Wednesday, December 6, 2023
LA City Council backs a ban on rodeos, with exceptions Susanne Rust and Dakota Smith Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban rodeos in the city despite opposition by some in L.A.’s Latino equestrian community, who painted the crackdown as an attack on their culture. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who represents the west San Fernando Valley, led the council in passing the ban, describing in graphic detail the broken bones and pain endured by rodeo animals. The vote, 14 to 0 with Councilmember Nithya Raman absent, asks the city attorney’s office to draft an ordinance outlawing rodeos in the city. Just before the vote, Blumenfield introduced an amendment that was cosponsored by the most public opponent of the measure, Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents the east Valley. The amendment attempted to assuage concerns that the ban would prevent cultural events, such as charrería, which is popular in Mexico, as well as the Bill Pickett rodeo, a national event for Black riders scheduled for February in the City of Industry. It carved out exceptions for eques-
trian and cultural events, including charrería, as long as participants didn’t engage in events where there is bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping or “other events or activities that involves physically taking down an animal, roping an animal, or attempting to ride a bucking animal.” Rodriguez appeared at a rally opposing the ban just before the council meeting where dozens of rodeo aficionados — some on horses, some wearing traditional rodeo attire — trotted up and down Main Street. At a news conference before the vote, Rodriguez said the proposed ordinance would be “far more inclusive and impactful to communities of color and cultural practices that have long been treasured here.” More than 100 people signed up to speak before the vote in council chambers, many wearing cowboy hats and boots. Jane Velez-Mitchell, a resident of Los Angeles, expressed outrage that concern for animals was pitted against cultural sensitivity. “I was appalled and assaulted and just baffled that pro-rodeo forces are trying to turn this into a cultural issue. As a proud Latina, I can tell you that I know that torture is not entertainment,” she said during the public comment period. See Rodeos on 6
Karlie Boothe The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban rodeos in the city despite opposition by some in L.A.’s Latino equestrian community, who painted the crackdown as an attack on their culture.
Tribune Content Agency Forest Therapy is a revamping of Forest Bathing, which became especially popular in the early days of the pandemic, when people sought refuge outdoors.
When your world feels out of control, can forest therapy help? Deborah Vankin and the grounds were in Japan in the ’80s. Los Angeles Times eerily quiet but for the Shinrin-yoku literally
whooshing of leaves in the wind and the intermittent trilling of wild parrots. The two-part LOS ANGELES -- It was a particularly class ($60 for members, $80 otherwise) chaotic time. As the war in the Middle East — led by forest therapy guide Debra Wilraged on, sparking bur over consecutive relentless and horSaturdays — promises rific news headlines, to help participants a family member “discover pathways to unexpectedly landed in the hospital here in restore emotional and physical well-being” California. Visits to Cedars-Sinai Medical during a guided nature Center, doomscrolling immersion. I was skeptical, and sleepless nights but game. Seeking refleft me drained. uge in nature is hardly Perhaps that’s new and need not be why an invitation to exclusive — why pay Forest Therapy — something I might have for it? And how was this therapy? previously dismissed Turns out, Forest as silly — piqued my curiosity. I’d have tried Therapy is a revamping of Forest Bathanything to slow the incessant whirl of con- ing, which became especially popular cerns in my head. in the early days of So on a recent the pandemic, when Saturday, I found myself laying in a cool, people sought refuge outdoors. The practice dewy patch of grass, — immersing oneself early in the morning, in nature, while utiin a lush palm grove lizing all the senses, at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, to promote mindfulness and reap calming and Botanical Gardens. The San Marino benefits — grew out of the Japanese pracgardens weren’t yet tice of shinrin-yoku, open to the public which was popularized
Holiday dough
translates to “forest bathing” — but that presented a branding problem when the practice picked up steam, decades later, in the U.S., Wilbur explains. “People had concerns: ‘do I need to wear a bathing suit in the woods?’” she says. So the term Forest Therapy is now more commonly used, though the trained practitioner is considered more of a guide and the forest, the actual therapist. Wilbur’s particular spin on the practice is heavily focused on “therapeutic circle sharing,” in which participants reflect, in groups, as they go along. “It’s intimate. It’s powerful. You’ll see,” she says, promising an experience that’s both communal and individualistic. About 18 of us show up for Wilbur’s class that Saturday for different reasons, but we’re all seeking the same thing: to get out of our heads and into the moment. To feel grounded and to slow down. See Forest on 7
Top 5 cookie doughs ranked Kennedy Thomason News & Lifestyle Editor
you like it with chocolate chips, pecans, peanut butter or way more sugar than the recipe calls for, making homemade dough brings a little bit of holiday joy into the kitchen. I don’t know if it’s the nostalgia of baking alongside my mom in the Let’s be real, the best part of mak- kitchen or taking pride in my work, but ing cookies is the dough. it will always rank No. 1 for me. Pinching off little pieces while 2. Nestle Toll House I sat with my mom in the kitchen has This is a staple around my house always been my favorite holiday snack. for the holidays. Whenever we pack up Because of my years of experience as a and head to my grandpa’s house (where novice cookie dough tester, I have com- there are more people staying than plied a list of the best types to munch chairs), a package or two of Nestle Toll on. House chocolate chip cookie dough Here are my top five favorite makes the journey with us. cookie doughs: It’s easy to break off, each cookie 1. Homemade is the perfect snacking size and there There’s nothing better than a are plenty of chocolate chips in each fresh batch of homemade cookie dough, bite. especially during the holidays. Whether See Doughs on 5
File Photo Cookies, and cookie dough, are a staple for the holiday season.
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sports
Olejnik wins title for OSU at Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational Savannah Chenoweth Staff Reporter
OSU traveled to Nevada to compete in the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational this past weekend, and one Cowboy is coming back with a title. Iowa State brought home the tournament team championship, with Nebraska finishing a close second and Ohio State in third place. The Cowboys finished ninth as a team with 78.5 points and three wrestlers placing in the tournament. The Cowboys were short-handed as highly ranked 133-pounder Daton Fix was a late scratch due to an injury. Projecting that Fix had competed, the Cowboys likely would have finished as a top-5 team. Leading the way for OSU was Izzak Olejnik (165), who captured the first-place title after multiple impressive victories. Third-seeded Olejnik wrestled Michigan’s No. 2 Cameron Amine in the semifinals and defeated Amine with a 6-4 decision. In the championship match, Olejnik competed against fourth-seeded Julian Ramirez from Cornell, who had just upset the No. 2 wrestler in the country, David Carr (ISU), in his semifinal match. Olejnik was in a 1-1 tie in the third period when he scored a takedown that earned him the title. Two other Cowboys that had strong performances were Dustin Plott (184) and Tagen Jamison (141). Plott finished third, and Jamison placed fifth. Plott entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed and had back-to-back wins against Virginia Tech’s 11th-ranked Sam Fisher and Air Force’s No. 14 Sam Wolf before losing a wild 12-11 quarterfinal match to Nebraska’s fifth-ranked Lenny Pinto. In the consolations, Plott took care of business, winning his way back to the consolation finals and earning a rematch against Pinto (NEB). This time, Plott maintained control of the match, winning 11-7 to earn the third-place spot at 184 pounds. Tegan Jamison entered the tournament as the No. 10 seed at 141. After a solid first-round win, Jamison upset seventhranked Koderhandt of Navy, putting him in the quarterfinals against No. 2 Brock Hardy of Nebraska. Jamison lost a tough 4-0 match, sending him to the consolations. In the consolations, Jamison got back in rhythm with an 11-2 victory over Cornell’s sixth-seeded Vince Cornella before falling to No. 1 Lachlan McNeil from North Carolina in a 5-2 loss. Jamison’s fifth-place bout was a rematch against Hardy. Jamison learned from his previous mistakes, as the Cowboy earned fifth place at 141 pounds with a
Ethan Scott Izzak Olejnik won the 165-pound title at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational this past weekend.
13-5 major decision over Hardy. OSU had some unforeseen injuries that occurred to two key members of the Cowboys lineup at the CKLV. Luke Surber and Konner Doucet both were forced to medical forfeit in their quarterfinal matches and did not return to the tournament. Other wrestlers who represented the Cowboys and their tournament record:
125 Troy Spratley (3-2), 133 Reese Witcraft (2-2), 149 Jordan Williams (1-2), 157 Daniel Manibog (0-2), 174 Brayden Thompson (0-2). The Cowboys will return to Gallagher-Iba Arena on Friday, Dec. 8 to take on Lehigh Mountain Hawks. Results No. 10, Tagen Jamison, 141 Pounds, Fifth Consolation Round of 4: No. 10 Tagen Jamison MD No.
6 Vince Cornella (CORN), 11-2 Consolation Semifinals: No. 1 Lachlan McNeil (UNC) dec. No. 10 Tagen Jamison, 5-2 Fifth-Place Match: No. 10 Tagen Jamison MD No. 2 Brock Hardy (NEB), 13-5 No. 3 Izzak Olejnik, 165 Pounds, First Semifinals: No. 3 Izzak Olejnik dec. No. 2 Cameron Amine (MICH), 6-4 Finals: No. 3 Izzak Olejnik dec. No. 4 Julian Ramirez
he t t ou k c e Ch
way! a e d i al H n i g i Or
(CORN), 4-2 No. 4 Dustin Plott, 184 Pounds, Third Consolation Round of 4: No. 4 Dustin Plott fall No. 11 Sam Fisher (VT), 1:44 Consolation Semifinals: No. 4 Dustin Plott MD No. 14 Sam Wolf (AF), 10-2 Consolation Finals: No. 4 Dustin Plott dec. No. 5 Lenny Pinto (NEB), 11-7 sports.ed@ocolly.com
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230 S. Knoblock St. Stillwater, OK 74074
Stop in for fresh Fried Mushrooms or Pizza made to your liking!
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sports
Payton Little Quinn Ewers (orange) holding the Big 12 Championship Game MVP belt, as he was a key contributor to Texas’ victory against OSU in the Longhorns’ last Big 12 game.
Big 12 Championship Game report card
Texas’ playoff odds, epic halftime entertainment Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter
The game is simple: throw more footballs into a target five yards away in a certain time limit. At halftime of the Big 12 Championship Game, the two contestants, Ryan and Gavin, competed in a closer race than the football game ARLINGTON, Texas — Oklaon the field. homa State didn’t make much sense this It went to double overtime after season. two back-and-forth rounds, advancing to Advanced stats hated the Cowa first-to-make-wins. Gavin missed his boys, so did some traditional ones, yet, first attempt, and Ryan took advantage, they somehow found a way to win nine sinking his first, winning his college games and reach the Big 12 Champion- payment. ship Game. The prime athletes’ class isn’t an On Saturday, their, call it luck, A+, as each chest passed. It’s a techcaught up to them. Texas whooped OSU nique that is tried and tested, but isn’t 49-21 for the conference title. Here are respected. some grades from a not-so competitive Texas’ College Football Playoff championship game. case: B Halftime Dr. Pepper tuition The Big 12 Championship Game giveaway contest: A ended just in time for Texas to celebrate, A tradition of championship week- then begin watching the SEC Champiend is the halftime game between two onship Game as Alabama fans. students to compete to get their tuition The Longhorns are on the outpaid for. Oh, college football. Using stu- side of the playoffs as the No. 7 team, dents’ financial woes as entertainment. but their chance is getting better. No.
5 Oregon lost to No. 3 Washington on Friday, and No. 6 Ohio State is without a conference championship win. Washington is, without massive controversy, in the playoffs. No. 2 Michigan plays Iowa, in a game the Wolverines are heavy favorites and with a win are all but in the playoffs. No. 3 Florida State plays Louisville for the ACC crown without its starting quarterback, and potentially its backup. That leaves No. 1 Georgia against No. 8 Alabama. Texas beat the Tide in Tuscaloosa in Week 2, a win that UT coach Steve Sarkisian said is what helped his team the most this season. If Alabama holds its 17-7 lead at halftime against the No. 1 team, and Florida State loses, Texas is all but in. Even if FSU wins, Texas’ win vs Alabama earlier in the year should be enough for the committee to decide who the better team is and who would get the last spot. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, the committee sometimes
doesn’t make sense. The actual game itself: D If you’re a Texas fan, Saturday was likely one of the best days to root for the Longhorns in the last decade. As a neutral party, though, the game was quite boring. The Longhorns offense stomped OSU’s defense, setting a record for yards in a Big 12 Championship Game. The Cowboys offense couldn’t match. There wasn’t even an Ollie Gordon II show, as he totaled just 88 yards from scrimmage. Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat scored a receiving touchdown and there were highlight plays from Texas’ outside playmakers, but other than that, the game wasn’t close and could have been turned off shortly after halftime. Unless you’re a big Texas, Nelly or WWE fan, attendance wasn’t mandatory. sports.ed@ocolly.com
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Takeaways from OSU’s win against Wyoming Kenzie Kraich lowed only 12 Staff Reporter points in the
paint and three 3-pointers in the first half for As the shot Wyoming. OSU switched up clock wound defenses from down on OSU’s first possession of various zone the game, the ball matchups to manfound itself in the to-man pressure hands of Quincy and even added a full-court press Noble, who pushed the ball to sporadically, the rim and rose forcing 12 turnabove the defense overs in the first to find the net for half alone. The a quick two to get pressure of OSU’s things started for defense didn’t let up as the half the Cowgirls. The trend of progressed, getattacking the bas- ting its final stop as the first half ket continued in OSU’s 78-62 win ended, sending against Wyoming OSU into halfon Sunday after- time with a 41-25 lead. noon, as WyoOSU ended ming’s defense the game with 12 pressured OSU fouls, keeping out past the 3-point of foul trouble line. It wasn’t for most of the until Noble’s step-back 3 with game. Because of the lack of bench three and a half players, OSU benminutes left in efitted from the the first quarter that OSU put up a foul control as it shot from outside was able to keep fresh legs on the the arc. court to continue “I think to pressure UW with the way defensively. that we’ve been Hoyt reshooting it and minds spectators just who we are as shooters, teams of her players’ will see different lives outside of basketball defenses,” said With sickOSU coach Jacie Hoyt. “We knew ness and injuries we wanted to take affecting Hoyt advantage of our and her team, she reminded athleticism and her audience that get downhill.” After taking her athletes are human. They go an early lead, through problems OSU let balls in their personal fly from 3, and lives alongside it worked in its the adversities favor. OSU went 6 they face on the for 14 on 3s in the basketball court. Lior Garfirst half, creatzon was a point ing confidence for of emphasis for all scorers from outside the paint. Hoyt, as she took The shot selection an emotional for OSU contrib- stance on what uted to its success life is like for Sunday, with the Garzon on a dayto-day basis. Garteam shooting zon, who is from 53%. Israel, continually The defaces adversity in fensive identity her own life with for OSU keeps struggles back rolling Defensively, home. “I think for OSU looked a lot of us, somestrong in its rotatimes we forget or tions throughout we kind of move the first half on,” Hoyt said. despite having only eight eligible “And (Lior) can’t. She carries it players. every day.” OSU alsports.ed@ocolly.com
Philip Soliz After OSU’s win against Wyoming on Sunday, coach Jacie Hoyt spoke about players’ lives off the court, using Lior Garzon as an example.
Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm Thursday - Saturday: 10:00am - 11:00pm
128 N Main St. Stillwater, OK 74075 Great selection, prices, & staff!
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news Doughs . . .
up for a cheap price is almost as good as any name-brand dough. It has all the chocolate chips or sugar you could ask for, and what makes it better is its price. Continued from 1 The only knock I have against it is that the dough usually comes in a tube, which makes it inconvenient to eat. 3. Pillsbury 5. Pillsbury Shape The cookie dough flavor that ranks This is by no means the best cookat the top of my list is sugar. And in my ie dough you can pick up at the store. opinion, Pillsbury makes the best on the However, it had to crack my top five list market. simply because it is iconic. Everyone Similar to the packaging of Nestle recognizes the little green Christmas Toll House, Pillsbury comes in almost trees, red Santa hats or jolly snowmen perfect bite-sized squares. It’s just that brand the top of the cookie. enough to satisfy a quick craving or grab Although it is not what I would a second for the road. consider a high-quality dough, its wide4. Generic spread recognition earns it extra points It might seem too easy, but the in my book. generic store brand that you can pick news.ed@ocolly.com Courtesy of OSU News Ronna Vanderslice was named vice provost of academic affairs of the OSU System and OSU-Oklahoma City interim provost during the Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents meeting Friday in Tulsa.
Vanderslice named vice provost of system academic affairs and OSU-OKC interim provost Courtesy of OSU News Dr. Ronna Vanderslice was named vice provost of academic affairs of the OSU System and OSU-Oklahoma City interim provost during the Oklahoma State University A&M Board of Regents meeting Friday in Tulsa. Vanderslice will transition to her new position Jan. 2, 2024, where she will actively collaborate with OSU-OKC and OSU-Stillwater leadership members to oversee the creation, implementation and fulfillment of OSU-OKC’s academic priorities. She will also oversee the recruitment, retention, engagement and development of diverse, excellence-driven
academic personnel, and work closely with leadership, faculty, staff and others in the creation, delivery and continuous improvement of highquality academic programs and services. “Dr. Vanderslice’s extensive experience at Cameron University has equipped her with the necessary skills and expertise to continue elevating the academic mission at OSU-OKC as well as continue the advancement of strategic priority areas for our division,” said Dr. Jeanette Mendez, OSU provost and senior vice president. “I know she will have a positive impact on student success in this role.” Vanderslice comes to OSU from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, where she served as vice president for academic affairs
(2013-23) and dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences (2007-13). Previously, she also served as project director for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Her first position in higher education was at her undergraduate alma mater — Southwestern Oklahoma State University — where she remained for 13 years, six of which were as department chair. Vanderslice obtained her doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s degree in reading education from Texas Tech University. She also earned a master’s degree in school counseling from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SWOSU. news.ed@ocolly.com
File Photo Cookie dough can be a nostalgic experience, bringing back fond childhood memories of baking in the kitchen with family.
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news
Tribune Content Agency Dozens of opponents of a proposal to ban rodeos in Los Angeles gathered outside Los Angeles City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Dakota Smith/Los Angeles Times/TNS) Dozens of opponents of a proposal to ban rodeos in Los Angeles gathered outside Los Angeles City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Los Angeles.
Rodeos . . .
show — their torture is the show,” Blumenfield said in an interview Monday. People are being entertained by witnessing animals writhing in pain because Continued from 1 a flank strap is tightly wrapped around their belly, he said. Other jurisdictions throughout the A caller who did not identify him- state and nation have put limits on or self pleaded in a quavering voice for the banned rodeos, including San Francisco, council to oppose the ban. San Juan Capistrano and Pasadena, as “I am a proud Angeleno. I was well as Pittsburgh; Baltimore County, born and raised here. My father rode Md.; Leesburg, Va.; and Fort Wayne, bulls here, my uncle rode bulls here, Ind. and those animals are not abused,” he California law already regulates said. “As an African American born and rodeos, requiring a veterinarian to be raised in the city of Los Angeles, please present or nearby and “on-call.” Injury do not ban rodeo.” reports must be sent to the state’s veteriA rodeo ban was first proposed by nary medical board. Blumenfield in 2021. A 2022 Times review of those “These animals aren’t part of a reports showed that since 2001, when
the law went into effect, more than 125 animal injuries were reported. The reports were written by attending or oncall veterinarians and submitted to the California Veterinary Medical Board. The reports documented injuries ranging from superficial abrasions suffered as panicked animals rushed out of their chutes, to crushed skulls, broken legs, gored flanks and snapped spines. Experts, activists and records prepared by veterinarians at events say these numbers are likely conservative and underrepresent the extent of injuries that happen at rodeos. In response to concerns that a ban would be akin to an attack on Latino culture, Blumenfield said, “This is not about culture. This is about animal cruelty.”
“There are Black rodeos. There are Latino rodeos. There are gay rodeos ... nobody is trying to go after a culture. We’re saying that animal cruelty is something that we, in 2023, should not be supporting,” he said. Opponents said that they would seek to alter the law when it turns to the City Council for a final vote. Longtime equestrian Geronimo Bugarin said there are nine elements of charrería, including bull riding, mare riding and calf roping, and appeared dismayed at the prospect of not being able to continue those activities. “If we lose one of our key elements of charrería, it’s like you don’t have a charrería,” Bugarin said. news.ed@ocolly.com
brownsshoefitstillwater browns.stillwater AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE! I, and seven other adults, recently returned from a week’s trip to southern Mexico. We were visiting a missionary work that started a number of years ago. Now, this includes an orphanage for needy children, a growing church work in spreading the Good News message of God’s love in Jesus for all mankind. It was a great time of “helping out” in a number of ways. However, this growing work started a number of years ago in a very shaky way. A young couple sensed a call from God to go to southern Mexico to do missionary work. As we prayed, we went to this small town in southern Mexico. We searched for a number of days for a suitable place for them to live and begin their work. We could not find a place..I had to leave and get back to my pastoral duties in Okla. They kept looking, but found nothing. They were about to give up when the man spotted a small sign in a store window; “House for Rent”. The couple
checked it out. It was just what they needed. It was a “last minute” answer to prayer. I want to encourage you, today, in reading this article, to pray about getting in involved in Christian missionary work. It may be through your local church you attend. It may be in contacting others you know who are envolved. I can testify that there is a deep satisfaction in working and serving in the work of God, and seeing fruit that will last for eternity. Even if you only can help in small ways; it can really count. I remember a song years ago; “Thank you for giving to the Lord!” It spoke of a person that was thanked by others when he reached Heaven because of his service and giving to God’s work. There are lasting effects as we give and serve! .
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news Forest . . . Continued from 1 In the Palm Garden, we’re asked to open our mouths and taste the air on different parts of our tongue; in the Subtropical Garden, we’re asked to fondle the plants, to run our hands gently over their prickly spines or silky smooth leaves; at the Lily Ponds, filled with koi, ducks, turtles and a large snapping turtle, we’re invited to close our eyes and tune into the water’s ecosystem. Wilbur gives a talk about the globally circulating nature of water “running underground and coming up and through us, sustaining us, flowing through the trees, their roots and leaves, evaporating into the sky and raining back down again, back through us.” “Conceivably,” she says, “the tears we shed today may, a year from now, be part of a waterfall somewhere else. Water has a voice, a messaging system, that’s the invitation, to engage in that.” Between locations, we’re reminded to walk at a snail’s pace, to feel the ground beneath our feet, the uneven surfaces and varying textures, spongy and responsive one minute, rock hard the next. After each invitational, Wilbur gathers us back together with a shrieking bird call. “Kuh-Kaw! Kuh-Kaw!,” she wails, neck craned backward and cupping her mouth. We again form a circle to share our reflections. (Yes, snark creeps in: “Hello, my name is Deb and I’m a whirlwind-aholic looking to slow down,” I joke to myself, before it’s my turn. But the collective earnestness is contagious.) “It gave us the permission to feel and to be present and to stop,” says one participant. “It was affirming, grounding,” adds another. “I noticed the geometry of the ferns adjacent to the chaotic vines,” notes another. The Huntington began expanding its wellness offerings in 2021. Wilbur’s class is part
of its “Restore + Explore” series, which also includes twicemonthly tai chi classes. The program is an outgrowth of the pandemic, says public programs and community engagement coordinator Joy Yamahata. When nearly every cultural institution in Southern California was shuttered, the Huntington’s gardens, which reopened as of July 2020, provided a therapeutic escape. “People were scared, uneasy, things were shut down. So this was a response — to use the gardens as a sanctuary for safety and peace,” Yamahata says. “So we wanted to expand wellness in the garden.” Wilbur, a visual artist and former art director for TV and films, was trained at the Prescott, Ariz.-based Association of Nature & Forest Therapy, which offers training internationally. She’s since led hundreds of sessions, over the last seven years, in various settings— forests, but also the beach, in canyons and public gardens. She especially enjoys leading full moon sessions (“it’s like sharing secrets in the dark”) and sessions at proper institutions, such as the Huntington, before they are open to the public. It feels a little like “breaking the rules,” she says, not unlike“Night at the Museum,” where you’re encouraged to run free and touch the surroundings. “Coming into formal gardens, people treat them very formally and carefully — as well they should, not doing damage,” Wilbur says. “But the invitation to step off the trail, to engage with plants by touching them, by smelling them, tasting the air — it sort of loosens people’s ideas of what’s possible when they come into a more staid setting.” At the end of our twohour session, Wilbur gathers us in a dense and shady cypress grove, under a particularly unwieldy cedar tree, a snaggle of thick, twisty branches draping along the ground. She offers us freshly brewed tea made of lavender and a mixture of rose petals and rosehips. Then we each get a piece of black tourmaline, considered a so-called
Payton Little Forest Therapy promises to help participants “discover pathways to restore emotional and physical well-being” during a guided nature immersion.
“grounding stone” that is said to offer protection. “It’s all a reminder to take the time to slow down and log into your senses,” Wilbur says, before offering us bubble wands and a lesson on steadying the breath to calm the central nervous system. “Start to visualize letting stressors go — pop! — or send out beautiful wishes or intentions into the world,” she says. So we do. As the grove fills with glistening bubbles popping in the trees, we enjoy one final circle share — and then we mingle. It’s a tea party in the forest. “It’s easy to get all caught up in the news, in the fear, in what’s happening in our own
lives,” says Shannon Leavitt, 60, a first time Forest Therapy participant. “Just the habit of having to do, and go fast, and get stuff done — it’s a hamster wheel and it’s really nice to be reminded to step off and just be.” Rhonda Waller, a 47-yearold psychotherapist from Eagle Rock who specializes in trauma, grief and loss, says the last several months, with the writers’ and actors’ strikes compounded by the war in the Middle East, has been especially rough for her clients. She recently discovered Forest Therapy — today is her second class — and she plans to bring her team of therapists to Wilbur’s next class so they can explore the practice as a heal-
ing modality. “I want them to have the grounding experience and to know this is a resource to be able to guide people, or themselves, for self-care,” she says. “It’s a recalibration. It’s not just the lived experience, but hearing other people’s experiences that helps.” Forest Therapy is hardly an antidote to world peace nor a cure-all for personal problems. But guided meditation in nature, supported by talk therapy, focused my attention, provided connection and calm. It was an escape of sorts — a salve after which everything felt brighter and more fragrant — if just for a fleeting few hours. news.ed@ocolly.com
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The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main
Cowboy Calendar Wednesday, December 6, 2023 8 a.m. Accredited Basic HACCP WorkshopSign Up ROBERT M. KERR FOOD & AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS CENTER 11 a.m. Leon Polk Smith: Affinities in Art & Design OSU MUSEUM OF ART 11:30 a.m. Cookies with the CAGLE BUSINESS BUILDING 4:30 p.m. Study and Snacks AGRICULTURE 5 p.m. Pet Photos With Santa 5:30 p.m. OSU’s Chapter of ACM MATH SCIENCES 6:30 p.m. Japanese Language Club Meeting CLASSROOM 7:30 p.m. OSU Saxophone Ensembles MCKNIGHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 8 p.m. “Pajamas Winter Party” KERR-DRUMMOND CAFETERIA Thursday, December 7, 2023 7 a.m. Coffee and Climbing COLVIN RECREATION CENTER 11 a.m. United Way Pasta Lunch 11 a.m. Leon Polk Smith: Affinities in Art & Design OSU MUSEUM OF ART 11 a.m. Mental Health Series: Behavior Change STUDENT UNION 12 p.m. Reindeer & Holiday Cheer, Engineering South Upcoming Events: 12/11/2023
Banjo Bug Trivia Stonecloud Brewing Company @ 7 - 9 p.m. h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / e v e n ts/3203831339918299/3203831363251630 Christmas at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts @ 7:30 p.m. https://cas.okstate.edu/greenwood_school_of_music/ jazz/jazz_calendar.html Speed Bingo College Bar @ 10 p.m. - 12 a.m. Trivia Night Stonecloud Brewing Company @ 7 p.m. Unusual Geometries OSU Museum of Art @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. https://museum.okstate.edu/art/unusual-geometries.html Leon Polk Smith: Affinities in Art & Design OSU Museum of Art @ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. https://museum.okstate.edu/art/leon-polk-smith.html 12/12/2023 12 Days of Christmas with EM EM Curators of Craft @ 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/events/302371186088138 Bingo at EM EM Curators of Craft @ 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. https://curatorsofcraft.co/ Santa Oklahoma Community Credit Union @ 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Edited by Patti Varol
ACROSS 1 Thai cuisine herb 6 Therefore 10 Surrounded by 14 Beyoncé venue 15 Stockings 16 Mauna Loa flow 17 Sure-footed circus performer 20 More intoxicating 21 Hotel patron 22 Pipe bend 23 List of spa services, e.g. 25 Tall instrument with strings and pedals 26 Gridiron position 30 Fiscal execs 32 Sole 33 Source of remote power? 34 Irrelevant 35 Deke 37 Phisher’s plan 38 “Law & Order” spinoff, familiarly 39 Big pistachio exporter 40 Carriage 41 Call center worker 45 “It’s __ a Minute”: NPR podcast hosted by Brittany Luse 46 Iditarod racer 47 Convenience store convenience 50 Small crown 52 Ultimate tool? 54 Web-based group, or a collective descriptor of 17-, 26-, and 41-Across? 58 Money drawer 59 Green sage of film 60 Familia member 61 Marketplace with handmade gifts 62 Unimprovable place 63 Piece of broccoli or asparagus
12/6/23
By Wendy L. Brandes & Taylor Johnson
6 Sportscaster Gary who called Orioles games from 2007 to 2020 7 Compete in a potato sack race, say 8 Put to work 9 Suture, say 10 Seductive power 11 Come to terms (with) 12 Pulitzer-winning composer Charles 13 Tavern projectile 18 Snorkeling site 19 Tequila source 24 Disconnects 25 Soupçon 26 Half a colon 27 Junior 28 Bread served with saag paneer 29 Salmon ladder DOWN spot 1 Soak 30 Beach recess 2 Redheaded Disney princess 31 Souvenirs caught at stadiums 3 George of “Just 34 Taos winter hrs. Shoot Me!” 35 SAG-AFTRA 4 Presented with president great resolution Drescher 5 “Discover the 36 Maize unit West Coast Perspective” pub. 37 Title for Mo Farah
“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”
Murphy’s Department Store 815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6 Monday thru Saturday
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
Daily Horoscope
Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved
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39 “Just to clarify ... ” 40 Ouija users 42 In a spooky way 43 Film composer Danny 44 Glossary entry 47 Tolerate 48 Aquarium fish 49 “Twilight” author Stephenie 50 Nature Conservancy giveaway
12/6/23
51 Still alive for the semis, say 53 Lose one’s cool 55 Look at 56 Cape __ 57 O’Shaughnessy poem that begins, “We are the music makers, / And we are the dreamers of dreams”
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes
Today’s Birthday (12/06/23). Physical performance blossoms this year. Steady practices build domestic harmony. Slow to adapt to winter physical challenges. Share support with spring team changes. Discover summer love, romance and creativity, before making autumn domestic adjustments for fun with family and friends. Your work gets energized. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — As your fantasies clarify into specifics, they get more tangible and achievable. Dreams provide insight and motivation. With Neptune direct, you can see the way. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — A group project gains forward momentum, with Neptune stationing direct today in Pisces. Strange powers of attraction are at work in your life. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — It’s easier to increase your authority, now that Neptune’s direct. Career decisions gel and your professional dreams advance. Opportunities that seemed illusive come into focus. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — A barrier to travel is dissolving, now that Neptune is direct. Adventures beckon, and the road to take gets clear. Discover the missing puzzle pieces. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Financial confusion or vagueness solidifies into a working budget, with Neptune direct. It’s easier to save money. Sign contracts and firm up the numbers. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Work together with another for common dreams. Partnerships strengthen and solidify, with Neptune direct. Collaborations that seemed illusive come together. Discover a mutual attraction. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 6 — Streamline practices, routines and chores. It’s easier to tell fact from fantasy, with Neptune direct. A barrier with work, health and well-being dissolves. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Romantic fantasies are becoming more achievable, with dreamy Neptune stationing direct. Express what’s in your heart. Creativity comes naturally. Passion projects clarify and take shape. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Friends provide domestic inspiration. Your visions for household beauty and comfort improvements clarify, with Neptune direct. Imagine the possibilities. Make your place dreamy. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — What you’re learning begins to make sense. With Neptune direct, abstract subjects come easier. Ideas solidify into workable plans. Communications gain clarity, impact and effectiveness. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — A nebulous income source materializes. Now that Neptune is direct, it’s easier to collect on debts and promises, and to grow your savings. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Gain clarity on personal goals, with Neptune direct in your sign. Things come together to realize them. What seemed impossible takes clear shape.
Level 1 2 3 4
12/6/23
Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
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