Santa Barbara News-Press: November 30, 2022

DeSantis voices support for Musk

Florida governor sides with Twitter owner in dispute with Apple - A3

Some UC strikers reach tentative agreement

UCSB union representative praises UAW Local 5810 for its success

On the Alley opens new location

By DAVID MASTIO THE CENTER SQUARE REGIONAL EDITOR

(The Center Square) — The largest academic worker strike in U.S. history is one step closer to coming to an end.

The University of California and United Auto Workers Local 5810 have reached a tentative agreement for some of the workers on strike.

According to the union representing post-doctoral and graduate student researchers, the workers will receive pay increases of 20% or more, $2,500 in child care subsidies, eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave and longer appointment terms. The workers had complained that single-year appointments left them with little stability as they struggled with a rising cost of living.

“We are proud to have reached agreements that address the soaring cost of living, and reflect the value of our contributions at UC,” said the president of the UAW local, Neal Sweeney. “These agreements represent a new, bestin-class model that will improve quality of life — and the quality of research — for scientists across the US.”

Two other UAW locals, UAW 2865 and SRU-UAW, represent the balance of the 48,000 scholars, graduate researchers, teaching assistants and others who are striking on 10 campuses across the state, including UCSB. Before the strike ends, these unions will have to reach an agreement, and all three union memberships will have to vote to separately accept new contracts.

The news of the tentative agreement was welcomed by a representative of the union unit that has operated pickets at UCSB.

“We’re very happy for and proud of our 5810 colleagues, and we look forward to their continued support of graduate students in UAW 2865 and SRUUAW as we continue to fight for a fair bargaining process that enshrines a contract with a cost-

of-living adjustment,” Janna Haider, recording secretary for UAW 2065-Santa Barbara Unit and a UCSB history doctorate student, told the News-Press Tuesday.

The University of California says the proposed contract will last through Sept. 30, 2027.

“Our dedicated colleagues are vital to UC’s research activities, and we are very pleased to

have reached agreements that honor their many important contributions,” said Letitia Silas, executive director of systemwide labor relations.

“These agreements also uphold our tradition of supporting these employees with compensation and benefits packages that are among the best in the country.”

News-Press staff writer Jared Daniels contributed to this report.

LOTTERY RESULTS

Saturday’s SUPER LOTTO: 1-8-9-44-47 Meganumber: 16

Tuesday’s MEGA MILLIONS: N/A Meganumber: N/A

Tuesday’s DAILY DERBY: 12-02-07 Time: 1:43.52

Tuesday’s DAILY 3: 0-8-5 / Wednesday’s Midday 1-4-5

Senate passes gay marriage bill

U.S. senators vote 61-36 for legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriages

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to pass a bill that would federally codify same-sex and interracial marriages.

A handful of Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the Respect for Marriage Act, which passed 61-36, and will now head to the House of Representatives.

currently illegal in any state, lawmakers sought to codify protections in federal law.

MORE INSIDE

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, praised the Senate’s approval of the Respect for Marriage Act. - A2.

“This Senate has passed the Respect for Marriage Act!”

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “Because no one should be discriminated against because of who they love.”

Though neither same-sex nor interracial marriages are

As The Center Square previously reported, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., has helped lead the effort. Her office said the legislation would “require the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed.”

Notably, the bill would “guarantee that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity or national origin, but the bill would not require a

Carpinteria City Council delays decision on senior center

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Despite the urging of staff and the pleading of senior residents, the Carpinteria City Council made no decision Monday toward launching plans for an interim senior center or to providing seniors with dedicated services.

The council voted 5-0 instead to ask staff to provide more specifics on how to proceed, including how much it would cost to run an interim gathering “hub” and hire a staffer to run the place.

They asked staff to return at a future meeting with specific options to continue on, but gave them no deadline.

Despite the lack of action, council members still noted the importance of providing a place for seniors to gather and spend time together during the day.

“I see this as a high priority,” Councilmember Gregg Carty said. “We need a budget as soon as we can get one.”

He suggested staff do more research on obtaining grants and other funding “wherever we can get them.”

One speaker told the council that she and other seniors aren’t looking for a place that’s exquisite or beautiful, just one that’s cozy and comfortable, “where we can sit and read the paper, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the fact that we’ve

come to socialize with other persons in the community.”

City staff told the council there’s a clear need for adult/ senior programming services as well as a gathering site for older residents to meet and congregate with their peers.

“Carpinteria’s median age is nearly 18% higher than the state average, and residents 60 and over make up 27.4% of Carpinteria’s population compared to 19.7% for the state and 20.4% for the county,” staff said in its report to the council.

“Despite the large proportion of active adults and seniors within the community, Carpinteria does not offer a cohesive active adult/senior programming menu, nor does it have a dedicated center for such programs to occur.”

“Carpinteria is the only city in Santa Barbara County, other than the City of Guadalupe, that does not offer such programming, either through the city, an outside agency or some combination of the two.”

Following a community needs assessment survey, staff urged the council to first focus efforts on securing an interim location for an active adult/senior center. The center will serve as a “hub” for immediate programming and as a platform for future long-term programming discussions, staff said.

Tuesday’s DAILY 4: 7-6-2-2

Tuesday’s FANTASY 5: 2-8-11-25-33

Monday’s POWERBALL: 29-30-32-48-50 Meganumber: 20

Santa Barbara-based restaurant launches eatery at Ventura Harbor Village - B1

KENNETH SONG/ NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

UCSB academic workers, students and faculty picket last week on campus. Progress in resolving the University of California strike, which is affecting UCSB and the nine other UC campuses, was reported this week.

Pickets continued last week at UCSB. UAW locals, UAW 2865 and SRU-UAW, represent the balance of the 48,000 scholars, graduate researchers, teaching assistants and others who are striking on 10 campuses across the state.

Sen. Alex Padilla praises Senate’s approval of Respect for Marriage Act

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, praised the Senate following its 61-36 vote Tuesday to adopt the Respect for Marriage Act.

The bill, which now goes to the House for consideration, would require the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed. The legislation is also designed to guarante that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

“Today, the Senate took a bold step to affirm the lives of millions of LGBTQ people and interracial couples across our country,” Sen. Padilla said in a statement. “By passing the Respect for Marriage Act, we sent a clear message to all LGBTQ Americans that we see them and recognize that they are worthy of equal treatment under law regardless of who they are, who they love, and who they

choose to marry.

“This was a significant day in the story of American progress,” Sen. Padilla said. “But the continued threats to our most fundamental rights in the wake of the Dobbs decision that necessitated today’s vote make one thing clear: We still have work to do to achieve full equality.

“I will continue working to build on our efforts today until we ensure that every American is treated equally under the law, free from discrimination,” Sen. Padilla said.

Earlier this year, Sen. Padilla introduced the LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act, which is designed to protect the nation’s 1.4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses from lending discrimination. Sen. Padilla also joined his fellow Senate Democrats in introducing a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month to highlight the LGBTQ community’s efforts to achieve full equality, including for marriage.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Google settles with California and other states over advertising campaign

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

California and other states are receiving a total of $9.4 million from Google under a settlement that resolves allegations that the company paid DJs to voice endorsements of a smartphone that most of them never used.

California’s portion of the settlement is approximately $2.7 million.

The DJs worked predominantly at iHeartMedia, which, along with local radio stations, partnered with Google in 2019 for the ads. As part of the ad campaign, Google told radio personalities to describe their personal experiences using the Pixel 4, even though the phone wasn’t available yet. According to the California Department of Justice, Google refused to provide the phones to any of the stations

in advance of them recording and airing the ads.

“Therefore, the radio personalities’ statements about their personal experience were generally untrue,” according to the California DOJ.

Under the settlement, iHeartMedia will pay the states $400,000, of which California will get about $125,000.

The settlement also requires iHeartMedia and Google to comply with terms to prevent future misconduct.

“Google tried to take shortcuts in advertising its products, and now it’s paying the price,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta as he joined attorney generals in other states in announcing the settlement.

“Asking DJs to share personal experiences about a product they had not used is misleading — and a violation of state consumer

TRAFFIC, CRIME & FIRE BLOTTER

protection laws,” Mr. Bonta said Monday. “As attorney general, I won’t stand by when consumers spend their hard-earned money based on a lie.”

Attorney General Bonta joined the Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general of Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York in the settlement against Google. Texas also joined the group in its settlement against iHeartMedia.

email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

If you believe you’re a victim of misleading advertising or other consumer fraud, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/ report.

Highway 101 reduced to one southbound lane

VENTURA — Caltrans is reducing Highway 101 to one southbound bypass lane overnight through Friday from Mussel Shoals to Faria Beach near Ventura.

The closure is for pavement work that requires closing the southbound off- and on-ramps at Seacliff so trucks can access a concrete batch plant. Signs will be posted.

Caltrans says motorists can expect delays.

Closures will be from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, through Friday, on the southbound Highway 101 side. Overnight, one southbound bypass lane and two northbound lanes will remain open.

And now through Friday, the Seacliff southbound, off- and onramps will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, as well as 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Motorists traveling south can reach state beaches on the Pacific Coast Highway by continuing to the Main Street off-ramp in Ventura. Then take a U-turn to northbound Highway 101 and exit at the state beaches off-ramp.

La Conchita residents traveling south can use the same route but continue north on Highway 101.

All work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. The work is part of a $48 million pavement rehabilitation project, including $5.5 million in funding from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, on a 4.3-mile section of Highway 101 north of Ventura. For more details, see tinyurl. com/mrycvtdm.

— Katherine Zehnder

Two cars on fire in Los Alamos

LOS ALAMOS — Two cars were totaled during a fire early Monday

SPORTS ROUNDUP

morning at the Skyview Motel in the 9100 block of Highway 101.

One of them was a Toyota Prius, which is a gasoline-electric hybrid, and the fire involved a hybrid battery cell. The other vehicle was of an unknown type, according to Capt. Scott Safechuck, public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Two county fire engines and battalion chief responded to the Los Alamos fire. Call time was 6:15 a.m.

Capt. Safechuck said there were no injuries or damage to the hotel. He added that the cause is under investigation.

— Katherine Zehnder

Registration to start for Rincon Classic

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Registration will go live at midnight Thursday for the 41st annual Rincon Classic.

You can sign up at rinconclassic.com from Dec. 1 to Dec. 30.

First priority for the Surf Happens event will go to surfers living in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta and Ventura.

After that, it will extend to other people living in the region

with the 805 area code.

And the kick-off party for the Rincon Classic will take place Jan. 13 at the Rincon Brewery in Carpinteria.

CARPINTERIA DEFEATS

PACIFICA

Now you know why they’re called the Warriors.

The Carpinteria High School girls water polo team recently lived up to its name with a 25-2 landslide victory over Pacifica High School in Oxnard.

The Warriors led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter and held the pace throughout the away game.

“Seniors Kate Isaac and Taylor Classen played well on both sides of the pool leading fast breaks behind good defensive fundamentals,” Coach Jon Otsuki told the News-Press. “Ainslee Alexander led all Warriors on the scoresheet with 7 goals.”

On Thursday, Carpinteria will host Foothill Tech at 3:45 p.m. at the Carpinteria Community Pool.

SAN LUIS OBISPO BEATS

SANTA YNEZ

San Luis Obispo High School recently defeated Santa Ynez Valley Union High School 4-0 in boys soccer.

Santa Ynez Coach Hector Garcia told the News-Press that the Santa Ynez Pirates fell behind 1-0 early in the first half. The San Luis Obispo Tigers scored three more goals in the second half.

email: dmason@newspress.com

COURTESY PHOTO

A fire involving a hybrid battery cell left a Toyota Prius and another car totaled in Los Alamos.

COURTESY PHOTO

Sen. Alex Padilla

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS Attorney General Rob Bonta

Gov. Ron DeSantis blasts Apple in dispute over Elon Musk and Twitter

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Elon Musk says Twitter may now be removed from the Apple App store, prompting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to defend the social media company.

“Apple has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter. Do they hate free speech in America?”

Mr. Musk, the billionaire owner of Twitter and Tesla, tweeted Monday. “Apple has also threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store, but won’t tell us why. Who else has Apple censored?”

Gov. DeSantis said at a news conference that Apple may need to be investigated by Congress.

“When you also hear reports that Apple is threatening to remove Twitter from the app store because Elon Musk is actually opening it up for free speech and is restoring a lot of accounts that were unfairly and illegitimately suspended for putting out accurate information about COVID, that’s like one of the main things being reinstated,” Gov. DeSantis said. “So many of the things these experts were wrong about, and you had people on Twitter that were calling that out, and the old regime at Twitter, their response was to just try to suffocate the dissent. And Elon Musk knows that’s not a winning formula so he is providing free speech.”

Gov. DeSantis argued that if

Apple went through with the alleged threat, it would be a monopolistic abuse of power.

“So if Apple responds to that by nuking them from the app store, I think that would be a huge, huge mistake, and it would be a really raw exercise of monopolistic power that I think would merit a response from the United States Congress,” Gov. DeSantis said. “So don’t be a vassal of the (Chinese Communist Party) on one hand, and then use your power in the United States on the other to try to suffocate Americans and try to suppress their right to express themselves.”

Mr. Musk fired off a string of tweets about Apple Monday.

“Did you know Apple puts a secret 30% tax on everything you

buy through their App Store?” he said.

Mr. Musk also posted a poll asking whether “Apple should publish all censorship actions it has taken that affect its customers.” More than 2 million users responded with about 85% choosing “yes.”

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

Twitter has become a daily source of breaking news with Mr. Musk’s controversial comments and a string of policy changes from the social media giant. Mr. Musk said in a recent tweet that Twitter has hit all time high usage since he took over, though many advertisers have begun distancing themselves from the platform.

Mr. Musk hasn’t released data to

back up the record user claim, but the site has been more tumultuous and a source of constant media coverage since he took over leadership of the company.

One of those controversial decisions was Mr. Musk reinstating former President Donald Trump to the site. Mr. Trump was removed after the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the Capitol.

Mr. Musk tweeted a poll to decide whether Mr. Trump should be reinstated, with 51.8% saying yes to Mr. Musk’s question after 15,085,458 votes.

Twitter has also reinstated other users like the satire site, the Babylon Bee, Kanye West and liberal comedian Kathy Griffin. A common criticism of Twitter has been inappropriate content toward certain groups as well as outright false information.

“New Twitter policy is freedom of speech, but not freedom of reach,” Mr. Musk tweeted. “Negative/hate tweets will be max deboosted & demonetized, so no ads or other revenue to Twitter. You won’t find the tweet unless you specifically seek it out, which is no different from rest of Internet.”

For his part, Mr. Musk claims the fight over Twitter is much bigger than just his company.

“This is a battle for the future of civilization,” he said. “If free speech is lost even in America, tyranny is all that lies ahead.” Casey Harper works at The Center Square’s Washington, D.C., bureau.

Audit: California department lacks oversight in tobacco tax payments

By MADISON HIRNEISEN THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF REPORTER

(The Center Square) — A California state department responsible for administering tobacco tax funds to increase payments for certain types of health care provided by MediCal has inadequately monitored provider payments, according to a new report from the California state auditor.

The audit, released Tuesday, overviewed the distribution and administration of Proposition 56 funds — a measure passed by voters in 2016 that increased taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Prop. 56 added $2 in taxes per pack of 20 cigarettes and imposed an equal tax on other products like chewing tobacco and cigarettes, according to the report. At the time, supporters of Prop. 56 said the measure would improve public health by increasing

the prices of tobacco products. They hoped higher prices would discourage use.

The tax increase generated $1.3 billion in tax revenue in 2020-2021 alone, and the majority of those funds — nearly $900 million — was used to “increase payments for certain types of health care, treatment and services provided under the Medi-Cal program,” according to the audit.

The Department of Health Care Services is responsible for administering the funds to healthcare providers, but auditors discovered that DHCS lacks the oversight necessary to ensure healthcare providers who deliver services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries “always receive the Proposition 56 supplemental payments to which they are entitled.” The review also found some providers may have engaged in fraud, as auditors

found some managed care plans were unable to provide evidence that their providers performed certain medical procedures.

On top of that, auditor’s reviews of fee-for-service claims by providers that received payments found DHCS paid out nearly $380,000 in Prop. 56 funds and other Medi-Cal funds to 14 providers that state and federal officials identified as ineligible.

“DHCS’s failure to promptly cease payments to these providers placed Medi Cal beneficiaries at unnecessary risk,” the audit states.

To address these issues identified and better protect Medi-Cal beneficiaries, auditors recommend that by June 2023, DCHS should investigate instances where care plans are unable to provide evidence that medical services were provided and require care plans to submit Medi-Cal beneficiary information

in quarterly reports, among other recommendations.

On the legislative side, auditors recommend lawmakers consider amending state law to permit DHCS and boards that license Medi-Cal providers to execute agreements allowing boards to provide DHCS with timely information when MediCal providers are arrested or investigated for allegations of fraud.

DHCS responded to each of the recommendations, outlining actions it is already taking or plans to take to make corrections. The department said it has updated its annual managed care plan audit program to test for compliance among managed care plans and require plans to submit health records confirming whether certain medical services were provided.

Madison Hirneisen covers California for The Center Square.

Nevada AG joins others in investigating Ticketmaster over

controversy

By KATELYNN RICHARDSON THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — The Nevada Attorney General’s office announced that it is investigating Ticketmaster for “alleged deceptive or unfair trade practices.”

“Our office has received consumer complaints regarding the recent issues with Ticketmaster, and we are investigating the company for alleged deceptive or unfair trade practices,” the tweet stated.

The Friday morning announcement comes after widespread complaints from Taylor Swift fans who encountered massive system glitches as they tried to purchase tickets to her Eras Tour.

Ticketmaster issued an update Tuesday, rescheduling certain pre-sales due to “historically unprecedented demand.”

On Thursday, Ticketmaster canceled the general public ticket sale entirely due to “extraordinarily high demands on ticketing systems.”

The attorneys general of Tennessee and North Carolina also announced that their offices would investigate the company this week.

Tennessee’s AG Jonathan Skrmetti was first to announce. On Tuesday, his office tweeted, “(Mr. Skrmetti) and his Consumer Protection team will use every available tool to ensure that no consumer protection laws were violated.”

In an interview with the Tennessee Star, Mr. Skrmetti said Ticketmaster is a potential example of violating both fair trade laws and antitrust laws, issues that

fall under the attorney general’s consumer protection work.

“@Ticketmaster’s decision to cancel sales underscores the important need for accountability,” his office tweeted on Thursday.

“Fans deserve a fair chance to buy a ticket. I’m encouraged by other state AGs who are taking this issue seriously as well.”

North Carolina’s Attorney General’s Office paired its Thursday announcement with a play on one of the songs from Ms. Swift’s new “Midnights” album.

“BREAKING: You’re NOT on your own, kid,” the office said.

“Attorney General @JoshStein_

is investigating Ticketmaster for allegedly violating consumers’ rights and antitrust laws.”

Nevada Attorney General’s Office communications director John Sadler also incorporated a Taylor Swift song lyric into the announcement.

And the Department of Justice is investigating Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, for potential antitrust violations, the New York Times reported Friday. The investigation reportedly predates the recent Taylor Swift ticket chaos.

“It’s really difficult for me

to trust an outside entity with these relationships and loyalties, and excruciating for me to just watch mistakes happen with no recourse,” Ms. Swift weighed in on a Friday post on her Instagram story.

“There are a multitude of reasons why people had such a hard time trying to get tickets, and I’m trying to figure out how this situation can be improved moving forward,” she continued. “I’m not going to make excuses for anyone because we asked them, multiple times, if they could handle this kind of demand, and we were assured they could.”

COURTESY PHOTOS

Gov. Ron DeSantis Elon Musk

Taylor Swift

EVA RINALDI/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“There are a multitude of reasons why people had such a hard time trying to get tickets, and I’m trying to figure out how this situation can be improved moving forward,” singer Taylor Swift posted.

State to issue a marriage license contrary to state law.”

The U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion ruling motivated this legislative effort as some Democrats said samesex marriage protections the court ruled on during the Obama administration could be at risk.

The 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges precedent required states to allow same-sex marriages. Under the new law, in the event that Obergfell is overturned, states would be allowed to ban gay marriages but would have to recognize gay marriages that were performed in other states.

The legislation repeals the federal Defense of Marriage Act, but state laws preventing samesex marriage are still on the books in some states and would take effect if Obergefell were ever overturned.

From the bill’s official summary:

“Specifically, the bill repeals and replaces provisions that define, for purposes of federal law, marriage as between a man and a woman and spouse as a

person of the opposite sex with provisions that recognize any marriage that is valid under state law, (The Supreme Court held that the current provisions were unconstitutional in United States v. Windsor in 2013.)

“The bill also repeals and replaces provisions that do not require states to recognize samesex marriages from other states with provisions that prohibit the denial of full faith and credit or any right or claim relating to outof-state marriages on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. (The Supreme Court held that state laws barring same-sex marriages were unconstitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.

“The Court held that state laws barring interracial marriages were unconstitutional in Loving v. Virginia in 1967.) The bill allows the Department of Justice to bring a civil action and establishes a private right of action for violations.”

President Joe Biden torpedoed a similar hope among Democrats to codify abortion protections after the midterm elections, saying his party will not have the votes.

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

Ohio’s Wenstrup pushes federal bill to help students and veterans with housing

By J.D. DAVIDSON THE CENTER SQUARE REGIONAL EDITOR

(The Center Square) — An Ohio congressman wants to help developers create more affordable rental housing for homeless students, veterans and foster youth while they pursue an education.

U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, hopes the bipartisan Low-Income Housing Tax Credit increases the availability of affordable housing for fulltime students, who currently cannot live in LIHTC-funded properties.

The “student rule” was put in place to stop the building of dorms with LIHTC funds. It also includes students struggling or who have recently

struggled with homelessness, who otherwise would qualify for housing.

Rep. Wenstrup says that forces students to choose between housing and education. The proposed legislation would create a limited exception to the student rule.

“Students and veterans struggling with homelessness should be able to access affordable housing as they pursue a full-time education. This bill empowers those in need to invest in their futures and sets them on the path to achieving the American dream,” Rep. Wenstrup said. “I’m pleased that this bill addresses one aspect of the affordable housing crisis.”

Rep. Danny Davis, D-Illinois, said the change is needed now

for community college students pursing degrees.

“Housing security is fundamental to physical, mental, and socioeconomic well-being,” Rep. Davis said. “I am proud to work with Dr. Wenstrup to improve the successful Low Income Housing Tax Credit to ensure that youth and veterans struggling with homelessness do not have to choose between completing a college degree or stable housing.

“This fix is needed now more than ever when research shows that over one-third of all college students and almost half of community college students were housing insecure. This bill increases housing opportunities and stability for homeless youth and veterans so that they can

complete their education and thrive.”

Meredith Owensby, codirector of Lydia’s House in Norwood, Ohio, said one of six applicants the organization receives for family shelter has some college background, and the most common reason for leaving school is financial success. “The Housing for Homeless Students Act would be a positive step in reducing the cost of housing for qualified students. With access to LIHTC housing, fewer individuals and families would have to leave fulltime educational opportunities because of income limitations.

Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

U.S. home prices continue to soften in September

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Home prices slowed in September as higher mortgage rates continued to weaken demand, according to a leading measure of U.S. singlefamily home prices.

S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices data released Tuesday for September 2022 showed that home price gains declined across the country.

The S&P CoreLogic CaseShiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index reported a 10.6% annual gain in September, down from 12.9% in the previous month. The 10-City Composite

annual increase was at 9.7%, down from 12.1% in the previous month. The 20-City Composite posted a 10.4% year-over-year gain, down from 13.1% in the previous month.

“As the Federal Reserve continues to move interest rates higher, mortgage financing continues to be more expensive and housing becomes less affordable,” S&P DJI Managing Director Craig Lazzara said in a statement. “Given the continuing prospects for a challenging macroeconomic environment, home prices may well continue to weaken.”

All 20 cities included in the index reported lower price increases in the year ending

September 2022 compared with the year ending August 2022.

Miami, Tampa and Charlotte reported the highest year-overyear gains among the 20 cities in September.

“Our September 2022 report reflects short-term declines and medium-term deceleration in housing prices across the U.S.,” Mr. Lazzara said. “For example, the National Composite Index fell -1% in September, and now stands 10.6% above its yearago level. We see comparable patterns in our 10- and 20-City Composites, which declined -1.4% and -1.5%, respectively, bringing their year-over-year gains down to 9.7% and 10.4%.

For all three composites, year-

over-year gains, while still well above their historical medians, peaked roughly six months ago and have decelerated since then.”

“The three best-performing cities in August repeated their performance in September,” Mr. Lazzara said. “On a yearover-year basis, Miami (+24.6%) edged Tampa (+23.8%) for the top spot, with Charlotte (+17.8%) beating Atlanta (+17.1%) for third place. The Southeast (+20.8%) and South (+19.9%) were the strongest regions by far, with gains more than double those of the Northeast, Midwest, and West. The two worst-performing cities were San Francisco (+2.3%) and Seattle (+6.2%).”

Youngkin orders flags half-staff after death of U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin

By TYLER ARNOLD THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and local buildings and grounds Tuesday after the death of U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin on Monday night.

Rep. McEachin, a Democrat who represented the commonwealth’s 4th Congressional District since 2017, died from complications related to colorectal cancer. His death comes less than three weeks after he won re-election.

Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset today.

“We are all devastated at the passing of our boss and friend, Congressman Donald McEachin,” Chief of Staff Tara Rountree said in a statement. “Valiantly, for years now, we have watched him fight and triumph over the secondary

effects of his colorectal cancer from 2013. (On Monday), he lost that battle, and the people of Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District lost a hero who always, always fought for them and put them first.”

Rep. McEachin’s office will remain open until a new representative is elected for the district. The seat will need to be filled through a special election.

Lawmakers and others are mourning the loss of Rep. McEachin.

“Donald and Colette McEachin have been wonderful friends to me and Lisa for more than thirty years,” Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, said in a statement.

“We often bonded over stories and laughs about our mutual challenges raising families with three strong-willed daughters. Up until the very end, Don was a fighter. Even though he battled cancer and faced other trials in recent years, he never

lost his focus on social and environmental justice. Tonight, Virginia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend.”

Before serving in Congress, Rep. McEachin served in the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate.

Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Rich Anderson, who served alongside Rep. McEachin in the General Assembly, expressed his condolences.

“I served with then-State Senator McEachin in the General Assembly and know first-hand that he lived a life of service to our Commonwealth,” Mr. Anderson said in a statement. “Tonight, we honor his memory and lift up his family in prayer at this difficult time.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days and his family asked for privacy at this time, according to a statement from Rep. McEachin’s office.

Obituary notices are published daily in the Santa Barbara News-Press and also appear on our website www.newspress.com To place an obituary, please email the text and photo(s) to obits@newspress.com or fax text only (no photos) to (805) 966-1421. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and the date(s) you would like the obituary to be published. Photos should be in jpeg format with at least 200 dpi. If a digital photo is not available, a picture may be brought into our office for scanning. We will lay out the obituary using our standard format. A formatted proof of the obituary and the cost will be emailed back for review and approval. The minimum obituary cost to print one time is $150.00 for up to 1.5” in length -- includes 1 photo and up to 12 lines of text, approximately 630 characters; up to approximately 930 characters without a photo. Add $60.00 for each additional inch or partial inch after the first 1.5”; up to approximately 700 characters per additional inch. All Obituaries must be reviewed, approved, and prepaid by deadline. We accept all major credit cards by phone; check or cash payments may be brought into our office located at 715 Anacapa Street. The deadline for Weekend and Monday’s editions is at 10a.m. on Thursdays; Tuesday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Fridays; Wednesday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Mondays; Thursday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Tuesdays; Friday’s edition deadlines at 10a.m. on Wednesdays (Pacific Time). Free Death Notices must be directly emailed by the mortuary to our newsroom at news@newspress.com. The News-Press cannot accept Death Notices from individuals.

Illinois governor, lawmaker urge Congress to intervene in railroad labor dispute

By ANDREW HENSEL THE CENTER SQUARE STAFF REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Railroad workers from across the country are threatening a strike if their demands for higher wages are not met.

Illinois lawmakers are picking sides.

Rail Workers United, a group supporting railroad workers in various unions from all across the country, said workers have not received pay raises in over three years.

“Without a better contract for all railroad crafts, service will continue to suffer as rail carriers extract wealth and buy back their shares at the expense of the economy as a whole,” the group said.

Now the union is threatening a strike.

“I am calling on Congress to pass legislation immediately to adopt the Tentative Agreement between railroad workers and operators,” President Joe Biden said in a statement this week.

“The deal provides a historic 24% pay raise for rail workers. It provides improved health care benefits. And it provides the ability of operating craft workers to take unscheduled leave for medical needs.”

Illinois state Rep. Michael Halpin, D-Rock Island, on the

House floor Tuesday announced his support for the workers.

“The (Biden) administration wants Congress to step in and prevent these workers from exercising their right to strike,” Halpin said. “Frankly, I am truly disturbed and frustrated with this news.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker was asked about the strike as Illinois is a major hub for all Class 1 railroads. He is siding with President Biden in urging Congress to intervene.

“Railroads are extremely important, especially right now because we are having trouble with barges on the Mississippi (River),” Gov. Pritzker said.

“We have got to do something. We cannot have a situation in which the supply chain is cut off because there is a mass railroad strike.”

Rep. Halpin said that is exactly what a strike is meant to accomplish.

“Strikes are unpleasant, they are disruptive, and they cause friction, and that is exactly the point,” Rep. Halpin said. “Strikes demonstrate the economic power of workers’ labor by withholding it.”

Business groups from across the country have urged Congress to intervene.

If an agreement is not reached, a strike could happen as early as Dec. 9.

Today Thu.

City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Cuyama 60/39/s 55/33/c

Goleta 62/48/c 60/44/r

Lompoc 60/46/pc 60/38/sh

Pismo Beach 58/45/pc 58/42/r

Santa Maria 59/45/pc 61/39/sh

Santa Ynez 64/48/pc 63/39/sh

Vandenberg 58/46/pc 59/41/sh

Ventura 60/54/pc 57/47/r

Dec. 1 4:56 a.m. 4.8’ 10:57 a.m. 2.1’ 4:19 p.m. 4.2’ 10:50 p.m. 0.4’ Dec. 2 5:34 a.m. 5.2’ 12:02 p.m. 1.4’ 5:37 p.m. 3.9’ 11:33 p.m. 0.8’

56/38/r

Jose 60/47/pc 54/35/r

San Luis Obispo 61/47/pc 58/41/r

Santa Monica 62/52/s 57/51/sh

Tahoe Valley 45/27/pc 38/9/sn

Atlanta 66/34/r 56/38/s Boston 56/35/r 45/31/pc Chicago 31/20/pc 38/30/s Dallas 54/36/s 55/46/pc Denver 36/18/pc 54/38/pc Houston 65/42/s 61/53/pc Miami 86/73/pc 83/73/pc Minneapolis 24/10/pc 34/29/pc

New York City 57/34/r 44/34/s Philadelphia 60/34/r 44/30/s Phoenix 72/47/pc 74/51/c Portland, Ore. 45/36/r 42/32/c St. Louis 41/24/s 45/36/s Salt Lake City 44/35/c 48/31/pc Seattle 41/31/r 38/28/sn Washington, D.C. 59/35/r 47/31/s

38/32/c 36/28/c

75/58/s 74/57/s

88/73/s 86/75/pc

48/41/c 49/39/c

Mexico City 75/52/pc 74/49/pc Montreal 46/28/r 35/25/c

New Delhi 83/51/pc 83/52/pc

Paris 44/34/c 43/33/c

Rio de Janeiro 82/76/t 86/76/t

Rome 57/40/pc 56/44/c

Sydney 74/57/pc 73/57/c Tokyo 64/41/c 50/42/c

COURTESY PHOTO

“This Senate has passed the Respect for Marriage Act!” Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “Because no one should be discriminated against because of who they love.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Rep. Donald McEachin

Life theArts

CALENDAR

On the Alley

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

On The Alley, otherwise referred to by the Bennett family owners as OTA, has recently expanded its restaurant portfolio by opening its third restaurant at 1559 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura Harbor Village.

OTA is a more casual, sistervenue to Brophy Bros., Santa Barbara’s wildly popular restaurant, known for its local

seafood, clam bar and signature Bloody Marys at 119 Harbor way overlooking the harbor. OTA is downstairs at 117 Harbor Way and at 7038 Marketplace Drive in Goleta.

Included on the OTA menu in its new location in Ventura, adjacent to Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar, are a handful of Brophy Bros. classics such as New England clam chowder and fish and chips.

An all-day breakfast line-up of favorites include smoothies,

For more information about On the Alley, call 805-413-4367 or visit www. venturaharborvillage.com/directory/ ota or www.onthealleyventura.com. For additional information, contact Ventura Harbor Village at 805-4770470.

breakfast burritos, customizable breakfast bowls and French toast sticks. The lunch and dinner menu

Brophy Bros. family open new OTA eatery in Ventura

features generous portions of favorites like fried avocado taco, the signature Alley Burger with a side of tater tots, chopped sesame salmon salad or chicken club wrap.

Signature seafood Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar classics, including ceviche, Oysters Rockefeller, garlic-baked clams and cioppino, can also be ordered off the OTA menu.

The seaside restaurant offers families a kids’ menu and delicious desserts such as

milkshakes, the all-American sundae and root beer floats.

A coffee drink line-up, locally sourced beer list and specialty cocktails like the award-winning Brophy Tito’s Bloody Mary or margaritas complement OTA breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items.

The modern interior has harborview seating, outdoor patios, surf videos and photography artwork that showcases local landscapes.

The calendar appears Mondays through Saturdays in the “Life & the Arts” section. Items are welcome. Email them to Managing Editor Dave Mason at dmason@ newspress.com.

DEC. 1 5 to 8 p.m.: The First Thursday Art Walk will present an open-air Holiday Market as well as more than 20 business and gallery venues with live music, art and wine in Santa Barbara.

7 p.m. Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will perform his “Christmas in Hawaii” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Mr. Shimabukuro will play a mix of his signature favorites, holiday classics and selections from his recent “Jake & Friends” album. Tickets for the UCSB Arts & Lectures concert cost $16 to $61. To purchase, go to granadasb.org. 7 p.m. Jazz at the Ballroom will present “Holiday ‘In’” at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Award-winning musicians from across the country will perform a show reminiscent of old Christmas specials with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and other singing greats. Comedian Dan Cronin is hosting this holiday revue, which features bandleader Konrad Paszkduki on the piano. Tickets cost $36 to $56 for general admission and $81 for VIP seats, which include a post-show reception. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

7:30 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “A Christmas Carol” with a preview performance at the New Vic, 33. W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $40-$84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.

DEC. 2 5 to 8 p.m.: A Christmas Tree Lighting & Block Party will take place in the 1300 block of State Street and will include a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, live music with DJ Darla Bea, performances by the San Marcos High School Band and more.

DEC. 3 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The “Wings” juried exhibit makes its debut at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, 2375 Foothill Road, Santa Barbara. The exhibit will be there through Jan. 4. For more information, contact Susan Tibbles, the gallery director and curator of exhibitions, at info@ susantibbles.com. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m daily.

2 and 6 p.m. State Street Ballet Academy will perform “Rudolph” at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. For more information, go to lobero.org/events/rudolph-2022.

7 p.m. Westmont College ensembles will perform during the Westmont Christmas Festival at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The 18th annual festival will feature the Westmont Orchestra, College Choir, Chamber Singers and Choral Union. Tickets cost $22. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

8 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “A Christmas Carol” at the New Vic, 33. W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $40-$84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-9655400.

7:30 p.m. The Fall Dance Concert will take place at UCSB Hatlen Theater. The UCSB Dance Company will present new choreography. For more information, see theaterdanceucsb.edu.

DEC. 4

2 and 7 p.m. The Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “A Christmas Carol” with a preview performance at the New Vic, 33. W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $40-$84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400. Story, B2.

3 p.m. Westmont College ensembles will perform during the Westmont

at The Granada,

Christmas Festival

1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The 18th annual festival will feature the Westmont Orchestra, College Choir, Chamber Singers and Choral Union. Tickets cost

COURTESY IMAGE

Eden Andrulatis, a 2022 graduate of Santa Barbara High School’s Visual Arts and Design Program, created her “Wings” portrait of a carefree childhood. It’s part of the “Wings” exhibit, which is on display Saturday through Jan. 4 at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, 2375 Foothill Road, Santa Barbara. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A reception for the exhibit will take place 4:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at the club.

COURTESY PHOTOS

On The Alley, Santa Barbara-based Brophy Bros.’ sister restaurant, has opened a new location at Ventura Harbor Village.

Applications process is starting for Young Playwrights’ Festival in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Ensemble

ages 14-19.

As

This free program will accept up

20 students from Santa Barbara

deadline to apply is Dec. 15. To do so, go to etcsb.org/ education/young-playwrightsfestival.

Students in the playwrights program will receive varied opportunities to develop their creativity. Phase One includes weekly classroom instruction focusing on playwriting

PETS of the WEEK

Brownie

Brownie is ready to play and explore!

The enthusiastic puppy is awaiting adoption at the Santa Maria Animal Center, 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria. It’s part of Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

Brownie is a special needs, 9-week-old, black and brown Belgian Malinois who hasn’t allowed a vision impairment to slow her down. To see her in action, go to youtu.be/ HZER6PvOEHg.

If you have any questions about Brownie, call Animal Services at 805-934-6119.

Brownie’s adoption fees include her spay, microchip, vaccinations, flea-treatment, and health/ wellness exam.

To see other animals in the Animal Services system, go to countyofsb.org/phd/animal/ petsearch.sbc.

Brownie’s adoption is being promoted by CAPA, a nonprofit dedicated to the behavioral needs of the animals in the Lompoc Valley. For more about CAPA and its partnership with the

Santa Barbara County Animal Services, go to www.facebook.com/ capaofLompoc. Want to help but can’t adopt? Visit www.lompoccapa.org for the CAPA wish list, information on how to become a volunteer and donation opportunities.

Holly

Holly loves being petted and will happily roll over to get more affection.

This 2-year-old cat, who has a big heart, is awaiting adoption at Santa Barbara Humane. She arrived there with a litter of eight kittens.

Holly was known for being a wonderful mother, but now that her kittens are grown up and eating regular food, she’s more than ready for peace and quiet.

techniques, a brief history of American theater, and a discussion of students’ works. By the end of this first phase, students will have completed a draft of a 10-minute play.

Phase Two provides one-onone mentoring from a professional playwright to guide students through the revision process. This stage results in the final draft of their play.

In Phase Three, students explore the final steps in the theatrical process by participating in a casting session and learning how to collaborate with theater directors and actors. This will culminate in a festival of staged readings of the students’ plays on stage at The New Vic.

All other services are by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To make an appointment, visit www. sbhumane.org or call 805-9644777.

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

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

$22. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

7:30 p.m. Twanguero, considered one of the best guitarists in Spain, will perform at the SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., Suite 205, Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $25 for general admission and $67 for a dinner reservation and priority seating. To purchase, go to www.sohosb.com.

DEC. 7

4 p.m. The Hoodlum Friends will perform at 4 p.m. at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. The concert is free.

5 to 7 p.m.: A free candlelight concert series takes place on the steps of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

DEC. 9

4:30 to 6 p.m. A reception for the “Wings” juried exhibit will take place at at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club, 2375 Foothill

ALLEY

Continued from Page B1

A counter-service menu is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with indoor, patio and take-out dining and prices ranging from $5.75 to $19.25. The restaurant also has online ordering available.

“Ventura Harbor congratulates the Bennett family on the opening of the first OTA in Ventura County,” said Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District general manager. “We are excited to have them join the mix of wonderful waterfront cuisine options, including Bennetts’ popular seafood restaurant Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar at Ventura Harbor Village.” email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

Assistance, lompoccapa.org and facebook.com/capaoflompoc.

CAPA works regularly with Animal Services-Lompoc.

• 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

Road.

7 p.m. The Grace Fisher Foundation will present “A Winter Music Showcase” at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The fifth annual showcase will feature everyone from the Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra to Jackson Gillies, WIll Breman, State Street Ballet Professional Track Dancers, the Westmont Chamber Singers, UCSB Maurice Faulkner Quintet and more. Tickets cost $18 to $60. To purchase, go to granadasb.org.

DEC. 11 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The 36th annual Holiday Parade of Lights will feature a full day of activities at the Santa Barbara Harbor, topped with the parade of lights and its theme, “Deck the Hulls.” For more information, go to santabarbaraca.com/ events/36th-annual-holiday-parade-oflights-at-the-harbor.

DEC. 12

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: The Downtown Community Holiday Mixer will take place at the Broad Street Oyster Co., 418 State St.

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.

The $25 ticket price includes a drink and appetizers.

DEC. 14 5 to 7 p.m.: A free candlelight concert series takes place on the steps of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

DEC. 16 8 p.m. Johnny Mathis will perform at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom, 3400 State Route 246, Santa Ynez. Tickets for the Santa Ynez concert are $69 to $109. To purchase, go to www. chumashcasino.com. The Chumash Casino Resort is a 21-and-older venue.

DEC. 17

Noon to 3 p.m. The free Big Brass Tuba Christmas Concert will take place in Storke Placita, which is between 722 and 724 State St. and is adjacent to De la Guerra Plaza in Santa Barbara. The Youth Makers Market will be in the same block.

This is the two-beef burger on a toasted bun. It comes with tater tots.

— Dave Mason

— Dave Mason

Theatre Company is now accepting applications for its Sixth Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival for aspiring writers,

part of the Santa Barbara organization’s festival, participants will develop a 10-minute play that is presented with professional directors and actors for a public audience.

to

County. The

— Dave Mason

MINH TRAN PHOTO

Sophia Ross performs during the Young Playwrights Festival. The Ensemble Theatre Company is now accepting applications for its next festival.

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

Cat and kitten walk-in adoption hours are noon to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sunday at Santa Barbara Humane, which offers highquality, affordable medical care, dog training and adoption at its campuses in Santa Maria and Goleta.

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTOS

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Thought for Today

Horoscope.com

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

ARIES — It would seem that your sensitivity is in slight conflict with your actions, Aries. You continue to go through the motions and do what you planned to do, but it seems like your heart isn’t in it anymore. Don’t ask yourself why. It’s just that you’ve worked hard and have been thinking hard lately. You have reached your limit and it’s time for you to rest.

TAURUS — You may have been spending or saving too much money, Taurus. It’s clear that a rebalancing is in order if you’re to find pleasure rather than eternal frustration. It’s a curious phenomenon. It’s as though you have lost contact with your body. Yet it’s in your body where you will ultimately find your balance.

GEMINI — You’ve been stamping the ground impatiently. You’re waiting for the moment to jump into new adventures with renewed vigor after your meditation of the last few months. Gemini, know that the moment has almost arrived! You now have the strategy, objective, and means at your disposal to succeed.

CANCER — If you find yourself tired and irritable now, Cancer, you should know that this is normal. You may have had a few months that were a little too studious. Would you like to continue with the same rhythm? Be careful that your ambitions don’t lead you to physical exhaustion. If you get sick, you will be even more frustrated.

LEO — This is going to be a good moment to look elsewhere, Leo. You should do just as the artist does when he has worked on a painting for too long, which is take a step back. You need to see some people, travel, go to the theater, and clear your head. This is never easy for you, but don’t hesitate. You will realize afterward that it was the best thing for you to do.

VIRGO — This is the right moment to extricate yourself from relationships that have seen their day, Virgo. This won’t be easy, but you must. In your professional and private lives, you’re too hesitant to get out of distasteful situations or obligations. You’re afraid of hurting people or making them mad. But in the end, you’re hurting yourself.

LIBRA — You took off like a bullet a few days ago, Libra,

making great progress in a short amount of time. But now you’re grappling with doubts that are undermining all your energy. Reflecting on the events of the past few days, it’s obvious that you were somewhat reckless in your headlong pursuit of your goals. Don’t give up! Just rethink your strategy.

SCORPIO — There is some likelihood that thoughts of your love life will haunt you today, Scorpio. Perhaps you’re intrigued by the idea of exploring certain realms of your relationship that remain secret, but you’re unsure how to communicate this to your mate. Perhaps you’re still testing the waters, waiting until you’re sure of how you feel.

SAGITTARIUS — Today more than ever you will yearn to escape from the daily routine. You’re thirsty for new sights and sounds, new faces and places. However, you’re well aware that you must juggle your desires with your professional or domestic obligations. It isn’t always easy, but you should trust your imagination to suggest a way to amicably settle this conflict.

CAPRICORN — Finally, you’re on the mend, Capricorn. The minor ailments that have been dragging you down lately are beginning to disappear, and you’re about to regain all of your physical energy. However, if you overindulge, your energy levels are likely to plummet again. If nothing else, you will have learned a valuable lesson about the importance of moderation, especially now.

AQUARIUS — Do you feel a little under the weather, Aquarius? It’s possible, considering all the emotional turmoil you’ve been through lately. It takes time to recover from those storms. As you know, the work itself isn’t what gets you down but rather your worries about the future that drain your energy. Give yourself a break today. Take some time for rest and recuperation.

PISCES — There is some likelihood that the mood at home is fraught with tension, Pisces. Did you dare to express some contrary intellectual opinion? In any case, it looks like your selfconfidence is stronger than usual right now. Go ahead and express any complaints or opinions you may have been keeping to yourself. But try and do it gently, especially where your family is concerned.

DAILY BRIDGE

BY FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Cy the Cynic says that he who hesitates is lost — and he is probably miles from the nearest freeway exit, and his GPS isn’t working. Still, it’s never a bad idea to pause before you plunge ahead as declarer.

Against today’s 3NT, West led the ten of hearts, and South played low from dummy and won with the jack. He next let the ten of diamonds ride, and East took the queen and returned his last heart: queen, king, ace. Then West won the next diamond and cashed three hearts for down one.

ENTRY

South was lost after he played to Trick One without thinking. Since the contract is at risk only if West has a five-card heart suit plus an entry, South should let West’s ten of hearts win.

Say West leads another heart; no shift is effective. South wins with the jack and finesses in diamonds, but when East takes the queen, he has no more hearts. South can win East’s club return and force out the ace of diamonds. He wins three diamonds, three spades, two hearts and two clubs.

one heart. What do you say?

ANSWER: I know aggressive players — those who are less afraid of 1100-point penalties than most — who would overcall 1NT. That action would not occur to me, even at matchpoint duplicate; it has more to lose than to gain. The hand is defensive in nature;

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

“Derivatives are financial weapons of mass destruction.”

— Warren Buffett