Banking bill signed
Tackling a new genre
Legislation by Limon restores de minimis exemption - A2
News-Press columnist Henry Shulte launches series of children’s books - B1
Our 166th Year
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Communing with the animals
Survey: California education headed in right direction By KAITLYN SCHALLHORN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
California’s public education system’s report card is improving, according to a majority of parents recently surveyed. A Public Policy Institute of California poll found 70% of public school parents and 57% of adults surveyed thought the public education system was headed in the right direction. That’s an increase from last year when only 61% of public school parents felt this way. The poll garnered similar results among public school parents (73%) and adults (60%) when asked if they approved of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s handling of the K-12 public education system. Predictably, most Democrats and independents said they approved of Gov. Newsom’s leadership of public education whereas most Republicans disapproved. Most public school parents also signaled approval for how their children’s schools were preparing them for college. The survey found 14% of public school parents said the local schools were doing an “excellent” job, and another 63% called their performance “good.” But about 49% of public school parents said there are not enough resources for lower-income students — a similar finding to what last year’s poll revealed. And about 40% of those
surveyed thought the quality of education has declined over the past few years, the survey found. More than four in 10 parents said they believed their youngest child had fallen behind in school during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was more likely among Latino parents (52%) than white parents (38%). Most public school parents and adults in general supported the state’s decision to no longer require masks in schools. About 43% of public school parents said they strongly supported the decision, and another 31% said they somewhat supported the decision. Among adults in general, those figures were 32% and 29% respectively. Among public school parents, 62% said they believe teacher salaries are too low. And 49% of this group said teacher shortages are a big problem with an additional 44% of public school parents saying it is somewhat an issue. The PPIC surveyed 1,591 California adults from March 30 to April 13. The survey was conducted by Ipsos in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. The survey had a sampling error of +/-3.3% at the 95% confidence level. The full findings can be found at: ppic.org/publication/ppicstatewide-survey-californiansand-education-april-2022. email: kschallhorn@newspress.com
KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS
People had the opportunity to experience a petting zoo featuring farm animals at the Santa Barbara Fair and Expo on Wednesday at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.
Dodgers’ Bauer suspended 2 years By KAITLYN SCHALLHORN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer, who has been accused of sexual assault, was suspended Friday by Major League Baseball for 324 games — the equivalent of two years. Bauer, 31, violated the MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy, Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a brief statement. The suspension comes without pay. Bauer quickly said he would appeal the MLB’s decision. “In the strongest possible terms, I deny committing any violation of the league’s domestic violence (and) sexual assault policy,” Bauer said on social media. “I am appealing this action and expect to prevail. As we have throughout this process, my representatives (and) I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.” Bauer joined the Dodgers in 2021 but has not played since June 28 because he’s been on administrative leave following sexual assault allegations. According to ESPN, Bauer will not get to Please see BAUER on A4
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Susan Salcido, the Santa Barbara County superintendent of schools, speaks during the recent Operation Recognition ceremony for veterans. She said experienced leadership is needed during a pivotal time in education.
ELECTION 22
Salcido says schools need leader who knows SB County Editor’s note: This is part of a series about candidates in the June 7 primary. By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
ERIK DROST PHOTO (flickr.com/photos/62091376@N03/34918237506)
Pitcher Trevor Bauer Bauer joined the Dodgers in 2021 but has not played since June 28 because he’s been on administrative leave following sexual assault allegations.
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Schools today need experienced leadership, according to Dr. Susan Salcido. She has served as the Santa Barbara County superintendent of schools since 2017 and is running for re-election against Christy
Lozano, a Santa Barbara Unified School District teacher, in the June 7 primary. “This is a pivotal time in public education, and right now we need an experienced and knowledgeable leader who understands the intricacies of our countywide school system in our unique and diverse county,” Dr. Salcido told the News-Press. “We need leadership that shows students, staff and the community Please see SALCIDO on A4
Sudoku................. B3 Sports ................... A3 Weather................ A4
Wednesday’s SUPER LOTTO: 3-11-13-23-34 Mega: 23
Friday’s DAILY 4: 9-9-6-5
Friday’s MEGA MILLIONS: 5-7-19-46-69 Mega: 2
Friday’s FANTASY 5: 2-9-16-21-30
Friday’s DAILY DERBY: 10-05-12 Time: 1:46.67
Wednesday’s POWERBALL: 11-36-61-62-68 Meganumber: 4
Friday’s DAILY 3: 1-0-4 / Midday 6-6-5