Santa Barbara News-Press: July 19, 2022

Pension problems

‘Love and Thunder’

Unfunded state public pension liabilities may hit $1.3T - A2

Review: Latest ‘Thor’ movie is the best of the bunch - B1

Our 167th Year

75¢

T U E SDAY, J U LY 19, 2 02 2

Airport part of busy agenda Santa Barbara City Council to review airport master plan, new police station, firefighter salaries and more

Barbara Andersen hired to address homelessness City of Santa Barbara’s new employee tasked with day-to-day responsibility of implementing strategies

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

City officials have filled a new position dedicated specifically for addressing homelessness in Santa Barbara.

Barbara Andersen, tapped two months ago to fill the position of senior assistant to the city administrator, told the NewsPress that she is thrilled to have

the job.

“I hit the ground running,” she said Monday. “It has been so invigorating, honestly, to be working on these complex and challenging issues that are right for innovation, opportunity and change.

“It’s been really incredible to be part of the city team.

Please see ANDERSeN on A4

COURTESY PHOTOS

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

The city of Santa Barbara staff is recommending that the city council authorize the Santa Barbara Airport to execute a $919,000-plus contract with Mead and Hunt Inc. for master planning services.

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Updating the Santa Barbara Airport master plan. Moving forward with final design plans for a new, three-story police station and associated parking structure. Boosting firefighter salaries. And installing more than 90 new electric vehicle charging stations at nine city locations.

These and other topics appear on today’s Santa Barbara City Council agenda.

The meeting begins at 2 p.m. in the council chamber at Santa Barbara City Hall, 735 Anacapa St. In their airport master plan update, staff recommends that the

council authorize the airport to execute a $919,000-plus contract with Mead and Hunt Inc. for master planning services. The staff also recommends authorizing the airport director to approve expenditures up to nearly $92,000 for extra services that may result from necessary changes in the scope of work.

The Santa Barbara Airport completed its last Airport Master Plan in 2017, staff said, noting that the Federal Aviation Administration encourages updating airport master plans every five to 10 years to ensure the document is responsive to current and forecasted needs.

The FAA also believes the

updates are needed to account for changes in conditions and operations.

“Since 2017, SBA has experienced healthy growth and a change in commercial aircraft from regional jets to widebody jets,” staff said in their report to the council. “This Master Plan Update will provide updated aviation forecasts and necessary capital improvements for the next 20 years” for the airfield, terminal areas and landside facilities, they said.

After conducting a thorough qualifications-based selection process, staff recommended the council award a contract with the highest rated firm, Mead and Hunt, Inc., to provide the master

plan update.

Plans call for the update to be completed in about 18 months.

The airport master plan update will be discussed about midway in the agenda.

Toward the end of its meeting, council members will consider staff’s recommendation to award a contract for architectural and design services for the police station project, and to adopt a final mitigated negative declaration following a required environmental review of the project.

The council also is being asked to designate the commuter parking lot at 601 Santa Barbara Please see COUNCIL on A4

The Santa Barbara Police Department’s current headquarters are at 215 E Figueroa St. Today the Santa Barbara City Council is scheduled to consider staff’s recommendation to designate the commuter parking lot at 601 Santa Barbara St. as the final location of the new police station.

FOLLOW US ON

6

66833 00050

3

Poll: Biden’s economic approval rating hits new low

By RICHIE MALOUF THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – As Americans continue to face soaring inflation and high gas prices, President Joe Biden’s economic approval rating has hit a new low.

According to a new CNBC All-America Economic Survey, President Biden’s economic approval rating has fallen behind the worst of both Barrack Obama’s and Donald Trump’s.

Since the last survey in April, President Biden’s economic approval rating has fallen five points to just 30%, with only 58% of Democrats supporting his economic record, compared to 25% of independents and a mere 6% of Republicans.

Former President Obama’s lowest economic approval rating during his term was 37%, while former President Trump’s was 41%.

President Biden’s overall approval rating sits at 36%, which CNBC notes is one point lower than Mr. Trump’s worst rating. Currently, 57% of Americans disapprove of Mr. Biden’s presidency.

The poll surveyed 800 Americans with a margin of error of 3.5%.

Another 51% say they don’t think Mr. Biden’s efforts to combat inflationary effects have made any difference. In fact, only 12% report that they believe his actions are helping the economy while 30% report they think his actions are hurting it. Only 22% of the surveyed

COURTESY PHOTO

President Joe Biden

Americans say the economy will improve, while another 52% think it will worsen over the next year.

The survey found further evidence that most Americans remain pessimistic about the economy’s future, with more than 60% of the participants reporting that they expect a recession within 12 months and another 6% saying the economy is already experiencing one.

The polled Americans say that inflation is their top concern and admitted to taking more drastic measures due to high inflation numbers, with 65% saying they have cut back on eating out and going to the movies and concerts.

Another 61% report driving less, and over 40% say they have begun cutting back on groceries.

Over 30% say they use credit cards more often.

LOTTERY

i n s i de Classified.............. B4 Life..................... B1-2 Obituaries............. A4

The city of Santa Barbara has hired Barbara Andersen, at left, to address homelessness in Santa Barbara. She has the day-to-day responsibility for implementing strategies. At right is Assistant city administrator Rene Eyerly.

Sudoku................. B3 Weather................ A4

Saturday’s SUPER LOTTO: 2-14-26-35-43 Mega: 27

Monday’s DAILY 4: 0-9-5-0

Friday’s MEGA MILLIONS: 8-20-26-53-64 Mega: 15

Monday’s FANTASY 5: 2-9-13-29-36

Monday’s DAILY DERBY: 04-08-03 Time: 1:45.20

Monday’s POWERBALL: 14-34-36-50-58 Meganumber: 5

Monday’s DAILY 3: 3-9-1 / Midday 2-6-2

A2

NEWS

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER One-vehicle accident near Santa Maria SANTA MARIA — Firefighters responded early Monday to a onevehicle accident near the summit of Tepusquet Canyon in which the driver sustained a chest injury, officials said.

The driver, estimated to be 50 to 60 years old, drove his Chevy Malibu off the side of the canyon about a half-mile south of the canyon summit, ending up 50 to 100 feet down, said Capt. Scott Safechuck, a Santa Barbara County Fire Department public information officer.

Firefighters used an access road to reach the site of the access, ending up within 50 feet of

TV Santa Barbara seeks footage SANTA BARBARA — TV Santa Barbara is working to collect footage from the community access station’s history.

“As TV Santa Barbara approaches

the vehicle “to allow easy access to the vehicle instead of going over the side,” he said.

Two fire department engines, one from Santa Barbara County and one from the Santa Maria Fire Department, responded, as did a county fire department battalion chief and an ambulance, Capt. Safechuck said. The driver was taken to Marion Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.

its 50th-year anniversary, the station is working to locate some of the great material broadcast over the last several decades,” Laura Treat, TVSB board member and media archivist, said in a news release.

“This project is an important first step toward preserving the station’s history.”

TVSB has started to obtain footage in the

The accident is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

— Neil Hartstein

Santa Maria man dies in crash NIPOMO — A 42-year-old Santa Maria man was killed after he was ejected from his off-road vehicle

form of digital files, DVDs and videotapes from past members and producers.

People with footage are asked to contact the station at info@tvsb.tv or call 805-5711721.

“In addition to preserving the history of the station, we also want to share and rebroadcast many of the community stories

into a parked metal semi dump trailer, the California Highway Patrol said Monday.

Abraham Espindola sustained a major head injury and died following the fatal crash, which occurred about 5:30 p.m. Friday in Nipomo on Hutton Road, south of Cuyama Lane, the CHP said. He was not wearing a helmet.

Mr. Espindola was driving

his red 2010 Polaris quad south on Hutton Road when, for unknown reasons, he veered in a southeasterly direction, ran off the roadway into the dirt shoulder and struck the trailer, the CHP said.

He was taken to Marion Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, where he died from his injuries.

— Neil Hartstein

that have been told from the beginning of community television in Santa Barbara,” said Erik Davis, executive director of TVSB. “We have archived a lot of the contemporary content and are really focused on material broadcast from 1975 to 1999.”

UCSB Women’s Volleyball earns USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award

— Dave Mason

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its yearly USMC/AVCA Team Academic Awards, naming the UCSB women’s volleyball team to its ranks for the eighth consecutive year. A total of 1,213 programs were honored across all levels of the sport UCSB is one of just 38 DI programs to have made the list the last eight years in a row and are the sole Big West team to make the list eight times.

The award honors volleyball programs that maintain a yearlong grade-point average (GPA) of 3.30 on a 4.0 scale, or 4.10 on a 5.0 scale. The Gauchos posted a 3.525 this past Spring Quarter.

DeSantis’ message on education freedom is resonating in battleground states, teacher union poll finds schools largely remained open for in-person instruction over the past two years. They also banned CRT from being taught in public schools and created a new curriculum celebrating American heritage including historic contributions of African Americans, the first of its kind in state history. Gov. DeSantis also signed a bill requiring curriculum transparency, giving more power to parents and students.

Gov. DeSantis is currently leading his main Democratic challenger, Congressman Charlie Crist, a former Republican governor of Florida, in the polls.

At the Florida Democratic Party’s Leadership Blue event also held over the weekend in Tampa, Mr. Crist said, “In the last four years, Governor DeSantis has made Florida more divided than ever. It’s time to put an end to his culture wars and take back our state for the people of Florida.”

Members of one group attending the event, Parents for Crist, said they hoped to elect a “public education governor.” During his remarks, Mr. Crist pledged to increase teacher pay and per student spending to the national average.

However, Gov. DeSantis and the state legislature invested the most funding for public school education in state history, including increasing teacher pay and bonuses and per student funding.

Poll: Americans’ Report: Unfunded state public pension liabilities projected to confidence in media plummets increase to $1.3 trillion for FY22 to record low

By BETHANY BLANKLEY

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

By RICHIE MALOUF THE CENTER SQUARE

- Daniel Moebus-Bowles

© 2022 Ashleigh Brilliant, 117 W. Valerio Santa Barbara CA 93101 (catalog $5). www.ashleighbrilliant.com

WENDY McCAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . Co-Publisher ARTHUR VON WIESENBERGER . . . . . Co-Publisher

YOLANDA APODACA . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Operations DAVE MASON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Managing Editor

HOW TO REACH US . . .

HOW TO GET US . . .

MAIN OFFICE

CIRCULATION ISSUES

715 Anacapa St. Santa Barbara, 93101 . . 805-564-5200

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 1359, Santa Barbara 93102 News Hotline. . . . . . 805-564-5277 Email . . dmason@newspress.com Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . 805-564-5277 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . 805-564-5277 News Fax . . . . . . . . 805-966-6258 Corrections . . . . . . . 805-564-5277 Classified. . . . . . . . . 805-963-4391 Classified Fax . . . . . 805-966-1421 Retail. . . . . . . . . . . . 805-564-5230 Retail Fax . . . . . . . . 805-564-5139 Toll Free. . . . . . . . 1-800-423-8304

Voices/editorial pages . . 805-564-5277

COPYRIGHT ©2022

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS All rights are reserved on material produced by the News-Press, including stories, photos, graphics, maps and advertising. News-Press material is the property of Ampersand Publishing LLC. Reproduction or nonpersonal usage for any purpose without written permission of the News-Press is expressly prohibited. Other material, including news service stories, comics, syndicated features and columns, may be protected by separate copyrights and trademarks.

Their presentation by the News-Press is with permission limited to one-time publication and does not permit other use without written release by the original rights holder.

Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations and The Associated Press Periodicals Postage Paid at Santa Barbara, CA. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Santa Barbara News-Press, P.O. Box 1359, Santa Barbara, CA 93102.

Published daily,

South Coast . . . . . . . . . . 805-966-7171 refunds@newspress.com newsubscriptions@newspress.com vacationholds@newspress.com cancellations@newspress.com Home delivery of the News-Press is available in most of Santa Barbara County. If you do not receive your paper by 6 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, or 7 a.m. on weekends, please call our Circulation Department before 10 a.m.

The Circulation Department is open 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. 7 days a week.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Home delivery in Santa Barbara County: $5.08 per week includes sales tax, daily and Sundays. Weekends and holidays only, $3.85 per week includes sales tax. Single-copy price of 75 cents daily and $2 Sunday includes sales tax at vending racks. Tax may be added to copies puchased elsewhere. “The Santa Barbara News-Press” (USPS 0481-560).

Circulation refunds for balances under $20, inactive newspapers for elementary school classrooms.

VOL. 167

NO.

53

www.newspress.com Newspress.com is a local virtual

community network providing information about Santa Barbara, in addition to the online edition of the News-Press.

NEWSPAPER

ASSOCIATION

PUBLISHERS

(The Center Square) – Americans’ confidence in news media has plummeted to record lows.

According to the latest Gallup poll released Monday, only 16% of surveyed U.S. adults say that they have “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in newspapers, while 11% say the same about television news. These numbers are down five percentage points since last year.

“The latest readings are from a June 1-20 poll that saw declines in confidence ratings for 11 of the 16 institutions measured and no improvements for any,” Gallup said. “Television news and newspapers rank nearly at the bottom of that list of institutions, with only Congress garnering less confidence from the public than TV news.”

Confidence in both newspapers and television news differs on political lines, with Democrats having more confidence than their Republican counterparts.

Only 5% of Republicans and 12% of independents report having “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in newspapers, the lowest ever for both parties, compared to 35% of Democrats.

These reports are below the trend averages for Republicans (24%), independents (28%), and Democrats (38%).

The only time a majority of Americans have ever reported having confidence in newspapers was in 1979, with 51% saying that they had “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence, and have since decreased, with the trend average now sitting at 30%.

As for television news, the difference narrows slightly, with only 8% of Republicans and Independents saying that they have “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence compared to 20% of Democrats, a historic low.

The current views, like those toward newspapers, also sit below the trend averages for Republicans (22%), independents (25%), and Democrats (35%).

Confidence in television news was at its highest in 1993, with 46% of Americans saying they had “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in it.

Since then, confidence has decreased, with the trend average now sitting at 27%.

(The Center Square) – Unfunded state public pension liabilities are expected to increase to $1.3 trillion in fiscal 2022 if investment returns in the stock market are 0% or less, according to a new report published by Reason Foundation’s Pension Integrity Project.

When fiscal 2022 pension financial reports are made public, the unfunded liabilities of 118 state public pension plans are expected to exceed $1 trillion in 2022, the analysis projects. The fiscal year ended June 30.

Early indicators point to investment returns averaging around -6% for fiscal 2022 for many public pension systems as stocks tumbled because of soaring inflation and other factors, according to the analysis.

A -6% return translates to $1.3 trillion in aggregate unfunded liabilities of state-run public pension plans, nearly double what it was in fiscal 2021 of $783 billion. The aggregate funded ratio of the state pension plans would fall to 75% funded in 2022 from 85% funded in 2021.

The 2022 Public Pension Forecaster, available to the public for free, allows users to preview changes in public pension system funding measurements for major state-run pension plans.

Washington state is in the best shape, the analysis found, which is more than fully funded at 107%. Wisconsin is the only other state whose pension plans are fully funded at 100%. New York (99%), Delaware (98%), South Dakota and Nebraska (93% each) are all expected to have nearly fully funded pension plans.

Hawaii is in the worst shape with an expected 58% unfunded, followed by South Carolina (56%), Illinois (52%), New Jersey (49%), and Connecticut (48%) rounding out the top five worst states.

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is expected to create a debt of more than $4,057 for every Californian if CalPERS’ investment returns come in at -6%.

If the returns are -6%, CalPERS’ unfunded liabilities would increase from $101 billion in 2021 to $159 billion in 2022, or an average debt of $4,057 for every Californian. Its funded ratio would also

drop to 73.6% from 82.5% in 2021. This means state employers would have less than three-quarters of the assets they need to pay for pensions already promised to workers.

The largest public pension system in the U.S., the analysis notes, “provides a good example of how much one bad year of investment returns can significantly impact unfunded liabilities, public employees and taxpayers.”

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas is also expected to be in worse shape after having already reported $26 billion in unfunded liabilities in 2021. If it posts annual returns of -6%, its unfunded liabilities will increase to $40 billion.

Overall, Texas’ forecast isn’t looking good, Ryan Frost, policy analyst with the Pension Integrity Project, told The Center Square.

“This year’s poor investment returns will add billions of unfunded liabilities to both the public employees and teachers’ pension systems in Texas,” Mr. Frost said. “The rapid rise of pension debt and the ensuing costs to pay it down are already taking funds away from classrooms, public safety, and other state services.

“Although Texas has adopted public pension reforms to address growing debt in recent years, our projections show a 6% return for 2022 will reverse nearly all the gains made from the two plans’ historic high investment returns in 2021.”

When it comes to the third-most populous state of Florida, he said, if its state retirement system, FRS, reports a -6% return, it could erase most of the gains FRS made in 2021.

“To hedge future downturns, Florida lawmakers should lower FRS’ 6.8% investment return expectation, using a near-term market forecast number instead, so that FRS is more in line with what experts predict the market will return over the next 10-15 years,” he suggested.

The foundation argues that most state and local government pensions need to be reformed. State “pension plans, in aggregate, have struggled to reduce unfunded liabilities to below $1 trillion ever since the Great Recession, seeing this number climb to nearly $1.4 trillion in 2020,” it said.

Florida is ranked third in the U.S. for education outcomes, according to a U.S. News’ most recent Education Rankings.

Florida students also improved across the board last year, according to the latest civics assessment results. And the National Association of Scholars’ Civics Alliance recently launched a new model for curriculum to improve K-12 education partially based on Florida’s model.

CALIFORNIA

roughly 100,000 members.

“We have drawn a very clear line in the sand that says our school system is for educating kids, not indoctrinating kids,” Gov. DeSantis said to a standing ovation. “Parents have a fundamental role in the education of their kids. … the state of Florida has to not just talk the talk with parents’ rights but walk the walk with parents’ rights.”

Gov. DeSantis, who spoke for 50 minutes, pushed back against what he said was a “false narrative” that Florida was banning books in schools.

He said the Florida Department of Education recently reviewed the curriculum that schools were using and found it was teaching “woke math.”

He said, “I’m just thinking to myself … 2 plus 2 equals 4. It’s not 2 plus 2 equals ‘well, how do you feel about that? Is that an injustice?’ No. We gotta’ teach the kids to get the right answer. The Department of Education said these are woke books. Send them back to the publishers.

“The media said, ‘oh my God they’re banning books,’” he said.

“No, you can buy them if you want … but they’re not consistent with state standards” so Florida isn’t using them.

Gov. DeSantis and the Florida legislature not only banned mask and vaccine mandates as a condition of employment and education statewide, but

NEWSROOM

(The Center Square) – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ message of education freedom – including empowering parents, banning “woke” curriculum, and ensuring education transparency – are all policies that are resonating with parents in key battleground states, a recent poll conducted by a Democratic firm reveals.

Hart Research conducted a poll of 1,748 registered voters in seven states on behalf of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the largest teacher’s unions in the U.S. and a vocal critic of Gov. DeSantis.

Roughly 250 voters were surveyed from May 21-30 in each of seven states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The majority, 83%, have children who regularly attend public school.

Of that 83%, 60% are students in pre-K through fifth grades.

The majority polled were also suburban women who consider themselves to be moderate “on most issues related to government and politics.”

The majority said they were likely voting Republican for the governor of their respective state, preferred a Republican-controlled Congress, and slightly more had confidence in Republicans (39%) than Democrats (38%) “to deal with education issues.” In another question, however, 39%

said they have more confidence in Democrats, compared to 37% in Republicans, “to deal with education issues in a way you would agree with.”

The majority expressed support for parents having a say in what their children are taught (51%); 53% said gender issues should be taught at home not at school, and 53% said schools should focus less on the issue of race and racism.

In addition to the poll findings, Hart Research published a memo in which it suggests “effective Democratic education messaging” be used to “blunt GOP attacks and begin to restore the party’s advantage on education.”

The memo suggests that Democrats “make clear that Republicans are politicizing education – pushing a political agenda that diverts public schools from their core mission of educating children,” even though the poll found that 33% of respondents said Democrats and liberals are more responsible for politicizing education than the 28% who said Republicans were.

The report’s findings were recently made public as Gov. DeSantis continues to gain support among many parents, including those at a recent Mom’s For Liberty event held in Tampa over the weekend. The group was founded by mothers of publicschool children in Brevard County who opposed school mask mandates and has since expanded to 200 chapters in 38 states with

ADVERTISING

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

GENERAL EXCELLENCE 2002

3XEOLVKLQJ //&

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

NEWS

A3

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

Lompoc in bloom

A Help Button Should Go Where You Go!

À

19.95 I É Ì

$

1RVKQPCN (CNN $WVVQP

Limited Time Offer!

50% OFF Fall Detection Service*

1-877-920-5712

Comfortable & Lightweight r Waterproof Wearable as a Pendant *$19.95 is the monthly price of subscription to a MobileHelp Classic at home only system. There is a one-time $49.95 processing fee and $15 shipping fee required to subscribe to this plan. Equipment may vary as shown.

System featured in photo above is the MobileHelp DUO available at an additional monthly cost. Call or see terms and conditions for further details. 50% off Fall Detection Promotion valid when Fall Detection Service is added to your monitoring system and MobileHelp Connect Premium service is included with the order.

Offer is valid for the first year of service only. This offer is for new customers only and cannot be combined with any other offers. Promotion available for select plans only and for a limited time.

During the promotional term, you will receive $5 off the $10 full retail price of Fall Detection service.

After first year, Fall Detect pricing reverts to discounted price of $7.50/month when combined with MobileHelp Connect Premium. Fall Button does not detect 100% of falls. If able, users should always push their help button when they need assistance. Fall Button is not intended to replace a caregiver for users dealing with serious health issues. Service availability and access/coverage on the AT&T network is not available everywhere and at all times. Current GPS location may not always be available in every situation. MobileHelp is a registered trademark. Patented technology. MobileHelp is an FDA registered company. MHPN-00939 Rev. 1

2.00

%

APY1

Poll: Americans trust armed citizens more than law enforcement to protect them in mass shooting

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Americans trust armed citizens more than law enforcement to stop mass shooters, according to a new poll.

Convention of States Action, along with the Trafalgar Group, released the poll Monday, which showed that 41.8% of surveyed voters “believe that an armed citizen would be their best protection if they were caught in a mass shooting event.”

Only 25.1% say local police would be their best protection

while 10.3% said federal agents.

About a quarter of those surveyed said “none of the above.”

The poll found that 62.2% of those surveyed “are not confident their local law enforcement and government officials could identify and and stop a violent person before they started a mass shooting.”

The survey comes on the heels of the tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where law enforcement has been heavily criticized for taking more than an hour to confront the shooter inside an elementary school.

“Americans watched in horror

as an active shooter was permitted to rampage through a school while the police stood outside and did absolutely nothing,” said Mark Meckler, president of Convention of States Action. “Over and over again, citizens are given the clear message that – when it comes to protecting loved ones – you’re on your own. At the same time, we’re told guns are the problem and we should give up our right to selfdefense.”

The survey queried more than 1,000 likely 2022 voter July 7-10.

Meanwhile, a shooting at an Indiana shopping mall over the weekend left at least three dead

Boeing worker wins settlement with union; unlawfully collected dues to be returned

By LAWRENCE WILSON THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Don Zueger, a technician at Boeing’s Auburn, Washington, plant, has won a settlement against the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers requiring them to repay excessive fees collected from him as a nonmember.

Washington is not a right-to-work state, so contracts negotiated between private-sector employers and unions can require workers to pay a fee to cover the cost of collective bargaining.

However, under the 1988 CWA v. Beck U.S. Supreme Court decision, unions cannot demand full dues from non-union members when a portion of those funds are used for other than collective bargaining activities, such as backing political candidates.

Mr. Zueger filed a federal lawsuit on May 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, alleging that the union had collected fees from him for unwanted union activities.

“The Union is violating the duty of fair representation by requiring Zueger to fund a portion of its non-chargeable political, ideological, and nonrepresentational activities at the District and Local

Lodge level,” the lawsuit stated.

Rather than contest the case, the union entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Zueger, agreeing to return the difference between the legally allowable fee and the amount actually imposed on him.

The settlement forbids future collection of any fees in excess of the legally allowed fee for collective bargaining representation, known as the Beck fee.

“Mr. Zueger’s quick victory in this case likely indicates IAM union bosses had no confidence that their ‘averaging’ dues scheme would survive any serious judicial inspection,” said National Right to Work Foundation President Mark Mix in a statement.

He added, “This scheme to artificially manipulate forced fees calculations is part of the IAM’s nationwide policy, so almost certainly other workers in Seattle and across the country are also being subjected to the same illegal calculations.”

Twenty-eight states have enacted “right-to-work” legislation, which guarantees no individual can be forced as a condition of employment to join or pay dues or fees to a labor union.

The Center Square requested but did not immediately receive a comment on the settlement from the IAM union.

Clean energy power line from Arizona to California approved for construction

By MADISON HIRNEISEN THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Interior has approved the construction of a 125-mile transmission line project spanning from Arizona to Southern California that officials say will increase renewable energy delivery.

The Ten West Link Transmission Line Project, which has been under consideration since 2016, will result in a 500kilovolt line that will connect existing substations near Tonopah, Ariz., and Blythe, Calif., the federal agency said in a news release.

The Biden administration said Thursday that the project will provide “critical transmission infrastructure to support the development of future utilityscale solar energy resources”

and increase power system reliability for millions in Arizona and Southern California. The administration also called the project a “significant milestone” in efforts to lower energy costs for consumers and reach a goal of permitting 25 gigawatts of solar, wind and geothermal energy production on public lands by 2025.

“Approving this new transmission line on our public lands will accelerate our nation’s transition to a clean energy economy by unlocking renewable resources, creating jobs, lowering costs, and boosting local economies,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement. “Through robust engagement with states, cities and Tribes, the Interior Department is committed to diversifying the nation’s renewable energy portfolio while

11-MONTH CD

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

The Lompoc Flower Fields display their colors on Wednesday.

at the same time combating climate change and investing in communities.”

The majority of the project’s route will span federal lands in Arizona and will carry 3,200 megawatts of electricity to power roughly 960,000 homes, E&E News reported. The route is located mostly along “existing utility corridors or parallel to existing infrastructure,” according to the DOI. The Bureau of Land Management is currently processing 64 onshore clean energy projects proposed on public lands across the United States, including solar, wind, geothermal and gen-tie projects, according to the DOI. The BLM estimates these projects have the “potential to add over 41,000 megawatts of renewable energy to the western electric grid.”

and 2 wounded but was cut short when what authorities called an armed “good samaritan” killed the gunman. Other instances like these have also ended mass shootings around the country.

“We do know that someone we are calling the “Good Samaritan” was able to shoot the assailant and stop further bloodshed,” Greenwood Mayor Mark Meyers said. “This person saved lives tonight. On behalf of the city of Greenwood, I am grateful for his quick action and heroism in this situation.”

For a limited time, earn a guaranteed interest rate ZLWK D &' FHUWLİFDWH RI GHSRVLW $ PLQLPXP EDODQFH LV UHTXLUHG 7R JHW VWDUWHG FRQWDFW WKH 3UHIHUUHG %DQNLQJ 2ĮFH QHDUHVW \RX or scan the QR code to learn more.

İUVWUHSXEOLF FRP &'

Santa Barbara 6WDWH 6WUHHW

ŗ 2IIHU LV VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH ZLWKRXW QRWLFH DQG DSSOLHV IRU RQH WHUP RQO\ $QQXDO SHUFHQWDJH \LHOG $3< LV HIIHFWLYH DV RI SXEOLFDWLRQ GDWH 3HQDOW\ ZLOO EH LPSRVHG IRU HDUO\ ZLWKGUDZDO PLQLPXP EDODQFH UHTXLUHG 0HPEHU )',& DQG (TXDO +RXVLQJ /HQGHU

Dynamic Green Carpet and Floor Cleaning is the #1 choice in Santa Barbara and Ventura!

We take great pride in our work. The owner is on site at every job to ensure your carpeting and floors are nothing less than immaculate.

We are committed to quality work & excellent customer service.

Never settle for less!

FREE ESTIMATES CALL (805) 717-1678 DynamicGreenCarpetandFloorCleaning.com

(805) 717-1678

20

and Stone % TileCleaning OFF

Locally owned and operated Licensed, Bonded and Insured

($90 minimum charge) Expires 8/2/22

(805) 717-1678

REAL ESTATE LOANS Private Money Lenders

$100,000 to $25,000,000 4 Retail 4 Motels 4 Cannabis Credit Problem?

4 Industrial No Problem!

4 Factories 5 + '* *!' ( Statements 4 Non-Profits 5 + 2 #/0-*.

4 Apartments 5 + .

4 Warehouses 4 Strip Centers 4 Office Buildings 4 Churches / Temples 4 Automotive Centers 4 Mixed-Use / Single Use 4 Non-Conforming Properties 4 Residential / Commericial Properties

George Merino

Santa Barbara & Ventura County Sales Manager

(805) 455-4088 gmerino@fidelity.com Lic# 01450820

Since 1971

315 Meigs Road, Suite #A517 Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Lending in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah & WashingtonNon-consumer, Business Purpose Loans secured by commercial or residential property. -We pay referral fees | California Bureau of Real Estate License Number 00388229

A4

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

Andersen to serve as ‘point person’ on homeless services ANDERSeN

Continued from Page A1

Homeless encampments are among the problems facing the city of Santa Barbara.

RAFAEL MALDONADO / NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO

Council to discuss ordinance granting pay raises for firefighters COUNCIL

Continued from Page A1 St. as the final location for the new police station.

If passed, the resolution will authorize the Public Works director to execute a contract with Cearnal Collective, LLP, to pay the firm more than $4.5 million for design services, and approve expenditures for up to $368,000plus for extra services that may result from necessary changes in the scope of work.

A draft-mitigated negative declaration was prepared analyzing the potential environment effects of the proposed police station project, staff said. “Mitigation measures to reduce potentially significant impacts to less than significant levels were identified.”

The draft declaration was available for review during the required 30-day public comment period and Planning Board public hearing. No one from the public wished to speak during the hearing, and two written comments were received. One additional letter from the public was received during the 30-day public comment period, as well as one letter from the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District.

The final mitigated negative declaration before the council concludes that “no significant environmental impacts would result from the project,” staff said, adding that with its adoption by the council, “the project is ready to advance into the final phase of architectural and design services.”

The project consists of the demolition of the existing commuter lot and the construction of a new three-story, approximately 53-foottall, approximately 64,000-square-foot police station building, and associated 37.5-foot-tall, approximately 84,000-square-foot parking

structure to accommodate 236 parking spaces — 128 spaces for Police Department fleet vehicles and 108 spaces for employee vehicles.

Each structure will have a subterranean level, and emergency service antennas will be installed on the roof of the parking structure.

Eight additional vehicle surface parking spaces and four bicycle parking spaces will be provided for visitors.

Grading includes the removal and export of 22,000 cubic yards of material. A total of 23 Tipuana Tipu trees and 12 Oak trees will be removed, while nine Tipuana Tipu trees will be protected.

The existing Metropolitan Transit District bus stop shelter on Cota Street will be relocated further down Cota Street. The existing plaques commemorating the old Lincoln School will also be relocated and incorporated into the project.

Early on in their meeting, council members will discuss a proposed ordinance ratifying a tentative three-year pact negotiated between the city and the Santa Barbara City Firefighters’ Association calling for across-theboard salary increases of 1.5% effective July 30 of this year and 3% as of July 30, 2023.

To stay competitive with comparable agencies, city negotiators also have agreed to limited certification pay and longevity pay, staff said. “These professional certifications are earned through various courses and/ or training and bring important elements of training that can benefit the City of Santa Barbara residents and the Central Coast.”

These new certifications include an increase to Emergency Medical TechnicianDefibrillation pay, and the addition of Urban Search and Rescue and Water Rescue professional certification pay.

HAGUE, Mary Esther Wednesday, July 6, 2022

A member of Native Daughters of the Golden West, who was born in Santa Barbara, where she lived for most of her life, Mary Esther Hague passed away peacefully, with her family at her side, following a terminal illness. She was 81.

One of six children born to Crecencio “Leo” Ortiz and Elodia Castillo Ortiz, she came into the world on May 31, 1941. She attended the local schools: Wilson elementary, La Cumbre Junior High and Santa Barbara High, graduating from the latter. It was during her senior year in high school that she attended a wedding where she met the man she would marry. She and Clifford “Chopo” Hague exchanged vows on New Year’s Day, 1960, in Las Vegas. “Marriage is a gamble,” Mary would thereafter joke. Daughter Monica Hague was born in 1962, followed by son Clifford “Brother” Hague II in 1964.

Mary worked as a nurse’s aide at Oak Park Convalescent Hospital – continuing a family caregiving tradition; for many years her mother owned a care home in Santa Barbara.

A Flamenco enthusiast, Mary used to dance while playing the castanets. She enjoyed the city’s annual Fiesta, and once made her daughter a special sequin-covered Fiesta dress. As a music devotee her tastes were eclectic: she loved the Temptations, Engelbert Humperdinck, Vincente Fernández, Abba and the Village People. Mary also loved to draw, sketching fashion models.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Elodia Ortiz, husband Clifford Hague, brothers William Ortiz and Daniel Ortiz, and sister Rita Ortiz-Tidwell. Along with her children – Monica and her partner Howard Miller, and Clifford and his partner Marge Younce – survivors are sister Lillia Carley and her husband Jesse Carley, brother Martin Ortiz, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend thanks to the staff of the Channel Island Post Acute facility –LVNs: Veronica Martinez, Dan Sumner, Brandy Beplar, Anibal Figeroa, Sam Maraniou, June Gabrinez, Loren Magante, and CNA’s: Flor Terrazas, Maria Ochoa, Irma Aparico, Maria Aparicio.

Also, sincere thanks to the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, as well as to Dr. Maira Campos, Dr. W. Charles Conway II, Dr. Deborah S. Meyers and Dr. Jeffrey Bourne, as well as Lisa Northrup of Santa Barbara County.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Goleta Cemetery, 44 South San Antonio Rd., Santa Barbara. Arrangements entrusted to McDermottCrockett Mortuary.

City negotiators also agreed to an increase of holiday hours for Juneteenth and Veteran’s Day. In addition, negotiators between the city and the association’s bargaining unit agreed to provide all fire department employees with a voluntary medical examination on an annual basis, staff said. This program is intended to ensure that fire department personnel have appropriate levels of health and/or fitness to perform the essential functions of their positions. The program was previously limited based on funding availability.

The cost of the agreement in Fiscal Year 2023 is estimated to be $592,951 to the General Fund and $80,857 to the enterprise funds, for a total of $673,808 citywide. The financial impact of the memo of understanding reached by city and association firefighters was more than what was assumed in the city administrator’s FY2023 recommended budget and projected in FY2024 and beyond, staff noted.

The FY2023 recommended budget calls for the use of $1.3 million of General Fund reserves, along with $1 million of expenditure reduction targets, in order to balance the budget. The impact of the memo of understanding will result in the need to use additional reserves, staff said. Staff also will incorporate the financial impacts into the budget development process for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025 financial plan.

Also early in their meeting, council members will discuss passing an ordinance authorizing an agreement with Carbon Solutions Group EV, LLC for another 92 electric vehicle charging stations on top of the 66 already in operation, with the potential of adding more up to a total of 258 charging stations. email: nhartstein@newspress.com

AGUIRRE, Castula

Castula Aguirre was born November 10,1929 and passed away July 13, 2022.

She was the wife of Gonzalo Aguirre, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and a devoted friend to many.

She passed away peacefully on July 13, 2022 surrounded by her loved ones.

Rosary will be on July 20th at Welch-Ryce-Haider at 7pm located on Sola Street in Santa Barbara.

Mass will be on July 21st at 10am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

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 or fax text only (no photos) to (805) 966-1421. 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 715 Anacapa Street.

The deadline for Tuesday through Friday’s editions is 10 a.m. on the previous day; Saturday, Sunday and Monday’s editions all deadline at 12-noon on Thursday (Pacific Time).

Free Death Notices must be directly emailed by the mortuary to our newsroom at news@newspress.com. The News-Press cannot accept Death Notices from individuals.

Everybody is working together and is supportive, and has a ‘get-itdone’ attitude.”

Ms. Andersen, who is also tasked with working on the issue of police oversight and transparency, was hired because of her professional experience and analytical skill, Rene Eyerly, assistant city administrator, told the News-Press Monday.

“Barbara does have experience in both of those areas so it was a good match for our needs,” she said.

After an extensive background of working with law enforcement and addressing police oversight and transparency issues, Ms. Andersen crossed over to addressing the issue of homelessness. She worked as director of facilitation for Santa Barbara ACT, a local nonprofit that works on homelessness and housing issues citywide and in South County.

“It certainly is timely,” Mayor Randy Rowse told the NewsPress. “We do need a point person when it comes to dealing with different homeless service organizations.”

Ms. Andersen has the day-to-day responsibility of implementing strategies affecting the homeless across all city departments, and to better engage and coordinate with Santa Barbara County because the county has more state and federal resources to draw upon.

“My job is to make sure they really hear our needs, which are

different from the county day to day,” she said. “It’s up to us to share with them where we need prioritization” when it comes to providing shelter, housing and help for those with substance abuse and mental health problems.

According to Ms. Eyerly, the goal is to make such “wraparound” services available to those who are unhoused “and ultimately get them into housing and off the streets.” The city, she said, helps them get those services by making sure they have a driver’s license and access to Social Security cards to have access to assistance.

“The county and nonprofits really provide those services, and we need to be in communication with them so they understand the city’s perspective on this, that we want to help our unhoused population and the whole community,” Ms. Eyerly said.

Having the homeless line State Street, for example, “is a community strain for everyone: the homeless, businesses and pedestrians,” she said. “The goal is to reduce that impact in a supportive way.”

That’s why Ms. Andersen was chosen, Mayor Rowse said.

“Barbara has a lot of experience dealing with the county,” he said.

“She’s very intimate with all the players and all departments, and has a lot of talent and experience in that realm. I’m pleased she’s conversant in all those subjects.

She’s very astute and a very good communicator.” email: nhartstein@newspress.com

LOCAL FIVE-DAY FORECAST TODAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Some low clouds, Mostly sunny and Mostly sunny and Mostly sunny and then sun pleasant nice pleasant INLAND

INLAND

INLAND

Pleasant with sunshine

INLAND

INLAND

99 55

96 52

100 52

96 51

96 52

73 59

73 60

73 59

71 58

70 57

COASTAL

COASTAL

Pismo Beach 71/52

COASTAL

COASTAL

COASTAL

Shown is today's weather. Temperatures are today's highs and tonight's lows.

Maricopa 104/77

Guadalupe 70/54

Santa Maria 75/54

Vandenberg 71/55

New Cuyama 107/66 Ventucopa 98/69

Los Alamos 85/58

Lompoc 70/53 Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022

Buellton 84/53

Solvang 94/57

Gaviota 77/57

SANTA BARBARA 73/59 Goleta 75/59

Carpinteria 73/60 Ventura 70/60

AIR QUALITY KEY Good Moderate

Source: airnow.gov Unhealthy for SG Very Unhealthy Unhealthy Not Available

ALMANAC

Santa Barbara through 6 p.m. yesterday

TEMPERATURE High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

75/60 74/59 84 in 2007 45 in 1944

PRECIPITATION 24 hours through 6 p.m. yest.

Month to date (normal) Season to date (normal)

0.00” 0.00” (0.01”) 10.53” (17.18”)

City Cuyama Goleta Lompoc Pismo Beach Santa Maria Santa Ynez Vandenberg Ventura

STATE CITIES Bakersfield Barstow Big Bear Bishop Catalina Concord Escondido Eureka Fresno Los Angeles Mammoth Lakes Modesto Monterey Napa Oakland Ojai Oxnard Palm Springs Pasadena Paso Robles Sacramento San Diego San Francisco San Jose San Luis Obispo Santa Monica Tahoe Valley

105/77/s 108/82/s 81/50/pc 100/63/s 81/69/s 92/56/s 88/64/s 62/52/pc 106/76/s 87/65/s 79/49/s 100/67/s 67/54/pc 85/54/s 69/54/pc 90/61/pc 72/60/pc 114/87/s 92/67/s 101/58/s 98/61/s 76/65/pc 68/54/pc 82/59/s 81/53/s 74/63/pc 84/49/s

Wed. Hi/Lo/W 106/65/s 75/60/s 69/55/s 69/54/s 73/55/s 96/52/s 70/54/s 69/60/pc

86/74/t 91/75/pc 92/76/s 110/84/s 97/63/c 101/81/s 91/79/s 94/71/t 91/77/s 92/76/s 111/90/c 89/62/s 95/79/s 96/73/s 80/58/s 90/76/s

POINT ARENA TO POINT PINOS

Wind west 6-12 knots today. Wind waves 1-3 feet with a south-southwest swell 3-5 feet at 17-second intervals. Visibility clear.

POINT CONCEPTION TO MEXICO

Wind west 6-12 knots today. Wind waves 1-3 feet with a south-southwest swell 3-5 feet at 17-second intervals. Visibility clear.

SANTA BARBARA HARBOR TIDES Date Time High Time July 19 July 20 July 21

2:20 a.m.

3:46 p.m.

3:43 a.m.

4:37 p.m.

5:29 a.m.

5:27 p.m.

4.3’ 4.9’ 3.5’ 5.1’ 3.1’ 5.2’

LAKE LEVELS

Low

8:53 a.m.

10:20 p.m.

9:39 a.m.

11:50 p.m.

10:30 a.m. none

0.7’ 1.9’ 1.4’ 1.5’ 2.0’

AT BRADBURY DAM, LAKE CACHUMA 104/75/s 109/82/s 81/51/s 102/64/s 79/65/pc 91/57/s 89/62/pc 63/54/pc 105/74/s 86/63/pc 83/49/s 98/66/s 67/55/pc 87/55/s 69/55/pc 86/65/s 70/60/pc 114/86/pc 89/68/pc 102/58/s 98/59/s 75/65/pc 69/55/pc 81/57/s 79/53/s 72/63/pc 85/45/s

NATIONAL CITIES Atlanta Boston Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Miami Minneapolis New York City Philadelphia Phoenix Portland, Ore. St. Louis Salt Lake City Seattle Washington, D.C.

Wind west 4-8 knots today. Wind waves 1-3 feet with a south-southwest swell 1-3 feet at 17-second intervals. Visibility clear.

TIDES

LOCAL TEMPS Today Hi/Lo/W 107/66/s 75/59/pc 71/54/s 71/52/s 75/54/s 99/55/pc 71/55/s 70/60/pc

MARINE FORECAST

SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL

92/75/pc 93/76/pc 88/70/s 106/80/s 94/66/c 102/80/s 91/79/s 89/69/pc 94/79/s 95/78/s 109/88/pc 88/60/s 98/75/s 98/75/s 82/58/s 94/78/s

At Lake Cachuma’s maximum level at the point at which water starts spilling over the dam holds 188,030 acre-feet. An acre-foot is 325,851 gallons, equivalent to the amount of water consumed annually by 10 people in an urban environment.

Storage 80,882 acre-ft.

Elevation 705.28 ft.

Evaporation (past 24 hours) 39.1 acre-ft.

Inflow 6.7 acre-ft.

State inflow 22.2 acre-ft.

Storage change from yest.

-85 acre-ft.

Report from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

Last

New

Jul 20

Jul 28

Today 6:01 a.m.

8:10 p.m. none 12:31 p.m.

WORLD CITIES

First

Aug 5

Wed. 6:01 a.m.

8:10 p.m.

12:20 a.m.

1:32 p.m.

Full

Aug 11

Today Wed. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Beijing 94/76/pc 91/70/s Berlin 92/69/s 98/71/s Cairo 99/77/s 98/74/s Cancun 91/76/pc 91/76/sh London 101/65/s 82/61/pc Mexico City 79/58/pc 79/59/sh Montreal 85/69/t 89/74/t New Delhi 96/82/t 90/79/t Paris 104/68/pc 78/63/t Rio de Janeiro 78/70/pc 76/68/pc Rome 90/69/s 89/70/s Sydney 57/48/sh 61/52/sh Tokyo 85/79/t 90/78/pc W-weather, s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

PAGE

Life

B1

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

T U E S DAY, J U LY 1 9, 2 0 2 2

MARVEL STUDIOS

Mighty Thor/Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) battle a villain together in “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

REVIEW

‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ best one in the franchise Movie allows Thor to mature but keeps his comedy, introduces new hero Mighty Thor

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Odin would be proud.

The Asgardian king’s son, Thor, has demonstrated his heroism in a movie that is the best blend yet of drama and comedy in the “Thor” franchise. In fact, in all aspects, it’s the best “Thor” movie yet.

“Thor: Love and Thunder” strikes the right balance between its key elements: adventure, romance, courage and a love of family. The story even empowers children,

and among those characters are ones played by the children of the movie’s cast and crew.

Ultimately, this movie about gods turns out to be a movie about humanity. All good sci-fi, which includes comic book movies, is about what it means to be human. And “Thor: Love and Thunder” answers that question in brilliant ways.

The movie explores humanity, in particular, by its storyline involving Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), Thor’s former girlfriend on Earth. She’s dealing

with cancer and sees a possible cure in using Thor’s hammer, which leads her to become Mighty Thor.

Jane and the original Thor (Chris Hemsworth) reunite, and the movie explores why their relationship ended and whether they can get back together. Jane’s friend, fellow scientist Darcy (Kat Denning), is also part of the story.

The villain in this movie is Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), and Thor recruits Mighty Thor/Jane, King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Korg (the film director’s,

Taika Waititi) to take him on. Along the way, Thor tries to enlist the aid of Zeus himself (played with great humor by Russell Crowe.)

Fans are loving “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which remains at the top of the box office, because it has great heroic moments, tender scenes and an honest look at the characters’ strengths and vulnerability.

Much of the credit for the movie’s success belongs to, of course, Mr. Hemsworth, Ms. Portman and the director, Mr. Waititi.

Because of their work, the comedic and

dramatic sides of Thor blend together more seamlessly than in past “Thor” and “Avenger” movies. And Mr. Hemsworth’s Thor has matured without losing the comedic side fans love.

In this film, Ms. Portman, who has had a home in Montecito, has helped the talented Mr. Hemsworth by embracing a hero equal to his.

In fact, Thor becomes a better hero in this film because of the woman he loves. email: dmason@newspress.com

REVIEW

Music Academy of the West excels with ‘Eugene Onegin’

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

COURTESY MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST

Tatiana (Johanna Will) sings of her love for a man in “Eugene Onegin,” a Tchaikovsky opera performed last weekend by the Montecito-based Music Academy of the West and its Lehrer Vocal Institute.

The Music Academy of the West earned well-deserved standing ovations Saturday and Sunday in Santa Barbara for its performances of Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin.”

Everything came together brilliantly at The Granada in an opera that can please both longtime opera enthusiasts and those watching their first opera.

The story blends humor and drama and makes you root for a young woman who has fallen in love with a man who might not return that love.

Tchaikovsky based his libretto on the novel by Alexander Pushkin.

The easy-to-follow story, the simple but effective sets, the colorful costumes, and the brilliant singing and dancing transported the audience to another time, another place.

There the audience found timeless characters with emotions that ring as true today as they did in Tchaikvosky’s time.

FYI For more about the Music Academy of the West, go to musicacademy.org.

Johanna Will was outstanding as Tatiana, singing brilliantly and embracing her character with sensitivity and passion. Samuel Kidd did a great job playing Eugene Oneg in, the man Tatiana has fallen in love with. (The opera’s big question is whether Eugene feels the same way.)

Along the way, there were other story elements, including the glamor of high society and a party that set the stage for a duel.

Adding to the drama last weekend was the music by the Academy Festival Orchestra, which complemented the great performances by the actors/ vocalists. The talented cast included Luke Norvell as Lensky, Joanne Evans as Olga, Eric Delagrange as Gremin, Sarah Margaret Dyer as Madame Larina, Maximilian Jansen as Triquet, Quinn MIddleman as Filipjevna, Alex

Matthews as Zanetsy, Yue Wu as the Captain and Jonathan Elmore as Guillot.

The chorus, which provided the crowds for the scenes, also excelled in giving this opera much richness.

The entire opera, produced by the academy’s Lehrer Vocal Institute, came together effectively thanks to Daniela Candillari, principal opera conductor and the Michelle and Phil Joanou-endowed opera conductor. Peter Kazaras excelled as stage director. The opera also benefited from the work of choreographer Nicola Bowie, costume designer Molly Irelan, scenic designer Tanya Orellana, assistant conductor and chorus master William Long, lighting designer Pablo Santiago and assistant director Sawyer Ann Craig.

The entire team created a great setting for an effective love story and helped to guide natural evolution of intriguing characters. email: dmason@newspress.com

B2

NEWS

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

20% OFF

W e o ff e r

MANY

d if fe re n t s ty le s !

6SHFLDOW\

INSTALL JOBS ONLY Expires 8/2/22 $ZQLQJ

+RUL]RQWDO 6OLGHUV

Residential & Commercial Book Online for Appt or Call

805-770-7879

6LQJOH +XQJ

'RXEOH +XQJ

&DVHPHQW

WE PROVIDE | I Contractor S Dual P Energy Effi Noise Reduction

FREE

ESTIMATES

TURN KEY SERVICE

SENIOR DISCOUNT

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

10 ways to ruin a relationship

S

ometimes when we are upset with the one we love, we behave in negative ways to show our displeasure. If you are engaging in any of the activities listed below, your relationship is in trouble, and you both need to take action and make a course correction.

Beware of the following behaviors: 1. Punishing your partner daily. This means never letting your partner forget that he or she was totally out of line for doing whatever tweaked you.

You are the self-appointed judge, jury, and executioner. This can create damage that cannot be undone.

2. Being verbally abusive. Namecalling, yelling, blaming, shaming and foul language are all abusive actions. Belittling your partner in public is another good way to make things worse and push someone out of your life.

3. Avoiding your partner. This might include sleeping in a separate room, hanging out with your friends instead of your mate, and working too much. After a while, your partner will get the message that you don’t want to be with him or her.

4. Withholding affection, even during sex. Staying cold and cut off is a great way to make the other person feel confused and rejected and wonder why he or she is with you.

5. Never complimenting your partner or saying “I love you.” Without emotional validation, first we question our mate, then we start to question ourselves.

Then our self-esteem erodes away until we believe that we are not good enough, and we become an emotional punching bag.

6. Becoming an addict or alcoholic. When you use substances, you are never on the same emotional or mental level as your partner, which makes it almost impossible to connect.

Your actions will become more and more selfish, and your lover will become a hostage instead of a mate.

7. Being dishonest. Lying, cheating and stealing — then blaming your partner for your behavior. Making him or her wrong, no matter what and never admitting you are wrong or saying you are sorry. When there’s no trust, nothing can grow.

8. Keeping your partner separate from the rest of your life.

Not introducing him or her to your co-workers or friends and keeping family visits to a minimum. Being cold and aloof at gatherings.

This always sends a message of disconnection.

9. Being emotionally unavailable. If your other half is having a bad day, and you are uncaring — or you blow it off and tell him or her to “get over it” — that kind of insensitivity will send an “I’m done” message.

10. Being disagreeable when you disagree. This includes arguing with contempt, interrupting often or not letting your partner share his or her feelings. By continually hijacking the conversation, you can derail almost any relationship.

How you behave is your choice.

Just know that negative actions will put your relationship on shaky ground. Drop the reactions and meanness, and if you want to save your connection, start being nice.

It really doesn’t take that much effort.

Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., is an award-winning psychotherapist and humanitarian. He is also a columnist, the author of eight books and a blogger for PsychologyToday. com with more than 28 million readers. He is available for video consults worldwide. Reach him at barton@bartongoldsmith.com.

His column appears Sundays and Tuesdays in the News-Press.

‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ remains in its box office throne

Rigo’s Windows & Patio Doors EXPERTS IN REPLACEMENT

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

7127 Hollister Ave, Ste 8, Goleta, CA 93117 | RigosWindows.com | RigosWindows@gmail.com Licensed, Insured & Bonded | LIC # 765135

Thor is still worthy!

The superhero (Chris Hemsworth) and the equally worthy new hero Mighty Thor (Natalie Portman) proved lightning can strike twice in the same place. For the second weekend in a row, “Thor: Love and Thunder” topped the box office, grossing $46 million.

But Minions are also worthy.

“Minions: The Rise of Gru” stayed in second place with $26 million, which could buy something Minions love: a lot of bananas.

Opening in third place was the movie based on a bestseller, “Where the Crawdads Sing.” It grossed $17 million.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is still flying high. It placed fourth last weekend with $12 million.

In fifth place was “Elvis” with $7.6 million.

The animated feature “Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank,” about an underdog trying to become a samurai to protect some cats, opened in sixth place with $6.25 million. By the way, the voice talent includes Samuel L. Jackson, Mel Brooks, Michael Cera, Ricky Gervais and Mr. Sulu himself from “Star Trek,” George Takei.

The horror movie “The Black Phone” placed seventh with $5.31 million.

Don’t tell the T-rex, but “Jurassic World: Dominion” fell to eighth place from the previous weekend’s fifth place with $4.95 million.

Opening in ninth place was “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” with $1.9 million.

And “Lightyear” landed in 10th place with $1.3 million. email: dmason@newspress.com

(805) 683-3549

Office of Arts and Culture begins 2022 grant season

queenofcleansantabarbara@gmail.com

Refresh For Summer! $35 OFF EACH OF OUR SERVICES! With a minimum service cost of $195

House Cleaning • Estates • Staged Homes • Vacation Rentals Move In/Out • Office Cleaning • Window Cleaning Carpet Cleaning • Hauling Services We are Local, Insured and Bonded. All employees are vaccinated!

New customers get the offer discount on each of our services. Limit one per customer.

Appointments or reservations may be required and are subject to availability. Present this offer before purchase.

Cannot be combined with any other offer. No cash value or other redemption value.

Other restrictions may apply, call for details.

Offer expires 8/2/22

Queen of Clean Service (805) 683-3549 queenofcleansantabarbara@gmail.com

MARVEL STUDIOS

“Thor: Love and Thunder” remained at the top of the box office.

The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture has launched the 2022 grant season.

Applications are now being accepted for four grant programs funded by the city of Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County.

According to a news release, the program is designed to support artists and arts and culture organizations, eliminate barriers to cultural activities, and contribute to cultural vitality.

Funding is restricted to activities taking place between Jan. 1, 2023 and Dec. 31, 2023.

For information, guidelines and applications, go to www.sbac. ca.gov/governmentgrants.

Santa Barbara County, through a partnership with the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, provides funding support for the Arts Making Impact grant

Awarded for Best House Cleaning Service

Every month in the Santa Barbara News-Press and online at newspress.com

HAVE YOUR SAY

program. The program is intended to support artists and arts and culture organizations. The total funding available is $50,000, and the maximum grant award amount is $5,000. Deadline for grant submissions is Aug. 1.

The city of Santa Barbara provides funding for three cultural arts grant programs.

Community Arts grants support short-term, community-based projects. The total funding available is $43,771, and the maximum award amount is $6,000.

Community Events & Festivals grants support events and festivals, which contribute to the cultural vitality and promotion of the city of Santa Barbara. The total funding available is $95,755, with a maximum award amount of $15,000.

Organizational Development

VOICES

grants support community engagement and institutional stability for Santa Barbarabased arts nonprofits. The total funding available is $135,826, with a maximum award amount of $18,000. The deadline for City Cultural Arts grant submissions is Sept. 1.

First-time applicants are required to attend an online grant workshop to be eligible for consideration. The next workshop is noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 16.

Workshops will include an overview of grant requirements as well as technical support for the online submission process.

The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture administers the cultural arts grant programs — Dave Mason

EVERY SUNDAY voices@newspress.com

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

B3

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

Diversions HOROSCOPE s PUZZLES

SUDOKU

Thought for Today

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

7XHVGD\ -XO\

´0\ SDUWQHU PXVW EH DULWKPHWLFDOO\ FKDOOHQJHG µ D FOXE SOD\HU VDLG WR PH GLVSOD\LQJ WRGD\·V GHDO ´+H VHHPV WR WKLQN WKDW SOXV IRXU HTXDOV µ 0\ IULHQG VDLG KH KDG SOD\HG DW IRXU VSDGHV DQG ZDV VXQN E\ WKH WUXPS EUHDN ´, GXFNHG WKH ILUVW KHDUW µ KH WROG PH ´ZRQ WKH VHFRQG DQG FDVKHG WKH $ . RI WUXPSV :KHQ :HVW GLVFDUGHG , KDG IRXU ORVHUV WZR WUXPSV DQG D VHFRQG KHDUW 0\ SDUWQHU VDLG , KDG ZLQQHUV EXW WKHUH DUH RQO\ WULFNV +H FDQ·W DGG EXW DUJXLQJ ZLWK KLP LV OLNH WU\LQJ WR EORZ RXW D OLJKW EXOE µ &2035(66 &RXOG \RX FRPSUHVV IRXU ORVHUV DQG ZLQQHUV LQWR RQO\ WULFNV" $IWHU 6RXWK WDNHV WKH $ . RI WUXPSV KH FDVKHV WKH $ . RI FOXEV UXIIV D FOXE DQG WDNHV WKH WKUHH KLJK GLDPRQGV DV (DVW IROORZV +DYLQJ ZRQ QLQH WULFNV 6RXWK OHDGV GXPP\·V ODVW FOXE DW 7ULFN (DVW FDQQRW FRSH ,I KH GLVFDUGV KLV ODVW KHDUW GHFODUHU UXIIV IRU KLV WK WULFN ,I LQVWHDG (DVW UXIIV 6RXWK GLVFDUGV KLV ORVLQJ KHDUW DQG VFRUHV RQH PRUH WUXPS WULFN '$,/< 48(67,21

KH ELGV 17 7KH RSSRQHQWV SDVV :KDW GR \RX VD\" $16:(5 <RXU MXPS VKLIW LQYLWHG VODP DQG VKRZHG D VWURQJ KDQG ZLWK HLWKHU VROLG VSDGHV FOXE VXSSRUW RU EDODQFHG SDWWHUQ $W WKLV SRLQW \RX QHHG RQO\ UDLVH WR 17 VD\LQJ \RX KDYH WKH WKLUG W\SH RI KDQG DQG \RXU VODP LQWHUHVW LV RQO\ PLOG ,I \RX KDYH D VODP \RXU SDUWQHU ZLOO ELG DJDLQ 6RXWK GHDOHU 1 6 YXOQHUDEOH

1257+ { x z $ 4 y .

:(67 { x 4 - z - y -

($67 { 4 - x . z y 4

6287+ { $ . x $ z . y $

6RXWK { {

:HVW 1RUWK 3DVV { $OO 3DVV

(DVW 3DVV

<RX KROG { $ . x $ 2SHQLQJ OHDG ³ x 4

z . y $ <RXU SDUWQHU RSHQV

RQH FOXE \RX MXPS WR WZR VSDGHV DQG

7ULEXQH &RQWHQW $JHQF\ //&

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.

$IFFICULTY ,EVEL

$IFFICULTY ,EVEL

$ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < =

4

=

1

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Answers to previous CODEWORD 9

'

,

,

6

9

3

<

1

7

,

/

7

(

1

(

2

,

1 ( ; 7

6 7 ( $ .

5

)

3

*

$

4

(

(

) 2 : / 5 (

,

1

7/19/2022 PREVIOUS PUZZLE SOLVED

DOWN *HUULK TLH[ \ZLK PU /H^HPPHU cuisine ¸1\SP\Z *HLZHY¹ JVZ[\TL 4\S[P]P[HTPU PUNYLKPLU[ 4 Meets on the river?

5 Actress Hedy in the National 0U]LU[VYZ /HSS VM -HTL 6 Paradise 1LHUZ THRLY :[YH\ZZ 8 Villain’s hideout <ZPUN X\LZ[PVUHISL JHTWHPNU tactics

)

0 $ 1 8 $ / / <

,

ACROSS 1 Use a swizzle stick 5 Soothes to sleep 10 Poker pot starter 14 Skin opening 15 Starting lineup 16 Read, as a QR code 17 Wide-eyed with anticipation 18 Hollywood headliners 20 Wild “adios”? ¸*VYUÅHRL .PYS¹ ZPUNLY (TVZ 23 Dodge pickup truck 24 Wild “goodbye”?

(SS PTWVY[HU[ 32 + or - particles 33 “Real Sports With Bryant .\TILS¹ JHISL UL[^VYR 34 Targets of Terro bait traps 35 Popovich who is the winningest coach in NBA history ;YHJR JVTWL[P[PVU ,T\SH[L ,PSLLU .\ HUK 3PUKZL` Vonn 39 __ and rave 40 Hunts, with “on” 41 Wild “auf wiedersehen”?

45 “Big Blue” on the Big Board 46 Fill a position 47 Wild “au revoir”?

53 Sign of stress?

-YLUJO 8\HY[LY JP[` PUMVYTHSS` 56 Skinny tropical tree 57 Take place next 58 Bryce Canyon state ¸.VVK WVPU[¹ 60 Cook in the oven 61 Pad thai protein option

&

& $ / / <

8 1 / ( $ 6 +

© 2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great way to test your knowledge of the English language.

,

6

$ 0 ( 7 5

How to play Codeword

,

6 1 8 % 6 /

- $ = =

,

( 5

1

,

7 <

6 ,

(

(

4 8

*

2

0 % 8 5 6 ( 0 ( 1 7 7

$

6

0 / $ : ) 2 3 7 %

,

. 9 5

= ; ( 6 < 8 * + 4 ' - & 1

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 THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME © 2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

7/18/2022

0UOHSLY \ZLY»Z THSHK` *HTW\Z ZWVY[Z NW 12 Road goo 13 USN rank 19 Unexpected hiccups 21 Yuletide song 24 Clickable connections /PNO WVPU[ VM H OVTL [V\Y& 26 Deliberately deceive 27 Ship captain’s journal 28 Org. exited in Brexit 29 Minds 30 Turns rancid :LLTPUNS` SPTP[SLZZ 35 Utility gauge 36 Many ICU professionals :UHJR MVVK THZJV[ ^P[O H TVUVJSL (WWS` I` THZZHNPUN HZ IHYILJ\L spices 7VSP[PJHSS` TV[P]H[LK ZWLUKPUN 42 Fugitive’s plea 43 Repeated song part <U^LSJVTL ^PUKZOPLSK P[LT 47 Rights advocacy gp.

48 “Let’s ... never do that” ;OL 4HKYPNHS MHTPS` OVTL PU ¸,UJHUto,” e.g.

50 Dog in Oz 51 Norwegian saint 52 Pearl Harbor site 53 Well-put *H[TVIPSL L N

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

WNRAD NAAPD

NITUGO YNHHPE ©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

<HVWHUGD\·V

Get the free JUST JUMBLE DSS )ROORZ XV RQ 7ZLWWHU @PlayJumble

DAILY BRIDGE

#ONCEPTIS 0UZZLES $IST BY +ING &EATURES 3YNDICATE )NC

LIBRA — Tension in your romantic life is apt to well up today, Libra. More than likely, there are certain responsibilities that you feel you have to attend to that take you away from your intimate experience with another. Whether or not you’re currently involved in a romantic partnership, the day’s energy is likely to stir up issues regarding love and romance.

SCORPIO — You could be feeling the pressure of time now, Scorpio. At this point in your life you may be more aware than ever of your limited time left on this planet. Perhaps you’re thinking more about love and romance and how much they mean to you. Consider the limitations of each, but don’t dwell on them.

SAGITTARIUS — Situations regarding love and romance are likely to get much heavier and more intense now, Sagittarius.

Are you ready to make a deeper commitment to the one you love? It may be quite hard for you to make a solid commitment because you could be wary of the freedom you’ll lose.

CAPRICORN — The love and romance department should be going pretty well for you now, Capricorn. This is the time to probe more deeply into your current affair with that person who catches your eye. There’s a greater sensitivity to your emotions today, and you could find yourself holding back a bit more than usual.

AQUARIUS — Your incredible passion and creativity are taking center stage, Aquarius. It’s also quite possible that there’s a great restlessness within you egging you on to take things to the next level. Combine your powers of dedication with your flair for the dramatic to accomplish whatever it is your heart desires.

PISCES — You may be feeling a bit reserved today, Pisces, especially when it comes to issues involving love and romance. Follow your instincts and know that your hesitation isn’t unfounded. Sometimes it’s good to slow down and question the road you’re on. Just don’t doubt yourself to the point that you become too frustrated that you can’t take the next big step forward.

#ONCEPTIS 0UZZLES $IST BY +ING &EATURES 3YNDICATE )NC

HOROSCOPE ARIES — Reclaim control of things that might be holding you back now, Aries. You may find that there’s an element of restriction to the day that’s keeping you from getting where you want to be. Try the best you can to relax and stabilize your emotions.

TAURUS — Be selective when it comes to expressing your passion today, Taurus.

Remember that less is more.

You don’t have to use a tremendous number of bells and whistles in order to get your point across. Let your actions be minimal but meaningful. You can say a great deal with few words.

GEMINI — In general, your spirit is upbeat, freedom loving, and adventurous, Gemini.

Today, however, you might find that it’s a bit more intense and possibly somber, especially when it comes to romantic issues. This approach to matters of the heart isn’t exactly your normal style, but you’re apt to find that it’s appropriate for your situation now.

CANCER — It’s important for you not to overanalyze every little detail of your situation now, Cancer, especially when it comes to love and romance issues. You could be jumping to ridiculous conclusions based purely on circumstantial evidence. Don’t lose sleep over things that you don’t even know to be true.

LEO — When it comes to love and romance, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle, Leo. There’s a request for greater commitment now. You may be unsure about how to respond.

You may hesitate to give up the sense of freedom that you hold so dear. Recognize the importance of a close connection with one other person.

VIRGO — Your romantic, sensitive nature comes alive today, Virgo, and you may find yourself searching for the security of a close lover. You’re apt to be pickier than usual - not just anyone will do anymore.

There is a longing within you for the company of someone who shares your deep intuitive understanding of people, emotions, and life in general.

"Y $AVE 'REEN

“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” — Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

Horoscope.com Tuesday, July 19, 2022

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

(Answers tomorrow) Jumbles: +281' )58,7 $)/2$7 9(5,)< Answer: 7KH %LJ %DG :ROI FRXOGQ·W EORZ GRZQ WKH SLJ·V KRXVH PDGH RI EULFNV VR KH ³ /()7 ,1 $ +8))

B4

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

Washington’s congressional delegation gets failing grade by taxpayer group

By BRETT DAVIS THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Taken as a whole, Washington state’s congressional delegation doesn’t make the grade.

That’s according to a report card prepared by the National by the Washington, D.C.-based National Taxpayers Union for their votes on taxing and spending.

Three members of Congress representing Washington state – Reps. Jaime Herrera Butler, Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dan Newhouse – were given a “C+” grade, and those were the best grades out of all the elected representatives Washington sends to Congress.

The rest of the Evergreen State’s congressional delegation, including its two U.S. senators, were given “Fs” by the organization that calls itself the “Voice of America’s Taxpayers.”

The NTU’s rating system ranks representatives and senators on their actual floor votes affecting taxes, spending, and debt.

“The Taxpayer Score measure the strength of support for reducing wasteful government spending, opposing higher taxes, and often opposing burdensome regulations that can stifle U.S. economic growth,” according to the NTU’s criteria.

“In general, a higher score is better because it means a member of Congress voted to spend less money.”

NTU goes on to note, “The Taxpayer Score can range between zero and 100.”

A score of 90 or more earns an “A” grade as a “Taxpayers’ Friend.”

A score of 85 to 89 earns a “B+”; 80 to 84 is a “B”; and 75 to 79 is a “B-,” with all “B” grades considered “Good.”

A score of 65 to 74 earns a “C+”; 50-64 earns a “C”; and a 40 to 49 score earns a “C-,” with all “C” grades considered “Satisfactory.”

A score of 22 to 39 earns a “D,” characterized by NTU as “Poor.”

A score of less than 22 earns an “F” and the title “Big Spender.”

The most recent rankings are for the first session of the 117th Congress, which started on Jan. 3, 2021 and ended on Jan. 3. The second session of the 117th Congress started on Jan. 3 and will end on Jan. 3, 2023.

Reps. Herrera Butler, McMorris Rodgers, and Newhouse – all Republicans – scored 69, 73, and 66, respectively, for their “Satisfactory” designation.

They were the fiscal valedictorians, so to speak , if we grade on the curve.

The rest of Washington’s congressional delegation, all Democrats, were given an “F” by the NTU for the following scores: Rep. Suzan Delbene (8), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (12), Rep. Derek Kilmer (8), Rep. Rick Larson (8), Rep. Kim Schrier (6). Rep. Adam Smith (9), and Rep. Maryland Strickland (7).

Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, both Democrats, did even worse, garnering their “F” grades by each scoring a 5.

NEWS / CLASSIFIED

Historic, though expected, step for Kentucky politics

By STEVE BITTENBENDER THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – A historic political moment occurred Friday in Kentucky when Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that Republicans have overtaken Democrats as the leading party in the state in terms of registered voters.

Through June 30, there were 1,612,060 registered GOP voters compared to 1,609,569 Democrats.

A decade ago, Democrats held the majority of voters and a nearly 525,000 edge in registrations.

In a statement, Mr. Adams – himself a Republican – paid homage to Abraham Lincoln, a Kentucky native and the first Republican president, to mark the occasion.

“After a century and a half, the birthplace of Lincoln has finally aligned with the party of Lincoln,” he said. “Today is a grand day for all of us in the Grand Old Party who have worked so hard for so long to advance our goals of limited

By VICTOR SKINNER THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — A lawsuit challenging the North Carolina State Board of Elections decision to exclude the North Carolina Green Party from the November ballot alleges collaboration with the governor’s office.

Democrats on the state board outvoted Republicans 3-2 in late June to exclude the North Carolina Green Party from the midterm ballot over “questions” about signatures verified by county boards of elections, despite the party submitting 2,000 signatures above the required threshold, The Carolina Journal reports.

The decision sparked a lawsuit from the Green Party requesting the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of North Carolina declare the board’s decision unconstitutional and ensure the party’s participation on the ballot.

The lawsuit alleges Democratic Party operatives harassed and tricked those who had signed onto the Green Party petition into removing their names, and implies Gov. Roy Cooper’s office may have

To place an ad please call (805) 963-4391 or email to classad@newspress.com

MERCHANDISE $5.97*

Service Directory

Per-Day!

*Rate Based on 30 day consecutive run.

Gardening

Hauling

Landscaping

J.W.’s Landscape & Gardening Services

Express Hauling

Casa Landscape Maint.

Weekly/Bi-Weekly/Monthly Sod, Sprinkler Systems, New Gardens, Hauling. Lic & Ins

805-680-8580

Call 805 963-4391 to place your home or business service listing.

Got Something To

SELL?

Let Us Help You Sell It!

Email: classad@newspress.com or for additional information Call 805-963-4391 to place your classified ad

TODAY!

$

Advertise Here For As Low as

We fulfill all gardening & landscape needs! Commercial & Residential 805-448-7177

government and personal responsibility.”

The rise of the Republican Party is a combination of several factors, according to Michon Lindstrom, the communications director for the secretary of state’s office. More than 126,000 dead voters have been removed from the rolls since Mr. Adams took office in January 2020, but Mr. Lindstrom also told The Center Square that the office is seeing an uptick of voters changing affiliations. In addition, she noted registration efforts that lagged during the pandemic have picked up in recent months.

The numbers show a faint gap in the voter registration rolls, with both parties each holding about 45% of the registered voters. However, the numbers also belie a shift that has taken place in Kentucky politics – and national politics, too – for nearly 40 years.

While the GOP had always been a competitive party despite the Democratic edge in voter registration, Mitch McConnell’s 1984

win over incumbent U.S. Sen. Walter “Dee” Huddleston set off the chain of events leading to the Republican Party becoming the state’s party of power.

In a statement through the state party, Sen. McConnell said Friday was a day he never thought would happen. He credited the “grassroots efforts” to overtake the Democrats’ long-standing advantage.

“This is great news for the commonwealth, but it’s just the beginning,” Sen. McConnell said.

The last Kentucky Democrat to win a U.S. Senate race was thenU.S. Sen. Wendell Ford in 1992. He retired after serving that term. The Republican Revolution of 1994 had its origins when Ron Lewis won a special election in May of that year to fill the remainder of the late U.S. Rep. William Natcher’s term.

In 1991, Kentucky Democrats held four of the state’s then-seven congressional seats. After the 1994 general election, the GOP won four of the six seats. Since 2012, the Republicans have controlled five of

those seats.

Bill Clinton was the last Democrat to carry Kentucky in a presidential election in 1996.

“This did not happen overnight, and we didn’t do it alone,” Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Mac Brown said Friday.

“This day has been decades in the making and is only made possible by the hard work and effort put in by so many.”

In 2000, the Kentucky state Senate flipped to the Republican Party, and currently, the GOP holds 30 of the chamber’s 38 seats.

And the Republicans finally gained control of the state House from the Democrats, who had held the majority since 1922, after the 2016 election.

The only state office seat the Democrats hold is the governor’s office. However, a growing list of GOP candidates is lining up seeking to challenge incumbent Gov. Andy Beshear and hope to become the third Republican governor in the state since 2003.

Lawsuit claims Cooper’s office assisted in purge of North Carolina Green Party from November ballot

Classified

FREE EST., ANY DAY, JUNK, BRUSH, CLEAN YARD & GARAGE, TRIM TREES, CEMENT METAL, DIRT, JACUZZI, LIFT GATE, HANDYMAN 805-685-3469

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

Antiques Appliances Art Auctions Audio/Stereo Auto Parts Bicycles Building Materials Collectible Communications Computers Farm Equipment Feed/Fuel Furniture Garage Sales Health Services/ Supplies Hobbies Jewelry Livestock Machinery Miscellaneous Misc. Wanted Musical Nursery Supplies Office Equipment Pets Photography Rentals Restaurant Equipment Sewing Machines Sporting Store Equipment Swaps TV/ Video Water Conservation

Furniture CUSTOM SOFA SPECIALIST LOCAL

Affordable custom made & sized sofas & sectionals for far less than retail store prices. Styles inspired by Pottery Barn, Rest.

Hardware & Sofas U Love. Buy FACTORY DIRECT & save 30-50%. Quality leather, slipcovered & upholstered styles. Call 805-566-2989 to visit Carp. showroom.

collaborated with the effort.

The lawsuit cites public information requests from the Elias Law Group, a national Democratic firm that spearheaded the effort to exclude the Green Party, as well as a public information request from Amelia Brown, an alleged legal intern for Gov. Cooper. Both requests used identical language.

“I should clarify that the complaint specifies that we don’t know for sure that the Amelia Brown that made the request is the same Amelia Brown that is an intern in the governor’s office; but that’s what we believe and that’s what we alleged,” N.C. Green Party attorney Oliver Hall told Carolina Journal.

The Journal attempted unsuccessfully to contact Elias Law Group, Gov. Cooper’s office, and Ms. Brown to discuss the allegation.

“You can draw your own conclusions about how these requests ended up being virtually identical in substantial respects, but it speaks for itself,” Mr. Hall said.

“Both requests were for the same material — Green Party petitions and related information and documents.

And both requests used verbatim

language. They weren’t completely identical; they were made at different times a few weeks apart… That seems like more than a coincidence.”

Among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit is Matthew P. Hoh, the Green Party’s selected candidate to fill the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr. U.S. Rep. Ted Budd won the Republican primary in the race, while former chief justice Cheri Beasley won the Democratic primary.

The Green Party lawsuit alleges many folks who signed the petition to get the party on the ballot were contacted by unknown individuals who requested they remove their names. Some of the individuals declined to identify themselves, others stated they were calling on behalf of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and some fraudulently claimed to represent the Green Party, according to the lawsuit.

The callers told petition signers they needed to remove their names from the petition because the Green Party “takes votes” from Democrats, and “we want to make sure the Democratic candidates have the best chance to win this November,” the lawsuit alleges.

North Carolina State Board of Elections alleged in a statement Thursday that efforts to investigate signatures submitted by the Green Party have been hindered by uncooperative consultants and signature collectors.

“We all recognize how important this decision is, but we cannot provide a clear recommendation to the State Board without enough information to determine whether the party has collected the number of valid signatures required by law,” Brinson Bell said. “We continue to investigate and make further attempts to contact individuals we believe were involved in submitting false signatures. To date, they have not been cooperative.

Hopefully, we will be able to make a concrete recommendation to the State Board — based on facts — in the near future.”

The State Board has also requested that county boards of elections that did not previously check signatures on the Green Party petition pages against signatures on file to do so by July 29.

State law requires the party to submit 13,865 signatures from registered voters, including at least 200 from at least three congressional districts.

PUBLIC NOTICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2022-0001581 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PRIEDITE BARBECUE, 4620 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013 County of SANTA BARBARA Mailing Address: 4620 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013 SCORPION FOOD SERVICES LLC, 4620 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013 This business is conducted by a limited liability company The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. SCORPION FOOD SERVICES LLC S/ Gregory Ryan, Managing Member, This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 06/17/2022.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19/22 CNS-3592340# SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS JUN 28; JUL 5, 12, 19 / 2022 -- 58451

ARE YOU AN ELECTRICIAN?

Place your ad in the Service Directory in the News-Press Classified Section Email: classad@newspress.com Or for additional information Call 805-963-4391 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF GOODS TO SATISFY LIEN AUCTION LOCATION: 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez #130, Santa Barbara Ca. In accordance with the provisions of the California Commercial Code, Sections 7201-7210, notice is hereby given that on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at the hour of 10:00 am of said date will be sold at live auction located 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez #130 , City of Santa Barbara, County of Santa Barbara, State of CA. 93103. The undersigned will sell at public auction for cash, in lawful money of the United States, the articles hereinafter described, belonging to, or deposited with, the undersigned by the persons hereinafter named at Movegreen Moving Storage. Said goods are being held on the accounts of: Lauri Cornejo, Max Millman, Olivia Kienborts, Sheila Morales, Alison Ross, William David Varner, Roxanne Gonod, Daniel Sperling, Tonia Simon, Steve Corn, Jose Rincon, German Corona, Dylan Monacelli. All other goods are described as household goods, furniture, antiques, appliances, tools, misc goods, office furniture, and articles of art, equipment, rugs, sealed cartons and the unknown. The auction will be made for the purpose of satisfying the lien of the undersigned on said personal property to the extent of the sum owed, together with the cost of the sale. For information contact Movegreen Moving and Storage. Terms: Cash only with a 15% buyer’s premium. Inspection at sale time. Payment and removal day of sale. Auction conducted

by American Auctioneers, Dan Dotson & Associates (800) 838SOLD, (909) 790-0433 or www. americanauctioneers.com Bond #FS863-20-14.

Movegreen Moving and Storage 7/12, 7/19/22 CNS-3604535# SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS JUL 12, 19 / 2022 -- 58497

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MONIQUE SCHUMACHER ALLEN Case Number: 22PR00340 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: MONIQUE SCHUMACHER ALLEN AKA MONIQUE S. ALLEN A Petition for Probate has been filed by CHRISTOPHER ALLEN in the SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA. The Petition for Probate requests that CHRISTOPHER ALLEN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The Petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 08/18/2022 at Time: 9:00 AM, in Dept.: 5, located at SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; PO Box 21107, Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107, Anacapa Division.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: DANA F. LONGO, Fauver, Large, Archbald & Spray, LLP Address: 820 State Street, 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: 8005 966-7000 JUL 12, 19, 26 / 2022--58491

Classified

Email: classad@newspress.com

PETITION OF: DOLPHY FOR CHANGE OF NAME. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 22CV02004 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: DOLPHY filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: DOLPHY to Proposed name: DENNIS DEAN BASKINS THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: AUGUST 3, 2022 Time: 10:00 am Dept: 3 Address: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Santa Barbara News-Press Date: 06/21/2022 Name: THOMAS P. ANDERLE, Judge of the Superior Court.

JUN 28; JUL 5, 12, 19 / 2022--58452

Classified

CITATION REGARDING PETITION TO DELCARE CHILD FREE FROM PARENTAL CUSTODY AND CONTROL (Fam. Code, 7880, 7881) MATTER OF : Jacoby Espinosa CASE NUMBER: 22FL00967 TO Jorge Espinosa (parent of minor child) and to all persons claiming to be the parent of the minor child whose name is Jacoby Espinosa.

You are hereby cited and required to appear at a hearing in this court on: Date: AUG 12 2022 Time: 1:30 p.m. Dept: 4 Address of court: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA, Santa Barbara–Anacapa, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 And to give any legal reason why, according to the verified petition filed with this court, the court should not free the child from your parental custody and control.

The petition to declare the child free from the custody and control of a parent has been filed for the purpose of freeing the minor child for adoption.

You have the right to appear at the hearing and oppose the petition. You have the right to be represented by counsel. If you appear without counsel, and are unable to afford counsel, upon your request, the court shall appoint counsel to represent you unless you knowingly and intelligently waive that representation.

The court may appoint counsel to represent the minor, whether or not the minor can afford counsel.

Private counsel appointed by the court shall be paid a reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, in an amount to be determined by the court and which amount shall be paid by the parties, other than the child, in proportions the court deems just.

However, if a party is unable to afford counsel, the amount shall be paid out of the county’s general fund.

The court may continue the proceeding for not to exceed 30 days as necessary to appoint counsel and to enable counsel to become acquainted with the case.

Date: MAY 20 2022 Darrel E. Parker, Clerk by: Nicolette Barnard, Deputy

Email: classad@newspress.com

JUL 19, 26; AUG 2, 9 / 2022 -- 58506

GOLETA WEST SANITARY DISTRICT NOTICE OF REPORT AND HEARING HEARING TO BE HELD VIA TELECONFERENCE ONLY: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9609647119 Meeting ID: 960 964 7119 TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2022 at 5:30 PM YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Clerk-Secretary of the GOLETA WEST SANITARY DISTRICT (“District”) has filed with the District a written report containing a description of each parcel of real property receiving sewer services from the District and its facilities, setting forth therein the amount of the sewer service charge for each parcel for the fiscal year 2022 - 2023, computed in conformity with the charges prescribed by District Ordinance No. 20-92. This report, and a copy of the accompanying resolution, is on file in the District Office, UCSB Campus, Parking Lot 32, Santa Barbara County, California, and may be inspected during normal business hours. Such report and resolution are also available on the District’s website at http://goletawest.org.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that the District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing upon said report and a Resolution to collect the sewer service charges shown thereon on the tax rolls of the County of Santa Barbara. The public hearing will occur at a regular meeting of the District Board to be held via teleconference only on August 2, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. During the hearing, any interested person, including all persons owning property served by the District, may appear and be heard as to whether the proposed rates and charges (i) are discriminatory or excessive, or (ii) will not be sufficient under Government Code Section 54515, or (iii) will not comply with any other provision of law, or (iv) will not be sufficient under the provisions of any applicable covenants of any outstanding revenue bonds of the District payable from the revenues of the enterprise, or (v) on any other matter relating to said proposed Resolution or the rates or charges proposed therein.

NOTE: In accordance with Executive Orders N-29-20,N-33-20, and N-08-21 issued by the Governor of the State of California in response to COVID-19, in-person public participation at District meetings is currently suspended. The District has established alternative methods of participation which permit members of the public to observe and address meetings telephonically and/or electronically.

Comments may be submitted in writing by email to info@goletawest.org by 1:00 P.M. on August 2, 2022.

This Notice was posted on the District website (http://goletawest.org), and at the District outside display case located at UCSB Campus, Parking Lot 32, Santa Barbara at 3:00 p.m. on July 7, 2022.

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, the District’s programs, services or activities because of any disability. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the District office at 805-968-2617. Notification at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make appropriate arrangements.

Dated: July 7, 2022

/s/

Brian McCarthy Clerk - Secretary of the Governing Board Goleta West Sanitary District JUL 19, 26 / 2022 -- 58492