Santa Barbara News-Press: July 18, 2023

‘Racist state’

Democrats scramble to walk back comments on Israel- A3

Day Trips

Fiesta on land and sea

Old Spanish Days plans to create an all-inclusive journey into history

Operation Lone s tar catches notorious ‘joker’ smuggler

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Law enforcement officers working through Texas’ border security mission, Operation Lone Star, are continuing to pursue and apprehend human smugglers – including a notorious coyote called “the joker.”

Their efforts also highlight the ongoing problem law enforcement and local residents are dealing with: crime committed by gotaways.

In one recent example, a driver of a work truck led Texas DPS officers on a high-speed vehicle pursuit. At one point, the driver stopped to let nine male Hispanics bail out of the truck in a residential area. It’s unclear if they were ever apprehended.

DPS troopers pursued the driver. Their goal is to catch human smugglers, law enforcement officers have explained to The Center Square. Multiple troopers engaged in pursuit. One deployed a tire deflation device, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The driver, from Laredo, was arrested and charged with smuggling of persons and evading arrest.

MORE insiDE

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Get ready for some time travel. Santa Barbara will revisit 1542 when the Chumash in a tomol — an impressive canoe — travel across the water to greet San Salvador, explorer Juan Cabrillo’s tall ship (a galleon, to be precise).

The historic encounter marking the first Chumash interaction with Europeans will be re-enacted with replicas of both vessels at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 4 on the west side of Stearns Wharf as part of a Fiesta that’s trying to be more inclusive.

Afterward, the Chumash presence will be a major part of The Historical Parade (“El Desfile Histórico”), going down Cabrillo Boulevard.

“They will be on both the floats and the carriages,” Tony Miller, division chief of pageantry, told the News-Press Monday morning after a Fiesta news conference in front of the Santa Barbara Harbor and directly outside the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

El Presidente David Bolton told the News-Press that making Fiesta as inclusive as possible is among his goals this year. He noted Old Spanish Days selected a Chumash elder — Ernestine De Soto — as its parade marshal and that diversity is represented in details such as Jack Harwood being chosen the first male Spirit of Fiesta.

El Presidente Bolton added that La Fiesta Pequena, the popular outdoor show in front of the Santa Barbara Mission, will represent the four nations that

governed Santa Barbara at one time or another: the Chumash, Spain, Mexico and the United States.

Of course, tradition graces the various aspects of Fiesta. That includes music and dancing, from a 14-member mariachi group at La Fiesta Pequena to the dancing

Please see FIESTA on A4

Those who escaped are referred to as “gotaways” by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They are primarily single, military-age men who illegally enter the U.S., intentionally seeking to evade capture by law enforcement and make their way into the interior of the U.S.

In Laredo, Texas Army National Guard soldiers helped apprehend a well-known coyote in the area called “the joker.” Coyotes are cartel operatives who guide foreign nationals illegally into the U.S.

Texas Army National Guard Specialist Jonathan Sarver, a rifleman for Alpha Company, Task Force Center, helped apprehend “the joker.” When describing his recent capture, Specialist Sarver said, “Most of these guys, they employ underage people. They employ a lot of minors.

“It’s good to feel like you’re making a difference for a while at least and get them off the street and making it harder for them. It’s good to feel like you’re making a difference and having a sense of purpose out here.”

In neighboring Webb County, a human smuggler led DPS troopers on a high-speed chase reaching

Please see SMUGGLER on A4

Prosecutors push back on Trump’s claims that documents trial should be delayed

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – Federal prosecutors said former President Donald Trump’s open-ended request to defer a trial date until after the 2024 election is unjustified in a case that alleges he illegally kept classified documents.

Mr. Trump wants to postpone any trial on allegations he illegally kept and concealed classified documents at Mar-a-Lago until after the 2024 presidential election. Attorneys for Mr. Trump and alleged co-conspirator Walt Nauta previously filed a motion that detailed the reasons they want to push back the trial, which is set for December 2023. The motion cited a number of reasons for the delay, including the sheer amount of discovery materials in the case, which so far include 833,450 pages of records and nine months of security camera footage. Defense attorneys also said that ultimately a trial won’t be needed anyway.

Prosecutors led by special counsel Jack Smith pushed back on those claims in a response to the motion from the former president.

“Defendants Trump and Nauta claim unequivocally that they cannot receive a fair trial prior to the conclusion of the next presidential election, urge the Court to withdraw the current scheduling Order, and request

Former

COURTESY PHOTO

that the Court not even consider a new trial date until some unspecified later time. There is no basis in law or fact for proceeding in such an indeterminate and open-ended fashion, and the Defendants provide none,” prosecutors wrote.

Prosecutors said the trial date should be Dec. 11, 2023.

“The Defendants chide the Government for seeking an ‘expedited’ trial, but in doing so they have it exactly backward,” according to the federal response. “A speedy trial is a foundational requirement of the Constitution and the United States Code, not a Government preference that must be justified.”

Prosecutors also said Mr.

President Donald Trump Please see TRUMP on

Vasquez Rocks featured in News-Press travel series - B1

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

From left , El Presidente David Bolton discusses the maritime connection for this year’s Fiesta during a news conference as Greg Gorga, executive director of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and Chris Mendoza Jr. listen.

Above, Chumash representative Rosie Uribe speaks during a news conference. This year’s Fiesta is emphasizing Chumash history. At right, Frank Gutierrez of the Brotherhood of Tomol, left, and El Presidente David Bolton discuss this year’s Fiesta during the news conference in front of the Santa Barbara Harbor.

For a photo of the tomol replica at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, see Page B2.

Berkeley city employees approve of teleworking despite incomplete policy

By LEONARD ROBINSON THE CENTER SQUARE

(The Center Square) – The city of Berkeley’s municipal employees largely support workfrom-home options, placing pressure on city officials to establish a comprehensive policy.

A report found 64% of Berkeley’s city employees were satisfied with teleworking compared to 15% who disapproved and 21% who remained neutral, according to a report for a city council meeting last week. Even more – 67% – believe that some or all of their job functions could be performed remotely.

The survey also reported that 52% of Berkeley’s municipal employees said they would seek other employment opportunities if they were no longer allowed to telework.

“This indicates that telework is an important factor in retaining Berkeley employees,” the report stated.

The city started allowing employees to work remotely in March 2020 during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city didn’t allow teleworking previously.

Just 17% of city of Berkeley employees live in the city and 25% of city employees stated they had a commute of an hour or longer, the report stated. Teleworking could reduce carbon emissions by reducing drive times and could also increase the quality of applicants for city jobs, according to the report.

The report stated that the city of Berkeley has extended its teleworking option but doesn’t have a comprehensive plan in place.

“Despite employees’ overall support for telework, the City’s existing telework policy is not comprehensive, and does not address accountability issues,” the report stated.

New Mexico revokes cannabis retail license for 1st time, cites California origin

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - The Cannabis Dispensary License of Paradise Distro, LLC, a cannabis retailer in Albuquerque, was revoked by the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department on Thursday.

Cannabis Control Division compliance officers found numerous violations which were enumerated in the Final Decision and Order including:

• Illegal Purchase and Sale of Cannabis;

• Improper Acceptance of Cannabis Product without a Shipping Manifest;

• Sales of Illegal and Improper Cannabis Product;

• Inaccurate Sales Records;

• Inaccurate and Missing Cannabis Finished Product Labeling;

• Inaccurate Tracking of Cannabis Sales.

Berkeley’s telework policy, however, isn’t comprehensive and lags behind those for the City and County of San Francisco, Alameda County and the State of California employees.

The city’s current policy leaves eligibility guidelines to departments instead of establishing its own, fails to clarify instructions on distributing equipment to teleworkers, provides no accountability measures for unresponsive employees, offers no training resources or requirements, lacks clear communication guidelines and does not require that employees denied teleworking opportunities receive justification for the denial.

State of California and Alameda County’s telework policies contain all of the above while San Francisco’s policies contain all except for clear communication guidelines and requiring justifications for telework denials, per the agenda.

City officials, in the agenda, recommended that the City of Berkeley expand the policy to align with best practices addressing eligibility, accountability, equipment requests, telework training and denial justifications along with identifying ways to reduce unused space in city office buildings.

News-Press looks into Gackowska case

SANTA BARBARA — The News-Press contacted the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office Monday about the court case against Nellie Gackowska, which

Cannabis products that were not native to New Mexico, and edibles “displayed for sale” were found at the dispensary bearing California stampings, in clear violation of New Mexico law which forbids the sale of Cannabis products from outside of the state and sidesteps the state’s BioTrack system intended to trace the products’ history.

“In the interest of public safety, the department is holding true to the intent of the Cannabis Regulation Act and taking action upon licensees that have violated the law,” said New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department Superintendent Linda Trujillo. The evidentiary hearing was held on April 27. The hearing officer overseeing this case found sufficient evidence of the violations identified by the Division and signed over the recommendation of revocation on June 30, 2023. No one from, or representing Paradise Distro attended the hearing.

“Based on these Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law,” the final decision said,

“ the Department orders (the) …license revoked.”

Paradise Distro, LLC was ordered to immediately cease all commercial cannabis activity and given 14 days to surrender their license. Remaining legal products may be sold to another licensed retailer during the two week period.

“This revocation should serve as a warning to those selling or receiving out-of-state cannabis products. Our compliance officers are ramping up inspections and we will work to remove bad actors from within the New Mexico cannabis industry,” Ms. Trujillo warned.

This is the first license revocation NMRLD has issued to a cannabis business.

Arizona U.S. Senate seat race shaping into high-dollar slugfest

By CAMERON ARCAND THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Democrat Congressman Ruben Gallego, Republican Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, and Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema released their quartertwo fundraising numbers in the Arizona Senate race this week, which paints a clearer picture of the race in its early days.

Rep. Gallego raised $3.1 million in the quarter, which runs from April 1 to June 30, whereas Sheriff Lamb raised over $607,000. The Democrat entered the race in January, and he’s quickly accumulated a war chest. Sheriff Lamb waited till Friday to release his numbers, which

Rebecca Brand was told would be dismissed.

As of press time Monday evening, the News-Press had not received a reply to its email to Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Branch, who is handling the case. Ms. Brand, who has said Ms. Gackowska, a homeless woman, assaulted her with Ms.

also show that he has $335,000 in cash on hand and spent over $272,000. Notably, his wife, Janel Lamb, was paid nearly $5,000 by the campaign for “strategic consulting” and mileage costs.

“Rough way to head into FEC weekend for the [Arizona Republican Party],” Rep. Gallego’s spokeswoman Hannah Goss tweeted Friday.

Sheriff Lamb is the only one in the race for the Republican nomination, which has arguably come to a standstill as former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake has continuously said she is considering a bid to replace Sen. Sinema.

Sen. Sinema has not announced whether or not she will run for re-election, but the Wall Street

Brand’s cellphone, told the News-Press Sunday in an exclusive interview that Ms. Branch told her that she was dropping the case and that it would be dismissed Monday in Santa Barbara County Superior Court.

— Dave Mason

TRAFFIC, CRIME AND FIRE BLOTTER

Journal reported in April that she was laying the groundwork for a possible campaign. She raised $1.6 million, less than Rep. Gallego, but has $10.7 million on hand. The senator received significant praise and pushback after she left the Democratic Party in December, although she still

caucuses with them. Sen. Sinema would have likely faced a primary challenger if she stayed and decided to run for re-election, and her impending decision could set the stage for an unusual three-way race where the incumbent is not with either major party.

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Firefighters respond to a call about a man trapped during a rollover in Santa Maria. They removed the man from the vehicle,

was taken by ambulance to Marian Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

and he

A report found 64% of Berkeley’s city employees were satisfied with teleworking compared to 15% who disapproved and 21% who remained neutral.

Cannabis products that were not native to New Mexico, and edibles “displayed for sale” were found at the dispensary bearing California stampings, in clear violation of New Mexico law which forbids the sale of Cannabis products from outside of the state.

Morning at the harbor

Dems fight over Israel ahead of foreign leader’s visit

By CASEY HARPER

SQUARE

CENTER

THE

(The Center Square) – House Democratic leadership publicly rebuked Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., after she called Israel a “racist state.” The dispute came ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to the U.S. this week.

President Herzog is expected to visit the White House and address Congress. Rep. Jayapal, who chairs the Progressive Caucus, made her comments over the weekend.

“Hey guys, can I say something?” she said. “Can I say something as somebody that’s been in the streets and has participated in a lot of demonstrations? I want you to know that we have been fighting to make it clear that Israel is a racist state, that the Palestinian people deserve self-determination and autonomy, that the dream of a two-state solution is slipping away from us, that it does not even feel possible.”

House Democratic leadership released a statement over the weekend that did not call out Rep. Jayapal by name but did directly

refute her comments. Democratic leadership explicitly said Israel is not a racist state, rebuffing the consistent remarks of members of “The Squad.”

The Squad is a name for eight Democratic members of the U.S House that are known for being some of the most outspoken, liberal members of Congress.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-Calif., Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., and Vice Chair Ted Lieu, D-Calif., released the statement.

“Israel is not a racist state.

As a Jewish and Democratic nation, Israel was founded 75 years ago on the principle of complete equality of social and political rights for all of its citizens irrespective of religion, race or sex, as codified in its Declaration of Independence,” the lawmakers said in the statement. “America and Israel have a uniquely special relationship anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests.”

The statement addressed differences in opinion between U.S. Democrats and some Israeli leaders but said the relationship

between the two nations is bigger than that.

“As House Democratic leaders, we strongly support Israel’s right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people. We are also firmly committed to a robust two-state solution where Israel and the Palestinian people can live side by side in peace and prosperity,” the lawmakers said. “The special relationship between the United States and Israel will endure. We are determined to make sure support for Israel in the Congress remains strongly bipartisan.”

Rep. Jayapal also released another statement where she walked back her comments.

“At a conference, I attempted to defuse a tense situation during a panel where fellow members of Congress were being protested. Words do matter and so it is important that I clarify my statement,” she said in the first part of a lengthy statement. “I do not believe the idea of Israel as a nation is racist. I do, however, believe that Netanyahu’s extreme rightwing government has engaged in discriminatory and outright racist policies and that there are extreme racists driving that

Arizona legislature forms committee looking into ASU free speech concerns

By CAMERON ARCAND THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) – Following a free speech controversy at Arizona State University, the state Legislature is forming a new joint committee to examine “freedom of expression” in the state’s public universities.

ASU shut down the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development after its main donor, Tom Lewis, pulled funding after a controversial event featuring conservative personalities Charlie Kirk and Dennis Prager. The former executive director, Ann Atkinson, said in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal titled “I Paid for Free Speech at Arizona State” that she was fired by the university for organizing the event. A committee hearing scheduled for July 18 will feature testimony from Ms. Atkinson and Mr. Prager, as well as Dr. Owen Anderson and radio host Seth Leibsohn.

Tom Lewis himself said that the backlash from faculty protesting the conservative speakers was the reason he felt compelled to terminate funding to the center, which was part of Barrett, The Honors College.

“Because these were mostly conservative speakers, we expected some opposition, but I was shocked and disappointed by the alarming and outright hostility demonstrated by the Barrett faculty and administration toward these speakers,” Tom Lewis himself said in a statement. “Instead of sponsoring this event with a spirit of cooperation and

respect for free speech, Barrett faculty and staff exposed the radical ideology that now apparently dominates the college. After seeing this level of left-wing hostility and activism, I no longer had any confidence in Barrett to adhere to the terms of our gift, and made the decision to terminate our agreement, effective June 30, 2023.”

State Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, and state Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, are cochairing the committee, and Rep. Nguyen tweeted Thursday that he’s “very concerned” about the situation.

“[Arizona’s] public universities must be unfettered bastions of free speech & expression,” he said. “I’m very concerned to see admins terminated after coordinating to have conservatives speak on campus. I look [forward] to hearing from [university] leadership as to why this happened.”

The school currently holds a “green light” rating from the Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression, which measures free expression rights at universities, and the group called Ms. Atkinson’s story “troubling” before learning that the donor pulled the funding himself.

“FIRE sees no #1A problem with such a closure, provided there are genuine funding concerns. But, because schools often point to viewpoint-neutral reasons to justify viewpoint-based censorship, we’ll continue to monitor closely,” the organization tweeted on June 21.

policy within the leadership of the current government. I believe it is incumbent on all of us who are striving to make our world a more just and equitable place to call out and condemn these policies and this current Netanyahu government’s role in furthering them.”

This is not the first time Democratic leadership has publicly corrected a member of The Squad. Republicans have taken issue with the comments as well, often calling them antisemitic. The Republican-led House booted Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., from the Foreign Affairs Committee for her past comments, including her comparing Israel to terrorist groups like Hamas and the Taliban.

A partly cloudy day is seen late Monday morning at the Santa Barbara harbor. Today’s National Weather Service forecast calls for fog in Santa Barbara, Lompoc and Santa Maria with highs in the low to mid-70s and lows in the low to upper 50s. It’ll be foggy but hotter in Santa Ynez, where a high of 90 is expected. And the hottest spot? Cuyauma is expected today to have a high of 103.

‘The best way to move this case forward ... is to set a trial date now’

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Trump’s claims that the Presidential Records Act will lead to dismissal of the case was incorrect.

“As for the impact of the Presidential Records Act on this prosecution, any argument that it mandates dismissal of the Indictment or forms a defense to the charges here borders on frivolous,” prosecutors wrote. “The PRA is not a criminal statute, and in no way purports to address the retention of national security information. The Defendants are, of course, free to make whatever arguments they like for dismissal of the Indictment, and the Government will respond promptly. But they should not be permitted to gesture at a baseless legal argument, call it ‘novel,’ and then claim that the Court will require an indefinite continuance in order to resolve it.”

Mr. Trump posted again Monday that the Presidential Records Act protects him.

“IF I’M BEING PROSECUTED OVER DOCUMENTS, AND I SHOULDN’T BE IN THAT I COME UNDER THE PRESIDENTIAL RECORDS ACT, WHY IS JOE BIDEN NOT BEING PROSECUTED?,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Prosecutors also were unmoved by Mr. Trump’s claims that the volume of discovery materials was too much for a December trial date.

“The legal issues Defendants raise do not justify deviation from a speedy trial date, much less open-ended deferral of considering one,” prosecutors wrote.

“Although the Government’s production included over 800,000 pages, the set of

‘key’ documents was only about 4,500 pages. The Government similarly identified to the Defendants a small subset of ‘key’ CCTV footage referenced in the Indictment or otherwise pertinent to the case.”

Prosecutors disagreed with Mr. Trump’s claims that he won’t be able to get a fair trial during the election cycle.

“Moreover, the conditions that Defendants argue will make it a challenge to select a jury will not appreciably change after the completion of the election,” prosecutors wrote. “The Government’s position is that the best way to move this case forward consistent with the Defendants’ rights and the public’s interest is to set a trial date now, with interim deadlines for [Classified Information Procedures Act] procedures and motion practice leading up to that date.”

Prosecutors also said that Mr. Trump’s busy campaign schedule wasn’t a reason to put things on pause.

“The demands of Defendants’ professional schedules do not provide a basis to delay trial in this case,” prosecutors wrote. “Many indicted defendants have demanding jobs that require a considerable amount of their time and energy, or a significant amount of travel. The Speedy Trial Act contemplates no such factor as a basis for a continuance, and the Court should not indulge it here.”

Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts that allege he kept sensitive military documents, shared them with people who didn’t have security clearance, and tried to get around the government’s efforts to get them back.

He is charged with 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information along with conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in a federal investigation, scheme to conceal and false statements and representations.

The 49-page indictment laid out the charges against Mr. Trump and his valet and alleged co-conspirator Walt Nauta.

Mr. Trump was charged with keeping classified documents after leaving office and later obstructing the government’s efforts to get them back. The indictment contains specific dates and times with to-the-minute details of where the documents were stored, where they were moved, and who was involved.

Among the records were 197 that contained classified markings, including 98 marked “secret” and 30 marked “top secret.” The “top secret” designation means that unauthorized disclosure “reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage” to national security,” according to the indictment.

Mr. Trump turned those records over to the National Archives and Records Administration on Jan. 17, 2022, in

response to demands from that federal agency.

On June 3, 2022, an attorney for Trump provided the Federal Bureau of Investigation with 38 additional documents with classified markings. And during a raid of Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8, 2022, the FBI recovered 102 additional documents with classified markings.

While the U.S. Secret Service provided security to Mr. Trump while he was at his Palm Beach property, Mr. Trump never told the agency that classified documents were stored there, according to the indictment. Mar-a-Lago hosted 150 social events – such as weddings, fundraisers and movie premieres for tens of thousands of guests from January 2021, when Mr. Trump left office, through the FBI raid on Aug. 8, 2022. Mar-a-Lago had about 150 employees during that time, prosecutors said in the indictment.

Prosecutors allege the documents belong to some of the nation’s most secret agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, the Department of Energy and the Department of State.

The documents contained information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of the United States and other allied nations, U.S. nuclear programs, plans for possible retaliation in case of an

No Mackenzie Park mercado planned

FIESTA

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horses in The Historical Parade.

And the maritime connection will be emphasized during a Fiesta that will feature Mercado de la Playa. It will be located in the parking lot at La Playa Stadium at Santa Barbara City College, just across from the harbor. The mercado will feature a full carnival, live music, dancing and the Crazy Horse Cantina.

As usual, another mercado will take place in De la Guerra Plaza, but there will be no mercado at Mackenzie Park.

One addition this year will be the return of high school bands to The Historical Parade. Mr. Miller told the NewsPress that Old Spanish Days has already secured the Oxnard High School Marching Band for the parade and hopes to recruit the Santa Barbara High School Marching Band.

Before the parade is the re-enactment with the fullsized replica of San Salvador, which was built over six years by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. That museum collaborated on the replica’s arrival in Santa Barbara with the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Old Spanish Days.

After the Aug. 4 re-enactment of San Salvador’s encounter with the Chumash, the ship will be available for free public tours at the harbor’s Santa Barbara pier from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 5 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6.

“San Salvador is so unique,” Greg Gorga, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum executive director, told the News-Press. “It’s the first European ship that we know of that interacted with the Chumash. …

“To be honest, the replica is just the best idea of what the original ship looked like,” Mr. Gorga said. “There are no plans, no drawings. It’s the best estimation based on the writings and logs.

“Cabrillo didn’t even survive. He got gangrene from malnutrition,” Mr. Gorga said. “These ships would have three times the number of crew that would normally operate them. They estimated half the crew would die along the way. They didn’t know how to treat scurvy with fresh fruit.”

As Mr. Gorga talked to the News-Press, he stood a short distance from the entrance to the museum, where a replica of a tomol graces the interior. It’s a long vessel and an impressive sight.

email: dmason@newspress.com

FYI

For more information about Fiesta, see www. sbfiesta.org.

High speed chases common in border communities

SMUGGLER

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speeds up to 90 mph. The driver drove on the wrong side of the road on the highway and then into a local neighborhood also on the wrong side of the road. At one point during the pursuit, a driver of a white Mustang attempted to block the trooper, and multiple troopers engaged in two pursuits.

The driver of the first vehicle drove into the Rio Grande River, left the vehicle in the river and swam across to Mexico. He got away. Troopers continued to pursue the second

driver, who crashed his vehicle and was arrested. He was charged with evading arrest, smuggling of persons, and interfering with public duties. High speech car chases and bailouts occurring multiple times a day in border towns is the norm, officials have explained. These are just three of many examples.

Mostly single military-age men are who lead law enforcement on high-speed car chases, which involve bailouts of gotaways.

Those being smuggled in have already illegally entered the U.S., are not making asylum or other immigration claims, and are

intentionally trying to evade capture.

If OLS officers weren’t apprehending them, border communities would be more overrun than they already are and more human smugglers would be operating in the U.S., Gov. Greg Abbott argues.

As of July 14, since March 2021, OLS officers have so far apprehended over 390,500 illegal foreign nationals and made over 30,800 criminal arrests, with more than 28,700 felony charges reported. They’ve also seized over 421 million lethal doses of fentanyl, enough to kill more than everyone in the United States.

attack and potential U.S. vulnerabilities, according to the indictment.

Mr. Trump stored the boxes in several locations at Mar-a-Lago, his social club with 25 guest rooms in Palm Beach. The boxes that contained classified documents were stored in a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office space, his bedroom and a storage room, prosecutors alleged in the indictment.

The club was not authorized to store classified documents.

Prosecutors further alleged that Mr. Trump showed classified documents to people not authorized to see such records. In one case on July 21, 2021, at the Bedminster Club in New Jersey, Mr. Trump allegedly showed a writer, a publisher and two staff members classified documents. During the recorded interview, Mr. Trump said that the documents were “highly classified” and that he could have declassified them while president, but could no longer do so after leaving office, according to the indictment. In August or September 2021, prosecutors allege Mr. Trump showed a representative of his political action committee a classified map of a country.

In April, Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in New York related to charges he paid hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels through a lawyer before the 2016 presidential election and covered it up as a legal expense before being elected president.

the amount of water consumed annually by 10 people in an urban environment.

Mr. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 counts that allege he kept sensitive military documents, shared them with people who didn’t have security clearance, and tried to get around the government’s efforts to get them back.

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS

Tony Miller, division chief of pageantry for the Fiesta, talks about plans for this year’s Historical Parade on Cabrillo Boulevard.

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

Life theArts

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022

DAY TrIPS

A whole other world

Vasquez Rocks has been everything from the planet Vulcan to prehistoric Bedrock

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

everything

“So much movie/TV history at Vasquez Rocks,” noted Camarillo resident Brian

westerns and a live-action take on “The Flintstones.”

Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a summer News-Press series about day trips outside Santa Barbara County.

By DAVE MASON

NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

This is where Capt. James T. Kirk defeated the Gorn — a nasty green alien with big eyes and fierce strength — in this Southern California recreation area that looks out of this world.

For the record, that happened in the “Star Trek” episode “Arena,” and Capt. Kirk defeated the Gorn by figuring out how to make gunpowder and a makeshift weapon.

This site was the planet Vulcan in “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986) and the 2009 “Star Trek” movie.

FYI

And “Star Trek Into Darkness’ (2013) shot here as well.

And this filming site — the iconic Vasquez Rocks, known for its jagged, high cliffs that make it look like a planet far from Earth — got to be simply Vasquez Rocks in the first season of “Star Trek: Picard” a couple years back.

But Vasquez Rocks’ place in cinematic history goes beyond “Star Trek.” Many Westerns were filmed here, as well as a 1994 live-action version of “The Flintstones,” starring John Goodman and Rick Moranis as Fred and Barney respectively. Move over, Vulcans. Vasquez Rocks was Bedrock.

The Los Angeles County recreation area isn’t far from Santa Barbara

Please see VASQUEZ on B4

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center is located at 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Santa Clarita.

It’s open 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays during the summer. It’s closed Mondays.

The restrooms there are open 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Hours vary for other parts of the year.

For more information, call the center at 661-268-0840, go to parks. lacounty.gov/vasquez-rocks-natural-area-and-nature-center.

San Diego resident Jennifer Pesqueira stands at a post marking the Pacific Crest Trail. The 2,600mile trail goes through Vasquez Rocks.

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.

COURTESY PHOTO Boogie Knights, above, will perform 1970s hits during the New Year’s Eve Disco Boogie Ball at 9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez. And the Spazmatics will play hits from the ’80s. Tickets cost $50.

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.

The Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. The concert is presented by Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara.

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.

JULY 20

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 preshow 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.og.

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

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Nomi. The site, which is near Agua Dulce, has been used for

from “Star Trek” to

Monday morning at maritime museum

talks to reporters Monday morning during a joint Fiestamuseum news conference.

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE

‘Mission Impossible’ jumps right away to No.1 spot

By DAVE MASON

MANAGING EDITOR

Tom Cruise did it again, this time with another movie.

After soaring to No. 1 at the

box office last year with “Top Gun: Maverick,” Mr. Cruise and “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part One” leaped to No. 1 during its first weekend.

Officially, the movie opened

July 12, but there were screenings as early as July 10 and 11. Over the July 14-16 weekend, the film topped the box office with $56.2 million.

A movie that struggled for

distribution — “Sound of Freedom” — placed No. 2 at the box office with $27 million. The film stars Jim Caviezel as real-life federal agent Tim Ballard, who risked his life to save children from slavery in Colombia.

“Insidious: The Red Door” fell to third place from first. The horror film grossed $13 million.

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” dropped to the No. 4 spot from No. 2 with $12 million.

“Elemental” — Disney-Pixar’s movie about a romance between a

woman made of fire (Ember) and a man composed of water (Wade) — placed fifth with $8.7 million.

During the previous weekend, the animated movie was in fourth place.

Another animated film, “SpiderMan: Across the Spider-Verse,” swung down to sixth place from fifth with $6 million.

One movie, though, climbed up the box office ladder.

“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” rose to seventh from eighth place with $3.4 million.

Then it was back to the trend

of declines. “No Hard Feelings” slipped to eighth place from seventh with $3.3 million. The R-rated comedy stars Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman.

“Joy Ride,” a comedy/drama about Asian American women who travel to China, fell to ninth place from sixth. It grossed $2.6 million. And Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” took a short dive to 10th place from ninth. It grossed $2.4 million email: dmason@newspress.com

NEWS-PRESS

Diversions

horoscope • puzzles

Thought for Today

“Man is the most intelligent of the animalsand the most silly.” — Diogenes

HOROSCOPE

By Horoscope.com

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

ARIES All your relationships may be enhanced by an increased sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others, Aries. You may provide melancholy friends with a sympathetic ear, or you may give assistance in resolving problems. Rest assured that your efforts won’t go unappreciated. You will probably grow closer to those who mean the most to you now, including the very special person in your life.

TAURUS — Expect to minister to the needs of colleagues and family members today, Taurus. People may need to draw on your insight into human nature in order to understand themselves and others. Your common sense could prove invaluable. In the process of sharing your wisdom, you might also shed some light on emotional situations of your own. You could surprise yourself.

GEMINI — Today you might feel especially creative and intellectually inspired, Gemini. You could discuss your ideas with others. The process of communication could open up new doors in your mind, and result in some fascinating insights concerning whatever you’re pursuing. Sometime in the course of your conversations, don’t be surprised if you find that one of your friends needs a sympathetic ear.

CANCER — A close friend or member of your household could be having money problems, Cancer, and might want to draw upon your business sense in order to make sense of the situation and find ways to put it right. As you’re likely to be feeling especially sensitive to the needs of others, you could be of valuable assistance to this person and anyone else who needs some insight.

LEO — Heightened intuition could lead to some interesting conversations, Leo. Others could be blown away by your insights into their thoughts, feelings, and desires. You could also feel more expressive than usual. You might want to channel some of that inspiration into writing, speaking, or some other form of self-expression. Reading could prove especially valuable at this time.

SUDOKU

LIBRA — Moving ahead is the key for today, Libra. You should feel very optimistic and excited about your goals. You’re probably confident that you will reach them and all will go well. This positive attitude spills over into your personal relationships. You should be in just the right frame of mind to encourage your friends to go for their own dreams and give them whatever assistance they need.

SCORPIO — Inspiration is the key for today, Scorpio. You may feel highly motivated to move on with what others consider impossible. Impossibility has never stopped you before, and you aren’t likely to let it stop you now. You’re more likely to consider all contingencies carefully in order to make them work. Friends could be inspired by your vision and determination and follow your example.

SAGITTARIUS — An increased understanding of different cultures as well as curiosity about the people who live there might spur you to learn more about those places. Friends or groups could be involved in some way. You may channel a lot of energy into intellectual activities and inspire others to do the same. Take a walk at some point during the day. You will need to clear your head.

CAPRICORN — The opportunity to increase your income could spur you on to channel more energy and inspiration into career matters, Capricorn. Some intense dreams could reveal a lot about you and your motivation, which might increase your self-awareness and make everything easier for you. The drive to succeed in material and spiritual matters is likely to play a powerful role in everything you do.

AQUARIUS — You might have the desire for travel, perhaps to visit a friend who lives far away, Aquarius. You may actually set the wheels in motion to make it happen. Social events could take up your time this evening, and you could meet some interesting people. A friend might need a sympathetic ear. Today you’re especially sensitive to others, so be prepared to hear a sad story. Otherwise, your day should go well.

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 Sunday’s Life section.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CODEWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

VIRGO Your intuition and inspiration could enhance your artistic talents, Virgo. A powerful drive to express the stories, pictures, or music in your mind could result in your spending as much of the day as you can jotting down your thoughts and ideas. You might spend most of your free time alone as a result.

Monday, November16, 2015

Daily Bridge Club

PISCES — Today you might hear about opportunities to increase your income, Pisces, either in your current employment, a new job, or perhaps by a project of your own. You may channel a great deal of energy and inspiration toward this end. Others may want to pitch in and help you. You’re likely to feel energetic and optimistic. This can work in attracting still more new opportunities.

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.

DAILY BRIDGE

‘Play Bridge With Me’

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

PUZZLE

“I’ve blamed her crazy plays on those glasses,” Cy the Cynic told me, “but she got me for the second time this week. I think she’s an expert masquerading as a little old lady.”

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.

one diamond, your partner bids one heart. The opponents pass. What do you say?

left, opens one heart. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: This hand lies in the minimum range. Raise to two hearts.

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.

Minnie Bottoms wears old bifocals that make her mix up kings and jacks, often to her opponents’ dismay. Cy has been her chief victim.

“Minnie was East,” Cy said, showing me today’s deal. “Against my 3NT West led the jack of spades, and Minnie played the eight(!) on dummy’s queen. When I led a diamond next, West won and led his last spade, forcing out my ace. I could win only eight tricks before Minnie took her ace of diamonds and good spades.”

If you bid two clubs, and partner returns to two diamonds, you will have to pass, not having shown your heart support. If instead he bids

2NT, you can risk three hearts, but partner will, or should, treat that bid as forcing, and you may get too high. North dealer Both sides vulnerable

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.

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

JACK OF SPADES

“She thought her spades were J-108-7-6-4-2 and West’s jack was the king,” I said.

PASSED HAND

“I’m not so sure,” the Cynic growled. “Her defense was correct. If she covers the queen of spades, I duck and break the defenders’ communication.”

“Next time bid five diamonds,” I observed. “I make 3NT against most Easts,” Cy said. “She’s an expert in disguise.”

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.

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.

You open

Site used as filming location since the 1930s

VASQUEZ

Continued from Page B1

County, and you don’t need a transporter.

Just drive your 21st-century car south on Highway 101 to Ventura, east on State Route 126 to southbound Interstate 5, then north on Highway 14, through Santa Clarita and toward the small town of Agua Dulce.

There it is, an iconic filming site. It’s free to go there, free to park, free to go inside the visitors center to learn about cinematic history and see posters of what was filmed there. Welcome to the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Santa Clarita.

Besides its “Star Trek” history, Vasquez Rocks doubled as New Mexico in the 1990s series “Roswell,” about teenagers whose parents came from another world.

And Mel Brooks came here to direct his Western comedy “Blazing Saddles” (1974).

But the history goes back farther than that. “Dracula” (1931) was filmed here, as well as “Werewolf of London” (1935) and “One Million B.C.” (1940).

In fact , “The Ten Commandments” (1956) was filmed here, as well as “The Duel at Silver Creek” (1952), “Hearts of the West” (1975), “The Magnificent

Tamale class set for Saturday

Seven Ride!” (1972) and “The Muppet Movie” (1979).

This also served as an alien planet for the popular sci-fi spoof “Galaxy Quest” (1999).

It was the planet of the Vulcans, the planet of the Gorn, “The Planet of the Dinosaurs” (1978) and the “Planet of the Apes” (the 2001 remake).

The site, of course, is popular with “Star Trek” fans, including a Los Angeles club, the USS Angeles (ussangeles.org). (Full disclosure: This writer is a longtime member.)

Members visited the Vasquez Rocks last spring, when it’s cooler. This writer recommends saving this day trip for anytime other than summer because frankly, right now, it’s too hot.

Also, don’t bring food. This writer and his friends tried that once a long time ago, and the bees and other bugs were relentless.

It’s best to just bring water, enjoy the site and find a nice restaurant later over in the strip mall in nearby Agua Dulce.

Besides its place in history, Vasquez Rocks is a good place to hike. In fact, it’s part of the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from the Mexican border to the Canadian border in Washington. So wherever you may see it in space on the big screen, Vasquez Rocks is still very much a dramatic part of Earth.

email: dmason@newpress.com

SANTA BARBARA — Richard Lambert, chef and founder of National Tamale Day, will teach a tamale-making class 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Free

Vasquez Rocks’ appearance makes it ideal for alien worlds. It served as the planet Vulcan in both “Star

the

Methodist Church, 1435 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara.

Chef Lambert will demonstrate techniques he uses to make his awardwinning tamales and salsas.

The class, “Secrets of a Tamale Chef,” is designed for home cooks.

“Our cooking methods originated

And in

first

in Mexico City and are very traditional,” Mr. Lambert said, adding, “One of the secrets I share during the class is the special technique we use to make our tamales extra plump and moist.”

Each student will be served a variety of tamale samples and be shown how

each flavor can be created at home.

Additional class handout materials include Chef Lambert’s recipes, a listing of ingredient sources, plus tamale reheating and storage guidelines.

Those attending the class will get a free ebook version of Chef Lambert’s

cookbook, “Preheat to 350 Degrees.” The book features 100 of the chef’s recipes plus his personal anecdotes. Suggested donation for the class is $55 per person. To enroll, go to tinyurl.com/ 0721class.

— Dave Mason

DAVE MASON / NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS

Members of the USS Angeles, a Los Angeles-based “Star Trek” club, explore the upper areas of Vasquez Rocks.

Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986) and

2009 “Star Trek” film.

the

season of “Star Trek: Picard,” Vasquez Rocks finally appeared as … Vasquez Rocks.