Santa Barbara News-Press, October 11, 2022

Scandal

20 years of helping children

Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation celebrates anniversary with Golden Gala

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’

By JARED DANIELS NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation was filled with celebration Friday evening as the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation held its Golden Gala to mark 20 years serving families across Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties.

The foundation, which was started in 2002 by Nikki Katz, provides financial, educational and emotional support to the families of children undergoing treatment for cancer.

The over 500 attendees of the Oct. 7 event in Santa Barbara were treated to a rooftop dance floor, magic acts, appetizers, raffles and drinks sponsored by Flying Embers, Validation Ale, Black Market Spirits, and wineries including Melville, Sunstone and Josh Cellars.

Additionally, event goers were able to partake in a silent auction to benefit the organization that featured a variety of donated prizes including vacation getaways, jewelry, a gold Gucci hat valued at over $600 and lunch with Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse.

While the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation has delivered $2.5 million in direct financial assistance to thousands of families dealing with childhood cancer over its 20 years of services, members of the organization can still recount individual cases that

have stuck with them over the years.

One such case was recounted to the News-Press by Donna Barranco Fisher, a longtime volunteer with the foundation. She was honored at a VIP dinner prior to the general celebration.

The case cited by Ms. Fisher revolved around a family from Ventura whose child was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Both of the child’s parents lost their jobs, and the family was forced to live out of their car for a period of time as their child underwent treatment.

“(The family) ended up in

Sheriff’s office seeks homicide suspect

Detectives ask for public’s help as they search for 26-year-old Lancaster man

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Santa Barbara County sheriff’s detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred over the weekend in the Santa Ynez area.

And they are asking for the public’s assistance in their search for the suspect, who they identified as a 26-year-old Lancaster man.

At approximately 3:56 a.m. Saturday, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Jason Way in Santa Ynez for an unknown type of emergency. When deputies arrived, they found an adult male victim.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department and medics responded to treat the victim, who was beyond life-saving

CHP: Driver causes collision that cost him his life

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A three-vehicle fatal collision Sunday on State Route 154 was caused by one driver making an unsafe turn into the opposing lane and hitting two other cars, California Highway Patrol investigators said.

The driver who allegedly caused the crash, a 40-year-old Santa Maria man whose name was not released, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the multiple-injury collision.

According to the CHP preliminary investigation, the unnamed driver of a 2013 Ford C-MAX was heading east on State Route 154, west of Meadowvale Road in an unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County, when he slowed for slowing and stopped traffic in front of him in the eastbound lane.

The driver of the second vehicle, a 2020 BMW X5, was heading west in the westbound lane and approaching the Ford’s location.

The driver of the third vehicle, a 2008 Toyota Highlander, was westbound, too, directly behind the BMW.

Investigators attached to the CHP office in Buellton

said the Ford’s driver made an unsafe turn into the opposing lane to avoid colliding with an uninvolved vehicle slowing ahead of him and, as a result, the left side of the Ford collided with the left rear of the BMW.

The force of the crash caused the BMW to travel out of control and overturn in a westerly direction.

The Ford continued eastbound in the westbound lane, where the front of the vehicle collided with the front of the Toyota.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as Steven Mon, 52, of Anaheim and his two passengers were taken by ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where they were treated for moderate injuries.

The driver of the BMW, identified as Katha Penny, 60, of Oxnard, apparently was uninjured and was not transported to the hospital.

The CHP said alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor in the collision and that no arrests have been made.

In addition to the CHP, Santa Barbara County sheriff’s officers and firefighters responded to the collision.

COURTESY PHOTOS Santa Barbara County sheriff’s detectives have identified the suspect in a homicide in the Santa Ynez area as Rylen Quinn Svane-Morris, 26, of Lancaster. He remains at large, and the Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who sees him to call 9-1-1.

The Chrysler minivan pictured is similar to the vehicle reportedly stolen from a residence where the homicide occurred. It is not the actual vehicle. The reportedly stolen minivan has California license plate 7GJW053.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Guests play card games during the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Golden Gala & Party at the MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, in Santa Barbara.

Guests mingle after the rooftop dinner at the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation event.

The photo of Nikki Katz, the 2002 founder of Teddy Beach Cancer Foundation and its program director for a decade, is shown at the gala.

Council to consider additional police oversight duties for Fire and Police Commissioners

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The City Council today will take up a proposed ordinance to assign additional civilian police oversight duties to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners in an effort to provide more transparency and include more public input to the oversight process.

The council will meet at 2 p.m. in chambers, 735 Anacapa St.

In addition to considering staff’s recommendation to adopt the ordinance, the council will be asked to authorize and direct the City Clerk’s Office to accept applications through Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. for the special recruitment of five members to the Fire and Police Commission.

“The proposed Ordinance answers Council’s direction to incorporate additional police oversight duties and authorities to the existing Fire and Police Commission (Commission),” staff said in its report to the council. “In addition to making policy and budget recommendations regarding the Police and Fire Departments, the Ordinance now specifies the type and frequency of reporting to the Commission.”

This includes reports detailing the total number and type of internal and external complaints received and subsequent action taken, as well as the number of officers disciplined and the level of discipline imposed.

The commission will also review and discuss individual investigations in open session with the police chief, once investigations are disclosable under the California Public Records Act.

Moreover, the police chief will make presentations to the commission regarding any officer-involved shootings. Those presentations will occur once the agency conducting such an investigation makes its determinations of findings.

The proposed ordinance also prioritizes community participation and engagement as a key component of strengthening understanding of the Police Department and

the Fire Department, staff said.

The draft ordinance has received extensive public review. Both the public comment process and the Ordinance Committee review resulted in significant changes to the original proposal, largely in response to public comments.

Changes in the proposed ordinance resulting from the public comment process are: potential application exclusion of any member of the public, where relevant or comparable, who has a sustained finding of serious misconduct; elimination of the specific reference to excluding eligibility to individuals on active probation or parole; and additional language that does not exclude individuals with a criminal history, but rather provides reference to a section of the Municipal Code as guidance to the council in its consideration of appointments to the Commission.

Additional language based on public input emphasizes that community-based leaders and organizations would be utilized to facilitate commissioner training, as appropriate; extends the time for commissioners to complete ride-alongs with the Police and Fire Departments from three months to nine months as part of a comprehensive orientation and training program; adds timing specifications to the availability and presentation of data reports to the commission; and delineates the power to issue subpoenas as not pertaining to personnelrelated, independent investigations.

The changes directed by the Ordinance Committee on Sept. 27, include adopting all red-line edits proposed in a public comment email sent on Sept. 25 by Gabe Escobedo, Louisa Wood and Rachel Johnson, former members of the Community Formation Commission. The proposed changes include the following:

• Excluding commission membership for all former law enforcement officers and firefighters who have served for any agency within Santa Barbara County. This includes any municipality or county agency.

• Eliminating the requirement to participate

in both a four-hour minimum day shift and four-hour minimum night shift ride-along with the Police Department.

• Allowing for “or equivalent, immersive experience” to ride-alongs with the Police and Fire Department.

• Adding to the number “and nature” of complaints investigated that did not result in discipline of the subject officer on a yearly basis.

• Including a new section that states the Commission “can request to collect data or information relevant to Police Department or Fire Department practices that are relevant to fulfilling its powers and duties.” The data shall be presented and accessible during public meetings of the commission to the extent allowed by State law.

The proposed ordinance also includes additional language that more clearly delineates the police monitor role in the City Administrator’s Office.

On June 6, the City Council directed staff to incorporate additional duties and authorities for police oversight into the existing Fire and Police Commission. City Council also assigned police monitoring responsibilities to the City Administrator’s Office (CAO).

Additionally, Council approved an audit of the Police Department that is underway and being facilitated by the Office of Independent Review (OIR) Group.

Furthermore, the council voted to reconstitute the Fire and Police Commission, which will end the term of service for current commissioners. The City Clerk’s Office will be facilitating the appointment of new commissioners. This special recruitment is necessary because of the commission’s new responsibilities and requirements required by the proposed ordinance.

The city is also in the process of vetting Independent Police Monitor professionals to retain and advise the CAO in the first year of taking on additional police oversight responsibilities, as directed by council.

nhartstein@newspress.com

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Caltrans works on State Route 150

CARPINTERIA — A project to replace a failed culvert on State Route 150 near Carpinteria, a quarter mile west of Gobernador Canyon Road, began Monday and will continue weekly until Oct. 28.

Travelers will encounter oneway reversing traffic control on State Route 150 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Delays should not exceed 15 minutes, according to Caltrans. Most of this road work is expected to be completed under a shoulder closure.

The contractor for this $60,000 project is John Madonna Construction of San Luis Obispo.

Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through work zones.

For information on traffic updates on other Caltrans projects in Santa Barbara County, call the District 5 Public Affairs Office at 805-549-3237 or visit dot.ca.gov/ caltrans-near-me/district-5.

— Neil Hartstein

Prescribed burn in Los Olivos

LOS OLIVOS — A prescribed

burn of approximately 1,600 acres of sage scrub and Oak woodland began Monday and will continue through Friday, depending on conditions.

The goal is to remove fuel from potential wildfires.

This burn, between Midland School and 4335 Tim’s Road near Los Olivos, will occur over four to five days. Burning is expected to occur on consecutive days. Burning has the potential to last into the evening hours each day, until as late as 9 p.m.

This burn is an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire for the communities of Woodstock Ranch, Oak Trail Estates and Midland School. Prescribed burns also can reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss and sedimentation.

The burn will be conducted when the weather is likely to direct smoke away from population centers.

This prescribed burn is coordinated by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department with Santa Barbara County APCD and the California Air Resources Board to minimize impacts on air quality on surrounding communities. If the conditions are not as desired, the burn will be rescheduled, according to a news release.

— Neil Hartstein

City Council president resigns after leak of racist remarks

By MADISON HIRNEISEN THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez resigned from her leadership post Monday following leaked audio that sparked statewide outrage over racist comments she made about another council member’s son. It remains unclear, however, if she will resign from her council seat.

“I take responsibility for what I said and there are no excuses for those comments. I’m so sorry,” Ms. Martinez said in a statement Monday. “I ask for forgiveness from my colleagues and from the residents of this city that I love so much.”

The leaked audio, first reported by the Los Angeles Times, featured a conversation between Ms. Martinez, Council members Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera. During much of the conversation, which took place in October 2021, the Latino leaders discussed concerns about the maps proposed by the city’s redistricting commission, the Times reported. But at one point in the

conversation, officials began discussing Council member Mike Bonin, who is white. In clips of leaked audio shared by the Times, Ms. Martinez called Bonin a “little b**ch” and said he “thinks he’s f**king Black.” Another council member then chimed in, pointing out that Councilmember Bonin’s son is Black.

During the conversation, Ms. Martinez referred to Councilmember Bonin’s son as an “accessory.” She also described him as “parece changuito,” or “like a monkey,” recounting a time when the child appeared on a float in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. Ms. Martinez said the child was “hanging on the rails.”

“They’re raising him like a little white kid, which I was like, this kid needs a beat down,” Ms. Martinez said. “Let me take him around the corner and then I’ll bring him back.”

Councilmember De León also chimed in at one point during the conversation, appearing to compare Councilmember Bonin’s handling of his son to Ms. Martinez carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, the LA Times reported.

Councilmember Bonin and his family issued a statement Sunday

saying they were “appalled, angry and absolutely disgusted that Nury Martinez attacked our son with horrific racist slurs, and talked about her desire to physically harm him.”

“No child should ever be subjected to such racist, mean and dehumanizing comments, especially from a public official,” the statement continued.

Ms. Martinez issued an apology Sunday, but announced that she immediately resigned from her position as city council president on Monday.

“I sincerely apologize to the people I hurt with my words: to my colleagues, their families, especially to Mike, Sean, and your son,” Ms. Martinez said in a statement. “As a mother, I know better and I am sorry.”

Councilmember De León also issued an apology statement Sunday, calling the comments “wholly inappropriate” and saying he regrets “appearing to condone and even contribute to certain insensitive comments made about a colleague and his family in private,” according to NBC Los Angeles.

There were mounting calls from Los Angeles organizations and officials for councilmembers

Councilmember de León and Councilmember Cedillo to resign as well. The leaders of SEIU California with Los Angeles area membership issued a joint statement Monday saying Councilmember de León, Councilmember Cedillo and Mr. Herrera should resign from their positions after they “failed the test of leadership.”

The leaked audio provoked outrage from officials across the state and led to several members of the Los Angeles City Council to call for Ms. Martinez’s resignation. Before Ms. Martinez announced her resignation as council president, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez issued a statement on Monday condemning the remarks and saying she directed the council’s chief legislative analyst to “draft a motion calling for the removal of the Council President.”

The leaked audio came just a few weeks before the Nov. 8 election where the mayor and several city council seats are up for grabs. Los Angeles Mayoral candidates Rick Caruso and Karen Bass condemned the remarks made in the leaked audio, with Mr. Caruso saying he wanted to see not just Ms. Martinez resign, but Councilmember De León and Councilmember Cedillo as well.

Helping Ukraine

in particular have soared.

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The Social Security Administration will increase benefit payments this week to respond to rising inflation, analysts say. The agency is expected to announce the scheduled benefits increase Thursday, and the Senior Citizens League has predicted that increase will be 8.7%, one of the largest hikes ever.

“Across the board, retired and disabled Social Security recipients spend a bigger portion of their incomes on healthcare costs, housing, and food and less on gasoline,” said Mary Johnson, Social Security and Medicare policy analyst for the Senior Citizens League. “Over the past 12 months, they rank food costs as their fastest growing expenditure, housing, and transportation in that order. Wall Street, however, clearly believes that the August numbers indicate that inflation is still with us, and higher than hoped. We agree. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics August press release, ‘increases in shelter, food and medical care were the largest of many contributors’ to the August increase.

“A COLA of 8.7% is extremely rare and would be the highest ever received by most Social Security beneficiaries alive today,” she added.

The latest BLS data put the consumer price index increase at 8.3% over the past 12 months. Food prices

“The food at home index rose 13.5 percent over the last 12 months, the largest 12-month increase since the period ending March 1979,” BLS said. “The index for other food at home rose 16.7 percent and the index for cereals and bakery products increased 16.4 percent over the year. The remaining major grocery store food groups posted increases ranging from 9.4 percent (fruits and vegetables) to 16.2 percent (dairy and related products).”

The higher Social Security payments are intended to help seniors on a fixed income struggling to make ends meet.

“I would say while this is currently a chronic problem every year, yes, indications are that the COLA will not reflect pockets of persistently high inflation affecting retired and disabled Social Security recipients,” Ms. Johnson said. “That puts tens of millions of retirees at risk of continuing to fall behind, or as our reader described ‘financial drowning.’ Those who receive Social Security are quick to confirm they are not just at risk, those who have been retired for any length of time, have fallen behind financially. The buying power of Social Security benefits has occasionally improved in the past but that may not be enough when retirees have spent down their savings to stay afloat in years when inflation was going up. The lifeboat is leaking and taking on water leaving older Americans at risk of financial drowning.”

Embattled New York police leader resigns

By STEVE BITTENBENDER

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – New York State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen resigned on Friday, just days after Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed her staff was investigating several allegations against him.

Mr. Bruen, on the force for more than 20 years, had been appointed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He was confirmed by the state Senate on June 7, 2021. He started with the State Police as an assistant counsel after working as an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn and Warren County.

On Tuesday, while talking with the Albany Times Union’s editorial board, Gov. Hochul said that Mr. Bruen was under review. Among the complaints levied against him, the newspaper reported, was that he protected

a personnel department official after receiving internal complaints about her.

While the State Police has an internal affairs division, Gov. Hochul told the editorial board that having an outside investigation into the matter was more prudent since it involved the superintendent.

“This is an individual I inherited,” she told the board. “I will gather all the facts, and I will make a determination.

“I’m not prepared to sit here and say I’m going to fire somebody until I have the evidence necessary. I’ve heard of allegations. I think everybody’s owed the investigation, which is ongoing at this time.”

Gov. Hochul took over for Cuomo in August 2021 and is running against a Long Island Republican, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, for a full term in next month’s election.

She issued a statement saying she accepted the resignation and thanked Mr. Bruen for his work as a state trooper.

“First Deputy Superintendent Steven Nigrelli will serve as acting superintendent on an interim basis, as we conduct a thorough search for a superintendent who can lead this department in its important work,” the governor said. “The State Police have made tremendous progress in combating gun violence and keeping New Yorkers safe, and that must continue.”

Deputy Nigrelli has been with the force for 32 years. According to his bio on the State Police website, he is the second in command on the force and is responsible for trooper deployment. He also oversees discipline and serves as a liaison to Gov. Hochul’s office and other state agencies.

At left, Thomas Tighe, president and CEO of Direct Relief, speaks during the UkraineFest. Since Feb. 24, the Goleta-based nonprofit has provided Ukraine with medical aid weighing more than 1.8 million pounds or 900 tons. Assistance sent by Direct Relief in September included nutritional supplements, cardiovascular medications and antibiotics. This month, Direct Relief sent more than seven tons of aid in the form of 64 types of medications to Ukraine, Tony Morain, the nonprofit’s vice president for communications, told the News-Press on Monday. He said the aid this month has included COVID-19 treatments, mental health medications such as antidepressants, chronic disease medications for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease and pain relievers. For more on Direct Relief’s efforts in Ukraine and elsewhere, see directrelief.org. On Monday, the U.N. General Assembly met in an emergency session after Russia launched missile strikes at Kyiv and bombarded Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia. At least 14 people were killed.

Various items pertaining to Ukraine, whether by design, cultural origin or inspiration, are sold with proceeds benefiting the country during the UkraineFest Free Cultural Celebration hosted by UCSB Arts & Lectures Thursday in front of The Granada.

‘Financial Drowning’: Social Security could give seniors historic raise this week due to inflation

Nevada school board fires, recinds firing, then gives pay hike to superintendent

By KATELYNN RICHARDSON THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – The Clark County School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees voted to approve a contract extension for Superintendent Dr. Jesus Jara that includes a $75,000 raise.

Dr. Jara’s contract was set to expire January 15, 2023. His new contract featuring a $395,000 annual salary will be extended to 2026.

The board was split on the decision, with trustees Garcia Morales, Irene Cepeda, Katie Williams, and Lola Brooks voting in favor and Lisa Guzmán, Linda Cavazos, and Danielle Ford voting against.

Ms. Ford questioned the necessity of rushing the new contract through if Dr. Jara’s current contract would roll over on a month-to-month basis after it expires in January. She called the process “flawed, sketchy, and quite frankly an abuse of power by four trustees.”

She also said it was disrespectful to constituents who “have a right to elect trustees to make decisions like this.” Out of the seven trustees, three are up for election in November.

Mr. Morales, Ms. Brooks and Ms. Williams emphasized the need to maintain stability in

the district. “There’s been too much turnover in this district,” Mr. Morales said. “Are we where we need to be? Absolutely not. We own that, and we own that as a board.”

Ms. Williams said extending the contract through 2026 would maintain stability “through two election cycles.”

“This board is absolutely insane,” she said. “It’s completely off the rails. Do you think any superintendent worth his (or her) weight in gold is going to want to come to this district after we have constantly put ourselves on display?”

Last October, the board voted to fire Dr. Jara, only to reverse the decision in November. Jara afterwards sought a $2 million settlement from the board, claiming some members had created a hostile work environment. The district settled in August for $95,000 to cover Jara’s attorney fees.

Public comment was mostly opposed to Dr. Jara’s raise and extended contract.

Brian Walker, a district parent, said it is “ridiculous” that the only solution for CCSD is to “make sure the person the public views as least capable of doing the job is there for even longer.”

Dylan Keith, representing the Vegas Chamber, said he was in favor because

“turnover in operational leadership at this juncture will not enhance student outcomes.”

Jessica Allie, a former CCSD special ed teacher, said that board is setting a bad precedent. “It’s not just a few people who are disgruntled or happy,” she said.

“We fired him,” she said. “Now you’re telling us he’s making a satisfactory rating. How does that happen?”

Last week, the Board of Trustees rated Dr. Jara as “highly effective” on his job evaluation in a 5-2 vote.

Education data analysis firm Data Insight Partners pointed out that the data showing an increase in student proficiency during Dr. Jara’s time was incomplete, given only 54% of students participated in standardized testing during the 2020-21 school year. They also noted that more teachers than ever left the district during the 2021-2022 school year.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that has been granted by the majority of this board to continue to lead this great district,” Dr. Jara said after the board’s vote to extend his contract. “We have ways to go. I won’t deny that. But we have to really continue to stay focused on the health, safey, and the wellbeing of our 300,000 lives that I am humbled and honored to serve as their superintendent.”

‘Something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life’

SANTA

Santa Barbara because one the mother’s sisters had an apartment over by City College, and the whole family lived in the laundry room,” Ms. Fisher recounted. “I remember meeting the family, and they said, ‘You know, he wants to go to school, but he’s dealing with chemotherapy, he’s dealing with what’s called chemo brain,’ which makes it very hard to go to school. So we really beefed up our education program, and I went to his school and represented

him, and they created a whole educational program for him so he could still stay as current as possible.”

“And now he’s like 20 years old now and he’s living his life,” she continued. “I remember I ran into him when he was like 17, and he said, ‘You saved my life.’”

Nikki Katz, the founder of the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, also touched on a case that has stuck with her over the years, during which a child and their family was forced to celebrate Christmas in the hospital. The organization responded by

decorating both the hospital and the family’s home. Sadly, it was the last Christmas the child would experience.

Corey Pahanish, the executive director at the foundation, is intimately familiar with stories such as Ms. Katz’s, as he has spent much of his time at the organization working with families whose children the organization assisted but ultimately “gained their angel wings too early.”

At the event, Mr. Pahanish curated an experience where attendees could view a video that commemorated these

children, and he expressed to the News-Press how impactful his experiences have been.

“It feels like a very sacred connection that I have with those families,” Mr. Pahanish said. “You’re spending time with people who have arguably felt the most excruciatingly painful experience of a human being’s life, and that is to outlive their child. They are bringing you into their story in a very, very vulnerable, intimate way. It’s something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

OBITUARIES

ESPARZA, Carmen H.

Carmen H. Esparza passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 28, 2022 at the age of 93. She fought a courageous battle against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Carmen was born in Los Corrales, Tepehuanes, Durango Mexico on December 10, 1928. She moved to Santa Barbara, CA in May of 1974. She was a dedicated wife and mother and always took care of her family. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and gardening.

Carmen is preceded in death by her husband Agustin M. Esparza and her son Adan Esparza. She is survived by her sons Jose Luis (Martha), Agustin (Magdalena), and Eduardo (Eva); her daughter Gricelda, her son-in-law Beto and granddaughter Amanda; her grandson Luis, her granddaughters Azucena, Yuridia and Marilyn; her greatgrandkids Nailen, Martin, Saul and Mateo.

I wish to thank Dr. Richard Danson and Ginger for their excellent medical care for over 35 years. Thank you to her caregiver Maria Becerra for taking care of Mama Carmen for over 13 years. Maria became part of our family, but most importantly Mama Carmen became part of the Becerra family.

May Mama Carmen Rest in Peace. She will be dearly missed.

Services as follow: Welch-Ryce-Haider 15 E. Sola St., Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022; viewing at 5:00 p.m., Rosary at 7:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14, 2022: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 227 N. Nopal St. Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial at Calvary Cemetery 199 N. Hope Ave.

Obituary notices are published daily in the Santa Barbara News-Press and also appear on our website www.newspress.com

To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@newspress.com or fax text only (no photos) to (805) 966-1421. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and the date(s) you would like the obituary to be published. Photos should be in jpeg format with at least 200 dpi. If a digital photo is not available, a picture may be brought into our office for scanning. We will lay out the obituary using our standard format. A formatted proof of the obituary and the cost will be emailed back for review and approval.

The minimum obituary cost to print one time is $150.00 for up to 1.5” in length -- includes 1 photo and up to 12 lines of text, approximately 630 characters; up to approximately 930 characters without a photo. Add $60.00 for each additional inch or partial inch after the first 1.5”; up to approximately 700 characters per additional inch. All Obituaries must be reviewed, approved, and prepaid by deadline. We accept all major credit cards by phone; check or cash payments may be brought into our office located at 715 Anacapa Street.

The deadline for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday’s editions is at 10a.m. on Thursdays; Tuesday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Fridays; Wednesday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Mondays; Thursday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Tuesdays; Friday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Wednesdays (Pacific Time).

Free Death Notices must be directly emailed by the mortuary to our newsroom at news@newspress.com.

Police think suspect stole minivan after killing victim

HOMICIDE

measures and was declared dead at the scene, Raquel Zick, sheriff’s office public information officer, said.

The suspect, who fled prior to deputies’ arrival, was identified, and deputies began searching the area, Ms. Zick said.

Sheriff’s detectives have identified the suspect as 26-year-old Rylen Quinn Svane-

Morris from Lancaster. He is described as a white male, 5’11” tall, 190 pounds, with light brown hair and blue eyes.

Several hours after the murder, it was discovered that a vehicle, a blue 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan with California license plate 7GJW053, was stolen from a residence in the area where the homicide occurred.

Based on the proximity, detectives believe

Mr. Svane-Morris stole the Chrysler minivan after allegedly committing the murder.

Ms. Zick said the suspect should be considered dangerous.

Sheriff’s officials are asking anyone who sees the suspect or the vehicle to immediately call 9-1-1 and to not approach him or attempt to contact him.

This investigation remains active, and updates will be shared as they become available. Identities of the other involved parties are not yet available for release.

Pismo

KENNETH

Silent Auction

shown during the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Golden Gala &

PAGELife

Is it curtains for these actors?

The Theatre Group at Santa Barbara City College to perform the comedy ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’

By DAVE MASON

The show must go on.

Even if everything goes wrong on a stage with accident-prone actors who make blunders, forget their lines and are just really, really bad on an opening night.

That’s the premise of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” which director Saundra McClain describes as a cross between “Monty Python” and Sherlock Holmes.

The Theatre Group at Santa Barbara City College is performing the comedy about a horrible group of actors at the college’s Garvin Theatre, 721 Cliff Drive.

Written by Henry Shields, Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer, the play opens with preview performances Wednesday and Thursday, and its regular run is Friday through Oct. 29.

The story is set in 1922. It’s the opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” and the actors

are determined to perform a play despite a series of mishaps.

The cast features Amir Keyhan Almir, Justin Davanzo, Han Do, Tyler Gilbert, McKenna Kline, Isaac Lewis, Will Muse, Nicholis Sheley, CJ Smith and Matthew Tavianini.

“The actors are playing two or three characters,” Ms. McClain told the News-Press. “You have

to be conscious of the character you’re supposed to be on the stage and the character you’re playing at the same time (in ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor’), and when one character intrudes on the other.

The actors playing (‘The Murder at Haversham Manor’) characters break character when things go wrong.”

“You have your stereotype stock

actors, like the actor who has never been on stage before, the actor who can’t remember his lines, the diva, the classically trained actor,” Ms. McClain said. “Those are the stock characters. Then there are the characters they’re playing.”

And when these stereotypical actors portray “The Murder at Haversham Manor” characters, they go wonderfully over the top, Ms. McClain said. “It’s slapstick. It’s a farce.”

“It’s being put on a theater company that’s more like a community theater group in a small town, so to speak,” Ms. McClain said. “They don’t have a lot of money. The actors are very local. They might have a couple of actors who may have come from out of town. They’re not supposed to be the best actors.”

They lack talent but have no lack of plain bad luck, with one thing after another going wrong on opening night.

“The whole theme of the play is the show must go on, as they try to overcome these mishaps and get to the end of the play,” she said.

“They are determined. They won’t let anything stop them.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

The Theatre Group at Santa Barbara City College will perform

“The Play That Goes Wrong” Oct. 1229 at the college’s Garvin Theatre, 721 Cliff Drive. The curtain will rise at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 and 13 for the preview shows. After that, the regular performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. The Oct. 16 matinee will be live-captioned for the hearingimpaired.

Tickets cost $18 for general admission, $15 for seniors and City College staff, and $10 for students for the Oct. 12 and 13 preview shows. After that, admission is $24 to $26 for general admission, $19 to $21 for seniors and $14 to $17 for students. To purchase, go to www. theatregroupsbcc.com or call the Garvin box office at 805-965-5935.

Masks are required inside the theater. For those 5 and older, the Theatre Group requires proof of vaccination (paper or digital) or a negative COVID test.

Lyle Crocodile’ strikes all the right notes

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

‘L

yle, Lyle Crocodile” begins with a great premise: a singing crocodile.

From there, this fast-paced cinematic musical grows into a story about courage and how to find it. It’s a funny, poignant movie for all generations.

Directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck, the live-action film (with computer-generated animals) begins with Hector P. Valenti (Oscar winner Javier Bardem), a not-so-great magician who isn’t able to succeed on a TV talent show. But he thinks his luck will change after he finds a singing crocodile, Lyle (voice of Shawn Mendes), in a pet shop.

But things don’t work out as Hector hopes, and he leaves Lyle behind in a New York City brownstone that becomes the home of the Primm family. Mrs. Primm (Constance Wu) and Mr. Primm (Scoot McNairy) are raising their son Josh (Winslow Fegley), who lacks confidence.

As you’d expect, Josh finds Lyle, who has this way of inspiring people to be more confident. He does that with a lot of heart and by communicating the only way he knows how — with a song.

“Lyle, Lyle Crocodile,” which placed No. 2 last weekend in the box office, is proof that big-screen, live-action musicals (with computer-generated animals) can succeed. The story is one that kids and adults can relate to, and Mr. Mendes and Mr. Bardem, who appeared at this year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival, do a great job with their duets. The other cast members are also good singers, and the musical features original, inspirational and just plain fun songs, along with lively dancing.

All of the actors play their characters with total sincerity, and you can see they’re having fun with the roles.

The movie has a strong, easy-to-follow story,

BEN CROP PHOTO

From left, Han Do, Matthew Tavianini, Justin Davanzo and McKenna Kline portray members of a horrible theater company in “The Play That Goes Wrong.” The Theatre Group at Santa Barbara City College comedy opens with preview shows Wednesday and Thursday before its regular run Friday through Oct. 29.

SARAH

Lyle

Mrs. Primm (Constance Wu), Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem) and Josh Primm (Winslow Fegley)

We all like to be heroes

The athletes at the Olympics wanted to succeed not just for themselves but also for their loved ones who

them.

When a man or a woman feels like a hero to their mate, it is a sense of fulfillment that can be compared to little else. For many, it’s a powerful source of motivation.

Of course, we’re not all Olympic athletes, but we can be heroes in everyday life. In relationships, the opportunities for being a hero may seem few and far between, but the truth is they happen all the time.

We simply have to get better at looking for them.

For a man, washing and filling up your partner’s car will be seen as a heroic gesture if she hates doing it. For a woman, preparing a nice meal can be seen in the same light. It’s all about the little things, for being a hero doesn’t require grand actions.

We seem to think that heroic acts need to be something out of the Trojan Wars, but, in truth, catching that jar of pickles before it hits the floor or reminding your mate about an appointment he or she may have forgotten is an act of heroism.

Many men are wired to be providers/ protectors, and they enjoy this role. For many women, the homemaker/ cheerleader position brings out the best. And in some circumstances these roles can be switched. Doing things for others may be a learned habit, but the experience is inspired and deepened by the feeling you get when your partner looks at you with pride in his or her eyes.

Doing things that make your partner want to say, “You are my hero!” is very motivating for

many people. Some folks will do for others what they wouldn’t do for themselves. Certain actions, like listening when your partner has a problem he or she wants to discuss for the 10th time, are acts of heroic love that will make the relationship stronger.

When events aren’t going the way you want them to, knowing that your mate believes in you and has your back will help you make those leaps in life that can be very scary from time to time. Sometimes we can be braver for the people we love than we can be for ourselves. But no matter where it comes from, doing things that make your partner’s life easier and nicer will affect both your lives in positive ways.

Being a hero in your

REVIEW

relationship means that you try to foresee the needs of the one you love and you do your best to keep him or her from harm.

Remember to acknowledge the heroic actions of your partner; it will help inspire him or her to keep doing them. All that’s required is a thank you when your partner does something to assist you or goes out of his or her way to make a better life for both of you.

You are in this together, and being each other’s hero is a wonderful way to go through life.

Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., is an award-winning psychotherapist and humanitarian. He is also a columnist, the author of eight books and a blogger for PsychologyToday. com with more than 28 million readers. He is available for video consults worldwide. Reach him at barton@bartongoldsmith.com. His column appears Sundays and Tuesdays in the News-Press.

‘The Good House’ tells a great story

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Sigourney Weaver stars in a story that deals honestly with alcoholism, “The Good House.”

Based on Ann Leary’s novel, the movie avoids sensationalistic plot twists. Instead, the drama evolves naturally, and Ms. Weaver makes her character, real-estate agent Hildy Good, likable but flawed. What’s more, there’s natural chemistry between Ms. Weaver and Kevin Kline, who plays possible love interest Frank Getchell in this story set in a New England town (but filmed in Nova Scotia, Canada).

In “The Good House,” Hildy faces the challenges of a struggling business as she competes with another real estate agent, Wendy Heatherton (Kathryn Erbe). Hildy also faces family issues as the divorced mother of grown daughters Tess (Rebecca Henderson) and Emily (Molly Brown), who believe they’ve

convinced their mother to stop drinking after an intervention in Hildy’s living room.

Hildy narrates the story by turning away from the other characters at times and speaking directly into the camera. It’s effective in this film, and Ms. Weaver shows all of her character’s strengths and weaknesses.

and has an uncanny ability to read people’s minds, but the question is whether she is simply clever or truly psychic. The question becomes more important as “The Good House” continues.

FYI

“The Good House” is screening at the Hitchcock Cinema and Pub House, 371 Hitchcock Way, Santa Barbara (metrotheatres.com).

“The Good House” has its funny moments, but it’s also poignant as it shows the perilous path Hildy is taking as she continues to drink secretly. But thanks to Ms. Weaver’s acting and directors Maya Forbes’ and Wallace Wolodarsky’s work, viewers are rooting for Hildy to somehow realize she needs help.

There are some intriguing elements to the story. For example, Hildy is the descendant of a witch (this is New England)

The movie features a good cast, including Morena Baccarin as Hildy’s friend Rebecca McAllister, Rob Delaney as psychiatrist Peter Newbold, David Rasche as Hildy’s ex-husband Scott and Beverly D’Angelo as Mamie Lang.

“The Good House” also benefits from its straightforward narrative. It’s a good story with a well-defined beginning, middle and end, and the filmmakers have put the focus where it belongs, on the characters.

email: dmason@newspress.com

‘Smile’ still No. 1 at the box office

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

“Smile” continues to top the box office.

The horror movie, which is about Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) and frightening happenings she can’t explain, grossed $17.6 million in its second weekend.

Opening in second place was “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,” the movie about a singing crocodile. The film did well to the tune of $11.5 million.

“Amsterdam” — the offbeat mystery set

during the aftermath of World War I and starring John David Washington, Christian Bale, Margot Robbie and Robert De Niro — opened in second place. The film, which also starred Rami Malek and Anya Taylor-Joy, grossed $6.5 million.

“The Woman King,” starring Viola Davis, slipped to No. 4 with $5.3 milloin.

Falling to fifth place was “Don’t Worry, Darling,” which is about a 1950s housewife who worries about secrets in what’s supposed to be a utopia. The film grossed $3.48 million.

The re-release of “Avatar” fell to sixth place

with $2.56 million.

The horror thriller “Barbarian” remained in seventh place with $2.18 million.

“Bros,” a comedy about two gay men (played by Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane) and their relationship, fell to eighth place with $2.15 million.

The horror film “Terrifier 2” opened in ninth place with $825,000.

“Top Gun: Maverick” remained in 10th place with $800,000.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Orientation today for Youth Maker Market

SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria Public Library invites youth ages 6 through 17 to learn more about the library’s first Youth Maker Market. Youth gain hands-on experience in planning, marketing, money handling, and customer service selling handcrafted items.

To participate in the Youth Maker Market, an orientation is required and will be held at 4 p.m. today in the library’s Youth Services

LYLE, LYLE

Continued from Page B1

and there’s a villain, Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman). But the biggest obstacle Lyle and the Primms face is society’s fear of a

Altrusa Theater, according to a news release. To register, go to www.cityofsantamaria.org/ library.

The inaugural Youth Maker Market is set for 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 3.

Follow the Library on social media for updates on programming, resources, and services. (Facebook: Santa Maria Public Library and Instagram: @santamaria

crocodile. Can Lyle win everyone over? Well, you’ll enjoy seeing the answer.

Will Davis wrote the screenplay, which is inspired by the “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” book series by Bernard Waber.

The movie adaptation is charming and hilarious, and even when you’re not laughing,

publiclibrary).

The library is located at 421 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

For more information, see www. cityofsantamaria.org/library or call the Library’s Youth Services division, 805)-9250994, ext. 8564.

— Dave Mason

you’re likely smiling. It’s the kind of movie that families should see together, so kids should bring their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents so they can see proof that yes, a crocodile can change the world.

All it takes is a song.

email:

FYI

COURTESY LIONGATE Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline star as Hildy Good and Frank Getchell in “The Good House.”

“Lyle,

Diversions

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

ARIES — Expanding your mind could be of interest today, Aries. You might decide to plan a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, if possible. Or you could decide to go back to school for an advanced degree. Either way, you’re likely to spend the day considering the idea and doing a lot of research.

TAURUS — Generally, Taurus, you tend to be interested in what makes everything tick, from the human mind to the workings of the Universe to religion. Today that interest could be piqued by something you read or hear. You might want to delve into a field of interest and learn whatever you can about it.

GEMINI — Stimulating conversations could take place with partners of all sorts, Gemini, from business to exercise to romantic. Some new and useful information could come your way that you will want to explore further. This is a great day to execute legal papers or enter into any kind of agreement or commitment.

CANCER — Some stimulating discussions could take place today. Your energy is likely to be very high, Cancer. You may want to throw yourself into your work, particularly if it involves paperwork. You might also want to get in a workout, try your hand at writing, or read about the latest discoveries concerning optimal health. Books, magazines, and the Internet could prove especially useful.

LEO — Today you might decide to do some writing, Leo. This could be job related, but it’s more likely personal, either correspondence with friends and colleagues or creative. Some stimulating discussion could take place with friends, romantic partners, or children that could set your mind buzzing with new ideas.

VIRGO — Some people who share your interests could call you today. You might want to take a walk while on the phone with each other, but you will probably get into some stimulating debates. Don’t be surprised if you both talk at once! New books that you will want to read could come to your attention.

LIBRA — Your mind will be especially quick and active today, Libra, and you’re likely to want to spend much of the day involved in intellectual activities like reading, writing, or teaching. Communication with others should be a powerful part of your day, so you will probably spend time on the phone.

SCORPIO — Today you might decide to tackle your financial paperwork and get it all done. This is a great day for that, Scorpio, although you might be a little too ambitious and not get as much done as you’d like. This is a good time to make use of any writing talent, because ideas could be coming to you thick and fast.

SAGITTARIUS — Your mind is usually quick, agile, and hungry for information, Sagittarius. Today it’s likely to be even more so than usual. Your curiosity is high, and you could go to unusual lengths to satisfy it. You might also feel particularly energetic and want to get in a good workout. This is a good idea.

CAPRICORN — You generally tend to be sensitive and intuitive, Capricorn, but today you might be even more so. Reading about people from other places and times might cause you to tune into their thoughts and feelings and receive new insight into human nature. Creative projects, particularly writing, benefit from this.

AQUARIUS — A virtual group meeting or social event could bring up so many new and interesting ideas that you may not be able to digest them all, Aquarius. Some new friends who share your interests might want to continue the discussions. Your mind is especially quick today. You could well grasp unusual concepts that usually don’t interest you.

PISCES — A lot of paperwork might need attention today, Pisces. You might throw a lot of your focus and energy into getting it all done. Stimulating conversations with colleagues could keep your mind occupied so you avoid boredom. You could take a walk at the end of the day since you’re apt to encounter so much new information that you will want to clear your head in order to absorb it all.

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

in each of the

boxes

and a word in

in each of

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

on the

ByDavidL.HoytandJeffKnurek

THATSCRAMBL

“The world is round so that friendship may encircle it.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin