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T U E SDAY, J U N E 15, 2 021
State ditches tier system
Residents allege election fraud Group calls for Holland’s resignation By MADISON HIRNEISEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT
New guidelines take effect today
COURTESY PHOTO
Joseph Holland, the county’s clerk recorder, assessor and registrar of voters, told the NewsPress that all California election laws were followed in the 2020 election and that it was the most secure election in county history. This picture is a file photo of Mr. Holland from 2007.
A group of citizens gathered outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Monday to deliver 129 signed affidavits alleging instances of fraud in the 2020 election to Joseph Holland, the county’s clerk recorder, assessor and registrar of voters. They also called for Mr. Holland’s resignation. The affidavits, delivered by residents and members of the New California State coalition, marks the latest local push to allege election fraud during the 2020 election, though these claims have largely been declared false by election officials. Within the text of the affidavit, community members cited two primary complaints against Mr. Holland. The first complaint alleges that ballots printed in 53 California Please see FRAUD on A6
COURTESY PHOTO
RAFAEL MALDONADO / NEWS-PRESS
Arnold Buckner, a co-op at Antique Alley on State Street, said masks will be optional for fully vaccinated patrons with the shift in the state’s mask guidance.
By MADISON HIRNEISEN NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT
After more than a year full of restrictions, masking and stay-home orders, the fateful day has arrived. Today, the state is fully reopening its economy by ditching the tier system and rolling out a revised set of guidelines for masking and social distancing. As of today, the state has lifted all capacity and social distancing restrictions and updated its mask guidance, declaring that fully vaccinated individuals can go maskless in most settings. Conversely, those who are not fully vaccinated are still expected to wear a mask in all indoor and public settings. With the updated guidelines now in effect, business owners on State Street are welcoming the new guidance with some long-awaited operational changes. M. Special Brewing Co., located in the 600 block of State Street, will now be operating at 100% capacity in both its indoor and outdoor spaces. The bar, which opened its State Street location in September 2020, has never had the chance to operate at full capacity or utilize barstool seating. But that changes today. “We’re really excited because we’ve never seen what (the bar) is Please see TIERS on A4
By ANNELISE HANSHAW NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
Josh Ellis, the brewmaster and co-founder of M. Special Brewing Co., said the bar will operate at 100% capacity starting today.
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Barrett Reed, born and raised in Santa Barbara, believes now is the “most important moment” for his hometown in his lifetime. That’s why he’s running for Santa Barbara City Council. He told the News-Press Monday he feels he has the experience necessary for this crucial time. Mr. Reed, who announced his candidacy this week, is a cofounder of the Miramar Group (not to be confused with Rosewood Miramar Beach), a local real estate developer. He is a board member of Downtown Santa Barbara and recently served on the Santa Barbara Planning Commission. Mr. Reed, a candidate for the 4th District seat currently occupied by Kristen Sneddon, is not seeking an endorsement from a political party in the nonpartisan race. He said party politics distract from the city
government’s functions. Mr. Reed said the city council needs a small business leader and complains about the current council’s lack of consistency. “For me, I think the cost is too great not to run. I feel there has to be, and voters are demanding that there has to be, a change in leadership,” he said. “I don’t see leadership on our city council. I see reactive decision making.” Mr. Reed has ideas for housing, small business development and homelessness — an issue he wishes the city handled proactively. “At the core of the issue, our city has to believe it’s a solvable problem — not just one that can be poorly managed,” he said. He pointed to the current council’s plan to set up an emergency encampment. He said it creates the problem of having a temporary shelter so close to downtown. Instead, he looks to Please see REED on A2
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Barrett Reed announces City Council candidacy Miramar Group co-founder seeks 4th District seat in Santa Barbara
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Barrett Reed, co-founder of the Miramar Group and Downtown Santa Barbara board member, launches his campaign for the Santa Barbara City Council. He is running in District Four.
Sudoku................. B3 Weather................ A6
Saturday’s SUPER LOTTO: 5-10-21-22-36 Mega: 10
Monday’s DAILY 4: 8-4-2-6
Friday’s MEGA MILLIONS: 4-43-56-63-68 Mega: 13
Monday’s FANTASY 5: 7-11-18-22-28
Monday’s DAILY DERBY: 06-11-03 Time: 1:44.63
Saturday’s POWERBALL: 8-25-34-38-41 Meganumber: 10
Monday’s DAILY 3: 4-2-9 / Midday 4-0-4