Santa Barbara News-Press: September 27, 2022

Munger Hall tour

By JARED DANIELS NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

UCSB recently led the NewsPress on a tour of model rooms for its proposed Munger Hall — a student housing project that led to a protest last fall on campus and inspired national headlines because of its lack of windows.

While the national firestorm has largely died down, locals and students alike have continued to condemn the project, which is in part financed by a $200 million grant from billionaire Charles Munger. The grant was given on the condition that the university maintain the design of the building that was submitted by Mr. Munger.

One of the most widelychastised features is the lack of windows.

Most of the building’s singleoccupancy bedrooms (referred to as “pods” by the university) will not have any windows. Instead, the building will receive light from artificial sources that are programmed to replicate the light outside — meaning they will automatically change in appearance based on the lighting outside.

Plans call for Munger Hall to be located on 3 acres near Harder Stadium. It is designed to house 4,500 students.

The housing project is awaiting approval from the UC Board of Regents.

The News-Press visited a replica site for model rooms on Los Carneros Road in Goleta, which is intended to serve as a staging area for the project during construction.

One of the first model rooms the News-Press toured at this warehouse was one of Munger Hall’s single-occupancy bedrooms, which UCSB calls “pods.”

The News-Press instantly noticed one of the artificial light producers in the room. The light emitted from a false window that was positioned at a higher point than where a window would usually appear.

The second false window — which was positioned on an exterior wall — was initially mistaken by this writer for a real window.

While a drawn shade covering masked the false window’s appearance, the light that emitted from it appeared as natural lighting given the time of day.

Each pod is located in a suite that contains a total of eight pods. The building will feature

Mother pleads not guilty to child endangerment

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A Mammoth Lakes woman — who was charged with child abuse for allegedly abandoning her 6year-old child for more than 24 hours without food and who was later allegedly found intoxicated — pleaded not guilty to three felony counts at her arraignment Monday in Santa Barbara County Superior Court.

Lauren Paige Tracy — aka Lauren Paige Beall, aka Tracy Lauren Beall, aka Tracy Beall — is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 10 to set a date for her preliminary hearing, Deputy District Attorney Justin Greene told the News-Press.

The complaint against Ms. Tracy, 46, charges her with child abuse under circumstances or conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death in connection with the July 23 incident in Santa Barbara County.

Ms. Tracy also is charged with possession of a firearm with a prior misdemeanor conviction — a tan 9mm pistol and a gray and black 9 mm pistol — and with possession of ammunition by a person prohibited from doing so by an injunction, or temporary restraining order or protective order.

The complaint also listed an aggravating factor in that the victim was “particularly vulnerable,” and because her prior convictions as an adult and juvenile delinquent are numerous and of increasing seriousness.

Ms. Tracy is not in custody and was cited to appear in court for her arraignment.

She was arrested by Santa

Barbara police in the 1100 block of Cliff Drive on July 23.

Santa Barbara dispatchers had received a phone call about a child being endangered, and police responded to an address in the 800 block of Highland Drive to investigate.

Officers arrived and contacted the reporting party, a babysitter who had arrived at the residence to look after the child, then 5. Police said that when the babysitter arrived, she found the child alone and unattended in the home. The child’s mother was reportedly nowhere to be found.

Officers learned the babysitter had been hired through a childcare website. The babysitter had expected to meet the child’s guardian and was “extremely surprised” to find the minor unattended, police said at the time.

Investigating officers reported that the child had been left alone for more than 24 hours without food.

Detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant and after determining the mother’s location, they found her and she was allegedly intoxicated, police said.

Ms. Tracy was arrested and booked in Santa Barbara County Jail on suspicion of committing several felonies: child endangerment, possession of undetectable “ghost guns,” unlawful possession of ammunition with a prior misdemeanor conviction, child neglect and criminal storage of a firearm.

SB Council to consider short-term rental permitting

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara City Council today will consider establishing a short-term rental permitting framework.

The council will meet at 2 p.m. at City Hall, 735 Anacapa St.

Staff is recommending the council provide direction regarding a future short-term rental permitting program.

The recommendation calls for the council to direct staff to draft a short-term rental permitting ordinance for review by the Planning Commission, Ordinance Committee, Finance Committee and council.

Short-term rentals are dwelling units rented for 30 days or less.

“With the advent of online rental platforms like AirBNB, VRBO and Homeaway, the popularity and prevalence of short-term rentals has dramatically grown in Santa Barbara over the last decade, bringing with it concerns about the loss of long-term housing, nuisance and neighborhood impacts, land-use compatibility, real estate speculation and environmental impact,” staff said.

Short-term rentals are

regulated as hotels and are only allowed in zones where hotels are permitted.

The process to convert a residential property to a shortterm rental is seen as challenging for many property owners.

Enforcement of existing shortterm rental regulations is staffintensive, time-consuming and especially challenging in the Coastal Zone portion of the city, where they are only regulated based on nuisance-related activity, staff said.

“As a result, many short-term rentals operate illegally,” staff said.

Staff recommends developing a ministerial short-term rental permitting program that minimizes the change in intensity of use, limits nuisance impacts, preserves long-term housing and improves staff’s ability to enforce adopted regulations, while limiting administrative costs to the city.

The popularity and prevalence of short-term rentals has dramatically grown in Santa Barbara over the last decade, bringing with it code compliance challenges and a variety of concerns that are not

Please

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

The single bedroom of a typical suite in Munger Hall is shown during a tour of a mock-up of Munger Hall, a future proposed residence hall at UCSB. Instead of a window, the room gets a simulation of natural light from a fake window above the bed.

Billionaire Charles Munger’s design has ignited debate because of its lack of real windows.

Judge OKs oil spill settlement

Federal District Court Judge Philip S. Gutierrez has granted final approval of a combined $230 million class action settlement related to Plains All American Pipeline’s 2015 Refugio Oil Spill on the Santa Barbara coast.

The court’s approval, which was announced last week, clears the way for the settlement administrator to begin processing and paying claims submitted by affected fishers and property owners.

According to a news release, the settlement was achieved by Class Counsel Cappello & Noël LLP, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP, Keller Rohrback LLP and Audet & Partners. The case is Keith Andrews et al. v. Plains All American Pipeline.

The settlement includes $184 million to a class of fishers and processors who operated in the areas impacted by the oil spill, as well as $46 million to compensate owners and lessees of property affected by the spill.

Individuals who believe they may be eligible for the settlement may contact the court-appointed administrator, JND Legal. The deadline to file a claim is Oct. 31.

To submit a claim, see www. plainsoilspillsettlement.com or contact JND at info@plainsoilspillsettlement.com or 1-844-202-9486. You can also write Spill Settlement c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91450, Seattle 98111.

Plains was found criminally liable in 2018 for the oil spill, and this civil settlement was reached as the parties prepared for a civil jury trial slated for June 2022.

North Korean defector at Reagan Ranch Center

Yeonmi

Park, a North Korean defector and renowned champion of human rights, stands inside the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara, where she addressed an audience Saturday evening. Ms. Park’s family fled from North Korea to China in 2007 and settled in South Korea in 2009 before moving to the U.S. in 2014. In another photo, Ms. Park is seen at the Reagan Ranch Center with former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, president of Young America’s Foundation. After Ms. Park’s talk, Gov. Walker gave her his American flag lapel pin. Ms. Park has said she’s part of a North Korean generation of capitalistic and individualistic individuals who she believes can lead change in North Korea from the bottom up and bring their nation freedom and wealth.

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Burglary suspects arrested

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara police have arrested multiple burglary suspected over three days, officials said.

Around 1:40 a.m. Saturday, Santa Barbara Police Combined Communications Center received a report of a burglary in progress at a residence in the 1600 block of Shoreline Drive. The homeowner was out of town at the time, but observed a suspicious subject on a home video surveillance system.

The homeowner told dispatchers the house should be vacant and the man seen in the video did not belong on the property.

Officers responded, observed an open secondstory window and saw a male suspect inside the house. While searching the home’s interior, they located the suspect in an upstairs bedroom.

The suspect was given verbal commands by the officers and was initially uncooperative, according to police. A K-9 officer was also on scene. When the suspect observed police K-9 Kyra, he immediately surrendered without further incident.

The suspect was arrested and identified as Bennet Ward Cawthon, a 29-year-old Summerland resident. Mr. Cawthon was booked on felony residential burglary charges. His bail was set at $50,000.

Approximately one hour later, at 2:40 a.m., police dispatch received a call from a homeowner in the 2700 block of Clinton Terrace. The caller, who was home with their family, heard someone inside their residence. Multiple officers responded to the scene and were able to detain a suspect while exiting the house.

A search of the interior of the home was conducted after safely evacuating the family. No additional suspects were located.

The suspect was identified as Dylan Michael Gibson, a 32-year-old homeless man, on active parole with an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Mr. Gibson was placed under arrest and booked at Santa Barbara County Jail on suspicion of felony residential burglary, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and an outstanding warrant.

Mr. Gibson is currently being held without bail due to his outstanding warrant.

Then early Monday morning, around 9:20 a.m., police dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call of a burglary in progress at a residence located in the 100 block of Conejo Road.

The property manager called the police to report two suspects were unlawfully inside the house, and the property manager had used their vehicle to block the driveway preventing the suspects from fleeing in their getaway vehicle.

Multiple Santa Barbara police officers responded to the scene and established a perimeter around the residence. The suspects exited the home and were confronted by police. The two suspects were taken into custody without incident.

Phillip Hernandez, 29, of Oxnard resident, and Johnathan Cisco Sears, 26, of Montecito resident, were identified as the suspects.

Mr. Hernandez was booked on suspicion of felony residential burglary, felony identity theft and possession of burglary tools.

Mr. Sears was booked on suspicion of felony residential burglary, possession of narcotics, and an outstanding warrant.

Both were booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail, with their bail set at $50,000.

These three burglaries and suspects do not appear to be linked in any way, police said.

— Neil Hartstein

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Record-setting day for SBCC in 12-touchdown shutout against LA Southwest

By MICHAEL JORGENSON SBCC SPORTS WRITER

The SBCC football team found the end zone on each of its first 12 offensive possessions hosting LA Southwest on Saturday, setting a new all-time record for points in an 86-0 blowout.

With their third consecutive victory, the Vaqueros improved to 3-1 while the Cougars fell to 0-4.

“The number one thing was not what the score was, not who we were playing, it was just taking care of ourselves and playing for four quarters,” head coach Craig Moropoulos said. “Whoever’s in there, stay focused, play hard, focus on all three phases of the game, and that’s why I was really pleased with it. We really played well all four quarters and that’s what the key was.”

Santa Barbara had eight different touchdown scorers and seven rushing touchdowns – two more program records –while setting season-highs in scrimmage yards (405), rushing yards (292), sacks (7) and first downs (22).

After an LA three-and-out to start the game, the Vaqueros’ first offensive play was a sign of things to come. A trick play put the ball in

the hands of wide receiver Damare Ward, who threw to a wide open Chase Wells for a 26-yard score. On the next drive, sophomore running back Brandon Smith carried twice, first for 18 yards and then for a 36-yard touchdown.

Smith went on to finish with 109 rushing yards on just eight carries (13.6 Y/R) and two touchdowns. It was his second straight 100yard game on the ground.

As a team, SBCC averaged 8.6 yards per carry. Prince Borten was the other Vaquero with two rushing TDs, while Mekhi Norfleet, Uriel Loza, Cameron Woolsey, Kayden Chan and Trenton Luera all ran it in once.

The Vaquero defense held LA to just 11 yards of offense, forced four turnovers and one safety. Defensive lineman Caleb McNeill-Tyler had a standout day with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

In terms of dominance, SBCC’s special teams were no different. Defensive back Terrance Biser-Coleman took a first half punt back 65 yards for a touchdown and ran the second half’s opening kickoff 72 yards for his second of the day. Kicker Joe Bowman was a perfect 12for-12 on extra points.

“The fact of the matter is, we play hard no matter what. No matter who we’re playing, we don’t play any different and we don’t play

SBCC women’s volleyball sweeps Hartnell, Monterey Peninsula

By MICHAEL JORGENSON SBCC SPORTS WRITER

Facing several of the best teams in the state this past weekend, the SBCC played some of its best volleyball of the season. Following a competitive 3-2 Friday defeat at No. 25 Bakersfield, the Vaqueros enjoyed back-to-back sweeps at the Cuesta Quad over No. 14 Hartnell and Monterey Peninsula.

Opening the Cuesta Quad against the 14th ranked team in the state, SBCC came out strong and didn’t let up, winning each of the first two sets by nine points before completing the sweep with a 25-23 third set win.

“Led by libero Jacelin McKie’s 20 digs and the setting of Emma Crabbe and Mikayla Butzke, we swept Hartnell for a strong start to our day,” head coach Kat Niksto said. “Ava Guenther and Karoline Ruiz were once again on top of their attacking game, leading the team in kills with nine and eight, joined in this match by Heidi Collins who also had eight. It was a fun match to be a part of, as we were in control of the game from start to end.”

Crabbe finished with 19 assists and 11 digs, notching her second straight doubledouble and team-leading fourth of the year. Gabby Russell was the third Vaquero to reach double-digit digs with 10 for the fourth time this year.

Along with her eight kills, Ruiz led all players with three aces.

Later in the day against an undefeated Monterey Peninsula team that has been ranked in the “Best of the Rest” just outside the top-25, the Vaqueros came out with another huge start and comfortably won all three sets.

“Giving MPC their first loss of the season felt good, especially opening the first set in dominating fashion with a 25-9 victory,” Niksto said. “After a long week with four

matches in total, it was a solid close out to the week.”

Caorline McCarty led the team with her second double-double of the year, going for 10 kills and 13 digs.

Jacelin McKie went for over 15 digs for the fourth straight game, finishing with 18. That gives her a whopping 73 digs over the Vaqueros’ last four matches, averaging out to an outstanding 5.21 digs per set. She is currently ranked 20th in the state in digs/ set.

Santa Barbara enjoyed advantages of .220-to-.138 in hitting and 9-2 in aces in the win as it earned its third sweep in its last four outings.

SBCC went the distance for the first time in Friday’s match at Bakersfield, earning two close wins in the opening set and the fourth set before a narrow 16-14 fifth set defeat.

“What a battle! After a strong first set, we fell a bit flat losing the next two games. I was very proud of how we battled back to win the fourth set, and we had the ball in our hands to win the game in set five and just couldn’t close it out,” Niksto said. “It’s one of those losses that sticks with you because of the missed opportunity, but as a team I was proud of how we battled.”

Ava Guenther and Caroline McCarty led the team in kills with 14 and 13, respectively. Karoline Ruiz also had a strong offensive night with seven kills and only one error on 15 swings for a .400h hitting percentage. McKie led the team in digs with 19.

On Wednesday, the Vaqueros will travel to Cuesta for their second WSC match of the year at 6 p.m.

Michael Jorgenson works in communications/media relations at Santa Barbara City College.

email: sports@newspress.com

down to an opponent,” said Moropoulos. “We play hard no matter what, especially in special teams. Getting all those different guys to touch the ball today and have success was important for us.”

Just getting all those guys to touch the ball and have success was important for us. Because we’re not looking ahead, but we’re saying hey let’s make sure we come out of this game with a much better feeling than we did last week, playing for all four quarters,

The only time the Vaqueros didn’t score was on their final possession, when they took knees to run the clock out before punting it away as time expired.

SBCC will have a greater challenge next Saturday, Oct. 1 playing on the road against a Glendale team averaging 34.3 points per game.

“Glendale is a very good team and will probably be the best team we’ve played so far,” Moropoulos concluded. “We’ve got to get focused, have a great week in practice, get some guys healthy and get ready to play one heck of a game.”

Michael Jorgenson works in communications/ media relations at Santa Barbara City College. email: sports@newspress.com

Vaqueros earn three wins at Mt. SAC Classic

By MICHAEL JORGENSON SBCC SPORTS WRITER

For the third straight weekend, the SBCC women’s water polo team won three of four games. On Friday, the Vaqueros opened the Mt. SAC Classic by defeating Santa Monica 13-1 and Saddleback 15-6. The following day, they fell to Fullerton 11-8 before closing things out with a 10-4 win over San Joaquin Delta.

Santa Barbara is now 9-3 overall and 2-0 in Western State Conference play.

In their first game of the weekend against Santa Monica, the Vaqueros set a new season-low for goals allowed.

Utility Natalie Mancinelli followed up her second three-goal performance of the year in SBCC’s previous game with a season-high five goals to lead the way. Kara Hughes also had her third threegoal game of the season while fellow center Gabi Turnbull finished with two goals and a teamleading four steals.

Attacker Ella Prado finished with a team-high three assists. After leading 8-1 through just one quarter, the Vaqueros’ claimed their fourth doubledigit victory through their first nine games.

Santa Barbara fought through a lot of adversity for its second win of the day, making its coaching staff proud with its resiliency. For the second straight game, a Vaquero would score five goals. This time, it was freshman utility Claire Daland, who notched her fourth hat trick on her way to a season-high.

Gabrielle Muehring and Eden Tal both finished with three goals. Tal also had four assists to lead all players.

Defensively, Tal and Alessia Gressi finished with four steals each and goalkeepers Chloe McKay and Ava Donleavy had five and two saves, respectively.

Opening day two on Saturday against Fullerton, SBCC battled back from an early 4-

California to crack down on catalytic converter theft

By MADISON HIRNEISEN THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Purchasing a catalytic convertor from anyone other than a licensed auto dismantler or dealer is illegal under a new California law that aims to crack down on theft.

Theft of catalytic converters – devices that are part of vehicle exhaust systems that reduce pollution-causing emissions – has been on the rise within California and nationally in recent years. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, instances of catalytic converter theft rose from 2,198 thefts reported in 2018 to over 14,000 thefts reported in 2020.

Experienced thieves can remove a catalytic converter from the underside of a vehicle in just two minutes, according to the California

Bureau of Automotive Repair. Thieves target them due to the precious metals inside the converters, including rhodium, platinum and palladium – the prices of which have increased in recent years due to supply chain issues.

Having a converter stolen is very costly to the vehicle owner. The NICB estimates that car owners end up paying between $1,000 to $3,000 to get their vehicle fixed following a theft.

A pair of new laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom over the weekend aims to crack down on this kind of theft within the Golden State.

Senate Bill 1087 would prohibit individuals and core recyclers that buy used vehicle parts from purchasing a catalytic converter from anyone other than a licensed automobile dismantler, automotive repair dealer or car owner. Additionally, the law requires traceable

payments for catalytic converters. Violations of the law could result in fines of between $1,000 to over $4,000.

Similarly, Assembly Bill 1740 requires core recyclers to keep more detailed records that include the year, make and model of the vehicle from which a catalytic converter was removed. It also prohibits recyclers from purchasing a catalytic converter from anyone other than a commercial enterprise or vehicle owner.

In a signing video, Gov. Newsom emphasized that these measures will help to crack down on the “brokers and middle-men” who pay “top dollar” for stolen parts.

“It’s just another way, just another example of how we’re leaning in to reduce crime in the state and keep Californians safe,” the governor said.

Many short-term rentals currently operating illegally

COUNCIL

comprehensively addressed with existing regulation, staff said.

It is estimated that there are currently 1,560 listings on webbased rental platforms, which represents 1,119 unique shortterm rental units citywide.

“This represents a 27% increase in the number of shortterm rentals from the previous year,” staff said. “Of those, 19 legal establishments and 82 unpermitted establishments are paying transient occupancy tax (TOT) currently.”

In many areas of the city, unregulated short-term rentals operating as quasi-hotels are inherently incompatible with the surrounding land uses and neighborhood due to the intensity of use and potential nuisance impacts related to noise, parking, littering, traffic congestion, public safety, “party houses,” loss of community and the displacement of long-term residents, staff said.

“Operating a residential unit as a short-term rental is typically far more lucrative than renting the unit on a long-term basis, which can encourage the loss of long-term housing, increase real

estate speculation and inflate housing costs,” staff said.

Short-term rentals also reportedly increase the demand for services and lowincome housing because of the associated support network of cleaning and maintenance staff.

High demand for shortterm rentals, known as a difficult permitting process given the city’s current hotelrelated regulations, and code compliance challenges have resulted in a high number of illegal short-term rentals and uncaptured TOT, according to the city.

Many of the illegal short-term rentals operate as quasi-hotels in areas of the city where hotels are not allowed, which creates inherent equity issues with hotel operators, staff said.

Earlier today, the council’s special ordinance committee will meet at 11:30 a.m. to discuss a proposed draft ordinance to assign additional civilian police oversight duties to the board of fire and police commissioners.

The committee then will be asked to provide feedback to staff in order to introduce the ordinance to the full council for consideration.

email: nhartstein@newspress.com

Controversial dorm’s communal areas do include windows

eight “houses,” which will contain eight suites for a total of 64 residents per house. Each suite, in addition to the eight pods, also contains a common area featuring a sink, two refrigerators, counterspace, a table with seating for eight and a TV.

While each pod — which contained a bed, desk and storage space — were certainly tight quarters, the space was on average larger than an individual would get were they in one of the triple-occupancy rooms that have come to define undergraduate living at UCSB.

The replica suite itself, which the model pod and seven others were nestled in, seemed to feature adequate space, especially with a relatively large and well-lit kitchenette space opening up the galley-like suite and making it seem larger than it is.

In addition to containing eight of these suites, each house will have a large common area that will feature long, communal tables for eating or studying, multiple TVs, seating arrangements including couches and chairs, recreation space, and a communal kitchen.

The communal kitchen features four ovens and ranges, four refrigerators (this is in addition to the two refrigerators located in each suite), four dishwashers, sinks, multiple microwaves and ample counter space for preparing food. In addition to the other amenities, each house’s communal space will feature a wall of bonafide windows letting in natural light for those who need a break from the artificial light

boxes in their room.

On the top floor of the proposed Munger Hall will be a market and restaurant operated by the university, gym facilities, dedicated study spaces and multiple offices that can be utilized for a number of purposes such as hosting mental wellness counselors and other university services. Replicas of these spaces were not constructed and therefore unavailable to tour.

Munger Hall is an effort by UCSB to fulfill

the need to construct sufficient student housing and relieve pressure on surrounding real estate markets. It comes at a time when the city of Goleta and Santa Barbara County have sued UCSB over what the local governments call the university’s failure to provide sufficient housing.

The county and UCSB are currently in negotiations.

email: jdaniels@newspress.com

Vaqueros play next at Rabobank Invitational

drawn exclusions. Olson was active on defense, finishing with three steals and finishing with two goals, as did Tal.

1 deficit, eventually tying it 7-7 on a Jenna Olson goal with 7:06 remaining in the game. Unfortunately, the game would end the same way it started, as Fullerton went on another 4-1 run to hand the Vaqueros their only loss of the weekend.

Bella Straley finished with a team-high three goals and set a season-high with six

The Vaqueros never trailed in their final game of the weekend, taking an early 4-1 lead and heading into halftime up 7-2 before cruising to the win the rest of the way.

Daland notched team-highs of two goals and four steals. Gressi had two goals as well, while six other Vaqueros scored once.

McKay finished with five saves for the

third straight game, while Donleavy had an incredible second half racking up 11 saves. It was the first time a Vaquero has reached double-digit saves this season. SBCC will play next weekend at the Rabobank Invitational hosted by Cuesta from Sept. 30-Oct. 2.

Michael Jorgenson works in communications/ media relations at Santa Barbara City College.

email: sports@newspress.com

Today Wed.

City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Cuyama 97/59/s 96/58/s

Goleta 82/61/s 85/62/s

Lompoc 70/55/pc 74/56/s

Pismo Beach 74/55/pc 76/57/s

Santa Maria 73/55/pc 75/55/s

Santa Ynez 92/56/pc 96/55/s Vandenberg 68/57/pc 71/57/s Ventura 77/62/s 78/64/s

Bakersfield 96/66/s 94/66/s

Barstow 100/73/s 98/71/s

Big Bear 81/48/pc 78/47/s Bishop 91/53/pc 90/53/pc

Catalina 86/75/s 88/72/s

Concord 82/57/s 85/57/s

Escondido 92/65/s 94/64/s

Eureka 62/54/c 66/51/c Fresno 96/63/s 93/63/s

Los Angeles 95/70/s 96/69/s

Mammoth Lakes 73/40/pc 72/38/s Modesto 89/58/s 88/58/s

Monterey 65/54/pc 69/57/s Napa 80/51/s 87/53/s Oakland 70/57/pc 74/58/s

Ojai 98/66/s 95/66/s Oxnard 76/62/pc 77/63/s

Palm Springs 106/84/s 106/82/pc Pasadena 99/73/s 100/74/s

Paso Robles 97/54/s 96/53/s

Sacramento 86/56/s 88/59/s

San Diego 81/68/s 81/69/pc

San Francisco 71/57/pc 74/59/pc

San Jose 77/56/s 79/59/s

San Luis Obispo 81/56/s 81/57/s

Santa Monica 84/67/s 86/68/s

Tahoe Valley 78/44/pc 75/45/s

Minneapolis 60/39/s 61/44/pc New York City 71/53/pc 69/54/pc

Philadelphia 72/52/pc 69/52/pc Phoenix 102/82/s 102/79/c

Portland, Ore. 80/58/s 69/59/c

St. Louis 73/45/s 67/47/s

Salt Lake City 89/61/s 88/62/s Seattle 77/56/s 65/57/sh

Washington, D.C. 73/52/pc 70/54/pc

Beijing 84/57/s 85/58/pc Berlin 54/43/r 51/40/sh Cairo 98/74/s 97/73/s Cancun 86/71/sh 91/71/pc London 59/45/pc 60/49/pc Mexico City 70/56/pc 68/51/r Montreal 61/53/sh 59/45/pc New Delhi 92/76/pc 93/75/pc Paris 59/50/r 60/46/sh

Rio de Janeiro 79/70/t 74/70/t Rome 73/62/t 73/65/t Sydney 71/58/sh 70/59/pc Tokyo 79/67/s 77/69/pc

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

A common area of a floor in Munger Hall is shown during a tour of a mock-up.

The suite’s kitchenette opens up on a large communal area for dining, studying and living.

‘Cats’ at e Granada

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The American Theatre Guild will present the popular musical “Cats” as part of the “Broadway In Santa Barbara” series at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 at The Granada, 1214 State St.

“Cats” was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” The recordbreaking musical has captivated

audiences in more than 30 countries and 15 languages, and it is now on tour across North America.

“The show at its crux is all the kitties who have gathered together on what is essentially kitty Christmas Eve,” said Michelle Carter, who has been performing as Jennyanydots in “Cats” since August 2021. “The cats assemble to decide which cat will ascend to a higher level of being.

“Jennyanydots is the first one up for contention in her initial songand-dance number where she is

vying for herself,” Ms. Carter told the News-Press. “She is significant personally because there aren’t any other roles like her, especially involving tap in musical theater, particularly for females.

“She is not, unfortunately, chosen to ascend,” Ms. Carter said. “However, she does help introduce several other characters that she has personal relationships with.”

She described Jennyanydots further.

“The character is super confident, boisterous, bossy and doesn’t care what others think

of her. I feel like that character has translated into my personal life and has given me a lot of confidence back that I probably lost due to the pandemic,” said Ms. Carter.

“During the pandemic, it was hard for me to sit around for a year,” she said. “For me personally, I tie self-worth to the jobs I get. Whether or not we are able to do our craft speaks volumes to how we feel about ourselves.”

The News-Press asked Ms. Carter about the significance of the musical’s iconic song “Memories.”

“I think it goes back to the themes of the show,” Ms. Carter said. “The song encompasses the major themes of the show: longing to be accepted and yearning to fit in with people you care about. I think that is a very universal thing that everyone will encounter in their lives. Because of the song’s fame, a lot of people don’t realize there is a cat singing it.”

Ms. Carter spoke to the impact of “Cats” on musical theater.

“It was sort of the original

Michelle Carter, who plays Jennyanydots, talks to the News-Press about the impact of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical

At left, Max Craven plays Mungojerrie, and Kelly Donah is Rumpleteazer. At right, John Anker Bow plays Gus

The Theatre Cat, and Kayli

Jamison is Jellylorum.

MATTHEW MURPHY PHOTOS

From left, “Cats” features Michelle Carter as Jennyanydots, Lauren Louis as Demeter, Chelsea Nicole Mitchell as Bombalurina and Kayli Jamison as Jellylorum.

Please see CATS on B2

COURTESY PHOTO

“The character (Jennyanydots) is super confi dent, boisterous, bossy and doesn’t care what others think of her,” Michelle Carter told the News-Press about her character in “Cats.” “I feel like that character has translated into my personal life and has given me a lot of confi dence back that I probably lost due to the pandemic.”

‘Don’t Worry, Darling’ tops weekend’s box office

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

“Don’t Worry, Darling” had nothing to worry about.

The movie topped last weekend’s box office in its opening weekend.

“Don’t Worry, Darling,” which is about a 1950s housewife who worries about secrets in what’s supposed to be a utopia, grossed $19.2 million.

“The Woman King,” starring Viola Davis in a West Africa historical epic, fell to No. 2 with $11.15 million.

The re-release of the 2009 movie “Avatar” placed third with $10 million.

The horror movie “Barbarian” fell to fourth place with $4.8 million.

Another horror thriller, “Pearl,” scared up fifth place in the box office with $1.92 million.

In sixth place was the murder mystery/comedy “See How They Run,” with $1.9 million.

“Bullet Train,” the action comedy starring Brad Pitt, fell to seventh place with 1.82

million.

The animated “DC League of Super-Pets” slipped to eighth place, with a gross of $1.77 million.

“Top Gun: Maverick” took a dive to ninth place with $1.56

million.

And “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” the latest film in the animated franchise, was 10th with $1.04 million.

email: dmason@newspress.com

10 things to do when you aren’t in a relationship

For many, the most challenging times in life are when we are on our own and don’t want to be.

The discomfort for many of us can be palpable. We feel it in our hearts and bones. Luckily, many things can help. Here is what you can do.

1. Don’t give up. There is someone out there for you, but the connecting process can be difficult. Even with great friends and the internet, you can spend many evenings by yourself and be lonely. But keep looking: you were not meant to be alone.

2. Stop thinking there is something wrong with you.

Bad timing is the main reason people fail to get together. It’s not because of some kind of personality glitch. You are better than you think you are.

3. Stop comparing yourself to other people.

Yes, some do find new mates fairly quickly, and that’s not happening for you just now. But this fact doesn’t make you less desirable or a flawed human being.

4. Redouble your efforts.

If you are already on a relationship website, join another There are several free ones that I hear have worked great for some folks. Try sites such as plentyoffish. com or okcupid.com. The wider you cast your net, the easier it will be to find a good partner. If you aren’t online yet, please start now.

5. Make some personal changes that will help you feel good about yourself. If you don’t like certain aspects of your life, another person is going to pick up on it, and he or she may well feel it too. Start making changes and see what happens.

6. Go on practice dates. Go out with friends, and go out with the people who ask you online, so you can get used to handling yourself on a first date. These dates don’t have to be perfect. This is a rehearsal, so the pressure is off.

7. Work through the hurt.

Being alone can be painful, but you don’t have to suffer. Talking about it, writing,and venting your feelings are just a few of the things you can do to help heal the ache in your heart.

8. Read a good book.

It doesn’t have to be a self-help

book. Most anything positive will do. Reading will help get your mind off your loneliness, and you may gain some insights you didn’t have before.

9. Don’t settle, but don’t set your standards too high. No one will be or have everything you want, so be prepared to compromise.

10. Remember that rejection is protection.

Learn from your experience, and know that someone is coming along who will be better for you. It’s best you work hard to heal the heartbreak and get yourself ready.

Most everyone has gone through something like this, and looking back, many people see that they could have used the time they were alone in better ways, doing things for themselves that you don’t need a partner for. Take these tips to heart and let them help you heal.

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.

Mike Younger to sing at SOhO

SANTA BARBARA — Nashville singer and songwriter Mike Younger will perform a solo acoustic set at 8 p.m. Monday at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., suite 205, Santa Barbara.

Door will open at 7 p.m., and the concert is for all ages.

Mr. Younger will perform music from his new CD, “Burning the Bigtop Down” Songs vary from “Lord of the Fleas” to “Ragtime Angel.”

Tickets cost $10. To purchase, go to www.sohosb.com.

If you make a reservation for dinner, you’ll be seated in the showroom and see Mr. Younger on stage. To make dinner reservations, call SOhO at 805-9627776.

If you pay at the door, you’ll sit at the bar or a table in the backroom, where there’s a big screen showing Mr. Younger performing.

CATS

Continued from Page B1 ensemble dance show,” she said. “It introduced a new quality of movement on Broadway. Dance was a certain way in the 80s.

“ ‘Cats’ gave musical theater creators permission to branch out into other things. There wouldn’t be a ‘Newsies’, a ‘Hamilton’ or a lot of other things if there wasn’t a ‘Cats,’ ” she said.

Ms. Carter explained how audiences are impacted by “Cats.”

“I can say first off, the most special part of being in this piece is that we have so many young audience members,” she said. “For many, it is their first theater experience. I love being on the opposite end of seeing their eyes light up.

“At its crux, ‘Cats’ is about forgiveness, acceptance and

FYI

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Cats” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased at americantheatreguild. com/santabarbara or by calling 1-805899-2222. Group ticket savings for 10+ are available by contacting Groups@ ATGuild.org.

wanting to be accepted by people,” Ms. Carter said. “That is a universal theme that everyone can relate to whether felines are on stage or not.”

Since its world premiere, “Cats” has been seen by more than 75 million people worldwide.

Originally directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography and associate direction by Gillian Lynne, “Cats” opened in London’s West End in 1981.

The original Broadway production opened in 1982 at New York City’s Winter Garden Theatre, where it ran for 7,485 performances and 18 years.

“Cats,” which won the Tony for best musical, held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Mr. Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera.”

The original Broadway production closed on Sept. 10, 2000 and is currently the fourth longestrunning show in Broadway history.

“Our production is the part that is unique,” Ms. Carter told the News-Press. “We are remounting the 2019 Broadway revival version of ‘Cats.’ The choreography is by Andy Blankenbuehler who won the Tony-award for his choreography of ‘Hamilton.’”

email:

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Set in the 1950s, “Don’t Worry, Darling” topped last weekend’s box office.

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

Mike Younger is promoting his newest CD, “Burning the Bigtop Down.”

MATTHEW MURPHY PHOTO

Indalecio De Jesús Valentín portrays Old Deuteronomy,

Diversions

Thought for Today

“The past always looks better than it was. It’s only pleasant because it isn’t here.” — Finley Peter Dunne

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

ARIES — Someone who’s been ill and perhaps undergone surgery might phone you today, Aries. You could invite this person to join you for a little virtual social gathering. Several people could be involved. All of them will have some interesting and useful information to offer.

Enjoy your day.

TAURUS — With the planetary atmosphere today, your sensual nature is in full bloom. If there’s a romantic partner nearby, that person should be on guard!

There may be a lot of other people around, so a chance to be alone probably won’t present itself until this evening. If you don’t connect with a potential partner, at least you’ll have a good time.

GEMINI — You might have to play nurse today, Gemini. A love partner could claim to feel unwell, and you might expend a lot of energy trying to make your friend feel better. Don’t overdo it. There may be psychological factors at work. Your friend could be jealous of the attention you’ve been giving family and friends.

CANCER — You’re generally focused on the material world, Cancer, but something about the energy generated by today’s planetary alignments causes you to look within. You might think about the joys and pains of past family gatherings and wonder how they affect your life now. This is a positive, healing process, so don’t fight it.

LEO — A virtual group event could put you in contact with a number of people interested in doing a healing meditation for the planet. This sort of activity can work wonders to strengthen the bond among those performing it. You might not talk much during the discussions, but you’re apt to be in total agreement with the idea. Enjoy your day.

VIRGO — Happiness reigns in the home as everyone feels the energy changing, Virgo. It seems that the end of one cycle brings closure, and now you’re free to start a new journey of rebirth. You, above all, are apt to feel a powerful rush of intuition, which could reveal positive events

coming up for you and those close to you.

LIBRA — Are you going to go away soon, Libra? If not, you may be planning a trip for another month, perhaps going for educational purposes, such as to attend a workshop. You might have agreed to some overseas business travel. You should feel especially energetic, enthusiastic, and optimistic now.

SCORPIO — Instinct and determination drive you toward unconventional plans for making money, Scorpio. A finance counselor or other professional could be involved. You may see this as an opportunity to restore your ailing bank account. You may have future purchases in mind, perhaps even a new home.

SAGITTARIUS — Today you may feel a passionate attraction for someone intelligent who perhaps makes a living in law, education, or publishing, Sagittarius. Conversations with this person could touch on some deep issues, such as spiritual matters, the human psyche, or the nature of the universe.

CAPRICORN — This could be a quiet day for you and your partner, Capricorn. You could spend some time reflecting on past achievements and future goals. It’s important to get a clear picture about the past so you can draw conclusions and make workable plans. If you have a family, you’ll probably be interested in activities that everyone will enjoy.

AQUARIUS — All the positive energy generated by the celestial atmosphere seems to come together today as you experience a rush of sensual passion for a romantic partner, Aquarius. An unexpected encounter could not only fulfill this desire but also bring you closer. If you aren’t already committed, expect to discuss it tonight.

PISCES — A call form someone you haven’t heard from in a while could generate mixed feelings, Pisces. On the one hand, you’re probably glad to resume contact with this person. On the other, because you weren’t expecting to hear from them, it could create extra emotions for you - as if you didn’t already have enough on your plate!

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.

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

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

Every number in the codeword grid is ‘code’ for a letter of the alphabet. Thus, the number 2 may correspond to the letter L, for instance.

All puzzles come with a few letters to start. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If the letter S is in the box at the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should be to find all cells numbered 2 in the grid and enter the letter S. Cross the letter S off the list at the bottom of the grid.

Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid. to play Codewordto previous CODEWORD

DAILY to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

RNIHED

HAVOC LEMUR