Santa Barbara News-Press: May 10, 2023

Wildfire prevention

Defensible Space Inspections to start June 1 - A2

Take Mom to brunch

Local restaurants offer special meals on Mother’s Day - B1

SB City Council OKs unattended property law

New ordinance covers belongings in public spaces

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara City Council gave a new ordinance to regulate unattended personal property in public areas a resounding thumbs up Tuesday.

Members voted unanimously to endorse the idea while still protecting the rights of the people to whom the possessions belong.

and attractive public areas must be balanced with the needs of individuals who have no other alternatives for the storage of personal property, and who reasonably need to retain access to a limited amount of personal property in public areas.

“This is fabulous,” Mayor Randy Rowse said. “It’s another tool to help us with people who are unsheltered on the streets.”

Officials gather Tuesday for the groundbreaking ceremony for Hope Village in Santa Maria. The 94-room facility will be designed to provide housing for homeless individuals. From left are Alice Patino, the Santa Maria mayor; Alma Hernandez, representative of Supervisor Joan Hartmann’s Office; Das Williams, chair of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors; Edwin Weaver, executive director, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley; Matt Riley, DignityMoves’ regional executive director for Santa Barbara; Bob Nelson, county supervisor; two representatives from Balay Ko Foundation; Steve Lavagnino, county supervisor; Sue Anderson, president and CEO of Marian Regional Medical Center; Terri Maus-Nisich, former assistant Santa Barbara County CEO; Laura Capps, county supervisor; Aaron Edelheit, DignityMoves board member, and Sylvia Bernard, Good Samaritan executive director.

Housing the homeless

DignityMoves to provide shelter for unhoused individuals in Santa Maria

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

DignityMoves hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for Hope Village in Santa Maria.

Hope Village is one of two agreements approved by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in collaboration with DignityMoves to develop interim supportive housing for the area’s unhoused population. The vote was unanimous by the board, which met Tuesday at the Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building in Santa Maria.

“The board has made a clear commitment to the cause, sharing that this (permitting homelessness) is all unacceptable!” exclaimed Jack Lorenz, the regional advancement officer for DignityMoves. “The board really said, ‘It stops with us. Let’s make a difference.’”

The 94-room establishment, which will be operated by Good

Samaritan Shelter, will be for those experiencing homelessness in Santa Maria. Mr. Lorenz told the News-Press that Good Samaritan is the “secret sauce” to this whole operation, as the organization is providing resources that may not have been necessarily available.

Hope Village will provide services for four different populations.

First, 10 of the rooms will be for Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, an organization that helps with the needs of transitional age youth between 18 to 24, many of whom are leaving the foster care system or, as Mr. Lorenz explained it, were simply kicked out by their parents.

In collaboration with Dignity Health’s Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, 30 of the rooms will provide respite care. Hospitals can only release

a patient with a proper address provided, so by having Hope Village, it allows individuals experiencing homelessness to have a safe place to rest and recover.

Ten of the rooms will be for veterans, and the remaining 44 rooms will be for individuals and couples who are unsheltered.

DignityMoves anticipates opening the doors of Hope Village to residents by August.

“People do not realize that there are a lot of working poor who are homeless,” Mr. Lorenz said during the News-Press interview. “Some people experiencing homelessness have full-time jobs, but still can’t afford to find housing. DignityMoves can bridge that gap and assist people in finding shelter.”

Mr. Lorenz also shared some details on another new location that DignityMoves is hoping to

bring to Santa Barbara. It’s titled La Posada. This village would be located on 4500 Hollister Ave., where the juvenile hall is, and it will allow for 90 people to find housing. The shelter would also offer mental health and substance abuse counselors. When asked about the community’s support or concerns, Mr. Lorenz said, “Community members think that by providing this service, it is attracting more of the unhoused community to the area, which is not true. People who find shelter at the villages are already there, and we are just assisting them where they are already at.”

He then noted that once the community members are explained how the process works, it becomes a less “frustrating” thing for them. He added that DignityMoves is hoping to expand to other areas across the state to aid in the housing crisis.

email: abahnsen@newspress.com

City staff said unattended or stored personal property in certain public spaces threatens the health and safety of residents and visitors because it interferes with the safe passage of pedestrians and people with disabilities in the public rightof-way. Staff also said such property can foster unsanitary conditions.

At the same time, staff stressed that the needs of the public to access clean, sanitary

The new ordinance deals with abandoned property left on public streets, rights-ofway, sidewalks, paseos, parks and other publicly-owned or controlled property. Staff stressed that notices will be posted before personal belongings are moved — and afterward as well — so homeless people will know where to go to recover their

Please see COUNCIL on A4

Direct Relief donation approved for Public Health Department allocation

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN

STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to accept a donation covering public health needs from Goleta-based Direct Relief.

According to directrelief.org, Direct Relief is a “nonprofit humanitarian organization

whose mission is to improve the lives of people in poverty or emergency situations by providing the appropriate medical resources.” The main objective of the charity is to “provide emergency medical assistance and disaster relief in the United States and internationally.”

On the local level, Direct

PHOTOS COURTESY DIGNITYMOVES

Santa Barbara County fire department shares advice on wildfires

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Santa Barbara County Fire officials are reminding residents that Defensible Space Inspections begin June 1.

“Homeowners have a responsibility to clear their vegetation,” officials said. “Help us help you protect the community.” Wildfires are now a year-round reality in Santa Barbara County. This means that both firefighters and residents have to be prepared against the threat from brush fires at all times, officials said.

“Firefighters train hard and make countless preparations to be ready for a wildfire. Residents need to do the same,” fire officials said. “Successfully preparing for a wildfire requires you to take personal responsibility for protecting yourself, your family

and your property.

“The Santa Barbara County Fire Department takes every precaution to help protect you and your property from a wildfire. But the reality is, during a major wildfire, there will simply not be enough fire engines or firefighters to defend every home, especially during the first hours of a major wildfire, so you must become part of the solution.”

The fire department is publishing advice about wildfires in a PDF called “Ready, Set, Go!.” You can read it at sbcfire.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/08/ready_set_ go.pdf.

If your home borders a natural area — what firefighters call the Wildland Urban Interface — you are directly at risk from a wildfire, officials said. And if you live within one mile of a natural area, you live in the Ember Zone. Homes in the

Ember Zone are at risk from winddriven embers from a wildfire.

“Recent fires have resulted in entire neighborhoods being destroyed by fires started by embers, not the wildfire itself,” officials said. “This publication will help guide you through the process of making your home resistant to wildfires, and your family ready to leave early and safely. We call this process, ‘Ready, Set, Go!’

“You will learn about the Ember Zone and how to retrofit your home with features that protect it from embers. We’ll show you the importance of having defensible space around your home and the preparations you need to make so you can leave early, evacuating before the fire reaches you.

“Fire is, and always has been, a natural part of the beautiful area where we’ve chosen to live. Wildfires, fueled by build-up

of dry vegetation and driven by hot, dry winds, are extremely dangerous and almost impossible to control.

“Many residents have built their homes and landscaped without fully understanding the impact a fire could have on them. This publication will help you prepare your home so you can leave early, confident that you’ve done everything you can reasonably do to protect your home.

“It’s not a question of if, but when, the next wildfire will occur. That’s why the most important person protecting your life and property is not a firefighter, but you. With advance planning and preparation, you can dramatically increase your safety and the survivability of your property.” email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail. com

Organized crime task force seizes stolen goods worth $50 million, arrests 40

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — In a wellcoordinated statewide operation, California Highway Patrol investigators of the Cargo Theft Interdiction Program and officers of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force recovered stolen goods valued in excess of $50 million.

The operation seized numerous firearms, several vehicles, 20 stolen cargo trailers, $550,000, and 13 gold bars — and took into custody 40 suspects.

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee was proud of the success of the exercise, stating, “This team has worked tirelessly to unravel this complex case. I continue to be

impressed by the dedication and commitment put forth daily by our officers and investigators. Their efforts help make California a safer place to live and work.”

Cargo theft has risen dramatically over the past 10 years. It is estimated that when calculated to include the losses of the trucking industry, insurance companies and railroad losses, California’s annual loss due to theft exceeds $10 billion.

Statistically, the areas most affected by cargo theft crime in California are Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, the San Francisco Bay area and San Diego, where harbors, airports and railways process millions of cargo containers every year, forming a

complex system of distribution.

The Cargo Theft Interdiction Program was created to specifically address the brazen and ever-increasing crime being committed, driven by profit margins from stolen goods.

Last spring, the CHP executed law-enforcement operations to assist victims of cargo theft, some of whom were major retail brands. It involved more than 50 separate operations in surveillance, search warrants, undercover officers and arrests of suspects alleged to be responsible for 200 missing cargo loads valued at more than $150 million.

“This large-scale enforcement operation is part of CHP’s everyday work to keep our

residents, communities and businesses safe. I’m grateful for all the men and women who helped shut down this criminal operation and get dangerous firearms and stolen merchandise off our streets,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

Gov. Newsom expanded the CHP’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force in 2022 and fortified law enforcement operations with an injection of more than $241.4 million to thwart organized retail theft and other crimes affecting legitimate retail businesses.

The suspects are now facing several felony charges: conspiracy to commit grand theft, grand theft of cargo, vehicle theft;\ and identity theft.

California attorney general intervenes in Texas abortion case

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — California Attorney General Rob Bonta co-led the Reproductive Freedom Alliance Tuesday in filing an amicus brief in defense of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. The law allows hospital emergency departments to perform abortions if it is required to save a patient’s life.

In June, the Biden administration reiterated hospitals’ obligation to perform medically necessary abortions in emergency situations to preserve the life of the mother, and President Joe Biden issued an executive order on July 8 on abortion care.

On July 11, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a memorandum, which said in part, “When a state law

New federal cases target fentanyl suspects

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown joined federal authorities and law enforcement leaders Tuesday at a news conference, where officials announced a dozen new federal cases targeting alleged fentanyl dealers who, in all but one case, allegedly sold fentanyl and fake pills containing fentanyl that directly resulted in the death of at least one victim.

The announcement, made on Fentanyl Awareness Day, includes the indictment of Kaelen Wendel and Michael Villapania for distributing fentanyl that led to the death of one jail inmate and serious bodily injury to a second at the Northern Branch Jail near Santa Maria on Oct. 20, 2022.

An intensive investigation was conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Bureau, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, revealing that 31-year-old Kaelen Wendel of Lompoc, an inmate who had been arrested for outstanding property crime warrants, allegedly had smuggled fentanyl into the jail and into the housing unit where the overdose occurred.

Michael Villapania, 35, of Santa

prohibits abortion and does not include an exception for the life of the pregnant person — or draws the exception more narrowly than EMTALA’s emergency medical condition definition — that state law is preempted.”

Texas responded with a lawsuit, and in August, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas barred the Biden administration guidance from being applied in Texas.

The brief — filed on behalf of the 22 amici states that form the Reproductive Freedom Alliance coalition and in support of the Biden administration’s appeal of the decision — asks for a reversal of the judgment granting injunctive relief by the District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

“Amici know from direct experience that emergency abortion care is necessary to

avoid serious harmful outcomes (including death) in numerous situations. Failure to provide stabilizing abortion care will cause harm to patients and spillover effects in other States,” the brief stated.

A news release by Attorney General Bonta’s office noted that states have relied on EMTALA guidance to require the treatment of pregnancy-related conditions that need emergency abortion.

If the ruling is allowed to stand, it “would not only endanger patients in Texas, but would also have serious repercussions on the health systems of other states,” according to the attorney general’s office.

“Emergency treatment can mean the difference between life and death for a patient,” Mr. Bonta said. “Those seeking to exclude abortion from emergency healthcare are endangering the lives of countless patients. That’s

TRAFFIC, CRIME & FIRE BLOTTER

Barbara, an inmate who had been arrested for an outstanding probation warrant, a property crime warrant and a warrant for bringing narcotics into jail, allegedly conspired with Kaelen Wendel to sell some of the fentanyl in exchange for jail commissary items.

“Law enforcement agencies nationwide are working to combat the fentanyl crisis through various strategies, including increased border security, enhanced drug interdiction efforts and targeted enforcement against drug traffickers,” Sheriff Brown said. “In response to this crisis, law enforcement agencies have also had to adapt their approach to protecting our communities from the scourge of fentanyl.

“We are working in partnership with public health officials and community members, leaders, and organizations to increase awareness and educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl, and to make substance use treatment available to those who are addicted, and to adopt harmreduction strategies including widespread distribution of Narcan, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

“But prevention, treatment and harm reduction efforts alone are not going to solve the fentanyl problem our nation grapples with today,” he said. “We must also resolutely enforce the laws

against those who cavalierly manufacture and distribute dangerous drugs like fentanyl without any regard for the lethal consequences of their reckless actions.”

Sheriff Brown closed by thanking the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their partnership and dedication to this investigation, which led to the indictment of Kaelen Wendel and Michael Villapania.

“Today we send a strong message to those in Santa Barbara County who sell or distribute this poison,” he said.

“It will not be tolerated. If you choose to sell fentanyl in our communities, you do so at your own risk. The sheriff’s office and our federal partners will continue to investigate and prosecute those responsible for fentanyl-related overdose deaths, to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Neil Hartstein

Man suspected of possessing weapons and drugs

SANTA MARIA

— A Santa Maria man who was found shot earlier this month has been arrested on suspicion of possessing weapons and drugs,

why I stand with my coalition partners in urging the Fifth Circuit to reverse the Texas court decision and ensure critical emergency healthcare for all. California will not stand idly by as anti-choice states like Texas trample over the rights and protections that allow people to live healthy, safe lives.”

But Texas passed the Human Life Protection Act of 2021 (HB 1280), which in banning abortion, explicitly stated exceptions in Sec. 170A. 002. Such rules prohibiting abortion do not apply if “in the exercise of reasonable medical judgment the pregnant female on whom the abortion is performed … has a life-threatening physical condition, aggravated by, caused by, or arising from a pregnancy that places the female at risk of death or poses a serious risk of impairment … unless the abortion is performed.”

and of driving a stolen vehicle, police said Monday.

On May 1 at about 1 a.m., Santa Maria police officers were sent to the 300 block of East Monroe regarding a fight call. Officers arrived on scene and located 53-year-old Jose Arturo Meza lying on the ground suffering from a recent and severe gunshot wound.

A loaded firearm was found at the scene, and officers believe a shooting occurred just prior to their arrival. Mr. Meza was subsequently transported to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, where he was treated, admitted and is expected to recover from his injuries. SMPD detectives took over and continued the investigation. Ultimately, Mr. Meza allegedly was found to be in possession of a loaded, unregistered and nonserialized semi-automatic pistol.

First responders located about 11 grams of suspected methamphetamine and approximately six grams of suspected cocaine, allegedly in Mr. Meza’s possession. The vehicle Mr. Meza allegedly was driving near the time of the shooting was also confirmed to be stolen from the San Diego area.

A week later, on May 8, at about 1 p.m., Mr. Meza was released from the hospital and taken into custody by detectives

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Border Patrol agent says urgent support needed at border

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Within a short period of time of holding in custody over 27,000 illegal foreign nationals who’ve just arrived to the Rio Grande Valley sector in Texas, a Border Patrol agent stationed there told The Center Square, “We are almost at ‘Broken Arrow.’”

“Of that 27,000, a little over 5,000 are processed, waiting for their next phase in the process,” the agent said.

“Every sector is near 150% capacity,” the agent said, referring to nine U.S. Customs and Border Protection sectors along the southwest border, five of which are in Texas.

Speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, he referred to the U.S. military code phrase used during the first major battle of the Vietnam War when U.S. Army troops were in danger of being obliterated. After two days of intense fighting during the 1965 Battle of la Drang, Lt. Col. Harold G. Moore radioed

the code word “Broken Arrow,” requesting urgent air support. His 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment was about to be overrun by three enemy regiments if help didn’t arrive. Tactical airstrikes and heavy artillery arrived in time, enabling Moore and his men to hold the line. Reinforcements arrived, but the 2nd Battalion, 7th Calvary Regiment was ambushed and lost 155 men with another 124 wounded. It was the biggest loss of U.S. forces in a single day during the entire Vietnam War.

The chaotic four-day battle resulting in 234 Americans dead and 250 wounded was described in a documentary and portrayed in a 2002 movie based on a famous book of a similar name, “We Were Soldiers.”

The judges and commissioners of more than 40 Texas counties have declared an invasion, arguing Mexican cartels are bringing in drugs, terrorists and criminals through the southern border using “migrant warfare” and “nonconventional warfare” to do it.

The amount of fentanyl being seized by law enforcement in vehicles over 100 miles from the border in Texas, Arizona and California is enough to kill entire populations of small cities and towns. The amount of fentanyl Texas Operation Lone Star officers have seized since March 2021 is enough to kill everyone in the United States. Border Patrol agents don’t have reinforcements coming from the U.S. military other than to help process the release of illegal foreign nationals, not prohibit their entry, the White House has announced. Even as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday sent a tactical Texas National Guard unit of several hundred troops to El Paso and to the RGV border sector to block illegal entry, he said Texas “is being overrun by our own federal government.”

He also posted video of places where Texas troops have blocked entry near Brownsville.

At least 13,000 people are expected to arrive a day at the southern border when the public health authority Title 42 ends

No progress on debt ceiling as deadline approaches

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

(The Center Square) —

President Joe Biden met with legislative leaders on Tuesday, but neither side gave any indication of progress on the debt ceiling ahead of a potential June 1 default deadline.

President Biden met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell at the White House. Both sides accused each other of holding the economy hostage in the debt ceiling talks.

U.S. Rep. McCarthy,

R-Bakersfield, said he didn’t see any progress. Sen. Schumer, D-New York, said Speaker McCarthy refused to take default off the table and argued that a bipartisan solution was needed. Rep. Jeffries D-New York, said additional meetings were planned.

A short-term extension also appeared out of reach.

“I don’t think a short term extension does anything,” Rep. McCarthy said after the meeting. Rep. McCarthy put the ball in Sen. Schumer’s court.

“My position is clear and reasonable,” the House speaker posted on Twitter. “House Republicans have done their job to avoid a default and responsibly raise the debt limit. Democrats

must now do the same.”

Sen. Schumer said any path forward would need bipartisan support.

House Republicans recently passed a bill to cut spending by nearly $5 trillion and raise the debt limit by about $1.5 trillion, or until March 31, 2024, whichever comes first.

Republicans have said they won’t agree to raise the debt limit without spending cuts.

President Biden and Democrats have said Congress must raise the debt limit before discussing changes to spending or other budget changes.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said lawmakers must raise the debt ceiling by June 1 or risk a default on U.S. debt obligations.

Thursday. Assuming the numbers don’t fluctuate, another 4.6 million could arrive in one year’s time in response to Biden administration policies, border observers warn. That’s in addition to over 6 million who’ve already been apprehended or reported as gotaways since January 2021.

A day before Gov. Abbott’s announcement, Fox News published drone footage of foreign nationals arriving south of Brownsville seeking to enter the U.S. from all over the world, waiting in a line that appears to be over a mile long. Under Biden administration policies, the Homeland Security and State departments announced “sweeping measures with our regional partners,” including the governments of Mexico, Spain and Canada to “expand legal pathways” and “ensure safe, orderly and efficient processing.” The federal government is also opening processing centers overseas and expanding access to the CBP OneApp to bring even more people into the country, it says.

Report: Economic development departments pay big money for few gains

By JON STYF THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF REPORTER

(The Center Square) — While billion-dollar economic development incentives are heavily expanding across the country, the agencies in charge of handing out those incentives claim to create or retain 625,000 jobs in their most recent fiscal years, according to a new report.

The Center for Economic Accountability tallied up the jobs claimed as part of incentive packages in the 50 states and Washington, D.C. and found the job total would be less than 5% of the 15 million to 17 million jobs

naturally created in the United States economy each year.

“In a nation of more than 330 million people and an economy with 164 million workers, the 625,000 new jobs a year claimed by economic development agencies are a tiny drop in a massively expensive bucket,” said CEA President John C. Mozena.

“For all of the claims that states’ economic development agencies are critical to economic competitiveness, their own data shows that their results are a rounding error at best for the economy as a whole.”

Economists across the country have studied and found economic

incentives give politicians political gain but the incentives are not worth it for states.

The CEA report also said economic studies have shown job creation numbers sent by economic development departments are inflated four times what they should be. That would mean the number of new jobs is closer to 156,000 across the country.

A study from Dr. Timothy Bartik of the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research showed “for at least 75% of incented firms, the firm would have made a similar decision location/expansion/

retention decision without the incentive.”

Last year, 12 different billiondollar incentive deals were announced in the U.S., and a preCOVID analysis showed economic development departments handed out roughly $95 billion nationwide, a number equal to the combined budget of the 11 smallest states in the U.S.

“That return on investment is so bad it makes Sam BankmanFried look like Warren Buffett,” Mr. Mozena said. “If privatesector investment professionals were delivering results like this to their customers they’d be fired, in jail or both.”

Jury finds Trump liable for $5 million in civil case

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — A jury found Donald Trump liable for $5 million in damages on Tuesday for sexually abusing a magazine writer in the 1990s and calling her a liar.

The jury in the civil case filed by E. Jean Carroll reached a unanimous verdict.

Ms. Carroll testified that Mr. Trump raped her in a department store dressing room in Manhattan in 1995 or 1996, then defamed her by calling her a liar in a 2022 post on

Truth Social, his social media platform.

Mr. Trump is leading in opinion polls for the Republican party’s presidential nomination. His attorneys did not present a defense in the civil trial.

Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social as the jury deliberated on Tuesday.

“Waiting for a jury decision on a False Accusation where I, despite being a current political candidate and leading all others in both parties, am not allowed to speak or defend myself, even as hard nosed reporters scream questions about this case at me,” he wrote on Truth Social.

COURTESY PHOTO House Speaker Kevin McCarthy

WHITE HOUSE PHOTO

Donald Trump

Panel recommends breast cancer screening starting at age 40

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Women in the U.S. should get screened for breast cancer starting at age 40, 10 years earlier than previously recommended, according to a new recommendation from a government panel.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a draft

recommendation that all women get screened for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40.

The American Cancer Society supported the decision.

“We applaud the return in USPSTF recommendations to begin screening in their 40s,” Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society, said in a statement. American Cancer Society breast cancer guidelines, which are

independent from government recommendations, call for women to have an opportunity to decide about screening at age 40 and undergo annual screening by 45.

The task force recommendations could result in 19% more lives being saved.

“New and more inclusive science about breast cancer in people younger than 50 has enabled us to expand our prior recommendation and encourage

all women to get screened every other year starting at age 40,” said Dr. Carol Mangione, the task force immediate past chair. “This new recommendation will help save lives and prevent more women from dying due to breast cancer.”

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer. It also is the second most common cause of cancer death for women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

$8 million in grants awarded to 21 clinics to secure abortion access

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) —

Approximately $8 million was awarded to 21 abortion facilities this week as part of the Physical and Digital Infrastructure Security Grant Program — administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the Department of Health Care Access and Information.

The money is intended to reinforce security at abortion clinics and fund the protection of their physical and information technology infrastructure.

The $8 million comes out of a budgeted $20 million Capital Infrastructure for Reproductive Health line item grant, from

BLOTTER

Continued from Page A2

related to this investigation.

He was booked on suspicion of possession of drugs while armed with a loaded firearm; being a felon in possession of a firearm; being a felon in possession of ammunition; possession of a stolen vehicle; and a parole violation.

This investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Cole Whitney at 805-9283781, ext. 1329, or the SMPD Communications Center at 805928-3781, ext. 2277.

RELIEF

Continued from Page A1

Relief is donating money to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

Specifically, as outlined by the board of supervisors’ agenda, the donations were allocated for

the more than $200 million reproductive health budget.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2022-2023 last June, designating the over $200 million to protect abortion access in California, a fraction of the $231.3 billion budgeted for the Health and Human Services Agency caring for at-risk residents in the state.

Cal Emergency Services Director Nancy Ward said, “By providing security at vulnerable healthcare locations, we can help protect everyone involved, from providers, to patients, and the surrounding community.”

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade ,14 states have a total or near total ban on abortion, 11 have restrictions, 11 have a balance of protections with

— Neil Hartstein

Police arrest man suspected of vandalism

SANTA MARIA – Santa Maria police officers responded Sunday at approximately 8:30 a.m., to a call for service of a man acting erratically, vandalizing residences, and attempting to burglarize vehicles, police said Monday.

The man was later identified as 21-year-old Santa Maria resident Samuel SantiagoFrancisco.

Mr. Francisco was contacted

pharmaceutical replenishments and safety net support from Direct Relief to the Public Health Department.

Last year, Direct Relief provided $976,415.70 to the department. In Tuesday’s meeting in Santa Maria, the board authorized the public health director to accept and

SCHOUTENS, Jacques Edouard

City of birth: Brussels, Belgium

Date of birth: September 25, 1934

Date of death: April 8, 2023

City of death: Los Alamos, CA

Jacques was born in Brussels, Belgium and spent much of his early childhood in this Nazi-occupied city. In 1956, after serving in the Belgian military in post-war Germany, he immigrated to the United States. Even though he didn’t speak English when he arrived, as a skilled machinist he managed to land a job at Packard Bell in Los Angeles. Here, he designed TV chassis based on technical drawings he had brought with him from Europe. Jacques obtained a bachelor’s degree and subsequently a Ph.D. in physics by attending classes at night while working during the day. His long career included positions at Douglas Aircraft, General Electric and Kaman Sciences.

While Jacques was a noted expert on composite materials, he was a consummate enthusiasm to physics, mathematics, laser technology, biology, history and writing. In Academy of Sciences. Jacques was an inspirational lecturer in physics, engineering, and mathematics; he gave exciting talks across the country at university campuses, companies sites and military bases. Furthermore, Jacques’ talents went beyond the theoretical -- he once designed a shrimp-shelling machine from scratch for a company in Texas.

Jacques was known for being headstrong, and his intense pursuit of knowledge sometimes led to comical accidents. During one summer research assignment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he caused a lab explosion by mixing materials that were highly incompatible with each other. Jacques loved to recall this time he almost blew up a lab, often through tears of laughter.

With an insatiable curiosity and many professional and personal interests, he established an expansive home library with books on many subjects. He was an avid reader and devotee of European history. Artistic endeavors also enchanted him, and he was a self-taught violinist, cellist, model ship builder and artist. He particularly loved to paint and draw landscapes.

Jacques will be deeply missed by his loving wife Apolonia, his children Robert, Suzanne, Joe, Mary, Leah, their spouses, his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister Many, brother-in-law Larry and dear friends Chris and Charlotte Wrather.

some restrictions, 13 allow abortions and 1 (Wisconsin) has suspended abortions until it can be legislatively allowed. A statement released by Gov. Newsom’s office on Tuesday perhaps indicates his level of frustration with that court decision, which prompted him to respond with budgetary action.

“As extreme politicians continue to attack access to essential reproductive health care, California is providing key resources to help ensure patients and providers can feel safe and secure while accessing or providing care,” the release said.

The funds not only enshrine California as a “reproductive freedom” state regardless of immigration status, but

by officers in the 300 block of W. Tunnell Street, with a long piece of rebar in his hand that he allegedly was using to damage property. Police repeatedly asked him to drop the weapon. But he allegedly ignored the officers’ requests and raised the rebar over his head and began walking toward the officers.

It was later determined Mr. Francisco allegedly was under the influence of a controlled substance.

welcomes anyone from any state, wanting access to abortion services.

Gov. Newsom commented, “As attacks on reproductive health care continue, we’re providing resources to help ensure patients and providers feel safe and secure while accessing or providing critical reproductive health care.”

The last time there was an attack on an abortion clinic in California was in 2021 when a man fired several pellets into a Los Angeles facility, causing damage. He was charged for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

“All health care providers deserve to feel safe while offering resources and services to patients,” Gov. Newsom said.

belongings. “This has been a long time coming,” Councilmember Sneddon said. “We get to alleviate the issue … and do it humanely for the public good, and not just throw things away as if they are garbage.”

People would not have to show identification when they seek to reclaim their property. They’d just have to describe it or note where their belongings were before they were picked up and moved into storage.

Items would remain in storage 90 days at no cost to their owner before the city disposes of them.

“We want to be clear,”

Barbara Andersen, senior assistant to the city administrator, told the council. “We want to ablate violations, not penalize homelessness. This is an opportunity to pick it up, not just seize it and destroy it.”

Safely storing people’s personal belongings would also give city staffers the opportunity to “incentivize” those open to receiving emergency housing and services to accept case management when they come to pick up their possessions.

Under the ordinance, storage is generally defined as being in the same location for more than four hours. If after four hours’ written notice, the unattended personal property has not been removed, the city may impound it and thereafter must store it for potential recovery for 90 days.

The ordinance provides that personal property may be disposed of immediately when the property is perishable or is contraband or constitutes an

immediate threat to the public health or safety.

It also specifies certain locations where property cannot be left regardless of duration, such as in travelways. Property left in prohibited locations can be removed immediately.

At the same time, the ordinance excludes operational personal transportation or mobility devices, such as bicycles, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and scooters from the definition of personal property.

And it doesn’t apply to personal property left on private property, or on public property if its storage is permitted by a permit, ordinance, statute or other authorization by the city or state.

The ordinance will take effect in three months. That will ensure proactive attempts by the city to spread the word among the city’s homeless population before enforcement begins, Ms. Andersen said.

“Enforcement will be abatement-focused, not criminal enforcement,” she said.

The overall goal is to approach each situation with compassion, including taking unattended pets “which are precious to them” to a shelter where they would be provided for for up to two weeks.

“There are a lot of ways to help out,” she said.

At the same time, Ms. Andersen said, the city will provide multiple pathways for people to file complaints with the city about personal property left in public areas, including a “constituent management system” set to debut in June.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

Officers on scene used less lethal impact devices to subdue Mr. Francisco and take him into custody without incident. He was booked on suspicion of vandalism, being under the influence of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

receive these donations officially.

After this acceptance, the board then approved the money to be added to the Public Health Department’s overall budget for the year.

With this money donated, the Public Health Department can gain more resources and pharmaceutical necessities

— Neil Hartstein

for the community, which will provide Santa Barbara residents an increased inventory of medications and other medical needs.

The Board of Supervisors discussed this in the closed portion of their meeting. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Traditional brunches plus other amenities on the docket for Mother’s Day

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Whether she is a fun, wacky mom, a take-charge mom who runs the house like a tight ship, a snuggly mom who loves to give hugs, a cool mom up on all the latest trends or some other type of matriarch, she deserves very special treatment on Mother’s Day, which is May 14 this year.

In many families, that means the traditional Mother’s Day Brunch, but a number of local restaurants are offering additional amenities to pamper moms in the community.

El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, on the Riviera, will offer a candle-making workshop in the afternoon, the perfect interactive activity after brunch. Led by Los Angeles-based artisanal candle brand LAIT, the candle-making class offers a bonding activity for families to craft their own souvenirs to take home.

For the ultimate treat, guests can give Mom a relaxing afternoon at The Spa at El Encanto, featuring a variety of revitalizing treatments and a serene outdoor pool. Moms can also enjoy a stroll through the hotel’s gardens and lily ponds.

The Santa Barbara hotel’s signature restaurant, The Dining Room, will be offering special menus for brunch and dinner. Moms can dig into a luxurious brunch buffet that includes a raw bar with caviar, made-to-order eggs, a carving station and a selection of sweet treats, as well as complimentary Champagne.

The dinner menu will be prixfixe with a standard and plantbased option, offering dishes made with seasonal ingredients like prime rib with Asian spices and whipped wasabi cream and farro risotto with root vegetables, hen of the woods and El Encanto herbs.

The cost for brunch, which is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., is $165, and for dinner, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., it is $155 for standard and $140 for plant based. The candlemaking workshop costs $50.

San Ysidro Ranch’s Salon and Spa is offering a Mother’s Day Special ($400) for those looking to treat Mom to a day of ultimate relaxation and pampering.

Included is a 60-minute Swedish massage, mani-pedi with paraffin treatment, signature salon wash and style, a glass of bubbly and a gift for mom.

The brunch, which is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in The Stonehouse restaurant and costs $195, includes Filet Mignon Wellington, Colorado Lamb Lion, Citrus-Cured Ora King Salmon Benedict, Manchego-Crusted Alaskan Halibut and Roasted Garden Vegetable Shakshuka.

From special spa offerings to activities for the whole family, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, is sure to leave every mother feeling pampered, refreshed and appreciated.

Mother’s Day Brunch will be served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Goleta resort’s Angel Oak and The Bluff restaurants, and there will be face painting, flower bouquet making, treats and additional surprises for the whole family.

The cost is $125 for adults and $55 for children. Reservations are required.

The brunch will include the Fisherman’s Wharf, Farmer’s Market Egg Station. Carving Station, Sweet and Savory Crepe and Waffle Bar, and Sweet Treats for Mom.

Outdoor yoga will take place on the ocean lawn on Saturday, and luxury handbags will be for sale Friday through Sunday in the hotel lobby.

In downtown Santa Barbara, Eureka! In Paseo Nuevo is celebrating the month of May with a Mother’s Day prix fixe, gift card promotion and all day “hoppy” hour on Memorial Day.

Featured will be Fresno

Fig Burgers topped with fig marmalade, creamy goat cheese, bacon, tomatoes, red onions, arugula, and spicy porter mustard; house-made Mac N’ Cheese Balls and Wild Child cocktails made with vodka, watermelon, mint, lemon, Chareau Aloe, rosé and habanero

Please see MOM on B2

Life theArts

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023

All about Mom

CALENDAR

The calendar appears Mondays through Saturdays in the “Life & the Arts” section. Items are welcome. Please email them a full week before the event to Managing Editor Dave Mason at dmason@ newspress.com.

TODAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its permanent mineral exhibit of rocks and crystals that is on view in the small hall off the museum’s central courtyard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which opened April 22, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/ minerals.

By appointment on weekdays: “Holly Hungett: Natural Interpretations” is on view through May 20 at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara’s gallery, 229 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and weekdays by appointment. For more information, call the foundation at 805-965-6307 or go to www.afsb.org.

Noon. Shiva Balaghi, an academic coordinator with UCSB’s Global Initiative will discuss art and protest in Iran at the UCSB MultiCultural Center. Admission is free.

Noon to 5 p.m. “Clarence Mattei: Portrait of a Community” is on view now through May at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which is located in downtown Santa Barbara at 136 E. De la Guerra St. Admission is free. Hours are currently from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit www.sbhistorical.org.

MAY 13 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Santa Barbara Audubon Society and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, will jointly present family-fun activities at the garden throughout May, Bird Month, including “Family Bird Nest” on this day. Activities include guided bird walks, birdthemed Story Time, avian crafts, bird scavenger hunt, and more. Participants will discover why native plants are important to birds and how to create a bird-friendly garden. Reservations are required. To make them, go to www. sbbotanicgarden.org/visit/hoursreservations.

7 p.m. Vocalist Julie Christensen will perform with guitarist Joe Woodard and bassist Steve Nelson at the Ojai Underground Exchange, 616 Pearl St. in Ojai. Ms. Christensen’s album, “The Price We Pay for Love,” was recently released. Tickets are $35. To purchase, go to ojaiundergroundexchangetickets. square.site. For more information, call 805-340-7893.

Mothers and their families can enjoy special brunches on Mother’s Day at local restaurants such as La Paloma Cafe in Santa Barbara. The restaurant’s all-you-can-eat brunch menu features salads, seafood, meats and desserts for $77 per person for adults with bottomless mimosas or $59 per person for a nonalcoholic option. There is a special a la carte menu just for kids. The Eureka! Menu on Mother’s Day features the Wild Child cocktail. It’s made with vodka,

El Encanto’s signature restaurant, The Dining Room, will offer special menus for brunch and dinner on Mother’s Day. Moms can dig into a luxurious brunch buffet that includes a raw bar with caviar, madeto-order eggs, a carving station and a selection of sweet treats, as well as complimentary Champagne.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Platinum Sounds” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The orchestra’s 70th anniversary program will feature Grammy-nominated American violinist Philippe Quint on Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Opus 64. And the symphony will showcase its own players performing Jonathan Leshnoff’s Concerto Grosso, previously commissioned for the symphony’s 60th anniversary. The orchestra will also perform Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb. org

MAY 14

2 p.m. Free concerts take place at 2 p.m. Sundays through July 9 at Hitching Post Wines’ tasting room, 420 State Route 246, Buellton. For more information, visit hpwines.com. 3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Platinum Sounds” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The orchestra’s 70th anniversary program will feature Grammy-nominated American violinist Philippe Quint on Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Opus 64. And the symphony will showcase its own players performing Jonathan Leshnoff’s Concerto Grosso, previously commissioned for the symphony’s 60th anniversary. The orchestra will also perform Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb. org. A pre-concert talk with Nir Kabaretti, the symphony’s music and artistic director, will take place at 2 p.m.

May 18

3 to 5 p.m. A recruitment reception for volunteer docents will take place at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. The year-long training course begins each September. For more information or to attend, visit www.sbma.net/docent or contact education@sbma.net.

COURTESY PHOTOS

watermelon, mint, lemon, Chareau Aloe, rosé and habanero salt.

Finch & Fork’s dishes include King Salmon with Sun Choke Barigoule, Fava Beans, Spring Onion and Ancient Grains.

CenCal Health to partner with Santa Barbara and SLO counties’ offices of education

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

CenCal Health is partnering with educational agencies in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to strengthen behavioral health infrastructure in public schools.

Created and funded by the California Department of Health Care Services, Calfornia’s new Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program will serve Medi-Cal members from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. CenCal Health is the Medi-Cal health plan that works with local providers to deliver health care services to members.

One of the main focuses of CenCal is mental health struggles in the youth population. Mental health among youth has been challenged in recent years due to an increase in bullying, issues of self-identity, school shootings and violence, and limited behavioral health services, CenCal noted.

In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 due to the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After many assessments of the school districts in the two counties recognizing the above issues, mental health and behavioral health services became the main objective for CenCal.

With children and youth spending many hours a day in school, DHCS also recognized that educational settings are critical points of access to obtain early identification and treatment for behavioral

Dr. Van Do-Reynoso is CenCal Health chief customer experience and health equity officer. CenCal Health is hoping to administer close to $7 million for the Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

health services. In addition to leveraging schools as access points, school-based health care has proven to be an effective tool for addressing disparities among children and adolescents due to their race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

CenCal Health is hoping to administer close to $7 million for the SBHIP program in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

CenCal Health worked with each county through the county’s office of education to determine qualifications, participation and

Dos Pueblos student wins in poetry at Sister Cities showcase

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The first-place poetry winner of the 2023 Santa Barbara Sister Cities Board Artists and Authors Showcase was Dos Pueblos High School student Ryan Calkins. Her winning poem was titled “Peace in the Garden.” She was presented her award by Dos Pueblos Principal Bill Woodard and Judge Melinda Palacio, who is the newly installed 2023 Santa Barbara poet laureate.

Santa Barbara Sister Cities

COURTESY PHOTOS

Dr. Susan Salcido is superintendent of Santa Barbara County schools. The county education office is working with CenCal Health to strengthen behavioral health infrastructure in public schools.

specific needs. As a result, three Local Educational Agencies are taking part in San Luis Obispo County and six in Santa Barbara County, CenCal Health reported.

In Santa Barbara County, the participating LEAs are Carpinteria, Cuyama, Guadalupe and Lompoc unified school districts as well as the Santa Barbara County Education Office and the Santa Maria-Bonita School District.

For more information, visit cencalhealth.org/CalAIM.

email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Health screening offered for Santa Barbara residents

SANTA BARBARA —

Residents living in the Santa Barbara area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.

Santa Barbara Seventh-day Adventist Church will host this

community event on June 15 at 425 Arroyo Road in Santa Barbara. The screenings can check for the level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health; cholesterol levels; your risk for diabetes; as well as kidney and thyroid function.

The pricing for the screenings start at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you, according to Life Line Screening. Registration is required. For more information, call 1-877-237-1287 or visit www. lifelinescreening.com.

—

Annika Bahnsen

Board Vice Chair Lucile Vea, and Gil and Marti Garcia, Santa Barbara Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee members, presented Ms. Calkins with the first place poetry prize check of $250.

The Santa Barbara Sister Cities Board Young Artists and Authors Showcase theme for this year’s competition was “Peace by Piece Food Security in my Community.”

The second- and third-place winners were also announced. Brook Mitchell took second place, with her poem titled “I am an Oak Tree.” She won a $150 prize.

“Counting Pennies” by Penelope Welsh won third place — a $100 prize. The winning artists of the Showcase included first place, Leighton Willow Smith; second place, April Harper, and third place, Sebatian Cadwell. A collection of art submissions also came from young artists in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with prizes awarded. For information on the winners or how to enter the competition, visit sistercities.org/yaas. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Nature walks to begin at Elings Park

As part of a new collaboration between Elings Park and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, the public is invited to participate in a series of eight free nature walks to explore the park’s biodiversity. Each walk is led by a garden expert and has a different focus, such as plants, pollinators, or birds.

The first walk, titled “Bioblitz,” will be held from 9 a.m. to noon May 11. It will be an overview of

805-988-7861 or 800-346-3781

Continued from Page B1

salt.

The Mother’s Day weekend prix fixe menu for $40 will be served from Friday through Sunday.

At Finch & Fork in the Kimpton Canary Hotel downtown, Executive Chef Nathan Lingle has created a special three-course pre-fixe brunch for Mother’s Day. The cost is $76 (not including alcohol), and brunch hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special dishes include fresh oysters, a seafood display, Chilled Pea Soup with Crab Salad; Central Coast olive oil and Calvisius Caviar; Lobster and Asparagus Quiche; Crab Avocado Toast; Petit Filet; Shakshouka; freshly baked pastries and more.

Executive Chef Phillip Stein plans a special menu at CAYA, the signature restaurant at The Leta, Goleta’s retro chic hotel.

Brunch dishes range from a Challah French Toast Sandwich with cheddar, bacon, arugula and chipotle aioli; Almond and Orange Stuffed Crepes, Seafood Blintz; and an array of sumptuous Benedicts, Prime Rib and Eggs. The brunch will be served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mother’s Day. Menu items are priced a la carte.

The Acme Hospitality group — which includes Helena Avenue Bakery, The Lark, Loquita, La Paloma Cafe, Lucky Penny, Santa Barbara Wine Collective, Tyger Tyger and Pearl Social — are also offering specials for Mother’s Day.

the nature of the park — led by Dr. Denise Knapp, the garden’s director of conservation and research, and Annie Ayers, herbarium technician.

After a brief tutorial, participants will use the iNaturalist app on smartphones to record the pollinators, birds, bugs, plants and more that they discover on the walk.

The data gathered on this walk will be used as part of a larger

collaborative effort between the two partners and the public to transform a section of the park from invasive to native plants and document the effects. Future walks are scheduled once a month, through the end of 2023. For the full list of the nature walks, visit www.SBBotanicGarden.org/ calendar.

— Annika Bahnsen

At The Lark, Chef Jason Paluska presents a special brunch dish, Beet Cured King Salmon Tartine, with whipped tarragon crème fraîche, Ojai pixie tangerine, pickled fennel and grilled brioche.

Tyger Tyger has a new dessert — Rori’s vegan wild berry ice cream, which is made with organic coconut milk and homemade vegan cookies.

Pearl Social’s latest cocktails include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Waterloo Sunset and Moonage Daydream. La Paloma Cafe’s all-you-caneat brunch menu features salads, seafood, meats and desserts for $77 per person for adults with

bottomless mimosas or $59 per person for a nonalcoholic option. There is a special a la carte menu just for kids.

Helena Avenue Bakery has a variety of pre-order offerings, including pies, quiches, cinnaMOM rolls and pastry boxes. email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

BONNIE CARROLL PHOTO

Ryan Calkins holds her first-place poetry award. She won it at the 2023 Santa Barbara Sister Cities Board Artists and Authors Showcase. From left are Melinda Palacio, the 2023 Santa Barbara poet laureate; Ryan; Bill Woodard, Dos Pueblos High School principal; Lucile Vea, vice chair of the Santa Barbara Sister Cities Commitee, and Gil and Marti Garcia of the Santa Barbara-Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Board.

Diversions

Thought for Today

“Kites rise highest against the wind — not with it.”

— Winston Churchill

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

ARIES — Today you will likely be in the mood to nest with loved ones, Aries. Encourage children and partner to stay home with you. Make some popcorn and pull out the board games. You will be surprised at how much fun a quiet day at home can be. Tonight, order pizza and watch a movie. Get out the blanket and cuddle.

TAURUS — Today an article or TV show may set your mind spinning in the strangest directions. You could finally acknowledge your fascination with the occult, or perhaps discover an interest in dream interpretation. Let yourself indulge in your interests.

Sometimes you don’t take the time to pursue subjects that you don’t deem “serious.”

GEMINI — If you’ve been thinking about writing a novel or taking up oil painting, today is the day to begin. No excuses. You have just as much talent as anyone else, so why not use it? You might find it helpful to join a writing group or sign up for a painting workshop, if only to help you get started and stay motivated.

CANCER — You clean house like someone with an attention problem, Cancer. You never stick with one task. Your bathroom mirrors and counters will get cleaned, but not the floor. Make an effort to clean thoroughly, one room at a time. Even if you don’t get through the whole house, you will receive some satisfaction from knowing that parts of it are spotless.

LEO — Today you may need to be more selfless, Leo. You may moan about the obligations and expectations placed on you, but you do what’s expected. Much to your surprise, you actually find that you get more out of the experience than you put into it. You may visit a nursing home and be charmed by stories of the war years.

VIRGO — You may receive a letter or phone call that spurs you into action, Virgo. You might realize how close you are to reaching a long-term goal, and harness your energy for that final push to the finish line. Now that the goal is in sight, you’re already thinking about what your next one will be. “Ever

onward” is your motto.

LIBRA — This may not be your preferred way to spend the day, but it would be an ideal time to finish up tasks that have been piling up at home, Libra. It would do you good to catch up on cleaning or get more organized around the house. Yes, Libra, that means throwing away last year’s newspapers and magazines.

SCORPIO — You’re a dedicated soul to spend precious personal time doing household chores, but certain things need to get done. If you still haven’t done all the laundry or read all the magazines, then tackle these first. Completing them will motivate you to move on to the next task. Before you know it, you will be sitting pretty in a neat, organized home. Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS — You’re an avid reader, Sagittarius. Today you may come across some ideas that inspire ideas of your own. Perhaps you read something gives you an idea for a short story. Maybe an interview with a famous musician reignites your desire to play the piano. Pay attention to these yearnings.

CAPRICORN — You can expect to have a confusing encounter with a friend or colleague today, Capricorn. He or she may come to you for advice but hesitate to reveal the specifics of the problem. You will feel as though you’ve been asked to mediate an argument, yet you only know one side of the story.

AQUARIUS — You’re feeling strong, energetic, and likely to be inspired to get some real work done around the house, Aquarius. Focus on the most mundane chores, such as reorganizing bookshelves or going through the clothes you no longer wear. This day won’t be the epitome of intellectual activity, but you will be rewarded with a tidy living space.

PISCES — Something you read today could have a dramatic effect on your life, Pisces. Pay particular attention to dream psychology. You may find an explanation for a recurring dream. The accuracy of the description could stop you in your tracks and make you anxious to read more. You’re right to be intrigued, Pisces.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART

Tribune Content Agency

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

“Got a question for you,” Cy the Cynic said to me.

“Sure,” I said, expecting a query about a deal.

“Do you understand cloning?” Cy asked gravely.

“Not at all.”

“Well,” the Cynic chortled, “that makes two of us.”

It’s hard to understand how South went down at today’s 3NT; some processes are mysterious. He won the first spade with the ace and let the jack of hearts ride. If the finesse won, South expected three hearts, three clubs and at least three spades. And the finesse did win: East followed with the eight.

EIGHT TRICKS

South then led a heart to dummy’s queen, and his second finesse didn’t win. East took the king and led a third heart. South had only eight tricks, and East got in with the ace of diamonds to cash two more hearts.

Losing 3NT wasn’t easy. South should lead the queen of diamonds at Trick Two. If East wins and returns a spade, South wins and leads the jack of diamonds. He sets up a diamond trick and can get two hearts for at least nine tricks in all.

at your

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great way to test your knowledge of the English language. Every number in the codeword grid is ‘code’ for a letter of the alphabet. Thus, the number 2 may correspond to the letter L, for instance. All puzzles come with a few letters to start. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If the letter S is in the box at the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should be to find all cells numbered 2 in the grid and enter the letter S. Cross the letter S off the list at the bottom of the grid. Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

PUZZLE

left, opens one spade. Your partner doubles, and the next player bids two spades. What do you say?

ANSWER: You must act. The only question is how high to go. The decision is close; trade your jack of clubs for the king and you would bid four hearts. As it is, bid three hearts to compete. If the opponents go to three spades, you will defer to your partner and hope he makes a winning call.

South dealer N-S vulnerable