Santa Barbara News-Press: June 28, 2023

California’s $310 billion budget

Newsom, Democratic lawmakers agree on fiscal plan - A2

Characters make ‘Silo’ stand out

Review: Apple+ series is binge-worthy - B1

State Street’s

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara City Council voted Tuesday to extend the closure of lower State Street to motor vehicles beyond the end of the year, and to allow outdoor dining parklets on the downtown promenade and beyond.

The temporary parklets will continue to be allowed on the 400 to 1300 blocks of State Street and the zero block of West Victoria Street. But they will be banned elsewhere in the city. The 500 to 1200 blocks of State Street (the promenade) will remain closed to vehicular traffic.

The new ordinances approved by the council will take effect Jan. 1, the day after the emergency ordinance closing part of lower State Street and permitting the erection of temporary outdoor business facilities (the parklets) is set to expire (Dec. 31.)

The parklets will remain subject to the rules and regulations under the Economic Recovery Extension and Transition Ordinance approved by the council to close State Street. The ordinance also allows outdoor parklets, including maintenance of valid outdoor business facility license agreements and payment of required monthly license fees. These fees help to defray the overall cost of promenade operation and maintenance.

Revised vehicle configurations on the 400 and 1300 blocks of State, and the zero block of West Victoria, will remain in place and keep those blocks open to both traffic and parklets.

The council’s actions will continue the closure of the promenade and allow the parklets

Preparing for the Fourth

City of Santa Barbara announces celebration plans and safety rules

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Independence Day is a special occasion meant for celebration, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers that come with it.

From injuries caused by fireworks and the risk of wildfires to overindulgence and reckless driving, there are several factors that can put you and your family at risk over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, according to the city of Santa Barbara.

extended

“The city wants to take this opportunity to remind the community about some important topics to keep in mind during the upcoming July Fourth weekend. Remember that staying safe means taking the time to think before you react,” Kacey Drescher, communications specialist, said in a statement.

“We are also proud of our sense of community and implore people to be courteous of their

neighbors,” Ms. Drescher said.

“While our nation celebrates the freedom that comes from the sacrifice of service members, Tuesday’s celebration of America’s birthday can cause stress for some veterans. The loud and unexpected noises, like the sounds from fireworks, are very common triggers for many combat veterans who are suffering from PTSD.”

FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL — Personal fireworks are dangerous and illegal in Santa Barbara. Even pyrotechnics labeled “safe and sane” are illegal. If you are caught with fireworks of any kind, the fine could be costly. The use of unauthorized fireworks can easily create a brush fire or result in serious injury, officials noted. Misdemeanor citations could be issued to those possessing or using personal fireworks within the city.

to remain in place, until Dec. 31, 2026, or until adoption of the Master Plan permanent ordinance implementing the traffic pattern recommendation in the Master Plan, whichever is earlier.

The council also voted to allow temporary outdoor dining on private property outside of the 500 through 1300 blocks of State Street if the owner secures the appropriate permits, and establish a grace period allowing them to submit a complete application and remain in operation beyond Dec. 31 while their application is processed by the city.

In addition, the council directed

staff to bring to the Ordinance Committee for consideration a citywide parklet program within a public right-of-way but outside the Promenade, which would include, among other things, ADA monitoring and compliance and liability issues.

Finally, the council voted to direct staff to bring an item back to formalize a new configuration of a State Street interim operations subcommittee to replace the ad hoc committee and allow for maximum public input in the planning and design process, a move strongly backed by Councilmembers Kristen Sneddon

and Mike Jordan.

Councilmember Sneddon said she strongly supported “retooling” the ad hoc subcommittee to open up the process to new ideas.

“I do not believe we have seen yet what we can see, or given it a full chance for it to blossom,” she said.

Both Mayor Randy Rowse and Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez insisted the council take action Tuesday.

“It’s not about redesigning the street. It’s about managing what we have,” Mayor Rowse said. “We have a design process in place.

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of occasional stories about local candidates as the News-Press begins its coverage of the 2024 races.

By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS

CORRESPONDENT

Thomas Cole, a Republican candidate running for U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal’s seat, described what he brings to the state’s 24th Congressional District — and how his lawsuit against the Santa Barbara school district is connected.

“We need to get the Marxists and Communists out of government,” Mr. Cole told the News-Press. “I want to get a completely different take on government.”

Mr. Cole said he believes that the federal and local governments are overrun with communists who have allowed for the spread of what he considers to be dangerous ideologies such as man-made

climate change and transgenderinclusive bathrooms. On June 6, Mr. Cole filed a lawsuit in federal court against 10 defendants, including the

California Democrats reach $310 billion budget agreement

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon have reached a state budget agreement for fiscal year 2023-24.

After weeks of negotiating to meet the looming June 30 deadline, the Democratcontrolled Legislature agreed on a $310 billion spending plan Monday and determined a way to cover the estimated $30 billion deficit with some financial maneuvering. The budget shortfall was made up through a combination of borrowing, shifting funds, delaying spending and spending cuts and trigger cuts.

With inflation on the rise and talk of a national recession, the governor pushed back against calls to dip into the state’s reserves as a way to make up the deficit, instead preserving an estimated $38 billion for the rainy day fund.

“In the face of continued global economic uncertainty, this budget increases our fiscal discipline by growing our budget reserves to a record $38 billion, while preserving historic investments in public education, health care, climate, and public safety,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement. The framework for the budget was passed on June 15.

Republicans see the proposed budget as unsustainable, stating that assumed revenues have led California to the deficit.

Pacific Research Institute’s Senior Fellow in Business & Economics, Wayne Winegarden, notes the lack of budgetary discipline by the legislature.

“The budget agreement is a disappointment,” he told The Center Square Tuesday. “It does not impose the necessary fiscal discipline and solidifies the huge increase in spending that has occurred over the past several years. Making this unaffordable spending worse, the budget relies too heavily on budget gimmicks, borrowing, and pushing costs into the future.”

It’s a sentiment previously echoed by Republican Sen. Scott Wilk. “Our actual spending plan will be tinkered with until October, when we finally know exactly how much money is in the state’s coffers,” Sen. Wilk said. “When that time comes, we must spend smarter to ensure we use our limited resources in the most

impactful way.”

Gov. Newsom remains optimistic.

“We’ve attached new accountability measures for transit and homelessness investments,” he said. “And we are accelerating our global leadership on climate by fasttracking the clean energy projects that will create cleaner air for generations to come.”

Gov. Newsom remains focused on building his vision for California with an expansion of businesses that lead the way on new tax credits for the manufacturer of computer chips, and clean energy, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for disadvantaged communities.

“I want to thank the Legislature for their hard work on a budget that prioritizes the needs of Californians while keeping the state on strong economic footing,” Gov. Newsom said.

The budget includes support for several senate and assembly bills that have passed the Legislature and continue to support core programs.

California oil windfall profits penalty goes into effect

By RIA JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — The Petroleum Windfall Profits

Penalty law went into effect Tuesday in California.

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

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

The law creates the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight.

It sets profit margins for oil companies and penalizes California’s refineries for

exceeding that margin. The new division requires daily reports on the market, including oil being brought into California. Refineries are now required to provide maintenance schedules in advance and immediate notification of any unplanned maintenance to allow the state to prepare for shortfalls in production.

Refineries must also prepare and provide monthly profit reports.

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

California gas prices remain

among the nation’s highest, only recently eclipsed by Washington state amid a rollout of a carbon auction.

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

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

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

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

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

A statement released by the governor’s office said, “Compared to 2022, California’s gas prices have been substantially lower and less volatile.

“The Governor’s actions have helped lead to a decrease of $1.50 per gallon, year over year.”

Arizona legislators push human trafficking awareness

By CARLY MORAN

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Arizona legislators Sen. Frank Carroll, R-Surprise, and House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci, R-Lake Havasu, are promoting the documentary “Sound of Freedom” as an extension of their campaign against human trafficking.

“Sound of Freedom” is produced by Angel Studios, a Christian streaming company known for producing “The Chosen” and “Tuttle Twins” series. Set for release in theaters on July 4, the movie tells the true

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

State Route 246 to be closed July 4

SOLVANG — There will be a road closure on State Route 246 during the Independence Day Parade in Solvang on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. State Route 246 will be closed in both directions from Fifth Street to Pine Street. Eastbound and westbound traffic can instead travel north at 5th Street, or Pine Street, and detour through Laurel Avenue. Signage will be in place notifying the public of these road closures. For more information, visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

— Liam Hibbert

story of retired government Jim Ballard, who established the nonprofit Operation Underground Railroad.

Sen. Carroll and Rep. Biasiucci have passed legislation through the years to address human trafficking across Arizona, such as House Bill 2889 in 2021 and HB 2696 in 2022, to enact stricter sentences against those convicted of human trafficking and child abuse. The legislators also appropriated $10 million in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget toward law enforcement resources used against human smuggling.

“We can’t continue to turn

a blind eye to this grave issue, stealing the innocence and risking the lives of our precious children,” Sen. Carroll said. “It’s our duty as lawmakers to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and I’m calling on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle at the Legislature, as well as the governor, to recognize the dire need for common sense protections and to take action next session.

“I vow to work tirelessly to bring justice to these victims and prevent further victimization.”

According to the Arizona State University Center for Child Well-

Being, 291 children in Maricopa County were victims of sex trafficking between 2017 and 2020. “President Biden and his administration have willfully refused to secure the border, further enabling the criminals who enslave and exploit children,” Rep. Biasiucci said. “Now, states must act where the federal government fails. The safety and well-being of children is a top priority for me, Sen. Carroll and the entire Republican majority at the Legislature. We must, and will, continue to do everything we can to combat human smuggling and child sexual abuse.”

Bay area drivers could pay higher bridge tolls to fund public transportation

By RIA JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Facing steep budget shortfalls, a San Francisco-area state lawmaker is proposing a higher bridge tolling fee to prop up the city’s public transit system. Sen. Scott Wiener unveiled Senate Bill 532 in a tweet Monday, “Today we’re announcing new legislation (SB 532) to ensure Bay Area public transit agencies aren’t forced to slash service as ridership recovers from the pandemic.”

SB 532 is a temporary emergency increase in bridge tolls over the next five years for all seven bay area bridges except the Golden Gate Bridge. By increasing

tolls by $1.50, San Francisco expects to generate about $9 million over the 5-year period to fund “transit operations, including safety & cleanliness,” Sen. Weiner said.

In January 2022, the Bay Area Toll Authority set a toll schedule for the seven state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area. The price is in effect until the end of 2024. Cars and motorcycles using the bridges pay $7. This would increase to $8.50 under the proposal.

If you travel over more than one state-owned bridge per day during peak commute hours and pay bridge tolls with a FasTrak toll tag or License Plate Account, you will receive a $1.00 discount off your second toll ($0.50 for carpools)

according to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

“This is so important for our future…Transit is not optional, I think, for anyone. As you’re thinking about this, the question you need to ask yourself is, ‘Will the Bay area be a better place or a worse place if we see massive transit service cuts?’ ” Sen. Weiner said during a news conference.

Sen. Weiner reiterated that the cuts were necessary “For the future of mobility, for the future of our workforce, and for our climate future, because we know that we will not achieve our climate goals without a robust transport system.”

The senator said ridership at the start of Covid dropped by 90%95%.

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COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gavin Newsom

Lawmakers investigate whether feds, Fauci suppressed Wuhan theory

By CASEY HARPER

THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — A

U.S. House Committee tasked with delving into the origins of COVID-19 plans a new hearing to discuss an investigation into whether the federal government suppressed information related to the theory that COVID-19 came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab in China.

Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman

Brad Wenstrup announced the hearing, which will be held July 11. The committee has conducted transcribed interviews with every U.S. contributor to the now infamous “Proximal Origins” document, a paper Rep. Wenstrup says was pushed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, former head of the federal COVID response, to discredit the Wuhan lab theory.

Since then, though, more evidence has emerged backing the Wuhan theory, including more details into China’s response as well reports from the FBI and U.S. Department of Energy saying that the Wuhan lab is the most likely

source of COVID.

“These scientists have essential information to share with Americans about the cover-up of the origins of COVID-19 and the potential suppression of the lableak hypothesis by Dr. Fauci, Dr. Collins, and other public health authorities,” Rep. Wenstrup, R-Ohio, said.

“A complete look at all the facts

is necessary, and the truth is nonnegotiable.”

Dr. Francis Collins is the former director of the National Institutes of Health.

Rep. Wenstrup said the hearing will evaluate “the potential conflicts of interest and suppression of scientific discourse by the National Institutes of Health surrounding the drafting, publication and critical reception of the infamous ‘The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2’ (Proximal Origins’) correspondence.”

The Wuhan lab theory was initially dismissed as a conspiracy theory by mainstream media and federal health officials, namely Dr. Fauci.

As The Center Square previously reported, in 2020, The Associated Press called the idea a “myth.”

The same year, The New York Times called it a “conspiracy theory,” and The Washington Post called it a “fringe theory.” Social media companies like Facebook were taking down posts in 2021 that claimed COVID-19 was man-made.

Dr. Fauci also took several

media interviews where he blasted those considering the Wuhan theory.

The inquiry is further complicated since federal health funding dollars went to the Wuhan lab in question. Whether those dollars impacted any COVID gain-of-function research and the extent of Dr. Fauci’s involvement remain under dispute and could become a key part of the upcoming hearing.

“With insufficient evidence in hand and Dr. Fauci’s prompting as protection, ‘Proximal Origins’ seemingly became one of the most egregious cover-ups of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rep. Wenstrup said. “Robust scientific discourse was abandoned in pursuit of a preferred, coordinated narrative.

The origination of a virus that killed seven million people worldwide requires a thorough and comprehensive investigation – not a snap judgment based on questionable motives.”

Casey Harper works at The Center Square’s Washington, D.C., bureau.

Cruz calls for special counsel to investigate Attorney General Garland

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — (The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is calling for a special counsel to investigate Attorney General Merrick Garland over perjury and obstructing justice claims.

Cruz did so as U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California, said the House would begin an impeachment inquiry into Garland after IRS whistleblowers came forward to members of Congress alleging Garland blocked an investigation into Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, and lied about it under oath.

McCarthy tweeted, “We need to get to the facts, and that includes reconciling these clear disparities. U.S. Attorney David Weiss must provide answers to the House Judiciary Committee. If the whistleblowers’ allegations are true, this will be a significant part of a larger impeachment inquiry into Merrick Garland’s weaponization of the DOJ.”

IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley testified before Congress that the U.S. Attorney in charge of an investigation into Hunter Biden, David Weiss, said he wanted to bring charges but was prevented from doing so by Garland.

McCarthy also told Fox News the inquiries would start by July 6.

In his podcast, “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” on Monday, Cruz said, “The evidence is mounting and mounting and mounting … it is getting so bad even the corrupt corporate media cannot ignore this anymore.”

of the Justice Department … by claiming that we do not treat like cases alike,” referring to what senators have argued when comparing how President Biden and former President Donald Trump have been treated by the department.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. We make our cases based on the facts and the law,” Garland said.

Cruz said Garland is “the one who has politicized this process and is burning down the integrity of the Department of Justice to the ground. The people accusing him work for him … they are his own … employees and they’re … mad.”

Cruz said Garland’s response was self-righteous and compared him to a despot.

He also said what Garland said was “objectively false: ‘we use the same standards for everyone.’

Well, OK, you’re name is Biden you can have classified documents everywhere … but if you’re Trump we’re sending in the storm troopers.

“It’s time the Department of Justice needs to appoint a special counsel to investigate Merrick Garland for obstruction of justice and perjury,” he said.

Cruz cited Shapley’s testimony, which indicated that Garland committed perjury and lied under oath to Congress. Garland then removed him from the case, which Cruz said is illegal and needs to be investigated.

Cruz called for an investigation after he previously called out the deputy director of the FBI over bribery allegations related to both the president and his son, and is still demanding answers.

Cruz also welcomed the House impeachment inquiry, saying “there is serious evidence that Merrick Garland lied to me, under oath, when I questioned him about his role in obstructing the Hunter Biden probe.”

When asked by Newsmax’s James Rosen about the accusations, White House

spokesman John Kirby walked out of the room and wouldn’t answer questions.

At another press briefing, when similar questions were asked, another White House spokesperson said she didn’t know what the reporters were referring to and didn’t have a comment. When asked if the White House believed Attorney General Garland committed perjury, she smirked and made several facial expressions, shaking her head, and said, “I don’t have any comment on this.”

Cruz played a clip of Garland saying at a news conference, “I certainly understand that some have chosen to attack the integrity Ted Cruz

Trump’s valet arraignment delayed, DOJ asks to push back Trump trial

By CASEY HARPER

THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — The arraignment for the valet to former President Donald Trump was delayed Tuesday.

Walt Nauta, Trump’s valet who is accused of moving boxes of classified information for the president and misleading the FBI, has been indicted but had his arraignment pushed back after a slew of flight cancellations and delays in Florida kept Mr. Nauta from making it to h Trump’s valet arraignment delayed, DOJ asks to push back Trump trial is court date.

Mr. Nauta also reportedly does not yet have a lawyer who can represent him in Florida.

The scheduled arraignment was delayed until July 6. The case is directly connected to Mr. Trump’s indictment, where he faces 37 counts for his handling of classified documents and alleged refusal to give back those documents after leaving the White House.

Mr. Trump’s trial is set to begin in August, but the Department of Justice’s legal team for Special Counsel Jack Smith has requested the judge move that date back until December of this year. Trump and his legal team could push to move the date back even further.

Casey Harper works at The Center Square’s Washington, D.C., bureau.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

COURTESY PHOTOS

Merrick Garland

Future of State Street debated

PARKLETS

Continued from Page A1

That’s going to go forward no matter what. It’s not dependent on what we do.”

He agreed that outdoor dining is essential to Santa Barbara, but insisted the city doesn’t need the parklets to do that. It would be better to have restaurants have outdoor dining contiguous to their operations, he said.

He also agreed with

Councilmember Eric Friedman’s suggestion that the city keep the downtown promenade but “truncate” it to just the 500 and 600 blocks, where the parklets are thriving, with the rest of State Street with relatively few parklets reopened to traffic.

“We can have a workable, functional promenade we can actually do something with,” he said. “Our goal is to get maximum vitality to State Street. We can do something doable and bring the rest of State Street back alive. We can have it all.”

He said he could not support continuing the status quo.

“We have to move away from saying everything is hunky dory,” the mayor said. “We cannot continue to kick the can down the road. We’ve got to do something.”

Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez said he firmly opposed opening up State Street to traffic, and supported allowing the parklets not just on State Street but citywide.

“The only way I’ll support this is to actually take action,” he said. “I’m tired of the talking. I want to see stuff happen.”

He and others also said they wanted to explore allowing a trolley or shuttle bus on State Street to accommodate people who might otherwise not be able to visit downtown because of mobility problems.

The council enacted a series of ordinances in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the ERETO closing a portion of lower State Street to traffic, and permitting the erection of outdoor dining parklets — to help Santa Barbara restaurants and bars survive the restrictions on indoor dining and gathering.

The council discussion followed

FOURTH

Continued from Page A1

City Fire personnel want to remind folks that each year, fireworks cause thousands of injuries and fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks started an estimated 12,264 fires in 2021. Hospital emergency rooms across the country treated approximately 11,500 people for firework-related injuries that same year. Children younger than 15 accounted for almost one-quarter of the estimated 2021 firework-related injuries.

In Santa Barbara, the only legal fireworks are blasting off from the waterfront during the official City Fourth of July Celebration, hosted by the Waterfront and Parks and Recreation departments.

The event will include a stage on the sands of West Beach with a full lineup of free live music and dance performances starting at noon, and the closures of State Street, from Gutierrez Street to Cabrillo Boulevard, and Cabrillo Boulevard from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez, to allow crowds to take the celebration to the streets starting at 6 p.m.

The day will conclude with a 20-minute fireworks display,

COLE

Continued from Page A1

Santa Barbara Unified School District, for free speech violations.

He, along with some supporters, showed up to a local elementary school and passed out anti-porn pamphlets to parents before, he said, the school called the police on them.

The pamphlets featured sexually graphic images from the book they were protesting — “Gender Queer” — which is part of a much larger national battle over LGBTQ discussion in schools.

Mr. Cole alleges the school violated his First Amendment rights by calling the police.

Mr. Cole’s anti-porn battle is his No. 1 issue for voters, “who don’t want porn in schools.” He also argues that Rep. Carbajal’s

a series of public speakers speaking both in favor and against the continued closure of State Street to motor vehicles, and keeping outdoor dining parklets on the downtown Promenade.

One supporter of the status quote called it a “great opportunity to keep what we have and expand on it.”

Some restaurant owners said they would lose staff if the parklets are removed because without tips they would not be able to afford to live in Santa Barbara.

One said he had spent a lot of money to improve his parklet to provide a “comfortable environment for our guests to enjoy.” dining areas for diners.

“You threw us a lifeline three years ago,” another speaker said.

“Some of us didn’t make it, but some of us were able to hang on” because of the parklets.

Others said they just enjoyed being downtown with the parklets and without the traffic.

“Please let us keep the parklets. It’s a good thing,” one said.

“It’s something good that came out of the pandemic,” one said. “We cannot let vehicles and bad

launching from West Beach starting at approximately 9 p.m.

POLICE AND FIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Police Department and Fire Inspectors are teaming up this year to monitor illegal fireworks by conducting active enforcement patrols over the holiday weekend Police are expecting a large influx of people within the city over the holiday weekend. In addition to the joint fireworks enforcement, the Santa Barbara Police Department will have officers in the field looking for impaired drivers.

Also, officers will be assigned to foot patrols along the State Street Promenade and waterfront area on July 4.

There will be additional traffic patrols throughout the city starting this Friday.

“We request that all those driving, bicycling, and walking within the community abide by traffic laws and have a sober driver, utilize taxis, or use a rideshare app if you are consuming alcoholic beverages,” the city of Santa Barbara said in a news release. “If you see an impaired driver call 9-1-1.”

PROTECT YOUR PETS

Santa Barbara City Animal

April “nay” vote on Congress’ transgender restriction on playing sports in the gender of their choice, shows he goes against freedom by “undermining childrens’ rights, and women’s rights, through Title IX.”

One policy that sets Mr. Cole away from most other Republicans is his stance on abortion. “Call me a 16-week Dobbs Republican,” was how he characterized his beliefs. He said abortions should not be allowed after 16 weeks (three weeks after the second trimester) and that he supports state-based abortion laws.

“Choice for women is a good idea because we’re in California,”

Mr. Cole said on his abortion policy. “I support choice, choice for women. I’m not pro-abortion, but it is a reality, and I support government-funded care.”

In that care, he outlined

drivers dictate the design of our city.”

Others cited the improved quality of life, the vibrancy, the fun and the enjoyment of the downtown since the closure of State Street and placement of parklets there. They said they loved the option of dining outside, and that this does not prevent — but increases — their likelihood of shopping at downtown retailers,

“The parklets haven’t hurt retail, Amazon’s hurt retail,” one speaker said.

“It’s a win for the city,” said another. “It would be shortsighted to go back to the way it was.”

Others urged the council not to make any changes until the State Street Master Plan is completed. A Master Plan proposal is expected to be brought before the council early next year.

Other speakers urged the council to reopen State Street and remove the parklets as soon as possible.

Landlords and retailers said it’s unfair that restaurants and bars, a minority of businesses downtown, are able to dominate the immediate future of lower

Control would like to remind pet owners that more four-legged family members go missing during the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year.

If you are attending the city’s Fourth of July festivities or will not be home during the fireworks, you’re asked to secure your pet indoors.

It is not recommended to leave your pet outside loose in a yard on the evening of July Fourth.

Animal Control has this advice:

— Provide a safe place for your pets, and make sure the doors and windows of your home are securely shut.

Make sure to close windows and draw curtains and blinds to add an extra layer of soundproofing.

— Consider using a white noise machine, fan or radio to drown out outside noise.

— This is also a timely reminder to update your pet’s ID tag and microchip info.

If your pet becomes lost, contact Animal Control at 805=9631513 and the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter at 805-6815285.

FOURTH OF JULY STREET CLOSURES

Expect significant traffic delays beginning at 6 p.m. on July Fourth. Police will be closing multiple access points to portions of the

Planned Parenthood, as well as pregnancy resource centers –centers designed to encourage or persuade women to keep their babies.

Like many of his stances, Mr. Cole had a unique approach to jobs in the 24th district.

“Government is the biggest employer in the 24th,” Mr. Cole claimed.

Instead, he argued, the oil industry should take a bigger chunk of the workforce. “We need oil to keep our standard of living. The cleanest oil in the world is right here, we can get it with very little problems.”

In response to worries over pollution and climate change, Mr. Cole disagrees with scientists on global warming being a man-made issue. He argues it is a natural part of Earth’s cycles, and the worries over man-made climate

State Street at their expense, and warned that they and their tenants have not been able to fully recover since COVID.

They blamed this on the closure of State Street to traffic. One merchant said the closure has had “bad ramifications to me and my neighbors.” “Eliminate this now is the answer,” one speaker said. “Keep Santa Barbara on the map as a preferred designation for tourists.”

“You can have outdoor dining without parklets,” one said.

Closing State Street to traffic is “choking off tourist traffic” resulting in serious vacancies downtown because retailers were not able to afford staying there, one speaker said. “These are the metrics of a dying street.”

He said major retailers will never consider coming to Santa Barbara until State Street is reopened, “It’s embarrassing,” he said. “If it’s not reopened immediately, Santa Barbara as we know it today will not exist.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

beachfront to vehicular traffic. Stearns Wharf will be closed to incoming vehicles starting at 3:30 p.m, and no vehicles will be allowed to exit the wharf starting at 4:30 p.m. Road closures will be lifted approximately one hour after the professional fireworks have concluded.

Significant street closures include:

— 6 p.m.: Cabrillo Boulevard, closed from Calle Cesar Chavez to Harbor Way.

— 6 p.m.: Castillo Street at West Montecito Street. Vehicular traffic accessing the Funk Zone and the Natoma Avenue neighborhood will be limited.

— 6 p.m.: Garden Street and Highway 101. Any traffic exiting Highway 101 at Garden Street after 6 p.m. will be diverted north, away from the beachfront area.

OFFICIALS SAY WHEN OUTDOOR, REMEMBER:

— Drink plenty of water.

— Wear lightweight, loosefitting and light-colored clothing.

— Try to limit sun exposure.

— Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and reapply every two hours.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

change are fabricated.

“It’s a political hoax, and it’s being used by politicians to destroy vibrant, strong private economies — like we had here in the 24th Congressional District — and instead turning it into a government economy, where everyone works for the government.”

Mr. Cole said he knows he is the underdog in the race againt Rep. Carbajal, but said his campaign is about more than himself.

“It’s not just about winning, it’s also about bringing down Salud (Carbajal) and his ideas. Getting new ideas to people so they can see over time that they’re being hurt by leftist policies.”

For more information on Mr. Cole’s campaign, visit coalition4liberty.com. email: lhibbert@newspress.com

BERNAL, Aurora

On June 17, 2023, Aurora Bernal of Santa Barbara, CA passed away peacefully at the age of 103 years old. She was a dedicated spouse and mother who always put love of family into everything she did. Her family tree includes 118 offspring with 28 grand, 49 great-grand, and 31 greatgreat-grandchildren. Born in San Fernando, CA in 1920, she lost both parents at a very young age and spent much of her childhood at a St. Vincent’s home. She moved to Janamuato, Michoacan, Mexico where she eventually met her husband Trinidad Jose Bernal. They were married in �������������������������������������������������������� US and settled in Santa Barbara in 1969.

Aurora was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, and by her youngest son Jose Trino. She is survived by her sons Jose Bernal, Luis Bernal, Javier Efrem Bernal, and daughters Roselia Rodriguez, Estella Aguilera, Esperanza Vieyra, Guadalupe Montes de Oca, Hilaria Woollum, and Sonia Leonard.

Aurora worked at The Samarkand for many years after the family grew up. She then spent her senior years living at Villa Caridad, St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara. She felt blessed to have lived both the early and later stages of her life at a St. Vincent’s home. The family would like to thank the many friends and everyone who cared for and helped her through the years.

Aurora enjoyed traveling, from day-trips to beaches overseas. The simplest pleasures in life brought the greatest joy to her. She loved sharing her wisdom, prayers, a beautiful story, and just spending time with her family. She will always be remembered for her kindness, laughter, and love, and singing songs from her childhood. As the queen of our family, she was very deeply loved by all and words cannot express the anguish we have from losing her. She is in the prayers of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace along with her husband and son, O Lord, among the angels and in your loving arms.

Rosary services are Wednesday, June 28th, at 3 p.m. Welch-Ryce-Haider downtown.

Funeral services are Thursday, June 29th, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Burial services follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Obituary notices are published daily in the Santa Barbara News-Press and also appear on our website www.newspress.com

To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@newspress.com. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and the date(s) you would like the obituary to be published.

Photos should be in jpeg format with at least 200 dpi. If a digital photo is not available, a picture may be brought into our office for scanning. We will lay out the obituary using our standard format.

A formatted proof of the obituary and the cost will be emailed back for review and approval.

The minimum obituary cost to print one time is $150.00 for up to 1.5” in length -- includes 1 photo and up to 12 lines of text, approximately 630 characters; up to approximately 930 characters without a photo. Add $60.00 for each additional inch or partial inch after the first 1.5”; up to approximately 700 characters per additional inch.

All Obituaries must be reviewed, approved, and prepaid by deadline. We accept all major credit cards by phone; check or cash payments may be brought into our office located at 725 S. Kellogg Ave., Goleta. Early 4th of

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO

The Santa Barbara City Council is allowing parklets to remain until Dec. 31, 2026, or until adoption of the Master Plan permanent ordinance, whichever comes first.

Life theArts

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.

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.

REVIEW

Post-apocalyptic world Characters stand out in Apple+ series ‘Silo’

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Pxost-apocalyptic worlds are

xa common theme for sci-fi shows, and “Silo’s” story in that regard is fairly standard.

Everyone’s trying to survive, and no one’s certain about what the world used to be like.

In fact, it’s against the law to hold onto certain “relics” — hardware from the past, and everyone is expected to conform with society’s traditions. It’s a familiar story.

What makes “Silo” stand out is its characters.

Rebecca Ferguson stars in the series, streaming on Apple (with the season finale on Friday), as Juliette Nichols, an engineer for an underground society that goes down many levels and lives according to a strict

code. In fact, romantic relationships must be sanctioned by the government, and you have to get special permission to have children.

The most fortunate people, including government officials, live in the better quarters at the top, and people become poorer as you descend through the levels.

The citizens know they can never return to the poisonous surface and must make the best of their lives.

Conditions down below are poor and dirty.

The power for this enormous vertical haven, which has plenty of stairs but no elevators, is maintained through hard work, sweat and danger.

The silo has a mayor, sheriff and a judiciary section with its own investigative powers and a powerful judge.

People survive from day to day, but the

entire society is rattled by several murders. The new sheriff must do what it takes to figure out who’s the killer.

The plot is intriguing, but really, it’s the character who will keep you watching.

Juliette reluctantly accepts a promotion to sheriff, and she brings the perspective of someone from down below who suddenly has a nice apartment and perks at the top — literally and figuratively.

Tim Robbins plays her boss, Bernard, the mayor pro tem.

Both Ms. Ferguson and Mr. Robbins excel in their roles, but a real standout among the cast is Harriet Walter as Martha Walker, Juliette’s wise friend who tells it like it is. She shows Juliette a lot of tough love.

Will Patton brings his usual knack to making characters genuine and relatable. He plays Deputy Marnes, who was a friend

of former Sheriff Holston Becker (David Oyelowlo).

And rapper Common brings a formidable presence as Robert Sims, who works for the judiciary department.

Rashida Jones brings the right amount of determination and curiosity as Holston’s wife.

Based on the novels by Hugh Howey, “Silo” features a great mix of dialogue and intense action, but the producers clearly trust their cast with well-paced scenes with complete conversations. It’s a treat to see that in a series. What’s more, “Silo” isn’t afraid to explore ideas.

Overall, this is a great series because of its characters and the talented actors playing them with an air of reality and intensity. Their characters are survivors.

email: dmason@newspress.com

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.

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

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

JULY 1

The Santa Barbara County Animal Services and Ventura County Animal Services have teamed up to organize a free pet adoption event across all five of their South Coast shelter. .The Santa Barbara County locations of the event are: — 5473 Overpass Road. Goleta.

— 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria.

—1501 W. Central Ave, Lompoc.

At

TUNE IN

The first season finale of “Silo” streams Friday on Apple+. The previous nine episodes are also

JULY 4 11:30 a.m. The city of Lompoc is planning a Fourth of July Family Fun Day at Ryon Memorial Park. Admission is free to the event at the park, located off West Ocean Avenue and South O Street. The Fourth celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a patriotic bike parade from the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building to Ryon Park. The city of Lompoc said a limited number of bike helmets will be given to children. Starting at noon, the public can enjoy live music from The Fossils along with food trucks, inflatables, face painting and more. Fireworks, smoking, vaping and alcohol consumption won’t be permitted at the event. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.

For more information, call Lompoc Parks and Recreation at 805-875-8100. Noon. A full afternoon of music and other activities will precede a night of fireworks

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2023

COURTESY PHOTO Father Joe Schwab is hosting personal tours at the Santa Barbara Mission during its Sistine Chapel Art Exhibition.

PHOTOS COURTESY APPLETV+

Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) accepts her promotion to sheriff in order to get some answers on “Silo.”

Rapper Common plays Robert Sims, an investigator for Judiciary. WIth him is Anthony (Oscar Coleman).

Sheriff Juliette Nichols (Rebecca Ferguson) clashes at fi rst with more experienced Chief Deputy Marnes (Will Patton), but they discover they share a passion for fi nding the truth.

Martha Walker (Harriet Walter), who lives on the lower levels, dishes out tough love on “Silo.”

right, deputy Paul Billings (Chinazuke Uche) assists Sheriff Juliette Nichols with her investigation into major crimes.

on the Apple+ site.

Blind artist uses braille to create works of art

SANTA BARBARA — Artist

Joseph “Joe” Colunga from Santa Barbara, handmakes sculpture and collage art and will open his exhibit July 6 at Santa Barbara Art Works.

Mr. Colunga is blind and applies translated Braille hymns to large canvases to help describe his work to other blind people. He uses a whole host of objects to make his art, from printed music to wired armature.

“I start with canvas and add acrylic gesso, using my hands because its tactility helps me know where to spread the paint,”

Mr. Colunga said. “I then type up the song sheet using my Perkins Braille typewriter and add more

Jimmy Webb to perform at Lobero Theatre

texture around the edges to improve the connectedness to the canvas.”

The exhibit at Santa Barbara Art Works — 28 E. Victoria St. — is called “Blessed Assurance.” It features a collection of mixed-media and spiritual representation artwork.

The “Blessed Assurance” exhibition and open house event on July 6 is free and open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be live music and light refreshments. For more information, visit. sbartworks.org.

Hibbert

Read Voices every Saturday in the News-Press

Champagne to perform in July at SOhO

SANTA BARBARA —

Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Daniel Champagne will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 12 at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., suite 205, Santa Barbara. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Mr. Champagne, who grew up with a musical father, began writing songs at age 12. He received classical training during his teen years and performed wherever he could.

At 18, Mr. Champagne started his professional career and released five albums during the next decade. His latest effort, “Shimmer Through The Windscreen,” was released Feb. 2 Tickets cost $20 in advance and $23 cash at the door. To purchase a ticket and a get a dinner reservation, go to www.sohosb.com. The concert is for all ages.

Dave Mason

—

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

during the Fourth of July celebration in Santa Barbara. Music will start at noon at the West Beach bandstand with DJ Joseph Souza, followed by Peer Pressure at 1 p.m., The Free Radicals at 2, Rock Shop Review at 3, Golf Sucks at 4, Drifting Dimension at 5, Time Travelers Bridget & Sophiaa from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Then it’s a 10-minute performance by La Boheme Dancers, followed by The Roosters at 7 and Spencer the Gardener at 7:50. The 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/july4.

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

display.

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

JULY 5

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

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

— Dave Mason

Community Game Night tonight on State Street

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Public Library, Game Seeker, Metro Comics Entertainment and The Crafter’s Library have joined together to present a free community game night on State Street today. The game night will take place at 6 p.m. in the 1100 block of State Street in Santa Barbara. There will be a variety of games available, and people can bring

their own from home.

To reserve a table, visit calendar.library. santabarbaraca.gov/event/game-night-state-street. For more information on upcoming events, visit calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov/events/ upcoming.

— Liam Hibbert

Santa Barbara County shelters seek homes for pets

Local animal shelters and their nonprofit partners are looking for homes for pets. For more information, go to these websites:

— Animal Services-Lompoc, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc.

— Animal Shelter Assistance Program in Goleta, asapcats.org. ASAP is kitty corner to Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

— Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter in Goleta, bunssb.org. BUNS is based at Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

— Companion Animal Placement Assistance,

lompoccapa.org and facebook. com/capaoflompoc. CAPA works regularly with Animal ServicesLompoc.

— K-9 Placement & Assistance League, k-9pals.org. K-9 PALS works regularly with Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

— Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, sbcanimalcare.org. (The foundation works regularly with the Santa Maria Animal Center.)

— Santa Barbara County Animal Services in Goleta: countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc.

— Santa Barbara Humane (with

campuses in Goleta and Santa Maria), sbhumane.org.

— Santa Maria Animal Center, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc.

The center is part of Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

— Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society/DAWG in Buellton, syvhumane.org.

— Shadow’s Fund (a pet sanctuary in Lompoc), shadowsfund.org.

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

— Dave Mason

Environmental groups sue Navy

By BETHANY BLANKLEY

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Two environmental groups have filed a federal lawsuit alleging the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren, Va,, violated the Clean Water Act through munitions testing in and over the Potomac.

The Potomac Riverkeeper Network and the Natural Resources Defense Council filed suit in the U.S. District Court in Baltimore, alleging NSWC Dahlgren has discharged over 33 million pounds of munitions into the Potomac containing toxic metals, solvents, explosives and other potentially harmful constituents.

Though river water downstream of Dahlgren is not harvested for drinking water, the base is located along a stretch of the Potomac, considered a critical habitat for Atlantic Sturgeon.

The sturgeon, other fish species, the river’s general aquatic health, and the experiences of watermen and fishermen are PRN’s primary concerns.

“The whole idea of a public trust like the river is that everyone

has a right to use it,” said PRN representative Dean Naujoks. “Nobody has a right to diminish its use for their own purposes.”

According to the lawsuit, NSWC Dahlgren is the nation’s largest over-water firing range and has been conducting weapons testing on the Potomac for over 100 years.

In response to the claims from PRN and NRDC, the Navy has agreed to allow testing to determine how munitions activity might affect the sturgeon population, but has not agreed to any other environmental testing.

The weapons testing at Dahlgren first captured the attention of PRN a few years ago when Mr. Naujoks was investigating a coal-fired power plant across the river in Maryland and noticed the activity level.

It wasn’t until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed an expansion of the testing zone in December, however, PRN and NRDC became insistent the base conduct environmental tests and operate by permit.

The NSWC Dahlgren published an environmental impact statement of its river activities in 2013, but Mr. Naujoks argues

that environmental impact data is “all based on modeling and assumptions.

“There’s no data to support any of the Navy’s claims,” according to Mr. Naujoks.

“They agree that their activities may have an impact on the endangered sturgeon, but yet they’re saying there’s no impact to water quality or aquatic life from their activities and they’re therefore not going to request a permit,” Mr. Naujoks said. “The Navy owes the public a broader explanation about what their activities are doing to the Potomac River.”

The proposed expansion requires an environmental assessment, but Mr. Naujoks worries the Navy is unwilling to do the testing the environmental groups believe are necessary.

Mr. Naujoks claims that complying with the Clean Water Act is not unprecedented for the Navy, as Puerto Rico required the Navy to operate by permit at its Vieques Naval Training Range over 25 years ago.

The Center Square reached out to Navy representatives, but they did not respond to a request to comment on the lawsuit.

— Liam

COURTESY PHOTO Artist Joseph “Joe” Colunga uses a whole host of objects to make his art, from printed music to wired armature.

COURTESY PHOTO

Jimmy Webb, who has topped pop, country and disco music charts since the 1960s, is set to perform at the Lobero Theatre. The performance will take place July 13 at 8 p.m. at the theater, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $55 to $71 online and in person at the theater box office. Mr. Webb is known for songs such as “The Highwayman” and “Wichita Lineman.” Mr. Webb was named in the Rolling Stone’s top 50 Greatest Songwriters of All Time in 2015. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.lobero.com.

Diversions

Thought for Today

SUDOKU

“Start

CODEWORD PUZZLE

— Arthur Ashe

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

ARIES: Despite all your rage, you’re still just a rat in a cage. Get out of your box, Aries. Influences from other people may cause some serious transformation in your mindset. Let your belief systems loose to morph into other frames of mind. Consider new ways of living. Do things to get out of the social confines of how you should live your life.

TAURUS: You may be anxious to say what’s on your mind today, Taurus. Words are on the tip of your tongue and you aren’t afraid to let them spill out. Be careful. There’s a danger you will put your foot in your mouth. Your words may come across as harsher than you intended. Be sensitive of other people’s emotions. Don’t unload your problems on others.

GEMINI: Your mind is extra clear today, Gemini. Make sure you’re helping yourself as well as others. Take care of any tasks that require a great deal of brainpower. You have a tremendous ability to figure out any mental problem. Communicate with confidence. Contact people you haven’t heard from in a while. They will be pleasantly surprised to hear from you.

CANCER: Do your thing today, Cancer, and don’t take garbage from others. Take control of the issue when you see that something needs to get done. Others may be acting rashly and see things differently than you do. Don’t change your point of view just to make it easier on others. If people are in your way, confront them

LEO: You will be able to think clearly today, Leo. Do the best you can with what you have to work with. Do your thing and let people do theirs. Don’t dwell on others’ dramas. You should enjoy a good working relationship with mechanical objects, and it’s a great time to invest in a new gadget or appliance for your home. Don’t be a cheapskate. Spend to make life easier.

VIRGO: Don’t wait for an invitation to speak your mind, Virgo. No one will ask what you think. Express yourself. You’ve given other people plenty of time to have their say. It’s now time to chime in with your opinion. Don’t be an observer. Be an active player and help shape the conversation and the events of the

day with your powerful words and thoughts.

LIBRA: Your mind is sharp as a tack today, Libra. There’s a great deal of power behind your thoughts, so use it wisely. Take this energy to work and see how much you can accomplish. Lady Luck is on your side. The key is to put your brain in motion. Plow forward with new ideas and don’t look back. Jump in with both feet. Hesitation will cause you to falter.

SCORPIO: What are you waiting for, Scorpio? You aren’t going to meet anyone new by staying inside all the time. You aren’t going to become a rock star if you never pick up an instrument. Don’t do anything halfway today. If you love someone, tell him or her. You never know what will happen tomorrow. Take control and express your true feelings.

SAGITTARIUS: Don’t waste time today, Sagittarius. Act with courage. Tap your primal nature and throw caution to the wind. Your wit and keen mind provide you with opportunities that you should jump on. Link with groups and contribute to projects. Nothing will escape your attention. Enjoy games of wit and puzzles that exercise your brain.

CAPRICORN: There’s a powerful force urging you to act today, Capricorn. Someone may be working counter to your aims and trying to rub you the wrong way. Don’t let people outwit you. You have just as much right to express your opinions as anyone else. Use the power of your mind to come out on top in any situation. Freedom is a state of mind. Do something that makes you want to dance.

AQUARIUS: Put the pedal to the metal today and have confidence in all your actions, Aquarius. There’s a great deal of power in your words. There’s a tremendous amount of information that needs to be exchanged, and you’re at the hub of this activity. What you learn may be transformative. Actively participate in the conversation.

PISCES: Something about silence doesn’t seem right to you today, Pisces. Keep talking. Eventually someone will say something meaningful. Latch on to lucrative ideas and keep your ears open for new opportunities. The stranger you pass on the street while going for coffee could be your new best friend.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Today’s West was the notorious Grapefruit, my club member with more crust than a pie factory. He berates his partners constantly. Against South’s solo sacrifice at four spades, Grapefruit led the king of hearts. South ruffed and took the ace of diamonds. When East’s jack fell, South ruffed his three with dummy’s ten of trumps. East overruffed and led another heart. South ruffed, forced out East’s other high trump, ruffed the third heart and drew trumps.

CLAIM

Then two things happened: South claimed five trumps, four diamonds and the ace of clubs; and the phone in the club lounge rang.

“That’s your village,” Grapefruit told East, “calling to say their idiot is missing.”

“Be quiet,” East growled.

Grapefruit announced that if East’s IQ were lower, he would trip over it. It’s seldom right to overruff with a trump winner you’ll get anyway. If East discards on the second diamond, saving his trumps, more heart leads force South to lose control. He goes down two.

You hold:

10. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids two clubs and you try two

spades. Partner then bids 2NT. What do you say?

ANSWER: Though partner has not bid strongly, he may have a bit of extra strength. You have 17 high-card points, all of which look useful, plus a good five-card suit and good spots. Slam is possible. Raise to 4NT and let him decide.

South dealer

INSTRUCTIONS

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

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

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

PUZZLE

Supreme Court: Enticing illegal immigration isn’t protected speech

By BETHANY BLANKLEY

CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

THE

(The Center Square) — Enticing illegal immigration isn’t protected free speech, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled.

In United States v. Hansen, in a 7-2 vote, the court on Friday reversed and remanded the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, citing the arguments made by 25 Republican attorneys general in an amicus brief filed by the court. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote for the majority and was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Justice Thomas filed a concurring opinion. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson filed a dissenting opinion joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. At issue is whether the federal prohibition on “encouraging” or “inducing” unlawful immigration for commercial advantage or private financial gain violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The court ruled it does not.

A California resident, Helaman Hansen, ran a “scam,” the Supreme Court ruled, profiting $2 million by soliciting and “advising” foreign nationals who were illegally in the U.S. on how to obtain U.S. citizenship. He was convicted and sentenced for violating federal law, including on two counts of encouraging or inducing illegal immigration for private financial gain under 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(iv) (the “encouragement provision”) and (B)(i).

The encouragement provision of 8 U.S.C. makes it a felony to “encourage[] or induce[] an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard that such coming to, entry, or residence is or will be in violation of law.”

Violating it carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, which can be increased to a maximum of 10 years when the violation is committed “for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain.”

“Helaman Hansen promised hundreds of noncitizens a path to U. S. citizenship through ‘adult adoption,’” the Supreme Court ruling states. “But that was a scam. Though there is no path to citizenship through ‘adult adoption,’ Hansen earned nearly $2 million from his scheme. The United States charged Hansen with, inter alia, violating 8 U. S. C. §1324(a)(1)(A)(iv), which forbids ‘encourag[ing] or induc[ing] an alien to come to, enter, or reside

in the United States, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such [activity] is or will be in violation of law.’

“Hansen was convicted and moved to dismiss the clause (iv) charges on First Amendment overbreadth grounds. The District Court rejected Hansen’s argument, but the Ninth Circuit concluded that clause (iv) was unconstitutionally overbroad.

‘Held: Because §1324(a)(1)(A) (iv) forbids only the purposeful solicitation and facilitation of specific acts known to violate federal law, the clause is not unconstitutionally overbroad’ .”In response to the ruling, Montana Attorney General Ashton Knudsen, who led a

coalition of attorneys general in filing a brief with the court, said he was “glad to see the Supreme Court agree with our position and uphold the law.”

They filed the brief because the “border crisis and illegal immigration are causing massive economic, social, and financial burdens on states across the country,” he said.

Joining Mr. Knudsen were the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Hobbs limits Arizona counties’ ability to prosecute illegal abortions

By LAUREN SCOTT THE CENTER SQUARE INTERN REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an executive order that pulls prosecutorial authority away from counties looking to enforce the state’s abortion laws. Critics are calling the move an overstep of authority.

The executive order has four main points to protect abortion.

It centralizes authority over abortion-related prosecutions in Arizona courts in the Attorney General’s Office.

“We have seen that anti-abortion extremists will stop at nothing in their attempts to impose their radical beliefs on the rest of the country,” Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a June 23

statement. “I don’t accept that.”

Gov. Hobbs has directed state agencies not to assist in any investigations relating to assisting or obtaining reproductive health care that would be legal in Arizona. Additionally, Arizona will decline extradition requests from other states seeking to prosecute individuals who provide, assist, seek or receive legal abortion services in Arizona.

The executive order also established the Governor’s Advisory Council on Protecting Reproductive Freedom to make recommendations that expand access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in Arizona.

“All Arizonans deserve equitable access to health services that affirm their individual rights and reproductive freedom, respect

their privacy, and support their sexual and reproductive health,” according to the executive order.

“One year ago today, millions of Arizonans were stripped of their reproductive freedom,” Gov. Hobbs said in a tweet. “I promised Arizonans I would do everything in my power to restore their freedoms, and I’ve followed through on that promise.”

Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod responded to Gov. Hobbs’ executive order in a statement.

“In her zeal for abortion, Gov. Hobbs has exceeded her authority as governor,” Ms. Herrod said. “The law does not allow her to strip county attorneys of their clear enforcement authority as granted in various Arizona laws.”

Congressman says suicide rate among veterans is unacceptable

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 17 U.S. military veterans commit suicide each day.

Other research from America’s Warrior Partnership conducted by the University of Alabama and Duke University suggests that figure could be as high as 44 per day, when accidental or undetermined self-injuries, such as drug overdoses, are included. Still others have more estimates.

Regardless of the exact number, the rate is staggeringly higher than the civilian population, and it’s “just unacceptable,” U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, the only practicing physician among 19 in Congress, told The Center Square.

“We should do everything in our power to get that to zero,” he said.

The situation is fueled largely by veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries and has persisted for decades. Dr. Murphy reintroduced the Veterans’ National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act to establish a pilot program at the Veterans Administration to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy for

veterans with TBI and PTSD.

The therapy, known as HBOT, involves 40 to 80 treatments with 100% oxygen under two atmospheres of pressure in hyperbaric chambers. The pressure drives the pure oxygen, an essential element for healing, into areas of the brain that have lost blood flow, working to regenerate and heal injured tissue.

“I’ve been a physician close to 35 years now and a surgeon, and I’ve used hyperbaric treatment for years,” Dr. Murphy said. “It’s an excellent therapy for helping wounds heal.”

The therapy, however, is not approved for use by the V.A.,, which classifies PTSD and TBI as mental illness rather than an injury. The course of treatment involves counseling and drugs, including many that warn of suicidal ideation.

Dr. Murphy introduced the same legislation in the 116th and 117th Congresses, but despite support from numerous veterans’ groups it has never advanced out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Dr. Murphy’s predecessor, the late Walter Jones, pursued similar efforts that resulted in HBOT studies that complicated the issue.

The research relied on a nowoutdated definition of HBOT at 1.4 atmospheres of pressure or above, rather than the revised definition of any pressure above 1 atmosphere, and attributed positive results at lower pressures to placebo.

“This is somewhat controversial in the medical world. Some studies say it helps a lot … and others say it’s a placebo effect,” Dr. Murphy said.

“The long and short is I’ve met with multiple veterans who were at the end of the line … and saw how it gave some of these individuals their lives back.”

Jim Hooker and others worked with Dr. Murphy during the congressman’s tenure as a state representative to launch a North Carolina HBOT for Vets program in 2019, securing $150,000 in 2021 to help fund treatments for 21 veterans. The General Assembly approved an additional $100,000 in 2022 to treat another 15. This year, Mr. Hooker is working to expand the program to thousands through a pending request for $1 million in the upcoming state budget.The results, Mr. Hooker said, speak for themselves, with veteran testimonials about the “complete change” they’ve witnessed in their lives. Similar efforts are healing

veterans in 10 other states, as well.

“This works and the evidence is getting compelling,” Mr. Hooker said.

“In the next couple of years we’re going to have thousands successfully treated with oxygen therapy in this state.”

Mr. Hooker argues the treatment’s potential benefit for taxpayers is staggering, with the current lifetime of drugs running into the millions per patient, compared to $5,000 to $10,000 per patient for oxygen therapy.

Robert Beckman worked in military intelligence for the Department of Defense studying PTSD and TBI for years before forming TreatNOW, a nonprofit that helps to coordinate HBOT treatments for veterans and research at more than 140 clinics across the U.S. Over the last 14 years, those clinics have successfully treated more than 21,000 with PTSD, TBI and other injuries, including more than 7,500 veterans.

Mr. Beckman contends numerous studies show about 85% with mild to moderate brain injuries are able to regain their lives after years of pain and torment. Out of 21,000 treated, only one has committed suicide, he said.