Santa Barbara News-Press: July 20, 2023

Secrets of great tamales

Founder of National Tamale Day to share his tips in pre-Fiesta class - B1

Nurse honored for outstanding care

Airport expansion

DOJ accused of ‘abuse of power’

By CASEY HARPER

THE CENTER SQUARE

SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Two IRS whistleblowers testifying before Congress Wednesday allege that Hunter Biden benefited significantly from “abuse of authority” and interference from President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice in the inter-agency investigation into the younger Biden’s several alleged tax crimes.

Supervisory Special Agent Gary Shapley and Criminal Investigator Joseph Ziegler, both IRS employees with a combined 27 experience years at the agency, said Hunter Biden’s preferential treatment was different from other cases in their experience.

SB facility’s staff discusses proposal during open house

By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

The Santa Barbara Airport held an open house Tuesday to talk about the proposed airport expansion, set to begin in 2026.

The expansion, named the Terminal Improvement Project, would add over 30,000 square feet to the airport, which would include two new gates, additional seating and improved security lines as part of a plan to keep up with current overcrowding issues.

The details of these plans, drawn out in detail and explained by its architects and the airport staff, were presented to the public during the open house at Direct Relief, the Goleta nonprofit near the airport.

“Within the current terminal, we are at capacity, passengerwise,” said Santa Barbara Airport Marketing Supervisor Angi Daus.

“This improvement project is going to be able to give our passengers a better experience,” she told the News-Press.

The majority of the construction would be on the south side of the terminal, where the baggage claim and security lines are. There would also be some other additions and upgrades throughout the rest of the airport as needed.

The Terminal Improvement Project was first proposed in 2017, and after construction begins, it is not expected to finish until 2028.

Given that the project is expected to span over 10 years, there will likely be questions as to why the process must take so long.

Marketing Supervisor Daus argued that while the decade-long time frame can be frustrating, it is not inherently bad.

“It’s a good amount of bureaucracy. It’s part of our democratic process,” said Ms. Daus. “We want to make sure

that all the members of our community are part of the process and that we take our time so that as many people in the community know about it.”

The open house gave community members a chance to talk to those involved with the project roll-out, ask questions and see detailed plans for the future of the airport.

For those who missed the meeting or would like to attend one in the future, the airport has yet to set a date, but assured there will be more.

“This is our first community meeting,” Ms. Daus said. “We’re only at about 10% for the total project right now.

“We’re just getting started,

FYI

For more information about the Santa Barbara AIrport, visit flysba.santabarbaraca. gov. Check the project page at flysba.santabarbaraca. gov/projects/terminalimprovement-project for more specifics and scroll to the bottom of the page to subscribe for project email updates.

there will be a lot more meetings,” she said.

email: lhibbert@newspress.com

In particular, they testified that Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Wolf helped block investigators’ plan for an interview of the president and a search warrant of the Biden residence in Delaware.

As The Center Square previously reported, court documents made public last month show that Hunter

Biden, who pleaded guilty to two federal misdemeanor taxrelated charges, will also face a charge related to possessing a gun while being a drug user. However, that firearm charge will be subject to a pretrial diversion agreement, meaning Hunter Biden’s lawyers brokered a deal and Mr. Biden will likely not see prison time for the gun charge. Hunter Biden’s plea deal was immediately criticized by Republicans as a “sweetheart deal” and was a key point of focus for Wednesday’s hearing. Supervisory Special Agent Shapley worked on Hunter Biden’s case and said both the IRS and Delaware State prosecutors recommended charging Hunter Biden with multiple felonies and misdemeanors related to his tax filings from 2014 to 2019. Mr. Shapley testified that President Biden’s political appointees “were allowed to weigh in on whether to charge the president’s son” and the final plea deal ended up being much less than the IRS originally Please see DOJ on A4

Newsom-threatened school board draws national attention

By KENNETH SCHRUPP

THE CENTER SQUARE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Gov. Gavin Newsom doubled down on threats to the Temecula Valley Unified School Board for thus far refusing to adopt his preferred social studies textbook hours before it was scheduled to hold a workshop to present stateapproved alternatives amid state and national furor from Democratic officials.

“The Temecula school board rejected the adoption of a widely used social studies curriculum — forcing students to use an outof-print textbook that doesn’t meet requirements and breaks the law,” Gov. Newsom said the morning of the workshop.

In advance of the workshop, the school district, which maintains a contentious relationship with the elected school board, issued an agenda explaining its rationale for the proposed curriculum, one of the four State Board of Education adopted materials for “History/ Social Studies.”

“A Social Science Pilot team consisting of 47 teachers from all grades, at all sites, came to a consensus of adopting TCI

Social Studies Alive 1st-5th grade for an eight-year adoption. TCI Social Studies Alive 1st5th will be the primary history instructional material for elementary students,” Temecula Unified School District said.

In the workshop meeting, board members clashed

Angela Fichtner receives DAISY Award at Lompoc Valley Medical Center - B4

COURTESY SANTA BARBARA AIRPORT

FILE PHOTO

“This improvement project is going to be able to give our passengers a better experience.”

— Angi Daus, Santa Barbara Airport marketing supervisor

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gavin Newsom

IRS whistleblowers say department interfered in Hunter Biden investigation

Local firefighters help to tackle Rabbit Fire

rvcfire.org/incidents/factsheets/RabbitFire-July2023.

— Liam Hibbert

California continues ‘pro-housing’ policy drive

By KENNETH SCHRUPP THE CENTER SQUARE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Gov. Gavin Newsom designated five new cities as “pro-housing” amid a new housing push in the California legislature as the state continues to fail to meet its housing goals.

The state announced in late 2022 California’s goal to build 2.5 million new housing units by 2030, or an average rate of over 300,000 units per year. According to the California Department of Finance, California built just 116,000 units of new housing in 2022, while a 2022 paper from University of Chicago and George Mason University researchers estimates California has an over 4.5 million unit housing shortage. In the face of these numbers, California will need to triple its housing production to meet its own more limited housing goals, let alone catch up with the overall shortfall.

By receiving “pro-housing” designations, as just presented to

Long Beach, Moreno Valley, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County and the town of Windsor, municipalities that earnestly work toward and have made progress in meeting their housing needs can become eligible for state resources that range from funding incentives from California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, especially for socalled “affordable” housing that costs less than the 30% of an area’s median income in rent and utilities.

Currently two significant bills face the California legislature to spur further housing development, the first of which could allow for the building more family-sized apartment units by allowing for single-stair housing, and the second of which would allow new low-income housing to be exempted from California Environmental Quality Act so long as local zoning allows for multifamily development.

The first bill, Assembly Bill 835, would instruct the California

Fire Marshal to include proposed standards for single-staircase multifamily, residential buildings above three stories, for which single-staircase design is already permitted. Proponents of the bill, which was spearheaded by the Livable Communities Initiative Los Angeles with East Bay for Everyone, argue it will greatly reduce the cost of building housing, increase the size of available units to better accommodate families, and create better-lit apartments with lower cooling costs.

“AB 835 is an important step in bringing California’s building code up to international standards, allowing for more multifamily, infill developments that can be designed in a way that allows for more family-sized units,” said Nolan Gray, city planner and research director for California YIMBY, a prohousing organization that backs AB 835.

The second bill, AB 1449, would exempt low-income multifamily housing in areas already zoned for

multifamily development from the California Environmental Quality Act, a measure signed into law by then-governor Ronald Reagan in 1970 and used to prevent use of natural resources, and the building of new structures. While still boasting significant support, the bill faces opposition from both Democrats and Republicans and passed the Assembly 54-13. According to CEQA expert and California Policy Center cofounder Edward Ring, creating more exemptions to CEQA fails to address why California is so expensive in the first place.

“If you’re going to exempt low-income housing, you’re still leaving all other housing subject to CEQA. If you can’t repeal CEQA, creating exemptions means the politically connected special interests get ahead while everyone else remains a victim of CEQA,” said Mr. Ring. “If you’re going to play the exemptions game with housing then it must be all housing. “When you increase the supply you will lower the price.”

Local governments expected to sail through downturn

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Local governments and states are expected to sail through a shallow economic slowdown using pandemic relief aid as a cushion, but the dip poses fresh challenges for publicly funded mass transit agencies.

That’s according to the latest report from S&P Global Ratings, one of the Big Three credit rating agencies.

“Our baseline U.S. economic forecast is now for a shallower but more protracted slowdown rather than a recession; however, we don’t expect this to disrupt credit stability for most issuers for the remainder of 2023,” said S&P Global Ratings Chief Analytical Officer Robin Prunty.

Federal stimulus and financial reserves continue to provide a cushion for many states, local governments and other public sector operations, according to the mid-year report.

The federal government spent more than $5 trillion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That money continues to bolster state and local government finances.

For local governments, S&P is watching for reduced consumer spending and inflationary pressure.

The rating agency also is watching how states perform because states are a key source of revenue for local governments.

“Pandemic-related federal stimulus is helping to support

capital needs and offset rising operating costs,” according to the report.

The outlook for states is decidedly positive, according to S&P. About 10% of the sector has a positive outlook with the rest in a stable position.

State reserve funds are sitting at an all-time high, according to the report.

The situation is less optimistic for mass transit, which has largely

survived the past few years on federal pandemic aid. That aid is expected to run dry in the coming years, which could pose problems for transit operators as ridership continues to fall below pre-pandemic levels in many parts of the country.

Spending down that federal money “is accelerating decision-making on plugging the funding hole left by lagging

ridership and fare revenue,” according to the report.

Some transit operators are already floating plans for tax increases when pandemic aid runs out.

For example, Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority’s five-year strategic plan calls for consideration of 11 tax and fee increases at a time when fewer people are using public transportation.

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175,000+ came through southern U.S. border in June

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Over 175,000 people came through the southern border in June, according to newly published U.S. Customs and Border Protection data and preliminary data first published by The Center Square.

The official CBP data published on Tuesday isn’t as straightforward as it normally is, possibly due to a recent shakeup at CBP with outgoing chiefs leaving June 30. A news release issued on Tuesday doesn’t include data typically published every month.

The press release states apprehensions at the southwest border totaled 144,607 in June, including CBP One App appointments. It also states 99,545 illegal foreign nationals were encountered between ports of entry at the Southwest border last month. It excludes Office of Field Operations apprehension data and demographics of those coming through.

In order to obtain this data, it has to be searched for on a separate page on the CBP website. OFO apprehensions last month, for example, were 110,958. That’s more than double June 2022 data, which was 54,496. It’s also nearly four times greater than what it was in June 2021, with 28,927, and about six times greater than it was in June 2020 at 19,048.

Despite some officials and media pundits claiming the majority of illegal foreign nationals coming through the southern border are family units, CBP data show the majority are single adults.

Fiscal year to date, nearly 1.2 million were single adults; 494,797 were individuals in family units; 98,659 were unaccompanied single minors; 2,084 were unaccompanied minors.

Every month, officially reported CBP data is higher than the preliminary data first reported by The Center Square. This is because CBP data includes OFO data and preliminary data only includes Border Patrol and gotaway data. CBP doesn’t publish gotaway data. The

Center Square exclusively receives this information from a Border Patrol agent who provides it on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. “Gotaways” is the official CBP term that refers to those who illegally enter between ports of entry, don’t return to Mexico and actively avoid getting caught. CBP’s official total of 144,607 apprehensions last month is slightly higher than the preliminary data The Center Square first published of at least 102,641 apprehensions and at least 32,840 gotaways.

The official number of 144,607, combined with at least 32,840 gotaways much lower than normal, puts a minimum total of at least 177, 447 coming through the southern border in June. Border Patrol agents and other officials have told The Center Square the number is likely higher because fewer agents are in the field to track, apprehend or report gotaways. While CBP claims “these are the lowest monthly Southwest border encounter

numbers since February 2021,” former CBP acting director Mark Morgan told The Center Square the numbers are a shell game.

“As the Border Patrol apprehensions go down [between ports of entry], the encounters at Office of Field Operations are skyrocketing,” he said. “OFO apprehensions alone are on pace for one million encounters this fiscal year, a 300% increase from fiscal 2020.”

Another apparent inconsistency is how CBP is reporting CBP One App data. Of the 144,607 apprehended, it states 45,062 had CBP One appointments.

It also states that over 38,000 people who scheduled appointments through the One App — seeking entry regardless if their asylum or other immigration claims are valid — were released into the U.S.

It also states that, from January to June of this year, over 170,000 people applied for entry using the CBP One App who arrived at ports of entry.

The majority using the app were Haitians, Mexicans and Venezuelans —

nationalities previously restricted from entry.

It doesn’t state that the increase at ports of entry is due to a new DHS policy that allows up to 30,000 people from four countries to enter the U.S. every month, or 120,000 a month total.

They are given two-year visas — regardless of the veracity of their claim and a court date to meet with an immigration judge scheduled 3-4 years in the future.

On July 1, CBP announced it was expanding the number of available app appointments for illegal foreign nationals from 1,250 to 1,450 a day, up from 1,000 a day earlier in the year.

Since January 2021, over 8 million people have been reported illegally entering the U.S. nationwide—more than the individual populations of 38 states.

The numbers are expected to increase through another new DHS parole program already under way designed to bring in millions more people into the U.S.

Texas officials push back on narrative about border crossings

By BETHANY BLANKLEY

THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Texas officials are speaking out about what they argue is a false narrative being perpetrated by several media outlets regarding illegal border crossers at the Rio Grande River in Texas.

On Monday, the Houston Chronicle reported that a whistleblower with Texas DPS said officers were told “to push children into the Rio Grande River and deny water to migrants.” Other media outlets reported the story.

Democratic critics have also blamed Gov. Greg Abbott, a prolife Roman Catholic, for a woman’s recent miscarriage after she attempted to illegally enter Texas in an area blocked off by Texas DPS.

“I truly believe in the mission of Operation Lone Star,” one of the troopers wrote, according to The Week Magazine via Yahoo News. “I believe we have stepped over a line into the inhumane.”

Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, Texas DPS Director Steve

McCraw, and Texas Adjutant

General Major General Thomas Suelzer – the men leading OLS efforts – issued a joint statement in response to the accusations. “No orders or directions have been given under Operation Lone Star that would compromise the lives of those attempting to cross the border illegally,” they said.

Texas DPS and the Texas Military Department are monitoring illegal border crossers in distress, they said, including providing “appropriate medical attention when needed.”

OLS officers also encourage illegal foreign nationals to use “one of 29 international bridges along the Texas-Mexico Border where they can safely and legally cross.

“With migrants from over 150 countries encouraged by open border policies to risk their lives and make this dangerous trek to enter our country illegally, Texas is deploying every tool and strategy to deter and repel illegal crossings between ports of entry,” the officials wrote. “The absence of these tools and strategies — including concertina wire that

Arizona governor laments tribes’ lack of ‘seat at the table’ in American politics

By CAMERON ARCAND THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Arizona

Gov. Katie Hobbs addressed Navajo Nation leaders on Monday as part of an effort by the administration to grow relationships with indigenous tribes.

“Since taking office in January, I’ve made it a priority to engage with Indigenous communities, because for too long you have been left without a seat at the table,” Gov. Hobbs said at the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock.

Ms. Hobbs is the first sitting governor to address the tribal lawmaking body “while in session,” and she touched on the issues of unlicensed mental health and rehabilitation facilities, rural broadband and water.

“I believe in responsible water management for our state, which is why I’ve created a Water Policy Council that tribal voices at the table to help develop policy solutions for our state,” she said.

The governor’s remarks come as the Supreme Court ruled in Arizona v. Navajo Nation last month that the federal government did not need to guarantee the tribal water rights under an 1868 treaty. Roughly a third of the tribe does not have access to “clean reliable drinking

water,” according to its website.

“(W)hile the 1868 treaty ‘set apart a reservation for the “’use and occupation of the Navajo tribe,”’ […] it contains no language imposing a duty on the United States to take affirmative steps to secure water for the Tribe,” Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in the court’s opinion.

However, Gov. Hobbs did not mention the Supreme Court’s ruling directly.

“I recognize that Indigenous peoples are stewards of our natural resources, and this is a value that I share. This is why I’ve taken such an aggressive stance on water management — tackling issues like the Colorado River and the future of our groundwater supplies head-on,” the governor said.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren criticized the court’s decision in a June 22 statement.

“My job as the President of the Navajo Nation is to represent and protect the Navajo people, our land, and our future,” Nygren said. “The only way to do that is with secure, quantified water rights to the Lower Basin of the Colorado River.”

Since taking office in January, Gov. Hobbs has frequently met with tribal leaders in the state, particularly the Gila River Indian Community in the Phoenix area.

AG strikes down dual language ban

(The Center Square) — Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Monday that the Arizona Department of Education cannot stop funding schools because of their choice to teach English language learners with dual language programs.

“Only those school districts and charter schools found by the Board to be noncompliant are barred from receiving monies from the English language learner fund,” she wrote in her opinion. Democratic lawmakers asked for Attorney General Mayes to

snags clothing — encourages migrants to make potentially lifethreatening and illegal crossings.”

They also said that all OLS personnel “are prepared to detect and respond to any individuals who may need water or medical attention.

“Operation Lone Star agency partners use verbal warnings and signage to direct migrants attempting to illegally cross from Mexico into Texas to use ports of entry to protect the lives of migrants, DPS troopers, and Texas National Guard soldiers. Until President Biden reverses his open border policies and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue protecting Texans and Americans from the chaos along the border.”

Illegal border crossers pose a great risk to Texas law enforcement. A Border Patrol agent and state trooper were killed last year when pursuing individuals attempting to illegally cross the border.

One Texas National Guardsman drowned after trying to rescue a drug smuggler attempting to get across the border

undetected.

In response to the media coverage, a Border Patrol agent working in the area told The Center Square those illegally entering between ports of entry are doing so at the direction of Mexican cartels. “We have no idea who these people are based on the amount of fake documents we find. We don’t know if they are real family units. The cartel is kidnapping children south of the U.S. border and selling them to single adults so they can be admitted as a family unit.

“Before, we could mitigate children being recycled using DNA tests. Because DNA testing ended May 31, the cartel is utilizing young children to traffic people across the border.”

The agent spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Alliance for a Safe Texas founder, abortion opponent and Texan, Sheena Rodriguez told The Center Square the Houston Chronicle article and subsequent coverage was a “hit piece attempting to blame Texas guardsmen and DPS for injuries

illegal aliens incurred themselves after they willingly chose to break into our country instead of going to a port of entry.”

“Contrary to claims made by critics, Gov. Abbott is not responsible for illegal aliens crossing into Texas between ports of entry,” she said. “The woman in question could have miscarried for numerous reasons — including complications from undertaking a perilous journey to come here.

Criticisms against those of us who are pro-life, including Gov. Abbott, are unfounded.”

“Border security is a pro-life issue,” she maintains. “Open border policies are not prolife because they entice the exploitation of human beings.

Texas DPS officers are well known for saving babies whom cartel operatives throw in the river, which just recently happened.

“Our governor and law enforcement officers are committed to preserving life, including those of Texans whose lives are threatened every day by cartel-related violence and crime.”

Report: Border panels missing key features

(The Center Square) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allocated $10.7 billion to build barriers along the nation’s 2,000-mile southern border while President Donald Trump was in office, but most of the barriers lack key features such as lighting, cameras and access roads for patrols, according to a new report.

A U.S. Government Accountability Office report found the Corps obligated $10.7 billion to support the border barrier efforts from fiscal years 2018 through 2020, almost all for construction contracts. More than 70% of the funds for construction contracts were Department of Defense funds made available after Trump’s 2019 National Emergency Declaration.

During that time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded 39 construction contracts, primarily DODfunded, to build more than 600 miles of border barriers.

issue an opinion to determine whether DOE has the power to stop funding ELL programs that follow the model. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne was seeking to end the dual language immersion model, in which students are taught in both English and another language, usually Spanish. Superintendent Horne argues that it violates Proposition 203, which was a ballot initiative that set guidelines on how to teach students who did not speak English as a first language.

Trustees say decisions are in their hands

A1

over well-worn American disagreements over whether power lies in the hands of local governments or centralized bureaucracies, or at what age certain lessons about the outside world should be taught to children, and how.

Board Member for Trustee Area 3 Jennifer Wiersma, who has opposed the TCI curriculum, said, “You have K-12 to talk about all these topics…when you are looking at a figure like Harvey Milk, you are looking at sexuality first because there is that civil rights movement, so you have to question some of those aspects in an elementary classroom. And if this is offered as a discussion for an 8- or 9-yearold, it isn’t educationally suitable … we aren’t going to go where it’s inappropriate. But we want our kids to learn history.”

“In fourth grade, we learn California history. And (Harvey Milk is) a piece of California history. What I’m hearing is, ‘Don’t say gay,’” retorted Allison Barclay, who represents Trustee Area 1 on the board.

Responding to concerns that the school district would be held liable under the FAIR Act, an educational law signed into law in 2011 that requires California schools to include contributions and roles of underrepresented racial, ethnic and cultural

Coffee and Community event in Goleta

populations in K-12 materials, Trustee Wiersma noted school boards ultimately have the power to interpret the manner in which these groups are represented in school materials to their students.

“Mr. Newsom, we have the power as local government here to decide what’s appropriate for our community. It’s not to censor, it’s not to ban books, it’s not to erase anyone,” Ms. Wiersma said.

Citing state approval of the TCI curriculum, “The State Board of Education has approved four curriculums. This is one of the ones they approved, which means it’s appropriate for our students,” Board Member for Trustee Area 5 Steven Schwartz said.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Board Member for Trustee Area 2 Danny Gonzalez, who also voiced a number of concerns about age-inappropriate content in the TCI curriculum, sought to find a middle ground.

“Based on the legal opinion we got from our district’s general counsel … I believe that here in Temecula we can make a decision about what is age appropriate. In grades one through five, we can eliminate discussions about gender and sexuality and still do what is required, and possibly even keep and use the TCI curriculum that we know the teachers are very excited about using,” said Mr. Gonzalez.

“I think that we can find a compromise here and that’s what I’m suggesting to move forward.”

More than 60 Goleta residents gather Saturday for the city government’s second neighborhood Coffee and Community event at the Goleta Valley Library. The bilingual event provided residents in the city’s District 1 and beyond a chance to meet each other and share their concerns with Mayor Paula Perotte, 1st District City Councimember Luz Reyes-Martín and various city staff members. Councilmember Reyes-Martin addressed issues such as the city’s first inclusive playground at Stow Grove Park, the condition of Cathedral Oaks Road, the city’s new Plastic Reduction Ordinance and the Beautify Goleta event set for

FIVE-DAY FORECAST

Shapley says evidence was concealed

DOJ

Continued from Page A1

recommended, in part because the investigation dragged on beyond the statute of limitations for some alleged crimes.

Mr. Shapley said evidence was concealed from investigators and decisions were made at every turn to benefit Hunter Biden and President Biden, calling it an “undeniable pattern of preferential treatment and obstruction of the normal investigative process.”

Criminal Investigator Ziegler echoed many of his concerns about ethical violations and abuse of authority, saying Hunter Biden failed to report and pay large tax sums and that there was “gross mismanagement” in regards to Hunter Biden’s case. He called for a special counsel to investigate.

Both IRS employees said they attempted to report the behavior within their agency, but when enough was not done, they came to Congress as whistleblowers.

Wednesday’s testimony is the latest in a litany of claims of financial impropriety against the Biden family.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., laid

out the allegations against the Biden family at the hearing, saying the family and their business associates created more than 20 shell companies, most of them while Joe Biden was vice president, and that those companies received at least $10 million.

Rep. Comer alleges money poured into the companies from companies in foreign countries like China, Ukraine and Romania.

“After foreign companies sent money to business associates’ companies, the Bidens then received incremental payments over time to different bank accounts,” Rep. Comer said. “These complicated financial transactions were used deliberately to conceal the source of the funds and total amounts.

“What were the Bidens’ selling?” he added. “Nothing but influence and access to the Biden network.”

President Biden has repeatedly dismissed accusations related to overseas payments to him or his family.

Rep. Comer said the committee has obtained financial records to the tune of thousands of pages, including bank records for the Biden family and their associates as well as Treasury Department

“suspicious activity reports”

which were compiled by the Treasury officials because of the large transactions with foreign businesses.

He pointed to one instance in particular where the committee said it was able to obtain documentation from the FBI about an alleged bribe from an executive at Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company, one in which Hunter Biden previously served on the board.

“During our investigation, our committee became aware through whistleblower disclosures provided to Sen. Chuck Grassley that the FBI has an unclassified record that details an extortion and bribery scheme involving then-Vice President Biden and a Burisma executive,” Rep. Comer said.

“This record was generated by a trusted confidential human source that the FBI has used for over a decade. It memorializes the source’s conversations with a Burisma executive who claimed that he paid Joe Biden $5 million in exchange for certain actions.

“The Burisma executive told the confidential human source that he didn’t pay the ‘big guy’ directly but that he used so many bank accounts that it would take ten

years to unravel,” he added.

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, said at the hearing called for more whistleblowers to come forward and said there would be “zero tolerance” for any retaliation against them.

“Clearly, the president only believes in making taxpayers pay their fair share if they don’t share his last name,” Rep. Smith said.

“The IRS recommended multiple felony charges against Hunter Biden for tax years 2014 through 2019, relating to at least $8.3 million in income from foreign companies, including ones based in China, Romania, and Ukraine.

“The Department of Justice engaged in a campaign to delay, divulge and deny that investigation,” he added.

Rep. Smith went after the IRS as well, saying the agency “delayed investigators for years, leading to the expiration of the statute of limitations for many of the crimes involved.”

“They divulged key investigative details to Biden’s attorneys and even the president’s transition team,” he said.

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

Military facilities regain $95 million from settlement

(The Center Square) — Military facilities in New Mexico have regained a total of $95 million with the settlement of lawsuits brought by a coalition of 18 states over the diversion of funds by the Trump administration to construct a wall along the

Southwestern border. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez joined California Attorney General Rob Bonta in announcing the settlement on July 17.

In the 64-page settlement, the Biden administration agrees to stop border barrier construction

PRISCILLA ANN SUSMAN

02/27/1956 - 07/01/2022

It has been a year since our sweet sister, Priscilla Ann Susman, peacefully left this world, with us by her side. Priscilla was 66 years old and had been the recipient of a single lung transplant in 2019. Because her immune system was so compromised by the anti-rejection medications she had to take, a virulent infection took ������������������������������������������������������������ Priscilla died at UCLA Hospital on July 01, 2022.

Priscilla was many things in her life. A daughter, a sister, ����������������������������������������������������������� a store owner, an animal lover, a beach goer (there was always a beach chair in the back of her car) a plant enthusiast and a voracious reader (she never went anywhere without a book). Priscilla was kind with a tender heart. She was a great listener with a great laugh and a free spirit with many dreams and wishes. Priscilla was resilient and overcame many hurdles in her life, which made her both strong and vulnerable. If you knew Priscilla, you knew this to be true.

Our dear sister died too young, and we miss her every day.

We are planning to have a memorial gathering for Priscilla. If you would like to attend, please contact Laura Susman Armor by phone or text @ 415-258-9484 to let us know.

Arizona and New Mexico; as well as mitigate impacts of the border barrier including those of road construction, lighting and water wells through dozens of actions formulated to reduce or eliminate the “impacts” of the construction of the wall.

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Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

Life theArts

THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023

Tamale secrets

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.

TODAY

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily: The Sistine Chapel Art Exhibition runs through Sept. 4 at the Santa Barbara Mission, 2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara. Tickets start at $25 for adults, $18 for children, and $22 for seniors, military and students. Each ticket also includes admission to the mission museum. To purchase, go to santabarbaramission.org/ sistine-chapel-omsb or stop at the museum’s gift shop.

Father Joe Schwab is hosting personal tours that delve into the theological and philosophical perspectives of Michelangelo’s art. Groups of 10 or more can contact Donna Reeves for a private tour at development@sboldmission.org.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its recurring summer exhibit, “Butterflies Alive!” Featuring a variety of butterflies, this experience allows guests to walk through a garden while nearly 1,000 butterflies flutter freely around them. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Mondays. The exhibit, which runs through Sept. 4, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For others, prices vary from $14 to $19. For more information, visit sbnature.org/ butterfliesalive.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The James Castle exhibit is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, see sbma.net.

Chef teaches special class before Fiesta

By LIAM HIBBERT NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT

Chef Richard Lambert will host his tamale making class, “Secrets of a Tamale Chef,” this Saturday. The class costs a suggested $55 donation and will include samples and a free cookbook.

The class uses a more traditional method of making tamales, and Chef Lambert hopes to help everyday home cooks improve their confidence in time for Fiesta season.

“It’s for home cooks, giving an idea about how to put together tamales, and it’s not quite as daunting as some people think,” Chef Lambert told the News-Press.

“Secrets of a Tamale Chef” is set for 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, 1435 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara.

Chef Lambert said he first fell in love with tamales as a kid growing up in Lindsay in Tulare County, where he would trade his tuna sandwiches with the other kids for their tamales.

Fast forward several decades later, after a career as a filmmaker, and Mr. Lambert decided to spend a year of his life in Mexico City — where his

FYI

“Secrets of a Tamale Chef” will be taught from to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, 1435 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara. The class costs a suggested $55 donation and will include samples and a free cookbook.

To enroll, go to tinyurl. com/0721class.

NATIONAL TAMALES DAY

Chef Richard Lambert is such a fan of tamales that he created National Tamales Day, which is celebrated every year on March 23.

The first National Tamale Day was celebrated in 2015 in Santa Barbara. “It is a day where all kinds of tamales are appreciated — from the meat-filled ones to the cheesy ones,” according to nationaltoday.com/national-tamale-day.

“Tamales are a traditional Latin American dish that is made using corn dough, called masa, and a variety of fillings,” the website continued. “The corn dough forms the outer pocket, and the fillings make up the soft bit inside the pocket. Each tamale is wrapped in a corn husk or a banana leaf and is usually steamed or boiled before eating.

“One bite into it, and you can taste the pillowy taste of corn mingling with the delicious fillings.”

No wonder people have been eating tamales since 7000 BCE when the Aztecs and Mayans used them in their rituals and celebrations.

Chicken is among the popular fi llings for tamales.

daughter lives and owns a restaurant — to learn how to properly make a tamale.

The Saturday class, Mr. Lambert assures, is sure to be fun and informative, and also tasty.

Said Mr. Lambert, “Be sure to come hungry, because we’ll be eating throughout.”

email: lhibbert@newspress.com

6 to 7:30 p.m. The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department’s free concert series is taking place every Thursday night in July from 6 to 7:30 p.m. People can bring blankets, chairs, picnics, family and friends to the Concerts in the Park at the Great Meadow in Chase Palm Park, 323 E. Cabrillo Blvd. July 20 is the date for Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, the ’50s and ’60s Rock band. For more information, visit santabarbaraca.gov/concerts.

8 p.m. The Jerry Douglas Band will perform bluegrass and folk music at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $35 and $45 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

8 p.m. PCPA will perform “Bright Star” at the Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. To purchase tickets, go to pcpa.org.

JULY 21 7 p.m. PCPA will perform “American Mariachi” at the Marian Theatre at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria. Tickets start at $25. To purchase, go to pcpa.org.

7:30 p.m. The Cowboy Junkies will perform their country music and folk rock at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets cost $55 and $65 for general admission and $106 for VIP tickets, which include premier seating and a pre-show reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase, go to lobero.org.

8 p.m. PCPA will perform “Bright Star” at the Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. To purchase tickets, go to pcpa.org.

JULY 22

1 to 2:30 p.m. Richard Lambert, chef and founder of National Tamale Day, will teach “Secrets of a Tamale Chef” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Free Methodist Church, 1435 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara. Suggested donation for the class

PHOTOS COURTESY RICHARD LAMBERT

Tamales are a traditional Latin American dish that incorporates a variety of fi llings.

Chef Richard Lambert says making a tamale is not as daunting as people might think.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

Poblano chili pepper

These deep green peppers are just beginning to emerge.

They’re ideal for preparing some homemade chili rellenos.

Large and crisp, they blister very well and yield mildly spicy, sweet and bitter notes throughout.

Originating in Puebla, Mexico, they are mainly incorporated in an array of Mexican dishes, including salsas and sauces, added to quesadillas and tacos, or stuffed in many forms. They can also be used to make traditional moles.

This week I prepared corn and cheese stuffed poblano peppers as the Fix of the Week, elsewhere on this page. You can currently expect to find these shiny peppers at all weekly Santa Barbara Certified farmers’ markets from several local growers. Price averages $4 per pound.

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

Red flame grapes

The first fresh table grapes arrived this past weekend, and as the summer sun continues to shine down, production will continue to ramp up.

First on the scenes are these red flame grapes, delivering a very sweet flavor and snappy texture. Smaller in size than many other grape varieties, they are very juicy.

Add them to a fruit, mixed green or chicken salad recipe, or enjoy them out of the freezer for a nice, chilled snack.

An easy fruit to take on a hike or to the beach, fresh grapes are currently available at the Saturday Santa Barbara and Sunday Camino Real farmers’ markets from several California fruit growers. Price averages $4 per pound.

class is $55 per person. To enroll, go to tinyurl. com/0721class.

1:30 and 7 p.m. PCPA will perform “American Mariachi” at the Marian Theatre at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria. Tickets start at $25. To purchase, go to pcpa.org.

JULY 23

1:30 p.m. PCPA will perform “American Mariachi”

Romanesco costata squash

One of my favorite varieties of summer squash to emerge all season, this variety is recognized by its alternated dark and light green striped pattern and ridged skin.

They are one of the sweeter and denser varieties, making them a great choice for both raw and cooked preparations.

I most commonly grill my Romanesco squash, but it is also quite tasty when roasted, sautéed, and steamed. I find it pairs very well with Mexican style cuisine as well.

An Italian heirloom variety, it can currently be found at most weekly Santa Barbara certified farmers’ markets from several local growers. Price averages $3 per pound.

— Story and photos by Sam Edelman

at the Marian Theatre at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria. Tickets start at $25. To purchase, go to pcpa.org.

AUG. 11 8 p.m. Blake Lynch, aka Nurse Blake, will perform his healthcare-related standup comedy at The Granada, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $48.50 to $93.50 at granadasb.org. The $195 VIP package includes perks such as a photo opportunity with Nurse Blake.

— Dave Mason

FIX OF THE WEEK

By SAM EDELMAN NEWS-PRESS COLUMNIST

Local farmers are just beginning to harvest an abundance xof fresh pepper xvarieties from their fields.

It’s increasingly common to encounter an array of peppers that deliver flavors ranging from super sweet to super spicy, shapes from stumpy to elongated, and flesh walls from thin to thick. Each variety of pepper delivers its individually unique properties that may be better suited for specific recipes, and experimenting with peppers as delicious as these can lead to some great new meals your family will thoroughly enjoy.

This past weekend emerged the first sweet purple, red, orange and yellow bell peppers of the year, along with a slew of Italian frying peppers, jalapenos, serrano and Anaheim chilies. In addition, one of my favorite peppers to enter the scene are the semispicy dark green poblano chilies, delivering a medium heat level and a very crisp finish.

When heading to the grocery

store, or even many of the farmers markets, you will often see this large dark green pepper labeled as “Pasilla.” While it is possible that it is indeed a pasilla, most likely you are encountering the commonly mislabeled poblano pepper variety.

Poblano peppers are much larger in size, making them perfect for stuffing, and possess slightly thicker fleshed walls than their counterparts.

When poblano peppers are dried for long time storage, they are then referred to as ancho chilies, perfect for adding great flavor to your slow-cooked meats, soups and traditional Mexicanstyle sauces.

Poblano peppers are ideal for making traditional recipes such as chile rellenos, or when sauteed and added to stir-fry, tacos, burritos and quesadillas. They can also be blistered and used in an array of salsa recipes.

This week I prepared some stuffed poblano peppers filled with cheese, shucked corn, fresh cilantro, and diced chicken. You can omit the protein or fill it with your favorite such as carne asada or carnitas.

STUFFED POBLANO PEPPERS

6 poblano peppers.

2 cups jack cheese, or something similar (pepperjack is also a good choice).

2 ears fresh corn, grilled and

shucked.

½ teaspoon ground cumin.

Pinch of salt.

½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped.

½ sweet onion, finely diced.

2 cups grilled chicken breast, diced very small.

Pico de Gallo salsa.

Preheat the oven to 4 degrees. Place your poblano peppers on the grill at medium heat and cook until well blistered, making sure to turn to pepper for even blistering. Once cool enough to handle, remove seeds and cut a small slit in the side of the pepper, then rinse out the seeds and stringy membrane. Dry and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and mix. Stuff each pepper and place on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Place in the oven and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the contents are warm.

Top with fresh Pico de Gallo salsa.

Yield: Serves 6 peppers.

Sam Edelman is general manager of the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association. He’s also the host of “From Farm to Table,” airing live at 9 a.m. Thursdays on KZSB, AM1290, the News-Press radio station.

Stevens to direct wellness programs at Therapy Dogs

Karen Lee Stevens has been named director of wellness programs at Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara.

Ms. Stevens founded the organization and has served as its executive director since 1997. Carey Bradshaw is the organization’s new executive director.

In her new role as wellness director, Ms. Stevens will work to advance Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara’s mission of empowering people to live happier lives. She will oversee planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s mental health and wellness initiatives.

“Karen brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our organization, and we are thrilled she will continue to be part of our team,” Ms. Bradshaw said in a news release.

“With her leadership, we are confident our Wag Well program will continue to grow and positively transform the lives of youth in our community. Her passion for improving mental health and her ability to connect with diverse populations will be invaluable as we strive to create a healthier and happier community.”

Ms. Stevens noted that the Wag Well program fosters self-

awareness and emotional regulation skills in children. Combining Mindfulness and other wellness practices with the unconditional love of our therapy dogs is a unique and beautiful gift we can give our children to help them navigate the world with clarity, compassion and peace, and empower them to create a kinder, brighter future.” For more information, go to www.therapydogssb.org.

— Dave Mason

COURTESY PHOTO

Karen Lee Stevens

Diversions

horoscope • puzzles

Thought for Today

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” — Helen Keller

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Thursday, July 20, 2023

ARIES — You may need some time alone today to bring yourself back to center, Aries. Independence is the key idea to keep in your back pocket. Make sure you’re not becoming a victim to a commitment you made long ago. As the landscape changes, you must also change. Stubborn actions will be detrimental on a day like this. Be honest and grateful for the things you have.

TAURUS — Don’t automatically think that beauty has to be defined by old-fashioned standards, Taurus. It’s time to change the definition. There is no need to squeeze yourself into a socially constructed mold that doesn’t resonate with who you truly are. Your job isn’t to try and make sure everyone loves you. There’s only one person you need to satisfy and that is you.

GEMINI — Issues may get a little heavier than you’d like today, Gemini. Your job is to infuse some levity and humor into the situation. Your adaptability will be put to the test as other people remain steadfast in their opinions. Be conscious of how you use your words. Other people, especially superiors or elders, may be offended by careless, offhand remarks.

CANCER — If the doorknob doesn’t turn today, Cancer, don’t force it. You will only break it. Perhaps you need to try another door. If things don’t flow smoothly into place, then they probably weren’t meant to be. Life shouldn’t always be a struggle. Your job is to enjoy it. Remember that the next time you’re in a long line. View the situation as a period of rest.

LEO — Your new approach to things might get some flack from superiors today, Leo, but don’t let that stop you. Realize that your independent and somewhat rebellious nature helps to keep the world in balance. Don’t give up the fight when authorities insist that their way of doing things is best when in fact it’s simply old. Use your will and determination to combat the forces from above.

SUDOKU

reality of the situation.

LIBRA — Unexpected events could shuffle the cards when you least expect it, Libra. If you haven’t kept a close eye on the deck, you might get thrown for a loop. Don’t be discouraged. Everyone else is playing under the same rules as you. If the dealer seems crooked, go to another table. Don’t fall victim to the same trick twice.

SCORPIO — Your sense of self may be challenged today, Scorpio, and you might have trouble keeping your seat during the joust. Keep in mind that the way others see you isn’t necessarily the way you are. Don’t feel like you have to change direction to please anyone. Your only responsibility is to you. Bizarre events may occur, urging you to change your thinking.

SAGITTARIUS — As you follow the path toward acquiring the latest, greatest, fastest, and best, you may have left behind some fundamental values, Sagittarius. Don’t lose sight of the principles that make up your foundation. You could be shaken today when your ego goes on trial for pig-headed behavior. Stay in check and be conscious of the way you project yourself to others.

CAPRICORN — Key in to your sensual, beautiful nature, Capricorn. Take time each day to tend to your soul and make sure it gets the nourishment it needs to radiate into the world. Unexpected people are likely to appear out of nowhere, so don’t be surprised when a former lover comes knocking on the door. Events from the past may travel to the present in order to teach you a valuable life lesson.

AQUARIUS — You may feel a nervous restlessness today that’s urging you to get moving, Aquarius. A journey to one place may send you off to another, which may take you on an adventure to some completely different place. It may seem like you’re on a crazy scavenger hunt. The energy of the day could leave you feeling ragged, but don’t give up. Your persistence will pay off in the end.

INSTRUCTIONS

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

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

VIRGO — Get your head out of the clouds, Virgo, and come back to Earth for a nice visit. There are some things you need to take care of here. Mundane tasks and routine chores won’t be painful after you set your mind on getting them done. You can accomplish a lot today. Just make sure you keep a level head and keep a firm handle on the

Monday, November16, 2015

Daily Bridge Club

PISCES — A good tip to remember is to be careful about what you say about other people, Pisces. If you’re speaking about someone who isn’t present, act like he or she is. What’s your motivation for saying the things you say? Is it necessary to speak in such a way? A negative comment about someone is going to resonate through the cosmos. People could lose trust in you.

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.

DAILY BRIDGE

‘Play Bridge With Me’

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Thursday, July 20, 2023

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.

“Your honor,” the District Attorney intoned, “we will prove that South committed a felony, in that he pitched 730 points.” “State your case,” the judge instructed.

Since 1981 I’ve written a monthly column for the ACBL’s magazine. Many have been “over-my-shoulder” style. You listen in on my thoughts during a deal.

opponents pass. What do you say?

left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes.

PUZZLE

Ninety of the best of these appear in “Play Bridge With Me,” my 23rd book, just published. The deals are intermediate level; the focus is on logical thinking.

“We have no objection to South’s bid of 3NT,” the DA began. “South had to assume that North had a few points, else South would miss a good game too often. But when West led the queen of hearts, South won with the ace and led a diamond.

“East won and returned his last heart, and South won, took the A-K of spades and ran the diamonds. When he finessed in clubs next, West took the king and cashed three hearts.”

EVERY RIGHT

What do you say?

ANSWER: A “reverse” to two diamonds would suggest longer clubs than diamonds. Bid 2NT, promising a hand with 18 to 20 points and balanced pattern. Your partner won’t pass unless he scraped up a response.

Incidentally, some players would have opened one diamond. I prefer one club with four cards in each minor.

At today’s four spades, I win the first heart in dummy and lead a diamond. I can’t risk losing an early trump finesse; I need a quick pitch for my heart loser. East wins the second diamond and returns a heart, and I win to discard dummy’s last heart on my high diamond. When I finesse in trumps, East wins and exits with a trump.

PASSED HAND

Now I must guess in clubs. But East, a passed hand, had the ace of diamonds, queen of hearts and king of spades. He won’t have the ace of clubs, so I lead to the king, making the game.

“My client did nothing wrong,” South’s counsel roared. “After West’s preempt, declarer had every right to assume East had the king of clubs.” South was guilty. He should force out West’s possible entry early, before his hearts are good. South must win the first heart in dummy and finesse in clubs. He wins the next heart and leads a diamond. East has no more hearts, and South makes an overtrick.

For a postpaid to U.S. copy of “Play Bridge With Me,” send $23.95 to PO Box 962, Fayette AL35555. Tell me how you’d like it inscribed. Profits donated.

ANSWER: This case is close. In theory, your 11 points are enough for a jump to two spades, inviting game, but your king of hearts, trapped in front of the opening bidder, may be worthless. Many experts would jump anyway. I would reluctantly downgrade the hand and settle for a response of one spade. East dealer N-S vulnerable

dealer

Barbie and Ken

DeSantis pledges to restore U.S. military

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Gov.

Ron DeSantis announced his plan Tuesday to “restore the U.S. military to make it missionfocused once again.”

He also vowed to eliminate the Biden administration’s “woke” political policies he says have contributed to a recruitment and military readiness crisis.

Mr. DeSantis, who has advanced pro-military policies as governor in Florida, was deployed to Iraq in 2007, serving as the legal adviser to the SEAL Team One commander, Special Operations Task Force-West in Fallujah as a Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) officer. He was first commissioned as a Navy officer while attending Harvard Law School.

Lompoc nurse receives DAISY award

By NORA WALLACE LOMPOC VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Angela Fichtner, a labor and delivery registered nurse at Lompoc Valley Medical Center, was named a recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Ms. Fichtner was surprised during her shift Tuesday with the award and was celebrated by members of the Lompoc Valley Medical Center leadership team, her co-workers and the Daisy Nomination Committee, which includes a wide range of clinical and non-clinical staff.

The prestigious international award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients and families every day.

Ms. Fichtner, a 1995 Lompoc High School graduate, was nominated for being compassionate and caring to all her patients, but in particular for the way she treated a mother who experienced a fetal loss and was having great emotional difficulty.

According to the DAISY nomination, Ms. Fichtner went to a craft store after her shift, with the intention of making a keepsake for the mother.

“She filled a small teddy bear with rice the weight of the baby that passed, cut a ribbon that was the length of the baby and placed other mementos in a beautiful box for the family to cherish forever,” the nomination stated.

Pets

“The patient clutched onto that bear for the rest of her stay and as she was discharged from the unit, she hugged it tight as she left with tears in her eyes.”

Ms. Fichtner then donated supplies for any future patients who might experience a similar loss.

“Angela goes above and beyond

each day to make these patients feel special and honored,” her nomination stated. “LVMC is so lucky to have her.” Ms. Fichtner, who became a registered nurse in May 2017, said the DAISY award was “a huge honor. I did not expect it at all. It’s super sweet.” The nurse has been employed

at LVMC since October 2017. She has been assigned to the Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum Department her entire tenure.

“I only do what I feel is good for the patient,” she explained. “We do a lot of loving for all our people.”

Ms. Fichtner said she wanted to provide the grieving patient with something tangible after her loss.

“I felt like people leaving (our unit) expect to take something home, and when they don’t get to do that, and to leave with nothing, it is so hard,” Ms. Fichtner said.

The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family and honors nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

In addition to a certificate, Ms. Fichtner received a DAISY Award pin and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.

More information about the award is available at daisyfoundation.org. To nominate a nurse at LVMC, Lompoc Health or the Comprehensive Care Center, see the nomination form at lompocvmc.com, under the Resources tab and Patient Feedback link.

Nora Wallace is the public relations coordinator at Lompoc Valley Medical Center.

email: news@newspress.com

“There was no greater honor than knowing I was wearing the cloth of my country when I served in the military, but our nation’s once-proud fighting force has been infected and paralyzed by a political agenda,” Gov. DeSantis said to a cheering crowd in Columbia, S.C. “It is time to rip the woke out of the military and return it to its core mission. We must restore a sense of confidence, conviction, and patriotic duty to our institutions — and that begins with our military.”

His four-part plan includes

1) “ripping political agendas” out of the military, 2) restoring military standards, 3) “breaking the swamp” and promoting accountability, and 4) turning the tide against “Biden’s military recruitment crisis.”

His plan eliminates “Diverseaucrats” (diversity bureaucrats) and all diversity and inclusion policies, programs and positions. It includes ending drag shows on military bases and revoking Executive Order 14004, “which allows transgender personnel to serve in the military in their preferred sex and provides taxpayer funds for sex change hormones and surgeries, which cause issues with readiness.”

It also prohibits the Department of Defense from hiring advertising firms that blacklist conservative news sources, closes diversity and equity offices, and reforms the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness “to focus on the critical challenges facing the military such as recruiting, retention and healthcare.”

It also bans all critical race theory courses at service academies, instead requiring them to prioritize teaching military history, leadership, nuclear engineering and other critical mission-ready subjects. CRT is banned from military training, as is “woke recruitment” social media content, under the plan. Instead, Gov. DeSantis plans to create a “Merit, Fairness, and Equality Task Force” to review military

academy training curriculum and to overhaul the Professional Military Education system, which he says “produces substandard quality education.” To restore military standards, his plan will recognize differences between men and women, eliminate racial preferences and prioritize one standard for mission readiness. It includes requiring all branches to have physical qualifications according to gender-neutral standards, bans race and gender quotas in recruitment and promotions, opposes “any efforts to draft our daughters,” among others. His plan also reinstates service members who didn’t comply with the COVID-19 shot mandate and were forced out of the military. This also includes reinstating their prior rank and salary and providing back pay. It also prioritizes “lethality, readiness, and capabilities, not ideology and climate change.” The DOD “should never prioritize climate politics over national security and any environmental projects should require a cost–benefit analysis that prioritizes national security needs,” Gov. DeSantis argues. His plan also enforces several policies related to officer code of conduct and eliminates issuing security clearances to retired DOD officials who “go on network and cable news shows and who, as paid analysts, monetize and politicize their access to so-called ‘inside information.’” It also implements accountability measures for high-ranking military officials, including for those who lie under oath to Congress or “contact enemy counterparts without the knowledge of the president.”

To expand recruitment efforts, Gov. DeSantis plans to foster national pride in the military by developing “a program for schools to teach that our military is and has been a force for justice and good in the world,”

DALE ROBINETTE/WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) leave Barbie-Land to explore the real world in “Barbie,” which lands in theaters on Friday.

LOMPOC VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER Angela Fichtner, a labor and delivery registered nurse at Lompoc Valley Medical Center, receives a DAISY award.

COURTESY PHOTO Gov. Ron DeSantis