Santa Barbara News-Press: June 27, 2023

‘Click to cancel’

Bonta, other AGs support provision intended to make it easier to end online subscriptions - A2

‘Asteroid City’

Review: New film tells story of an unconventional convention in the 1950s - B1

Parklets may be here awhile

They might remain on lower State Street for as long as three years

suspects arrested in

commercial burglary crime spree, guns stolen in Arizona

By RIA JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) –Ventura County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests of two suspects, Francisco Casillas, 21, and a 16-year-old juvenile who cannot be named, for burglarizing restaurants and businesses for safes and cash.

A third individual, suspected of burglary in May 2023, was also arrested.

LAPD SWAT, along with Thousand Oaks Investigators, Special Enforcement Unit and Directed Enforcement Unit, executed a search warrant at Mr. Casillas’ residence in Los Angeles on June 15. Evidence linking Mr. Casillas to the crimes was seized and he was taken into custody. Juan ArreguinHernandez, 22, was identified as the suspect in the May 2023 case and was also arrested for conspiracy to commit theft in Thousand Oaks.

Thousand Oaks restaurants were targeted by the Los Angeles criminals from January to March 2023. Mr. Casillas was booked for 7-counts of commercial burglary and was booked into a Pre-Trial Detention Facility with bail set for $200,000 for those offenses.

Mr. Casillas also had bail of $20,000 for a robbery and theft at a retail outlet that occurred in Thousand Oaks in 2022 and

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The outdoor dining parklets on lower State Street could remain in place for another year and possibly as long as three years — if city staff get their way.

The ultimate decision is up to the Santa Barbara City Council, but staff are urging council members to consider extending the emergency ordinance allowing the parklets — due to expire at year’s end —through 2026 or a completed State Street Master Plan is approved, whichever comes first.

The council will be asked today to continue the closure of the State Street Promenade to motor vehicles and provide staff with direction regarding the future of temporary outdoor dining operations upon the expiration of the Economic Recovery Extension and Transition Ordinance on Dec. 31. The council meeting will start at 2 p.m. at Santa Barbara City Hall, 735 Anacapa St.

Staff recommends that the council adopt an ordinance to continue to allow closure of the 500 through 1200 blocks of State Street (the promenade as defined in the ERETO), and to continue the revised vehicle configurations in the 400 and 1300 blocks of State Street.

Thousand

Oaks restaurants were targeted by the Los Angeles criminals from January to March 2023.

an $80,000 bail amount for a probation violation and an outof-county warrant issued for burglary.

Mr. Arreguin-Hernandez was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and his bail was set at $20,000.

El Segundo Police and Arizona Police, who were attached to an ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms) task force, contacted the Thousand Oaks Investigators who were able to help them confirm that the juvenile suspect was involved in the El Segundo / multiple cities burglaries. Arizona police were able to inform the investigative team that suspects in two gun store burglaries in Arizona were associated with the residential address of Francisco Casillas

Pride and Hawaiian flags reported stolen in Los Olivos

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the theft of flags in the Los Olivos area and requesting the public’s assistance with any suspect information or video footage.

On June 22 at approximately 10:26 a.m., deputies responded to the 2800-block of Grand Avenue in Los Olivos for a report of the theft of a flag that had occurred in the preceding 18 hours.

Deputies learned that a pride flag had been stolen from a pole in front of the business after closing time the prior day. In the commission of the theft, the pole was also damaged.

While they were investigating that initial report, they learned that a neighboring business also had a pride flag stolen and a third business, around the corner in the 2400 block of Alamo Pintado had a state of Hawaii flag stolen. The thefts all seemed to occur after business hours on June 21 and prior to opening on June 22.

After taking the initial reports, deputies attempted to collect physical evidence from the scenes and canvassed the area for additional victims as well as potential cameras that would have captured surveillance of the crimes to no avail.

Deputies are reaching out to notify the public of these thefts and to ask for the public’s assistance in identifying any suspects or involved parties.

after business hours on June 21 and prior to opening on June 22.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Solvang Sheriff’s Substation at 805-686-5000. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information by contacting the sheriff’s tip line at 805-681-4171 or online at SBSheriff.org.

It is the policy of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the rights of all people, irrespective of their disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are viewed very seriously and given high priority, the Sheriff’s Office noted.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

The thefts all seemed to occur

KENNETH SONG / NEWS=PRESS FILE PHOTOS

The parklet at Mizza, a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, received a fresh coat of paint last winter on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. City staff are recommending the closure of the 500 through 1200 blocks of State Street to traffic continue through 2026 or the adoption of a master plan, whichever comes first.

The parklet for LOKUM Turkish Delight & Baklava used two patches of false grass to denote its boundary on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara. Please see PARKLETS on A4

Attorneys general announce support for FTC’s ‘click to cancel’ subscription policy

By RIA JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – As part of the Federal Trade Commission’s ongoing review of its 1973 Negative Option Rule, the FTC proposed in March amendments to the rule and asked for public comment on those changes.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 25 other attorneys general, has submitted a letter of comment in support of the FTC’s proposed amendments in response to the request.

The Negative Option Rule covers business sales related to subscriptions, memberships and other recurring payment programs. Negative Option Offers allow businesses to interpret a consumer’s silence or failure to take affirmative action as an acceptance of an offer.

One of the rule changes is the “click to cancel” provision to make it just as easy for consumers to cancel unwanted subscriptions, as it was for them to sign up.

“If consumers want to cancel a subscription, they should not have to go on a fishing expedition,” said Mr. Bonta. “Just as businesses make it easy to sign up for a subscription, they need to respect

customers who later want to end that subscription.”

The FTC reports that one of the concerns expressed by consumers is “How the $%#& do I cancel?!”

While signing up for a program is an easy seamless process, when it comes to cancelation consumers have to go through “obstacle courses designed for frustration and failure.”

Another complaint being addressed by the amendments is, “They signed me up, but never told me what was involved!” To address the lack of information, the FTC proposed that companies explain - payments would be recurring, the deadline to stop charges, payment amounts, billing date and cancelation informationall before requesting consumers’ billing information.

Consumers also asked, “Why am I getting all this unwanted stuff and who said these people could bill my credit card?!” To address this concern, companies would be required to spell out the

details under the FTC’s new rule changes.

“The FTC’s proposed changes significantly broaden the requirements and risks for businesses using negative option features and will allow consumers to more easily cancel unwanted subscriptions and memberships,” a statement by the Department of Justice said.

The letter by the AGs supports the direction the FTC has proposed and makes suggestions for further clarifications:

• Require businesses offering free trials to obtain an additional round of consent before charging a consumer at the completion of the free trial;

• Clarify that cancellation mechanisms must be costeffective, timely, and easy to use;

• Broaden the forms that a consumer can cancel a recurring contract; and

• Require businesses to provide negative option reminders in additional forms, not just through

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Bridge project begins near Los Olivos

LOS OLIVOS – A project to replace the Alamo Pintado Creek Pedestrian Bridge along State Route 154 near Los Olivos got underway Monday with the demolition of the bridge.

away debris.

In addition to the construction of a new bridge, this project will remove a retaining wall next to the bridge and install planted rock slope protection in the creek.

the same medium that the consumer used to consent to the negative option feature in the first place.

“Deception and dark patterns have no place in consumer markets, and the proposed Negative Option Rule is the change consumers have been rightly demanding for years. I’m proud to support this effort by the FTC and to offer additional recommendations alongside my fellow attorneys general,” Mr. Bonta said.

In sending this comment letter, Mr. Bonta joins the attorneys general of Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

DeSantis lays out border security plan at event in Eagle Pass, Texas

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – In a campaign stop in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis presented his border security plan as part of his platform to win the Republican nomination for president.

The plan includes reinstating several policies implemented by the Trump administration, including ending catch and release, reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy, among others.

His plan also includes using the U.S. military to work with Border Patrol agents “on day one, and they’ll continue to help until the [border] wall is finished,” according to a campaign document obtained by The Center Square.

Gov. DeSantis plans to continue building the border wall that former President Donald Trump built. There are currently 600 open miles along the US-Mexico border. The Trump administration built the most fortified wall of any administration using up to 30-foot steel bollards anchored in concrete. The wall was built to replace previously constructed fences along the border or where no wall or barrier existed.

On his first day in office, President Joe Biden halted border wall construction, saying it was a waste of taxpayer money. He also reversed Trump-era policies resulting in the greatest number of illegal entries in U.S. history.

Since January 2021, over 8 million people have been apprehended or reported evading capture by Border Patrol, more than the individual populations of 38 states.

Gov. DeSantis’ plan would also change the current policy of releasing people into the U.S. who

claim asylum, prohibiting entry unless their claim is approved. The Florida governor during Tuesday’s address said he would deputize state law enforcement to help enforce immigration laws when the federal government abdicates its responsibility.

“I’ve listened to people for years and years – Republicans and Democrats in Congress – and never getting the job done,” Gov. DeSantis said. “We’re saying no excuses. Get the job done. Day one priority [if he’s elected president], you’re going to see a big change.”

Gov. DeSantis’ plan also includes designating Mexican drug cartels as Transnational Criminal Organizations, something Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas legislature have already done but President Biden has not. His plan would authorize greater financial sanctions on cartels and those doing business with them and strengthen penalties for those trafficking fentanyl. He also said he would use force to repel the cartels from cutting into the steel wall.

Since the Mexican government so far hasn’t stopped cartels from manufacturing fentanyl and other illicit drugs and transporting them north to the U.S. border, Gov. DeSantis’ plan also includes surging resources to the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard to block ships coming from China that are transporting precursor chemicals from entering Mexican ports.

Gov. DeSantis’ also said he would create a Joint CounterCartel Task Force to direct and prioritize anti-cartel intelligence gathering among law enforcement and intelligence agencies nationwide. The plan includes increasing Border Patrol salaries and expanding recruitment efforts. He said he’d issue an executive

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

order to challenge the belief “that the children of illegal aliens are entitled to birthright citizenship if they are born in the United States.” Gov. DeSantis and his supporters argue the courts haven’t settled the issue and the authors of the 14th Amendment didn’t have “anchor babies” in

mind when they wrote the policy. The governor’s announcement came as Florida has been successfully suing the Biden administration over immigration policy and after he and the Florida legislature enacted the strongest immigration policies in Florida history.

Supreme Court deals major blow to Texas, Louisiana in deportation lawsuit

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Texas and Louisiana Friday in a lawsuit over a Biden administration policy that’s helped effectively end most deportations of foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally.

Rather than rule on the merits of the case, in United States v. Texas, the court ruled 8-1 that the states didn’t have standing, or a legal right, to challenge the policy.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote the sole dissent, arguing the justices ignored “a major precedent.”

He wrote, “The Court holds Texas lacks standing to challenge a federal policy that inflicts substantial harm on the State and its residents by releasing illegal aliens with criminal convictions for serious crimes. In order to reach this conclusion, the Court brushes aside a major precedent that directly controls the standing question, refuses to apply

our established test for standing, disregards factual findings made by the District Court after a trial, and holds that the only limit on the power of a President to disobey a law like the important provision at issue is Congress’s power to employ the weapons of inter-branch warfare – withholding funds, impeachment and removal, etc. I would not blaze this unfortunate trail. I would simply apply settled law, which leads ineluctably to the conclusion that Texas has standing.”

Last June, a federal judge in Texas, U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton, ruled in favor of Texas and Louisiana, arguing they would incur costs due to the federal government’s failure to comply with federal immigration law and deportation policies. The judge ruled the states had standing to sue because of these costs. He also vacated the deportation policy, arguing it was unlawful.

The Biden administration appealed to the Fifth Circuit, which again handed a victory to the states by declining to stay the lower court’s ruling. The Biden administration appealed

to the Supreme Court, which granted cert. Last fall, the court heard oral arguments and on Friday ruled the states lacked Article III standing.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the majority and was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote a different opinion saying the states didn’t have standing for a different reason than the one Justice Kavanaugh gave. He was joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Amy Coney Barrett. Justice Barrett also wrote her own concurring opinion and was joined by Justice Gorsuch.

At issue is a final memorandum, “Guidelines for the Enforcement of Civil Immigration Law,” issued by Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, drastically altering deportation policies, including limiting issuing detainer requests for dangerous criminal aliens.

In Mr. Mayorkas’ final September 2021

It took crews roughly two hours to complete demolition. The rest of the week will be spent cleaning up and hauling

City panel to discuss HOPE Fund

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara City Council’s Ordinance Committee will be holding a public workshop Wednesday to further the establishment of the new affordable housing HOPE (Housing Opportunities, Preservation and Equity) Fund.

Once established, HOPE funding will be directed toward projects and programs aimed at increasing, improving or

The new bridge will meet current seismic safety codes. The contractor for this $3.9 million project is M.C.M. Construction Inc. of North Highlands in Sacramento County. It is scheduled to be completed by summer 2025.

— Neil Hartstein

maintaining the city’s supply of affordable housing. The new fund will also assist income-qualified tenants in issues of eviction or forfeiture of housing through the creation of a pilot Right to Counsel program.

The community is invited to attend the upcoming workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the David Gephart Public Meeting Room, located at 630 Garden St. Public comment can be provided ahead of the workshop by emailing ngrisanti@ santabarbaraca.gov before 5 p.m. today.

– Neil Hartstein

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COURTESY PHOTO

California oil windfall profits penalty goes into effect today

By RIA JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – The Petroleum Windfall Profits

Penalty law goes into effect today.

Following a call from Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this year to hold petroleum companies responsible for high gas prices and a request for a special session of the California State Senate to fast-track the bill, Newsom signed the bill into law in late March.

Implementation of the bill is expected to cost around $7 million.

The law creates the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight.

It sets profit margins for oil companies and penalizes California’s refineries for exceeding that margin. The new division requires daily reports on the market, including oil being brought into California. Refineries are now required to

The law creates the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight. It sets profit margins for oil companies and penalizes California’s refineries for exceeding that margin.

provide maintenance schedules in advance and immediate notification of any unplanned maintenance to allow the state to prepare for shortfalls in production.

Refineries must also prepare and provide monthly profit reports.

“California is delivering on our promise to hold Big Oil accountable,” the governor said. “These new transparency laws will help us track refiners’ profits and shine a light on price manipulation so Californians aren’t vulnerable to the greedy whims of Big Oil.”

California gas prices remain among the nation’s highest, only recently eclipsed by Washington state amid a rollout of a carbon

Biden announces plan to spend $40 billion on countrywide high-speed internet

By J.J. BRANNOCK THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) -

President Joe Biden outlined one of his latest spending plans Monday, the Affordable Connectivity Program, which would give Americans discounts on their internet bills and help provide high speed internet throughout the country.

The program targets lowincome families who would benefit from the monthly savings. Qualifications are based on household income or enrollment in government programs like Medicaid and SNAP food benefits.

President Biden said the program is “helping 19 million families save around $30 a month on their internet bills, and some save a lot more.”

He also announced the distribution of $40 billion to areas in the U.S. where there is slow or no service so highspeed internet can be provided to those who don’t currently

have quality service where they live.

“Internet access is just as important as electricity, or water, or other basic services,” President Biden said, mentioning the increase in workfrom-home jobs that require fast internet connections within the household.

President Biden said that “with this funding, along with other federal investments, we’re going to be able to connect every person in America to reliable, high-speed internet by 2030.”

Thousands of service workers have reportedly been recently employed to connect fiber-optic cable to rural American houses. President Biden emphasized that the cable will be made in America and increase American production and job supply.

“As a lot of folks are tired of hearing me say, where in God’s name is it written that we can’t be the leading manufacturer in the world again?” President Biden said.

auction. As of Monday, AAA reports the average gallon of fuel in California costs $4.84. One year ago, it was $6.32.

The United Kingdom has a tax on the extraction of oil. California is not imposing a tax but a windfall penalty on refineries. There are only 15 refineries in California as the state requires a unique clean-burning fuel that is more expensive than gas used in other states.

The high price of gas has been a challenge for the state for decades, with blame running the gamut of California’s refineries, retailers, the state’s taxes and environmental policies. Supporters of the new system hope monitoring will identify

manipulation or any illegal behavior, which will be referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

Opponents of the measure said during debate of the bill that California Democrats could have helped consumers during recordhigh gas prices by suspending the state gas tax but weren’t interested in doing so. Others predicted oil companies would pass the new penalties down to the pump.

A statement released by the governor’s office said, “Compared to 2022, California’s gas prices have been substantially lower and less volatile. The Governor’s actions have helped lead to a decrease of $1.50 per gallon, year over year.”

New England nets $1 billion in federal broadband funding

By BRENT ADDLEMAN THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – New England communities unserved and underserved in high-speed internet are sharing more than $1.097 billion in federal funding.

From $42.45 billion of highspeed internet grants in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, Maine will receive $271 million, Vermont $228 million, New Hampshire $196 million, Massachusetts $147 million, Connecticut $144 million and Rhode Island $108 million.

The program to expand broadband across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico is administered through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Department of Commerce

Secretary Gina Raimondo, former governor of Rhode Island, announced the funding through President Joe Biden’s “Investing in America” platform.

“What this announcement means for people across the country is that if you don’t have access to quality, affordable highspeed internet service now – you will, thanks to President Biden

and his commitment to investing in America,” Ms. Raimondo said in a statement. “Whether it’s connecting people to the digital economy, manufacturing fiberoptic cable in America, or creating good-paying jobs building internet infrastructure in the states, the investments we’re announcing will increase our competitiveness and spur economic growth across the country for years to come.”

Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills called the funding “historic in scale” and “historic in impact.”

“With this unprecedented federal investment – the largest we have ever received – the Maine Connectivity Authority can take huge strides in bringing high-speed internet to more Maine people and in fulfilling my promise to make an internet connection available to everyone in Maine who wants one,” Gov. Mills said in a statement.

“Permanently closing the digital divide is the top shared policy priority for private internet service providers and public policymakers,” said Tim Wilkerson, president of the New England Connectivity and Telecommunications Association.

Business groups critical of antitrust legislation against large online platforms

By KEVIN BESSLER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – New federal legislation that would strengthen antitrust enforcement of Big Tech is being criticized by business groups.

The American Innovation and Choice Online Act would prohibit tech companies from giving preference to their own offerings over competing products.

President Joe Biden urged for its passage during his most recent State of the Union address in February.

“Pass the bipartisan legislation to strengthen antitrust enforcement and prevent big online platforms from giving their own products an unfair advantage,” President Biden said.

The legislation’s main idea is that a

company that controls a marketplace shouldn’t be able to set special rules for itself within that marketplace, because competitors who object don’t have any realistic place to go.

In 2021, the bill didn’t make it to the U.S. Senate floor for a vote, something the primary sponsor, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, said was due to an incredible onslaught of money from lobbyists.

In Illinois, the Connected Commerce Council has voiced opposition to a new effort to reintroduce the measure.

Spokesperson Kristin Rae, who also owns Inspire Travel Luggage in Bloomington, said if enacted, the law would change how the digital economy works and make several small business digital tools more expensive and harder to use.

“How am I to connect with buyers across the

country and be a more successful business if I can’t use digital tools and if the government impedes those tools in a way because they don’t understand how small businesses work,” Ms. Rae told The Center Square.

Ms. Rae said if Amazon can no longer integrate its fulfillment services with Prime, small business sellers lose the advantage of easily qualifying for Prime and the benefits that come along with it.

A 2022 Dartmouth College study found that the AICOA would be a financial catastrophe for small businesses, which would lose $500 billion, or $100,000 per small business, in the first five years of AICOA becoming law.

“I’m incredibly disappointed that some in Congress are determined to continue their crusade against leading technology companies no matter how it hurts small businesses like mine,” said Ms. Rae.

2021 deportations lowest since 1996

DEPORTATION

Continued from Page A2

memorandum, he also challenged federal law established by Congress that illegal entry is a crime in itself and a deportable offense. The policy states: “The fact an individual is a removable noncitizen therefore should not alone be the basis of an enforcement action against them. We will use our discretion and focus our enforcement resources in a more targeted way. Justice and our country’s well-being

require it.”

Many news organizations reported the Supreme Court ruling would allow the administration to prioritize deporting violent criminals. But under the current administration, deportations immediately dropped by two-thirds in the first fiscal year of the administration, according to CBP data. In fiscal 2021, deportations also dropped to the lowest level since fiscal 1996 despite record-high illegal entries.

Mr. Mayorkas’ policy also followed President Joe Biden’s directive, who after taking

office ordered a “pause” on deportations.

Last July, 19 attorneys general filed an amicus brief expressing support for Texas’ and Louisiana’s lawsuit, arguing Mr. Mayorkas violated federal law and DHS’s actions negatively impacted their states and jeopardized the safety and welfare of Americans.

The AGs argued, and still maintain, “The Amici States and their citizens continue to suffer significant costs from illegal immigration – including billions of dollars in new expenses relating to law enforcement, education,

and healthcare programs – as a direct result of Defendants’ failures to enforce immigration law. Those harms are exacerbated by DHS’ increasingly brazen disrespect for the requirements of our nation’s immigration laws and the Administrative Procedure Act.

“The border is in crisis,” they argued. “This DHS Administration is lawless. And the States continue to suffer escalating irreparable harm as the border crisis continually intensifies to successive, evermore unprecedented levels of illegal crossings.”

Two adults, one juvenile arrested in connection with crimes

burglary

Continued from Page A1

and that numerous guns were stolen in those incidents.

Just one week earlier, the juvenile was arrested by Los Angeles County deputies after the Ventura County Superior Court issued warrants for the arrests of both Casillas and the 16-year-old. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Transportation Unit picked up the juvenile and booked him into the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center for 18 counts of commercial burglary, which included a January burglary in Thousand Oaks and two in Agoura Hills.

The juvenile was also a suspect in multiple commercial burglaries in El Segundo and the surrounding cities, one burglary in Thousand Oaks and seven in

Final report from State Street Advisory Committee expected in 2024

Continued from Page

“This ordinance would remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2026, or until adoption of the Master Plan permanent ordinance implementing the traffic pattern recommendation in the Master Plan; whichever is earlier,” according to city staff.

The staff also recommends the council adopt an accompanying ordinance allowing temporary outdoor business facilities on the promenade, subject to the rules and regulations under the ERETO. That would include maintenance of valid outdoor business facility license agreements and payment of required monthly license fees. These fees help to defray the overall cost of promenade operation and maintenance.

The council enacted the ordinance in May 2020 to help Santa Barbara restaurants survive the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when indoor dining was restricted, and people had to stay at home or wear masks when venturing out for food, supplies and “essential services.”

The ordinance authorized the closure of the State Street Promenade to vehicle traffic, the temporary parklets on public rights-ofway throughout the city of Santa Barbara, and the temporary expansion of outdoor dining on private property.

The parklets, popular as they were and continue to be for some, have nevertheless become a source of controversy, from critics assailing their appearance to parklet owners failing to comply with city requirements to meet ADA guidelines for people with disabilities, provide for stormwater runoff to flow down State Street unimpeded and adhere to set design standards.

Many parklet owners, who want to keep them up and running, nonetheless balked at a variable fee structure the council approved to cover the costs of maintaining the downtown promenade, complaining to the point where the council ended up reducing the fee to $2 per square foot regardless of size.

Some critics simply want the parklets gone so State Street can go back to the way it was, open to traffic and parades. Others just blast them as an eyesore, wooden boxes that lure rats drawn to food scraps on the ground and mar the beauty of State Street’s architectural splendor.

The new plan being presented to council today falls squarely on the side of keeping the parklets where they are for the time being — and the foreseeable future, even though the state and federal governments and the World Health Organization have declared an end to the COVID-19 emergency.

“Outdoor dining has remained popular even as pandemic restrictions on indoor dining have eased,” staff noted. “Many customers have come to expect an outdoor seating option when visiting a restaurant, and many restaurants

rely on the income generated by the extra seating capacity as operational costs have risen.”

Staff said that following the creation of the Promenade, the city council authorized the development of a master plan to revitalize downtown Santa Barbara by developing a new vision for the neighborhood.

On March 9, 2021, the city council directed staff to initiate the planning processes necessary to prepare a master plan, establish an advisory committee for the Create State — State Street Master Plan (Master Plan), and transition from a temporary to a permanent closure of certain blocks of State Street to motor vehicles.

This planning process is underway, and a final report from the State Street Advisory Committee is expected in 2024.

However, current authorization for the closure of the Promenade to vehicle traffic, temporary outdoor dining areas in the public right-of-way, and temporary expansion of outdoor dining on private property will end when the emergency ordinance expires on Dec. 31, staff said.

Hence staff’s recommendation to extend the end date of the emergency ordinance.

“After engaging with stakeholders and community interests, and evaluating safety and circulation concerns, staff recommends continuing the closure of the 500 through 1300 blocks of State Street to motor vehicles and continuing to allow temporary outdoor business facilities on the Promenade as development of the master plan proceeds.”

Staff also recommends as part of a long-term effort identifying opportunities for sidewalk expansion to safely accommodate permanent outdoor dining in locations throughout the city.

The master planning process has involved extensive community outreach, including a survey receiving more than 6,000 responses. Seventy-nine percent of respondents expressed a desire to keep the promenade closed to motor vehicles. Additionally, 88% indicated they come to State Street for food and beverage.

“In the master plan, outdoor dining will be deliberately integrated into the longterm design of State Street, likely in a cafélike manner that is portable, flexible, located directly adjacent to restaurant buildings where possible, and blended into the El Pueblo Viejo historic district,” staff said.

The council, including the members of

the State Street Interim Operations Ad Hoc Subcommittee, has expressed support for continuing the closure of the Promenade during the Master Planning process and the interim period before redevelopment.

In their focus on downtown Santa Barbara, staff noted in their report to council that not all restaurants in the city have been equal beneficiaries of the temporary dining expansions.

“Businesses on the 500 through 1300 blocks of State Street and the 00 block of West Victoria Street are able to have larger onstreet dining facilities than restaurants in other parts of the city due to the full or partial closure of these blocks to vehicular traffic,” staff said. “Some restaurants are not able to construct parklets or provide additional dining expansions due to their location. These restaurants may have lost business to other locations with outdoor facilities.

“Additionally, extra seating capacity in the public right-of-way has been provided to businesses with parklets free of charge, resulting in an advantage over businesses not able to expand into the public right-of-way.”

That might be the reason why the staff recommendations concentrate on the downtown area, to the point where temporary parklets outside of lower State Street would no longer be allowed on the public right-ofway under the proposal for extending the emergency ordinance.

“If Council adopts the recommended vehicle restriction and accompanying business facilities ordinances, and the emergency ordinance expires on Dec. 31, temporary outdoor dining in the public right-of-way throughout the city will be eliminated outside of the 500 through 1300 blocks of State Street,” staff said. “Additionally, temporary outdoor dining on private property outside of the 500 through 1300 blocks of State Street will be eliminated unless the owner secures the appropriate permits.”

For such businesses that currently have temporary expanded outdoor facilities, staff recommends that the council establish a grace period allowing them to submit a complete application and remain in operation while their application is processed by the city. All other unpermitted outdoor business facilities must be removed before the ERETO expires on Dec. 31, staff said.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail.com

Agoura Hills and Calabasas.

Along with Casillas, the juvenile committed two burglaries in Thousand Oaks and five more between the cities of Simi Valley and Moorpark in March 2023.

The Thousand Oaks Career Criminals Unit led the investigations of the cases working closely with the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit, Simi Valley Police Investigators, Moorpark Police Investigators, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigators and Special Enforcement Unit were able to identify and locate the suspects using law enforcement resources and other investigative techniques, which allowed them to make arrests this past week.

Wed.

The Santa Barbara City Council is scheduled to discuss parklets during its meeting at 2 p.m. today at City Hall.

The master planning process has involved extensive community outreach, including a survey receiving more than 6,000 responses. Seventy-nine percent of respondents expressed a desire to keep the promenade closed to motor vehicles.

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

Life theArts

‘Asteroid City’ is one strange town

Wes Anderson tells the story of an unconventional convention in movie set in the 1950s

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 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/sistine-chapel-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.

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.

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

“Asteroid City” isn’t for everyone.

But a good number of people — especially fans of 1950s culture history and sci-fi films with fakelooking aliens — will love this cinematic comedy. Others will simply be thoroughly puzzled. But one thing’s for sure, everyone who sees this film will have a lot to talk about.

“Asteroid City” is one of this year’s most unconventional films.

The movie begins with black-andwhite footage with “Breaking Bad” and “Malcolm in the Middle” star Bryan Cranston standing on a stage as a host explaining this story is a play. The story is set in Asteroid City in the desert during a convention for kids who are stargazers, and the town is cool enough to have its own crater.

The kids are smart — much smarter than some of the adults in this story, even some of the scientists —and they’ve invented all sorts of gadgets.

When the story gets going, Mr. Cranston and the stage disappear, and you’re watching the desert in color. And it’s the kind of vivid colors you might see in a 1950s movie. The film’s credits point out it’s shot on Kodak film, which seems like a very 1950s thing. (Every time “Asteroid City” goes “backstage,” the footage changes back to black and white and the theater setting. Each time, the story gets rolling again in color, it’s back to the desert and Kodak color.

Mr. Cranston’s character will make sense of it.) Here’s the story. Photographer

FYI

Augie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman) drives his station wagon with his smart older son, Woodrow (Jake Ryan), and the three young daughters into Asteroid City. This is where Woodrow will bring his gadget, win a prize and attend a stargazing convention.

At the resort in Asteroid City, population 87, Augie meets movie star Midge Campbell (Scarlett Johansson), who’s there with her smart daughter Dinah (Grace Edwards), and they form a connection. Their cabins at Asteroid City are conveniently across from each other, and they have frank and frankly odd conversations.

The young stargazers convention is

Please see ASTEROID on B2

“Asteroid City” is playing at Camino Real Cinemas in Goleta and the Hitchcock Cinema and Pub in Santa Barbara. See metrotheatres.com for times. The Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features movie is also screening at Regal Edwards Santa Maria & RPX. For times, go to regmovies.com. “Asteroid City” has a running time of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It’s rated PG-13 for brief nudity, smoking and some suggestive material.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its recurring summer exhibit, “Butterflies Alive!” Featuring a variety of butterflies, this experience allows guests to walk through a garden while nearly 1,000 butterflies flutter freely around them. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which runs through Sept. 4, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/ butterfliesalive.

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.

JULY 1

The Santa Barbara County Animal Services and Ventura County Animal Services have teamed up to organize a free pet adoption event across all five of their South Coast shelter. The one-day adoption event is part of a larger goal by the organization to make pet ownership more equitable.

This fee-waived pet adoption event applies to all animals over one year of age. There will be no adoption fee for these animals, but there may be a nominal license fee depending on the city in which the adopter resides, in order to help ensure that each adopted pet receives the appropriate licensing, vaccinations, and identification, in compliance with local regulations. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. All animals leave the shelter spayed or neutered, vaccinated, flea-treated and microchipped.

For more information, visit www.sbcanimalservices. org.

The Santa Barbara County locations of the event are:

• 5473 Overpass Road. Goleta.

• 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria.

• 1501 W. Central Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436

JULY 4

11:30 a.m. The city of Lompoc is planning a Fourth of July Family Fun Day at Ryon Memorial Park.

Admission is free to the event at the park, located off West Ocean Avenue and South O Street. The Fourth celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a patriotic bike parade from the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building to Ryon Park. The city of Lompoc said a limited number of bike helmets will be given to children. Starting at noon, the public can enjoy live music from The Fossils along with food trucks, inflatables, face painting and more. Fireworks, smoking, vaping and alcohol consumption won’t be permitted at the event. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.

For more information, call Lompoc Parks and Recreation at 805-875-8100.

Noon. A full afternoon of music and other activities will precede a night of fireworks during the Fourth of July celebration in Santa Barbara. Music will start at noon at the West Beach bandstand with DJ Joseph Souza, followed by Peer Pressure at 1 p.m., The Free Radicals at 2, Rock Shop Review at 3, Golf Sucks at 4, Drifting Dimension at 5, Time Travelers Bridget & Sophiaa from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Then it’s a 10-minute performance by La Boheme Dancers, followed by The Roosters at 7 and Spencer the Gardener at 7:50. The 20minute fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. There will be live music and more at Stearns Wharf as well. The Brasscals will perform at noon, followed by free face painting at 2 p.m. and the band Area 51 at 4 p.m.

In addition to the music and fireworks, a street fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. along the Cabrillo Boulevard sidewalk at West Beach.

It will be also be a day for baseball. The Santa Barbara Foresters will play the San Luis Obispo Blues, whom the Santa Barbara team defeated 6-1 in the season opener, at 4:30 p.m. in Pershing Park. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $3 for seniors and children ages 412. Children 3 and younger get in free.

For more information about the Fourth celebration, including parking and road closures, go to santabarbara.ca.gov/july 4.

4 p.m. North Avenue Baptist Church in Lompoc is having a celebration on the Fourth of July with a variety of free family-friendly games and a fireworks display.

The event starts at 4 p.m. at 1523 W. North Ave, where there will be carnival games, cornhole, pony rides and more. The “Safe and Sane” fireworks show will start at 8 p.m. Throughout the celebration there will be food from food trucks for purchase, such as chicken and waffles and BBQ.

All are welcome to join, for more information visit nabclompoc.org.

JULY 5

The city of Santa Barbara will partner with Santa Barbara Channelkeeper to host cleanups at nearby beaches to prevent litter from the Fourth of July celebration from getting into the Pacific.

To volunteer for the cleanup, go to signupgenius.com/ go/10c0944aeab2fa5ffc07-july#.

— Dave Mason

PHOTOS COURTESY POP. 87

Dinah (Grace Edwards) and her mother, movie star Midge Campbell (Scarlett Johansson) stop at a diner in Asteroid City, where Dinah is attending a young stargazers convention in 1955 in “Asteroid City.”

Bryan Cranston plays the narrator of “Asteroid City,” explaining the story from his perspective backstage.

From left are Jake Ryan as Woodrow, Grace Edwards as Dinah, Ethan Josh Lee as Ricky, Aristou Meehan as Clifford and Sophia Lillis as Shelly. They’re smart kids attending a stargazers convention.

As Woodrow (Jake Ryan) stands outside, his father, Augie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman) calls his father-in-law, Stanley Zak (Tom Hanks).

‘Spider-Man’ sequel soars again at theaters

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

“Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse” did more swinging, all the way back to the No. 1 spot at the box office.

The animated sequel grossed $19.3 million last weekend.

“Elementals” — Disney-Pixar’s movie about a romance between a woman made of fire (Ember) and a man composed of water (Wade) — remained in second place during its second weekend, with $18.5 million.

“The Flash,” which topped

the box office when it opened the previous weekend, slowed down a bit. The film starring Ezra Miller as the heroic speedster placed third, grossing $15.3 million.

Not far behind was “No Hard Feelings,” which opened in fourth place with $15.1 million.The Rrated comedy stars Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman.

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” dropped to fifth place from fourth with $11.6 million.

During its first weekend in wide release, the unconventional

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is No. 1 again at the box office.

comedy “Asteroid City” placed sixth. That’s up from the 10th place spot it had on its first weekend when it was open only in select theaters.

Solstice spirit

One of the former No. 1 movies, Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” took another dive, to seventh place from fifth. It grossed $8.7 million.

“Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3” dropped to eighth place from seventh with $3.5 million.

“The Blackening” fell to ninth place from sixth with $3.5 million.

“The Boogeyman” dropped to the 10th place from eighth with $2.5 million.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Director Wes Anderson’s quirky humor is on full display in ‘Asteroid City’

ASTEROID

Continued from Page B1

led by a dramatic general, who’s played with the actor with the perfect voice for this, Jeffrey Wright.

As the young kids show off their inventions such as a jet pack or ray gun, there’s the possibility that something from outer space might show up.

The storyline has some twists and turns, but what stands out in “Asteroid City” is a series of strange moments, performed by a large, talented cast — everyone from Steve Carrell to Margot Robbie, Matt Dillon, Jeff Goldblum, Edward Norton and Tilda Swinton. Tom Hanks is effective as Augie’s loving but blunt father-in-law, Stanley Zak, “Asteroid City” was directed by Wes Anderson, who

co-wrote the story with Roman Coppola. Mr. Anderson is known for his quirky humor, and there’s plenty of it in “Asteroid City.” But the film succeeds because the characters take the story seriously. None of them knows they’re funny, and they express their thoughts with only the most nuanced shifts in emotions. When something dramatic occurs, the characters’ reactions are more of a “gee, look at that” than an outright “wow!”

And that’s very effective for this deceptively understated story, which lets its drama roll gently into the viewers’ minds.

“Asteroid City” pokes some fun at religion and science, but it’s also a spoof of Hollywood, sci-fi, plays and the Atomic Age. It’s a good cinematic experiment, but as mentioned earlier, it’s not for everyone.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Straight out of the 1950s

Mannequins are used to recreate a 1950s scene, complete with a waitress on roller skates and a family inside Oxnard resident Jim Carr’s 1957 Chevy Bel Air. This scene, which also featured a mechanic working under the car, stood out Saturday at the Classics with the Cardinals car show at Bishop Diego High School in Santa Barbara.

Entry forms accepted for Children’s Fiesta Parade

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is accepting entry forms for this year’s Children’s Fiesta Parade. The parade will celebrate its

91st year on Aug. 5.

Parents, families, and friends create and decorate their own floats, carts, and wagons to join this foot-powered parade. No motorized or battery-operated vehicles are used. Children and parents typically dress in colorful Spanish and Mexican costumes, often bringing chickens, goats, ponies, dogs, and other small animals to add to the fun.

Parade entries can be as small or as large as desired.

All participating children will also receive free ice cream, provided by MarBorg Industries. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Aug. 5, making its way along Cabrillo Boulevard from Garden Street to Calle Puerto Vallarta.

Families and groups wishing to participate must complete an online application by July 7. To apply, go to SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ FiestaParade.

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.

CAPA works regularly with Animal Services-Lompoc.

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

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

— Dave Mason

— Dave Mason

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS

One of the several entries rolls down Santa Barbara Street Saturday during the Summer Solstice Parade.

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS

Diversions

Thought for Today

“Comedy

SUDOKU

— Robin Williams

HOROSCOPE

Aries: Things will flow smoothly for you, Aries. There’s barely a reason for you to lift a finger. You have the good fortune of enjoying this day with very little effort on your part. Keep in mind that if you decide to get something done, you will be extremely successful and able to accomplish quite a bit.

Taurus: People aren’t going to want to be quite as intense as you require today, Taurus. Things are light and airy. You may find that no one is in the mood to delve as deeply as you want to go. Use the day to relax and release control for a while. Take deep breaths and long walks. Go for a bike ride or short road trip. Crazy, unexpected events may crop up throughout the day.

Gemini: It may be hard for you to make a decision about anything today, Gemini. Things may seem wishy-washy and unclear. Don’t worry about it. There is plenty of air to fuel your fire. Be aware that people may pop up from the past and unexpected events may disrupt the flow throughout the day. Best-laid plans are apt to be broken. Don’t sweat it.

Cancer: Things probably aren’t going to go exactly as you planned today, Cancer. Realize that people may act in erratic, powerful bursts, especially when it comes to emotional issues. Your feelings may be a bit distant, and you may find it hard to get in touch with what’s really going on inside you. Do your best to maintain a positive attitude.

Leo: Today is an excellent day for you, Leo. Events will flow quite smoothly. The only thing to be aware of is that your emotions may seem rather erratic and unwieldy. There’s a great deal of power behind your words and people are sure to listen.

Virgo: You may be indecisive today, Virgo. You may not be able to find solutions you can live with. You don’t need to finalize anything now. Use this day to lay low and gather data. People may seem rather insensitive and erratic. Go with the flow.

Libra: There is plenty of air to fuel your fire today, Libra. You’re able to get quite a bit

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

If you think top experts are sound and solid bidders, you must have recently returned from an extended stay on a desert island. If you watched any of the Vanderbilt Teams at the Spring NABC (as shown on Bridge Base Online), you may never have seen so much uninhibited bidding.

A player held Q J 10 7 4 2, 7 5 3, J, 10 8 2. His partner opened one diamond, he responded one spade, partner raised to two spades and he … bid four spades. As you might expect, he went down.

In today’s deal from the Vanderbilt final, WOLFSON vs. BERNAL, West opened one diamond. North for BERNAL cue-bid two diamonds, presumably showing length in both majors. When East doubled, South jumped to three hearts with no points visible to the naked eye. That induced North to bid four hearts, which East was happy to double.

FOUR TRICKS

West led the king of diamonds, and the defenders operated to best advantage and beat the contract four tricks for plus 800. At the other table, WOLFSON’s East-West pair overreached to six diamonds and went down one, but WOLFSON still gained 12 IMPs.

My advice: If you don’t have anything, don’t bid.

CODEWORD PUZZLE

done. Multitasking is key to accomplishing what you want to do. An element of the unexpected is likely to add a surprising dimension to the day. You’re able to communicate freely, and you will likely be on the same page with the people you meet.

Scorpio: You may need to make some slight adjustments in order to get through to people today, Scorpio. The pace may be a bit faster than you’d like. Remember that people aren’t mind readers. They won’t be sensitive enough to pick up on your subtle messages. If you want to get something across, state it clearly and succinctly.

Sagittarius: Today is an excellent day for you, Sagittarius. You will receive some bursts of unexpected energy that help you accomplish whatever it is you wish to do. You should enjoy a favorable mood and good relations with others all day. Enjoy yourself and feel free to indulge in things that make you happy.

Capricorn: Things may be moving a bit too quickly today for you to grab hold of anything, Capricorn. There’s an element of the unexpected entering into the equation. Be prepared. The mood of the day is especially light and perhaps a bit superficial. People may not be entirely reliable. If there’s something you absolutely need to do, consider doing it by yourself.

Aquarius: Enjoy the day today, Aquarius. Take control of the situation and make the most of whatever comes your way. Do it with a smile. There’s a great deal of fun-loving, excited energy ready for you to draw upon. Get your ideas out to others. Communicate your thoughts.

Pisces: Your flexible nature may get you in trouble today, Pisces. Personalities may clash when no one is willing to lead. Be aggressive without being manipulative. Keep it light. Don’t try to pin anyone down. Your nature is open and expansive. Give other people the freedom they want. Unexpected events may dramatically change the course of the day, so don’t be upset if things don’t go as planned.

BRIDGE

K J 10 8 6. You open one diamond, your partner responds one heart, you bid two clubs and he tries 2NT. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: A rebid of three clubs would sign off, and you have enough extra strength to commit to game.

Raise to 3NT or jump to four clubs to avoid a misunderstanding. With an expert partner, you might bid three spades. Since you can’t have four cards in spades, this bid shows a strongish minor two-suiter. South dealer

vulnerable

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 Sunday’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

Defense spending plan has $165M to Fort Liberty, $110M to Camp Lejeune

By VICTOR SKINNER

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Nearly $400 million in construction spending and a 5.2% raise for service members could be coming to North Carolina from the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

The single biggest authorization of federal spending is pending on the Senate floor after clearing the Armed Services Committee with a vote of 24-1 last week. The legislation must be reconciled with a House version of the bill that cleared the House Armed Services Committee 58-1 on Thursday, before it heads to President Joe Biden for approval.

The bill authorizes $844 billion to the Department of Defense, about $2 billion more than the White House proposed.

“As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I know how much North Carolina contributes to America’s strength on the world state,” said Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C.

“The Old North State has a proud tradition of supporting our military, and it is my honor to vote for an NDAA that supports North Carolina’s service members, their families, and our military installations. This year’s package

Delaware proposal seeks to protect women’s sports

By CHRISTIAN WADE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Delaware Republicans are making another push to prohibit student-athletes from competing on athletic teams or in sports not associated with their biological sex.

A proposal expected to be filed this week by the Senate’s GOP minority caucus would prohibit transgender girls — or girls born as boys — from playing on girls’ sports teams.

The bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Bryant Richardson, R-Seaford, said the Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act is aimed at ensuring a “level playing-field” for female student athletes by requiring student athletes to participate in a sport associated with their biological sex.

“With the rise of male students participating in female sports across the nation, it is important we protect female athletes in Delaware, guaranteeing fairness and equal opportunity for success,” he said in a statement.

Another bill backer, state Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Dover, stressed the physical differences between male and female athletes, something he said he has seen “first hand” as an athletic coach and wrestling referee.

“There are certainly exceptions, but on average, a boy is physically stronger and faster than a girl. We need to do all we can to protect girls and not place female athletes at a competitive disadvantage,” Sen. Buckson said in a statement.

A similar GOP proposal was filed last year in the previous legislative session but failed to advance amid fierce opposition from Democratic legislative leaders.

Supporters of the measure say it would protect female athletes from unfair competition in youth sports and argue that allowing transgender girls to participate in girls’ sports undermines Title IX, landmark federal legislation approved by Congress in 1972 to increase opportunities for women and girls in sports.

They cite a recent Gallup poll showing 69% of respondents believe individuals should only participate on teams and in sports that match their biological sex.

But critics argue the changes would be discriminatory and potentially harmful to transgender athletes and are based on bigotry and misunderstanding about gender identity.

At least 20 states have enacted legislation restricting biological males from participating in women’s sports.

In Congress, Republicans have filed a resolution defining sex under Title IX as “a person’s biological sex at birth” amid calls from female athletic groups.

The changes come as the Biden administration seeks to make changes to the Title IX law to make it illegal for schools to ban transgender students from sports teams that align with their gender identity, not their assigned sex at birth.

also helps the United States confront the Chinese Communist Party, invests in American manufacturing, and secures critical supply chains.”

Both the Senate and House versions would provide a 5.2% pay raise for service members, the largest in two decades, included with hundreds of billions in spending, and scores of policy provisions.

The Senate package would spend $398.9 million on military construction, planning and design for North Carolina military installations.

Fort Liberty, home of the 82nd Airborne and formally known as Fort Bragg, would receive $165 million. The spending includes $85 million for new prototype barracks, $50 million for other barracks, $19.5 million for a new automated record fire range, and $10.5 million for a microgrid and backup power for Camp Mackall, the Army airfield near Fort Liberty.

The bill would also require the Army to develop a plan to improve roadway infrastructure on the base to meet the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s minimum standards.

Camp Lejeune, the Marine Corps base on

the coast near Jacksonville, would receive $110 million, with $70 million to construct a Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility, $20 million to start construction of the 10th Marines Maintenance and Operations Complex, and $20 million for a corrosion repair facility.

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, to the northeast of Camp Lejeune at Havelock, is slated to receive $109.5 million. It includes $40 million to construct a maintenance facility and Marine air group headquarters, $50 million for a new Maintenance Operations Facility for the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, and $19.5 million for an aircraft maintenance hangar.

Another $12 million from the Senate plan would go to the Army Reserve Center in Asheville, while $2.2 million would complete planning and design of the North Carolina National Guard’s Aviation Support Facility in Salisbury.

In addition, the Senate legislation advocates against reductions to special operations force structure that could negatively impact communities around Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune, Sen. Budd said.

Report finds missing audits, financial issues with a few Florida charter schools

By ANDREW POWELL THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — A recent report from the Florida Auditor General shows that there have been some significant issues and worrisome financial trends with charter schools and charter technical career schools in the Sunshine State. The audit, which covered fiscal year 202122, revealed that there were at least 76 issues surrounding charter schools across the state, including missing audit reports that are required by state law to be conducted by a certified public accountant and other missing information that the Auditor General’s Office requested.

Florida charter schools are public schools that operate under a sponsored charter contract with a school district or a state university and are part of the state’s public education program. A nonprofit organization, public entity, or municipality must operate charter schools in Florida. At the end of June 2022, 695 charter schools were operating in Florida, and 688 had filed annual financial audits. Of the 688 charter schools that were included in the review, a total of 76 issues were found in 47 charter schools.

According to the report, one or more of the information needed was missing and 44 issues uncovered by the review were also found in 53% of the 47 charter school audits. Many of the issues were related to financial monitoring and were found in the audits over multiple fiscal years. Financial trends of Florida’s charter schools were analyzed, and the report states that 51 of 688 charter schools had reported a deficit in their fund balances. In fiscal year 2021, 52 out of 676 charter schools had reported deficits.

The report notes that this could indicate the declining or poor financial health of charter schools. Four charter school audits included statements from certified public accountants questioning the ability of the schools to continue to operate.

The Auditor General’s summary of charter schools with deficit fund balances noted that Palm Bay Preparatory Academy 6‐12 had a financial condition ratio of negative 124%.

There were 11 charter schools spread across the state that reported fiscal year deficits for three or more consecutive years. The report noted, however, that seven of these schools with deficit fund balances were in the first year of operation. Enrollment numbers in charter schools are also slowly increasing year to year.

Amazon Web announces $7.8B planned investment in Ohio

By J.D. DAVIDSON THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The city of Columbus and the state of Ohio both plan incentive packages as part of a planned $7.8 billion investment by Amazon Web Services in central Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday.

The expansion of data center operations is expected to create 230 direct jobs and around 1,000 support jobs. The project is the second-largest single private-sector company investment in state history. The new centers are expected to contain computer servers, data storage drives, networking equipment and other items used in cloud computing. Gov. DeWine said the company is considering several locations for its new centers, and final site selections should come later.

“Amazon is already one of the largest private-sector employers in Ohio, and the company’s continued growth here further cements Ohio as the heart of our nation’s technology and innovation,” Gov. DeWine said. “As more of the world relies on cloud computing, this investment will build on Amazon’s current infrastructure in Ohio to help new and existing businesses grow, allow residents to securely connect to friends and family, and provide access to online educational resources and entertainment.”

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and local economic development organizations are working with Amazon Web Services on the expansion. An email to the Ohio Department of Development requesting information about the total incentive package was not returned prior to this publication.

“Today, we are proud to reinforce our long-term commitment to the state of Ohio with plans to expand and invest an estimated $7.8 billion by 2030,” said Roger Wehner, director of economic development with Amazon Web Service. “Since 2015, AWS has invested more than $6 billion in Ohio while supporting thousands of local jobs. This additional investment will bring new, wellpaying jobs and will continue to boost the state’s Gross Domestic Product each year.

We are excited to continue our partnership with the state of Ohio and deliver new workforce development and educational programs that support the next generation of talent by emphasizing collaborative, longterm public and private partnerships across the state.”

Amazon Web Services opened its first data centers in the Midwest in 2016 and has centers in Ohio’s Franklin and Licking counties. AWS’s investments and operations have generated more than $2 billion in economic benefit for Ohio, according to Gov. DeWine. It has supported more than 3,000 local secondary jobs on an average annual basis.

In 2022, the company directly employed nearly 1,000 people across the state.

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