Court appearance for four charged after June 2 fight
By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITERFour defendants - including former Santa Barbara City College running back Brandon Tyree Smith - are set to appear in court next month for a preliminary hearing on charges including attempted murder stemming from a June 2 fight in which a man was beaten so badly that he had to be hospitalized.
Mr. Smith, 21, Jordan Alexander Lopez, 20, and Jude Issam Hallal, 19, all of Santa Barbara, plus Michael Christian Lee, 21 of Goleta, appeared in court on June 13 to set a date for their preliminary hearing. That date is July 5, Deputy District Attorney Heather Trapnell told the NewsPress.
They are charged with premeditated attempted murder, first-degree residential robbery, assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury, assault with personal use of deadly weapon (a bat and/or knife) and being an accessory after the fact.
The four defendants are being held at Santa Barbara Jail on $2 million bail each. They pleaded not guilty at their June 8 arraignment.
Sheriff’s Detectives arrested them on suspicion of attempted murder connected to a fight that occurred in the 4600-block of Gate Way. On June 2, at approximately 3:37 p.m., deputies responded to
the area for a report of a fight near the community pool. When deputies arrived, they found a 20-year-old male victim with serious injuries. The victim was immediately transported to an area hospital and is expected to survive. The suspects fled the area prior to deputies’ arrival.
Sheriff’s detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation.
On June 7, detectives arrested the four suspects in the case at two separate locations.
Mr. Smith was arrested in the 100-block of E. Carrillo Street in Santa Barbara. The others were arrested in the area of Mesa Road and Los Carneros. All four suspects were booked at the Sheriff’s Main Jail on suspicion of attempted murder (felony), robbery (felony) and conspiracy (felony).
This investigation remains ongoing. Detectives do not believe this was a random attack because the suspects and victim are known to each other. The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information about this case to contact Sheriff’s detectives at (805)681-4150. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information by calling our tip line at (805)681-4171 or online at SBSheriff.org.
email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com
Man charged with running down good Samaritan to appear in court
By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENTThousands of Gauchos graduated this weekend during UCSB’s commencement ceremonies.
Friends and family descended on the university this past weekend as students lined up in their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas.
“Congratulations. You have demonstrated to us just how special you are. You have inspired us,” Chancellor Henry Yang told the graduates of the College of Letters and Science on Saturday. “Be proud to say you are a graduate of UC Santa Barbara.”
All five of the College of Letters and Science graduation ceremonies, as well as the Graduation Division and College of Engineering, were held at the Commencement Green lawn. The lawn runs alongside the university lagoon, where impatient students and excited family members packed in to cheer along their graduates.
“Now we celebrate the end of one chapter in our stories and turn the page to begin a new one,” said student speaker Kacie Hanke. “Carrying the responsibility of sharing a piece of what we learned.”
The man charged with running down a good Samaritan who was trying to stop him from driving away to avoid pursuing police will appear next week to set a date for his preliminary hearing.
Cary Glenn Allen, 43, of Santa Barbara, is set to return to court on June 27 for the scheduling of a preliminary hearing, Senior Deputy District Attorney Megan Chanda told the News-Press.
“The two felony cases are set for preliminary hearing setting, and the misdemeanor probation case is set for probation violation hearing setting,” she said.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced on June 9 that charges had been filed against Mr. Allen in connection with the June 6 incident in Santa Barbara.
He has been charged with four felony counts - Aggravated Mayhem, Assault with a Deadly
Weapon for personally inflicted great bodily injury upon the victim, Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Permanent Injury and Evading an Officer Causing Injury.
Mr. Allen is also charged with two misdemeanor counts – Hit and Run Driving (resulting in property damage) and Domestic Violence Contempt of Court. Further, prosecutors allege that he was out on bail in another case, in which he is charged with one felony count of Corporal Injury to a Spouse and one misdemeanor count of Domestic Violence Contempt of Court. As to the felony count, prosecutors allege that Mr. Allen was previously convicted of Battery Upon a Spouse, and granted probation in that case on Jan. 23.
If convicted of all charges and found in violation of probation, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life in state prison.
Please see COURT on A4
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Goleta City Council to talk about finances
By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITORThe Goleta City Council will discuss the city’s budget tonight.
The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. at Goleta City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive, Goleta.
The council will hold a public hearing on the city’s budget for fiscal years 2023/24 and 2024/25. For the staff report, see tinyurl.com/ y7abev84.
In other business, the council will:
• Hold a public hearing to consider a General Plan Amendment to the Safety Element to incorporate the recently adopted Goleta Annex to the Santa Barbara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The initiation would authorize staff to process amendments to the Safety Element for Planning Commission and City Council consideration.
If the city adopts the amendments, the city would then be eligible for greater state funding for disaster assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act, according to a news
Verizon users may have trouble dialing 9-1-1 in SM
SANTA MARIA – Cellular phone users with Verizon Wireless dialing 9-1-1 within the City of Santa Maria are intermittently unable to reach the Santa Maria Police Department. Calls are currently being routed to the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office and may cause a delay in emergency services. Verizon is working to resolve these connectivity problems with its network. Santa Maria residents using their Verizon Wireless cell phone service who experience an emergency are asked to first dial 9-1-1. If they get an error message the city encourages them to use this alternate emergency number: (805) 9252631 to be connected to the city’s emergency dispatch center at the Santa Maria Police Department. If you are not experiencing an emergency the Santa Maria Police Department’s nonemergency number is (805) 9283781 ext. 2277.
Neil Hartstein–
County Fire Station 21 gets new vehicle
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
– Santa Barbara County Fire Station 21 is assigned a new piece of equipment. The Orcutt station now has the ability to respond to remote areas with a Utility Task Vehicle(UTV) such as Point Sal, Casmalia, Sisquoc and other areas of the County. SBC Fire has 10 UTV’s in total.
Neil Hartstein–
Complaints accuse restaurants of hidden fees
Diners are being charged hidden fees at five restaurants in Santa Barbara and Goleta, according to complaints made to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. The office is declining to identify the restaurants as it continues its investigation.
Restaurants are required
release. To read the staff report, go to https:// tinyurl.com/zy6cedfh.
• Hold a public hearing on Eminent Domain for the San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path — Northern and Southern Segments Project.
The San Jose Creek Multipurpose Path will impact 13 parcels that are not owned by the city. This includes five privately owned parcels.
The city council is being asked to consider adoption of a Resolution of Necessity to acquire permanent and temporary construction easement interest for construction of the project, which will cross the five privately owned properties. The staff report is available at https://tinyurl.com/ zskvdwrz.
• Will discuss awarding a Professional Design Services Agreement for the Cathedral Oaks Road and Crib Wall Project. The city closed the road and bike path in this area following the January 2017 winter storms.
The road was reopened in June 2017, but the path remains closed. Efforts to determine the condition of the path and crib walls and
the repair scope have continued, and most recently an RFP for the project was issued on Jan. 26, 2023.
Read the staff report here: https://tinyurl. com/345zctrc.
For the complete June 20, 2023, City Council agenda, go to: https://tinyurl.com/9zjretrw.
To participate virtually, go to https:// us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ XJXZPm12RDibAfnMLX34Og.
Webinar ID is 879 3682 0020. Oral comments during a meeting may be made by electronic participation. Information on a closed session is available in the agenda.
You can watch Goleta City Council meetings live cityofgoleta.org/meetings-agendas (preferred method) or live on Goleta TV Channel 19. If you miss the meeting, it is rebroadcast on Channel 19 Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and is available to watch at any time at cityofgoleta.org.
To get a copy of the agenda, go to https:// tinyurl.com/y36ervg4.
email: dmason@newspress.com
TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER
Road closures planned to accommodate Flower Festival Parade
LOMPOC – The public will encounter road closures for the Lompoc Valley Annual Flower Festival Parade on Saturday, June 24, from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the following locations:
• Highway 1 (H Street) will be closed to through traffic from North Avenue to F Street.
• State Route 246 (Ocean Avenue) will be closed to through traffic from F Street to R Street. Signage will be in place notifying the public of this road closure. Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: @Caltrans_D5.
– Neil HartsteinDelays expected during Seacliff off-ramp closure
VENTURA COUNTY — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans daytime Seacliff off-ramp closure on northbound U.S. Highway 101 in Ventura County from today through Friday for pavement work.
Signs will be posted. Motorists can expect delays. The ramp closure will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the northbound 101 Seacliff off ramp. All work is subject to change due to weather or constructionrelated issues. Residents and businesses located near the freeway may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated
by law to disclose all fees and charges, including those for food, beverages and services.
The District Attorney’s Office can prosecute violations of the False Advertising Law as misdemeanors or civil violations.
To report complaints, go to https://da.countyofsb.org/da/ consumer-protection.
That’s the website for the District Attorney’s Office’s Consumer Protection Unit.
— Dave Mason
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California employers add 47,300 jobs; employment rate stays at 4.5%
By SETH SANDRONSKY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR(The Center Square)California employers added 47,300 new nonfarm hires in May, while the unemployment rate remained at 4.5%, according to the California Employment Development Department.
In a revision, total nonfarm employment for April 2023 rose 2,900 jobs.
California’s total of nonfarm jobs rose 2.4 % from May 2022 to May 2023 versus the U.S. economy jobs gain of 2.7%.
Employment increased in eight of 11 of the Golden State’s industry sectors in May versus 10 of 11 in April. “It’s a solid report,” said Professor Jeffrey Michael, the Director of Public Policy Programs and Professor of Public Policy at Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
“While the tech sector remains soft, there were large job gains in healthcare, hospitality and construction across most of the state.”
Private education and health care employers led the way in May with 16,400 new hires, down from April’s total gain of 21,700. This sector had “above average gains in general medical and surgical hospitals, nursing care facilities, and individual and family services industry groups,” according to the EDD.
The sector of professional services grew 11,700 jobs in May, the second-fastest growing industry in California, with a year-over gain of 51,300.
Computer systems design, scientific research and development, employment services, and services to buildings and dwellings helped to drive hiring in May, according to the EDD.
Leisure and hospitality employers added 9,800 new hires in May compared with 13,100 jobs in April. This sector, hit hard during the pandemic lockdown, registered a year-over gain of 126,600 jobs.
California’s construction sector gained 6,500 new hires in May versus 2,100 jobs in
Taco Bell reaches $85,000 settlement in gift card case
By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR(The Center Square) - Taco Bell has agreed to pay $85,500 in the settlement of a complaint charging the restaurant giant with violating gift card laws.
The complaint filed in Ventura County, for the attorneys’ general offices of Los Angeles, Sonoma and Ventura counties, alleges that Taco Bell customers with gift card amounts less than $10 were not allowed to redeem or cash out their balances.
“Businesses have a responsibility to honor their customers’ gift cards, regardless of the amount. This settlement sends a clear message that companies like Taco Bell must abide by the law and treat their customers fairly,” District Attorney Gascón said.
Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez said, “My office is committed to working with other law enforcement
offices throughout California to ensure that consumers are protected and corporations follow the law.”
California’s gift card law stipulates that gift card holders with balances below $10 can refund them for cash if the consumer does not wish to use the balance in a purchase. Taco Bell denied this opportunity to its customers. Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the settlement on Thursday saying, “We will continue to hold businesses accountable for actions that harm consumers and protect the rights of the people in Los Angeles County.” Taco Bell and its subsidiary GCTB LLC, will pay $10,000 to the Consumer Protection Agency, cover investigation costs of $30,500 and pay $45,000 in penalties. While admitting no wrongdoing, Taco Bell must now post a notice to inform customers of their right to redeem the gift cards and directions to do so, near each of its restaurant’s cash registers.
The settlement also requires Taco Bell gift cards to provide information to a link for the company’s redemption website and provide annual training to its store managers and franchisees on California gift card law and monitor both corporate and franchise restaurant locations for compliance.
“Gift card redemption laws ensure that large corporations do not profit, at the expense of the consumer, off unspent dollars that consumers cannot or do not wish to use at that retailer,” said Senior Deputy District Attorney Andrew Reid, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Consumer Protection Unit. “In California, consumers have the right to receive unspent gift card amounts less than $10 so that they can use that money as they wish.”
The gift card market is projected to reach $584 billion by 2026 with $3 billion in unused gift cards going to waste every year according to the CardCash.com.
The complaint filed in Ventura County, for the attorneys’ general offices of Los Angeles, Sonoma and Ventura counties, alleges that Taco Bell customers with gift card amounts less than $10 were not allowed to redeem or cash out their balances.
Home care services company sued
by
attorney general for misclassification
By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPHTHE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR
April. Federal Reserve Bank interest-rate hikes are on pause, a positive move for an industry such as construction that relies upon borrowed money.
Manufacturing employers shed 5,700 jobs in May, the biggest reemployment reduction of the state’s 11 sectors. The job losses, according to the EDD, were concentrated in computer and electronic manufacturing, as well as fabricated metal, machine and apparel manufacturing.
“The number of jobs in the agriculture industry decreased from April by 3,700 to a total of 429,100 jobs in May,” the EDD reported. However, the farm industry registered 11,700 more farm jobs in May 2023 versus May 2022.
The geography of California’s economy continued to register uneven hiring. San Mateo County had the lowest statewide unemployment rate of 2.7% in May. Imperial County had a 16% unemployment rate in May, the highest of California’s 58 counties.
(The Center Square) - In a case brought to the forefront by Pilipino Workers Center in Los Angeles, Care Specialist HCS Inc., formerly doing business as TLC Home Care Services, has been sued by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The suit alleges that former and current owners of the homecare providing company misclassified its care workers as independent contractors instead of employees.
“The State’s laws against employee misclassification protect all Californians. They protect workers by ensuring they receive the compensation and benefits they have earned through the dignity of their labor…The People bring this action to ensure that Care Specialist’s caregivers, who work long days caring for some of the State’s most vulnerable populations, receive the full compensation, protections, and benefits they are guaranteed under the law..,” the lawsuit stated.
California’s labor laws and Unfair Competition Law define significant differences between
The suit alleges that former and current owners of the homecare providing company misclassified its care workers as independent contractors instead of employees.
employees and independent contractors. The ABC Test is used for determining the actual status of a worker irrespective of whether a worker has signed on as an independent contractor.
Under the ABC test, a worker is considered an independent contractor if the worker is free from the hiring party’s control and direction as related to the performance of the work; the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and the worker customarily engages in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same kind as that of the work performed for the hiring party. “Misclassifying workers is illegal and harms both employees and the state,” said Mr. Bonta.
The care services company has employed no less than 800 workers since its operations began in 2016 to perform duties such as
providing companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, medication reminders, and assistance with walking and other activities of daily living. The shifts ran 12 hrs or 24 hrs and the majority of these caregivers were Filipino immigrants. The alleged misclassification continued under new ownership from late 2022.
Workers classified as employees are protected by California’s workplace and safety laws, retaliation laws and wage and hour laws that govern minimum wage, overtime, meal periods and rest breaks, but do not protect independent contractors.
In bringing the action Mr. Bonta said, “In-home care workers provide essential services to our most vulnerable populations, and they deserve to be treated fairly under the law. My office will continue to fight against worker misclassification and protect the rights of all Californians.”
The misclassification of so many caregivers for such a long period “not only harmed workers, but also has resulted in significant financial implications for the state, leading to the loss of considerable tax revenue,” a release by Mr. Bonta asserted. The California Department of Industrial Relations state “In addition to penalties that may be assessed for wage violations associated with a worker being misclassified as an independent contractor, there are civil penalties for willful misclassification. Under Labor Code section 226.8, which prohibits the willful misclassification of individuals as independent contractors, there are civil penalties of between $5,000 and $25,000 per violation,” indicating the defendants could potentially face millions of dollars in penalties, in addition to injunctive relief and restitution.
Private education and health care employers led the way in May with 16,400 new hires, down from April’s total gain of 21,700. This sector had “above average gains in general medical and surgical hospitals, nursing care facilities, and individual and family services industry groups,” according to the EDD.
RASMUSSEN, Margaret
Mastain
May 12, 1933 - June 11, 2023
A month after celebrating her 90th birthday with all of her family and many of her friends, Margaret passed peacefully in her sleep at the Atterdag Care Center in Solvang.
Margaret was born in Waterloo, Iowa where she joined her parents and an older sister Marilyn. After graduating from high school in 1951, Margaret started her nurse’s training in Rochester Minnesota. Part of her schooling included working at Cook County General Hospital in Chicago. While there she met Bob Rasmussen who was going to school at the University of Chicago.
Margaret and Bob were married in Waterloo Iowa on May 22, 1955. As fate would have it they shared May 12th, as their birthday.
The couple moved to Southern California where Margaret continued working as a nurse.
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� years she worked nights at the newly opened Santa Ynez Valley Hospital; after that she helped manage the family business in Solvang. She retired in 1998.
Margaret loved knitting, traveling in their motorhome, and spending time at the beach house which she shared with friends for twenty years.
Margaret is survived by sons David, Andrew, Eric, and Stephen; grandchildren Nicole, Allan, Lauren, Cameron, and Ella; and great-grandchildren Corbin, Colbie, Callie, and Odin.
Margaret loved her family, her friends and her community. She will be missed by many.
Memorial services will be held at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang Wednesday
June 21st, at 11:00 a.m.
Donations in Margaret’s name can be made to Bethania Lutheran Church or Atterdag Village of Solvang.
UCSB graduates ready to move on
UCSB
Continued from Page A1
The graduating class of 2023 also had the unique struggle of handling university during the pandemic. They attended classes on Zoom, and faced isolation and quarantines. Many international students were unable to visit family due to travel restrictions.
“The same strength and commitment that have helped you overcome these challenges will help you as you embark on your next chapter,” Dr. Yang said about the pandemic.
For over an hour after the various speeches, students streamed across the stage as names were called in quick succession. Hundreds walked across the podium, giving a quick wave or a peace sign to the crowd and their supporters, as those still sitting gave out shouts and screams to the different names called.
Finally, the black caps were thrown into the air under the blue sky. Graduates jumped, high-fived and danced together as they were finally confirmed to be moving on. email: lhibbert@newspress.com
Man was arrested after police pursuit
Continued from Page A1
Mr. Allen was arraigned on June 8, when he pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied all special allegations. He was arrested on June 6 following a police pursuit after a disturbance in the 1900 block of De La Vina Street. Santa Barbara Police responded at 12:25 p.m., where the reporting party said someone had been pounding on the windows and attempting to enter a locked door
of a local business. Officers contacted Mr. Allen without incident. He was asked to leave the property and he complied, but as he left he allegedly hit a retaining wall.
In the 2000 block of Bath Street the officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, and a good Samaritan attempted to prevent the vehicle from leaving the traffic stop by standing in front of it. The driver allegedly struck the Good Samaritan, fled the scene, and a pursuit was initiated.
Officers rendered life-saving measures
and medical aid to the victim until Fire Department Personnel and AMR Paramedics arrived. He was transported to Cottage Hospital with serious injuries.
A police investigation showed an incident occurring in the 2000 block of Bath Street was not a traffic collision but allegedly an intentional act by the driver to strike the good Samaritan with his vehicle. Officers were able to arrest Mr. Allen in the 2300 block of Carlton Way at 1:36 p.m. email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com
Obituary notices are published daily in the Santa Barbara News-Press and also appear on our website www.newspress.com To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@ newspress.com. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and the date(s) you would like the obituary to be published. Photos should be in jpeg format with at least 200 dpi. If a digital photo is not available, a picture may be brought into our office for scanning. We will lay out the obituary using our standard format. A formatted proof of the obituary and the cost will be emailed back for review and approval. The minimum obituary cost to print one time is $150.00 for up to 1.5” in length -- includes 1 photo and up to 12 lines of text, approximately 630 characters; up to approximately 930 characters without a photo. Add $60.00 for each additional inch or partial inch after the first 1.5”; up to approximately 700 characters per additional inch. All Obituaries must be reviewed, approved, and prepaid by deadline. We accept all major credit cards by phone; check or cash payments may be brought into our office located at 725 S. Kellogg Ave., Goleta.
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Life theArts
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022
rEVIEWTUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2023
A race through time
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
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily: The Sistine Chapel Art Exhibition runs through Sept. 4 at the Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara. Tickets start at $25 for adults, $18 for children, and $22 for seniors, military and students. Each ticket also includes admission to the mission museum. To purchase, go to santabarbaramission.org/sistinechapel-omsb or stop at the museum’s gift shop.
Father Joe Schwab is hosting personal tours that delve into the theological and philosophical perspectives of Michelangelo’s art. Groups of 10 or more can contact Donna Reeves for a private tour at development@sboldmission.org.
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.
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.
JUNE 21
By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITORA wild trip through time and multiple versions of Batman make “The Flash” a fun, nostalgic journey for dedicated comic books fans.
Ezra Miller reprises his role as Barry Allen, aka The Flash, in a compelling story that has a good mix of drama and comedy. And fans get to see Ben Affleck and, from the 1989 “Batman” movie, Michael Keaton, play their versions of the caped crusader.
In “The Flash,” Barry Allen is continuing to adjust to his role as the superhero who saves lives and cleans up messes while others such as Batman and Wonder Woman take on the main villains. It’s demanding work, and Barry is trying to balance it with his job as a crime scene investigator for the Central City Police Department.
He’s also concerned about his father, Henry Allen (Ron Livingston), who has wrongly been incarcerated for the murder of Barry’s mother, Nora Allen. Henry’s alibi is that he was at the store during the murder, but there doesn’t seem to be any solid proof.
So Barry decides to run back in time and change events so his mother isn’t killed. That, of course, is a positive change, but there’s the inadvertent side effect of the timeline getting disrupted.
And the two Barry Allens team up with Mr. Keaton’s version of “Batman” and Supergirl/Kara Zor-El (Sasha Calle) to fight an evil Kryptonian, General Zod (Michael Shannon), without having to sacrifice Nora Allen (Maribel Verdu).
The story is told with good acting
FYI
and spectacular effects that make time travel seem more plausible. There are also intriguing plot twists as the present-day Barry discovers the danger of a well-intentioned superhero playing God. As it’s often said in sci-fi movies, you can’t change the past without messing up the present.
Ezra Miller, a nonbinary actor who goes by the pronouns “they” and “them,” gives the story the right sense of urgency as Barry Allen. Ezra makes you root for their character.
Director Andy Muschietti creates a good balance between action and the evolution of Barry Allen, and the story
“The Flash” is screening at Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta, and the Arlington Theatre and Metro 4 in Santa Barbara. See metrotheatres.com for times.
It’s also playing at Movies Lompoc (playingtoday.com) and Regal Edwards Santa Maria & RPX (regmovies.com).
The Warner Bros.-distributed movie is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language and partial nudity. Its running time is 2 hours, 24 minutes.
has some good humor. That said, this is not the same Barry Allen who inspired the Silver Age of comics in the 1950s and set the stage for new interpretations of classic characters. That Barry Allen was a serious scientist determined to defeat the bad guys and has been reinterpreted in various ways over the decades. It was also this Barry Allen who saved the universe in DC Comics’ “Crisis on Infinite Earths” mini-series.
The new version of Barry Allen, first seen in the 2016 “Batman v. Superman: The Dawn of Justice” movie, is a bit more goofy and immature, but there’s some good growth for the character in the new “Flash” movie, which features many fun Easter eggs for comic book fans.
But a better version of The Flash is the interpretation in The CW series, “The Flash,” which recently wrapped up its run.
That Flash was more mature, more heroic and in some ways, funnier, and Grant Gustin played him perfectly. It would have been great to have seen that Flash and that storyline move on to the big screen. A better path would
have been for Ezra Miller to have played a Flash with a different alias, perhaps a Kid Flash/Wally West from another universe.
Director Muschietti has said that only Ezra Miller could play the Flash, but fans of The CW series have strongly disagreed. By the way, one of the best parts of watching “The Flash” is seeing Mr. Keaton back in action as Batman. It was like no time had passed since “Batman” (1989) and “Batman Returns” (1992), the two films that starred Mr. Keaton as the caped crusader and defined Batman as the Dark Knight first envisioned in the comic books.
And as the new Supergirl in “The Flash,” Ms. Calle shows genuine strength and heroic determination. She’s different from the title character played by the talented Melissa Benoist in The CW series “Supergirl,” but it’s an interesting difference that’s worth exploring on the big screen. This new, confident Supergirl has a degree of mystery.
email: dmason@newspress.com
7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, through June 25 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-965-5400 or visit etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.
JUNE 22
7:30 p.m. The Takács Quartet will perform at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. The Music Academy of the West’s fellows will join the quartet and acclaimed soprano Ana Maria Martinez in a concert featuring works from Tchaikovsky to Brahms to Héctor Campos Parsi and Federico Moreno Torroba. Tickets cost $55 and $60.
To purchase, go to lobero.org.
7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, through June 25 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-965-5400 or visit etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.
JUNE 23
8 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, through June 25 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-965-5400 or visit etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.
JUNE 24
2 and 8 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, through June 25 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-965-5400 or visit etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.
JUNE 25
2 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company presents the final performance of “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-965-5400 or visit etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.
‘The Flash’ stands out for blend of story and nostalgiaPHOTOS COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) tries to save the world in “The Flash.” At left, Batman (Michael Keaton) flies his batplane with two versions of The Flash as his passengers (both played by Ezra Miller). At right, the Flash from two different points in his life (both played by Ezra Miller) work with Supergirl (Sasha Calle). The two Flash heroes (Ezra Miller) and Supergirl (Sasha Calle) fight to save Earth.
‘The Flash’ runs to first-place finish at theaters
By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITORNo one this weekend could keep up with “The Flash.”
The film starring Ezra Miller as the heroic speedster opened as the No. 1 movie at the box office. It grossed $55.1 million.
Disney-Pixar’s “Elemental” placed second in its opening weekend with $29.5 million.
While they did well in the box office ranking, both movies fell short of industry expectations.
“Elemental” underperformed, compared to other Disney-Pixar movies such as “The Incredibles 2” with $182.7 million on its first weekend and “Toy Story 4” with $120.9 million. No Disney-Pixar movie has outperformed “The Incredibles 2” on an opening weekend.
Broadway comes to Santa Barbara
Meanwhile, “The Flash” did less well than other DC films on their opening weekends. “Black Adam,” for example, grossed $67 million.
This weekend, another superhero movie —the animated “Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse” — dropped to third place from second. It grossed $27.8 million.
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” fell from first place to fourth with $20 million. That continues the current trend of no movie holding on to the No. 1 spot longer than one weekend, but that’s not surprising for the summer blockbuster season when studios release some of their most popular films.
One of the former No. 1 movies, Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” took a dive
SANTA BARBARA — Five shows are coming to Santa Barbara at the Granada Theatre from December 2023 through May 2024.
The new season of Broadway in Santa Barbara has been announced by The American Theatre Guild and it features some of Broadway’s biggest hits. Season tickets are available now.
“We are thrilled to present such a strong Broadway season for Santa Barbara,” said Amy Hamm, executive director of The American Theatre Guild, “We also plan to continue our Staging the Future mission and provide access to Broadway shows and other educational opportunities to underserved
Solvang business participates in sandwich contest
Solvang’s peasants DELI & MARKET is competing in Fra’ Mani’s first Mortadella Sandwich contest.
Public voting in the contest began Sunday and runs through June 25 at framani.com/pages/ morty-sando-contest.
There’s a total of 19 competitors in the contest, and they’re located across the nation from Los Angeles to New York City.
Fra’ Mani is a Berkeleybased salumi, charcuterie and gourmet foods craft. The business created the inaugural Mortadella Sandwich Contest as an way to give mortadella more recognition in the world of cured meats. The company asked 19 restaurants, cafes, cheese shops, delis, and other food businesses throughout the nation to compete, and that list included peasants DELI & MARKET.
For the contest, the Solvang business created the “Mortalicious,” featuring pepper mustard, house spread, a farm egg, deviled mortadella, shaved mortadella, herb salad, red onion and dill pickles on a sesame brioche bun.
Each of the contest’s participating businesses will receive chances to win $1,500 donated to a charity of its choice, and $1,500 worth of Fra’ Mani product.
Solvang’s peasants DELI & MARKET is located at 473 Atterdag Road, across from sibling restaurant, peasants FEAST. Current DELI hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or until sold out), with the same days and hours for the DELI’s adjoining arcade. To reach peasants DELI, call 805691-9649.
to fifth place from third. It grossed $11.6 million.
“The Blackening” — the story of six friends trapped in a cabin with a killer — opened in sixth place with $6 million.
“Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3” fell to seventh place from fourth with $5 million.
“The Boogeyman” dropped to eighth place from fifth with $3.8 million.
“Fast X” dropped to ninth place from sixth with $2 million.
“Asteroid City” — director Wes Anderson’s quirky movie about a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention in the 1950s in a desert town and a world-changing event — opened in select theaters with $790,000. It goes into wider release next weekend.
email: dmason@newspress.com
youth and community members.”
Staging the Future is about providing live theater to those might not otherwise be able to afford such experiences.
The five shows coming to town are The Cher Show (Dec. 6–7, 2023), Pretty Woman: The Musical (Jan. 22–23, 2024), Momix: Alice (Feb. 20, 2024), Little Women (April 10–11, 2024), and Come From Away (April 30–May 1, 2024).
For season tickets, visit BroadwaySantaBarbara. com.
For all other tickets visit BroadwaySantaBarbara. com or granadasb.org.
For more information on Staging the Future visit: https://americantheatreguild.com/education/.
— Liam HibbertDiversions
Thought for Today
“The best way to guarantee a loss is to quit.”
— Morgan FreemanHOROSCOPE
By Horoscope.comTuesday, June 20, 2023
Aries: Focus on the simple pleasures today, Aries. Don’t feel like you have to go to distant lands or engage in expensive recreational activities to find happiness and peace. Realize that everything you need is inside. Delight in nature. Smile at the Sun, Moon, and stars. Realize that there is beauty all around and not just in expensive objects you can buy.
Taurus: Focus on your creative mind today, Taurus. This is a fertile time to plant seeds that will surely grow up healthy and strong. You have the ability to be prosperous now, but it won’t come easily. The key for you now is to stay cool. Don’t overreact to the little annoyances that come your way. You’re beyond petty squabbles. Don’t waste your time with them.
Gemini: Motivation must come from within today, Gemini. The only thing that can pull you out of bed is your inner drive. Too much partying may leave you spent to the point where you don’t want to move. Remember to keep things in moderation.
Cancer: Strong forces may act up today and ask you to stand up a little straighter than usual, Leo. Keep your shoulders back and be proud. Don’t think any less of yourself just because there is disagreement between you and others. Maintain respect for your opinions. Say things with confidence and don’t back down, but be prepared to defend your views.
Leo: Strong forces may act up today and ask you to stand up a little straighter than usual, Leo. Keep your shoulders back and be proud. Don’t think any less of yourself just because there is disagreement between you and others. Maintain respect for your opinions. Say things with confidence and don’t back down, but be prepared to defend your views.
Virgo: Feel free to take the lazy route today, Virgo. Don’t lift a finger if you don’t have to. It may be hard to get others moving, too. You can prod all you want, but if people don’t want to go, they aren’t
going to go. Your flexible nature might be tested.
Libra: Your thinking is steady and reserved today, Libra. Your mind is right in line with your ego, and you will be able to accurately verbalize what is going on inside. You might be a bit reserved in how much you tell people. It could be that others are holding back information from you. Proceed with caution and be honest in all your dealings.
Scorpio: Today is an excellent day to say exactly how you feel, Scorpio. Your thinking is sharp and clear. Once you start talking, you may never stop. People will listen extra carefully to your words. You have a great deal of influence, so realize how much impact you have on the environment. You will be able to accomplish a lot.
Sagittarius: You might find that your brain is moving in the slow lane today, Sagittarius. It may even be creeping over to the breakdown lane. You might find that it’s a bit harder to make your witty rebuttals in conversation. Take your time and make sure you choose your words carefully.
Capricorn: Words may not be the best way to communicate things today, Capricorn. Body language, touch, and taste will be much more effective. You will find that your senses are heightened. Let your feet follow your nose and go enjoy a good meal with someone special tonight.
Aquarius: Things may get quite intense today, Aquarius. There will be a great deal of information coming your way, but it might not all be that good. It seems that someone is putting a roadblock in your path, making it difficult for you to pass. Don’t let this stop you. Use your creativity to find ways around any obstacles.
Pisces: Your head may buzz with activity today, Pisces. Suddenly it seems like the spotlight has been turned on. You’re on stage and your brainpower is being tested. Are you up to the challenge? Ready or not, it’s here. Remember the importance of individuality.
DAILY BRIDGE
By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content AgencyTuesday, June 20, 2023
Jenni Carmichael and Greg Humphreys won the Mixed Pairs at the ACBL Spring NABC. In today’s deal, Humphreys as West found the best opening lead of the entire 10-day tournament. South’s jump to 2NT was bold.
According to Carmichael, Humphreys judged from his partner’s silence in the auction that she lacked a good suit with which to overcall.(EastWest’s style was quite aggressive in competition.) Humphreys suspected that dummy would have at least one four-card major suit; hence he judged to lead a diamond even though North had bid that suit.
NORMAL
Assuming you choose a diamond lead, the normal card is the three. But Humphreys feared that leading low might pickle an honor in the East hand; hence he came forth with … the jack of diamonds! You can see what that lead did to declarer. He might have salvaged seven or even eight tricks, for instance by ducking a heart and setting up a possible end play. But declarer played differently and went down two, minus 200. Only the lead of the jack of diamonds lets the defense beat 2NT.
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-Saturday and on the crossword solutions page in Saturday’s Life section.
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
your right, opens one diamond. You double, and your partner responds two clubs. The player at your right passes. What do you say?
ANSWER: You gambled a bit and have lost. You hoped your partner would respond in a major suit, but the oaf bid clubs instead. Cut your losses.
Pass and apologize when you put down the dummy. If you act again, you will promise more strength and may make things worse. East dealer
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. 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, k9pals.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/phd/animal/home.
sbc.
• 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
Prosecutors plan to use Trump’s words against him in documents case
By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE(The Center Square) – Federal prosecutors plan to use former President Donald Trump’s comments about former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton against him in a case alleging he illegally kept classified documents.
Special counsel Jack Smith’s team of prosecutors must prove Mr. Trump’s actions were willful as opposed to careless.
Prosecutors allege he kept sensitive military documents, shared them with people who didn’t have security clearance and tried to evade the government’s efforts to get them back.
Mr. Trump talked about classified documents often during the 2016 presidential election campaign against Mrs. Clinton when Mrs. Clinton’s use of a private email server while secretary of state was a point of controversy.
“In my administration I’m going to enforce all laws concerning the protection of classified information,” Mr. Trump said on Aug. 18, 2016. “No one will be above the law.”
On Sept. 6, 2016, Mr. Trump said: “We can’t have someone in the Oval Office who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word confidential or classified.” The next day he said: “One of the first things we must do is enforce all classification rules and to enforce all laws relating to the handling of classified information.”
And five days before the 2016 election, Mr. Trump said: “Service members here in North Carolina have risked their lives to acquire classified intelligence to protect our country.” Prosecutors included five Public statements from Mr. Trump on classified documents in the 49-page indictment. They also noted a July 26, 2018, statement Mr. Trump made while president.
“More broadly, the issue of Mr. Brennan’s security clearance raises larger questions about the practice of former officials maintaining access to our Nation’s most sensitive secrets long after their time in Government has ended. Such access is particularly inappropriate when former officials have transitioned into highly partisan positions and seek to use real or perceived access to sensitive information to validate their political attacks. Any access granted to our Nation’s secrets should be in furtherance of national, not personal, interests,” Mr. Trump said after he decided to revoke the security clearance of John Brennan, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
In 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation determined that Clinton and her colleagues “were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information.”
“Although there is evidence of potential violations of the statutes regarding the handling of classified information, our judgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case,” then-FBI Director James Comey said in July 2016. “Prosecutors necessarily weigh a number of factors before bringing charges. There are obvious considerations, like the strength of the evidence, especially regarding intent.”
Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts that allege he kept sensitive military documents, shared them with people who didn’t have security clearance, and tried to get around the government’s efforts to get them back. He is charged with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information along with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal and false statements and representations.
The indictment laid out the charges against Mr. Trump and Mr. Nauta. Mr. Trump was charged with keeping classified documents after leaving office and later obstructing the government’s efforts to get them back. The indictment contains specific dates and times with tothe-minute details of where the documents were stored, where they were moved, and who was involved.
Among the records were 197 that contained classified markings, including 98 marked “secret” and 30 marked “top secret.” The “top secret” designation means that unauthorized disclosure “reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage” to national security,” according to the indictment. Mr. Trump turned those records over to the National Archives and Records Administration on Jan. 17, 2022, in response to demands from that federal agency.
On June 3, 2022, an attorney for Mr. Trump provided the Federal Bureau of Investigation with 38 additional documents with classified markings. And during a raid of Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8, 2022, the FBI recovered 102 additional documents with classified markings.
While the U.S. Secret Service provided security to Mr. Trump while he was at his Palm Beach property, Mr. Trump never told the agency that classified documents were stored there, according to the indictment. Mara-Lago hosted 150 social events – such as weddings, fundraisers and movie premieres for tens of thousands of guests from January 2021, when Mr. Trump left office, through the FBI raid on Aug. 8, 2022. Mar-a-Lago had about 150 employees during that time, prosecutors said in the indictment.
Prosecutors allege the documents belong to some of the nation’s most secret agencies, including the Central Intelligence
Agency, the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, National GeospatialIntelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, the Department of Energy and the Department of State.
The documents contained information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of the United States and other allied nations, U.S. nuclear programs, plans for possible retaliation in case of an attack and potential U.S. vulnerabilities, according to the indictment.
Mr. Trump stored the boxes in several locations at Mar-a-Lago, his social club with 25 guest rooms in Palm Beach. The boxes that contained classified documents were stored in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, his bedroom and a storage room, prosecutors alleged in the indictment. The club was not authorized to store classified documents. Prosecutors further alleged that Mr. Trump showed classified documents to people not authorized to see such records. In one case on July 21, 2021, at the Bedminster Club in New Jersey, Trump allegedly showed a writer, a publisher and two staff members classified documents. During the recorded interview, Mr. Trump said that the documents were “highly classified” and that could have declassified them while president, but could no longer do so after leaving office, according to the indictment. In August or September 2021, prosecutors allege Mr. Trump showed a representative of his political action committee a classified map of a country.
In April, Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in New York related to charges he paid hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels through a lawyer before the 2016 presidential election and covered it up as a legal expense before being elected president.
Judge blocks release of discovery materials in Trump documents case
By BRETT ROWLAND THECENTER SQUARE
(The Center Square) – A federal judge put a protective order in place Monday to shield all discovery materials from the public in the case against former President Donald Trump.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart said all the materials that prosecutors turn over to Mr. Trump’s attorneys must remain out of public view.
Mr. Trump, alleged co-conspirator Walt Nauta, and their attorneys “shall not disclose the Discovery Materials or their contents directly or indirectly to any person or entity other than persons employed to assist in the defense, persons who are interviewed as potential witnesses, counsel for potential witnesses, and other persons” allowed by the court.
In addition, defense attorneys must have everyone read the judge’s order and sign a document saying they will comply with it before being granted access to the materials. Furthermore, Mr. Trump and Mr. Nauta won’t get copies of the records.
“Defendants shall only have access to Discovery Materials under the direct supervision of Defense Counsel or a member of Defense Counsel’s staff. Defendants shall not retain copies of Discovery Material,” according to the order.
Federal prosecutors filed a motion seeking the protective order Friday. On Monday, the judge agreed. Prosecutors laid out a list of reasons for the protective order, including “personal identifiable information; information that reveals sensitive but unclassified investigative techniques; non-public information relating to potential witnesses and other third parties (including grand jury transcripts and exhibits and recordings of witness interviews); financial information of third parties; thirdparty location information; and personal information contained on electronic devices and accounts.” Prosecutors further said some of the information related to ongoing investigations.
“The materials also include information pertaining to ongoing investigations, the
disclosure of which could compromise those investigations and identify uncharged individuals,” according to the government’s motion.
Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts that allege he kept sensitive military documents, shared them with people who didn’t have security clearance, and tried to get around the government’s efforts to get them back. He is charged with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information along with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal and false statements and representations.
The 49-page indictment laid out the charges against Mr. Trump and Mr. Nauta. Mr. Trump was charged with keeping classified documents after leaving office and later obstructing the government’s efforts to get them back. The indictment contains specific dates and times with to-the-minute details of where the documents were stored, where they were moved, and who was involved.
Among the records were 197 that contained classified markings, including 98 marked “secret” and 30 marked “top secret.” The “top secret” designation means that unauthorized disclosure “reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage” to national security,” according to the indictment. Mr. Trump turned those records over to the National Archives and Records Administration on Jan. 17, 2022, in response to demands from that federal agency.
On June 3, 2022, an attorney for Mr. Trump provided the Federal Bureau of Investigation with 38 additional documents with classified markings. And during a raid of Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8, 2022, the FBI recovered 102 additional documents with classified markings.
While the U.S. Secret Service provided security to Mr. Trump while he was at his Palm Beach property, Mr. Trump never told the agency that classified documents were stored there, according to the indictment. Mar-a-Lago hosted 150 social events – such as weddings, fundraisers and movie premieres for tens of
thousands of guests from January 2021, when Mr. Trump left office, through the FBI raid on Aug. 8, 2022. Mar-a-Lago had about 150 employees during that time, prosecutors said in the indictment.
Prosecutors allege the documents belong to some of the nation’s most secret agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, the Department of Energy and the Department of State.
The documents contained information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of the United States and other allied nations, U.S. nuclear programs, plans for possible retaliation in case of an attack and potential U.S. vulnerabilities, according to the indictment.
Trump stored the boxes in several locations at Mar-a-Lago, his social club with 25 guest rooms in Palm Beach. The boxes that contained classified documents were stored in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, his bedroom and a storage room, prosecutors alleged in the indictment. The club was not authorized to store classified documents.
Prosecutors further alleged that Mr,. Trump showed classified documents to people not authorized to see such records. In one case on July 21, 2021, at the Bedminster Club in New Jersey, Mr. Trump allegedly showed a writer, a publisher and two staff members classified documents. During the recorded interview, Mr. Trump said that the documents were “highly classified” and that could have declassified them while president, but could no longer do so after leaving office, according to the indictment. In August or September 2021, prosecutors allege Mr. Trump showed a representative of his political action committee a classified map of a country.
In April, Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in New York related to charges he paid hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels through a lawyer before the 2016 presidential election and covered it up as a legal expense before being elected president.