Santa Barbara News-Press: February 28, 2023

Helping Ukraine

Direct Relief spends $45 million aiding war-torn nation - A3

Goleta Valley Art Association

Organization celebrates 60 years of ‘Bringing Art to the Community - B1

Gang associates plead not guilty to s tearns Wharf murder charges

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The four alleged Santa Barbara gang associates charged in the shooting death of an innocent bystander Dec. 9 on Stearns Wharf entered not guilty pleas at their arraignments Monday, prosecutors said.

“All four adults were arraigned, and the case was assigned to Department 6, Judge Maxwell, for all further proceedings,”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Tate McAllister told the News-Press. “There will be a preliminary hearing setting conference on 4/6 for all defendants.”

The defendants allegedly engaged in a firefight with juveniles from Ventura County with alleged ties to Ventura County street gangs. The bystander, Robert Dion Gutierrez, 52, of Camarillo, was walking on the Santa Barbara wharf with his wife at the time, and was caught in the crossfire. He suffered a single gunshot wound and died later at the hospital.

Jiram Jhunue Tenorio Ramon, 22, is charged with murder with the special circumstance of committing the murder to benefit a criminal street gang and the special allegation of personal use of a firearm causing death. He is also charged

with conspiracy to commit murder and criminal street gang conspiracy.

Ricardo Tomas Jauregui-Moreno Jr., 20, and Christopher Dave Miranda, 21, are each charged with murder, with special allegations of committing the murder for the benefit of a criminal street gang (Westside-Santa Barbara) and principal use of a handgun, conspiracy to commit murder and criminal street gang conspiracy.

Mr. Jauregui-Moreno is also charged with having been previously convicted of a violent felony or “strike” offense.

James Lee Rosborough, 21, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder,

criminal street gang conspiracy and being an accessory after the fact, with the special allegation of committing the crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

Mr. Rosborough asked for another bail hearing Monday, and a date on his request was set for March 16, Prosecutor McCallister said.

A second defendant, Mr. JaureguiMoreno, also challenged his no-bail hold Monday, the prosecutor said. “The judge heard arguments but did not rule on the matter and Jauregui’s attorney indicated that she would take up the issue again in Department 6.”

The two 15-year-old alleged juvenile

Winter wonderland

Residents surprised by unusual snowfall in Santa Barbara County; more rain falls

gang associates from Ventura County have denied the murder charges filed against them, too. A third juvenile, 16, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder, and with illegal possession of an unregistered firearm. The three juveniles were arrested by Santa Barbara Police Department officers on Feb. 16. Their arrests were the result of an intense police investigation to identify and bring to justice additional suspects following the Jan. 19 arrest of the four adult suspects in Santa Barbara who allegedly were involved in the killing.

Please see MURDER on A4

denise Hippach makes history as county’s first black judge

Editor’s note: Annika Bahnsen, a Westmont College student, joins the News-Press this week as an intern reporter.

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

“It was pretty much the best day of my life,” said Goleta resident Thomas Swiech as he talked enthusiastically about his experience snowboarding in the foothills of Santa Barbara this past weekend.

“You are up on the mountain in the snow and can also see the Pacific Ocean … How much more can you ask for?”

In addition to Mr. Swiech, the weather has been quite a surprise for many residents as snow continues to powder the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains behind the city. Although sunshine has peaked its way through the clouds momentarily over the past day, the delight of white on the mountains still gives Santa Barbara a breathtaking landscape.

Snow is not in the forecast for the remainder of the storm. The National Weather Service still predicts some rain and cooler temperatures over the next few days, and Santa Barbara County residents should prepare accordingly.

On Monday, the weather conditions stayed pretty consistent across the county. Goleta, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria had highs around the upper 50s and lows in the upper 40s. New Cuyama had a high of 50 and a low of 41, the only area straying from the rest of the county’s

temperatures. And there was no lack of rain in the morning, bringing more water to local reservoirs. As of 8 a.m. Monday, current levels were: Gibraltar: 100.7% capacity; Lake Cachuma: 98.8% capacity; Jameson: 100.5% capacity; Twitchell: 44.6% capacity.

Rainfall numbers have slowly tapered off as the storm starts to dissipate. Most cities in Santa Barbara County range between .02 and 0.2 inches of rain, but San Marcos Pass saw .82 inch of rain Monday, a major increase in comparison to other areas.

Santa Barbara County’s Office of Emergency Management website (readysbc.org) mentions consistent winter weather conditions for parts of Santa Barbara County and major utility outages in Cuyama Valley.

The National Weather Service currently has no alerts or warnings but expects there to be a series of more storms and rainy weather coming our way.

Additionally, if you are looking for home/business/renters assistance due to the severe winter storms since Dec. 27, there have been updates to the Santa

Barbara County declaration centers. The center at Allan Hancock College was permanently closed over the weekend, but a new center will open today at the Orcutt Union School District, 500 Dyer St., Orcutt.

If you need to file for assistance, you can register through the FEMA website here: www. disasterassistance.gov.

Registered for emergency alerts at readysbc.org. There, you will receive emergency alerts via text, phone call and email. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

As a high school student growing up in Lancaster, Denise Hippach couldn’t count on going to law school, let alone practicing law, let alone becoming a judge, let alone making history. She was too busy trying to figure out how to pay for college.

Yet here she is, a graduate of the USC School of Law, a practicing attorney whose most recent job was senior deputy county counsel at the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office, and as of Oct. 31 the first black individual ever to don the robes of a Santa Barbara County judge.

“The significance of my appointment, and this moment is not lost on me,” she said at her swearing-in ceremony. “This has been such a long road, and it’s an incredible moment.” She elaborated on the importance during an interview last week with the News-Press.

“My judicial appointment is so significant because I am the first African-American judge in Santa Barbara County history,” she said. “There has never been an African-American judge or commissioner in this county, and that finally changed in the 21st century.

“I am proud to say that I am the first in my family to graduate college and obtain a professional degree,” said Judge Denise Hippach.

“I did not achieve this goal on my own and had many people who supported and encouraged me along the way,” she said. “I also had other women judges of color who paved the way for me. So I know how important it is to have someone mentor you and see things in you that you yourself may not even see at that moment. I understand what it’s like to face barriers

This is how the snow-dusted Santa Ynez Mountains looked on Saturday. The unusual snowfall has turned parts of Santa Barbara County into a winter wonderland.

Visitors at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara were treated Saturday to an extremely rare view of the snowdusted Santa Ynez Mountains, providing a magnificent backdrop to the Santa Barbara Waterfront during on Saturday.

City Council to consider making State Street Parkway a landmark

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara City Council today will consider a staff recommendation to adopt a resolution designating the State Street Parkway between Mission Street and Constance Avenue as a city landmark.

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

“State Street Parkway is worthy of joining the elite list of Landmarks, which are considered the most important resources contributing to the City’s unique historical and architectural repertoire,” staff said in their report. “There is sufficient evidence on record supporting the qualifications for Landmark status and for the adoption of a resolution designating it accordingly.”

Designation as a landmark confers honor and recognition on structures contributing to the city’s unique historical and architectural traditions, staff said.

The city’s Historic Landmarks Commission has the authority and duty to recommend that certain structures, natural features, sites or areas having historical, architectural, archaeological, cultural or aesthetic significance be designated a landmark.

The determining factors of a landmark designation are the importance of the resource to the community, the level of integrity of the resource, and its degree of rarity. Landmarks are often associated with an important architect and person in addition to being an important example of architecture, staff said.

The Upper East Association submitted a nomination for the State Street Parkway to be designated as a Landmark in June 2022. The HLC reviewed the nomination and determined that December that the resource qualifies for two of the five criteria to be a landmark.

“The State Street Parkway has been a cultural landscape for over 100 years, representing an established and familiar visual feature of the

Please see COUNCIL on A4

Santa Barbara County releases Climate Action Plan 2030 draft

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Santa Barbara County’s Community Services Department released a draft of the 2030 Climate Action Plan in order to “improve the quality of life and prioritize social equity.” The CAP was created in order to develop a plan to reduce carbon emissions in the community by 50% by 2030.

Sustainability Division Chief Ashley Watkins commented on the details of the CAP. “Achieving a 50% reduction is very ambitious. Departments across the county will be responsible for implementing specific actions, but we won’t achieve our goals without strong

participation from residents, local businesses and other stakeholders.”

Specifically, a couple of items the county wants to achieve within this effort is to provide safer opportunities for bikers and walkers, improve air quality, enhance energy resilience, preserve open spaces and make buildings more efficient.

In order to include the community within the process, the county will be hosting three public workshops to allow residents to view and engage with the CAP and the staff directly involved. These workshops will cover what the CAP is as well as develop key strategies and actions for the community. Both of the workshops will have a presentation at the

start of the meeting followed by an open house in order for people to learn more about the CAP.

There will be two in-person workshops on March 1 at the Santa Barbara Public LIbrary at 12:30 p.m. and at the Santa Maria Public Library at 5 p.m. There will also be an online workshop held over Zoom on March 7 at noon. There will be Spanish translations at all of these workshops.

Ms. Watkins finished with this statement: “The CAP isn’t just the county’s plan, it’s the community’s plan.”

Registration and information for the events can be found at countyofsb.org/oneclimate. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Smart folks inside Russia understand Putin’s a narcissistic liar

• “Vlad Silenced …”

If only …

But in this case…

• “Historic Speech Suffers

Mystery BLACKOUT Across Russia as State TV Channels Go

Down ‘After Huge Hack.’”

Poor putrid Putin, embarrassed and humiliated over and over again.

In his place, state-run TV put up “Mistake” title cards.

They got THAT right. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not only a mistake but singlehandedly makes a good case for abortion.

• “Putin Warns of ‘GLOBAL WAR’ & Makes Veiled Nuclear Threat in Deranged Speech as He Doubles Down on Ukraine.”

Mad Vlad delivered what is best described as a one hour 45-minute diatribe of hatemongering, during which he not only blamed the West for his war on Ukraine (more aptly, the “War of Putin’s Ego”) but also claimed (for internal consumption) that Russia’s very existence is threatened by the West. What he really means is, this wicked war of his own making is an existential threat to himself.

The good news: Smart folks inside Russia — his top spies, apparently — have come to understand that he is a “bullying narcissistic liar.”

Not only that but Mr. Putin’s supposed “supporters” have become bored with the same old rhetorical rant, indicated by …

• “Putin’s Elite Caught Yawning and Even Sleeping During His Marathon Anti-West Address.”

The focus of this piece is former Russian President — uh, stooge — Dmitry Medvedev, who was probably recovering from yet another alcoholic binge.

And the oligarchs couldn’t be too happy either as …

• “Russia’s Richest Oligarchs

Lose $67B Since Putin Invaded Ukraine.”

They once had the run of the globe, circling it in super-yachts, Gulfstream jets when not resting their bones in palatial homes in London, New York City, Miami and elsewhere. Now they are in hide-and-seek mode and their world has shrunk.

You’d think the oligarchs would join up with Russia’s discomforted political elite and strategize a final exit ramp for the man who has wrought misery upon them and exported hell to the Ukrainian people, many of whom have blood ties to Russia.

• “Russia Braces For Civil War Chaos as Kremlin Opposition

Votes for ‘Revolutionary Act.’”

Again, if only …

But in reality, this is President Putin’s worst nightmare: Being dragged through the streets like Libya’s Qaddafi Duck, then sodomized with a bayonet before getting shot to death or executed by firing squad like Romania’s Nicolae Ceausescu.

The Congress of People’s Deputies is composed of antiPutin Russian politicians desirous of overthrowing Mr. Putin the same way as the Bolsheviks overthrew Czar Nicholas II.

“Only through the use of force can anything be changed,” said Andrey Sidelnikov, a long-time Russian politico and anti-Putin activist.

• “Belarus’ Foreign Minister

Reportedly Died by Suicide After Meeting Putin Officials.”

Add to serial killer Putin’s execution list Vladimir Makei, 64, who wished to strengthen relations with the West and died unexpectedly four days after returning home to Minsk from meeting Russian officials in Armenia, either by “suicide” or “heart attack.” Nobody can get their story straight, though exiled Russian businessman Leonid Nevzlin claims it was from

poison developed in a Russian intelligence (FSB) lab that makes a death appear as failure or stroke.

WASHINGTON WHISPER

According to one of our intel sources in D.C., President Putin’s mood turned sour upon learning of President Joe Biden’s visit to Kyiv, apparently spoiling his day and needing one of his doctors to provide mood enhancing meds.

Mr. Putin’s much desired alliance with China has met two stumbling blocks: 1) He will not agree to a Chinese Peace Plan that calls for withdrawal of Russian troops seized since February last year. 2) He will not provide the Chinese with a leadership succession plan. And because China’s Communist Party plans proactively far into the future (unlike the U.S.), this is unacceptable to them.

With regard to point two, China is not the only unhappy camper over Mr. Putin’s determination to remain in power until the end, whatever the end may be. Russia’s power elite, starting with the desperate despot’s most likely successor, Secretary of the Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, is now in uproar over what they call Mr. Putin’s “snot smearing.” According to a Kremlin insider, Mad Vlad’s speech was “a neutral and gray set of words and, for the most part, about nothing.”

Mr. Putin has not yet decided, we are told, whether to pursue a massive offensive in Ukraine by March 5 or withdraw to a defensive posture in territories already held.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi showed up in Moscow after soiling the Munich Security Conference and literally took the upper hand, making Mr. Putin reach for his own.

My own analysis is that China is in no hurry to come to President Putin’s aid militarily but instead has a two-prong strategy: 1) Keep Mr. Putin hopeful so that he does not resort to tactical nuclear weapons (which no one wants except Mr. Putin) and b) Remain on the sidelines until a clear victor emerges (a tactic known as hedging one’s bet).

This is precisely what the Stanleys did at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Their army stood on a hill watching as King Richard III went at it against Henry VII. When it was clear Richard would be defeated, they charged down the hill to help Henry finish the job. It was my ancestor, Sir William Stanley, who reputedly picked up dead Richard’s battered helmet from beneath a bush, plucked out the crown within and placed it upon Henry’s head thus commencing the Tudor reign.

• “Al Gore’s Inconvenient

Truth: Ex Veep’s $30 Billion

‘Eco-friendly’ Investment Fund Includes Holdings in Gas-guzzling Companies Like Amazon and Microsoft.”

This is called “putting your money where his mouth isn’t.”

Onstage, Al is a climate control freak.

But behind the curtain, more than one-third of his Generation Investment Management investments are reportedly with companies that have steadily increased their carbon emissions.

Perhaps Al needs another listen to the song “I Need to Wake Up” from “An Inconvenient Truth,” his 2006 documentary on climate change. • “Lab

And…

• “Three Years Late, The Lancet Recognizes Natural Immunity.”

Sixty-five studies reveal that natural immunity against COVID is equal to two doses of mRNA vaccines.

• “ ‘SNL’ Goes Anti-Vaxx: Host Woody Harrelson Likens Pfizer & Moderna to DRUG CARTELS.”

Again, the truth is finally going mainstream.

One day we will look at the COVID vaccine with the same optics we now view lobotomy.

Which brings us to…

• “The Miracle Cure: A Brief History of Lobotomies.”

This piece tackles the very sad case of Rosemary Kennedy — daughter of Joseph and Rose Kennedy and sister to President John F. Kennedy and U.S. Sens. Robert and Edward Kennedy — who in November 1941, the tender age of 23, underwent a lobotomy at the insistence of her father.

The late Bertram Brown, a psychiatrist and head of the National Institute of Mental Health through the 1970s, called it, “The biggest mental health cover-up in history.”

Let’s uncover it.

Rosemary did not suffer from being mentally challenged, as Kennedy lore suggests. But even if she were, Joe’s solution for dealing with the situation was unforgivable.

The procedure took place at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C. where America’s pioneering lobotomist, Dr. Walter Freeman, practiced his favorite psychosurgery technique, usually with a bespoke goldplated icepick. (Dr. Freeman had adopted — some say stole — this technique of severing the frontal lobes of the brain from a Portuguese neurologist named Antonio Egas Moniz, who called his invention a leucotomy.)

Lobotomy was never supposed to be imposed on the mentally challenged. It was designed for the mentally insane, as a means of relieving chronic aggression and is known as a medical procedure that “turned lunatics into idiots.”

Rosemary was not insane. She was temperamental, possibly depressed, with a lower-than average IQ. As such, Rosemary became an embarrassment to her father, who held high political ambitions for his four sons. Her tantrums and promiscuity deeply troubled Joe, who fretted she might become pregnant and shame the family.

So while Rosemary’s mother, Rose, was away (and without her knowledge), Joe the Bootlegger consulted Walt Freeman, who agreed that a prefrontal lobotomy was a fine fix for a young woman in the prime of her life who was having perhaps too much fun. It would, Walt promised, put an end to her “mood swings that the family found difficult to handle at home.” (Part of the reason Rosemary was difficult to handle at home was because her siblings — all of higher intelligence — treated her like a moron.) While the patient gaily sang “America the Beautiful,” neurosurgeon James Watts — supervised by Walt — cut at Rosemary’s frontal lobes with an

instrument not unlike a butter knife … until the lyric she sang became incoherent.

The procedure worked!

No more mood swings, no more tantrums, no more promiscuity. And most important, no more embarrassment for Joe.

Also this: No more personality (she’d had lots of it). No more ability to think or speak. A young vibrant life taken, sacrificed to pathological ambition.

Walt Freeman liked to say, “Lobotomy gets them home” as he traversed the country in his loboto-mobile goading the keepers of asylums in 23 states to present to him their unruly for treatment.

But Rosemary did not go home.

Incapacitated, with a developmental age of 2, Rosemary was cast out to a special care facility in Wisconsin — and Joe all but erased her existence from the family.

And that is where Rosemary “lived” until she died 17 years ago at the age of 86.

• “Arkansas Cops Rule Suicide in Death of Clinton Aide Linked to Jeffrey Epstein.”

Who: Mark Middleton.

When: May 7 2022.

Where: The Heifer Ranch, Perryville, Arkansas, on land owned by the Clinton Presidential Center.

How: Middleton, then 59, was found hanging from a tree with a shotgun blast hole through his chest. (No one’s sure if he hung himself first then shot himself with a shotgun or blasted his chest before hanging himself, though at least they’re certain he’d been hanged with a cheap Dollar Store extension cord and shot with a Stoeger 12 gauge coach gun found 30 feet away).

Why: Middleton was Bill Clinton’s link to Jeffrey Epstein, who met Bubba at the White House 17 times between 1993 and 1995.

A source told Radar Online: “Mark knows nothing about guns. He hated guns. And he couldn’t tie a noose to save his life. He was the least physically skilled person I ever met. His death scenario is completely implausible to everyone that knew him.”

So very many people associated with Bill and Hillary Clinton have met untimely, strange and mysterious deaths, including the “suicide” of White House counsel Vince Foster and “random murder” of Seth Rich, a staffer on the Democratic National Committee. It has become a sport on the internet to keep track of these deaths under the banner Clinton Body Count Conspiracy Theory.

But the death of Middleton, one of the strangest, is now officially ruled a suicide by Arkansas. (When I was in Washington D.C. through the 1990s I heard intel gossip to the effect that a Department of Justice team investigating Whitewater returned after several weeks of digging in Little Rock and was asked by superiors what they found. Their reply: “Our case is the United States v. The Whole State of Arkansas.”) Mark Middleton first piqued my interest in the late 1990s when intelligence circles buzzed with his name in connection with Bubba Bill’s open door policies with China as the great sellout of American manufacturing began.

Then it turned out Mr. Middleton also opened the door for disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein (also a “suicide ”— or that’s what sheeple believe) to enter the White House and meet Slick Willie on multiple occasions. Mr. Middleton also flew on Epstein’s “Lolita Express,” the jet President Clinton boarded an astonishing 26 times for flights to what is now dubbed “Pedophile Island.”

CHUCKLE OF THE WEEK

Don’t bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head. That’ll freak you right out.

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

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Direct Relief spends more than $45 million to help Ukraine

Editor’s note: This is the fifth article in a News-Press series on efforts to help Ukraine.

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Direct Relief’s efforts in Ukraine have become the Goletabased nonprofit’s largest project in its 75-year history.

“What we’ve done in a year in Ukraine is more than we’ve done globally in some years,” said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief’s president and CEO.

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve spent over $45 million,” Mr. Tighe told the News-Press last week, just before the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. “We didn’t anticipate having or needing to spend that a year ago. But the response has been so positive (from donors). We’ve received contributions from people in 80 countries.”

Direct Relief supplies medications and healthcare equipment and works to meet other healthcare needs in areas hit by disasters around the world, including in the U.S. The nonprofit also helps areas hit by wars such as Ukraine.

Direct Relief started its work in Ukraine after Russia annexed the

For more information or to donate to Direct Relief, see directrelief.org.

UKRAINE: ONE YEAR LATER

nation’s Crimea region in 2014.

Mr. Tighe said Direct Relief’s eight years of experience before Russia started its invasion in 2022 prepared the nonprofit to assist the nation. “That made it much easier to expand what we were doing.”

He said Direct Relief maintains a warehouse in the Netherlands, where it can fill an order in a day or two, then truck it through Europe and ultimately into Ukraine.

“We can receive donations from European healthcare companies, consolidate them in the Netherlands and have a large inventory there for people to order from in Ukraine,” Mr. Tighe said.

He said Direct Relief provides Ukrainians with medications for chronic conditions such as hypertension and insulin for diabetics.

Direct Relief also provides chemotherapy medications, antibiotics, vitamins and more.

Many of the supplies come from Direct Relief’s warehouse in Goleta, where FedX picks them up in its truck and transports them to Los Angeles International Airport for flights to Europe.

“FedX picks up here every

Fire strikes at Andersen’s Pea Soup

Direct Relief supported Project Joint Guardian, an international nonprofit made up of firefighters, with a $50,000 grant to transport first responders to Ukraine and help them purchase needed equipment. The organization also supplied the firefighters with Emergency Medical Backpacks intended for triage care and shipped equipment to the region on their behalf.

day,” Mr. Tighe said. He added that Direct Relief also provides money directly to help with health needs. He cited an example. Ukrainian refugees in Poland are entitled to Polish health insurance programs, but the refugees are required to pay twothirds of the cost, Mr. Tighe said. That’s where Direct Relief stepped in, with a $15 million grant to Poland to cover the refugees’ co-payment.

Another example is Direct Relief’s $50,000 grant to Joint Guardian, an international nonprofit made up of firefighters. The grant helped the nonprofit to transport

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Warren Showgrounds and had to be rescued, Santa Barbara County Fire officials said.

first responders to Ukraine and purchase needed equipment.

Mr. Tighe said Direct Relief also took care of getting mobile field hospitals, provided by the state of California, into Ukraine. “They’re kind of a like M*A*S*H unit.”

The field hospitals were transported on a FedX charter flight to Warsaw, then taken by truck into Ukraine.

As part of Direct Relief’s efforts, Mr. Tighe visited Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in August.

“It was a time of relative calm, and I was meeting with NGOs (non-governmental organizations) that Direct Relief has been

Please see UKRAINE on A4

BUELLTON — Firefighters responded to a late-night structure fire Sunday night at Pea Soup Andersen’s restaurant, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department said Monday.

Flames were seen by a passerby who called 9-1-1, fire officials said.

SBC firefighters responded around 11:40 p.m. to the restaurant, and they confined the fire to the exterior of the southwest corner roof.

The fire was knocked down by 12:02 a.m. Monday.

The hotel attached to the restaurant was not involved. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

— Neil Hartstein

Males trapped in storm drain

SANTA BARBARA – Two males, an adult and one minor, who were out “adventuring” Monday, got trapped in a storm drain at the Earl

Laguna Blanca dominates

Chadwick volleyball tournament

The Laguna Blanca boy’s volleyball team won the Chadwick Volleyball Tournament by first sweeping 3-0 in pool play against Chadwick, Mary Star of the Sea and West Torrence.

Then, after beating Culver City in the semi-final playoff match, Laguna Blanca defeated Bishop Montgomery in the finals.

Tyson Deveze was named Tournament MVP, and Kincade Avery was named to the AllTournament team. Deveze recorded 23 kills, 13 digs and 15 aces. Avery also added 17 kills, six digs and five aces.

Other notable stats were Liam Knezevic with 69 assists, Caden Weaver with 20 digs and Thomas Couvillion with 17 kills.

“It was a good day of growth for our young team as we played a lot

Santa Barbara city and county firefighters responded to the 11:27 a.m. incident. City firefighters got there first, realized the two trapped people were the ones who had called 91-1 and used the Jaws-of-Life to spread the metal grate to free the pair, Capt. Scott Safechuck, County Fire public information officer, said.

“They were adventuring, entered the drain from a different location, and ended up at the location with a steel grate and couldn’t get out,” he said.

They were uninjured.

“Luckily the rain subsided so there were low water levels in the drain,” Capt. Safechuck said. He urged people who feel cooped up because of the rain and want to go “adventuring” to be careful around creeks and drains.

He said standing on the side of a creek could be dangerous because of the saturated ground which could give way. He warned about riding down a swollen creek on a floatation device because you could get caught on rocks or trees beneath the water, or get trapped in a storm drain with a steel grate and become unable to get out.

– Neil Hartstein

SPORTS ROUNDUP

of volleyball today,” said assistant coach Kat Niksto. Laguna Blanca opens league play against St. Bonaventure today at 5 p.m.

San Marcos boys volleyball team competes in tournament

The San Marcos boys volleyball team competed in the Annual Redondo volleyball tournament in Redondo Beach.

The Royals went 2-1 in pool play, beating Wiseburn DaVinci and Burroughs and falling to Eagle Rock.

They were then placed in the No. 1 and continued to play in the gold playoff bracket. They first beat Granada Hills in two sets with a score of 25-14 and 25-21. They ultimately fell to Long Beach Wilson in the quarter-final match

Highway work to result in lane closure

LOMPOC — An emergency project to repair State Route 1 one-half mile north of Jalama Road in Lompoc will result in a lane closure and 24/7 one-way traffic control with delays not to exceed 20 minutes, Caltrans officials said.

The winter storm repair work is expected to take a few weeks to complete and during that time full highway closures will be necessary to complete some of the repairs, officials said.

Travelers are encouraged to detour to State Route 246 to travel between the Lompoc area and Highway 101 until repairs can be made. Message and directional signs will be in place to alert the traveling public. Drivers are advised to allow extra time during their commute.

The contractor for this $3 million emergency project is Granite Construction of Watsonville. Repairs are expected to be complete within the next three weeks, weather permitting.

— Neil Hartstein

with a score of 24-26 and 25-15. The Royals finished fifth in the tournament. Head coach Roger Kuntz commented on some of the impressive Royal players. “(Walker) added stability and leadership throughout the tournament and showed that he can play up to any level. Junior Cameron Earls played out of position as our starting outside hitter and did a solid job passing and attacking. Very proud of his all-around game as one of our premier setters!”

They compete against Oak Park today.

Dos Pueblos boys volleyball sees continued success

The Dos Pueblo boys volleyball team swept its first home match against Valencia last Thursday,

UCSB’s Sundstrom, Ager earn Big West weekly honors

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS

After sweeping their three-game series at Oregon over the weekend, UCSB Baseball swept The Big West’s weekly awards, with the conference naming Jared Sundstrom Player of the Week and Matt Ager Pitcher of the Week on Monday.

Of the Gauchos’ many hot bats in Eugene, Sundstrom’s was the hottest, with the junior outfielder slashing .625/.600/1.625 against the Ducks, including two homers and a pair of doubles, to lead the team in both average and slugging for the series. The Gualala native’s two homers both came in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, two of five Gaucho long balls in that game, then he knocked his two doubles in Saturday’s nightcap to help finish off the sweep. He also stole two bases on the weekend. Ager recorded his second quality start and first

win of the season against Oregon on Saturday, striking out nine and scattering two hits, three walks, and a hit batter across six scoreless innings of work on the way to a combined shutout with Tyler Bremner. The sophomore right-hander now leads the Big West in strikeouts with 19 across his first 12 innings as a collegiate starter. Of the six baserunners Ager allowed on Saturday, none advanced beyond second base. This is the first career Big West weekly award for both Ager and Sundstrom. They and the Gauchos will play their first home series of the season this weekend, welcoming Xavier to Caesar Uyesaka Stadium for a three-game set, March 3-5.

Eric Boose is assistant director of athletic communications at UCSB.

email: sports@newspress.com

ending the sets with scores of 2512, 25-13 and 26-24.

“The Chargers first home match drew a nice crowd,” mentioned head coach Ehren Hug. “The juniors worked hard tonight — opposite Micah Goss, middle blocker Nick Schultz-Clifford, outsider hitter Jan Schmidtchen, and libero Ezekial Tynes.”

Goss led the team with seven kills. Grant Hughes also added to the amazing defense, with 24 assists and six digs. Additionally, Ewan Richards supported the offense with six kills. Overall, the performance was consistent across the board.

Dos Pueblos plays today against Calabasas.

— Compiled by Annika Bahnsen

PROJECT JOINT GUARDIAN PHOTO

Organization working to help those who suffered serious injuries in the conflict

UKRAINE

Continued from Page A3

supporting,” he said.

Mr. Tighe returned to Ukraine in December to sign papers and announce Direct Relief’s $1 million grant to Unbroken, a nonprofit working to provide rehabilitation to wounded civilians and soldiers in Ukraine. He met with Unbroken at its National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv.

‘We’re going to sponsor a conference on rehabilitation at the

facility in April,” Mr. Tighe said, estimating the event would cost Direct Relief an additional half million dollars. “We’re helping to bring in international experts to assist this whole new group of people who sustained serious injuries and need rehabilitation services, from prosthetics to occupational therapy, speech therapy and care for traumatic brain injury.”

The Direct Relief CEO noted that rehabilitation is a long-term need for those hit hard by the Russian invasion.

“When you see a child who has

lost three of their limbs, that child will need help for the rest of their lives,” Mr. Tighe said.

He said Ukraine lacks enough professionals to deal with rehabilitation issues. “That’s why we’re trying to bring in financial support and international expertise, to get the physical plant improved, so they can care for more people and fund some of the training to train a new class of occupational and physical therapists under the broad umbrella of rehabilitation.”

email: dmason@newspress.com’

In December, Direct Relief announced the grant of $1 million to Unbroken in Lviv, Ukraine. Signing the agreement at right is Thomas Tighe, president and CEO of Direct Relief.

‘Her transition to the bench has been seamless’

JUDGE

Continued from Page A1

and overcome obstacles and stereotypes. I’d like to pay it forward and be that kind of support and encouragement for other young women of color.”

The power of the moment was not lost on then-Presiding Judge Gustavo Lavayen when he administered to her the oath of office.

“Denise will be making long overdue history today,” he said at the time. “It has been a long time coming.”

He expanded on his comments in an interview with the NewsPress.

“I don’t think it’s a question of whether she should be considered a role model,” he said. “Judge Hippach is and has been a role model for all. I know many attorneys looked to her when she was an attorney for guidance and education.

“And Judge Hippach is a thoroughly good person. I sincerely mean all the nice things I’ve said about her, so I have no doubt about her being a great role model for all, including young girls and people of color.”

During her News-Press interview, Judge Hippach embraced the idea of serving as a role model for young people of color.

“My appointment is not just an incredible moment for me, but also for society as a whole because it really shows the strides that have been made to make the bench reflect the community it serves,” she said. “When a person walks into a courtroom and sees someone who looks like they do, it changes the way he/she/they may feel about the process and fairness of the hearing. I hope my appointment represents to other people of color that the glass ceiling they are staring at is just that — glass! And it can be shattered.”

The transition from practicing attorney to sitting judge, which overall has gone smoothly, has brought some challenges as well.

For one thing, Judge Hippach came from spending years advocating for individual clients in dependency cases, which involve matters related to child abuse and neglect.

Victim was an innocent bystander

MURDER

Continued from Page A1

Police described Mr. Gutierrez as an innocent bystander who was in Santa Barbara with his wife walking on Stearns Wharf “when he was struck and killed by one of the rounds fired during an altercation between two groups of individuals at the base of the wharf.

“You are dealing with families in crisis who, at the onset of every case, are facing the very real possibility of being separated either temporarily or permanently,” she said. “And it is not just parents and children facing separation; siblings can also be separated from each other due to the inability to find a foster home with enough space to accommodate all of them.

“As you can imagine, this is a very emotionally charged area of law, and the cases can be very difficult for judges and attorneys to handle because decisions must be made that directly impact the family unit.”

Contrast this to her current assignment of handling criminal arraignments in Santa Maria.

Which is the second big change she’s had to make, transitioning from one-sided advocate to fairminded judge, a process she said has required a huge mind shift.

But she loves it.

“It’s going great,” Judge Hippach said. “It’s been several years since I handled criminal cases, so I’ve had to get up to speed on the law and all of the changes that have occurred since I last practiced in this area pretty quickly. At times it’s like drinking from a firehose, but I am learning so much, and I am really enjoying it.

“It’s everything I thought it would be in terms of how much I love what I am doing. But there was really no way to imagine the complete shift in perspective.

Until I was appointed to the bench, I was a practicing attorney for almost 20 years. I practiced in all types of courts and my job was to advocate to the judge — make my arguments and case to achieve the best outcome for my client. Now, as the judge, I am the one making decisions and not advocating for a particular outcome. It’s a complete mind shift.”

Judge Hippach said she enjoys interacting with members of the public and community on a whole new level, as opposed to dealing only with opposing counsel, unable to talk to individuals about the case and the issues.

“Now, that has all changed,” she said. “My courtroom is the first stop for people who become involved in the criminal justice system. Appearing in court in front of a judge can be

an intimidating and confusing process. If I can help make things easier and less confusing, I am happy to do so. I love listening to others and finding individualized solutions to address the problem.

“Being on the bench gives me the opportunity to help in ways I could never do before.”

Judge Hippach said becoming a judge was a goal she set for herself several years ago, and that her previous jobs prepared her for her judicial position. She noted that as an attorney, she practiced law in a variety of areas including criminal (both adult and juvenile), dependency, civil and family law.

“I loved learning every aspect of the legal area I was involved in at the time, and each position taught me valuable skills. Working at the District Attorney’s Office and County Counsel, I learned how to remain calm, frame my arguments, present my case succinctly, and think clearly and quickly on my feet.

“In working at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, I learned how to handle a variety of issues at any given time, and to not only be flexible and knowledgeable in several subject areas, but also to transition from each subject seamlessly. These skills have helped to ease my transition from attorney to judge.

“I have spent my entire legal career in public service, and becoming a judge is just a continuation of that service on a larger level.”

Judge Lavayen said she’s done an outstanding job so far.

“While four months is not a long time, there is no doubt that she is an excellent judge,” he said. “Her transition to the bench has been seamless, and she exhibits all the necessary skills and traits required of a judge, including the discretion to adjust to the individual circumstances of each person appearing before her and achieve a just outcome. I think the legal system and the public is very fortunate to have her on the bench.”

It helps that she has the brains and heart to do the job, he said at the swearing-in ceremony.

“What stands out about Denise not only is her intellect but her compassion; her compassion and

understanding,” he said.

Judge Hippach said she was flattered by his comments, “but also extremely humbled.

“What Judge Lavayen’s statement really reflects is the professional achievement I am most proud of: my reputation. Over my 20-year career in the legal field, I have always approached each of my cases with an open mind, and understood the issue was not always black and white. My life experience has taught me that you cannot prejudge any individual and that every situation or circumstance should be evaluated objectively and independently.”

It’s a career that at an early age seemed out of reach, had it not been for some help along the way.

She grew up in a blue-collar family in Lancaster. Both of her parents worked outside the home to support her and her three older siblings. Her father was a contractor and her mother was a secretary at the local community hospital.

“When I was a junior in high school, my parents told me they could not afford to send me to college,” she said.

That could have been it, robbing her of her moment to make history.

“Fortunately, I had teachers and guidance counselors who spoke to me about the federal financial aid application and potential scholarships and grants I could apply for,” she said. “Had it not been for their keen interest in my future, I may have given up and resigned myself to not continuing my education beyond high school.

“I am proud to say that I am the first in my family to graduate college and obtain a professional degree.”

And so, as a new, proud judge, Denise Hippach welcomes the opportunity to be of service to others, and to set the stage for younger people of color to follow in her footsteps.

“Being the first at anything is a double-edged sword: It is wonderful because of the achievement, but also overwhelming because you are the first, and there are expectations that come with being the first, like the pressure to succeed.

“And this pressure does not just come from my own personal expectations, but also from

Council to consider public hearing regarding Downtown and Old Town Business Improvement Districts

Continued from Page A2

neighborhood that continues to provide beauty and greenspace to the City,” staff said. “Santa Barbara’s growth as a tree-filled, green city was due in large part to the philosophy of the City Beautiful Movement and the vision of many early planners and residents.”

The Parkway represents a period when the nation as a whole was beautifying cities and towns with parkways as part of the City Beautiful Movement, staff said.

“State Street Parkway embodies distinctive characteristics of the period in the early 20th century when Santa Barbara was purposefully beautifying the urban environment.

“Santa Barbara was fortunate to have one of the most noted authorities of the City Beautiful Movement, Charles Mulford Robinson, complete a report with suggestions for beautification of the City in 1909,” staff said.

“He recommended Santa Barbara install the State Street Parkway to give the street a stately effect for its the main vertebral avenue; however, it was not until 1917 that

Santa Barbara installed the Parkway to soften, beautify and create green space to the six blocks of the newly developing residential portion of State Street, from Mission Street to Constance Avenue.”

In other business, staff recommends the council conduct a public hearing and consider appropriate protests to the renewal of the Downtown and Old Town Business Improvement Districts Assessments for 2023.

Staff also recommends the council adopt a resolution confirming the Fiscal Year 2023 assessment report for the districts and renewing their assessments for 2023.

The Downtown and Old Town business improvement districts have provided marketing and promotional services for downtown businesses for several decades.

The merchants in both business improvement districts pay for these services through an assessment based on their business license fee, location and type of business.

The assessment revenue is collected each year by the city, then remitted to Downtown Santa Barbara. Downtown Santa Barbara operates both improvement districts after merging with the Old Town Merchants Association in 2005.

The Downtown Business Improvement District serves businesses between Chapala and Anacapa Streets, from Ortega Street north to Micheltorena Street.

The Old Town Improvement District serves businesses between Chapala and Anacapa streets, from Gutierrez Street north to Ortega Street.

For the calendar year of 2023, there are no proposed changes to the districts’ boundaries or assessment rates.

Prior to submission of this report, staff received 12 protests from a total of 1,225 businesses in the Downtown District and 246 in the Old Town District. At the public hearing, the council will confirm whether there is a lack of majority protest (protests received from business owners who pay 50% or more of the total assessments to be levied), and adopt a resolution to assess the rates in accordance with the annual report.

The Downtown and Old Town districts’ revenues are projected to be approximately $238,000 in business assessments to fund marketing and promotional activities for local businesses.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

knowing people are watching and see this as a door opening for others. I know I am the first African-American judge in Santa Barbara County, but I certainly don’t want to be the last. I want other people of color to follow me and defy all expectations and stereotypes.”

She said she was honored to have been appointed judge and that she takes her responsibility very seriously.

“I am a mom, a wife and a real person, and I will always strive to do my very best with compassion, commitment and understanding,” she said.

“I look forward to serving the citizens in the county in my new role.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

“One group involved in the altercation has been identified as local Santa Barbara area residents with ties to a local Santa Barbara street gang,” police said. “The opposing group in the altercation has been identified as Ventura County residents with ties to Ventura County street gangs.” Prosecutors allege the four adult defendants were driving on Stearns Wharf when they verbally challenged their alleged Ventura County rivals, and that they stopped their vehicle for the purpose of deploying two of their party to attack them with a firearm. Prosecutors contend the four Santa Barbara defendants fled the scene of the shooting afterward, two on foot and two by vehicle, and that those in the vehicle then circled back to the location of the shooting to extract those who fled on foot to avoid apprehension.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Today Wed.

PHOTO COURTESY UNBROKEN

Life theArts

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 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 805565-6162 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.

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.

MARCH 1 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

‘Bringing Art to the Community’

Goleta Valley Art Association celebrates 60th anniversary

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Goleta Valley Art Association will celebrate 60 years of “Bringing Art to the Community” with a special luncheon March 11 at the Glen Annie Golf Club, 405 Glen Annie Road in Goleta.

The program portion of the event will feature highlights of the organization’s past 60 years, including its founding by a small group of artists in 1963, led by Warren Fuller, who mounted their first showing at a bank in Goleta.

Douglass Parshall was elected as the first president that year.

“We are delighted to be able to gather with fellow members and friends in the community for our first annual luncheon since 2019 to celebrate 60 years of fulfilling our mission to bring art to the community,” said Elizabeth U. Flanagan, GVAA president.

She is one of 46 to serve as president over the 60 years, some serving multiple years as is Ms. Flanagan, who began her service as president in 2017.

The organization’s first meeting place was in the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce office with 16 members.

More recently, the organization has had showings at the Goleta Valley Library, Faulkner Gallery at the Santa Barbara Central Library, La Cumbre Plaza, Camino Real Marketplace and various galleries in Santa Barbara.

GVAA resumed in-person shows in 2022 at both libraries. An exhibition/sale at the Faulkner Gallery ended Feb. 27, and the next two shows are scheduled Saturday through March 30 and April 1 through 26 at GVL.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group will perform Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors” March 1-18 at the Garvin Theatre on the college’s west campus in the 900 block of Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara. The curtain will rise at 7:30 p.m. March 1 and after that, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through March 18. The March 1 and 2 performances are preview shows. The 2 p.m. March 5 performance will be livecaptioned for the hearing-impaired. Tickets range from $18 to $26 for general admission, with discounts for students, seniors and SBCC staff. To purchase, go to www. theatregroupsbcc.com or by calling the Garvin Box Office at 805-9655935.

MARCH 2

5 to 8 p.m. “SURREAL WOMEN: Surrealist Art by American Women” will open with a 1st Thursday reception at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St. The exhibit will be on display Friday through April 24. For more information, www.sullivangoss. com.

7:30 p.m. The Miro Quartet will perform at Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Admission is $20 for museum members and $25 for nonmembers.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group will perform Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors” at the Garvin Theatre on the college’s west campus in the 900 block of Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara.

Tickets range from $18 to $26 for general admission, with discounts for students, seniors and SBCC staff.

To purchase, go to www. theatregroupsbcc.com or by calling the Garvin Box Office at 805-9655935.

MARCH 3 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “SURREAL

WOMEN: Surrealist Art by American Women” is on display through April 24 at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, www.sullivangoss.com.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group will perform Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors” at the Garvin Theatre on the college’s west campus in the 900 block of Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara.

Tickets range from $18 to $26 for general admission, with discounts for students, seniors and SBCC staff. To purchase, go to www. theatregroupsbcc.com or by calling

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

Colin Schildhauer’s “Out The Back AT Winter’s Eve,” an oil, is among the art created by members of the Goleta Valley Art Association.

International Women’s Day focus of free presentation

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Maria Public Library in partnership with the American Association of University Women Santa Maria Branch and the Women’s March will co-host a free presentation in recognition of International Women’s Day at 5 p.m. March 8 in the library’s Shepard Hall, 421 S. McClelland St. “Women, Life, Freedom (Zan, Zendegi, Azadi)” will feature Dr. Golnaz Agahi, who will speak about her personal experience living in Tehran during the

Iranian revolution and connect that experience to women’s rights in Iran and across the world. A question-and-answer session will follow Dr. Agahi’s presentation. Dr. Agahi is a writer, educator and practitioner of social work for more than 20 years. Her focus has been on children and adults addressing co-occurring disorders, crisis intervention and trauma. She has become a champion and an advocate of girls and women for the freedom to have choices and equalize the playing field professionally or personally to pursue a better life.

and Wasp’ sequel is No. 1 again at box office

Dr. Agahi is presently an associate professor and assistant field director at UMass Global University, School of Social Work. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Those not able to attend in person can watch via Zoom teleconference. Registration is available on the library’s online events calendar at www. cityofsantamaria.org/library.

For more information, call 805-925-0994, Ext. 8562. email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

Visiting surgeon to speak about pandemic lessons

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi — Lewis Atterbury Stimson professor and chairman in the Department of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center and surgeon-in-chief at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center — will present a public lecture titled “In the Eye of the Storm: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

The free talk will take place at 5:30 p.m. March 16 at the Wolf Education and Training Center, 529 W. Junipero St., adjacent to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in

Santa Barbara. Reservations are required by March 10. To attend, contact J.V. Vallejos at 805-681-7528 or jvallejo@sansumclinic.org.

Dr. Michelassi, who was on the front lines of the pandemic at New York Presbyterian, will explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has brought important changes to the field of health care and how it has changed the way we receive and deliver medical care.

Dr. Michelassi was selected as the visiting professor of surgery for Surgical Academic Week 2023 from March 13 through 16. The Visiting Professor of Surgery Endowment Fund

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” remains a big hit. In its second weekend, the film topped the box office again, this time grossing $32.2 million. Opening in second place was the dark comedy “Cocaine Bear,” with $23.1 million.

“Jesus Revolution,’ the story of an early 1970s spiritual awakening that began with teenage hippies in Southern California, placed third with $15.5 million.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” fell to fourth place from second. Last weekend it grossed $4.7 million. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” dropped to fifth place from fourth with $4.1 million.

“Magic Mike’s Last Dance” fell to No. 6 from No. 3 at the box office, with a gross of $1.89 million.

allows a prominent national or international surgeon to be in residence in Santa Barbara for one academic week a year. The fund was established in December 2010 by Dr. Ronald G. Latimer, the Department of Surgery and Sansum Clinic, to advance educational opportunities for local surgeons and surgical residents in training at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The program administrator is Dr. W. Charles Conway, surgical oncologist at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center.

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

‘Four Winters” to cover resistance during World War II

SANTA BARBARA — The

“Four Winters” will screen at 7 p.m. March 7 at Paseo Nuevo Cinemas on lower State Street.

A Q & A will follow. The documentary is about the resistance during World War II by young men and women, ages 17-21. It happened in the area of Ukraine now in war once again.

More than 25,000 Jewish partisans fought back against the Nazis and their collaborators from deep within the forests of World War II’s Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Belarus. Against extraordinary odds, they escaped Nazi slaughter, transforming from young innocents to courageous resistance fighters, according

to a news release about the documentary. These last surviving partisans tell their stories of resistance in “Four Winters,” revealing a narrative of heroism and resilience. For more information, go to fourwintersfilm.com.

Dave Mason

—

ART

Continued from Page B1

Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Show sponsors have included Art Essentials, Limousine Link, Voice Magazine, La Cumbre Plaza and Camino Real Marketplace.

With a current membership of more than 200 local artists, GVAA maintained its activity during the first years of the pandemic by presenting shows and sales on its website, thegoletavalleyartassociation.org.

For many years before the pandemic, members of GVAA provided after-school art instruction to students in the

Paul

“80 for Brady,” the comedy about four women determined to get to the Super Bowl and see their hero Tom Brady, dropped to eighth place from sixth. It grossed $1.83 million.

“Missing” remained in ninth

MARVEL

place with $1.01 million.

“A Man Called Otto,” starring Tom Hanks as a curmudgeon with friendly neighbors, stayed in 10th place with $850,000 email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

For more information about the Goleta Valley Art Association and how to join, visit www. thegoletavalleyartassociation.org.

Goleta Union Elementary School District. As the community continues to return to this type of pre-pandemic activity, members are hoping to resume their volunteer roles in providing this important instruction to young people in the community. A unique activity of the GVAA is a critique presented by the juror of each show providing specific professional guidance to each artist.

“These critiques, provided through the generosity of our jurors, amount to nothing less than master classes with some of the best artists in our region,” said Terre Martin Sanitate, vice president who oversees organization of the exhibitions. “They are an invaluable resource for GVAA members.” Current board members besides Ms. Flanagan and Ms. Sanitate are Louise Komp, treasurer; Merith Cosden, secretary; Patricia Heller, special events; Dawn King, newsletter; Jan Smith, membership and Lynn Altschul, member at large. email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

At left, the Goleta Valley Art Association is mentioned for its contribution to the Community Room Lighting Project in 2000 at the Goleta Public Library. The room at the library, which today is called the Goleta Valley Library, is where the association’s exhibits are mounted many months of the year, pre- and post-pandemic. At right, the Director’s Award plaque honors those who have given extraordinary service to the Goleta Valley Art Association over many years.

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

the Garvin Box Office at 805-965-5935.

7:30 p.m. Cabrillo High School

Performing Arts will present the musical “The Wizard of Oz” at 7:30 p.m.

March 3, 4, 10 and 11 with an “Emerald City” matinee, in which the audience is encouraged to wear green, at 1 p.m. March 11. The performances will take place at the school’s Little Theater, 4350 Constellation Drive, Lompoc. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for youths under 18. To purchase, visit www.gofan.co.

MARCH 4 9 a.m. Santa Barbara Airport is partnering with Alaska Airlines and Atlantic Aviation to host local nonprofit Alpha Resource Center’s second annual Plane Pull fundraiser. Proceeds benefit the Alpha Resource Center. Registration is at 9 a.m., followed by the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and the first team pull at

9:45 a.m. For more information, go to alphasb.org/plane-pull or contact Jeff Henson at Alpha Resources Center, 805-683-2145 or jhenson@alphasb.org.

7:30 p.m. The State Street Ballet will perform “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets cost $38 to $106. To purchase, go to granadasb.org or call the box office at 805-899-2222.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group will perform Ken Ludwig’s “A Comedy of Tenors” at the Garvin Theatre on the college’s west campus in the 900 block of Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara. Tickets range from $18 to $26 for general admission, with discounts for students, seniors and SBCC staff.

To purchase, go to www. theatregroupsbcc.com or by calling the Garvin Box Office at 805-965-5935.

7:30 p.m. Cabrillo High School Performing Arts will present the musical “The Wizard of Oz” at 7:30 p.m. March 3, 4, 10 and 11 with an “Emerald City” matinee, in which the audience is encouraged to wear green, at 1 p.m.

March 11. The performances will take place at the school’s Little Theater, 4350 Constellation Drive, Lompoc. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for youths under 18. To purchase, visit www.gofan.co.

MARCH 18

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform “John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. To purchase tickets, go to granadasb.org. For more information, visit www.thesymphony.org or call 805-898-9386.

MARCH 19

3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform John Williams: A Cinematic Celebration” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. To purchase tickets, go to granadasb. org. For more information, visit www. thesymphony.org or call 805-8989386.

— Dave Mason

‘Ant-Man

Rudd stars as Scott Lang in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” which topped the box office again in its second weekend.

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Goleta Valley Art Association board — from left, Jan Smith, Lynn Altshul, Dawn King, Pat Heller, Merith Cosden, Elizabeth Flanagan and Terre Martine Sanitate and, seated, Louise Komp — celebrates another successful year at the 2022 Holiday Luncheon.

Diversions

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

ARIES — If there’s something you want to take on, Aries, today’s the day. The celestial aspects will see an increase in physical and mental strength that can work wonders for you. Put any insecurity or lack of confidence in the trash, and take the steps you need to tackle your project or goal. You have the ability to make sound judgments, so put your trust in this talent.

TAURUS — If you’ve been feeling sluggish lately, Taurus, today will see a surge in energy that will greatly increase your creativity and physical strength. Seize the opportunity to get into the fresh air for a sports activity or long walk. Exercise can direct your physical energy and give your mind a chance to clear.

GEMINI — Gemini, if there’s something interesting that you want to try, go for it. Adventure brings excitement, creative flow, and energy, and these are essential to you. Yours is a highly artistic nature. Continual stimulation is required to keep your psyche healthy. Experience something new today.

CANCER — Today’s energy will help you take steps toward getting things in order, Cancer. Tackle the drawers, closets, storage rooms, and cabinets. Organization is a good activity for today. Creating order brings a sense of peace and personal control. Mental organization like goal setting, budgeting, or scheduling will add to this feeling.

LEO — The energy of the day makes you ready for almost anything, Leo. Given your sometimes radical approach to whatever you do, you may need to rein yourself in. You also have a humanitarian approach to life. If the pursuit of your wants hurts others, it could create serious internal conflict.

VIRGO — Today may be an excellent time to take a second shot at something that didn’t work out the first time, Virgo. Falling flat on your face can damage your confidence and self-esteem. But failure and rejection are parts of life, and they really do add character. By going back into the ring, you ensure that the character you’re adding to is courageous, and through perseverance, successful.

LIBRA — Your ability to find innovative approaches to tasks may serve you well today, Libra. Today is full of added energy and mental acuity. You will find that most things come easily. With detail-oriented projects, take extra time to think of the possibilities. Try to see things from all angles.

SCORPIO — If long-overdue work has piled up, Scorpio, today is the day to dig in. Added strength and mental acuity are in the air, and the projects that you couldn’t get to before will be readily accomplished. Make the most of the energy provided by the planetary aspects. Don’t put anything off. If you procrastinate, the pile will just get bigger.

SAGITTARIUS — Don’t worry about being productive today, Sagittarius. Thanks to the high energy provided by the planetary aspects, it might be one of the most efficient days you’ve had for a long time. Dig in your heels and go, go, go. Things will be accomplished in no time flat, with some to spare at that. If you have a creative hobby, enjoy working on it.

CAPRICORN — Expect an added boost to your physical energy today, Capricorn. It’s an excellent day to clean out closets and storage rooms. Some exercise like biking or walking will be most enjoyable. It may also prove to be well worth your while to sit down and look at your goals. Are you where you wanted to be at this stage of your life?

AQUARIUS — If certain projects or tasks have seemed difficult to finish, take advantage of the energy provided by today’s planetary aspects. This energy will give you all the zip you need, Aquarius. It’s a good time to meet with others to discuss important matters. Your communication and cooperation skills will be increased. You can make decisions much more quickly than usual. Have a productive day!

PISCES — You might feel more energetic than you have in a long time, Pisces. The day’s planetary aspects offer a powerful energy that will increase your mental acuity and physical strength, and this can really help you tackle and finish any tasks that have been piling up. If you manage to accomplish so much that you have time to spare, help others lighten their load.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

“Free finesses” are gratifying, but sometimes you get what you pay for.

Today’s East-West would have been minus 500 points if North had been granted a chance to double five hearts, but South couldn’t afford to pass since his one spade hadn’t shown any strength. He bid five spades, wondering if he might miss a slam.

West led his singleton diamond, and South played low from dummy, delighted at the free finesse. East also played low, and South won with the ten and led a trump. West took his ace, led a club to East and ruffed the diamond return for down one.

LAST CLUB

The “free” finesse cost South 750 points. Since West’s lead is surely a singleton, South must do what he can to avoid the impending ruff. South wins the first diamond with the king, takes the A-K of hearts to discard clubs, and then leads the jack to pitch his last club: a “scissors coup.”

West wins, but East can no longer gain the lead to give West a ruff. South loses only one more trick to the ace of trumps.

DAILY QUESTION

You

The dealer, at your left, opens two diamonds, a

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

weak two-bid. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner promises opening values and will often have more since he obliges you to respond at the two level. He probably has support for the unbid suits but may have a strong hand with a suit he plans to bid. You cannot afford to stop below game. Jump to 3NT.

“I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.”

— Thomas Jefferson

the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

Date: 04/06/2023 at Time: 9:00 AM, in Dept.: 5, located at SUPERIOR COURTOF CALIFORNIA, COUNTYOF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; PO Box 21107, Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107, Anacapa Division. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a

Wuhan backlash erupts after Biden administration admission

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) –Republicans erupted in outrage after the Biden administration admitted over the weekend that the Wuhan lab was the most likely source of COVID-19, the same lab taxpayers have funded for years.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that a classified briefing from the U.S. Energy Department to the White House and key members of Congress confirmed that the Wuhan research lab is the most likely origin source of COVID-19.

“This report affirms our belief that the substantial circumstantial evidence favors COVID-19 emerging from a research-related incident,” U.S. House Energy and

Commerce Committee

Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith, R-Va., and Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., said in a joint statement. “These revelations also further strengthen the need to uncover why high-ranking government officials, with help from Big Tech and the media, sought early on to silence any debate into a plausible theory of a lab incident while the Chinese Communist Party stonewalled investigations by the global scientific community.”

The Republicans vowed to dig into the matter.

“The American people deserve answers if we are to restore trust in our public health agencies and be better prepared for

Report: 66% of largest U.S.

cities combined

possible future pandemics,” the Republicans said. “Our committee, in coordination with others in the House Republican Conference, will continue to push for the truth.” The Biden administration’s admission comes after Republicans were roundly mocked by other lawmakers and the media during the pandemic for making the same assertion.

In 2020, the Associated Press called the idea a “myth.” The same year, The New York Times called it a “conspiracy theory,” and The Washington Post called it a “fringe theory.”

The Washington Post wrote an article in February 2020 blasting U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., for pushing that “fringe theory.”

“Earlier versions of this story and its headline inaccurately

characterized comments by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) regarding the origins of the coronavirus,” the publication said in a later correction to their story. “The term ‘debunked’ and The Post’s use of ‘conspiracy theory’ have been removed because, then as now, there was no determination about the origins of the virus.”

Sen. Cotton posted WSJ’s story to Twitter with a short message. “Well, well, well….,” he wrote. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said the documents behind this story should be declassified. He and others have blasted Dr. Anthony Fauci, who repeatedly discouraged the idea that the virus originated from a lab. “Fauci knew this immediately but dismissed it because of funding for the Wuhan lab,” said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.

Texas sheriff: We’re experiencing ‘silent invasion’ of military age men

debt

is $266.5 billion

Cities with highest taxpayer burden run by Democrats, led by New York City

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – The majority of the 75 most populous U.S. cities can’t pay their bills and have a combined debt of $266.5 billion, according to new Financial State of the Cities report by Truth in Accounting.

The Chicago-based nonprofit’s seventh annual report evaluated fiscal 2021 data and found that 50 out of 75 cities evaluated – 66% –didn’t have enough money to pay their bills. Their combined debt totals $266.5 billion; combined pension debt totals $109.8 billion; and combined OPEB (other postemployment benefits) debt totals $168.7 billion.

The analysis ranks each city according to its taxpayer burden or taxpayer surplus, identifies them as sinkhole or sunshine cities, and assigns them letter grades. A taxpayer burden is the amount of money each taxpayer would owe if the city were to pay all of its accumulated debt to date. A taxpayer surplus is the amount of money the city has left over after all of its bills are paid, which is divided by the estimated number of taxpaying residents. Sinkhole cities can’t pay their bills; sunshine cities can and have a surplus.

The 10 worst sinkhole cities with the highest taxpayer burden are run by Democrats, with the exception of Miami. New York City ranks the worst, followed by Chicago, Honolulu, Portland, New Orleans, and Philadelphia, which all received F grades. St. Louis, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Miami rounded out the worst 10 cities, all receiving D grades. Their financial problems “stem mostly from unfunded retirement obligations that have accumulated over the years,” TIA says, compounded by other factors.

In New York City, for example, elected officials’ repeated financial decisions “left the city with a debt burden of $171.5 billion,” translating to a taxpayer burden of $56,900. “New York City’s financial problems stem mostly from unfunded retiree healthcare obligations that have accumulated over the years,” the report states. “While the city’s pension funds appear to be well funded due to the unrealized gains in pension investments, only four cents has been set aside for every dollar of promised retiree health care benefits.”

Chicago’s debt burden of $38.2 billion translates to a taxpayer burden of $41,900. The Wind City’s financial problems stem mostly from yearover-year claims of balanced budgets excluding employee compensation. As a result, these costs were pushed onto future taxpayers in the form of unfunded pensions and other retirement benefits, the report notes. City officials set aside only 25 cents for every dollar of promised pension benefits and no money for promised retiree health care benefits, the analysis found.

Portland’s debt burden of $5.2

billion would have been worse were it not for receiving federal stimulus money and record gains in the investment markets, the analysis found. The city’s taxpayer burden of $23,400 was primarily caused by unfunded retirement obligations that accumulated over the years, the report notes. The city set aside only 44 cents for every dollar of promised pension benefits and 20 cents for every dollar of promised retiree health care benefits, it found. “Not properly funding its pension and retiree health care promises places a burden on future taxpayers and puts pension holders at risk,” the report states.

All 75 cities TIA analyzed have balanced budget requirements designed to “to require financing and spending practices that enable governmental entities to avoid financial difficulty and to live within their means.”

“By definition, if a city has a balanced budget requirement, then spending should not exceed earned revenue brought in during a specific year,” the report states. “Balanced budget requirements are meant to prevent elected officials from shifting the burden of paying for current-year services onto future-year taxpayers.”

TIA says that despite having balanced budget requirements, the cities were in debt because politicians used “accounting tricks” to make them appear balanced. These “tricks” include inflating revenue assumptions, counting borrowed money as income, understating the true costs of government, and delaying the payment of current bills until the start of the next fiscal year so they aren’t included in the calculations, TIA says.

The most common accounting trick officials use, it notes, includes “hiding employee benefits” like healthcare, life insurance, and pensions “from the current budgeting process by not acknowledging they exist” even though they are obligated to pay them as employees earn them. Retirement benefits aren’t paid until employees retire but “they still represent current compensation costs because they were earned and incurred throughout the employees’ tenure,” TIA notes.

Cities are required to pay into the retirement fund to accumulate investment earnings but some elected officials have instead allocated them to other programs, TIA says. Instead of funding promised benefits now, what is owed is charged to future taxpayers, TIA says.

“Shifting these payments to future taxpayers allows the budget to appear balanced while city debt is increasing,” TIA notes. “Governments are able to accumulate debt while claiming balanced budgets because the vast majority of budgets are prepared on the cash-basis. This is an antiquated accounting method that includes cash inflows, including loan proceeds as revenue, and outflows – in other words, only checks written.”

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – What’s happening at the southern U.S. border with Mexico is in fact an invasion, Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe says.

“We’re experiencing a silent invasion of military age men,” Sheriff Coe told The Center Square when describing what his deputies have been increasingly facing over the past two years.

He spoke with The Center Square during an Operation Lone Star task force multi-day operation during which law enforcement officers rescued foreign nationals from a burning vehicle and revived a five-yearold girl being smuggled who’d been stashed inside of a car’s trunk.

The “silent invasion,” Sheriff Coe said, is being committed primarily by single, military age men between the ages of 17 and 45 who are illegally entering the U.S. They’re wearing camouflage and carrying backpacks, according to video captured by cameras placed throughout the county viewed by The Center Square. Many are armed and dangerous, committing robberies and engaging in shootouts with law enforcement, Sheriff Coe said.

The men are believed to be working or associated with Mexican cartels. Once they arrive in major U.S. cities, they are embedded with gangs and or cartel affiliates acting like a “Trojan horse,” Sheriff Coe said. “They set up in our cities, take over through voting and or crime, and scare the local people who move out. It’s happening in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio,” he said, where crime has also exponentially increased over the last few years. He said, “You can win a lot of battles without getting violent,” referring to the “silent invasion” as an act of war against the U.S. by Mexican cartels.

Sheriff Coe last month sent out an SOS asking for help from other counties to apprehend human smugglers in his small border county of roughly 3,000 people. In response, law enforcement officers from 20 agencies participated in a dayslong operation during which The Center Square participated in a ridealong.

As soon as the task force got started, officers were engaged in smuggling pursuits. He said, “the more people we have, the more effective we’ll be” at pushing smugglers and gotaways “out of the area.” Gotaways are those who illegally enter the U.S., don’t request asylum or make other immigration claims, and intentionally evade capture.

A retired Border Patrol agent, Sheriff Coe took office Jan 1, 2017, and says he’s never seen what’s he seeing now in his entire life. Things first started getting bad after President Joe Biden altered border security and immigration policies, and have only gotten worse since, he said.

In 2022, for example, his deputies made 877 arrests, filing 3,057 felony charges. Of all the criminal cases filed that year, 927 were immigrationrelated involving illegal foreign nationals or smugglers, he said.

While these numbers are unprecedented, the number of people who got away are even greater. Detected on cameras

making their way through the county on foot, nearly 21,500 foreign nationals were detected but weren’t apprehended last year. That’s at least seven times the size of the county’s population. Their whereabouts are currently unknown.

“The other unknown,” he said, “is what’s not on camera. You might see two or three are on camera but shadows are also visible indicating there are more people behind them. The camera only shows the 2 to 3 people.”

In 2022, Kinney County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended 3,192 illegal foreign nationals compared to the 1,124 they apprehended in 2021, according to the sheriff’s data.

In 2022, they apprehended 741 smugglers compared to 169 in 2021, Sheriff Coe said, as he went through the data with The Center Square.

His deputies engaged in 139 pursuits and 136 bailouts in 2022 compared to 61 pursuits and 56 bailouts in 2021.

In 2022, they impounded 580 vehicles compared to 179 in 2021.

In 2022, deputies also seized 89 firearms carried by alleged smugglers, including some that were stolen, up from 29 in 2021.

Despite increased resources and funding through Gov. Greg Abbott’s border security mission, Operation Lone Star, apprehensions and crime continue to escalate, Sheriff Coe said.

So far in 2023, their efforts and the stats are already breaking last year’s records across the board, he said. At least 6,600 illegal foreign nationals have been captured on cameras crossing through the county on foot, he said. “That’s an average of 150 a day. These are people who aren’t being caught,” he added.

His deputies already have apprehended 398 illegal foreign nationals and 96 alleged smugglers so far this year. They’ve also engaged in nearly 30 vehicle pursuits, including 27 bailouts, nearly all involving human smugglers, he said.

The majority of the alleged smugglers they’re catching are men from Houston between the ages of 17 and 25. Earlier this month they apprehended a 14-year-old who evaded arrest driving a stolen car, he said.

The overwhelming majority of alleged smugglers they’re arresting are U.S. citizens responding to social media ads hoping to make several thousand dollars per load. Those caught include a licensed security guard, attorneys, couples, and teenagers, Sheriff Coe said.

Americans are coming to Kinney County from all over the U.S. Initially, they were from Oklahoma and Louisiana; now they’re also coming from Georgia, California, New York, and New Jersey, he said.

Their efforts would be severely limited were it not for support from the state, he said.

“We couldn’t do what we’re doing without Operation Lone Star. Our county attorney handled 4-5 cases a month. Now it’s 150 every time we have court and we have court four times a week. We used to have district court once a month, now it’s 100 cases every time. The jury pool is busy, and we may end up with two grand juries to convene every other week.”