have a green to yellow skin when ripe and feature pink flesh inside. I have also seen pomelos with both red and yellow flesh.

Very aromatic with floral notes, pomelos have a flavor that is grapefruit-like — with a tangy to very sweet finish depending on the individual fruit. Nice in both cooked and fresh preparations, the fruit can be peeled and enjoyed out of hand, or the flesh can be sliced and added to mixed green or fruit-based salads.

Pomelos are an excellent source of vitamin C to help keep the immune system strong. You can find freshly harvested pomelos from Buckhorn Canyon Ranch at the weekly Saturday Santa Barbara, Sunday Camino Real, Tuesday Santa Barbara, Wednesday Solvang, and Thursday Carpinteria farmers’ markets.

FARMERS MARKET

One of the most intriguing — and visually stunning — specimens to emerge at the local farmers’ markets every winter is Romanesco.

Also referred to as broccoli Romanesco or Romanesco cauliflower, it is indeed a close relative of both.

Romanesco, which has an edible flowering head, stands out for its unique physique. With a conelike spiraling appearance, Romanesco is one of many plants found in nature that takes on what is called the “Fibonacci sequence,” where the individual florets take on a logarithmic spiraling pattern composed of numbers that are the sum of the two numbers preceding it. It really takes seeing Romanesco firsthand to fully appreciate its beauty.

Romanesco can be used similarly as you would broccoli and cauliflower in many cases. It is more similar in texture and flavor to that of cauliflower, with a slightly nutty flavor and crunchier texture. Romanesco is most easily prepared by tossing it in olive oil, seasoning it and roasting it in the oven until a nice crust develops on the outer surface and the texture softens.

Romanesco, which is an Italian native, is more prominent in Italy and the surrounding regions than in the United States. Many of our local growers have started offering Romanesco seasonally in the winter and spring months.

Romanesco can be used as a unique pizza topping or tossed in pasta dishes. And it pairs well with tomato-based sauces and garlic. When cooking Romanesco, one should try to not overcook it, as it can get somewhat mushy and lose some flavor if overdone.

This week I prepared a chili crusted Romanesco side that pairs well with grilled and roasted meat preparations, with pasta, and potato dishes.

Fix of the Week

CHILI CRUSTED ROMANESCO

1 head Romanesco, florets broken or cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon granulated garlic

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper

Aged balsamic vinegar

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss the Romanesco in olive oil and season chili powder, granulated garlic, ground cumin and salt and pepper to taste. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until desired texture is reached. You can flip the Romanesco pieces halfway through the cooking process if desired.

Yield: Serves about 4 depending on the size of the Romanesco head.

COURTESY PHOTO

Las Cafeteras takes folk music and brings it into the future.

“Picks of the Week” is written by Sam Edelman, general manager of the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association and host of “Farm to Table,” which airs live 9 a.m. Thursdays on KZSB AM 1290. Sam Edelman photos

Sam Edelman

SAM EDELMAN PHOTO

Diversions

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com Thursday, December 29, 2022

ARIES: You may surprise the people around you over the next few days, Aries. You’re a responsible person and others can count on you. But just like anybody else, you’re sensitive to your desires. You should expect your desires to be so strong today that they may be irresistible. If this is a positive experience, you may need to do some planning in your personal life.

TAURUS: You may have to stand by certain difficult, worrisome decisions today, Taurus. You may feel a kind of urgent need for stability in your personal life. What is really behind this feeling? Is it possible that you’re just afraid of your desire to put everything into question in order to make a fresh start? Today you may find the answer to this question. Stay tuned.

GEMINI: Do you help the world evolve, Gemini? You may ask yourself this kind of delicate question today. Even if you’re a person of action who knows how to react to situations, you should be careful not to be too impulsive. You have a specific role to play. Don’t get thrown off track by emotional circumstances.

CANCER: You may tend to be overprotective of the people closest to you, especially children. You may feel you live in a dangerous world in which people don’t care about responsibility to one another. But the people you’re trying to protect are probably better prepared and adapted to the world than you think, Cancer. They might try to tell you this even if your support is indispensable.

LEO: You probably need society’s or other people’s approval in order to feel good about yourself, Leo. But your original personality and way of thinking are often hard for others to accept. You may need to make your ideas less crazy and a little more down to Earth and practical. This should be your goal over the next few days if you don’t want to feel left out of things.

VIRGO: The events of the day depend on your ability to put things into question today, Virgo. In general, you’re good at analyzing situations when things aren’t going well in your relationships. Now someone in your family may have a problem acting responsibly. It’s up to that

person to take care of things, but you could understand the message the person is trying to send other people with his or her behavior.

LIBRA: The planetary aspects are going to have a big impact on you today, Libra. This isn’t the time to fear the future. Rather, it’s time to make it happen. The action you take right now will be instrumental in your future. Will there be enough of us walking toward the future? Libra will be at the head of the pack in any case, as always.

SCORPIO: People are more alike than we think, especially on days like today that mean virtually the same thing to everyone. Some incredible changes have taken place in the world and its economic and social systems. Now is the time to think about what the next few years have in store. Do you have any ideas? Try to articulate them.

SAGITTARIUS: Today is an inspirational day for you, fastthinking Sagittarius. Let those visions come to you, process them, and try to verbalize them. A lot of information and electricity is in the air, and you should have no problem picking up on it. Open up your channels for the best reception. Have a notepad handy to jot down all your insights.

CAPRICORN: You’re usually good at bringing people together. Your greatest strength is giving identity to those people who seek it. In fact, you’re so aware of the differences between people that you resist the changes that come about as people evolve. Today’s planetary alignment confronts you with issues that concern your future. Your position will help you accept things and go forward.

AQUARIUS: Some of you still let individuals from other Zodiac signs do all the creating for you. The planetary configuration today pushes you to free yourself from the ties that bind you. It’s time for you to show more creativity. Show the gems that you usually hide. Express yourself fully, without hesitation. Show others who’s really in charge.

PISCES: You are very interested in all kinds of professions that concern humans, Pisces: medicine, psychology or any kind of spiritual therapy. You will be very sensitive to the great opening toward the future that comes along today. The planetary alignment initiates progress in all areas of human existence. Keep your eyes and ears wide open.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Wendy, my club’s feminist, can enjoy a man’s company only if he owns it. Cy the Cynic says a woman considers her work done when she sweeps down the aisle. The two are adversaries even when they cut as partners in our penny game.

Cy and Wendy were today’s EastWest, and Wendy led a spade against 3NT. Dummy played low, and Cy took the king and ... returned a spade.

South won with the ace and forced out the ace of clubs. He won the third spade, ran the clubs and let the jack of diamonds ride. The Cynic took the queen and cashed his ace of hearts, and South claimed, making three.

BEATS CONTRACT

“Wendy was mad,” Cy said. “She said I beat the contract if I rely on a woman to get the job done.”

Cy must shift to the queen of hearts at Trick Two. If South’s king covers — playing low is no better — Wendy leads another heart when she takes the ace of clubs, and Cy gets three hearts.

“I apologized,” Cy told me, “but trying to talk to her is futile. She has a soundproof head.”

Q 10 8

5 3 6 5 4 2. Your partner opens one diamond. The next player bids two spades, preemptive.

What do you say?

ANSWER: By agreement, a negative double would show length in hearts plus a “landing place” if partner could not bid hearts. But if he rebid three diamonds, you would have to guess whether to try 3NT; and if he bid three hearts, would you raise? To bid 2NT, not forcing and inviting game, might work out. North dealer

INSTRUCTIONS

SUDOKU

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 Sunday’s Life section.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great way to test your knowledge of the English language.

Every number in the codeword grid is ‘code’ for a letter of the alphabet. Thus, the number 2 may correspond to the letter L, for instance.

All puzzles come with a few letters to start. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If the letter S is in the box at the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should be to find all cells numbered 2 in the grid and enter the letter S. Cross the letter S off the list at the bottom of the grid.

Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

PUZZLE

“Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.”

— Robert H. Schuller

David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek