Santa Barbara News-Press: June 21, 2023

Artificial intelligence

Biden meets with AI leaders to discuss its ‘enourmas promise and its risks’ - A3

Trek’ at its best

Review: ‘Strange New Worlds’ continues its excellence in its second season - B1

JUNE 21, 2023

Celebrating Title iX

Female athletes and coaches to commemorate 51st anniversary in Santa Barbara

Hunter Biden reaches plea deal, Republicans call it ‘slap on the wrist’

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, will reportedly plead guilty to two federal misdemeanor tax-related charges.

Court documents made public Tuesday show that Hunter Biden also faces a charge related to possessing a gun while being a drug user. The firearm charge will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement, which means Hunter Biden’s team cut a deal and will likely not see prison time for the gun charge.

“With the announcement of two agreements between my client, Hunter Biden, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, it is my understanding that the fiveyear investigation into Hunter is resolved,” Chris Clark, Hunter’s lawyer, told CNBC in a statement.

“Hunter will take responsibility for two instances of misdemeanor failure to file tax payments when due pursuant to a plea agreement.”

Republicans were quick to blast the deal as a “slap on the wrist.”

“Let’s be clear: the Department of Justice’s charges against President Biden’s son Hunter reveal a two-tiered system of justice. Hunter Biden is getting away with a slap on the wrist when growing evidence uncovered by the House Oversight Committee reveals the Bidens engaged in a pattern of corruption, influence peddling, and possibly bribery,” said House Oversight Chair James Comer, R-Ky. “These charges against Hunter Biden and sweetheart plea deal have no impact on the Oversight Committee’s investigation. We will not rest until the full extent of President Biden’s involvement in the family’s schemes are revealed.” President Biden has faced ongoing scrutiny over his son’s behavior, in particular an alleged “bribery scheme” where the president and his son both allegedly received millions of dollars from a Ukrainian energy company to stop a corruption investigation. That House inquiry is still ongoing. Hunter Biden is expected to appear in federal court in Delaware.

News-Press to temporarily become digital-only newspaper

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By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Prominent female athletes and coaches will speak Friday at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse to celebrate Title IX and its 51 years of existence.

The commemoration is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. at the courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara.

Title IX was signed in 1972 and made female equality in school sports part of the law. Fifty one years later, that law is still in place and has become the foundation for many famous American female athletes.

Title IX prohibits any sex-based discrimination at any school or any education program that receives federal funding. That includes sports.

“The celebration is acknowledging that this was an important civil rights act — civil rights for girls and young women,” said Celeste Barber, an organizer of the event. “Equal access to full education opportunities.”

The event will feature Bonnie Hendrickson, the UCSB women’s basketball head coach; Cody Fleming, the UCSB track and cross country director; and Jane Frederick, a former Olympian in track and field — among many other speakers.

“Everybody’s happier that girls have a place in sports now,” Mrs. Barber told the News-Press. She added that a sports

program without equal opportunities for girls or women would be unthinkable today.

Mrs. Barber also noted that the 51st anniversary is celebrated, partly because no event took

place in Santa Barbara last year for the 50th anniversary. But she also noted Title IX did not take effect until 1973, one year after it was signed, so this year marks the 50th anniversary of the law being implemented.

After the formal speakers are done Friday, anybody with a story related to Title IX is encouraged to share it during the open mic section.

email: lhibbert@newspress.com

We will let you know when the usual printing and delivery resume. We appreciate your patience. In case of questions, you can reach the News-Press at 805564-5275.

County gets $6 million grant to deal with homeless people’s encampments

By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Santa Barbara County was awarded $6 million in a state grant to move people out of encampments, County Executive Officer Mona Miyasato told the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

“The grant will be used to prioritize serving 250 people located in encampments along waterways,” Mrs. Miyasato said.

“This includes the Santa Maria Riverbed, San Inez Riverbed and encampments near creeks leading to South Coast beaches.”

The announcement, the only one made by the county executive officer at a brief meeting at the County Administration Building in Santa Barbara, was well received.

“That is welcome news,” said Board Chair Das Williams.

The grant includes specialized funding for an outreach team and planned interim housing, among other forms of aid.

The grant is part of the

county’s 2021 three-year encampment strategy, with the goal of resolving or ending all encampments.

“Congratulations to our community services department and all our partners for receiving this grant,” said Mrs. Miyasato.

email: lhibbert@newspress.com

The grant includes specialized funding for an outreach team and planned interim housing, among other forms of aid.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTOS

UCSB forward Jessica Wright (middle) is hugged by teammate Angelica Ortega (left) while Isabella Viana runs to join them after Wright scored the gametying goal 2-2 against Minnesota at home in this 2019 soccer photo. Title IX has ensured opportunities such as women’s sports in schools, and the 51st anniversary of the groundbreaking federal law will be celebrated Friday at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

UCSB outside hitter Lindsey Ruddins (center) looks toward the audience during a 2019 volleyball game against Rainbow Wahine at the UCSB Thunderdome. Title IX prohibits any gender-based discrimination at schools or education programs that receive federal funding.

House fire in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — There was a structure fire in Santa Barbara on Rhoads Avenue early Tuesday morning. Four people were evacuated, but no injuries were reported.

The fire in the 4800 block occurred at 1:07 a.m., according to Capt. Scott Safechuck, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, which responded to the call. The fire was primarily contained to the garage in the two-story house.

The fire was knocked down at 1:31 a.m., and the cause is under investigation, Capt. Safechuck said.

Hibbert

— Liam

Street closures announced for Saturday

SANTA BARBARA — Streets will be closed for Santa Barbara’s

Solstice Parade, set for noon Saturday on Santa Barbara Street between East Cota and East Micheltorena streets.

Partial road closures around the Summer Solstice workshop, 631 Garden St., will start around 7 a.m.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., traffic on Santa Barbara Street will be diverted either onto Anacapa Street or Garden Street, according to Sgt. Ethan Ragsdale, public information officer for the Santa Barbara Police Department.

Sgt. Ragsdale said police will enforce a temporary ban on parking along the parade route and adjoining streets. He also noted motorists could be ticketed if their vehicles are parked during the no-parking times. In fact, the vehicles could be towed.

No parking signs have been posted on the impacted streets.

Sgt. Ragsdale advises drivers to expect traffic delays.

The float staging area, which is at 600 Garden St. (between Cota and Ortega streets), will be closed to traffic at 7 a.m.

The forming area, which is at 100 and 200 E. Ortega (between

Garden and Anacapa streets), will be closed to traffic at 8 a.m. Santa Barbara Street will be closed at 10 a.m.

The parade route — Santa Barbara Street and east/west adjoining roads — will be closed at 11 a.m.

— Dave Mason

Prescribed grassland burn planned

The Vandenberg Space Force Base Fire Department is conducting a 5-10 acre burn of grassland and coastal sage scrub to train firefighters.

The burns started on Tuesday and were scheduled to continue today. Additional burns may occur through June 30. The burns are aimed at training firefighters and dozer operators in combating wildfires.

This burn project is planned by the VSFB Fire Department in conjunction with Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and the California Air Resources Board to minimize

impacts on air quality on surrounding communities. For more information, visit https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/pfirs/firm/ firm.php.

— Liam Hibbert

Highway 101 lanes reduced

BUELLTON — Long-term lane reduction on Highway 101 will begin June 26, between the Nojoqui Creek Bridge to south of the Santa Rosa Road Overcrossing.

The right lane in both directions is expected to be closed until January 2024. The reduction is part of a $5.4 million project to widen the Nojoqui Creek Bridge by 10 feet. The update will also include new bridge rails.

There will be 5-foot shoulders through the construction zone for bicyclists.

Road information and updates can be found on Twitter at: @ CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: @Caltrans_D5.

— Liam Hibbert

Black Hawk in action

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VOL. 167 NO.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PHOTO

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department responds to an early morning structure fire in Santa Barbara.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 MEDEVAC Black Hawk helicopter flies over Santa Barbara.

Taking a break from flying

Biden meets with AI leaders to discuss its ‘enormous promise and its risks’

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – President Joe Biden held an event in California Tuesday to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and what regulations may be enacted to rein it in.

President Biden hosted the meeting with federal officials, AI experts and governors to discuss “AI’s enormous promise and its risks.”

“As I’ve said before, we will see more technological change in the next 10 years than we’ve seen in the last 50 years, and maybe even beyond that,” President Biden told reporters at the event at a San Francisco hotel.

“AI is already driving that change in every part of American life, often in ways that we don’t notice,” President Biden said. “AI is already making it easier to search the internet, helping us drive to our destinations while avoiding traffic in real time.”

President Biden gave a nod to the “risks to our society, our economy and our national security.” In October of last year, President Biden released an “AI Bill of Rights.” He also signed an executive order earlier this year to fight “bias” in the design of AI.

While advanced AI has the ability to operate independently from its designers once it is set up, those designers can build certain biases or political slants into how

the AI processes information and responds to requests.

President Biden pointed to this as an opportunity for spreading misinformation. After giving his remarks, he asked media to leave the room for the official meeting.

President Biden held the event after the release of ChatGPT, a new technology where users can interact with artificial intelligence in a more significant way. The technology was considered a major breakthrough for AI and spread quickly in popularity in part because of its ability to apparently think creatively and do things like write entire elaborate poems in just seconds.

The breakthrough has resurfaced concerns that AI could be used for an array of harmful purposes, ranging from malicious use from foreign powers or companies to indirect consequences like lost jobs. Experts say AI could also begin acting in interests contrary to its creators and humans in general, even without its creators being aware of it.

Billionaire Elon Musk, who helped found the company that later created ChatGPT after his exit, has called for a pause in the development of AI until regulations are enacted. He echoed that sentiment during a Twitter Spaces event as part of a Viva Technology conference last week.

“We could have a potentially

catastrophic outcome,” Mr. Musk said, adding that while AI’s impact will likely be positive, “we need to minimize the possibility that something could go wrong with digital superintelligence.”

Last month, President Biden met with Alphabet, Anthropic, Microsoft, and OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT. The White House said in a statement that the meeting was to “underscore this responsibility

and emphasize the importance of driving responsible, trustworthy, and ethical innovation with safeguards that mitigate risks and potential harms to individuals and our society.”

Last month’s meeting coincided with the White House’s announcement of $140 million in AI research and development funding to be made available through the National Science Foundation.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

A scrub jay captures a mid-afternoon meal in the form of an insect — possibly a cricket — at Franceschi Park in Santa Barbara.

President Joe Biden

Biden announces 3 climate initiatives on first day of California visit

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - On a tour today of the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto in Northern California, President Joe Biden announced his administration’s plans to launch the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, modernize the electric grid and a first in history climate resilience summit, to be hosted by the White House.

“I’m here today to announce that we are putting our critical climate investment to work.

... First starting tomorrow the Department of Commerce will launch the first and largest competitive Climate Resilience Regional Challenge to provide $600 million to coastal and great lake communities that are building projects to protect against the impacts of climate change from sea level rise flooding and storm surge. We are investing in people and places that have been hit the hardest but we are also on the frontlines of leading us forward,” President Biden said.

The Climate Resilience Regional Challenge is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with a $575 million competitive grant in programs addressing coastal resilience and adaptation for climate change.

“The second thing that we’re doing - the Department of Energy is going to announce that its investing more than $2 billion to modernize our electric grid to be more climate resilient including more than $67 million starting off in California - that funding can help ensure our electric grid is stronger, that the lights and air conditioning and internet stay on during heatwaves and storms and other climate events, so the lights can stay on in hospital operating rooms, nursing homes and so many other critical care facilities,” President Biden continued.

Last year California experienced rolling blackouts amidst recording breaking heat waves causing authorities to make urgent pleas to residents to voluntarily reduce energy consumption.

“Third, later this year we are hosting a first ever White

Online markets sign agreement with Bonta to combat organized retail crime

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) - For every $1 billion in sales, US retailers lose about $700,000 to organized retail theft. Organized retail crime involves large-scale theft of goods from physical locations that are put up for sale on online marketplaces. To combat this growing trend California Attorney General Rob Bonta, retailers, and online markets have signed an agreement promoting information-sharing and loss of goods detection with an aim to prosecute offenders.

“eBay is committed to providing a secure online shopping experience to millions of people globally and has been very serious about battling stolen goods,” said Zhi Zhou, Chief Risk Officer, eBay. “We have zero tolerance for criminal activity on our platform and are proud to support Attorney General Bonta and other online marketplaces in this effort to curtail organized retail theft and support criminal prosecutions against those who try to use our platform to sell stolen goods. This will compliment eBay’s Partnering with Retailers Offensively Against Crime and Theft (PROACT) program, a collaboration with Retail Loss Prevention departments in North America seeking assistance with investigations related to Organized Retail Crime.”

The agreement outlines requirements for both retailers and online marketplaces.

Retailers would be required to file police reports on all organized retail crime incidents; retain video evidence; communicate with marketplaces on all intelligence gathered; and collaborate in law enforcement training to identify, investigate and resolve crimes.

Marketplaces would be required to maintain retail crime staff to report on their platforms; maintain a dedicated webpage for law enforcement requests and other legal processes; maintain policies and systems to monitor, detect and prevent organized retail crime; maintain external policies defining marketplace rules and the consequences of violations; maintain internal written policies that guide collaboration in order to collectively combat retail crime; communicate with Retailers to stay updated on trends; and maintain internal policies relating to referring identified retail crime to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

“Organized Retail Crime is a prevalent issue for all retailers, online and physical, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” said Anthony Williams, Director of California Public Policy, Amazon. “For us, customer trust is central to everything we do. To that end, we strongly support legislative efforts and collaborative partnerships, like Attorney General Bonta’s Statement of Principles, to stop bad actors from harming consumers.”

The California legislature passed in 2022, two bills to address organized retail crime.

Senate Bill 301 outlines requirements for marketplaces to collect and store information related to third party high-volume sellers consistent with California privacy laws, and requires online marketplaces to suspect future sales activities of high-volume third-party sellers who are not in compliance with these reporting requirements.

Assembly Bill 1700 creates an online reporting tool administered by the attorney general’s Office that provides the public with an avenue for reporting organized retail theft.

“The Home Depot applauds Attorney General Bonta for committing to this agreement and the passage of SB 301 and AB 1700, legislation that will fight organized retail crime and help stop dangerous criminals from stealing from our stores,” said Scott Glenn, Vice President of Asset Protection, The Home Depot. Mr. Bonta said, “Organized retail crime costs businesses, retailers, and consumers — and puts the public at risk. This new partnership signals a robust and genuine commitment shared by the retail marketplace and law enforcement to crack down on these crimes. Today’s announcement demonstrates California’s resilience and tenacity in tackling these challenges within our state. Whether it is law enforcement, online marketplaces, or retailers — we will not tolerate organized retail crime in our state.

“The fact is, we are stronger when we work together as a united front,” said Mr. Bonta.

SF joins Operation Overdrive as overdoses reach critical point

House summit that convenes local, state, tribal and territorial leaders focused on climate resilience. It’s going to include a road map for how these historic climate actions are going to build more climate resilient communities all across America, saving lives and homes, and providing peace of mind. This is how we’re going to meet the moment,” President Biden proclaimed.

The president recounted that natural disasters in America last year caused $165 billion dollars in damage, but his Invest in America Agenda, which started with the most significant climate investment in the “history of the world”, is addressing climate concerns and rebuilding with an investment of $369 billion in clean energy development, environmental justice and conservation, and a goal to cut 1 billion tons of carbon emissions annually.

President Biden is in California for three days to attend four fundraisers for his presidential bid next year, and used his visit to the wetlands as an opportunity to unveil his latest climate initiatives.

“Throughout our history, we’re the only nation in the world that has come out of every crisis we’ve entered stronger than we went into it. We’re doing it again here on the climate crisis,” the president stated.

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - On Friday the city of San Francisco was designated an Operation Overdrive city following a request by Nancy Pelosi on April 27th to Attorney General Merrick Garland for the designation. The request was reiterated in a separate letter by California Governor Gavin Newsom on May 23.

The designation allows the state to access new federal resources to bolster state and local efforts.

“San Francisco’s fentanyl crisis needs attention — and now. We value your leadership in securing the support of the local authorities in San Francisco to partner with the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We also appreciate your focus on the pressing issue of criminal networks distributing fentanyl in certain neighborhoods. We welcome the opportunity to work together on these important issues,” Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte said.

Operation Overdrive is a DEA program launched last year to combat drug-related violence and opioid overdose across America, by identifying and dismantling

criminal drug networks in communities where the impact of drugs and the violence it creates, have reached a critical level.

Since its deployment, Operation Overdrive has revealed that almost all the criminal networks identified as those selling fentanyl and methamphetamine, are also networks engaged in violent gun crimes.

Gov. Newsom noted in his letter to Mr. Garland that, “Despite significant investment in resources - state and local law enforcement personnel, state funding for overdose reversal medication, local street teams, and both state and local spending on public awareness - San Francisco still has the highest overdose rate of any jurisdiction in California.”

Despite a budgetary commitment by the governor of $1 billion to mobilize law enforcement, modernize California’s behavioral healthcare system, provide reversal drugs, create law enforcement operational partnerships, and sign new gun laws, the fentanyl pouring across the Southwestern border seized by US Custom and Border Protection (CPB) is already more than half the amount for all of the last fiscal year.

Fentanyl seizures saw a steady rise from December peaking at 531 pounds in March, according to the CPB, and although there’s

Great view

been a decline in April, the 1,500 pounds already seized for the year can kill hundreds of millions of Americans. A deadly dose of fentanyl is small enough to fit to the tip of a sharpened pencil, estimated at 2mg. One pound of

fentanyl equals 226,796 deadly doses.

On May 1, the California Highway Patrol seized enough fentanyl to potentially kill 2.1 million people, an indication that the fight is ongoing.

President Biden is in California for three days to attend four fundraisers for his presidential bid next year, and used his visit to the wetlands as an opportunity to unveil his latest climate initiatives.

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

Life theArts

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022

WEDNESDAY,

‘Strange New Worlds’ is ‘Star Trek’ at its best Series

continues its excellence in its second season

CALENDAR

CA lENDA

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

TODAY 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily: The Sistine Chapel Art Exhibition runs through Sept. 4 at the Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara. Tickets start at $25 for adults, $18 for children, and $22 for seniors, military and students. Each ticket also includes admission to the mission museum. To purchase, go to santabarbaramission.org/sistine-chapel-omsb or stop at the museum’s gift shop.

COURTESY PHOTO Boogie Knights, above, will perform 1970s hits during the New Year’s Eve Disco Boogie Ball at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. And the Spazmatics will play hits from the ’80s. Tickets cost $50.

Father Joe Schwab is hosting personal tours that delve into the theological and philosophical perspectives of Michelangelo’s art. Groups of 10 or more can contact Donna Reeves for a private tour at development@sboldmission.org.

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.

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Camaraderie, humor, sense of adventure and a fearless approach to modern social issues — that’s what made the original “Star Trek” series a hit. That’s why it remains popular despite its low budgets, although fans did appreciate the addition of modern special effects (including ships and planets) when the series was remastered in 2006-08.

“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” has all the elements of the original series. In fact, it’s more like the original “Star Trek” series than any other spinoff, and that’s clear with a second season that’s having some fun with Mr. Spock and adding Pelia — the quirky, new chief engineer played by Carol Kane. Pelia’s accent is similar to the accent Ms. Kane

Please see STAR TREK on B2

TUNE IN

New episodes of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” stream Thursdays on Paramount+.

The Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. The concert is presented by Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara.

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

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The James Castle exhibit is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, see sbma.net.

7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, through June 25 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-9655400 or visit etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.

JUNE 22

7:30 p.m. The Takács Quartet will perform at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. The Music Academy of the West’s fellows will join the quartet and acclaimed soprano Ana Maria Martinez in a concert featuring works from Tchaikovsky to Brahms to Héctor Campos Parsi and Federico Moreno Torroba. Tickets cost $55 and $60. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, through June 25 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-9655400 or visit etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.

JUNE 23

8 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, through June 25 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-9655400 or visit etcsb.org. Prices are subject to change.

JUNE 24

11 a.m. The Mini Show segment of “Series 7: Go for Broke,” The Dance Network’s 10th annual studio showcase, will take place at Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $15 for students. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org.

2 and 8 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company is performing “Seared,” a comedy/drama about a restaurant, through June 25 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-965-5400 or visit etcsb. org. Prices are subject to change.

2:30 p.m. The Junior Show segment of “Series 7: Go for Broke,” The Dance Network’s 10th annual studio showcase, will take place at Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $15 for students. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org.

7 p.m. The Senior Show segment of “Series 7: Go for Broke,” The Dance Network’s 10th annual studio showcase, will take place at Center Stage Theater, upstairs at Paseo Nuevo in downtown Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $15 for students. To purchase, go to centerstagetheater.org.

8 p.m. “Laughin’ in Santa Barbara” features stand-up comedians from Netflix, Comedy Central, “Conan” and more at Topa Topa Brewing Co.,120 Santa Barbara St., in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. The show will be held outdoors and is for those 21 and older. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. To purchase, go to eventbrite.com/e/laughin-in-santabarbara-tickets-645094293397.

JUNE 25

2 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company presents the final performance of “Seared,” a comedy/ drama about a restaurant, at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Ticket prices range from $40 to $84. To purchase, call the ETC box office at 805-965-5400 or visit etcsb. org. Prices are subject to change.

— Dave Mason

PHOTOS BY KHAREN HILL / PARAMOUNT+

Former cadet Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) is now an ensign on the USS Enterprise, serving with Mr. Spock (Ethan Peck) in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”

At left, Carol Kane has joined the cast of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” this season as Pelia, the new chief engineer. At right, Capt. James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley), seen here with security officer La’an (Christina Chong), returns this season on “Strange New Worlds.” Mr. Wesley is the third actor to portray Capt. Kirk, following the performances of Chris Pine in the J.J. Abrams-produced “Star Trek” movies and, of course, the decades-long portrayal of Capt. Kirk by William Shatner.

Capt. Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) is determined to help his first officer and friend, Number One/Una (Rebecca Romijn).

City of Santa Barbara plans Fourth of July celebration

By DAVE MASON

NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

A full afternoon of music and other activities will precede a night of fireworks during the Fourth of July celebration in Santa Barbara.

Music will start at noon at the West Beach bandstand with DJ Joseph Souza.

Then Peer Pressure will perform there from 1 to 1:45 p.m., followed by The Free Radicals from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

Rock Shop Review will play from 3 to 3:45 p.m., followed by the band Golf Sucks from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Drifting Dimension will play from 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Time Travelers Bridget & Sophia will perform from 6 to 6:45 p.m., followed by a 10-minute performance by La Boheme Dancers.

The Roosters will perform from

7 to 7:45 p.m. Spencer the Gardener will wrap up the day of music from 7:50 to 8:45 p.m. The 20-minute fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. There will be live music and more at Stearns Wharf as well. The Brasscals will perform at noon, followed by free face painting at 2 p.m. and the band Area 51 at 4 p.m. In addition to the music and fireworks, a street fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. along the Cabrillo Boulevard sidewalk at West Beach.

It will be also be a day for baseball. The Santa Barbara Foresters will play the San Luis Obispo Blues, whom the Santa Barbara team defeated 6-1 in the season opener, at 4:30 p.m. in Pershing Park. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $3 for seniors and children ages 4-12. Children 3 and younger get in free.

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

On July 5, the city of Santa Barbara will partner with Santa Barbara Channelkeeper to host cleanups at nearby beaches to

prevent litter from the Fourth of July celebration from getting into the Pacific.

To volunteer for the cleanup,

go to signupgenius.com/go/ 10c0944aeab2fa5ffc07-july#. email: dmason@newspress.com

SOhO concert to star Hawaiian singer

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Hawaiian singer-songwriter and guitarist

John Cruz will perform at 7 p.m. June 30 at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., suite 205, Santa Barbara. Doors will open at 6.

Mr. Cruz is known for music varying from Hawaiian to blues, folk, R&B and more.

He is a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner, and he contributed his song “Jo Bo’s Night” to the Grammy-winning album “Slack Key Guitar, Vol. 2.”

Mr. Cruz, who grew up in the Palolo Valley on Oahu, knew from a young age that he wanted to perform music. After years of pursuing music and acting on the U.S. mainland, Mr. Cruz returned to Hawaii in 1995 to help his brother Ernie record

Stand-up comedy in Funk Zone

SANTA BARBARA — “Laughin’ in Santa Barbara” will feature stand-up comedians

an album. Ernie was in a popular band, the Ka’au Crater, and he invited Mr. Cruz to perform his songs during Ka’au Crater’s shows.

That provided a fan base for Mr. Cruz, helping him succeed with his first album, “Acoustic Soul.” That album sold more than 150,000 copies in Hawaii.

Today Mr. Cruz tours around the world, everywhere from Carnegie Hall in New York City to Bluesfest in Australia. In 2006, a documentary about his life, “Made of Music: The Story of John Cruz,” premiered at the Louis Vuitton International Film Festival in Hawaii.

Tickets for the SOhO concert cost $30 in advance and include a dinner reservation. Tickets on the day of the show will cost $35 cash. To purchase, go to www.sohosb.com.

For more about Mr. Cruz, see www.johncruz.com.

from Netflix, Comedy Central, “Conan” and more at Topa Topa Brewing Co.,120 Santa Barbara St., in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. The show will be held outdoors and is for those 21 and older.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. To purchase, go to eventbrite. com/e/laughin-in-santa-barbaratickets-645094293397.

— Dave Mason

Mariner (Tawny Newsome) and Boimier (Jack Quaid) — the USS Cerritos officers from the animated “Star Trek: Lower Decks” series — are guest starring on the live-action “Strange New Worlds” in a special episode this season. The “Lower Decks” characters are being portrayed by the same actors who provide their voices in the animated series.

KHAREN HILL / PARAMOUNT+

Series sees return of ‘Next Generation’-style Klingons

STAR TREK

Continued from Page B1

used when she played Simka, Latka’s (Andy Kaufman) wife on the 1980s sitcom “Taxi.”

But Pelia is even funnier than Simka because she’s the smartest person in any room, and the conversation Pelia had with Spock (Ethan Peck) on the Enterprise bridge in last week’s second season premiere was priceless.

And Ms. Kane’s appearance in the 1987 movie “Princess Bride” must also be noted. Her ease with comedy makes her a natural on “Strange New Worlds,” a “Star Trek” series that doesn’t take itself too seriously (again, much like the original series).

In addition to Pelia, last week’s episode featured Klingons — not the reinvented ones seen in the first season of “Star Trek: Discovery,” but ones similar in look, appearance and attitude to those in the “Next Generation” era. The story was a good one and allowed Spock, newly promoted Ensign Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) at the communications

station and Security Office

L’a’an Noonien-Singh, Khan’s descendant, to shine.

The episode was about preserving peace despite the greed of humans and Klingons, and it wrapped up neatly in one hour, reflecting the episodic nature of “Strange New Worlds.” Again, in that way, it reflects the original “Star Trek” series.

“Strange New Worlds” is set in the time just before Capt. Kirk’s Enterprise, when Capt. Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) commanded the ship. The third actor to play James T. Kirk — Paul Wesley — returns this season on “Strange New Worlds,” and his approach seems closer to William Shatner’s than Chris Pine’s. This is a confident Kirk.

While “Strange New Worlds” is largely episodic, there are some continuing storylines.

The biggest one is Capt. Pike’s efforts to get his Number One, Una (Rebecca Romijn, in the part first performed by Majel Barrett), out of trouble after lying about the fact she’s part of a genetically engineered species. Starfleet, which is supposed to

be enlightened and embrace diversity, is fearful of genetics because of the trouble during the Eugenics wars. Fear is enough to cause bigotry, even among the most open-minded species, and “Strange New Worlds” is tackling that subject head-on. This season will also have some fun with a crossover, in the seventh episode, with the animated “Star Trek: Lower Decks” series. The actors who serve as the voices of those characters will play live-action versions, so fans will get to see Tawny Newsome, the voice of rebellious Mariner, and Jack Quaid, the voice of the by-the-book officer Boimier, complete with the purple hair you see on “Lower Decks.”

There’s an opportunity for a good inside joke. Jerry O’Connell, the voice of First Officer Ransom, has been married to Ms. Romijn since 2007, and hopefully the writers will have some fun scenes with Ransom and Una. They should make that their Number One priority.

email: dmason@newspress.com

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA PHOTO

Fireworks will explode again above West Beach on July 4 in Santa Barbara.

Diversions

Thought for Today

— Helen

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Aries: Break away from all mental constraints today, Aries. The only thing holding you back could be your own mind. Don’t fear failure. The cards are in your favor. Move forward with the attitude that you’re going to succeed, and you will. Your emotions are strong and active. Things are resonating well for you, so speak your mind openly.

Taurus: Today you may have difficulty connecting with others, Taurus. People may be unnecessarily harsh for no reason. Try not to get too emotionally worked up over any slights. Keep a safe distance between you and the drama around you. The next step you take might send you into quicksand, so make sure there’s a good friend nearby to pull you out.

Gemini: You will be the hit of the party today, Gemini. Everyone wants to talk to you. Great transitions are happening in your life right now, and you should look at how you can adopt new principles and attitudes toward them. Your emotions suggest that you take an unconventional approach to the day.

Cancer: Unless you want to get into an intellectual sparring match today, you might want to stay home, Cancer. But this battle of wits could also take place in your own kitchen, so perhaps you should take a long walk by yourself and avoid others. Or simply prepare for battle.

Leo: Spend time with good friends today, Leo. Share dinner with people you love and feel free to be generous with the food and drink. You have the ability to control just about every situation. Remind others that they’re part of a greater whole and that working together is the key to accomplishing great feats.

Virgo: Unexpected things are on the way and it’s best to be emotionally and physically prepared. You may be rather indecisive, but when you do act, your moves manifest in short, powerful bursts. Work to keep your dreams in motion.

Libra: Why go through today with doubts or fears, Libra? You

have every reason to be happy. The things you project to the world today will prove extremely favorable. Don’t hesitate to enjoy this day to the fullest. People will be eager to participate in whatever you have going on. As long as you remain confident in yourself, everyone else will agree.

Scorpio: Be aggressive with your thoughts today, Scorpio. You might feel a bit emotionally detached. You will most certainly want your freedom. Spend some time alone to sort things out. An ex from years ago might appear on your doorstep, so don’t be too surprised when he or she shows up.

Sagittarius: What are you waiting for, Sagittarius? Go for the gold. All you need to do is shine. You have the opportunity to merge with powerful groups today, so make sure to keep your eyes open. Do things that will improve your current status in a financerelated situation. Your sharp wit and endless facts and information will come in handy.

Capricorn: Rid yourself of all regret, Capricorn. Guilt is useless. It doesn’t do anyone any good. Your emotions are volatile and apt to erupt in unexpected bursts. Feel free to let it all out. Today isn’t the best day to ask for sympathy, but that shouldn’t be your goal anyway. Only you can clean out the negative issues that are floating around in your heart and mind.

Aquarius: There’s a fire burning in you today, Aquarius. Be careful how you use it. There’s a chance you could offend someone if you get too excited and fail to notice how your arrogant attitude affects people around you. Take your joy and spread it to the collective by empowering others.

Pisces: You might have to toughen your skin today, Pisces. Don’t automatically write someone off because of an action that you think is offensive. Allow others to have their opinions and respect their right to express them openly. Keep an open mind and don’t judge. Maintain a diplomatic attitude and keep your critical thoughts to yourself. Don’t think less of others in order to feel better about yourself.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

The form of scoring can affect bidding decisions. At IMPs, for example, you want to be plus — plus anything — in partscore deals. At matchpoint duplicate, your goal is to outscore the other pairs who hold your cards — by any margin.

In the Platinum Pairs at the Spring NABC, East opened a weak two diamonds, an odd action with that suit. After two passes, North doubled, an answer to South’s prayers. After two passes, West questionably ran to two hearts. North doubled again.

PENALTY

South was sure his side could make 3NT for plus 600 or more. At IMPs, he would have passed; he could expect a sizable plus on defense. If he was plus 500, he might lose a little; but the penalty might be bigger, and if 3NT happened to fail or wasn’t bid in the replay, he would gain heavily. But at matchpoints, South had to consider bidding: If he was plus only 500 on defense, he might get a “bottom.” The winning action was ... to pass. Two hearts (or two diamonds) doubled cost at least 800.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: 8 3 2 K Q

Q J 8 3 Q 9 4. You open one diamond, and your partner responds one heart. The opponents pass.

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday-Saturday and on the crossword solutions page in Saturday’s Life section.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

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

PUZZLE

What do you say?

ANSWER: A bid of 1NT would promise a minimum opening bid with balanced pattern, which is what you have. Since your spade holding doesn’t suggest playing at notrump, at least not from your side of the table, to rebid two diamonds is tempting, but you would suggest a longer suit. Bid 1NT. East dealer N-S vulnerable

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

Keller

High cost of sustainable aviation fuel sinks federal goal

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) — The federal government set high-flying goals for the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel, but the high cost of the fuel has sunk them.

In March, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that sustainable aviation fuel production reached 15.8 million gallons in 2022. That’s less than 0.1% of the total jet fuel used by major U.S. airlines and far short of federal goals.

In 2012, the Federal Aviation Administration set a goal for U.S. airlines to use 1 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel per year by 2018.

The biggest problem: High costs.

“The high price of sustainable aviation fuel compared to conventional jet fuel is a key factor inhibiting increased production and use,” according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. “Other factors inhibiting market growth include the long time frames and high costs of developing new sustainable aviation fuel production facilities.”

Stakeholders told the U.S. Government Accountability Office that sustainable aviation fuel production facilities can cost $1 billion and take anywhere from 5 to 10 years to complete.

The White House announced a sustainable aviation fuel Grand Challenge in September 2021 with a goal to supply 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel per year by 2030 and around 35 billion gallons per year by 2050, which would be enough to meet 100% of projected U.S. domestic commercial jet fuel demand. Sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable and waste feedstocks that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis.

Trump trial date in documents case conflicts with key campaign events

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – A federal judge Monday set a trial date for former President Donald Trump’s classified documents case that could pose challenges for the Republican presidential candidate’s campaign.

U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon ordered the trial to begin Aug. 14, “or as soon thereafter as the case may be called.” The trial is expected to last two weeks, which could create scheduling issues for Mr. Trump as he seeks the GOP nomination for president.

If the date holds, it would partially overlap with the Iowa State Fair, which runs from Aug 10 to Aug. 20. The fair has been a traditional campaign stop for presidential candidates.

It could also complicate Mr. Trump’s ability to participate in the first Republican debate.

The Republican National Committee set the first primary debate for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. Mr. Trump has yet to commit to the debate and has previously said it doesn’t make sense for him to join the stage with candidates trailing him by a wide margin in the polls.

Mr. Trump has been leading early polls for the GOP nomination.

On Tuesday, Mr. Trump again called the federal charges election interference.

“No crime, no case,” he posted on his social media network Truth Social. “Election Interference!”

Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts that allege he kept sensitive military documents, shared them with people who didn’t have security clearance and tried to get around the government’s efforts to get them back. He is charged with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information along with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal and false statements and representations.

The indictment laid out the charges against Mr. Trump and his body man Walt Nauta. Mr. Trump was charged with keeping classified documents after leaving office and later obstructing the government’s efforts to get them back. The indictment contains specific dates and times with to-the-minute details of where the documents were stored, where they were moved and who was involved.

Among the records were 197 that contained classified markings, including 98 marked “secret” and 30 marked “top secret.” The “top secret” designation means that unauthorized disclosure “reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage” to national security,” according to the indictment. Mr. Trump turned those records over to the National Archives and Records Administration on Jan. 17, 2022, in response to demands

from that federal agency.

On June 3, 2022, an attorney for Mr. Trump provided the FBI with 38 additional documents with classified markings. And during a raid of Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8, 2022, the FBI recovered 102 additional documents with classified markings.

While the U.S. Secret Service provided security to Mr. Trump while he was at his Palm Beach property, Mr. Trump never told the agency that classified documents were stored there, according to the indictment. Mar-a-Lago played host to 150 social events – such as weddings, fundraisers and movie premieres for tens of thousands of guests from January 2021, when Mr. Trump left office, through the FBI raid Aug. 8, 2022. Mar-a-Lago had about 150 employees during that time, prosecutors said in the indictment.

Prosecutors allege the documents belong to some of the nation’s most secret agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, National GeospatialIntelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, the Department of Energy and the Department of State.

The documents contained information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of the United States and other allied nations, U.S. nuclear programs, plans for possible retaliation in case of an attack and potential U.S. vulnerabilities, according to the indictment.

Mr. Trump stored the boxes in several locations at Mar-a-Lago, his social club with 25 guest rooms in Palm Beach. The boxes that contained classified documents were stored in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, his bedroom and a storage room, prosecutors alleged in the indictment.

The club was not authorized to store classified documents.

Prosecutors further alleged Mr. Trump showed classified documents to people not authorized to see such records.

In one case July 21, 2021, at the Bedminster Club in New Jersey, Mr. Trump allegedly showed a writer, a publisher and two staff members classified documents. During the recorded interview, Mr. Trump said the documents were “highly classified” and he could have declassified them while president, but could no longer do so after leaving office, according to the indictment.

In August or September 2021, prosecutors allege Mr. Trump showed a representative of his political action committee a classified map of a country.

In April, Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in New York related to charges he paid hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels through a lawyer before the 2016 presidential election and covered it up as a legal expense before being elected president.

The Government Accountability Office recommended the federal departments working on the project put in place performance metrics. The Departments of Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture agreed with the recommendation.

“Incorporating performance measures into the Grand Challenge roadmap could help enable the agencies to better manage fragmentation by monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of their actions, and communicating and reporting on the extent to which sustainable aviation fuel is poised to contribute to larger aviation greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals,” according to the report.

Operation Lone Star officers apprehend human smugglers, gang members

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Texas

National Guardsmen and women and law enforcement officers working through Operation Lone Star continue to apprehend human smugglers and build fortifications at the border to block illegal entry.

Since Gov. Greg Abbott launched OLS in March 2021, OLS law enforcement officers have apprehended more than 383,000 illegal foreign nationals and made more than 29,000 criminal arrests, with over 26,000 felony charges reported. They’ve also seized more than 418 million lethal doses of fentanyl, more than enough to kill everyone in the United States.

“Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps left by the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border,” Gov. Abbott said. “Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President Joe Biden’s open border policies.”

Many of the human smugglers being apprehended near the border are from Houston, one of the largest human trafficking hubs in America, law enforcement officers have explained to The Center Square.

A recent apprehension of a man with a Texas identification card, who is from Houston, shows the length to which smugglers are willing to go to avoid getting caught. In this case, he led DPS troopers on a high-speed chase reaching 115 mph on a rural road in Kinney County, according to law enforcement. He sped through neighborhoods, along county roads and went off road and crashed through a ranch fence. This type of damage is what occurs on a regular basis, costing private citizens a combined several million dollars that insurance companies won’t cover, law enforcement officials say. To help cover their damages, the Texas legislature passed legislation, which Gov. Abbott signed into law this month.

After the car crashed, the smuggler and two Mexican nationals who’d illegally entered at the southern border bailed out of the vehicle and ran onto private land and were caught. DPS troopers trekked through the brush to apprehend them.

The Houston man was arrested and charged with evading, criminal mischief, and smuggling of persons. Of the Mexicans, the man was charged with evading and criminal trespass, the woman was referred to Border Patrol.

OLS officers are also engaged in interdiction along train tracks, primary routes for human smugglers. After entering the U.S. illegally, smugglers and illegal foreign nationals make their way north, following

Since Gov. Greg Abbott launched OLS in March 2021, OLS law enforcement officers have apprehended more than 383,000 illegal foreign nationals and made more than 29,000 criminal arrests, with over 26,000 felony charges reported.

power lines and railroad tracks, officials have explained to The Center Square. When they can jump into grain cars, they do because it’s a way to hide and get farther into the U.S. without getting caught.

However, Texas Rangers and a Special Operations Group with an OLS Train Interdiction Team are working with Border Patrol agents to apprehend people illegally using trains to get farther into the U.S.

In one recent apprehension, officers located and arrested a Honduran man who was hiding in a grain hauler in Maverick County. Using facial recognition and biometric data, they confirmed he’s an MS-13 gang member on the Transnational Organized Crime Watchlist.

In just the few first months of the year, Border Patrol and CBP agents apprehended 125 known suspected terrorists at the southern border alone.

At the riverbank in Eagle Pass, Texas, Texas National Guard soldiers are continuing to clear heavy brush and erect miles of concertina razor wire. Their efforts have successfully deterred and prevented people from illegally entering Texas between ports of entry, they say.

“The soldiers have been pulling some very long days to accomplish this operation in a very short amount of time,” Major Michael Riley, Task Force Eagle operations officer, said. “We have brought out equipment to remove the significant vegetation out there that has impeded our ability to both access the riverbank and has provided a safe haven for transnational criminal organizations to smuggle people and goods into the United States.”

In March, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that sustainable aviation fuel production reached 15.8 million gallons in 2022. That’s less than 0.1% of the total jet fuel used by major U.S. airlines and far short of federal goals.