Santa Barbara News-Press: June 06, 2023

Montecito homicide

$10,000 reward offered for information in case - A2

‘Across the Spider-Verse’

Review: New Spider-Man movie blends dynamic animation, action and character - B1

Oil piers removed

Officials mark milestone at Haskell’s Beach in Goleta

Court order stands against offshore fracking

U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear appeal in California case

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The U.S. Supreme Court

Monday refused to hear a challenge to a court-ordered prohibition on offshore fracking in federal waters off the California coast.

The decision comes after last year’s ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that in allowing fracking, the federal government violated the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act.

Three separate lawsuits — filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and Wishtoyo Foundation, the Santa Barbarabased Environmental Defense Center and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, and the state of California — were made to kickstart this ruling.

Now, after the efforts made by all of these organizations, fracking will continue to be forbidden in California waters.

“California’s amazing coast and vulnerable marine life deserve this victory, which will protect the ecosystem from the many dangers of offshore fracking,” said Kristen Monsell, oceans legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The fracking ban will help prevent more toxic chemicals from poisoning fish, sea otters and other marine life. But our ocean won’t be truly protected until offshore drilling stops once and for all. We hope this is the beginning of the end of drilling off California’s coast.”

the impacts of offshore fracking on California’s marine wildlife, fisheries and coastal communities,” said Ted Morton, executive director of Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, on Monday.

“With ever-mounting threats to ocean ecosystems from climate change, it is essential that federal agencies adequately evaluate the risks of oil and gas development on marine resources,” Mr. Morton said.

“The Santa Barbara Channel is a truly special place with significant biological diversity,” he told the News-Press. “The channel supports several threatened and endangered species, such as blue, fin and humpback whales, and is home to a National Marine Sanctuary, National Park and 19 marine protected areas. The risks and impacts of fracking activities to wildlife, waters and habitats are substantial. Offshore fracking must be fully analyzed to determine if it can be conducted without damaging California’s coastal and marine environment.”

Maggie Hall, the senior attorney at the Environmental Defense Center, told the News-Press what Santa Barbara residents can expect. “Currently we can feel good knowing the dangerous practices of fracking and acidizing off our coast cannot occur.”

She added that this was a step in the positive direction to protect the California coast, but people still need to fight against big oil companies.

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

As the surf gently landed on Haskell’s Beach on a cloudy Monday morning, Sen. Monique Limón was thrilled about what no longer stood behind her. She didn’t have to see them. Or smell them.

The two Goleta oil piers — California’s last two oil production shorezone piers — were gone.

The piers were removed during the Piers 421 Pier and Caisson Decommissioning Project.

“Being on Chumash land today, stepping foot here and looking to this side and seeing no ugly, dirty, smelling piers is incredible because it took so long and so many people” to remove the piers, Sen. Limón, DSanta Barbara, told a gathering of elected officials, media and visitors.

The senator’s audience included Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who chairs the California State Lands Commission and spoke during the ceremony marking the removal of piers. The commission collaborated with the city of Goleta to remove the piers, a decommissioning project that marks the end of oil production, which took place from the late 1920s to the 1990s in the Ellwood Oil Field.

The removal work started in August and was completed in February. It involved the removal of 4,258 tons of soil; 1,110 tons of concrete;320 tons of steel and 131 tons of wood, according to figures from the California State Lands Commission.

At Monday’s gathering, Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte echoed Sen. Limón’s sentiments and used several adjectives to describe her joy about the piers’ removal.

“Today, I’m beyond thrilled, and I’m sure my colleagues would agree with that about

what we’re celebrating,” Mayor Perotte told the audience. “In fact, I’m exhilarated. I’m ecstatic. I’m enraptured. I’m elated. And on and on and on. I have a lot of words to say how I’m feeling today.”

“Today’s celebration marks a significant accomplishment for the safety of our community and ocean environment,” she said.

“Haskell’s Beach today looks more like Haskell’s Beach in 1923 than 2023.

“The antiquated wells and piers are forever gone and no

longer pose an oil spill threat to our ocean, beaches, flora and fauna,” Mayor Perotte said.

“The state lands commission’s partnership with the city of Goleta has been key to this restoration effort, and we appreciate the commitment, cooperation and the collaboration of all the folks,” she said.

But Mayor Perotte noted the work in removing legacy oil infrastructure from Goleta isn’t finished.

“We look forward to continuing

Please see OIL PIERS on A4

The Environmental Defense Center initially filed a lawsuit in 2014 to stop fracking and acidizing in the region after discovering that more than 50 permits had been issued by the federal government without any public or environmental review, something that Ms. Monsell noted.

“Today’s decision affirms the importance of assessing

“The oil industry has fought hard to try to conduct these activities, and we don’t see that threat going away,” Ms. Hall said. “However, in order for anything to occur, the government would need to fully comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act and Coastal Zone Management Act, as the court ordered.” email: abahnsen@newspress.com

nEWS-PRESS SPECiAL REPORT

SB City Council members stress need for services and interim housing for homeless

Editor’s note: This is the third in a series on homelessness in Santa Barbara. The series will continue in Wednesday’s News-Press.

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Housing first or housing ready?

The question reflects an ongoing debate over what the top priority should be in helping the homeless get off the street.

It’s deciding whether to focus on helping them find permanent housing before providing services to address mental health and/or addiction issues.

Or making sure they get the services they need first so they’re better prepared to enter

permanent housing.

The Santa Barbara City Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness has come out firmly in favor of the latter.

Federal and state funding is “insufficient” to meet the “Housing First” mandate, the committee said during a presentation of its findings on May 11.

“Housing the most vulnerable requires more supportive services than are currently available,” the committee concluded. “More interim housing options are needed for stabilization, physical and mental health care prior to permanent housing referral and placement.”

Please see HOMELESS on A3

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

“If you want to think of one word when it comes to Santa Barbara County, it’s environmentalism,” Supervisor Lois Capps said during a ceremony Monday morning marking the removal of oil piers at Haskell’s Beach. Listening to her, from left, are former State Sen. HannahBeth Jackson, Goleta City Councilmember James Kyriaco and Get Oil Out! representative Carla Frisk.

Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte expresses her joy over the removal of the oil piers.

$10,000 reward offered for information in Montecito homicide case

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for killing a 96-year-old woman in a home invasion at her Montecito home in May 2022, officials announced Monday.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office has developed information regarding a suspect vehicle seen entering and leaving the property during the time of the homicide, and is asking the public to check any surveillance footage they might have that might lead to the identity of the owner or occupant of the midsize SUV.

Violet Evelyn Alberts, a

longtime Montecito resident, was found dead in her home in the 900 block of Park Lane on May 27, 2022.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence at about 8:30 a.m. with fire department personnel and medics for a report of an unresponsive person. When deputies arrived, they found a woman deceased in the residence with suspicious circumstances.

Sheriff’s detectives and forensic technicians responded to the residence to assist with the investigation.

On June 1, 2022, the Coroner’s Bureau conducted an autopsy of the deceased and made a preliminary determination that the death does not appear natural. The Coroner’s Bureau later confirmed her death to be a

homicide.

“Through their diligent investigation, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s detectives have identified the motive and do not believe this crime was random,” sheriff’s officials said Monday.

Prior to the homicide, Ms. Alberts was the victim of fraud, which was being investigated by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. The suspect involved in the fraud has been in custody since Aug. 9, 2022, sheriff’s officials said.

“However, detectives are still attempting to identify the suspect responsible for the murder,” sheriff’s officials said.

Detectives released additional information Monday to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the homicide.

“The Sheriff’s Office has developed information regarding a suspect vehicle seen entering and leaving the property during the time of the murder,” officials said. “The Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to the public to identify the owner or occupant of the midsize SUV.”

Detectives are asking Montecito residents to check any surveillance footage from May 2022 for this vehicle, shown in the photo with this story.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office also announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the homicide.

“If you know the subject associated with this vehicle, please contact the Sheriff’s Office

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information about this vehicle, seen entering a Montecito property during a homicide. This photo is from surveillance

Criminal Investigations Bureau at 805-681-4150,” officials said. “If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact the Sheriff’s Office anonymous tip line at 805-

681-4171 or email tips@sbsheriff. org.” email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

UCSB men’s tennis fares well in Big West All-Conference awards

By BLAKE MULLER

UCSB SPORTS WRITER

The Big West announced the All-Conference awards for Men’s Tennis, and UCSB was well represented across the board.

Phillip Jordan was named Big West Player of the Year, while also collecting First Team honors in both singles and doubles. Jordan played at the top of the lineup for the Gauchos all season,

19 of his 21 singles matches were played in the No. 1 slot where he recorded a 14-5 record. He played his other two matches in the No. 2 position where he went 2-0.

The doubles partnership of Kai Brady and Phillip Jordan earned first-team doubles honors. Brady and Jordan played every match at the No. 1 position together earning an 11-4 record and 20 in The Big West. The duo also

went 1-1 against nationally ranked opponents, defeating the 38thranked doubles partnership from Pepperdine.

Pablo Masjuan earned First Team singles honors. During the 2023 season, Masjuan went 15-2 in singles play, going 4-0 against nationally ranked opponents. Masjuan defeated the No. 69, No. 89, No. 106, and No. 120-ranked players, needing a third set just once in the four matches.

Luka Mrsic was spectacular in singles play earning him Second Team All-Big West honors. Mrsic played in the middle of the lineup for the Gauchos going 14-1 in singles play. Mrsic opened up the season on an 11-match win streak before suffering his only loss in singles play.

Luka Mrsic also earned Honorable Mention doubles honors with his partner Conrad Brown. Mrsic and Brown

Santa Barbara City Council to review solid waste rate increase

By NEIL HARTSTEIN

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara City Council today will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to solid waste rates for fiscal year 2024.

The meeting will start at 2 p.m. at city council chambers at Santa Barbara City Hall, 735 Anacapa St.

“Solid waste management is essential to maintaining Santa Barbara as a beautiful and environmentally responsible city,” staff said in their report to the council. “Each year, staff propose changes to the rates paid by solid waste customers that pay for hauling, processing, disposal and other city costs. Additionally, the city utilizes collected funds to implement strategic programs to ensure compliance with state regulations and to support local community health and safety.”

The public hearing is being held so council members can consider any protests against the proposed rate changes.

“If a majority of parcel owners present protests against a proposed fee or charge at or before the hearing, the city may not impose the rate, fee, or charge,” staff said.

The bottom line for solid waste customers is that they will face a 3.4% increase in their solid waste rates, staff said.

In their discussion, staff noted several reasons why solid waste rates will actually be higher than that:

• An increase in county tipping fees to $176 per ton in Fiscal Year 24 that will increase overall solid waste rates by 3.1%.

The city has to pay to deliver its waste for disposal at Santa Barbara County’s state-of-the-art ReSource Center at the Tajiguas Landfill, which helps divert trash from landfill disposal.

• Changes to the cost of solid waste collection services under a new agreement with MarBorgIndustries that will increase overall rates by 5.2%.

MarBorg’s base compensation for curbside cart collection and other collection services will remain flat in Fiscal Years 2024

Man dies in traffic accident

and 2025 (except for a one-time adjustment based on fuel costs in FY 25).

At the same time, the city and MarBorg negotiated a substantial increase in franchise fees charged MarBorg that reportedly better reflects the costs to the city for the use of the city’s rights-of-way and impact of the solid waste service on municipal infrastructure.

Franchise fees are incorporated into the rates.

• Changes to Environmental Services program fees and billing administration will increase overall rates by 1.6%.

The combination of these adjustments results in a 9.9% total increase for solid waste rates, staff said.

However, the impact of this increase will be largely mitigated

by the discontinuation of a 6.5% tax on sanitation services to solid waste customers. Utility Users Taxes are general taxes paid by customers based on their consumption of utility services.

The city has historically levied a 6% tax on sanitation services to solid waste customers in the city. Customers pay solid waste UUT on their utility bill once their charges have been calculated each month.

UUT are not incorporated into rates, but to better align with best practices statewide, the city is discontinuing the collection of solid waste UUT as of July 1.

“The proposed rate increase combined with the discontinuation of the UUT charge, produces an effective net increase in costs of 3.4% for a typical ratepayer,” staff

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

SANTA MARIA — A 56-year-old Grover Beach man was killed Monday in an early morning solo traffic accident on State Route 166 west of Alamo Creek Road.

Santa Maria CHP officers responded at about 4:46 a.m. to the crash with an ambulance.

When officers arrived, they located a solo vehicle, a 2005 Chevrolet, on its wheels partially blocking the westbound lane of State Route 166.

The vehicle had sustained rollover damage, and officers located an unresponsive male occupant inside the vehicle.

Physical evidence indicated the vehicle had traveled up an ascending embankment to the north of the roadway and overturned before

coming to rest on its wheels.

The driver was later pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

The driver was unrestrained within the vehicle, and his impairment is being investigated.

– Neil Hartstein

Man arrested after alleged vandalism, assault

SANTA MARIA — Santa Maria police officers responded at about 5 p.m. Sunday to a disturbance and possible vandalism in the 700 block of South Pine Street. Upon their arrival, officers discovered an unknown male who, allegedly armed with a knife, had allegedly broken a window to a

said.

In addition to paying for waste hauling and disposal, solid waste rate revenue pays for various city programs managed by the Environmental Services Division, including abandoned waste removal in the public rightsof-way, maintenance of public containers (i.e., public trash cans), clean-up and abatement of encampments throughout the city, public education and outreach, compliance with city reserve policies, and other environmental programs that ensure the city complies with rapidly developing state regulations and maintains its status as an environmentally forward city.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

residence and physically assaulted the victim. The suspect was also believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The suspect fled on foot and allegedly attempted to enter another apartment. The suspect was soon located at an adjacent apartment complex. The suspect allegedly armed himself with a shovel and threatened the officers.

They attempted to de-escalate the situation and negotiate with the suspect. However, he refused to comply. Eventually, a less than lethal 40 MM foam round was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody. He was identified as Samuel Angel Santiago Francisco, 21, of Santa Maria. Mr. Santiago was booked at Santa Barbara County Jail for various felony and misdemeanor violations.

– Neil Hartstein

competed in six matches together as double partners and went 4-2 overall and 2-1 in The Big West.

Blake Muller writes about sports for UCSB.

email: sports@newspress.com

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footage.

Santa Barbara City Hall

SB estimated to have 786 homeless people as of January

Councilmember Eric Friedman, a committee member, expanded on the subject during an interview with the News-Press.

“‘Housing ready’ was a key finding,” he said. “Getting individuals into transitional housing, such as the Dignity Moves projects, is a first step toward a stable environment.

“The long-term outcome of permanent supportive housing for those with mental health and/ or substance abuse issues is a goal the individuals can work to achieve with the acceptance of support services in a transitional setting.”

A countywide Point-In-Time Count determined that as of January, there were 786 homeless persons living in Santa Barbara — 206 who are unsheltered, another 206 living in vehicles and 375 who are sheltered — scattered throughout the city, including downtown, the waterfront, eastside, uptown and other areas. The total was higher in 2022, when 822 unhoused persons were found to be living in Santa Barbara.

The committee’s May 11 meeting was the culmination of a 12-month research process during which Councilmembers Friedman, Kristen Sneddon and Mike Jordan studied the complex, seemingly intractable issue.

Their goal was to better understand current strategies to reduce homelessness, explore best practices in addressing homelessness and identify areas for improvement at the local and regional level.

To do this, they consulted key city staff to gather information on systems already in place to address homelessness; met with representatives from local partner agencies, both government and nonprofit; and talked to community representatives working on the issues.

The committee also discussed the issue with District Attorney John Savrnoch and former interim Police Chief Barney Melekian; met with officials from Santa Monica and Houson, two cities that have dealt with the problem and implemented changes as a result; and interviewed best-selling author Michael Shellenberger, who wrote about the subject in his book “San Fransicko.”

Committee members convened 12 times before presenting the

fruit of their labors on May 11.

“The report-out was a special council meeting, so members of the council attended, along with staff and a few members of the public,” Councilmember Friedman told the News-Press.

“Barbara Anderson (senior assistant to the city administrator) gave the overall presentation, then I finished the second half of the presentation by going over our findings.”

These findings featured the “Best Practices” for dealing with the problem of homelessness, including the need for issue prioritization by city leadership and staff, a dedicated allocation of city General Fund Fund resources, partnerships that are clearly defined and leveraged, measurable outcomes that are identified, monitored and communicated regularly to the public, and prevention being as important as response.

The committee also added an important caveat to its “Housing Ready” emphasis: There are some people living on the street who might not be interested in receiving help.

“We found that with individuals who are service-resistant, there are limited tools available to get them into services,”

Councilmember Friedman said. “For a number of reasons, use of alternative sentencing courts, such as Drug Courts, have been reduced in the number of individuals they serve.

“The newly developed CARE Court is a step in a positive direction to assist those who aren’t able to care of themselves,” he said. “However, since it is still

being developed, it will need to be carefully studied.”

CARE Court is a plan proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to get Californians in crisis off the streets and into housing, treatment and care — by court order if necessary.

The stated goal is to help the thousands of Californians who are suffering from untreated

mental health and substance use disorders leading to homelessness, incarceration or worse, according to the governor’s office.

“California is taking a new approach to act early and get people the support they need and address underlying needs — and we’re going to do it without taking away people’s rights,” the

governor’s office said.

CARE Court connects a person struggling with untreated mental illness — and often also substance use challenges — with a courtordered Care Plan for up to 24 months.

Each plan is managed by a care team in the community and can include clinically prescribed, individualized interventions

with several supportive services, medication and a housing plan.

“The client-centered approach also includes a public defender and supporter to help make self-directed care decisions in addition to their full clinical team,” the governor’s office said. email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

A homeless woman asks passersby to help her with “basic needs” recently on Stearns Wharf.

COURTESY PHOTO Santa Barbara City Councilmember Eric Friedman

OIL PIERS

Continued from Page A1

our collaboration on the full decommissioning of Platform Holly and Ellwood Onshore Facility,” she said.

Mayor Perotte noted the city of Goleta and California State Lands Commission will hold a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Goleta City Council chambers, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta, to present more information on those plans.

Supervisor Joan Hartmann, whose district extends from Vandenberg Space Force Base to just south of Goleta, also addressed the crowd. She noted she recently received an image of the last wind turbine being installed at the Strauss Wind Project, a few miles southwest of Lompoc.

“We’re really seeing the change, the transition that is so desperately needed,” the 3rd District supervisor said, referring to moving to cleaner energy sources because of climate change.

“Never before has decommissioning (oil platforms and piers) been more important,” Supervisor Hartmann said.

Supervisor Lois Capps also

talked to the audience.

“If you want to think of one word when it comes to Santa Barbara County, it’s environmentalism,” the 2nd District supervisor said. “It’s in our DNA.”

Supervisor Capps said the decommissioning ceremony is symbolic of a future that is cleaner and more sustainable.

“But it’s also an acknowledgement of the decades of work that went into this,” she said.

Referring to the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, Supervisor Capps noted the community took a crisis and turned it into an opportunity to improve the world. She was referring specifically to Earth Day, which started in 1970. That was also the year that the Community Environmental Council was formed in Santa Barbara, followed by the creation of the Environmental Defense Center seven years later in the same city.

On the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970, and the Clean Water Act was expanded in 1972.

Monday’s gathering also included talks by State Controller and Commissioner Malia Cohen; former state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara; Carla

Frisk,

PEREZ, Samson Elias

May 3, 1983 - May 16, 2023

Our beloved Samson Elias Perez unexpectedly passed away on May 16, 2023. Our family would have never imagined that our time together would have been cut so short, so suddenly. We wish that there was more time for hugs, more time for laughs, to hold and talk to you. We wish for more time to spend with you so that we could do all the things we spoke about throughout the years. Sam, we will miss your huge heart and the unconditional love you showed us all.

Our sweet Sam, we’re all going to miss you so much! Our hearts will ache every day at the thought of losing you, You will always be with us, at every family gathering, anytime we are together, with every smile and shared hug, you will be in our hearts and our thoughts. We will miss you always our sweet Samson.

Sam is survived by his wife Cynthia Perez; sons Sammy Perez and Angelo Perez; mother Kathleen Ortega; brothers Lil’ Al Perez, Steven Perez, and Ryan Ortega; sisters Deonna Perez and Mariah Lopez; brother-in laws Leonard Barrios and Eli Lopez, sisterin laws Precilla Perez, Rachelle Corral, and Amanda Ortega; nieces and nephews Kayla Perez, Joey Perez, Shaianne Perez, Jacob Perez, Alana Perez, Nicholas Perez, Noah uncles, and cousins. Sam was preceded in death by his father Al Perez; grandparents Al Perez , Jenny Perez, Salvador Navarro and Dorothy Navarro; and uncle Stevie Perez. Funeral services will be held at Welch-Ryce-Haider, Santa Barbara, Viewing on June 10 a.m., immediately followed by burial at Santa Barbara Cemetery.

POIRIER, Marie Rita Doris

Marie Rita Doris Poirier passed peacefully on May 20, 2023. She was born Marie Rita Doris Terrio June 26, 1930, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to parents who immigrated from Canada in the 1920s.

She is survived by her brother Ernest, who resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts; sister, Marie Williams, who resides in Orlando, Florida; son, Laurence (Karen) who reside in Goleta, California; son, Joseph (Claire) and their two sons Elliot (Aliz´e) and Alex (Whitney) and 4 great grandchildren: Atticus, Izelle, Joseph and Cillian, daughter, Lynette Daniel and her husband Paul, who reside in Arkansas with their daughter, Natasha, and 2 additional great-grandchildren, Maliki and Ariana, and one other grandson Robert Poirier of

a representative of Get Oil Out!; and Assemblymember Gregg Hart, D-Santa Barbara. Other officials included Goleta City Council members and

Das Williams, the chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. email: dmason@newspress.com

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

At left, photos at Haskell’s Beach show its appearance before the removal of the oil piers. At right, these photos show Haskell’s Beach’s appearance after the removal of the piers.

‘We’re really seeing the change, the transition that is so desperately needed’

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who chairs the California State Lands Commission, officially closes Monday’s ceremony and reminded the audience about Wednesday night’s meeting at Goleta City Hall, being put on by the commission and the city of Goleta. Standing next to her is Supervisor Joan Hartmann, who earlier told the crowd that more work remains with the decommissioning of Platform Holly.

Life theArts

‘Spider-Man’ sequel soars to new heights

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

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.

Animated movie blends dynamic art, action and characters

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Few, if any, animated movies have felt like a comic book in motion to the extent of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

The artwork is stunning in the dynamic movie, which actually is more exciting than the live-action “Spider-Man” franchise. It’s no wonder that the Sony Pictures Animation release topped the box office, soaring above Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid,” an excellent film that enjoyed its No. 1 spot for just one weekend.

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is leading to packed theaters across the country, as fans rushed to see the long-awaited sequel to “Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse” (2018). The sequel follows the continuing story of Miles Morales (voice of Shameik Moore), the teenager who was bitten by a radioactive spider in his universe

and became Spider-Man. He discovered there are variations of Spider-Man — and SpiderWoman — in other universes that make up Marvel Comics’ multiverse.

“Across the Spider-Verse” carries the premise from “Into the Spider-Verse” one step farther. Spider-Woman/Gwen Stacy (the voice of Hailee Steinfeld) has joined other Spider heroes in crossing universes to keep the multiverse safe, and she decides to pay Miles a visit. He could use the company. He’s feeling very much alone in a universe where he can’t tell his parents about his secret life as a superhero, and he faces the challenge of balancing his studies and family obligations with crime fighting.

Like “Into the Spider-Verse,” the Sony Pictures Animation sequel varies the artistic look among the various universes and characters. The animation changes to reflect the characters’ emotions.

The character designs are

compelling, but so are the backgrounds. There is a degree of artistic quality here that is above

what you’ll see in most animated movies.

The action is fast as the heroes face the villain Spot (voice of Jason Schwartzman), who has the ability to go through objects and cross from one universe to the next. Leading the Spider-People is Spider-Man 2099/Miguel O’Hara (voice of “Star Wars” star Oscar Isaac), who’s determined to repair the damage done by dimensional anomalies.

The directors and writers of “Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse” know when to slow down and emphasize character development and dialogue. Miles and his father, Jeff Morales (voice of Brian Tyree Henry), a cop, are trying to understand each other, but it’s not easy. Miles finds it easier to connect with his mother, Rio Morales (Luna Lauren Velez), but she doesn’t know the entire story about her

mysterious son.

And Gwen Stacy is having problems with her father, a police officer who faces difficult choices about Gwen.

In addition to the main characters, “Across the SpiderVerse” has a diverse supporting cast, some of whom are clearly dramatic such as another SpiderWoman, this one Jessica Drew (voice of Issa Rae), and others who are very funny, such as Spider-Man/Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), who brings his baby daughter Mayday along for the action.

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is a strong movie with a great story by writers Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Dave Callaham and effective direction by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson.

If you’re a fan of comic books, see this film, which ends in a cliffhanger. Up next is “SpiderMan: Beyond the Spider-Verse.”

email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is playing at Metro 4 in Santa Barbara and Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta. See metrotheatres. com for showtimes.

The sequel is screening at Regal Edwards Santa Maria & Rpx (regmovies. com) and Movies Lompoc (playingtoday.com).

The Sony Pictures Animation release has a running time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. And it’s rated PG for sequences of animated action violence,

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its permanent mineral exhibit of rocks and crystals that is on view in the small hall off the museum’s central courtyard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which opened April 22, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/minerals.

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.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The James Castle exhibit is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, see sbma.net. 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.

JUNE 7

6 to 8 p.m. The Wharf Merchants Association is continuing its free concert series, now held on the first Wednesday of each month through October, at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. The June 7 concert will feature live music by Do No Harm. Do No Harm is a five-piece, multigenre, Santa Barbara band, playing rock, R&B, soul, Motown, disco, blues, Latin, country and jazz hits. Other bands in the series will be: Double Wide Kings on July 5, Tequila Mockingbird on Aug. 2, The Academy on Sept. 6 and Down Mountain Lights on Oct. 4.

JUNE 9

6 to 7:30 p.m. The Pearl Chase Society’s Kellam de Forest Speaker Series will continue at the Carrillo Recreation Center. 100 E. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara. This is the third installment in the series. Author and editor Douglas Woods will discuss the transformation of Santa Barbara’s architecture following the great earthquake of 1925 to a model Spanish Revival-style city. For more information or to make a reservation, call 805-403-7053.

JUNE 10 2 p.m. Chaucer’s Books will host Miss Angel for its Read With Pride event. There will be a story time reading of “Julian is a Mermaid” as well as other select children’s books at 2 p.m. June 10 at the store, 3321 State St., Santa Barbara. “Julian is a Mermaid” is a picture book written and illustrated by Jessica Love and was the 2019 winner of the Stonewall Book Award. For more information, visit www.chaucersbooks.co 7 p.m. A concert will feature South of Linden, The Vonettes, Ron Solorzano of Mestizo and The Youngsters at Alcazar Theatre, 4916 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria. Cost is $15 for general admission. You can buy two tickets for $25 at https://www. thealcazar.org/calendar/11838south-of-linden-firends.

JUNE 15

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony and vocalist Tony DeSare will perform Frank Sinatra’s hits at The Granada, 1214 State St. Tickets for “An Evening with Sinatra” can be purchased at granadasb.org.

— Dave Mason

IMAGES BY SONY PICTURES ANIMATION

Spider-Man/Miles Morales (voice of Shaimek Moore) soars back into action as his universe’s web-slinging hero in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” which topped the box office in its first weekend.

The “Across the Spider-Verse” characters include from, left, Spider-Woman/Jessica Drew (voice of Issa Rae), Spider-Woman/Gwen Stacy (voice of Hailee Steinfeld) and Spider-Man/Peter B. Parker (voice of Johnson) with his baby daughter Mayday.

some language and thematic elements.

Spider-Man/Miles Morales handles personal and interdimensional drama in the sequel.

“Across the Spider-Verse” places its characters against colorful backgrounds.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ grosses $120.5M

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” swung over “The Little Mermaid” to claim the No. 1 spot at the box office.

The second movie in the animated “SpiderVerse” series grossed a whopping $120.5 million.

That left “The Little Mermaid” in second place with $40.6 million at the North American box office.

“The Boogeyman” — the horror movie about an evil presence in a house — opened in third

place with $12.3 million.

“Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3” dropped from No. 3 to No. 4 with $10.2 million.

“Fast X” slowed down, falling to fifth place from second with $9.24 million.

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” dropped to sixth place from fourth with $3.4 million.

“About My Father” — a comedy starring Robert De Niro as the eccentric dad of a man trying to impress his fiancée’s rich family — went to seventh place from sixth with $2.1 million.

“The Machine” — the comedy about Bert and his father being kidnapped by people

whom Bert wronged 20 years ago while drunk in Russia — fell to eighth place from fifth. The film grossed $1.75 million.

“You Hurt My Feelings” — starring Montecito resident Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Beth, a novelist who feels betrayed by her husband Don (Tobias Menzies) — dropped to ninth place from eighth with $769,814.

“Kandahar” — the story of a CIA operative and his translator fleeing from special forces in Afghanistan — fell to 10th place from seventh with $765,000.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Man wins half a million dollars at Chumash Resort

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A Ventura man recently won a $556,120 progressive jackpot at the Chumash Casino Resort.

Around 9:30 a.m. on May 25, the winner, a guest who preferred to remain anonymous, was playing one of the 2X10X5X Bonus Times progressive machines in

the resort’s Higher Limits room. He told the casino that he will be using the money to support his grandkids with vehicles and college tuition.

The Chumash Casino Resort, owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, has many opportunities for customers to win

big.

The casino conducts its $100,000 Weekly Wheels Car and Free Play Giveaway featuring the Toyota Highlander on June 11, 18 and 25.

On June 11, the resort will be holding its highly anticipated “Hitch the Fun” quarterly giveaway, featuring two exciting

grand prizes: an Adventure Package and a Road Trip Package. The Slot Free Play drawings will begin at 5 p.m., with two guests winning the grand prizes at 10 p.m. Visit www.chumashcasino.com/ hitch-the-fun. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

COURTESY PHOTO

The Chumash Casino Resort announced a Ventura resident recently won a $556,120 jackpot in its Higher Limits room.

Pride flag to be raised in Ventura

VENTURA — The Ventura County Board of Supervisors will host a public event to raise the Progress Pride flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This free event will take place on June 7 at the Ventura County Government Center. 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura.

Shelters seek homes for pets

Local animal shelters and their nonprofit partners are looking for homes for pets.

For more information, go to these websites:

• Animal Services-Lompoc, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc.

• Animal Shelter Assistance Program in Goleta, asapcats.org. ASAP is kitty corner to Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter in Goleta, bunssb.org.

Speakers at the event will include Supervisor Matt LaVerne, the board of supervisors’ chair, Supervisor Vianey Lopez of District 5, and Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County executive officer.

Additionally, Santa Paula Councilmember Pedro Chavez will be in attendance. He was a former member of the County of Ventura County HIV/AIDS Advisory Committee.

— Annika Bahnsen

phd/animal/home.sbc.

BUNS is based at Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Companion Animal Placement Assistance, lompoccapa.org and facebook.com/capaoflompoc.

CAPA works regularly with Animal Services-Lompoc.

• K-9 Placement & Assistance League, k-9pals.org. K-9 PALS works regularly with Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, sbcanimalcare. org. (The foundation works regularly with the Santa Maria Animal Center.)

• Santa Barbara County Animal Services in Goleta: countyofsb.org/

• Santa Barbara Humane (with campuses in Goleta and Santa Maria), sbhumane.org.

• Santa Maria Animal Center, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc. The center is part of Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society/DAWG in Buellton, syvhumane.org.

• Shadow’s Fund (a pet sanctuary in Lompoc), shadowsfund.org.

• Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals in Lompoc: vivashelter. org.

— Dave Mason

SONY PICTURES ANIMATION

Spider-Man/Miles Morales (voice of Shameik Moore), left, and Spider-Woman/Gwen Stacy (voice of Hailee Steinfeld), right, take on the villain Spot (Jason Schwartzman) in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

Thought for Today

— Willie Nelson

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Tuesday, June 6, 2022

Aries: Aries, you should feel physically strong and energetic today and ready to take on just about anything that comes your way. This is good, as you may be presented with some powerful challenges that bring new purpose to your life. Excitement and enthusiasm permeate your entire being right now. Anything that comes your way you’re likely to face with determination, undeterred by the enormity of the task.

Taurus: Spiritual passion is tempered by romantic desire today, Taurus, and you’re likely to want to pursue both. Perhaps your romantic partner is as spiritually inclined as you, and you both aspire to the same ends. Much of the passion you feel wells up from deep within. If you’re in any way creatively inclined, you may want to memorialize these feelings through writing, painting, or music.

Gemini: If you’re currently romantically involved, Gemini, you can expect your relationship to move to the next level of commitment. You and your partner could agree to be monogamous, get engaged, or set a wedding date. If you’re married, you might decide to have a child. If you aren’t involved, expect to attract someone soon.

Cancer: An invitation to an important social event could come today, Cancer. This could represent a chance to meet important people who could advance your career or who might be involved in a field that interests you. Your energy and enthusiasm won’t be lost on these people, or anyone for that matter, as you will obviously be speaking from the heart when you discuss what’s on your mind.

Leo: A previously untapped talent could emerge today, Leo. You may decide to train this talent and foster a skill that can help you with any type of work you will do. This is definitely the day for it, as you should be full of energy and enthusiasm, capable of assuming any task, however formidable.

Virgo: Romantic passion might motivate you to work on improving your appearance, Virgo. You might decide to exercise, change your diet, and experiment with new clothing styles. You’re likely to produce the results you want.

With the energy and enthusiasm churning within you today, you might surprise yourself with this task or anything else you do.

Libra: You’ll wake up ready to take on the world, Libra. Excitement, enthusiasm, and purpose will fill your soul, yet you might wonder where it comes from, as nothing has changed since yesterday. Don’t waste time mulling over it - harness it! Tackle a class or exercise program. Start a project. This energy is generated from deep in the subconscious, but should be channeled into the conscious world!

Scorpio: Information gleaned from friends could have you focusing on a new goal, Scorpio. You may have a lot of ideas about projects you want to take care of, and today you might realize which one has top priority. Start moving! Whatever you choose to do, find out what you need before you start.

Sagittarius: The Universe is inviting you magnify your vision, Sagittarius. It’s time to see the bigger, better, more advanced side of things. Remember that life is a mirror. You’re highly unlikely to receive more than you hope for. So dream big, hope big, and imagine yourself in the stars. Don’t sell yourself short. It’s a misuse of humility and modesty.

Capricorn: You should feel especially emotional today, Capricorn, reacting strongly to nearly everything you see, whether a photo of a natural disaster, a group of children, or a kitten sitting on a doorstep. Spiritually, you’re highly motivated and longing to know more about worlds beyond this one. You might long to make a pilgrimage, perhaps to a holy shrine or other sacred place.

Aquarius: Dreams and visions might come and go today, Aquarius, as unconscious drives and images surface. Some of these impressions could represent old traumas or phobias that need to be released. You could also draw creative inspiration from these perceptions and use them as a basis for artistic projects.

Pisces: Social events or group activities could put you in touch with a lot of people, Pisces, both close friends and casual acquaintances. A new person may come into your life who makes a difference for you. Issues may come up that you feel strongly about, and you aren’t likely to hesitate about expressing your opinions.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Unless you’re descended from Merlin, you will lose a trick occasionally. “Avoidance” is the technique of losing to the “safe” defender, whose lead to the next trick cannot hurt. You may need to avoid losing to a “dangerous” defender.

Against 3NT, West despaired of using his flimsy hearts. He tried to find East’s long suit by leading a low diamond. It seemed to South that West had led fourth-highest from length, so South played low from dummy. East won and shifted to the jack of spades. South took his ace, but East was sure to get back in — with a club or a high diamond — to continue spades, and South lost three spades and five tricks in all.

UNLUCKY

South was unlucky, but his play was wrong. East was “dangerous” — a spade lead from him might cause trouble — and when South ducked the first diamond, he risked losing to East.

South should put up the ace of diamonds and start the clubs. He can expect to win four clubs, plus three hearts, a diamond and a spade.

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, you respond 1NT, he bids two diamonds and you raise to three diamonds. Partner then bids three hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner knows you do not have three-card heart support since you have not supported hearts. Still, he suggests playing at hearts (and playing at game since he would have passed three diamonds if not interested). Raise to four hearts.

Your Q-9 is excellent support.

South dealer N-S vulnerable

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”

League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara to celebrate 85th birthday

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The League of Women Voters of Santa Barbara will celebrate its 85th birthday with a party on June 17 at Tucker’s Grove Park.

The community celebration at the park, located at 4800 Cathedral Oaks Road in Santa Barbara, will feature tributes to longtime league members and supporters, as well as a catered lunch.

The party will celebrate the league’s accomplishments and plans for the future.

LWVSB was founded in 1938, 18 years after The League of Women Voters of the United States had been created. Since 1920, when its leaders began the work of helping 20 million women carry out their

Notices

LWVSB was founded in 1938, 18 years after The League of Women Voters of the United States had been created.

new responsibilities as voters, the league has been an activist and grassroots organization.

Acknowledging that the suffrage movement did not include all women, excluding people of color, the league today fights to protect and expand voting rights across the country. The league works for adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive rights, LBGTQ+ rights, fair redistricting, efforts to save the environment and immigration reform.

The Santa Barbara League

Pets

responds to state and national issues with calls to action. The local league also takes its own positions, based on study and agreement by consensus.

Examples of positions the league has taken over the years include: support for open and ethical government, regional planning, coordination of social policy and natural resources, a corrections system based on rehabilitation, increasing low and moderate income housing, programs for those experiencing

Commercial and individual bankruptcies on the rise across U.S.

By TOM GANTERT THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) –

Commercial bankruptcy filings increased 31% in May 2023 from May 2022, according to a report from a company that tracks bankruptcy filings.

There were 2,324 commercial filings in May 2023 compared to 1,771 registered in May 2022, according to Epiq Bankruptcy.

Total bankruptcy filings were 38,669 in May 2023, a 9% increase from April 2023 and a 23% increase from May 2022.

Commercial Chapter 11 filings had the biggest increase, according to Epiq’s news release. Those type of bankruptcies increased from 332 in May 2022 to 680 in May 2023.

According to U.S. Courts, “A case filed under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is frequently referred to as a ‘reorganization’ bankruptcy. Usually, the debtor

remains ‘in possession,’ has the powers and duties of a trustee, may continue to operate its business, and may, with court approval, borrow new money. A plan of reorganization is proposed, creditors whose rights are affected may vote on the plan, and the plan may be confirmed by the court if it gets the required votes and satisfies certain legal requirements.”

Individual bankruptcy filings increased from 29,559 in May 2022 to 36,345 total filings in May 2023, a 23% increase.

“Rising interest rates, inflation, and elevated costs of borrowing can represent a daunting economic challenge to struggling families and businesses,” American Bankruptcy Institute Executive Director Amy Quackenboss said in a media release.

“Amid these sustained economic pressures, bankruptcy provides financially distressed companies and households with access to a release valve.”

Arizona court expands expungement to illegal cannabis sellers

By JAMIE JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – The Arizona Court of Appeals made a significant ruling this week, stating that prior convictions and arrests related to the sale of marijuana are now eligible for expungement.

“Today’s decision is a great embodiment of the will of the Arizona voters who elected to undo the harms caused by the over-policing of marijuana laws,” Martin Hutchins, lead attorney and program manager for the Reclaim Your Future campaign – a state-funded expungement effort – said in a statement May 30.

The decision comes just three years after voters approved Proposition 207 in 2020, which allowed adults aged 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use.

“There are many people who were charged with for-sale offenses before the passage of Prop 207 even when they had minimal amounts of marijuana because other factors led officers to assume the person was some sort of dealer,” Mr. Hutchins said.

The measure also established a system for the licensing and regulation of marijuana retailers, cultivation facilities, product manufacturers, and testing laboratories.

Those eligible for expungement under Proposition 207—which went into effect in 2021—are individuals who have been convicted for possessing, consuming, or transporting 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana, as well as those who have been convicted for cultivating six or fewer marijuana plants for personal use and possessing, using, or

transporting marijuana-related paraphernalia.

But before the May 30 decision by the appeals court to wipe the sale of marijuana on suspects’ records, it was unclear if they were eligible for expungement. The ruling also includes individuals convicted of cannabis possession with “intent to distribute.”

Who W ill this ruling affect?

In October 2014, Ethan Thomas Sorensen was arrested for having around 18 grams of marijuana and was charged with possession of marijuana for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia. Later, he pled guilty to a reduced charge of solicitation to commit possession of marijuana for sale.

Following the passage of Proposition 20 – six years after Mr. Sorensen’s arrest – the state sought to expunge Sorensen’s arrest and conviction records. However, the court initially denied the petition, citing a provision that was believed to prohibit expungement for sale-related marijuana offenses.

In the case, State v. Sorensen, Appeals Court Presiding Judge Brian Furuya concluded that Arizona’s revised statute makes “sale-related marijuana offenses” eligible for expungement, thus overruling the lower court’s denial of the petition for expungement that was submitted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in 2014.

Judge Furuya wrote in the court opinion this week that Arizona’s revised statute “authorizes expungement of sale-related marijuana offenses when they otherwise satisfy the statute’s eligibility requirements.”

“As a result, the court erred by denying the State’s expungement petition,” Judge Furuya wrote.

homelessness, and adequately funded health care services. League volunteers work in committees on issues such as housing, the environment and criminal justice reform.

The league’s free community forums, free and open to the public, are held to educate and advocate.

The Santa Barbara League is an all-volunteer organization with membership open to everyone 16 and older. The League does not support or oppose any candidates for office or political parties. The organization is committed to working through a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lens. For more information, visit www.lwvsantabarbara.org.

email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Abbott: Goal is to eliminate property taxes

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Gov. Greg Abbott says his goal is to eliminate homeowners’ property taxes in the state of Texas. He says it’s possible to achieve over time because of the significant economic growth of the state.

All three Republican leaders, Gov. Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan, have pledged to reduce property taxes and made it a legislative priority.

They’ve also all agreed to dedicate roughly half of the $33 billion surplus, $17 billion, to provide property tax relief. The money is already appropriated, Gov. Abbott said. “Now we just need to decide how we are going to cut those property taxes.”

This is a great problem to have, he notes, when other states like California are running double-digit deficits. However, the leaders haven’t been able to reach an agreement. With the regular session coming to a close on May 29, Gov. Abbott called a special legislative session to first address property tax relief.

On Friday, Gov. Abbott spoke at a Texas Public Policy Foundation event recapping the 88th legislative session and explaining his vision to end property taxes.

Earlier in the week, Lt. Gov. Patrick highlighted his plan to reduce property taxes at TPPF, including a combination of reducing school district property taxes, referred to as compression, and increasing the homestead exemption.

After Gov. Abbott called a special legislative session directing the legislature to pass a property tax relief bill solely through compression, on Tuesday, the Senate and House passed separate and different bills and remain at a standstill.

Gov. Abbott on Friday reiterated that the goal isn’t just about reducing property taxes but eliminating them. “How should we approach it? We must go big,” he said. “We must dream big. You’ve got to dream it and then you’ve got to do it.”

“In Texas, we don’t do things half-heartedly,” he said. “We go big, and we make sure we accomplish our big vision. Texans want to own their property, not rent it from the government. Under my property tax plan, we will put Texans on the pathway to eliminate property taxes.”

The way to do this is through compression, he said, or reducing the amount of property taxes paid to school districts, which he says will initially cut property taxes by 29%. This approach, he says, “will put us on a pathway where in the ensuing sessions we will be able to get to zero for your property tax rate, for your school district property taxes.”

He also responded to critics who said this approach isn’t feasible. He said it is because “Texas has the number one fastest growing economy in the United States of America. Our economy is now more than $2.3 trillion a year.

“We’re trying to spend $17 billion out of an economy that produces $2.3 trillion a year. That’s .007% of our whole GDP, less than one-tenth of one percent. We can do it.”

Gov. Abbott said people haven’t considered other factors. “Our largest source of revenue in the state is sales tax,” he said. “Texas is #1 for population growth. The hundreds of thousands of people coming to Texas every year are paying sales taxes,” he said. Despite economic fluctuations, he said, more people and businesses are paying sales taxes, franchise taxes and other taxes every year. “Texas has continued revenue streams,” he said.

He also said that once homeowners receive a property tax bill that’s zero dollars for school district property taxes, they’d spend more, and pay more in sales tax. The rate of increased spending hasn’t been considered in the property tax reduction debate, he said.

Another factor, he said, is that “Texas can and must find additional ways to cut spending wherever we can. There’s a more strategic way of cutting spending and that’s by dedicating revenue to make sure that you will not spend that money in the first place. You can always dedicate revenue or cut spending to make sure we live within our means.”

He compared Texas committing to eliminating property taxes to the process of buying a new home. “It’s the same process that every family in Texas goes through when they buy a house in the first place. If you buy a house, you may think, ‘well it’s a stretch for us, we may not have the income, what if we get sick or lose our job…’ People face unknowns when they buy a house. But they make a commitment. We’re going to buy this house. We’re going to find the money to pay for it. And we’ll be disciplined. We have to pay our mortgage first, and we can pay for everything else later.

“We can make that same discipline approach to the Texas budget to make sure first, we invest in the people of Texas and the taxpayers of Texas by the first thing we do is to return your taxes to you by driving down your property tax rate until it gets to zero.”

The first special legislative session lasts for 30 days. If the legislature can’t reach an agreement, Gov. Abbott said he will call a second special legislative session until they pass property tax relief.