Santa Barbara News-Press: January 03, 2022

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A year of history

As holiday breaks end, some school districts are choosing to return to fully remote learning- A2

A look back at some memorable moments from columnist Elizabeth Stewart in 2021 - B1-2

Our 166th Year

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Report examines jail suicide

The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury has concluded the Main Jail intake process needs to improve “with respect to recognizing potentially suicidal arrestees.”

Grand Jury investigates early 2021 death, concludes improvements are needed in suicide prevention process

By FORREST MCFARLAND NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

RAFAEL MALDONADO / NEWS-PRESS FILE

In the wake of an inmate suicide, the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury published a report regarding suicide prevention and mental health in the county Main Jail.

The Grand Jury investigated the death of an inmate who hanged himself in his cell 18 hours after being arrested in early

2021. This was the fourth suicide at the Main Jail in less than three years.

There was another suicide this summer in the Main Jail, which is located in Santa Barbara. However, this report only investigates the former event.

After the investigation, the jury determined, “the Main Jail intake process requires improvement with respect to recognizing potentially suicidal arrestees, effectively communicating their mental

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomes first baby of 2022

health status to other staff members throughout the process and providing timely mental health services during the nightime hours.”

The jury found that the Sheriff Office’s Intake Screening Implementation Plan was not fully met.

The News-Press couldn’t reach the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office or the Board of Supervisors last week Please see JAIL on A2

Sunshine and roses Local band director reacts to marching in Rose Parade

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Samantha Quart, band director at Santa Maria High School, had the honor of marching in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day with the Saluting America’s Band Directors Project.

“It felt overwhelming and surreal at first. The very first part is called the TV corner where everything is televised and that is the largest part and that is where you turn and you can see all the people down the street,” Ms. Quart told the NewsPress.

“We actually had honorees that were on our float, we had a banquet one night and we got to learn more about each person. Getting a chance to see Please see PARADE on A3

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COURTESY PHOTOS

Santa Maria High School Band Director Samantha Quart marched in the Rose Parade in Pasadena as part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors Project.

COURTESY PHOTOS

t exactly midnight on New Year’s Day, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed their first baby of 2022.

Luca James Rintoul was born 7 lbs, 4 ounces and 20 inches long to Cortney and Joel Rintoul of Goleta. Luca is the couple’s first child.

- Katherine Zehnder

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER Structure Fire in Mission Canyon On New Year’s Day there was a structure fire in a residence in Mission Canyon near Santa Barbara. Two patients were treated for

smoke inhalation, and the fire was knocked down. Crews continue to investigate the cause of the fire, Public Information Officer Daniel Bertucelli, reported in a tweet.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department was dispatched to the 2700 block of Foothill Rd, just before 3 a.m. “The fire was contained

to one room and its contents. One person was transported to the hospital for evaluation,” reported Noozhawk.

Firefighters remained on scene for over an hour and a half.

- Katherine Zehnder

As holiday break ends, some schools choosing to return to fully remote learning

By DAN MCCALEB THE CENTER SQUARE

COURTESY PHOTO

“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine,” a book by Gail Honeyman, will be the topic of discussion at the Poppies Book Club’s Jan. 25 meeting.

Poppies Book Club to meet Jan. 25 The Poppies Book Club, of Poppies Arts and Gifts, is scheduled to meet on Jan. 25.

The meeting will be held at a private home in Ojai. The meeting will take place outdoors, or indoors with masks.

The event is free but participants should read the book in advance. The group discussion is open to interested adults. The book being discussed is “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine,” by Gail Honeyman. The book follows

the lives of eccentric characters who find themselves and each other.

Poppies Art and Gifts carries locally made jewelry, photography of Ojai and other places, paintings, pottery, décor, books by regional authors and more. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays (closed Tuesdays) at 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai.

Email tireswingstudio@gmail. com for more information, the meeting address or to be added to the book club mailing list.

- Katherine Zehnder

(The Center Square) – With the holiday break coming to an end Monday, a number of school districts across the country are deciding to go fully remote to start the new year as COVID19 cases rise. These decisions come despite mounting evidence that pandemic lockdowns and other restrictions have taken a significant mental and emotional toll on children.

In New Jersey, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and East Orange schools are among those taking a pause on in-person learning and going fully remote when classes are set to return Monday.

The same can be said for Prince George’s County School District in Maryland, where more than 130,000 students attend. And in Mount Vernon, New York, Cleveland, Ohio, Niles Township and West Chicago, Illinois, and elsewhere.

“We have been closely monitoring our staffing needs concerning our 2nd Semester return, “ a message sent to families of Niles Township schools in Skokie, Illinois, reads.

“Due to staffing shortages, we have made the determination, with guidance from the Skokie Health Department, that we need to implement remote learning (Adaptive Pause) for the weeks of Jan. 3-7 as well as Jan. 10-14, 2022. We made the decision to take a 2-week pause following guidance from the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) which says that school staff, faculty and students will continue to follow the 10-day isolation period for confirmed positive COVID-19 cases.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently revised its quarantine guidance for confirmed positive cases, saying asymptomatic people can isolate for just five days, but ISBE is directing schools to maintain the 10-day quarantine window.

Teachers unions across the

country are openly advocating to close schools in January in the wake of a rise in cases due to the omicron variant.

“Recklessly opening school buildings right now instead of working to reduce community transmission is, once again, needlessly putting millions of lives at risk,” National Educators United tweeted.

“National #2weeks pause now to #ProtectOurCommunity.”

Other teachers unions are using the hashtag #SickOut2SaveLives to endorse walkouts in New York City, Chicago and elsewhere.

But academic research increasingly finds that closing schools and other COVIDrelated restrictions are hurting children’s development.

“School closures contributed to increased anxiety, loneliness and stress; negative feelings due to COVID-19 increased with the duration of school closures,” a study from Professor Carl Heneghan, director of Oxford University’s Centre for EvidenceBased Medicine, found. “[E]ight out of ten children and adolescents report worsening of behavior or any psychological symptoms or an increase in negative feelings due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Heneghan wrote.

When lockdown restrictions were first imposed last year, mental health-related visits to emergency rooms increased by 24% in those ages 5–11 and by 31% in those ages 12–17, the CDC reported. The data is among several listed in a newly published Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics journal article that highlights the worsening mental health conditions of children in the U.S. Working parents of younger school-age children also will have to call off work or make other arrangements to help their children during remote learning.

© 2022 Ashleigh Brilliant, 117 W. Valerio Santa Barbara CA 93101 (catalog $5). www.ashleighbrilliant.com

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Reporter Bethany Blankley and Just The News contributed to this report.

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The Grand Jury’s report on suicide prevention and mental health at the Main Jail in Santa Barbara can be read at www.sbcgj.org/2021/ SuicideSBJail.pdf.

Report finds that ‘significant breakdown in communication occurred’ JAIL

Continued from Page A1

point. As a result, the process from intake through housing failed to protect Inmate A.” The jury did acknowledge the challenges of maintaining the safety of the growing percentage of inmates with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

The Grand Jury also acknowledged this is a nationwide trend. Locally run jails across the country are reporting that 41% of incarcerated persons have been diagnosed with mental illness, according to the Prison Policy Initiative.

With these figures in mind, the Grand Jury concluded that, “The best defense against errors in judgment affecting inmate

safety are targeted processes and procedures, in-depth training, specified communication requirements, and application of lessons learned from any failures that occurred.”

While the Grand Jury recognizes that the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has made significant progress, the report concludes with several recommendations, including joint training with all deputies and Wellpath health professionals and 24-hour on-site mental health professionals.

The full report can be viewed at www.sbcgj.org/2021/SuicideSBJail. pdf. email: fmcfarland@newspress.com

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for comment on the Grand Jury’s conclusions.

The jury’s report states that the registered nurse who screened the deceased inmate, referred to in the report as Inmate A, found no evidence of mental illness or past or present drug use.

The nurse determined there was nothing out of the ordinary with Inmate A following the screening, according to the Grand Jury report.

However, the jury noted, the three arresting patrol deputies all reported Inmate A was

highly agitated and displayed signs of paranoia when he was interviewed and arrested.

According to the Intake Screening Implementation Plan, suicide risk factors should be considered during the RN’s intake.

The Grand Jury determined the nurse’s intake screening should take into account the transporting officer’s impressions. The report states the transporting deputy said the RN was informed of Inmate A’s paranoia, but the nurse denied being told this information.

The Grand Jury concluded, “The evidence points to the fact that a significant breakdown in communication occurred at that

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Coming to Washington next year: New taxes, laws, agency; fewer straws

By BRETT DAVIS THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – From new taxes to voting rights to minimum wage, a host of new laws are to take effect in Washington state. Here’s a look at how things will change in the Evergreen State in 2022.

CAPITAL GAINS INCOME TAX Beginning Jan. 1, the controversial capital gains income tax is set to become effective. It levies a 7% tax on capital gains above $250,000 for individuals and joint filers from the sale of assets such as stocks and bonds. Exceptions include the sale of real estate, livestock, and small family-owned businesses.

First payments aren’t due until 2023, assuming the tax isn’t overturned by the courts. Two lawsuits arguing the tax is unconstitutional are currently working their way through the state’s legal system.

At issue is whether the new law imposes an excise tax or an income tax. And if the latter, whether income is property as defined by the state constitution and subject to its uniformity clause.

LONG-TERM CARE TAX The state’s new long-term care benefit funded by a 0.58% tax on a worker’s total wages is set to start Jan. 1, maybe.

On Dec. 17, Gov. Jay Inslee and Democratic leaders in the state legislature put out a statement announcing a delay in the collection of the new payroll tax to make tweaks to the program, after a flood of people sought to opt out.

“I am taking measures within my authority and ordering the state Employment Security Department not to collect the premiums from this program from employers before they come due in April,” Gov. Inslee wrote. “My actions mean that the state will not collect those funds until the Legislature sorts through these issues.”

On Dec. 23, Gov. Inslee put out a statement saying he does not have the authority to eliminate the Washington Cares Fund assessment, and that employers are still “legally obligated to pay the full amount owed to state ESD to begin the long-term care program.” In other words, unless exempted, employers in Washington state are still required to collect for the new tax.

The legislature has committed to changing the law in January 2022, including delaying the premium collection timelines.

The new benefit allows eligible adults to collect up to $36,500 for long-term care expenses like delivered meals and in-home care. They can begin collecting payments in 2025. To opt-out of the payroll tax, workers had to have purchased a private long-term care insurance plan as of Nov. 1.

PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE TAX Beginning Jan. 1, the Paid Family and Medical Leave payroll tax will go up from 0.4% to 0.6% to help pay for up to 18 weeks of family and medical leave to some full- and part-time workers. The rate is determined by the ratio of the trust fund balance divided by the total wages paid in the previous year.

The percentage split for employer and employee contributions is also changing for 2022. Employers with at least 50 employees are to pay almost 27% of the total premium due, and employees are to pay a little more than 73%. The current split is nearly 37% for employers and just over 63% for employees.

The paid family and medical leave mandate was

passed by the legislature in July 2017 and signed into law by Inslee, with collection from employers and workers beginning on Jan. 1, 2019. Every worker in the state was eligible to collect benefits as of Jan. 1, 2020.

VOTING RIGHTS FOR FELONS Washington state residents convicted of felonies will be able to vote in every election next year, thanks to a bill Inslee signed earlier this year that automatically restores their voting rights upon release from prison.

That’s a departure from current law in which people with felony convictions can only have their voting rights restored after finishing the conditions of their sentence.

The state Department of Corrections estimates the law, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, will restore the voting rights of more than 20,000 people in Washington state.

OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS A state-run police watchdog agency tasked with conducting independent investigations of cases involving police use of force is set to open next year.

The Office of Independent Investigations will look into all instances of the use of deadly force by police in Washington state. Those investigations will be conducted completely independent of the law enforcement agency or agencies involved.

In the past, agencies often investigated their own officers or elected to have another law enforcement agency conduct the investigation for them.

Gov. Inslee requested the creation of the office based on recommendations from his 2020 statewide policing task force created following the deaths of George Floyd and Manuel Ellis at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Tacoma, Washington, respectively.

The Office of Independent Investigations will be responsible for investigating any use of deadly force

by Washington state police after July 1, 2022.

RESTRICTION ON PLASTIC UTENSILS Beginning Jan. 1, restaurants and other food service establishments will no longer be able to automatically provide single-use plastic items unless customers request them.

The new law covers a variety of items: forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, straws, coffee stirrers, condiment packets, sauce cups, and soft drink lids.

Exemptions to the drink lid stipulation include hot beverages and soft drinks provided through a delivery service, curbside pickup or via a drivethrough window. Large, permanent venues of at least 2,500 seats such as those for athletic events or concerts are also exempt when it comes to the lids.

The goal of the law is to reduce waste generated by the use of such items.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE Beginning Jan. 1, Washington state’s minimum wage will increase to $14.49 per hour, up from $13.69, the state Department of Labor & Industries announced.

The state’s minimum wage is updated annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

This year’s higher-than-normal inflation is spurring next year’s 5.83% wage hike.

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New York becomes latest state to pass peer-to-peer car sharing law

By STEVE BITTENBENDER THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – A new law in New York now allows for peer-to-peer car sharing in the state, a move proponents claim will provide new economic opportunities for residents.

Car sharing allows residents to offer their personal vehicles for short-term rentals.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S6715/A2349 into law last week. Sponsored by Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Albany, and former Assemblyman (now Acting Secretary of State) Robert Rodriguez, D-Manhattan, the new law allows companies managing peer-to-peer programs to purchase group insurance. It also establishes taxes that will be used to fund mass transit and public transportation programs.

“Economic progress is often driven by marshaling available resources more efficiently rather than simply creating new resources,” wrote Sen. Breslin, who chairs the Senate Committee on Insurance, in the bill’s justification statement. “And history has taught us that when technological progress leads to more efficient production, such technologies have the potential to make a positive overall economic impact.”

The legislation had the support

of the Chamber of Progress. It’s a national technology public policy organization that counts companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Uber as corporate partners.

In a letter sent to Gov. Hochul earlier this month urging her to sign the bill, the chamber said peer-to-peer car sharing will promote more effective use of private vehicles and can ease transit issues across the state.

Montana Williams, the chamber’s director of state and local public policy, told Gov. Hochul that studies show most vehicles are not in use up to 95% of the time, and those idled vehicles can take up a lot of land within cities.

“Peer-to-peer car sharing services put privately-owned vehicles to more efficient use by repurposing underutilized cars and cutting down on the need for individual car ownership, garages, and storage,” Ms. Williams wrote.

Thousands of upstate New Yorkers do not own vehicles and need public transportation to meet their daily needs. However, public transportation systems aren’t always easily accessible or provide service to places individuals need to visit.

Ms. Williams also noted car sharing can provide residents with an additional source of

income to mitigate the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on them economically.

The new law will take effect 90 days after Gov. Hochul signed the bill into law, which happened Dec. 22.

According to Turo, a car sharing service, New York became the 11th state in the country to enact a law in 2021 regarding peer-to-peer car sharing. In all, more than 20 states now allow the practice.

“Car sharing promises to be an important new part of our economy as it taps into our technological resources, and I believe it will further serve New York’s transportation needs,” Gov. Hochul said in her approval memo.

Gov. Hochul did work with lawmakers to incorporate an amendment that covers gaps in group insurance requirements and makes sure that participants don’t have their personal insurance voided because their vehicles are used in car sharing programs.

“We applaud Governor Hochul and members of the New York legislature for supporting consumer choice and innovation by enacting this law, and we look forward to working with regulatory agencies to bring peer-to-peer car sharing to the Empire State,” Turo CEO Andre Haddad said in a statement.

Washington state think tank dispatched East Coast elves with anti-forced union dues message

By BRETT DAVIS THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Public policy think tank the Freedom Foundation engaged in some holiday flair with its latest effort to get the word out about the Supreme Court’s landmark Janus v. AFSCME decision from 2018 that ended compelled union dues for public employees.

Employees and volunteers of the Olympia, Washington-based organization were attired as Christmas elves – dubbed “Santa’s helpers” – and dispatched to locations on the Eastern Seaboard to spread the message that government workers can opt out of paying union dues.

The holiday-themed outreach ran from Nov. 29 through Dec. 7. It included stops in Northern

Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. – home to the headquarters of AFSCME, SEIU, AFL-CIO, and the Teamsters – as well as Dover, Delaware; Trenton, New Jersey; Albany, New York; Montpelier, Vermont; Concord, New Hampshire; Providence, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; and Hartford, Connecticut.

Ashley Varner is vice president of communications and federal affairs for the Freedom Foundation and a participant in the East Coast swing. “[The] inaugural East Coast Santa canvassing tour was definitely a success,” she told The Center Square in an email. “We’ve had Santa canvassing teams up and down the West Coast for several years now, but this is the first time people in many of the Please see UNIONS on A4

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Santa Maria High School Band Director Samantha Quart marched in the Rose Parade with the Saluting America’s Band Directors Project.

‘The biggest thing was the experience’ PARADE

Continued from Page A1 some of the people that were a part of our float and see them honored and getting a chance to be a part of this float was one of the most memorable parts of the experience,” said Ms. Quart.

Saluting America’s Band Directors is a project of the Michael D. Sewell Foundation. Ms Quart also had the opportunity to meet Karen Sewell, widow of Michael D. Sewell.

“This special appearance in the 2022 Rose Parade is a way to recognize and salute the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors everywhere—public and private schools at all levels, colleges and universities, the military, community bands­,” according to the Foundation’s statement on their website.

The float itself was a visual representation of music, music education and music educators. It featured a conductor at front with band members behind them.

“I hope my students got a chance to see a lot of different kinds of people play their instrument or an instrument they always wanted to try. I hope they got to see younger and older educators (showing that) no matter age or ability, music will always be a part of your life,” said Ms. Quart.

“The biggest thing was the experience. I met people I can talk with in the future, to help me improve my program and myself as an educator,” said Ms. Quart. email: kzehnder@newspress.com

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MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022

Utah House Majority: Great Salt Lake recession could cost the state billions

By KIM JARRETT THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Utah’s Great Salt Lake has dropped 20.35 feet since 1986 and a continued decline could have devastating effects on the state’s economy, according to a social media video released Monday by the Utah House Majority, a week before a summit that is scheduled to discuss the impact of the lake’s decline.

The lake’s continued recession could cost 6,500 jobs and as much as $2 billion per year, according to the video.

House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, is hosting the Great Salt Lake Summit on Jan. 5. It will include environmental advocates, industry leaders and state lawmakers “to

discuss possible policy solutions to ensure the Great Salt Lake is preserved for future generations to enjoy,” Rep. Wilson said in a Twitter post.

The state’s problems would go beyond environmental concerns if the lake continues to recede, according to the video. Snowfall could decline by 27 to 45 inches a year, costing the skiing industry up to $9.6 million annually.

Dust from the lake could release unhealthy levels of arsenic, lithium and zirconium in the area, causing difficulty for residents.

The lake’s decline would be exacerbated by the increase in the state’s population, which is expected to double by 2065 and would require more water from the lake, according to the video.

The lake’s issue also is being addressed by

federal lawmakers. U.S. Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, is co-sponsoring the Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act. The bill would provide resources to scientists and federal officials to monitor saline lakes and recommend management and conservation programs.

“Utah’s Great Salt Lake is a critically important ecosystem, habitat, and driver of tourism and business,” Rep. Moore said in a news release earlier this year. “But today, its water levels are at their lowest in recorded history, leading to a loss of habitat, decreased water flows, and air quality issues.”

The bill has passed the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Republican U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney has introduced a similar bill in the U.S. Senate.

‘A fun week spreading good cheer of freedom from government union tyranny’ UNIONS

Continued from Page A3 states we visited on the East Coast had ever met someone from the Freedom Foundation.”

The tour achieved some milestones and practical results for an organization that has recently expanded into other states – Oregon, California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania – since its 1991 founding as the Evergreen Freedom Foundation.

“For the first time ever, Freedom Foundation literature was welcomed inside government buildings in Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire,” Ms. Varner said. “Every public employee we spoke with in Vermont had no idea they didn’t have to pay unions out of their paycheck and they were happy to hear they had a choice. Whereas every public employee we caught up with in New Hampshire laughed when we asked if they were union members and told us they’d stopped paying dues years ago!”

She went on to note, “We were received warmly when we approached public employees in Boston and Providence, RI – unsuspecting government workers wanted to hear that they could keep more of their

own money, especially if they weren’t satisfied with their union representation.”

The tour may pay dividends in the long-term as well, she said.

“Since our visit, we’ve already started receiving opt outs from some of the states we visited, particularly Maryland and New Jersey,” Ms. Varner said.

Ms. Varner reported the spirit of the holiday season prevailed in noting there was not a single hostile incident during the tour.

“Of course, it’s hard to be mean to one of Santa’s helpers right before he visits your house,” she joked. “Several people wanted to be sure we had their names on the ‘good’ list! It was a fun week spreading good cheer of freedom from government union tyranny.”

The share of American workers who belong to a union – both public-sector and private – has fallen since 1983, when 20% of workers were union members.

That figure did rise slightly between 2019 and 2020, according to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) annual report released in January.

Overall union membership ticked up to 10.8% in 2020, an increase of 0.5% from 2019.

Public-sector union rates also increased in that same time period to 34.8% from 33.6%, according to the BLS report.

LOCAL FIVE-DAY FORECAST TODAY

TUESDAY

Cool with periods of sun

Cloudy

INLAND

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Times of clouds and sun

INLAND

FRIDAY

Cool with clouds and sun

Mostly sunny

INLAND

INLAND

INLAND

57 39

61 42

66 45

67 42

60 39

57 41

62 44

66 46

63 45

62 47

COASTAL

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Pismo Beach 57/45

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Maricopa 56/42

Guadalupe 57/44

Santa Maria 57/43

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New Cuyama 55/35 Ventucopa 54/34

Los Alamos 57/40

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Buellton 57/41

Solvang 57/40

Gaviota 57/47

SANTA BARBARA 57/41 Goleta 58/42

Carpinteria 56/44 Ventura 55/43

AIR QUALITY KEY Good Moderate COURTESY PHOTO

Utah’s Great Salt Lake has dropped 20.35 feet since 1986.

Source: airnow.gov Unhealthy for SG Very Unhealthy Unhealthy Not Available

ALMANAC

Santa Barbara through 6 p.m. yesterday

TEMPERATURE

Montana’s housing problems threaten hospitals, state’s low health care costs, association warns

By ELYSE KELLY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Lack of housing is a concerning issue for all parts of Montana’s economy, including in health care, where it’s hard for the industry to hire and retain workers, a recent survey found.

Hospitals are often the largest private employer in a community, according to Rich Rasmussen, president and CEO of the Montana Hospital Association, who added that every hospital has a housing issue impeding its recruiting.

When workers can’t find housing, the hospital can’t hire them, so the hospital can’t operate well and the community doesn’t benefit, he said.

A recent survey by the MHA found housing is the biggest issue hospitals face when trying to recruit workers. A list of issues facing potential employees include limited inventory and high prices for both homes for sale and for rent, especially for people with lower incomes, the survey found.

The housing shortage problem is twofold: A lack of housing availability and high housing costs.

Realtor.com numbers reported by the Independent Record show

that during any month over the past year, the peak number of active home listings was down compared to 2019, and in some places listings are only a third of what they were two years ago.

In Bozeman, housing costs have increased 26% over the past year, with the median price for a singlefamily home just over $734,500 in September, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported. Home sales website Zillow reported the median price for a house in Montana is almost $350,000, more than 27% higher than in September 2020.

Home values in other parts of the state like Helena are skyrocketing as well, Mr. Rasmussen said.

Mr. Rasmussen said that many people think of wellpaid doctors and nurses when considering hospital workers, but most hospital staff have much lower incomes. And in Montana, he said, most physicians are primary care providers with lower salaries than a specialty doctor such as a neurosurgeon, or they might be new graduates with less experience but a lot of student debt who can’t afford a high monthly rent or mortgage payment.

The housing shortage coupled with the increased need for

hospital staff brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has led some hospitals to get creative.

Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank has converted unused hospital rooms into apartments for staff, Mr. Rasmussen said, and a hospital in Glendive acquired duplexes for housing. He said other health care systems could also provide housing, but lack support and resources.

“We’ve got hospitals that have property but they don’t have partners to help them develop the property into housing,” Mr. Rasmussen said. “With a state that is dominated by small, critical-access hospitals, the ability for those small hospitals and those small communities to develop the property is a challenge. It’s a challenge from the standpoint of financing if you’re a small hospital as well as actually secure the contractors and do the development of the project.”

Despite some hospitals’ efforts to help workers access affordable housing, most hospitals have had to turn to temporary or traveling workers, which is a very expensive approach to staffing, Mr. Rasmussen said.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte recently initiated an incentive

program in the form of a $12,500 relocation bonus to help attract health care workers to the state.

Mr. Rasmussen said hospital systems are very optimistic about the incentive, but cautions it is still only a short-term solution.

He pointed out that Montana has the lowest health care costs in the country.

“In order to be able to keep it that way, we need to make sure we have the resources to keep costs under control. And the largest cost center in a hospital is staffing,” Mr. Rasmussen said. “So if we can’t get staffing costs into a place that is sustainable, then you’re going to see cost increases.”

Keeping health care and housing costs reasonable will require a commitment to finding sustainable solutions that will last over the long term, he said, and that approach will also strengthen the state’s overall economy.

“If we want to grow the state, we need to invest in our system,” Mr. Rasmussen told The Center Square. “If we want to keep costs down, we need to invest in our workforce, and if we don’t address those issues long-term, it is going to be hard for us to meet the demands to continue to grow our economy as we all want to see it grow.”

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.

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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.

High/low Normal high/low Record high Record low

61/34 64/41 79 in 1980 26 in 1976

PRECIPITATION 24 hours through 6 p.m. yest.

Month to date (normal) Season to date (normal)

0.00” 0.00” (0.27”) 8.83” (5.18”)

City Cuyama Goleta Lompoc Pismo Beach Santa Maria Santa Ynez Vandenberg Ventura

STATE CITIES Bakersfield Barstow Big Bear Bishop Catalina Concord Escondido Eureka Fresno Los Angeles Mammoth Lakes Modesto Monterey Napa Oakland Ojai Oxnard Palm Springs Pasadena Paso Robles Sacramento San Diego San Francisco San Jose San Luis Obispo Santa Monica Tahoe Valley

55/39/c 54/35/pc 45/21/pc 48/23/pc 52/44/pc 55/51/sh 60/36/s 53/49/r 54/38/c 60/43/pc 35/23/c 53/42/c 59/51/c 53/53/sh 54/51/sh 56/39/pc 56/42/pc 64/41/s 59/41/pc 55/39/pc 51/48/c 59/45/pc 54/52/c 57/50/c 58/45/pc 57/43/pc 38/29/c

Tue. Hi/Lo/W 52/36/c 62/46/c 61/45/c 62/47/c 64/46/c 61/42/c 61/47/c 56/46/c

45/31/s 28/18/pc 23/20/s 53/33/pc 50/26/pc 54/33/pc 80/60/pc 24/14/s 31/22/sn 34/20/sn 63/40/s 43/38/r 35/24/s 36/30/pc 40/34/r 37/21/sn

POINT ARENA TO POINT PINOS

Wind northwest 6-12 knots today. Waves 1-3 feet with a south-southwest swell 2-4 feet at 13 seconds.

Visibility clear.

POINT CONCEPTION TO MEXICO

Wind northwest 6-12 knots today. Waves 1-3 feet with a south-southwest swell 2-4 feet at 13 seconds.

Visibility clear.

SANTA BARBARA HARBOR TIDES Date Time High Time Jan. 3 Jan. 4 Jan. 5

9:08 a.m.

11:13 p.m.

9:56 a.m. none 12:02 a.m.

10:46 a.m.

LAKE LEVELS

7.0’ 3.9’ 6.7’

Low

2:47 a.m.

4:36 p.m.

3:40 a.m.

5:22 p.m.

4:37 a.m.

6:07 p.m.

4.0’ 6.1’

2.2’ -1.9’ 2.2’ -1.6’ 2.2’ -1.2’

AT BRADBURY DAM, LAKE CACHUMA 57/43/c 58/35/c 48/27/c 52/30/c 54/50/c 57/51/c 61/40/c 54/51/r 57/41/c 60/46/c 40/29/c 57/48/c 62/50/c 59/51/c 56/51/c 60/46/c 59/47/c 67/45/c 62/48/c 61/41/c 55/49/c 61/47/c 58/51/c 61/50/c 64/47/c 58/44/c 38/30/r

NATIONAL CITIES Atlanta Boston Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Miami Minneapolis New York City Philadelphia Phoenix Portland, Ore. St. Louis Salt Lake City Seattle Washington, D.C.

Wind west-northwest at 6-12 knots today. Wind waves 1-3 feet with a southwest swell 2-4 feet at 13-second intervals. Visibility clear.

TIDES

LOCAL TEMPS Today Hi/Lo/W 55/35/pc 58/42/pc 57/43/pc 57/45/pc 57/43/pc 57/39/pc 56/47/pc 55/43/pc

MARINE FORECAST

SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL

51/38/s 35/30/s 36/24/pc 63/39/s 48/18/pc 66/54/pc 78/65/s 30/12/c 36/33/s 38/28/pc 64/41/pc 44/39/r 47/27/pc 38/31/r 40/34/r 38/27/pc

At Lake Cachuma’s maximum level at the point at which water starts spilling over the dam holds 188,030 acre-feet. An acre-foot is 325,851 gallons, equivalent to the amount of water consumed annually by 10 people in an urban environment.

Storage 93,138 acre-ft.

Elevation 712.12 ft.

Evaporation (past 24 hours) 1.0 acre-ft.

Inflow 62.3 acre-ft.

State inflow 8.1 acre-ft.

Storage change from yest. +0 acre-ft.

Report from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset Moonrise Moonset

First

Full

Jan 9

Jan 17

WORLD CITIES

Today 7:06 a.m.

5:02 p.m.

8:17 a.m.

6:15 p.m.

Last

Jan 25

Tue. 7:06 a.m.

5:02 p.m.

9:08 a.m.

7:28 p.m.

New

Jan 31

Today Tue. City Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W Beijing 42/11/pc 36/13/s Berlin 49/42/sh 47/34/r Cairo 66/53/pc 65/51/s Cancun 79/68/t 79/67/sh London 52/44/c 45/34/pc Mexico City 70/43/s 73/44/s Montreal 11/3/pc 27/22/c New Delhi 70/48/pc 71/54/pc Paris 54/50/r 52/35/sh Rio de Janeiro 85/76/c 85/76/c Rome 58/51/c 60/53/c Sydney 80/71/s 79/71/pc Tokyo 48/37/s 52/36/s W-weather, s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

page

B1

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

Life

MON DAY, JA N UA RY 3, 2 02 2

YEAR IN REVIEW

Columnist dives into the history behind treasures

This snuff mull was engraved during a big year in Scottish history: 1817. See newspress.com/snuff-mull-engraved-during-a-big-year-inscottish-history.

A

1952 photo book worth $2,000.

A thunder mug going back to the ships of the 15th century.

A snuff mull engraved in 1817, a big year for Scotland.

Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, a Santa Barbara appraiser, has unearthed a lot of history with her weekly “Ask the Gold

Digger” column in the NewsPress.

Here’s a look at the highlights of the treasures in her column from 2021. In each case, we’re presenting the link to her original article at newspress.com. (For more photos and for this week’s column, see B2.)

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTOS

There’s a rich history to the drink object industry, which produced gems such as this Riveria cocktails set. It was made in the 1960s by The Riviera Co. and was called the “Royal Crown” barware set. See newspress.com/heres-a-toast-to-the-long-history-of-drink-objects.

At left, this 1899 medal is part of the long history of baking competitions.

See newspress. com/1899medal-showsbaking-awards-area-long-tradition.

Below, volumes of “Meisterwerke of German Art”

by Carl Thonet Jutsum could sell for $390.

“Meisterwerke” means “masterpiece.”

Dr. Elizabeth Stewart addresses masterpieces at newspress. com/howlong-doessomething-remaina-masterpiece.

This 1952 photography book is valued at $2,000. It’s a first edition published by Simon and Schuster. To learn more, see newspress.com/thisphoto-book-is-worth-a-thousand-words.

Above, this piece of American Brilliant Glass has an estimated value of just $50, but you could call the history behind it priceless. Dr. Elizabeth Stewart explains further at newspress.com/history-behindamerican-brilliant-cut-glass. At right, this Italian ex voto depicts the Sacred Heart. Ex votos are ways of saying thanks to deities, as Dr. Elizabeth Stewart explains at newspress.com/ex-votos-were-creativeenduring-ways-to-express-thanks.

B2

NEWS

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022

Above, the Gypsy Pot was used in the middle 19th century for cooking over an open fire. Learn more at newspress.com/gypsy-pot-is-an-engineering-marvel. Below, thunder mugs such as this one go all the way back to ships in the 15th century. See newspress.com/heres-the-original-purpose-behind-thunder-mugs.

COURTESY PHOTOS

A woodcut in the Medieval style tells stories from Goethe’s play about Faust. See newspress.com/this[german-expressoinist-type-woodcut-tells-two-important-stories.

Native American points and tools pose a mystery

L

.S. inherited a small collection of Native American points and tools, which he understands to be of Southwestern origin.

This is not my area of expertise, so this article is a call out to readers to help L.S. find out what he has. If readers know Native American points and tools, please email me at elizabethappraisals@ gmail.com.

Archeologists separate the classifications of early points into major historical periods of North America, and I learned with rudimentary research that each of the periods contain points of distinctive shapes, stones and sizes. The sizes, archeologists say, are indicative of the mammals that were hunted — some going back over 10,000 years ago.

There are two methods of

dating, including the “B.C.” style.

But lately, archeologists have used the “B.P.” period. Here’s the difference: B.P. means “before present,” which begins at 1950.

So I will explain the time periods using the B.P. system.

When we look at stone points in the Native American tradition from 11,500- 10,800 B.P., we’re looking at the Early Paleoindian era. These points are large, and the famous name and form of these is the CLOVIS point, which is designed for a spear, is bladelike and has channels down the center. If you think of mammals that were hunted for protein more than 10,000 years ago, a large and deadly point was needed to pierce the hide.

The middle Paleoindian is 10,500 -10,000 B.P., and the points continue to be large. Now, at around 10,000 B.P., archeologists

note a change to smaller points with flared bottoms, designed to be lashed on to something other than a large spear, for smaller game. For the big game, you need the “Dalton” point.

In the early Archaic period, 10,000-8,000 B.P., the point shape changes to the more classic image of an arrowhead. In other words, we see the shape of a triangle supported on a “trunk” or stem, and the stem may be straight or hooked, which makes it perfect for lashing onto a hunter’s wood shaft.

The next period is one of multitudinous cultures. Because L.S. believes his points to be of the Southeastern region, I am assuming this may be the Woodland culture 1,000 B.P. to 1,500 A.D. This era is followed by the Contact period, 1500-1700 AD. What impresses me greatly

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is the shear artistry and the longevity of the stone tools themselves, not to mention the durability and diversity.

I looked at reports where archaeologists had found a point that was created as a spear point.

When dulled, the point would be sharpened again and made into a saw — then, when blunted, made into a scraper. Nothing created was left to waste.

L.S., who loves his collection, has said that when he holds an ancient point in his hand, such as those he believes are more than

10,000 years old, he can “see” the mammals that the points were aimed upon. He can also see the sheer skill of both the point maker and the hunter. Around 12,000 years ago, these points may have been used to hunt mammoths, mastodons, giant bison, giant ground sloths, Sabre-toothed cats and short-faced bears.

Let us focus on one stone point in L.S.’s collection, which is not a projectile but a stone drill. L.S. also has a fragment of a petrified stone rock that has a bore hole, and the drill fits nestling inside this hole. This may have had an organic (wooden) helper: a turning device that was manipulated by cords, pulled by human hands that rotated the drill rapidly.

Thus this was a fire starter.

Another point in L.S.’s collection may have been a small scraper, used for the animal’s hide.

The rate of change and the shape and innovation in the stone tools, especially in flint forms, show incredible workmanship and diversity of form. Knives

(used alone or on a wood handle), scrapers, perforators, drills, adzes, stone axes and stone weights were used to attach to nets and to the end of spear throwers as fulcrums.

L.S. also sent photos of what he has researched as an early Archaic Notched Point, perhaps 10,000 years old, and an Agate point of an even greater age.

I reach out to readers who assuredly know more than I do, to email me so that I may connect you, an expert, to L.S. As regards to the valuation of this material, who am I to set a value of such things?

Dr. Elizabeth Stewart’s “Ask the Gold Digger” column appears Mondays in the News-Press.

Written after her father’s COVID19 diagnosis, Dr. Stewart’s book “My Darlin’ Quarantine: Intimate Connections Created in Chaos” is a humorous collection of five “what-if” short stories that end in personal triumphs over presentday constrictions. It’s available at Chaucer’s in Santa Barbara.

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Columnist Elizabeth Stewart is asking readers’ help with the details on this collection of Native American points and tools. If you have information, email her at elizabethappraisals@gmail.com.

SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS

B3

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022

Diversions HOROSCOPE s PUZZLES

SUDOKU

Thought for Today

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

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Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday-Saturday and on the crossword solutions page in Sunday’s Life section.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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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 THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

Unscramble these Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form four ordinary words.

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SAWELE CPTIEK ©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

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Get the free JUST JUMBLE DSS )ROORZ XV RQ 7ZLWWHU @PlayJumble

DAILY BRIDGE

beginnings, Libra. Whether you are aware of it or not, you are more than ready to take on some new challenges. You have allowed yourself to become complacent about your career. You have the ability to make a major step up, so why not do so? All that is required is a bit of effort on your part.

Figure out what your ideal job would be and then pursue it. Or better yet, create it!

Scorpio: Romance is in the air today, Scorpio. It’s the perfect time to make yourself look your best and invite that certain someone to dinner. Even if you’re already happily married, why not take advantage of the auspicious mood and plan a special date with your spouse? Even old married couples are entitled to romance now and then!

Sagittarius: Today, you crave a little style. Sensible shoes and practical clothes get the boot in favor of fashionable shoes and luxurious fabrics. Your passion and sense of romance are at an all-time high, Sagittarius, so you might as well take advantage of it for all it’s worth.

Capricorn: It isn’t just royalty who gets to live happily ever after in fairy tales, Capricorn. You have this right as well. The conditions are ripe for attracting a special person into your life. There is no need to rely on “expert” advice for attracting a soul mate. It’s your own unique qualities that will beckon to the right one.

Aquarius: While you may feel the urge to put on a pair of boxing gloves and duke it out with your family, Aquarius, try putting on an oven mitt instead. Cooking a meal or performing other domestic chores will help take your mind off your troubles with your family. If you aren’t the domestic sort, exchange the mitt for some reading glasses and bury yourself in your work.

Pisces: You have an urge to hop on a plane and leave the country, Pisces. It seems that this is the only way to free yourself from the mountain of professional and social obligations that are piling up. How can you ever hope to attend all of them, or even half?

Have you considered that you may not need to? Send someone else in your stead, perhaps, or simply respond that you can’t make it. You wouldn’t be the first to say no. You are entitled to some downtime.

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Aries: Finally, all of your efforts are being recognized, Aries.

That’s not to say that you can now sit back and rest on your laurels - quite the contrary! Now is the time to put your original ideas to the test. But this time you have the backing of the higher-ups. Don’t be nervous; just do what you had planned to do all along.

Taurus: You have a wonderful, nurturing nature, Taurus. Those around you reap tremendous benefit from your caring soul. Just as you are receptive to the needs of others, so too should you be aware of your own needs. You deserve to be on the receiving end of your own gentle touch. Don’t hesitate to turn to others for help if you need to. You might be surprised how mere acquaintances pitch in to lend a hand.

Gemini: In case you do any writing or artwork today, it will seem to come from a source outside of yourself, Gemini. Is this the divine muse you’ve heard others talk about? Possibly, or perhaps it’s just your own natural talent shining through at last. Today is also auspicious for relationships, so be sure to take time for friends and loved ones both old and new.

Cancer: Put that book down and get out of the house, Cancer! You’ve been by yourself long enough; it’s time to start interacting with other people.

In addition to having heaps of fun, you’re likely to have some encounters that will prove beneficial in the long run. Group situations are great, but don’t overlook the pleasures of an intimate one-on-one encounter.

Leo: Your hard efforts to improve your life are finally showing results, Leo. And this is just the boost you’ve needed, as some people set your selfconfidence a bit on edge. Just don’t let others destroy your vision of happiness. Continue to walk toward your goal and don’t hesitate when small obstacles appear left and right.

Virgo: The people you meet today could be of tremendous benefit to you later on, Virgo.

You have especially keen vision today, so make sure to take note of everything of interest that you observe. What you discover today, along with the people you meet, could combine in a powerful way at some future date.

Libra: This is a time of new

By Horoscope.com Monday, January 3, 2022

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“The hardest thing to do is to be true to yourself, especially when everybody is watching.”

— Dave Chappelle

HOROSCOPE

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

“

’

”

(Answers tomorrow) Jumbles: 6&287 2%(6( %277/( )5((/< Answer: After alphabetizing all the books, the librarian ZDV ³ 287 2) 62576

B4

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DEC 27/2021; JAN 3, 10, 17/2022 --57857 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT, FBN No: 20210003339. First Filing. The following person (s) are doing business as: LLAMAS HANDICRAFTS, 4870 CALLE REAL #322, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93111, County of Santa Barbara. Full Name(s) of registrants: MARIA CARIDAD YEPEZ: 4870 CALLE REAL #322, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93111, FRANCISCO JAVIER GALINDO: 4870 CALLE REAL #322, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93111. This business is conducted by: A MARRIED COUPLE. This statement was filed in the office of JOSEPH E. HOLLAND, County Clerk-Recorder of SANTA BARBARA COUNTY on 12/13/2021

by E28, Deputy. The registrant commenced to transact business on: Dec 10, 2021.

Statement Expires on: Not Applicable.

NOTICE: This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (See Section 14400, ET SEQ., Business and Profession Code). (SEAL) DEC 20, 27/2021; JAN 3, 10/2022 --57837

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN2021-0003419 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1Heart Caregiver Services, 7 W. Figueroa Street. Ste. 300, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 County of SANTA BARBARA Mailing Address: 7 W. Figueroa Street. Ste. 300, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 DE GUZMAN CORPORATION, 7 W. FIGUEROA ST., STE. 300, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93101 This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on SEPTEMBER 21, 2016.

DE GUZMAN CORPORATION S/ RAYMOND DE GUZMAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Santa Barbara County on 12/22/2021.

Joseph E. Holland, County Clerk 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24/22 CNS-3522823# SANTA BARBARA NEWS-PRESS JAN 3, 10, 17, 24 / 2021 -- 57864

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT, FBN No: 20210003336. First Filing. The following person (s) are doing business as: EUREKA, 80 ZACA ST #45, BUELLTON, CA 93427, County of Santa Barbara. Full Name(s) of registrants: RACHEL A RASHI: 80 ZACA ST #45, BUELLTON, CA 93427. This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL. This statement was filed in the office of JOSEPH E. HOLLAND, County Clerk-Recorder of SANTA BARBARA COUNTY on 12/13/2021

by E29, Deputy. The registrant commenced to transact business on: Not Applicable. Statement Expires on: Not Applicable.

NOTICE: This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (See Section 14400, ET SEQ., Business and Profession Code). (SEAL) DEC 20, 27/2021; JAN 3, 10/2022 --57836 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT, FBN No: 20210003291. First Filing. The following person (s) are doing business as: SANTA BARBARA SONSHINE, 836 ANACAPA STREET, SUITE 24036, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93121, County of Santa Barbara.

Full Name(s) of registrants: JONATHAN MCKEE, 836 ANACAPA STREET, SUITE 24036, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93121.

LEASE ANDERSON MCKEE, 836 ANACAPA STREET, SUITE 24036, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93121 This business is conducted by: A MARRIED COUPLE. This statement was filed in the office of JOSEPH E. HOLLAND, County Clerk-Recorder of SANTA BARBARA COUNTY on 12/06/2021 by: E953, Deputy. The registrant commenced to transact business on: Dec 01, 1993.

Statement Expires on: Not Applicable.

NOTICE: This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (See Section 14400, ET SEQ., Business and Profession Code). (SEAL) DEC 13, 20, 27 / 2021; JAN 3 / 2022 --57802

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022

Many Virginia businesses still have economic concerns, but national optimism slightly higher

By TYLER ARNOLD THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – A report from a small business association showed businesses are slightly more optimistic than they were a few months ago, but many still have concerns about the future and some Virginia industries have economic concerns.

According to a national report issued by the National Federation of Independent Business, optimism from small businesses increased by one-fifth of a percentage point to 98.4%. Still, only four of the 10 index components improved, four declined and two were unchanged.

The survey showed that only 38% of business owners predict that conditions will improve in the next six months, which is one point lower than a month ago. It declined 18 points over the past four months and was at the lowest point in nearly a decade. About 59% of owners are increasing prices, which is six points higher than last month and the highest since former President Jimmy Carter was in office.

About 54% of business owners plan more price hikes, which is three points higher than last month and the highest in nearly five decades. About 48% of business owners reported that they have job openings that cannot be filled, which is one point lower than last month.

The percent of businesses that reported inventory increases rose by 3%, but 35% of businesses reported that supply chain

About 54% of business owners plan more price hikes, which is three points higher than last month and the highest in nearly five decades. disruptions have a significant impact on their business, 31% reported it has a moderate impact and 22% reported it has a mild impact, with only 9% reporting no impact.

Although the report does not break down the numbers by state, NFIB Virginia Director Nicole Riley said in a statement that businesses that the organization represents in the commonwealth have had similar issues.

“Our members here in the commonwealth believe that issues such as labor and disruptions in the supply chain will continue to affect their small businesses in the coming year,” Ms. Riley said.

A lot of restaurants, hotels and travelfocused businesses are also concerned about the economic outlook, according to Robert Melvin, the director of government affairs at the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association.

Mr. Melvin told The Center Square restaurants are being hurt by supply chain disruptions, high inflation rates and concerns surrounding the omicron COVID-19 variant.

Many of these businesses, which he said needed to take out loans to stay afloat during the pandemic, do not expect to fully recover until 2023 or 2024. He said restaurant, lodging and travel industries were the first to feel the

brunt of the pandemic and will be the last to recover.

Inflation has caused food prices to increase, particularly extraordinarily high prices for crab meat and chicken wings. Some places that normally sell Buffalo chicken wings have started offering chicken thighs because wing prices have increased too much. A lot of restaurants have been forced to shorten operating hours and close certain days of the week because of labor shortages and some hotels aren’t able to rent out all of their rooms because they can’t afford staff to clean every room, he added. He also said some hotels are unable to purchase supplies wholesale and need to buy as much supplies as they can from retail stores to curb shortages.

“I’m not going to say that there’s not optimism [but it’s] not a rosy picture for our industry,” Mr. Melvin said.

Mr. Melvin also expressed some skepticism with Gov. Ralph Northam’s proposed twoyear budget. Although he said the tax relief in the plan will help by putting more money in people’s pockets, he said there’s no relief for the industries that are continuing to struggle in this economic environment.

Inflation has reached nearly 7% over the year, so far.

Business Facilities ranking: Virginia has best business climate The commonwealth has a workforce of 4.1 million and only has a 3.6% unemployment rate, which is the 10th lowest in the country.

By TYLER ARNOLD THE CENTER SQUARE

05",)# ./4)#%3 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT, FBN No: 202100033403. First Filing. The following person (s) are doing business as: ROJAS AND PUPS, 49 CALAVERAS AVE., GOLETA, CA 93117, County of Santa Barbara.

Full Name(s) of registrants: JOSILIN ROJAS: 49 CALAVERAS AVE., GOLETA, CA 93117. This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL. This statement was filed in the office of JOSEPH E. HOLLAND, County Clerk-Recorder of SANTA BARBARA COUNTY on 12/17/2021 by E953, Deputy.

The registrant commenced to transact business on: Jan 04, 2017. Statement Expires on: Not Applicable.

NOTICE: This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (See Section 14400, ET SEQ., Business and Profession Code). (SEAL)

NEWS / CLASSIFIED

(The Center Square) – Virginia has the best business climate in the country in 2021, according to Business Facility’s annual business ranking released this week.

“The commonwealth’s location, right next to the District of Columbia, combined with its pro-business work environment, strong workforce and educational systems, makes it [a] great place to do business in,” Business Facility Editorial Director Seth Mendelson said in a statement.

Virginia received the top ranking for a variety of reasons.

The commonwealth has a workforce of 4.1 million and only has a 3.6% unemployment rate, which is the 10th lowest in the country. It also has successful workforce programs, according to the ranking. This

includes the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which offers training and recruitment and Fast Forward Virginia, which providers workers with credentials and training.

The commonwealth also runs other workforce development programs and workforce connection programs.

“I am proud of the work our administration has done to develop the strongest businessfriendly environment in the nation,” Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement. “During my term, we’ve attracted more than $80 billion in economic investment, creating more than 100,000 jobs—a record for any

Virginia governor. Virginia has set a new standard for all other states. Companies want to invest here and create jobs here because of our welcoming environment, commitment to developing our workforce, and our existing infrastructure.”

Although the state also ranked first in business by CNBC, the Thomas Jefferson Institute questions that high of a score.

“The people behind that ranking do not provide any objective criteria they used, unlike others who are grading the state business climates,” Stephen Haner, a senior fellow for state and local tax policy at the free-market Thomas Jefferson

Institute, told The Center Square.

“Virginia’s actual job growth remains anemic and its energy future clouded, compared to other states,” Mr. Haner said.

“Fortunately, a change of direction is coming with this new administration.”

According to a report from the Virginia Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission, Virginia lagged the national average substantially in gross domestic product, per-capita income and labor force numbers over the past decade. The state had less than two-thirds of the national average in all three categories.

Montana manufacturers bounced back because ‘they could pivot,’ MSU center director says

By BOB PEPALIS THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Montana’s manufacturers quickly bounced back from the pandemic after a short period of layoffs and curtailing of operations, according to the director of the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center.

Manufacturing accounts for approximately 16% of Montana’s economic base, with more than 3,900 manufacturers operating in the state, the center’s 2021 Montana Manufacturing Report said.

“The Montana manufacturers were fortunate to be in situations where they could pivot,” Montana Manufacturing Extension Center Director Paddy Fleming told The Center Square. “So food manufacturers that maybe were dependent upon the food service products industry switched to retail products.”

The one manufacturing industry that did get hurt was suppliers for the travel industry.

Other than that, most manufacturers saw an increase in business.

The outdoor products industries experienced increased demand due to the

pandemic because everyone wanted to be outside, he said.

“I think they’re coming back nicely, back to probably close to normal demand. I don’t think we saw a single manufacturer in Montana go out of business,” Mr. Fleming said.

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of Montana conducted the analysis and prepared the report for the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center.

A year ago, it predicted nondurable manufacturing would return to preCOVID levels within a year. Employment in manufacturing returned to its prepandemic levels in early 2021, the report said.

Durable manufacturing is falling in line with predictions from a year ago and is forecasted to return to the long-run trend in another year.

Problems with the supply chain have caused many state manufacturers to look for alternative supply chains, he said, including onshore sources. But it’s also caused them to be late with deliveries and is a constant concern.

Despite the pandemic, the gross state product out of Montana’s manufacturers grew,

as did the number of manufacturers, Mr. Fleming said.

“We are seeing an influx of people to Montana due to the pandemic I believe and some of them are bringing their manufacturing businesses,” he said.

The top manufacturers now are fabricated metal and food and beverage. The state also has a significant sector in photonics.

Employees have also seen some gains with higher wages.

“In Montana, manufacturing wages average about 15 to 20% higher than the average wage,” he said.

Manufacturing jobs paid approximately $52,111 in earnings while the state average for all jobs was $46,743.

Manufacturing accounts for 5.1% of total private state income equaling $1.1 billion, the report said. Its approximately 20,400 employees make up 4.3% of Montana’s nonfarm workforce.

Those workers helped produce $3.1 billion of the state’s output, equal to 6.1%.

As a result, manufacturing grew more than double the national average in employment, income and output, the report said.

Kentucky small businesses invest more than $3.6 million through tax credit program in 2021

By STEVE BITTENBENDER THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – More than 100 Kentucky small businesses took advantage of a tax incentive program in 2021, according to a statement from Gov. Andy Beshear.

Those businesses invested more than $3.6 million back into their businesses and helped create nearly 340 new jobs.

The Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit program offers incentives for companies with no more than 50 full-time workers.

Eligible companies that agree to hire at least one new employee and spend at least $5,000 for new equipment or technology can receive annual credits that start at $3,500 and cap at $25,000.

Eligible companies that agree to hire at least one new employee and spend at least $5,000 for new equipment or technology can receive annual credits that start at $3,500 and cap at $25,000.

In 2021, the state reported nearly $1.2 million in credits were awarded to 107 companies in 37 counties.

The 339 new jobs the companies created have an average hourly wage of $25.89, not including benefits.

“We know Kentucky’s small businesses are strong and resilient, as we have seen them contribute so much to our economy over the past year,” Gov. Beshear said in a statement.

“This further proves that we are just getting started, on the heels of breaking our state’s economic

development records.”

Overall, Kentucky saw record job announcements and investment numbers for 2021.

Private-sector employers have announced plans to invest $11.2 billion to expand or relocate existing or start new operations in the state. Those initiatives are slated to create more than 18,000 new jobs in the near future.

The largest project is the $5.8 billion electric-vehicle battery facility Ford Motor Company and SK Innovation plan to open in Glendale, Ky. When it opens,

currently planned for 2025, it will create 5,000 new jobs.

While projects like Ford’s battery plant make headlines, it’s the smaller businesses that lay the foundation for Kentucky’s economy, officials said. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2021 profile on Kentucky, there are 360,756 small businesses in the state, which makes up 99.3 percent of the state’s businesses.

Those businesses employ 716,731 workers, representing 43.6 percent of the state’s workforce.