Santa Barbara News-Press: May 11, 2023

Border Patrol to release foreign nationals en masse into communities as Title 42 ends

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Instead of U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehending, detaining and deporting people who’ve illegally entered the U.S., they will be implementing a plan decided on last year to release them en masse into local border communities.

The public health authority Title 42, which has given Border Patrol agents an additional tool to deport certain individuals, was slated to end last May.

On May 20, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana enjoined the repeal of Title 42 in a case filed by 24 states, issuing a nationwide

injunction.

The federal court order was the only thing that stopped CBP from enacting its policy of releasing foreign nationals en masse into local border communities. The federal injunction imposed last May halted the administration from ending Title 42.

After President Joe Biden ended the national public emergency implemented under the Trump administration to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Title 42, which can only be utilized during a public health emergency, will expire Thursday (May 11).

While Fox News reported on Tuesday that CBP and Border Patrol made a decision Monday night to “authorize all

Border Patrol sectors to begin ‘safe’ street releases of migrants to communities across the border *if* NGO shelters and CBP facilities do not have the capacity to hold them,” this isn’t a new plan. It’s been a plan in place for over a year, which The Center Square first reported on last September. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody uncovered the plan as part of discovery in a lawsuit Florida filed against the administration over its “catch and release” policy.

Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez also told local Texas law enforcement last December she was working with local municipalities to learn where foreign nationals should be released into their communities when

shelters, NGOs and nonprofits assisting them were at capacity. A recording of her remarks was provided to The Center Square, which broke this story ahead of her giving testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in February.

In a May 19, 2022, memo, Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz instructed Border Patrol agents to release “processed noncitizens in the vicinity of nongovernmental organizations” and coordinate with NGOs in advance as to the specific locations where they’d be released, “paying particular attention to the availability of services and transportation options.”

“If safe locations are not available” to release illegal foreign nationals, instead

Aiding Ukrainians in Poland

Direct Relief helps efforts for refugees from war with Russia

of processing them for removal, Chief Ortiz said agents would “engage with nearby cities and local governments to identify alternate safe locations for release.”

Foreign nationals were also instructed to be released into the U.S. in a “safe, humane and orderly manner,” not “late at night in an unpopulated area or in circumstances in which the individual would face a known safety risk.”

On Dec. 20, 2022, Agent Chavez told local law enforcement that she was coordinating with local mayors and NGOs to move people into the U.S., saying the NGOs “are phenomenal.” She was learning of “particular areas they

Please see TITLE 42 on A4

s anta Barbara schools adopt

new reading curriculum

Program intended to boost reading levels

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara Unified School District is making what it calls vital changes in its literacy curriculum — something that’s needed due to the not-so-great reading levels of many of its students.

At the April 11 school board meeting, the district presented a Student Outcomes Report, which included the Standardized Testing and Reporting data. This presented student data for both reading and math.

In this meeting, it was reported that 47% of third- to sixth-grade students were meeting or exceeding gradelevel standards for reading. This percentage has slowly been rising over the years, but not entirely to where the school district hopes it would be.

In response, the Santa Barbara Unified Board of Trustees approved a new elementary English Language Arts curriculum at its weekly meeting Tuesday. This new curriculum will be instituted in the 2023-2024 school year.

The trustees approved the “Wit & Wisdom/ Fundations’’ curriculum after going through a process led by Denise Alvarado, executive director of curriculum and instruction. Additionally, a committee of teachers, staff and administrators were there to also hear and explain the process.

tons of medical aid

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS

STAFF WRITER

Goleta-based Direct Relief continues to serve on the front lines of aid efforts with medical supplies and resources in Poland for Ukrainian refugees who have fled the war-stricken country.

Direct Relief has reported that since Russia started its invasion in February 2022, the nonprofit has deployed more than 1,350 tons of medical aid, 254.1 million defined daily doses, $32.2 million in financial assistance and $899 million in material aid assistance to Ukraine.

This is a feat that has not been easy.

Direct Relief CEO Thomas Tighe is in Poland this week and participated Wednesday in an event in Lodz, which included representatives of the Ukrainian embassy in Poland; Mark Brzezinski, the U.S. ambassador to Poland, and Jacek Szwajcowski, CEO of Poland Pelion S.A. — the largest operating healthcare sector company in Poland.

Ambassador Brzezinski shared his gratitude toward

“Improving student literacy achievement in Santa Barbara Unified School District is one of our top priorities, and we expect all students to be proficient readers by third grade,” Ms. Alvarado told the News-Press. This process of selecting a curriculum began back in January and included teachers from every grade level and school. Multilingual learner experts, special education experts, literacy and language experts, principals and administrators were all a part of the selection as well.

The district saw feedback as crucial to this selection process, so community members were involved in committees such as the Literacy Taskforce. The process also included parents from each of the district’s schools.

A field test of the curriculum was also conducted before making a recommendation.

“This process has been thorough, with an effort to get feedback from as many groups of teachers, staff, and community members as possible,” said Dr. Hilda Maldonado, the district’s superintendent. “This new curriculum is a crucial step to helping us improve literacy outcomes in the district.”

Teachers will attend multiple training days as well as get training monthly throughout the school year. This training will begin in June.

“In addition to this curriculum adoption, we are also making key shifts in instructional practices, professional learning, monitoring the progress of students throughout the year, and monitoring ourselves to ensure the implementation is successful,” Dr. Maldonado said.

There is a long way to go in this process, but the SBUSD said it is hoping to see positive change within the students after implementing this new curriculum. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

LARA COOPER / DIRECT RELIEF

Forty-four

bound for Ukraine departed June 17 from Direct Relief’s warehouse in Goleta. The shipment went to Ukraine on the second charter flight donated by FedEx in response to the conflict. Since then, Direct Relief has continued to help Ukrainians, including refugees in Poland.

PHOTO COURTESY CHARITY FUND MODERN VILLAGE AND TOWN

from Direct Relief arrive in central Ukraine last year to support local hospitals.

Program offers help with paying water and sewer bills

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

About 500 Santa Barbara residents are now eligible to receive help in paying their past and current water and sewer bills.

That’s because the Santa Barbara City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize Finance Director Keith DeMartini to execute an agreement to participate in a federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program.

Councilmember Kristen Sneddon said it was an “excellent program” that also drew unanimous support from the city’s Water Commission.

The LIHWAP program provides financial assistance to low-income Californians to help manage their residential water utility costs. Qualified low-income households can apply to a Local Service Provider to receive a one-time benefit payment of up to $15,000 on their pastdue combined water and wastewater bill, as well as benefit payments on current water and wastewater bills.

The program includes all eligible lowincome households, regardless of whether they are current on their bill or have a past due balance. It is administered by the California Department of Community Services and Development under the Department of Health and Human Services. Applications and eligibility for the program are administered by LSPs.

The LSP for Santa Barbara County is CommUnify. CommUnify’s role includes customer outreach, intake, eligibility verification and calculating the LIHWAP benefit amount.

“This is a really exciting program to bring to the city,” Dakota Corey, the city’s water supply and services manager, told the council Tuesday. “It will provide assistance to lowincome customers and help households pay down their residential water and sewer bills.”

The “big benefit,” she said, is that it will apply both to arrearages and current bills, and that “there’s no date that limits how far they go back.”

The benefits will be available to low-income residents on a first-come, first-serve basis, she said.

Eligibility to participate in the program depends on an applicant’s gross income being at or below 60% of the state median income, Lyndsay Maas, the city’s new assistant finance director, told the council. This translates to an income of $62,000 for a family of four.

A “nice feature,” she said, is that if an applicant’s water and/or sewer bill is included in his or her rent, “they’re still eligible to participate.” Their landlord would apply their benefit to their rent payment.

The city does not have income information on customers, she said, so it’s difficult to say how many are eligible to participate, but CommUnify “gave us an estimate that we should be able to help about 500 community

members. “That’s fantastic,” she said.

CommUnify has launched an extensive marketing campaign in English and Spanish “to make sure they’re aware of the program and take advantage of it,” Ms. Maas said.

In addition, the city will include flyers in customers’ water bills and put information about the program on the city’s website.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, late fees and disconnections for water and wastewater bill non-payment in the city were suspended in March 2020. The city is working to reinstate late fees for utility bills this July and disconnections for water and wastewater bill non-payment in September.

The city’s participation in LIHWAP ahead of resuming disconnections would allow eligible customers to address unpaid balances on their accounts ahead of being assessed late fees or experiencing any disruption to their water service.

Their options to avoid late fees or disconnections are to pay their balance in full by June 30, set up a payment plan by Aug. 31, or contact CommUnify to apply for assistance if eligible, Ms. Maas said.

She said people can also apply to participate in the program by downloading a form from the city’s website. They can also call the city if they have questions “and we’ll walk them through how to apply.”

email: nharsteinnewspress@gmail.com

Santa Maria Valley Chamber presides over State of Education event

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Local education leaders spoke to the business community on vital topics facing today’s schools during the Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s annual State of Education event Tuesday at the Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria.

The event included a discussion from a panel, which was moderated by Dr. Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County superintendent of schools.

People on the panel included Holly Edds of the Orcutt Union School District, Antonio Garcia of the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, Emilio Handall of the Guadalupe Union School District and Darren McDuffie of the Santa MariaBonita School District. All of these administrators are Santa Maria Valley superintendents.

The panel covered a variety of topics including how school districts collaborate in preparing students for college life as well as their careers. Additionally, the

Poll: Majority of Americans want spending cuts included in debt ceiling deal

By GLENN MINNIS

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – An overwhelming number of voters say that President Joe Biden should compromise with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to cut government spending as part of a deal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling, according to a new poll commissioned by America’s New Majority Project.

In a national survey of 2,000 people conducted by McLaughlin and Associates over a four-day period beginning on May 4, nearly 61% of voters polled agreed with the statement that “House Republicans have done their jobs and passed a responsible debt ceiling increase, now President Biden and Senate Democrats must do their job and negotiate a compromise.

The GOP-led House passed the “Limit, Save, Grow Act” last month that raises the debt ceiling to avoid default and cut $4.5 trillion in federal spending.

A large majority of those surveyed rejected President Biden’s call for a “clean” debt ceiling increase with no compromises on government spending. Voters want a check on government spending, with 64% branding the administration’s plan as a “dirty” debt ceiling increase because it would ultimately mean even greater debt and spending while weakening Social Security and Medicare.

“Americans want Congress to cut federal spending and they want Republicans and Democrats to compromise to get things done,” said Joe DeSantis, chief strategy officer at Gingrich 360. America’s New Majority Project is a project of Gingich 360. “Biden and the Democrats find themselves on the wrong side of public opinion on both issues.”

Given the choice between a GOP candidate who will only vote

for a debt ceiling increase if it also cuts government spending and a Democratic candidate who will only vote for a debt ceiling increase if it does not cut government spending, voters in the poll selected the GOP candidate by a 49-35 margin, with Republicans gaining ground among independents, Gen X, Democrat and women voters.

In addition, more than six out of every 10 respondents (62%), including a majority of all parties, ethnicities, genders and age groups, support spending cuts to get the deficit under control even if it means more adjustments for them and their families.

panel discussed how businesses can help schools respond to local workforce trends and needs.

There was a second panel at the event, which included Santa Barbara County Education Office’s Noelle Barthel, director of Career Technical Education, and Chelsea Duffy, executive director of Partners in Education.

Both of these education experts spotlighted successful business partnerships and encouraged others to get involved with local schools through such

opportunities as volunteering as a career coach, interviewing students in mock interviews, hosting a student intern or hosting a CTE teacher tour. The event also included an update from the Allan Hancock College superintendent and president, Dr. Kevin Walthers, who walked the crowd through a presentation of the latest advancements at the campus, which included the new, state-ofthe-art fine arts complex.

email: abahnsen@newspress.com

Consumer Price Index report shows inflation eased

By BRETT ROWLAND

THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) –Inflation cooled to 4.9% in April, down from 5% the month before, but the measure remains high.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.4% in April on a seasonally adjusted basis. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 4.9% before seasonal adjustment, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday.

“The index for shelter was the largest contributor to the monthly all items increase, followed by increases in the index for used cars and trucks

and the index for gasoline,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report.

Jason Furman, an economist and Harvard professor, said this month’s data was “mildly reassuring” related to what forecasters expected Tuesday and “terrifying” relative to what forecasters expected in February.

“On balance, the underlying detail is less worrisome than the continued very high headline number,” Mr. Furman posted on Twitter. “A bottomup perspective suggests some slowing of inflation from its current pace.”

In March, it had increased 0.1% to 5% over the previous 12 months.

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UCSB baseball completes season sweep of LMU

By ERIC BOOSE UCSB SPORTS WRITER

The UCSB baseball team (31-14) made their quick stop at home a good one, defeating Loyola Marymount (23-21) on Tuesday night, 7-4, to complete a sweep of the two-game season series. The Gauchos had taken the first game back on March 13 in Los Angeles, 13-6. Christian Kirtley and Jared Sundstrom both homered Tuesday night, while Carter Benbrook earned the win and Tyler Bremner the save.

HOW IT HAPPENED

For a fourth straight game as the Gauchos’ lead-off hitter, Kirtley got on base to start the game, knocking a single through the right side of the Lions’ infield. Sundstrom joined him on the base paths thanks to a fielding error, and both would come around to score when Jonah Sebring ripped a two-out double down the left field line. The Gauchos got off to a hot start on the mound too, with Reed Moring striking out four Lions through his first two innings of work. The freshman righty opened and closed the top of the first with strikeouts, then struck out the first two batters of the second inning to make it three in a row retired by way of the K. Unfortunately, the LMU offense got to Moring in the third, starting the frame with two singles and a double to cut the lead in half. Benbrook relieved Moring and nearly cut down what became the second LMU run at home, flipping a softly hit grounder back to catcher Aaron Parker, just barely not in time. An equally heads-up play from Parker made sure Santa Barbara still got the out at first.

Kirtley quickly un-tied the game in the bottom of the third, launching a home run to straight away center field. The Gauchos looked primed to score more in the inning, stealing a total of three bases. Zander Darby singled through the right side and then stole second, stealing third on ball four to Sundstrom. Sundstrom then promptly stole second, but both would be left stranded. Holding on to a one-run lead, Benbrook had to work on the mound in the fourth, facing runners on the corners with just one out. He got a huge hand from LeTrey McCollum, who made a great play coming in from first base to field a bunt and flip it to Parker at home in time to get the runner trying to score from third. Benbrook would get out of the inning unscathed a few batters later, leaving the bases loaded.

The Gauchos picked up some insurance in the bottom of the fifth, with a pair of twoout walks loading the bases before Parker worked a walk himself to drive in a run.

With the bags still juiced, Ivan Brethowr smacked a base hit into left field to drive in two more runs, making it 6-2.

Alex Schrier relieved Benbrook to start the sixth and gave up a run after a double, single, and fielder’s choice, but escaped any further damage with a bases-loaded strikeout to end the frame. The Lions got another run in the seventh after starting the inning with three straight walks, but a 5-4-3 double play helped Sam Whiting limit it to just one run.

Even better, Santa Barbara got one of those runs back in their half of the seventh, with Sundstrom blasting the first pitch he saw well over the left field wall, re-taking the team and conference home run lead after Kirtley’s third-inning blast had tied it.

Whiting was back on the mound for the eighth and worked a perfect inning, then Bremner relieved him and did the same in the ninth, picking up a strikeout on the way to his fourth save of the season.

ON THE STAT SHEET

• Benbrook earned his second win of the year on Tuesday, pitching three innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out three and not allowing a run

• Darby led the Gauchos at the plate on Tuesday, going 3-for-5 on the night. He also led the team with two steals

• Kirtley (2-for-5) and Brethowr (2-for-4) joined Darby in the multi-hit club against LMU

• Schrier, Whiting, and Bremner combined to keep LMU hitless over the final 3 2/3 innings Tuesday night, locking down the win.

• Gaucho players all replaced their usual walk-up songs with hits from the 1980s for Tuesday’s game; some press box favorites include McCollum walking up to Michael Jackson’s “Bad”, as well as Sundstrom’s pick of Bill Withers’ “Just the Two of Us” and Broc Mortensen’s choice, “Careless Whisper” by George Michael.

UP NEXT

The Gauchos hit the road again for the weekend, heading to Long Beach State for a three-game series against the Dirtbags, Friday through Sunday. Saturday’s contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPNU, with Friday and Sunday’s games being streamed on ESPN+. Live stats and an audio only broadcast will be available for all three games. First pitch times are set for 6 p.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.

Eric Boose is assistant director of athletic communications at UCSB. email: sports@newspress.com

Dos Pueblos is defeated by Santa Monica in boys lacrosse

The Dos Pueblos Chargers fell to Santa Monica on Tuesday in boys lacrosse with a final score of 17-8. This was the quarterfinals of the CIF-ss playoffs.

“It’s always tough to lose in the playoffs, but I’m proud of the way our guys showed up. Santa Monica is an excellent, well-coached team and they had our number today,” said Chargers head coach Lucas Martinez.

Dos Pueblos faceoff specialist, Cal Denier, had a great game, winning almost every draw, but Santa Monica’s wing play was too effective for the Chargers. Salem Bawaneh stood tall, making 17 total saves, but the Vikings were lethal on the field.

Dos Pueblos’ offense was effective when they had the ball, with four goals from Dan Finneran, two from Orion Prewarski, and one each from Gus Miller and Jack Finneran, but Dos Pueblos couldn’t hold on to possession to hang with Santa Monica.

Dos Pueblos falls to Santa Fe in softball

In the second round of the CIF playoffs on Tuesday, the Dos Pueblos Chargers lost to Santa Fe 6-2.

The final overall record for the Chargers softball team was 20-10.

“The score is not indicative of the game. This was a very good softball game played by two very good teams. Multiple plays at the plate, home runs and diving catches,” said head coach Mike Gerken.

Dos Pueblos had a chance to score in the 2nd after a lead off double from freshman Anastasia Brunner.

Georgia Wilson moved her to third with a ground ball. DP tried to squeeze in the run, but the bunt went straight to the pitcher, who gloveflipped to the plate just in time to get Brunner.

Paulina Avina and Bella Nuno each hit home runs for the Chargers, but that was not enough to overcome a rough 4th inning that propelled Santa Fe to victory.

Carpinteria baseball loses to Norwalk

The Carpinteria Warriors’ five-game

winning streak in baseball came to an abrupt end in the CIF-ss single elimination tournament with a loss Tuesday against Norwalk 11-7.

Shane Goodmanson pitched for the Warriors and was successful through the first inning without a base runner. However, the Lancers caused problems in the 2nd, scoring one earned run and two unearned runs to go up 3-0.

The Lancers extended their lead to 9-3 before Carpinteria struck back. Gabe Martinez grounded to third base, but an errant throw allowed two runs to score.

Erich Goebel followed with a towering two run home run to right field, which brought the Warriors back within striking distance 9-7.

Norwalk was able to tack on two runs in the 7th, and the Warriors couldn’t recover.

Goebel added a single and a walk and scored twice. Matt Muñoz, Beto Martinez and Joaquin Ramirez each had two hits apiece.

Head coach Patrick Cooney gave his end-of-season thoughts: “Of course, the loss stings today. However, it won’t be long before we forget all of the scores of the games this year. We will not forget the people that made it a great season.”

— Compiled by Annika Bahnsen

SBCC to honor Hall of Fame recipients

By ANNIKA BAHNSEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

The Santa Barbara City College Athletics Department has announced its 2023 class for the SBCC Vaqueros Hall of Fame: Faha Banks, Rusty Fairly and Ed Gover.

The college will honor the recipients along with members from the Class of 2020 on June 16 at the SBCC Sports Pavilion Patio.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2019, and it recognizes former Vaqueros who have had a lasting impact on the culture of excellence at SBCC.

As a freshman at SBCC in 1989-90, Banks was a stellar basketball athlete. She averaged 12.5 points per game and set a single game record for most threes in a game. She was an All Western State Conference selection and earned a full scholarship to division two Chapman University. Banks returned to SBCC in 199192, improving her scoring average to

After More Than 40 Years, Michael Can Finally Take His Grandkids Fishing...

18.2 points per game. She earned WSC

All-Conference as well as All-State honors where she participated in the California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches Association AllStar game.

Fairly came to Santa Barbara in 1961 as backfield baseball coach at UCSB, where he coached for four years before SBCC hired him as head baseball coach and assistant on the football staff.

Fairly’s baseball teams won a total of 255 games, highlighted by a conference championship in 1972. When he retired as coach, Fairly continued to serve SBCC as chair of its Health, Physical Education and Athletics Division until

1986.

Gover had a successful 28-year career with the Vaqueros that spanned 1991-2019. He compiled a 378-216 record (.636) and secured 11 WSC North Division conference titles. He guided the Vaqueros to a state runnerup finish in 1999 and fifth place in the state in 2013 and 2015. Gover was a sixtime WSC North Coach of the Year and the Southern California Coach of the Year in 2015. If you would like to attend the event, tickets are $50 and available online at sbccvaqueros.com/Tickets/HomeTown. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

ANNOUNCING THE MICHAELKATE RETIREMENT SALE!

After A Record Breaking 2022, It Feels Like the Time is Right...

As many of you know, the retail world is a ‘hands on’ world, and to do it correctly you have to be on board 24/7/360. After 40 years in the furniture business, it is time for Michael to be able to take a break and spend more time with his grown children and grandchildren who have scattered across the country to pursue their own dreams.

Originally founded in 1953, Bob and Barbara McColm, Michael’s parents, purchased the Danica House business in 1970. Over the years Danica House stayed relevant by evolving first into Neuvié and finally MichaelKate. Michael grew up working in the business, and when his parents retired in 2000 Michael took the reigns and has continued the family business ever since.

It has been an amazing run for a furniture business that started as Danica House in a little yellow cottage on Chapala Street. And, we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic customers who have made this such a wonderful experience!

HURRY, SALE STARTS NOW!

The Hall of Fame was established in 2019, and it recognizes former Vaqueros who have had a lasting impact on the culture of excellence at SBCC.

Senate Commerce Committee advances Railway Safety Act

By T.A. DEFEO THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday advanced a measure that ostensibly aims to increase safety on the nation’s railroads.

Lawmakers introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2023, S.576, following a Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern Railway derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

“Today’s vote was a bipartisan victory for railway safety in America,” U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, one of the measure’s cosponsors, said in a statement after its passage. “The tragedy in East Palestine can never be undone, but with the advancement of this legislation, we are moving one step closer to ensuring this never happens again.”

Among its provisions, the legislation increases the frequency of “defect detection” technology, which lawmakers say could have prevented the Ohio derailment and mandates two-person train crews for railroads. It would also require railroads to inform state officials about hazardous materials traveling through local jurisdictions and increase civil penalties for violations.

The legislation also increases HAZMAT registration fees for Class I railroads.

Following its passage, the Association of

Lawmakers introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2023, S.576, following a Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern Railway derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

American Railroads called on policymakers to continue refining the legislation. In a statement, AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies said each provision of a safety proposal “should be clearly designed to rectify a current safety challenge” but argues the legislation “falls short” of that goal.

“Committee negotiations on the Rail Safety Act have yielded substantive improvements that advance stakeholders’ shared goal – enhancing rail safety, supporting first responders and keeping our communities safe,” Mr. Jefferies said. “Railroads support items of this bill and remain fully committed to working with the Committee and all members of the Senate to build on these improvements, with the ultimate goal of ensuring all provisions result in meaningful data-driven safety advancements that all can support.”

“At the same time, challenges remain with certain provisions, including those that mandate crew staffing models, expand hazmat transportation operating requirements,

Sailing in Santa Barbara

micromanage detector networks, and unnecessarily broaden manual inspections,” Mr. Jefferies added.

In a statement, Chuck Baker, president of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, which represents more than 600 smaller freight railroads and hundreds of industry suppliers, said the measure represents “meaningful progress towards recognizing the unique needs of smaller freight railroads across the country and mitigates many of the unintended consequences that we were concerned about.”

“However, due to the interconnected nature of the U.S. freight rail system, short lines are still apprehensive that this broad set of proposed new regulations would have repercussions throughout the supply chain, may ensnare smaller railroads directly regardless of the legislation’s intent, and that funding proposals in the legislation may diminish opportunities for short line safety improvements,” Mr. Baker said.

In Ukraine, Odessa City Hospital receives a shipment of emergency medical supplies from Direct Relief in October.

Health4Ukraine initiative aimed at providing medical supplies

UKRAINE

Continued from Page A1

Health4Ukraine, an initiative created by the represented organizations.

Health4Ukraine allows Ukrainians, who crossed the border to escape the war, to receive funds for the purchasing of medicines in publicly accessible pharmacies and pharmacy points in Poland.

And Health4Ukraine received

$15 million in funding this past year from Direct Relief.

“This highly efficient program, which puts a layer of innovation on top of existing systems, personnel and logistical infrastructure, allowed us to provide tailored assistance to meet the medical needs of every refugee covered by the program, no matter where in Poland they are,” Mr. Tighe said at Wednesday’s event.

Since its initial launch in April 2022, Health4Ukraine supported

316,894 Ukrainian refugees in Poland with more than $17 million in monetary aid.

As reported by Direct Relief, nearly 70% of the funds were used to purchase medicine, and the rest of the money was used to provide personal care products such as dental hygiene and soap to the refugees.

This is not the only area of the war Direct Relief is assisting with. In April, medical products from Direct Relief were supplied to hospitals and clinics across

Ukraine, including a major delivery to replenish the supply at the children’s hospital in the city of Kremenchuk, Ukraine.

Direct Relief is continuing to be a major help to the Ukrainian people, and the nonprofit encourages Americans back home to see where they can be of assistance.

To learn more, visit directrelief. org. email: abahnsen@newspress.com

More than 40 Texas counties have declared an invasion

TITLE 42

Continued from Page A1

[mayors, local officials] want us to drop them off at.”

Many Texas border counties first issued declarations of disaster in early 2021 after their communities were inundated with people committing crimes and burdening local taxpayers with services they didn’t have the resources to provide – including thousands infected with COVID-19 who were released

into local communities even while Title 42 was in place. By July 5, 2022, the first county judge and later judges and commissioners of over 40 Texas counties declared an invasion, arguing Mexican cartels are bringing in drugs, terrorists and criminals through the southern border using “migrant warfare” and “nonconventional warfare” to do it. The amount of fentanyl being seized by law enforcement in single vehicles over 100 miles from the border in Texas, Arizona and California is enough to kill entire

populations of small cities and towns. The amount of fentanyl Texas Operation Lone Star officers have seized since March 2021 is enough to kill everyone in the United States.

More counties are likely to issue disaster and invasion declarations as the Biden administration continues to facilitate “legal pathways” for people from all over the world to illegally enter the United States. An estimated 13,000 are expected to arrive a day when Title 42 ends, officials have estimated, or roughly 4.6 million within a year.

KENNETH SONG / NEWS-PRESS

A sailboat glides Wednesday between sea lions napping on a buoy (foreground) and the cruise ship MS Regatta anchored off Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara.

PHOTO COURTESY ODESSA CITY HOSPITAL

Life theArts

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023

CALENDAR

The calendar appears Mondays through Saturdays in the “Life & the Arts” section. Items are welcome. Please email them a full week before the event to Managing Editor Dave Mason at dmason@newspress.com.

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

‘The Mystery of the Marie” by Teresa Newton-Terres is the May offering in the monthly lecture series at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way. Taking place at 7 p.m. May 18, Ms. Newton-Terres’s presentation will delve into her years-long search to solve the mystery of the Marie’s disappearance after it was shipwrecked off Santa Cruz Island in 1960.

On June 7, 1960, the Marie, a converted World War II landing craft, set out at sunrise from Santa Barbara Harbor and was never seen again. The seven-person crew was working on a covert underwater communications experiment for a Raytheonrelated project when the shipwreck occurred. Four bodies were recovered, but the Marie’s lifeboat remained missing, along with the captain, a scientist and an engineer, Diego “Jim” Terres Jr. Ms. Newton-Terres was only 2-years old when her father disappeared and years later decided to investigate the story and try to resolve the mysteries surrounding the Marie’s

‘ e Mystery of the Marie’

Author to discuss shipwreck off Santa Cruz Island

TODAY 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its permanent mineral exhibit of rocks and crystals that is on view in the small hall off the museum’s central courtyard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which opened April 22, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/ minerals.

By appointment on weekdays: “Holly Hungett: Natural Interpretations” is on view through May 20 at the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara’s gallery, 229 E. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and weekdays by appointment. For more information, call the foundation at 805-965-6307 or go to www.afsb. org.

Noon to 5 p.m. “Clarence Mattei: Portrait of a Community” is on view now through May at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which is located in downtown Santa Barbara at 136 E. De la Guerra St. Admission is free. Hours are currently from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit www.sbhistorical. org.

MAY 13

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Santa Barbara Audubon Society and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, will jointly present family-fun activities at the garden throughout May, Bird Month, including “Family Bird Nest” on this day. Activities include guided bird walks, bird-themed Story Time, avian crafts, bird scavenger hunt, and more. Participants will discover why native plants are important to birds and how to create a birdfriendly garden. Reservations are required. To make them, go to www. sbbotanicgarden.org/visit/hoursreservations.

7 p.m. Vocalist Julie Christensen will perform with guitarist Joe Woodard and bassist Steve Nelson at the Ojai Underground Exchange, 616 Pearl St. in Ojai. Ms. Christensen’s album, “The Price We Pay for Love,” was recently released. Tickets are $35. To purchase, go to ojaiundergroundexchangetickets. square.site. For more information, call 805-340-7893.

7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Platinum Sounds” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The orchestra’s 70th anniversary program will feature Grammy-nominated American violinist Philippe Quint on Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Opus 64. And the symphony will showcase its own players performing Jonathan Leshnoff’s Concerto Grosso, previously commissioned for the symphony’s 60th anniversary. The orchestra will also perform Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb. org

MAY 14

2 p.m. Free concerts take place at 2 p.m. Sundays through July 9 at Hitching Post Wines’ tasting room, 420 State Route 246, Buellton. For more information, visit hpwines.com.

3 p.m. The Santa Barbara Symphony will perform its “Platinum Sounds” concert at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. The orchestra’s 70th anniversary program will feature Grammy-nominated American violinist Philippe Quint on Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor, Opus 64. And the symphony will showcase its own players performing Jonathan Leshnoff’s Concerto Grosso, previously commissioned for the symphony’s 60th anniversary. The orchestra will also perform Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Opus 68. Tickets cost $35 to $175. To purchase, go to granadasb.org. A pre-concert talk with Nir Kabaretti, the symphony’s music and artistic director, will take place at 2 p.m.

MAY 18 3 to 5 p.m. A recruitment reception for volunteer docents will take place at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. The year-long training course begins each September. For more information or to attend, visit www.sbma.net/docent or contact education@sbma.net.

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

At top, Ms. Newton-Terres’ family gathers in 1959 for Diego Terres Jr.’s graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Above, the back cover of “The Mystery of the Marie” shows the seven men who set out on the Marie on June 7, 1960. The seventh photo, far right, appears here as it appears on the back cover.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Teresa Newton-Terres, author of “The Mystery of the Marie,” looks at her grandmother’s scrapbook. Ms. Newton-Terres was only 2-years old when her father disappeared and years later decided to investigate the story and try to resolve the mysteries surrounding the Marie’s disappearance. Please see MARIE on B2

Author Teresa Newton-Terres was raised in Santa Barbara.

AUTHOR’S ARCHIVES

Diego Santos Terres Sr. searches for his fi rst-born son, Diego S. Terres Jr., while his second-born son, Albert Terres, stands watch at the wheel of the Sea Song, a triple mast schooner.

Monica Logan named CommUnify CEO

Monica Logan is the new chief operating officer of CommUnify.

Ms. Logan began her new duties this week. She is a licensed master social worker with more than 20 years of experience in programs, administration, community organizing and clinical practice.

Ms. Logan comes to CommUnify from the Baltimore City Public School System, where she served as the director of system learning and development. In that role, she implemented adult learning activities and standards across 11 divisions, 164 schools and programs.

systems quality at the National Summer Learning Association. Both roles allowed her to help young people reach and exceed their highest potential.

a master’s in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

Monica Logan

MARIE

Continued from Page B1

disappearance.

She began her search for the truth while living near Pearl Harbor when she received her grandmother’s scrapbook with news articles about the shipwreck. She approached Raytheon, scoured original sources and heard first-hand accounts, uncovering an aerospace cold case, an untold cold war mystery and a World War II story, all of which she will discuss in her presentation.

Ms. Newton-Terre is recognized as a leader and mentor through her work as an author, speaker and project life treasure hunter. She has held Project Management Professional certification since 2000, and her service to projects gained global recognition by the Project Management Institute in 2008 and again in 2016.

Her essay, “The Shipwreck,” won inclusion in the anthology

“Triumph from Tragedy: Personal Stories of Struggle, Courage, Hope and Victory,” which was published in December 2021.

Ms. Newton-Terres was raised in Santa Barbara, educated at Principia College and now lives near Little Rock, Ark., with her husband, Col. Kenneth H. Newton (U.S. Army, retired). email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

Previously she was the director of youth programs at the Parks & People Foundation, then became vice president of program and

“After a robust search to find the right person in this important position for CommUnify, we feel so fortunate to have Monica join our leadership team,” said Patricia Keelean, CEO. “The vast experience and community advocacy she brings to this role will help our organization to be more effective and enable us to expand the programs we provide to the community we serve, while supporting our talented staff.”

Ms. Logan earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and

“I am honored to join CommUnify’s committed leadership team, and to provide programs and services to our community, which help our local families and strengthen their economic resiliency,” Ms. Logan said. “As a social worker, I was drawn to the organization’s mission and excellent reputation for creating more stable families and communities, and I am thrilled to bring my experiences to enrich and grow the amazing work of CommUnify!”

For more about CommUnify, see communifysb.org.

— Staff reports

Yellow nectarines

The first harvest of stone fruit is under way, with these small round yellow nectarines leading the charge. Harvested firm, these nectarines may take a day or two to ripen on the countertop, but once ready, they are quite flavorful and juicy, with notable aromatic and flavor notes of tangy sweet nectarines.

Add yellow nectarines to a host of dessert recipes, or blend them into your favorite smoothie.

This week I prepared a nectarine and cucumber salad as the Fix of the Week, below.

Nectarines are a good source of vitamins C and A, along with a host of essential minerals.

You can find yellow nectarines at the Saturday Santa Barbara farmers’ market, but expect to see them at all weekly local farmers markets in the weeks to come.

Price averages $4 per pound.

While they can be eaten raw, fava beans can be naturally astringent. They are most commonly simmered. Then the clear outer casing is removed until just the green bean is left to be eaten as they come, tossed into pasta or rice, or enjoyed over a mixed green salad. In their prime during the spring season, fava beans can currently be found from several growers at all weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers markets. Price averages $4 per pound.

Japanese fava beans

AUTHOR’S ARCHIVES

The map shows the Air-Sea Search System used to search for the victims of the Marie Disaster. The Coast Guard created the system.

FYI

“The Mystery of the Marie” by Teresa Newton-Terres will take place at 7 p.m. May 18 at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara. Registration is required, and the cost is free for SBMM’s Navigator Circle members, $10 for all other members and $20 for the general public. Register at sbmm.org/santa-barbara-events/.

Peppermint

Delivering a very distinct and refreshing peppermint flavor and aroma, this culinary delight is available from Earthtrine Farm at the Saturday Santa Barbara and Tuesday Santa Barbara farmers’ markets.

Add peppermint to spring rolls, toss it in a salad, blend it into dips and spreads, or use it to infuse a wonderful mint flavor into your beverages. This is a nice herb to incorporate into your spring meals.

Peppermint is a natural hybrid of water mint and spearmint and can be found growing wild in many parts of the United States. Mint is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as a decent source of B-vitamins, copper, calcium, magnesium and zinc. The fresh mint can also be dried and stored for longer periods. Certified organic is available. Price averages $3 per bunch.

Fava beans — also sometimes referred to as Windsor beans, broad beans or field beans — are recognized by their large green pods. Enclosed within are plumb beans that deliver a nutty flavor and buttery texture when cooked.

Sam Edelman is general manager of the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association and host of “Farm to Table,” which airs live 9 a.m. Thursdays on KZSB AM 1290. Courtesy photos

With the last piece of stone fruit harvested from the trees in October, many have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2023 crop.

This past weekend, the first round of tree-ripened cherries, some small nectarines, as well as a few boxes of fresh apricots, could be found sprinkled throughout the downtown Santa Barbara farmers’ markets. This small representation is just a sampling of what’s to come, with the quantity and diversity of fruit becoming exponentially more available as the season progresses.

The early harvest of nectarines that I brought home this past weekend were quite flavorful and slightly more acidic than those that will be harvested in the summer months.

The current crop of nectarines falls under the clingstone category, meaning the central pit closely adheres to the flesh within.

With both white and yellow fleshed specimens on display, my kids were quite excited to sink their teeth into their first nectarines of the year.

Unlike peaches, which tend to have a slightly fuzzy skin, nectarines have a very smooth and glossy exterior. White fleshed fruit tends to taste sweeter due to the lower level of acidity. However,

the actual sugar levels of yellow and white nectarines are almost identical.

Nectarines can be incorporated into a wide array of dishes, paring well in both sweet and savory preparations. They can even be grilled, tossed in green salads, added to smoothies or turned into flavorful preserves, sauces and syrups.

This week I made a simple nectarine and cucumber salad. Quite refreshing, this can be enjoyed as both a side salad or main meal.

NECTARINE AND CUCUMBER SALAD

3 firm-ripe nectarines.

2 medium cucumbers, sliced.

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.

1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled.

1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped (mint, basil and/or cilantro).

1/4 cup slivered almonds.

Olive oil and aged balsamic. Freshly cracked pepper to taste. Slice the nectarines off of the pit into bite-sized pieces. Then mix them together with the cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, herbs annd almonds. Toss with a little olive oil and aged balsamic. Finish with freshly cracked pepper.

Yield: Serves 2.

SAM EDELMAN PHOTO

COURTESY

Diversions

Thought for Today

“An effort made for the happiness of others lifts above ourselves.” — Lydia M. Child

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Thursday, May 11, 2023

ARIES — Today you might work on your spiritual practice or studies, Aries. You could read a book on the subject, attend a lecture, or practice some kind of discipline such as yoga or meditation. The only caveat is don’t try to do too much at once. You could tire yourself out.

Concentrate on one thing at a time.

TAURUS — Physical pleasure may be at the top of your priority list today, Taurus. You might want to go to your favorite restaurant and have a great meal, including wine, appetizers, and dessert. Or you might feel especially energetic and want to take your partner for a complete spa treatment.

GEMINI — Love matters may prove too intense today, Gemini. You may be having a rough week. Your partner may be especially demanding of your time and energy. This might be a good day to schedule some time alone. Go for a massage, sauna, or hot tubby yourself - and simply relax.

CANCER — You’ve been hoping for a quiet day on the job, Cancer, but too many calls could come your way. You might have to juggle several at once. Don’t try to deal with every problem. Exercise your triage abilities and take care of the most pressing first. Let the others go, if necessary. You aren’t doing anyone any favors by getting too distracted. Even you can be less than thorough when overwhelmed.

LEO — Were you planning to go shopping today, Leo? If you can, put it off until tomorrow. You could be tempted by too many items that seem wonderful in the store but are nothing but a bother once you get them home. If you must go, make the effort to bypass shops where you might fall into this trap.

VIRGO — You look especially attractive today, Virgo, and it’s doing wonders for your selfesteem. Even members of your household notice. But you probably feel more like staying in than going out. If you want a romantic partner to notice how you look, it might be a good idea to extend an invitation to visit your home. You will get to stay in and still be admired by the one you love the most!

LIBRA — Today, Libra,

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

you might want to make an unqualified declaration of love. That’s fine if you’ve been involved for a while, although you could overwhelm your partner. If the relationship is new, beware! This could feel like too much too soon. Your friend could respond by backing away or even disappearing. Use restraint or you might have the opposite effect to the one you want.

SCORPIO — A friend may offer you a gift today, Scorpio. It could involve money, favors, time, items you need, or something else. Be discriminating about what you accept, and make sure you offer to reciprocate. Insist, if you must. As generous as your friend may be now, later he or she could feel used or else call in some favors that you aren’t willing to perform. Accept graciously, within limitations.

SAGITTARIUS — The temptation to take center stage might be too strong to resist, Sagittarius. Someone may ask you to tell a story. Your gift with words and vivid imagination should serve you well. Keep it brief. If you go on too long, your friends could fidget. Time your performance by watching their expressions. Do it right and you will be asked to do it again.

CAPRICORN — A gathering could bring you lots of good news and useful information, Capricorn. The problem is that there might be too much. You will want to remember it all, but your memory may not be as sharp as usual. Before you attend a gathering, grab a notebook and pen. That way you can write down whatever you want to look into later.

AQUARIUS — You generally enjoy your dreams, Aquarius, both the dreaming process and analyzing them later. But tonight you might have too many to keep track of. While you will probably recall the most significant ones, it may be frustrating if you forget any of them. This might be the day to start a dream diary, if you don’t have one. Have fun!

PISCES — Too many invitations to social events may come today, Pisces. This might be one evening when you want to relax at home, but you won’t want to say no to anyone. Analyze each invitation. Consider the location, host, other guests — whatever seems most significant to you. Attend only the ones you think you will really enjoy. Follow your heart.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, May 11, 2023

The Trojan War having dragged on for 10 long years, the weary warriors determined to settle the issue at the bridge table.

In today’s deal, the wily Odysseus became declarer at four spades, and Paris, West for Troy, led a heart. Hector, East, won and shifted to the ten of diamonds: queen, ace. Odysseus won the diamond return with the king and cashed the A-K of trumps.

When Paris discarded a heart, declarer laid down his jack of diamonds — and then recoiled as if he had pulled out the wrong card.

DOWN ONE

“I fear the Greeks even when they bear gifts,” Hector muttered, and he pitched a heart. At the end, Odysseus had to lose two clubs for down one. But if East ruffs the third diamond, declarer reaches dummy with the six of trumps to discard on the good diamonds.

“We were lucky to beat it after you forgot to ruff the third diamond,” Paris (no analyst, he) complained. “I wish you wouldn’t horse around that way.”

“Did you say wooden horse?” Odysseus asked politely.

Your partner opens

INSTRUCTIONS

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

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

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

Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

PUZZLE

one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?

ANSWER: Since you have 13 high-card points, balanced pattern and the unbid suit stopped, you might bid 3NT. Still, partner can have many hands where a heart contract is superior, and to look around will cost nothing. Bid two clubs, a forcing “fourth-suit” call. If partner next bids two hearts, you will bid four hearts.

East dealer Both sides vulnerable