Santa Barbara News-Press: February 07, 2023

Strong start

Soinila throws no-hitter for SBCC softball as doubleheader sweep continues season-starting winning streak - A3

‘Knock at the Cabin’

Review: M. Night Shyamalan explores the end of the world in new movie - B1

Shining a light on Goleta’s lighting

Body found in SY River identified

Remains are those of missing teen

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The body of the male that was recovered Sunday in the Santa Ynez River was identified Monday as that of a 14-year-old who’s been missing for more than a week.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department’s Coroner’s Office announced at 12:50 pm. Monday that the young man had been positively identified as missing juvenile Alberto Corona

Cabrera.

The family of the 14-year-old has been notified of the positive identification.

He was reported missing by his parents on Jan. 27.

The Lompoc Police Department, in conjunction with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Air Unit, Search and Rescue and Lompoc Police Drone Team had conducted an extensive search for the missing juvenile days prior and leading up to the

discovery of the body.

The Lompoc Police Department, in conjunction with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and Air Support, Santa Barbara County Fire, Lompoc Fire Department, Vandenberg Space Force Base’s Water Rescue 45, American Medical Response and California Highway Patrol responded to and assisted with the recovery of the body after it was discovered Sunday by two kayakers.

“At this point, there are no signs of foul play,” Lompoc Police Sgt Jorge Magana said Monday. He could not say whether the teen died by accident or suicide. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Lompoc Police Department. The investigation is still ongoing.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Council to hear review of SB water supply

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Santa Barbara’s available water supplies are sufficient to meet demands for at least the next three years, according to city officials.

That conclusion is part of an analysis included in an overview of the city’s water supplies to be presented by staff to the City Council today.

consent calendar, it will move through the rest of its agenda, including staff’s update regarding the city’s water supply.

The recent above-average rainfall in January has filled Gibraltar Reservoir to 100% capacity, staff said, adding that the reservoir began spilling over on Jan. 5. Lake Cachuma is also at capacity.

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

In July 2021, the Goleta City Council voted to approve an LED Street Lighting Project. The project proposed the conversion of the city-owned street lights to LED lights; the purpose for the change was to reduce energy use and cost.

However, there are certain areas of Goleta which appear to have been neglected during the street lighting project.

According to a map included in the agenda item from the July 2021 council meeting, Nectarine Ave. has three lights which fell outside of the scope of the project. Alondra Dr. between Nectarine Ave. and Mallard Ave. has four street lights, two of which were proposed to be fitted with 70w lights. Mallard Ave., between Gato Ave. and Alondra Dr., has three lights, two of which were proposed to be fitted with 70w lights. According to another map under the agenda item showing the areas of Mallard Ave. and Mandarin Dr., the lights in those areas fell outside of the scope of the project.

During the July 2021 council meeting, the majority of the public comments expressed concern about the excessive brightness of the LED lights.

“I am concerned about the brightness of the proposed streetlight lamp replacements in lights on Cathedral Oaks between Winchester Canyon and

Calle Real. The proposed lights (84W, 8,500 lumen LED) are way too bright for this area - I live in Winchester Commons and the proposed lights will overlight the homes on Cathedral Oaks. A more appropriate lumination would be 22W Type B, LEDs with 2,600 lumens. And this goes for those

lights on Winchester Canyon and Calle Real,” said Patrick Foster, resident of Winchester Commons and professor at SBCC, at the meeting.”There is no need for this increased brightness, it will cost more money to operate, and it violates the will of the people living in the area. If the

city of Goleta cannot solve this homeowner issue, what good is city government?”

Included in the staff presentation were the results of a survey, known as the LED Street Lighting Project Pilot

After the water supply update, council members will be asked to approve and adopt the city’s Water Supply Management Report for the 2022 Water Year, finding that Santa Barbara’s water supplies are in long-term balance with the city’s Enhanced Urban Water Management Plan.

Council members will meet in chambers, 735 Anacapa St., starting at 2 p.m.

Before it gets to the water supply update, the council will vote on its consent calendar, which includes allocating $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity to operate a one-year pilot program for lowincome homeowners needing to make essential repairs to their homes.

The council’s Finance Committee unanimously endorsed the proposal. Its chair, Councilmember Eric Friedman, called it an “exciting opportunity” to assist some of the city’s most vulnerable residents, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes, to make repairs — including new roofs, plumbing or electric upgrades and bathroom remodels — needed to allow them to remain in their homes.

The council also is being asked on its consent calendar to approve a new employment agreement between the city and City Administrator Rebecca Bjork.

The existing bi-weekly salary range for the position of city administrator is $10,897.89 - $13,164.66. Under the new agreement, annual salary adjustments may be made administratively within this range.

Once the council approves its

“The January storms have significantly improved the city’s water supply situation, eliminating the potential for a supply shortage for at least the next three years,” staff said.

Updates regarding the city’s water supply planning strategy are conservative to ensure water security for the community, staff said.

“This conservative planning approach allows staff to determine if the city has sufficient water to meet demands under three additional years of drought or during unanticipated supply interruptions due to equipment or infrastructure failure.

“The recent update to the city’s water supply planning strategy demonstrates that, even if drought conditions return next year or we experience supply interruptions, the city’s water demands can be met for at least the next three years (through WY 2025) using water from Lake Cachuma, Gibraltar Reservoir, Mission Tunnel infiltration, desalination, and recycled water.”

A full Gibraltar Reservoir and a nearly full Lake Cachuma mean the city can primarily rely on its surface water supplies over the next several years to meet community demands, staff said. However, conservatively assuming drought conditions return next year and persist for the next three years, the city should continue to embrace conservation as a way of life, staff said.

The analysis provided in the report is based on the city’s specific water supply conditions,

Please see COUNCIL on A4

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

McGonigal investigation, the ballad of the balloon and more

• “House Judiciary Panel Wants

Info From FBI About Indicted ExOfficial Charles McGonigal”

In our weekend column ten days ago we questioned if FBI Counterintelligence Supervisor McGonigal had been recruited by Russian intelligence as far back as 2005 when he may have quashed an investigation he supervised of a suspected Russian spy.

Having dispatched our column to House Judiciary Committee Member Matt Gaetz (R-FL) we are delighted that he, along with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), chairman of the committee, are seeking further information from the FBI about Mr. McGonigal.

In their letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray they specifically requested “All personnel records regarding Charles McGonigal, including but not limited to his work history.”

• “Spy Balloon Discovery:

China Insists it’s only a WeatherForecasting Airship that ‘Blew off Course…’”

And somehow “unintentionally” happened to find its way over ICBM silos in Montana, one of the most important military sites in the USA.

“Weather-forecasting craft” is what every country says at first about airspace spying missions, including our own—do recall the U-2 spy plane piloted by Gary Powers that was shot down in May 1960 over the Soviet Union.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bao Ning told this bold-faced lie: “China has no intention of violating the territory and airspace of any sovereign airspace.”

BS-squared. Clearly, their spy satellites had not been collecting good enough intelligence and they wanted a closer look.

As for Bao Ning stressing hope “that both sides can handle this together calmly and carefully,” what he actually meant was: Hang tight and do nothing while we continue to remotely collect what we need.

• “Chinese Balloon was Meant to Send a Message that Beijing Believes U.S. is ‘in Decline’”

The U.S. has been in decline since 22 November 1963.

Meanwhile, back in our nation’s capital…

• “CIA Director William Burns Warns China’s President Xi Ordered His Military to be Ready to Invade Taiwan by 2027”

Could it be the Chinese plan to pull a Pearl Harbor and take out Montana’s ICBM’s before launching into Taiwan?

If so, here’s how: A high-altitude balloon carrying a nuclear bomb explodes at 120,000 feet causing an electromagnetic pulse that disables everything below.

Our elected representatives spend too much time wrangling over every conceivable cultural issue including those exacerbated by China on (anti)social media (especially Tiktok) instead of unifying to engage in strategic future-think. We react to crises rather than take a proactive stance to prevent them, which explains why we’re continually caught off guard and fumble our responses.

• “China Urges McCarthy Not to Repeat Pelosi’s Taiwan Trip”

As if China, which has turned slave labor into an art form and created a global pandemic, has any right whatsoever to tell

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Bicyclist injured in crash with vehicle

American political leaders where they can or cannot go.

• “Russia Expects a Visit From China’s Xi Jinping in the Spring”

How about if we tell Xi not to visit Russia?

Speaking of which…

• “Putin Has a Problem: His SoCalled Allies Won’t Help Fight in Ukraine”

It appears that Mad Vlad is more isolated than ever as countries he counted on for reinforcement have slithered away from his Peter the Great delusions of grandeur and empire building.

Let’s start with Belarus, whose iron-fisted tyrant Alexander Lukashenko assisted poisonous Putin by allowing the Russian army to launch across his border into Ukraine but has fallen short of committing his own troops. This is because he is widely despised in his own country and knows that body bags returning home would further loosen his dictatorial grip.

Alphabetically, next is China, which is tightly focused on its own internal concerns (in addition to global conquest) such as a declining economy, recurrent bouts of Covid and civil unrest caused by both—and a desire to annex Taiwan. Moreover, China is delighted to see Russia deplete its military, which will work to its advantage when it makes a move on disputed border territories and probably why—reports The Wall Street Journal—“Chinese stateowned defense companies are shipping navigation equipment, jamming technology and fighterjet parts to sanctioned Russiangovernment owned defense companies.”

India is a natural ally to Russia against China’s territorial challenges but has shrewdly taken advantage of acrimony and sanctions, as one of Russia’s few remaining clients, to purchase oil at a discounted price. Not so much support as exploiting the situation to their own benefit.

Iran, though delighted to sell drones and other military technology to Russia, has yet to recognize Putin’s annexations of Ukrainian regions. The Iranian leadership is mostly consumed with enmity and inevitable war with Israel and the United States.

Kazakhstan refused Putin’s request for troops and is now looking to align with China and Turkey to protect its economic and territorial integrity.

North Korea’s moral support is insignificant, perhaps useful only as a nuclear proxy/decoy.

Historically, Serbia is a natural ally to Russia and the private Wagner group has seen much success recruiting Serbian mercenaries to pick up arms against Ukraine. But Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has demanded they stop and warns of legal consequences for Serbs who join up. He has also condemned the invasion, mindful that Serbia desires to join the European Union.

Syria has its own troubles with Turkish leader Recep Erdogan and, far from sending troops to Ukraine on Russia’s behalf, will need all the manpower it can muster if they go to war with Turkey. Russia, meantime, is of no help to them, having transferred much of its military force— placed there to prop up dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime—to the

ROBERT ERINGER

frontlines in Ukraine. Thus, each has let the other down.

If extraterrestrials are watching from on high, they must think we’re all nuts, as in, planet Earth is the galaxy’s insane asylum. And maybe this was why…

• “Putin ‘is Buzzed by ColorChanging UFO’ Spotted by FOUR Russian Planes”

Perhaps aliens are planning to abduct the dastardly dictator with a view toward dissection (while still alive) as…

• “Putin Threatens West For Giving Leopard Tanks to Ukraine” Putin changed Volgograd’s name back to Stalingrad (after his hero) for one day and announced: “Those who hope to defeat Russia on the battlefield do not understand that a modern war with Russia will be very different. It won’t be limited to the use of armored hardware.”

Another empty portent or is putrid Putin prepared to go postal?

• “Republicans BLOCK Omar From Foreign Affairs Committee” Rep. AOC (D-NY) wigs out and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) sobs.

Oh, boo-hoo. This was not about Omar’s religion or that she is “a woman of color,” as emotionally incontinent AOC would have you believe. Reps. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell were booted off the Intelligence Committee and neither are Moslem nor men of color.

Ilhan Omar never should have been on the House Foreign Affairs Committee due to her anti-Semitic bigotry and public indiscretions.

Voters elected Omar to the House, fine. But majority House members decide who sits on which committees, just as Nancy Pelosi as Speaker decided to reject two GOP members from sitting on a committee investigating the 1/6 “insurrection,” thereby transforming it into her own cozy kangaroo court.

• “King Charles to Respond to Harry’s ‘Spare’ in Tell-All Interview”

Charles would be well advised to heed the wise words of 19th century British constitutionalist Walter Bagehot who wrote the definitive book on monarchy and insisted royals must remain above the fray and preserve their mystique in order for royalty as an institution to survive.

In this digital age of (anti)social media, there is a tremendous urge to be visible — and perhaps some Buck House courtiers advise in favor of engaging the modern world in this manner.

But Bagehot had it right: Remain above the fray, retain mystique.

Meanwhile, sources tell us that Harry has preconditions for attending his dad’s Coronation: “Harry doesn’t want to attend the Coronation, behave himself, then be stripped of his titles at a later date. He still wants a public

apology from the family, wants to wear his military uniform— and doesn’t want to be seated anywhere near Uncle Andrew because of Andrew’s sordid reputation.”

The Brits have a television soap opera called Coronation Street that has been running for over 60 years. Real life imitating art?

• “Court Slaps Down California’s Attempt to Muzzle Doctors Who Dissent From Covid Groupthink”

At least one California federal judge believes in free speech and refuses to allow Governor Gavin Gruesome from censoring doctors that desire to speak their minds.

The anti-free speech law Gruesome signed—AB 2098— has been injuncted and cannot be enforced. It would otherwise have prohibited doctors from expressing their beliefs on Covid vaccines under penalty of losing their medical license in addition to criminal prosecution.

Those who mess with the First Amendment are the folks who should be jailed.

Never, ever allow mainstream media or government to tell you what or what not to believe.

And now First Amendment rights are being violated in, of all places, the…

• “Smithsonian Kicks Out Students for Wearing Pro-Life Hats”

Who: A group of students from a Catholic school in Greeneville, South Carolina.

Where: The Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum.

When: 27 January.

What: First they were heckled and then 86’d for wearing hats embroidered with “Pro-Life.”

Why: Staff claimed their museum to be a “neutral zone.”

In other words, freedom of expression and freedom of religion are not permitted in a public, federal institution.

Go figure.

• “East Oregon Movement Trying to Secede and Join Idaho”

This is the new strategy for rural areas to distance themselves from woke and broke U.S. cities.

It is uphill but not impossible— and would create quite the precedent.

San Bernardino County in California is already talking about their own scenario for secession.

• “Valley Fever That Kills One in 100 Sufferers is spreading across the US ‘Because of Climate Change’”

Coccidioides is a fungus deadlier than flu and, as it drifts eastward, our Californian gift to other states.

When inhaled these spores cause coughing and chest pain, can reproduce inside lungs and travel to vital organs including the brain.

Could it be that Mother Nature is rushing to improve its immunity from the human race before we either snuff out or suffocate the planet?

• “Analysis of 78 Studies and One Million People Finds Face Coverings Made ‘Little to No Difference’ to Covid Infection or Death Rates”

We still see them around, these devout mask-wearing sheeple who should hide out from cooties by remaining home and watching reruns of Anthony Fauci’s fatuous fictions.

It was all a crock and the flock

Community Resource Deputy to patrol Goleta on ebike

By NEIL HARTSTEIN

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Goleta’s Community Resource

Deputy (CRD) Ehren Rauch has a brand-new motor-assisted bicycle, or ebike.

The city purchased the ebike for CRD Rauch to help enhance his patrol efforts in the City of Goleta.

CRD Rauch came up with the idea to purchase an ebike. “We had a standard manual powered bike, but it was very outdated and in need of repair,” he said.

The new ebike was chosen for its large tires and ability to go off-road on trails and the beach, locations that a cruiser normally would be unable to easily access.

CRD Rauch said, “I am very excited to be out in the community on an ebike. This allows me to provide outreach and enforcement in places that are typically not patrolled by a deputy in a car.”

The new e-bike will assist with patrols on the Ellwood Bluffs, Lake Los Carneros, railroad tracks, city parks, Old Town, and large events such as the Lemon Festival or parades.

The ebike, costing approximately $4,000, is more nimble than your typical police cruiser and requires less manpower than a regular pedalpowered bike. It came equipped with several accessories and features including: center drive motor, installed red-and-blue lights, siren package, storage bag with police markings on the side, a range of 50 miles and can travel at speeds up to almost 30 miles per hour.

“I have already had several positive interactions with the public on the ebike and look forward to having many more,” said CRD Rauch. email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

got fleeced. History will look back on lockdowns and mask-wearing and so-called “vaccines” as one of the most nonsensical and disgraceful periods in neoteric human history.

Thus, little wonder…

• “California Quietly Abandons COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate For School Kids”

Finally, “with no announcement or explanation,” some common sense prevails.

But for those of you still concerned about social contact with strangers, here is our…

• Chuckle of the Week

If you’re sitting in public and a stranger takes the seat next to you, just stare straight ahead and say, “Did you bring the money?”

Robert Eringer is a longtime Montecito author with vast experience in investigative journalism. He welcomes questions or comments at reringer@gmail. com.

LOS OLIVOS - A vehicle and a bicyclist collided Monday afternoon at Ballard Canyon Road and Bison Road in Los Olivos, Santa Barbara County Fire officials said. The bicyclist was treated for major injuries. Santa Barbara County Fire paramedics transported the bicyclist by helicopter to the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital emergency room. The patient was wearing a helmet, officials said.

Neil Hartstein

-

Correction

Dr. James Rolfe’s name was inadvertently misspelled in a story on the Taliban in Tuesday’s News-Press because of an editing error. The spelling has been corrected in the website version of the story.

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COURTESY PHOTO

Goleta Community Resource Deputy Ehren Rauch will use a new motor-assisted bicycle in the course of his duties.

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SBCC softball’s Soinila throws no-hitter in win over LA Valley

By MICHAEL JORGENSON SBCC SPORTS WRITER

The SBCC softball team continued a perfect start to the season, winning both games of Friday’s doubleheader at LA Valley 4-0 and 105.

Sophomore pitcher Joslyn Soinila (2-0) tossed an eight K no-hitter in the first game of the day. SBCC (3-0) exploded for 17 hits in game two, with six Vaqueros putting together multihit performances.

SBCC 4, LA VALL ey 0

Defense told the story for much of game one, with third baseman Emma Hatcher’s second inning double being the only hit of the first four innings.

Mistakes led to the first run of the day in the fifth. Second baseman Jessica Reveles stole second after reaching on an error. A second Monarch (1-7) error then brought her home, as catcher Mackenzie Ensign tallied her first RBI as a Vaquero.

The offense got going from there. Backto-back singles from sophomore Lauren

Indermuehle and freshman Hailey Abdilla opened the sixth inning. Soinila then showed her dual-threat abilities with a two-run RBI single towards the shortstop. SBCC had four of its seven hits in the inning as it took a 3-0 lead into the seventh.

Freshman Alexia Ayala hit a single early in the final inning. Indermuehle brought her home with a double to cap the game’s scoring, as Soinila and the Vaquero defense proceeded to put away the final three outs from there. Soinila’s eighth strikeout ended the game, giving her a no-hitter in just her second start with the team.

SBCC 10, LA VALL ey 5

The second game followed a much different narrative, as both teams reached doublefigures in hits. SBCC finished with a 17-10 advantage.

Freshman Delaney Neely got things started with a single in the top of the first and opened the scoring on a Sarah Hammonds RBI single against two outs. The Vaqueros added three more runs on three hits in the third, including RBI doubles by

SBCC beach volleyball opens season by sweeping doubleheader against Fresno

By MICHAEL JORGENSON SBCC SPORTS WRITER

The SBCC beach volleyball team began its 2023 season on Friday, hosting a doubleheader with Fresno City at West Beach and winning both matches 5-0.

“It was a great day of competition,” reigning WSC Coach of the Year Ariana Garner said. “With a number of returners and new players out on the beach, it was great to see our whole team come together and play good beach volleyball across the board and compete with a solid Fresno squad.”

The first match brought veterans Jaceline McKie and Emma Crabbe together in the 1s spot for a dominant 21-1, 2114 win followed by another twosetter, 21-17, 21-19.

“Individually, they are great beach players who are more defensive-minded so it was fun to watch,” said Garner. “Their incredible ball control allowed them to determine the pace of the match and opened up their offense to place the ball in great spots. They set each other off the net well so that they could see the court, which is great high level beach volleyball. We are happy to have them back for one last season with us and are excited to see them continue to grow as players this season.”

In the 2s spot, Olivia Medina made her collegiate debut alongside returner Corinne Tommeraason, winning match one 21-11, 21-12 and match two 2113, 21-14.

“The two played great beach volleyball. Their ball control allowed them to open their offense and control the pace of the game,” Garner said. “As

two smaller players, they read well on defense and did not let many balls drop. They served tough and were really smart offensively with their shots.”

Irey Sandholt and Paige Rudi competed together for the first time in the 3s spot and did well, taking victories of 21-10, 21-12 and 21-12, 21-15.

“Paige was a big presence at the net, and Irey behind her touching anything and everything was great to see. The two complement each other nicely and took some big swings today which we love to see,” said Garner.

In the 4s, Jordyn Anderson and Piper Ellbogn-Pettersen won two tough three-set matches, 21-14, 19-21, 15-11 and later 2117, 20-22, 15-9. They locked in when it mattered and leaned on scrappy defense and strong communication.

Rounding out SBCC’s lineup, Gabby Russell and Sophie Ward made their collegiate beach debuts together, playing solid for the Vaqueros in the 5s spot, winning 21-9, 21-10 and 21-19, 2116.

“They have incredible energy together with Sophie leading with her voice and Gabby with her ball control. The pair served tough and gave themselves a lot of great opportunities offensively with their ability to set each other well in and not in system. We are excited to watch these two grow as players,” Garner said.

Michael Jorgenson works in communications/media relations at Santa Barbara City College. email: sports@newspress.com

SPORTS ROUNDUP

DP wrestling brings home a pair of first place finishes

The Dos Pueblos wrestling team took part in the Channel League Tournament on Saturday, bringing home a pair of first place finishes.

Eleven Dos Pueblos wrestlers qualified for next weekend’s CIF Championship Tournament, led by the league championship titles of Shaun Vague and Victoria Bernard. Also qualifying were Francisco Espinosa, Cody Pearce, Ryan Risdall, Sylis Penniman, Sammy Ramos, Diego Hernandez, Ivan Medina, Jacob Rubio and Alyssa Warner.

“All of our wrestlers wrestled their best today,” said Dos Pueblos Coach Jesse Plowman. “Victoria Bernard walked through her opponent in the finals match with a pin. Victoria was in control of all of her matches today. She took care of business and is looking forward to the CIF tournament. Shaun Vague won his close finals match in overtime. In the third period with only two seconds remaining, he secured a takedown to go into overtime. In overtime, Shaun took down his Ventura opponent to claim the title.” The Dos Pueblos wrestling team now boasts a 5-2 record.

Hammonds and Reveles as they went up 4-0.

The Monarchs fought back with a 4-1 run to pull within a run. However, SBCC stayed hot in the sixth and seventh, scoring five more runs on seven hits capped by two more big runscoring doubles by freshman Julianna Ortiz and Soinila.

Neely, Elliana Ryan and Ortiz all finished with three hits. Soinila, Hammonds and Reveles had two apiece. Indermuehle (1-0) pitched five innings, threw seven strikeouts and gave up zero earned runs before Soinila came in to finish things off allowing just one run over the last two innings.

Ne XT UP

Santa Barbara heads to West Hills College this today for another doubleheader starting at noon.

Michael Jorgenson works in communications/ media relations at Santa Barbara City College. email: sports@newspress.com

Gauchos finish ninth at Triton Invite with win over UC Davis

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS

The 16th-ranked UCSB women’s water polo team ended their run at this weekend’s Triton Invitational with a solid victory against UC Davis to finish ninth overall. In another tight match, the Gauchos sent a message to the Aggies and the Big West: they

SY boys basketball defeats Orcutt Academy

The Santa Ynez boys basketball team won over Orcutt Academy on Friday, defeating their opponents by a score of 83-45.

Santa Ynez was led by Jackson Ollenburger’s 28 points and ten assists. Two other Pirates managed double-doubles, with Landon Lassahn adding 20 points and ten rebounds and Caleb Cassidy contributing 15 points and 17 rebounds.

SY boys soccer beats Morro Bay

The Santa Ynez boys soccer team defeated Morro Bay on Saturday, winning by a score of 2-1.

Santa Ynez’ goals were scored by Erik Salinas and Braeden Melville, with assists credited to Aiden Tapia and Spencer Silverman.

Providing a standout defensive performance for Santa Ynez was Jeison Plascencia.

“Happy we got the win tonight,” said Plascencia. “Everyone gave it their all. Playing alongside my teammates is always really fun.”

- Compiled by Matt Smolensky

won’t be brought down easily.

Sunday’s victory earned UCSB a second ninth-place finish in as many Triton Invitationals, and improves their record to 11-3 as they move closer to conference play in The Big West.

Once again, a myriad of Gauchos took offensive initiative in order to secure Sunday’s victory over UC Davis. Six players managed to notch a goal each across the board, while the team at large was able to hold off the Aggies defensively. UCSB held their own in the first quarter, but managed to garner momentum and bare their teeth in the second quarter, securing a twogoal lead over UC Davis which they extended to a three-goal lead in the third. Despite a comeback attempt from the Aggies as the clock began to dwindle, the Gauchos held down the fort and ended their tournament run on a victorious note.

The Gauchos are set to hit the road again at the end of the month for the Barbara Kalbus Invitational, hosted by UC Irvine. The tournament is set to kick off on Friday, Feb. 24, and run until Sunday the Feb. 26. Match times are still to be announced.

Eric Boose writes about sports for UCSB. email: sports@newspress.com

Once again, a myriad of Gauchos took offensive initiative in order to secure Sunday’s victory over UC Davis.

Six players managed to notch a goal each across the board, while the team at large was able to hold off the Aggies defensively.

Nearly half of Old Town street lights replaced

Continued from Page A1

Study. “Residents were asked to rank various streetlights in the Canon Green Drive neighborhood and provide feedback,” according to the agenda item. According to the results of the study the highest percentage of residents (36 percent) were concerned with brightness. The remaining concerns were: color/temperature (28 percent), night sky compliance (21 percent) and environmental issues (three percent).

“In Old Town, nearly half of the street lights were replaced and upgraded with LED bulbs. For the rest, I will see that they are prioritized for upgrades as soon as possible,” Councilman Kyle Richards told the News-Press in an email.

“The city of Goleta has made tremendous efforts in acquiring street lights from Southern California Edison (SCE) and in conversion to LED lighting. I support building on these efforts so that the city can be more expedient in responding to concerns around neighborhood lighting. Past efforts with SCE resulted in only a portion of the streetlights in Old Town being acquired - a large number of streetlights in Old Town are still under the control of SCE.

I’ve worked with SCE in the past and will engage with them on this topic in line with resident input,” Councilwoman Luz ReyesMartin told the News-Press in an email. “I encourage residents to reach out to the council with their concerns around lighting or a desire for additional street lights.

I am available to speak to any resident in English or Spanish to hear from them directly. Residents can also submit a Goleta CityAssist request to inform the city of issues with existing streetlights and also inquire about additional lighting needs.”

“With the acquisition of the over 1,400 Street Lights in March 2020, the city retrofitted the lighting fixtures from sodium-based lights to LED. This project did not involve installing any new street light poles. It involved acquisition and replacement only,” Charlie Ebeling, Director of Public Works told the News-Press in an email. The News-Press asked Mr. Ebeling if more lights would

be added to streets that did not receive much attention in 2021: “The remaining streetlights are still owned and maintained by SCE. Currently, SCE is undergoing their own LED conversion process. Lighting is an important component of the City’s Infrastructure and is a component which is considered in Capital Improvement Projects. If there is a need or an opportunity, lighting is one of the features which is looked at during project design. If feasible from a scope of work and budget consideration, lighting will be added where needed. An example of current CIP projects which will be going to construction this year that includes the addition of lighting is the Hollister Class I Bike Path Lighting Project. This project will add lighting for the pedestrian/ bicycle multi-use path to help improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. This was a need identified during the original project development and the City was able to apply for and receive a Measure A grant to add lighting to the path. Another current project which will be in Construction later this year is the Ekwill Street and Fowler Road extension project which includes new lighting along Ekwill Street in Old Town. As part of the Development Review process, the City may require the installation of new streetlights as a condition of approval when applicable.”

“The remaining streetlights are still owned and maintained by SCE. Currently, SCE is undergoing

their own LED conversion process which would improve brightness to the existing light fixtures; no new poles are anticipated to be installed,” said Director Ebeling. To request the installation of additional street light poles, submit your request to Michael Winnewisser, assistant engineer, at mwinnewisser@cityofgoleta.

org. New light pole requests are confirmed through a local lighting analysis. If the analysis determines that a new pole is necessary to improve any lighting issues in the area, a new pole will be installed. email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Water update to address conservation efforts

COUNCIL

Continued from Page A1

regardless of statewide requirements.

Based on the above-average precipitation received through the end of January, staff plans to return to the Water Commission and council in the spring with revisions that reflect the city’s improved water supply situation and the state’s amended regulations.

In its report to council, staff reviewed in detail each city water source that contributes to the city’s water supply.

One of the most important indicators of the city’s water supply status is storage in Lake Cachuma, which ended Water Year 2022 at 36% capacity. Key issues for Lake Cachuma are the Cachuma Project State Water Rights Order, Cachuma Project Biological Opinion and Cachuma Contract 2020.

In WY 2022, the city received 1,626 acre feet of water from Gibraltar Reservoir. At the end of WY 2022, Gibraltar was functionally empty and ready to capture winter rains. After recent storms, it is now full and spilling.

Siltation related to the 2007 Zaca Fire, the 2016 Rey Fire and the 2017 Thomas Fire has resulted in a significant reduction in storage capacity in Gibraltar. A survey performed in August 2021 indicates Gibraltar has a maximum storage capacity of 4,693 acre feet, which is approximately one-third of its original capacity.

As for the city’s groundwater basins, the city now increases pumping during droughts when surface water is limited. In response to recent drought conditions, increased groundwater pumping in WYs 2015 through 2018 provided an important water supply, staff said.

The city has been resting its groundwater basins since the spring of 2017, and has relied more on surface water supplies and desalinated water.

“The city plans to continue using

groundwater supplies through the next three Water Years should dry conditions persist,” staff said. “Based on the remaining estimated yields of the basins, groundwater resources are in long-term balance, and groundwater production does not exceed the estimated basin yield.”

The city also relies on water provided through the State Water Project.

Due to drought conditions, the 2022 SWP allocation was historically low at 5% of … contract amounts, which is 165 acre feet for the city. Fortunately, the city has been able to store an additional 734 acre feet in unused State Water Project water in the San Luis Reservoir.

The city also purchased 862 acre feet of supplemental water in 2022, which again was stored in the San Luis Reservoir. The city used 384 acre feet of SWP water to supply its customers in WY 2022. It also exchanged 139 AF of SWP water for Cachuma allocation with the Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, pursuant to the exchange agreement between both parties.

Currently, the city has approximately 1,200 acre feet of SWP water stored in the San Luis Reservoir.

Then there’s desalinated water.

In response to the severity of the recent drought, the city reactivated the Charles E. Meyer Desalination Plant in 2017, which has a production capacity of 3,125 acre feet per year. The city-owned plant delivered 2,874 acre feet of desalinated water to the city’s water system in 2022

In February 2021, council changed the role of desalinated water within the city’s water supply portfolio from a drought relief/recovery supply to a drought preparedness, response and recovery supply.

“Due to the continuous production of desalinated water since the plant’s reactivation, the city has been able to store much of its Cachuma allocation in Lake Cachuma as carryover water,” staff said.

As a result, the city currently has nearly two years’ worth (over 18,000 acre feet) of water demand stored in Lake Cachuma, “which provides water supply security and stretches water supplies for future dry years,” staff said.

The city also factors its upgraded recycled water filtration plant into its water supply calculations. The goal of this project was to eliminate or significantly reduce the need to use potable water for blending to meet Title 22 water quality requirements.

In 2022, the city supplied recycled water customers with 981 acre feet of water and 21 acre feet of potable blend water, marking a continued significant reduction in potable water use due to the project.

“Recycled water is an important component of the city’s water supply portfolio since every drop of recycled water used to irrigate landscapes or flush toilets offsets potable water that would have been used instead,” staff said.

Finally, the water update talks about water conservation.

The city’s Water Conservation Program functions to minimize the use of potable water supplies, meet the requirements of the California Water Efficiency Partnership Best Management Practices, and achieve compliance with state mandates, staff said. Water conservation measures are evaluated for cost-effectiveness based on the avoided cost of additional water supplies.

In WY 2022, city customers continued conserving water at high levels (25% compared to 2013 pre-drought water demands).

“The total water supply produced in WY 2022 was 11,450 acre feet, with 91 gallons used per person per day,” staff said. “The community continues to make water conservation a way of life, with the total demand for water in 2022 comparable to demands in the late 1950s.” email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

The city of Goleta is considering requests for new lighting polls due to the uneven lighting of the city, illustrated in these photos.

Life theArts

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2023

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022

End of the world? Maybe, maybe not

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

The end of the world is an old theme in literature and movies, but M. Night Shyamalan has brought a fresh approach to it with “Knock at the Cabin.”

Once again, the brilliant director has created a compelling movie, using techniques that would make another great director, Alfred Hitchcock, proud. As Mr. Hitchcock realized, Mr. Shyamalan knows true thrillers rely more on suspense than gore. And like a painter who knows better than to include every detail, Mr. Shyamalan realizes the power of leaving some things to the imagination.

Overall, Mr. Shyamalan has done a great job with his, Steve Desmond’s and Michael Sherman’s screenplay adaptation of the book “The Cabin at the End of the World” by Paul Tremblay. It’s no wonder that “Knock at the Cabin,” which opened last weekend in theaters, became the first film to seize the No. 1 spot at the box office from “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

There are some plot spoilers ahead, but they don’t mention key story developments, the film’s surprises or its ultimate outcome.

“Knock at the Cabin” is about two gay, married men who bring their young adopted daughter to a cabin in the woods for a vacation.

The child, Wen (played brilliantly by Kristen Cui), is enjoying her day in nature when she meets a stranger, played by Dave Bautista of “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame. Wen soon realizes this stranger, whose name is Leonard, and his friends — Redmond (Rupert Grint of the “Harry Potter” movies), Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird) and Adriane (Abby Quinn) — pose a threat to her and her dads Andrew (Ben Aldridge) and Eric (Jonathan Goeff).

Leonard and his friends break into the cabin and take Eric, Andrew and Wen hostage. They tell Eric and Andrew that the two dads must decide which one of them will die, then kill that person. If not, then all of humanity — except for Eric, Andrew and Wen — will perish, and the three of them will be stuck in a desolate world.

The family, of course, refuses to go along with this nonsense. Then things begin happening. Are they coincidental natural disasters or omens of the end of the world? Will Andrew and Eric be forced to make an impossible decision?

Mr Shyamalan leaves cinematic breadcrumbs leading toward two possible conclusions in this well-acted movie: 1) The world really is about to end or 2)The four people are insane and playing a despicable hoax on the family.

Watch what happens in “Knock at the Cabin” carefully. Mr. Shyamalan likes to create a clever mystery, and as he did in “The Sixth Sense” and “Signs,” the director keeps you guessing right up to the last minute.

By the way, Mr. Shyamalan wanted this film to have an old-school thriller feel to it. So even though “Knock at the Cabin” is set in the present, it’s reminiscent of late 20th-century thrillers, largely because of Mr. Shyamalan’s choice to use 1990s cameras and lenses. email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

“Knock on the Cabin” is rated R and has a running time of one hour and 40 minutes.

The Universal Pictures thriller is playing at Paseo Nuevo Cinemas in downtown Santa Barbara, and Camino Real, 7040 Marketplace, Goleta. See metrotheatres.com for times.

The movie is also screening at Regal Edwards Santa Maria, 100 Town Center East, Santa Maria. See regmovies.com for times. And “Plane” is screening at Movies Lompoc, 220 W. Barton Ave., Lompoc. See playingtoday.com for times.

Midweek Membership Club returns to Santa Ynez Valley

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

When it comes to travel trends for 2023, midweek is the new weekend. Among the destinations is the Santa Ynez Valley.

With that in mind, the Midweek Membership Club from Visit the Santa Ynez Valley has returned.

It’s an opportunity to enjoy additional midweek benefits to go with visits to the Central Coast wine country.

From now through April 6, anyone who books an eligible consecutive two-night, Sunday-Thursday Midweek Membership Club stay at a qualifying lodging property can receive a $100 prepaid gift card upon check-in, which can then be used for wine tastings, dining, shopping, activities and other experiences during their time in the valley. With only 100 Midweek Membership

CALENDAR

CALENDAR

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

TODAY

Club packages available, the popular late winter and early spring promotion is expected to sell out quickly.

“As remote work has become more common, midweek visits to the Santa Ynez Valley have become more attainable. The Midweek Membership Club simply makes a midweek trip even more appealing,” said Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “The Santa Ynez Valley might no longer be the secret it once was, but midweek visits are perfect for those looking for an even more relaxed atmosphere and off-peak rates. Now, travelers get an added incentive to come and enjoy an unforgettable wine country experience at a budget-friendly value.”

Here’s how the Midweek Membership Club works: • From now through April 6 or until all 100 Midweek Membership Club packages are sold, visitors must book at least one

two-night consecutive stay, SundayThursday between Sunday and April 6. The stay must be booked directly with one of the Santa Ynez Valley’s qualified lodging properties. Any booking made before the promotion start date will not qualify.

• Once booked, forward the new confirmation email to info@visitsyv.com at least 48 hours before check-in date. Late entries will not be accepted.

• Receive your $100 gift card at checkin at your qualified hotel, and use your gift card like cash to pay for wine tastings, meals, shopping, activities and more throughout the valley.

• One $100 gift card can be redeemed per reservation. “Midweek hotel rates are already typically lower than Friday and Saturday night stays, so it is pretty simple math to recognize the additional value that the

Midweek Membership Club presents,” said Mr. Sim. “Midweek is the new weekend in an era of flexible work schedules, and travel deals can still be had. The Midweek Membership Club from Visit the Santa Ynez Valley is here so you can take advantage of both.”

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

FYI

For more information, complete rules and regulations, and a complete list of qualified lodging properties, or to plan and book your Midweek Membership Club trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, visit visitsyv.com/ midweek. For questions about this offer, email info@visitsyv.com.

COURTESY PHOTO Boogie Knights, above, will perform 1970s hits during the New Year’s Eve Disco Boogie Ball at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. And the Spazmatics will play hits from the ’80s. Tickets cost $50.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Entangled: Responding to Environmental Crisis,” runs through March 25 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The museum is open from 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays and college holidays. For more information, call 805-565-6162 or visit westmont.edu/museum.

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.

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.

The Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. The concert is presented by Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Coast artist and London native Annie Hoffman’s exhibit “Seeing Ourselves in Colour” will be displayed through Feb. 28 at Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. For more information, visit anniehoffmann. com.

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “The Search for the Modern West,” an exhibit, continues through Feb. 20 at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, see sullivangoss.com or call the gallery at 805-730-1460.

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.

FEB. 8

Noon to 5 p.m. “Clarence

Mattei: Portrait of a Community” is on view now through May at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which is located in downtown Santa Barbara at 136 E. De la Guerra St. Admission is free. Hours are currently from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit www. sbhistorical.org.

8 p.m. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival opens with “Miranda’s Victim” at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St. See sbiff.org.

8 p.m. Transform Through Arts will present 10 dance companies in “Colors of Love” at the Center

Please see CALENDAR on B4

IMAGE COURTESY SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

This is artist Clarence Mattei’s unfinished and undated selfportrait. “Clarence Mattei:

Portrait of a Community” is on view now through May at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which is located in downtown Santa Barbara at 136 E. De la Guerra St. Admission is free. Hours are currently from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit www.sbhistorical.org.

Please see CALENDAR on B2

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

M. Night Shyamalan provides all kinds of clues in a mystery called ‘Knock at the Cabin’

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Four people put an impossible choice onto a family in “Knock at the Cabin.”

Mayor Rowse to address club

GOLETA — Santa Barbara

Mayor Randy Rowse will address the Santa Barbara Republican Club at 11:30 a.m.

Feb. 18 at Timbers Roundhouse

Restaurant, 10 Winchester Canyon Road, Goleta.

Mayor Rowse will discuss current issues in Santa Barbara during the luncheon.

Cost is $30 per person. The

reservation deadline for the twohour event is Feb. 15.

Those attending can mail checks to the Santa Barbara Republican Club, care of Mary Widiner, 625 N. La Patera Lane, Goleta 93117.

Dress for the Feb. 18 talk is business casual.

For more information, call Nick Sebastian at 805705-5268 or go to www. santabarbararepublicanclub.org.

Dave Mason

—

‘Knock at the Cabin’ tops box office

Mayor Randy Rowse

SB film festival starts Wednesday

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will begin Wednesday with the opening night movie of “Miranda’s Victim” at 8 p.m. at the Arlington

Theatre, 1317 State St.

The festival will run through Feb. 18 and will feature a variety of stars, screenings and panels. Passes are almost sold out, according to the film festival. For more information, go to sbiff.org.

Dave Mason

—

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

It took director M. Night Shyamalan’s “Knock at the Cabin” to knock “Avatar: The Way of Water” off its long No. 1 perch at the box office.

In fact, “Avatar: The Way of Water” sank to the No 3 spot, thanks to the four talented stars in “80 for Brady.” Well done, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno and Sally Field.

In its first weekend, “Knock on the Cabin,” a thriller about a hostage situation and the possible end of the world, grossed $14.2 million.

“80 for Brady,” which is about four fans of quarterback Tom Brady, opened with a gross of $12.5 million.

Director James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” picked up another $10.8 million last weekend at the box office. You could call that chump change for a movie that has garnered $2 billion around the world and is the fourthhighest grossing film of all time.

Placing fourth last weekend at the North American box office was

“Puss in Boots; The Last Week,” with a gross of $7.95 million.

“BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas” placed fifth with $6.28 million.

“A Man Called Otto,” starring Tom Hanks as a curmudgeon with friendly neighbors, came in at sixth place with a gross of $4.18

million. The sci-fi/horror thriller

“M3GAN” placed seventh with $3.8 million.

“Missing,” the story about a missing mother, was in eighth place. It grossed $3.73 million.

Episodes 1 and 2 of “The Chosen, Season 3” placed ninth with $3.64 million. “Pathaan” rounds out the top 10 with $2.71 million. email: dmason@newspress.com

to aroma, taste, and intensity, ranging from delicate to robust, according to a news release. The awarded organic oils (if applicable) will be noted as being organically produced. The early bird registration period is now through March 24 and is $65 per entry. From March 25 to April 2, registration increases to $75 per entry. To register, go to centralcoastwinecomp.com/enteronline.

The 2023 California Mid-State Fair runs July 19 through July 30 in Paso Robles. This year’s theme is “Shake, Rattle & Roll!”

— Dave Mason

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” placed fourth at last weekend’s North American box office with $7.95 million.

SONY PICTURES

Starring Tom Hanks, “A Man Called Otto” placed sixth place last weekend. It grossed $4.18 million.

SONY PICTURES

“Missing,” a movie about a missing mother, is in the No. 8 spot at the box office with $3.73 million.

Diversions

Thought for Today

“The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.” — Aristotle

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Aries: Today you could put a lot of energy into mundane chores and tasks, as you won’t want them hanging over your head and interfering with your evening plans. As a result, Aries, you might feel very stressed and your temper could be a bit short. Try to control it and avoid taking your frustrations out on others. Remember, you will have to face these people again.

Taurus: You might be planning or leaving on a much-needed vacation now, and feeling very excited about it. Plans should go smoothly, Taurus, so you’re apt to get everything together with few glitches. Friends in distant places might ask you to visit or be planning visits of their own. The focus today is on expansion of your physical and mental horizons.

Gemini: Ambitious plans for your future could necessitate your giving a lot of attention to practical matters, such as finances. This could be a drag, Gemini, but if you’re serious about your ideas, it needs to be done. A friend, probably a man, could pitch in and help you make sense of everything. Don’t try to get it all done today.

Cancer: The coming days promise a busy social time, Cancer. You might host a party at your home. You may feel terribly rushed and wonder if you will be able to get everything done. Don’t worry. It will all come out all right. Friends or family members could prove invaluable in lending assistance.

Leo: Your energy level should be high today, Leo, so you’re going to feel restless and spend most of your time out and about. There might be some chores you need to get done at home, but family members should help and you’re apt to finish them all quickly. Paperwork might need to be completed, which could be the slowest of all your tasks. Don’t get frustrated.

Virgo: You may be looking forward to an evening with close friends, Virgo, probably including a romantic partner. Occasions such as sporting events, movies, or concerts could be on your agenda. Activities involving children are also possible. Don’t be surprised if you’re inclined to sit quietly and

let others do the talking.

Libra: Members of your household may feel a bit restless today, and therefore might spend most of their time out and about. You might take advantage of everyone’s absence to catch up on work you need to do alone, Libra. This is going to be a busy day with lots of outside contact.

Scorpio: Your neighborhood is likely buzzing with activity today, Scorpio. New neighbors could move in, improvements could be made, and new businesses could open their doors. Expect a lot of visitors and calls. A man with a child could play a big role in these events.

Sagittarius: The promise of possible financial advancement could cause you to plunge into a lot of paperwork today. This could be related to a job, Sagittarius, or it might involve a personal project that you’ve been working on. You might get so caught up in what you’re doing that you lose your ability to focus and get too frazzled to finish.

Capricorn: Your physical energy is likely to be very high today, and you might want to spend most of your time out and about, probably in the company of others. You may attend a concert this evening or some other kind of entertainment that you really enjoy. There might be a slight delay in getting there, Capricorn, but don’t panic. You should arrive eventually.

Aquarius: This is a good day to spend some time alone, Aquarius. You may have projects you want to finish, and you have the energy to get a lot done. You could feel restless, but socializing might not be a good idea. Tempers may be short and frustrations high among those in your social circle. Quarrels might break out. Get out on your own, then work on whatever you want.

Pisces: Discussions in a group you’re affiliated with could get heated as disagreements escalate. A goal you’ve been working toward might finally near fulfillment, Pisces, and tempers are short. You may avoid arguments, but the situation could still make you uncomfortable. You might decide to leave early and go for a workout or walk. This is a good idea.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Another sign beside a church in my town: “Teaching kids to count is good. Teaching them what counts is best.”

Counting is often what counts at bridge. Counting the defenders’ hands can help declarer locate a missing card. Against today’s four spades, the defense began with three rounds of clubs, and declarer ruffed with the ace of trumps. West discarded a diamond; East had held six clubs. South next drew trumps, finding West with three. Declarer then led the king of hearts, and West won and returned a heart. South won and ruffed his last heart in dummy. East-West followed.

THIRD CLUB

South knew that West had started with three spades and two clubs. South figured that on the third club West would have discarded from his longer red suit. So South took the ace of diamonds and let the ten ride, playing West for diamond length. Making four.

Note that if West had thrown a heart on the third club, South would have had a complete count after he ruffed a heart in dummy.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: A K J 10 6 K Q 8

A 10 5 6 4. Your partner opens

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

CROSSWORD 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

one heart. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: You will have 13 tricks if partner has a suitable minimum hand such as Q 4, A J 9 6 4, K 4 3, A 9 5. Tell him immediately that slam is in sight and enlist his cooperation: Jump to two spades, planning to show your heart support next. Some pairs have adopted “weak jump-shifts,” but the strong treatment leads to smoother auctions to slam. South dealer E-W vulnerable