Santa Barbara News-Press: May 03, 2023

Westmont College seniors to gather for commencement

More than 100 specimens of minerals

Strikes appear unlikely

Pilots for Southwest, American willing to stay on the ground, but they’re limited by 1926 law

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon reassured the city council Tuesday she and her department are trying a variety of innovative methods to recruit more officers and non-sworn personnel and to retain the ones already here.

But she could not forecast when their efforts would pay off, especially given “the Santa Barbara Factor,” which she translated as the high cost of housing in the city.

“I wish I had a crystal ball to tell us when we will be out of this challenge,” she told the Santa Barbara City Council. “Our recruitment staff is working very hard and diligently. We’re doing everything we can. But it’s going to take time.”

The department, she said, already is thinking outside of the box when it comes to recruitment, including “helping those who are interested in getting their documents together

to help them be successful.” Other efforts include setting up recruitment tables at various events, holding women’s recruitment events and creating a new recruitment video. Policing, she said, is a “noble profession” whose officers “have a heart for service. We just have

a strike.

By COLE LAUTERBACH THE CENTER SQUARE MANAGING EDITOR

(The Center Square) — Pilots

for two major airlines are threatening to walk off the job just as the summer travel season approaches, though an actual stoppage would have to occur with President Joe Biden and Congress opting to stay on the sidelines.

The airlines are American and Southwest, and they both have flights out of Santa Barbara Airport.

The Allied Pilots Association,

a union representing 15,000 American Airlines pilots, announced Monday that its membership voted in favor of authorizing a strike.

“The summer travel season is almost here, and we’re all wondering whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, APA president.

“Fortunately, there is an alternative. By embracing the win-win scheduling and work rule improvements APA has presented at the bargaining table, management can take

steps to improve the airline’s operational reliability and efficiency.”

The union’s strike authorization vote lasted the month of April.

Meanwhile, pilots flying for Southwest Airlines announced Monday they had begun the process of tallying votes to authorize a strike of their own.

“We have been attempting to negotiate with Southwest in earnest for years, but they have shown no willingness to address some of the issues that impact not only our pilots but our customers

as well, such as scheduling work rules and technology improvements,” said Southwest Airlines Pilots Association President Casey Murray. “The lack of discussion or commitment by our leadership team to rectify these issues for our passengers and our pilots are driving us to carry forward on this path afforded to us by the Railway Labor Act.”

The union notes that the strike threat comes months after the airline’s “December

Report: California ranks 49th in nation for individual income tax rates

By TOM JOYCE THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

scores from the group since they have no individual income tax and no payroll taxes aside from the standard unemployment insurance payment. Nevada, New Hampshire Tennessee, Texas and Washington were close behind.

“Grease” star Olivia NewtonJohn and journalist and advocate Rona Barrett will be saluted during VNA Health’s 22nd Annual Mother’s Day luncheon.

Florida, South Dakota and Wyoming received perfect

“The individual income tax is important to businesses because states tax sole proprietorships, partnerships and, in most cases,

limited liability companies (LLCs) and S corporations under the individual income tax code,” Tax Foundation Policy Analyst Janelle Fritts said in a statement with the report’s release. “However, even traditional C corporations are indirectly impacted by the individual income tax, as this tax

Both have local ties. Ms. Newton-John, a singer and movie star known for her support of local causes such as the Unity Shoppe, lived in Santa Ynez up to her death on Aug. 8. And Ms. Barrett is known for the Rona Barrett Foundation, which created the Golden Inn & Village, an affordable housing complex for low-income seniors in the

Santa Ynez Valley. The 90-minute luncheon in their honor is set for 11 a.m. May 12 at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to VNA Health Community Programs and subsidized Charity Care. Dame Olivia NewtonJohn will be saluted as the Remembered Mother. Ms. Barrett — whose entertainment journalism career included interviews with stars such as John Wayne, Cher and Lucille Ball — will be the honored mother. Andrew Firestone will be

A Southwest Airline passenger jet rolls into Santa Barbara Airport. Pilots for the airlines have begun the process of

COURTESY PHOTO

Police Chief Kelly Gordon

Westmont College prepares for commencement ceremony

By SCOTT CRAIG WESTMONT COLLEGE WRITER

About 332 Westmont College graduates will participate in commencement at 9:30 a.m. Saturday on the Montecito campus’ Thorrington Field with 149 graduating with honors.

Westmont’s inaugural cohort of eight nursing students will attend the ceremony, marking the culmination of their 16-month education in the Westmont Downtown/Grotenhuis Nursing program. Also, 49 Golden Warriors who graduated in 1973 will march in the procession to celebrate their 50th reunion.

The ceremony, which is closed to the general public, will be live-streamed at westmont.edu/ commencement. Beloved history professor

Chandra Mallampalli, who is moving to Boston after teaching at Westmont for 22 years, will deliver the address at the ceremony.

Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe will present the Westmont Medal to alumnus Jonathan Walker, class of ’91, co-founder and chief technology officer for AppFolio, which develops software for property managers.

Graduates Mercy Milliken and Tobi Oyebade will offer reflections.

The graduating class includes veteran Frank Barela of Folsom, who served in the military before attending Westmont.

Westmont launched its accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program in partnership with Cottage Health in 2020 amidst a global pandemic and a dire nursing shortage. Nursing graduates Laura Acevedo, Trisha

Beaudin, Regino Gonzalez, Michaela Root, Gracie Stokes, Jen Velas, Megan Wahrenburg and Anna Wallace will also celebrate at a separate pinning ceremony following commencement in the Global Leadership Center.

Dr. Mallampalli, who has held the Fletcher Jones Foundation Chair of the Social Sciences since 2017, has written four books and many articles that examine the intersection of religion, law and society in colonial India. His scholarship and teaching span the fields of modern India, British Empire, world history and global Christianity. In 2021-22, he served as an inaugural Yang Visiting Scholar of World Christianity at Harvard Divinity School.

Mr. Walker took AppFolio public in 2015. The company employs nearly 2,000 people,

including numerous Westmont graduates. Mr. Walker continues to drive AppFolio’s technology vision and architecture, leading key initiatives such as artificial intelligence. He holds and has contributed to multiple patents, and he helped develop software deployed to more than 20 million computers.

The Westmont Medal honors those whose lives embody the very principles associated with the character of the college. Past recipients include Steven and Denice Fellows, Ron Werft, Katherine Wiebe, Lindsay and Laurie Parton, Christine and Robert Emmons, David and Anna Grotenhuis, Lady Leslie RidleyTree and Rolf Geyling, to name a few.

Scott Craig is manager of media relations at Westmont College.

Carbajal advocates strong rules for oil pipelines

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

Eight years after the Refugio oil spill, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal is backing stronger pipeline rules for automatic shut-off values in upcoming legislation.

The proposal is being considered by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Rep. Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, is one of its senior members.

“While an automatic shutoff valve may not stop an oil spill from happening, it can mitigate some of the damage to our communities.

I represent communities that have been directly impacted by oil spills,” Rep. Carbajal wrote to committee leaders. “Not only do they pollute our oceans, kill wildlife, but are also costly in clean-up costs and shuttered fisheries. Therefore, I urge you to include strong pipeline safety

PHOTO U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal

language that directs PHMSA to include automatic valve shutoff requirements for all existing pipelines.”

In 2015, the Plains All American

Pipeline oil spill took place at Refugio Beach, west of Santa Barbara. The spill resulted in 100,000 gallons of crude oil going into Central Coast beaches and ecosystems.

And the source of the spill took more than two hours to detect, according to Rep. Carbajal’s office.

After the spill, Rep. Carbajal led efforts for new federal rules requiring automatic shutoff values and leak detection standards for oil and gas pipelines – initially through a measure that unanimously passed in the House in September 2017, and later through outreach by Rep. Carbajal and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

In March 2022, PHMSA issued new rules mandating the installation of automatic and remote-control shut-off valves and

A little rain here and there

This time around, the rain’s just a drop in the bucket.

Showers on Tuesday left a not-so-whopping 0.01 inch of rain in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria and just a trace in Goleta, according to the National Weather Service. There was a bit more rain in Lompoc: 0.03 inch.

No rain was reported in Santa Ynez or

New Cuyama. It was cooler Tuesday, with highs in the upper 50s or low 60s throughout Santa Barbara County. The lows varied from a brisk 35 in New Cuyama to a more tolerable 49 in Santa Barbara. The weather service said there will be more showers today and Thursday. Lows for

leak detection technology, but only implemented the requirement for new pipelines. Rep. Carbajal is seeking to expand the federal regulation to include all existing pipelines.

“After years of Congress urging PHMSA to act…I was pleased to see them move forward with a final rule,” Rep. Carbajal wrote in his letter to the bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Including all pipelines to adopt automatic valve shut-off safety rules, would help mitigate any oil spills by helping respond immediately. Previous spills have shown us the need for these safety rules.”

To see the entire letter, go to carbajal.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ soc_letter_to_graves_and_ larsen_4.7.23.pdf.

email: dmason@newspress.com

both days will be in the mid- to upper 40s; the highs in the lower to upper 60s. The National Weather Service says Friday through Sunday will be partly cloudy. Monday and Tuesday are expected to be sunny.

— Dave Mason

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— Neil Hartstein Man dies in collision SANTA BARBARA — A man was killed Tuesday after a U.S. mail courier vehicle collided with the motorcycle he was riding shortly before 5 p.m., Santa

Barbara County Fire Department officials said.

Responding rescue workers assessed the rider’s condition and pronounced him deceased at the scene. The accident, reported at 4:51 p.m., occurred in the 4200 block of Marina Drive, which was closed for the accident investigation.

— Neil Hartstein

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Seniors celebrate their graduation during the Westmont College commencement ceremony in 2022. This year’s graduation will take place Saturday at Thorrington Field.

Justice Department darknet operation nets 288 arrests, 117 guns, drugs, cash

By BRETT ROWLAND THE CENTER SQUARE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER

(The Center Square) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced the results of a darknet operation Tuesday that resulted in 288 arrests, 17 firearms, 1,873 pounds of drugs that included 141 pounds of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced products, and $53.4 million in cash and virtual currencies.

The department’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement, along with law enforcement agencies in Europe and South America, was aimed at disrupting fentanyl and opioid trafficking on the internet.

“Operation SpecTor ... represents the most funds seized and the highest number of arrests in any coordinated international action led by the Justice Department against drug traffickers on the dark web,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

“Our message to criminals on the dark web is this: You can try to hide in the furthest reaches of the internet, but the Justice Department will find you and

hold you accountable for your crimes.”

The operation resulted in more than 100 federal operations and prosecutions, including the conviction of Anton Peck, a 29-year-old Florida man.

Mr. Peck was sentenced to 16 years in prison in December 2022 for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin.

Mr. Peck shipped drugs through the U.S. Postal Service after online cryptocurrency transactions, according to court records. Police recovered kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin from business and storage locations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and New York City.

Mr. Peck had a list of more than 6,000 customers across the U.S., according to law enforcement.

The operation also led to the indictment of Christopher Hampton, 36, of Cerritos in Los Angeles County. Prosecutors allege Mr. Hampton used highspeed pill presses to create fake pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine in California

labs and sold millions of pills to thousands of customers on the internet.

Mr. Hampton was arrested in November 2022. Federal agents seized 450 pounds of suspected narcotics; six pill press machines, some of which were capable of producing thousands of pills per hour; and illegal firearms including a machine gun. Agents also seized more than 80 pounds of pressed fentanyl pills, eight guns and precursor materials to make additional pills in a facility linked to the conspiracy.

The operation also led federal prosecutors to charge Holly Adams, 31, and Devlin Hosner, 33, of Indio, Calif., with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and with conspiracy to launder money in May 2022. In that case, agents recovered more than 10,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills and about 60 grams of methamphetamine from a hotel in Riverside County, where Ms. Adams and Mr. Hosner were living.

“The Sinaloa and Jalisco drug cartels, and the global

networks they operate are killing Americans by sending fentanyl into the United States. Their associates distribute this fentanyl into communities across America by every means possible, including the dark web,” DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement. “The DEA is committed to shutting down the fentanyl supply chain from beginning to end, and we will relentlessly pursue the associates of these cartels wherever they hide, even in the dark corners of the internet.”

The FBI; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations participated in the operation. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and U.S. Customs and Border Protection also contributed with help from local, state and other federal agencies.

NYC Mayor Adams rejoins war of words with Gov. Abbott over busing strategy

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) —

Following Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Sunday and his response, New York City Mayor Eric Adams rejoined the feud, accusing Gov. Abbott of being racist over his strategy to bus foreign nationals from the border state to northern sanctuary cities.

Gov. Abbott’s office says Adams’ claims are “outright lies.”

Mayor Adams tweeted Monday that Gov. Abbott “is once again deciding to play politics with people’s lives by resuming the busing of asylum seekers to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver and Washington, D.C.”

Last April, in an effort to provide relief to border communities, Gov. Abbott first bused foreign nationals who were released by

the Biden administration into Texas to Washington, D.C. He later expanded the program to three other cities: Chicago, New York and Philadelphia. Texas hasn’t bused anyone to Denver or Los Angeles.

As of January 2023, Texas bused over 9,100 illegal foreign nationals to Washington, D.C.; over 4,900 to New York City; over 1,500 to Chicago; and over 840 to Philadelphia, according to data from the governor’s office.

Mayor Adams said it is “impossible to ignore the fact that Abbott is now targeting five cities run by black mayors. Put plainly, Abbott is using this crisis to hurt black-run cities.”

Last September, the Democratic mayor of El Paso, Oscar Leeser, and other city officials who are Hispanic men, approved a plan to bus people to New York City and Chicago who were released into El

Paso by the Biden administration. Fifty percent of them didn’t have sponsors or money, Mayor Leeser said, so they “helped” them move north. El Paso sent 10,713 people to New York City and 3,259 to Chicago in September and October, according to city data.

Last October, Mayor Adams asked El Paso to stop, which city officials said it wouldn’t do, though it later reversed course right before the midterm elections. In January, Mayor Adams met with Mayor Leeser and Democratic officials responsible for busing foreign nationals to his city. He made no accusations of them wanting to “harm black-run cities.”

On Sunday, Mayor Leeser declared a state of emergency ahead of Title 42 ending, including stating the city expects to begin busing people north after learning nearly 40,000 are waiting in Mexico to enter El Paso when Title 42 ends

May 11.

After Mayor Leeser’s announcement on Sunday, Mayor Adams instead attacked Republican Gov. Abbott.

Mayor Adams also claimed on Monday that foreign nationals were being bused “against their will,” that “security guards (held) them hostage on buses when they tried to get off in other cities, shipped them off while sick and COVID positive, and tagged individuals with barcodes.”

In response, Abbott Press Secretary Andrew Mahaleris told The Center Square, “Mayor Adams is once again spreading falsehoods and outright lies. He knows full well these migrants willingly chose to go to New York City, since his staff saw firsthand on their secret trip to Texas last year as migrants raised their hands to go on buses to

Abbott tells Lightfoot to blame President Biden for ‘critical tipping point’

By BETHANY BLANKLEY THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — In response to outgoing Chicago

Mayor Lori Lightfoot blaming Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for illegal foreign nationals flooding the Windy City, he told her to call on President Joe Biden to secure the border and fix the problem he says the president created. Mayor Lightfoot wrote Gov. Abbott Sunday, calling on him to appeal “to your better nature” to stop the “inhumane and dangerous action” of busing illegal foreign nationals to Chicago.

LUNCHEON

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the emcee.

In honor of Ms. Newton-John’s performance in the 1978 movie “Grease,” San Marcos High School Theater students will perform the song “You’re the One I Want.” They’re directed by Shannon Saleh. And the luncheon will feature something that Ms. Barrett loves a lot: flamenco music and dance.

Dancers from Maria Bermudez’s Flamenco Performing Arts Studio will perform with Spanish guitarist Chris Fossek. Dancers include Natalia Trevino and Ashly McCollum. In fact, two of the dancers are Jesalyn McCollum, the 2018 Spirit of Fiesta, and Jack Harwood, the

Last August, Gov. Abbott began a busing strategy to assist Texas border communities inundated with foreign nationals who’d illegally entered the U.S. and were being unlawfully released into Texas by busing them to so-called sanctuary cities.

Since then, more than 8,000 voluntarily agreed to receive free, taxpayer-funded transportation to Chicago, Gov. Abbott said.

Mayor Lightfoot, whose last day in office is scheduled for May 15, said their arrival “has resulted in a critical tipping point in our ability to receive individuals and families in a safe, orderly and

2023 Spirit of Fiesta. The luncheon will also feature a champagne reception, an auction and raffle. Ms. Olivia Newton-John, a BritishAustralian singer, was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her dedication to music, cancer research and charity. Ms. Newton-John, who was diagnosed with breast cancer,

dignified way. We simply have no more shelters, spaces or resources to accommodate an increase of individuals at this level, with little coordination or care, that does not pose a risk to them or others.”

She accused the governor of “telling them to go to Chicago” even though all who are bused voluntarily signed a waiver and picked which of four cities they wanted to go to: Chicago; Washington, D.C.; New York or Philadelphia.

She said the 8,000 presented a “completely untenable” situation. She also argued, “The national immigration problem will not

FYI

VNA Health’s 22nd Annual Mother’s Day luncheon will take place at 11 a.m. May 12 at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $250. To purchase, go to vna.health/ luncheon. A free park and ride shuttle will transport passengers from the VNA Health Santa Ynez Valley office at 2029 Village Lane, Solvang, to the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. To reserve a seat, call 805-690-6261.

worked on her dream of a world beyond cancer. She announced the creation of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Barrett is known for her work as an entertainment reporter and producer. Since 2000, her personal mission has been to provide affordable and dignified housing and care for seniors over 62 years old.

The Rona Barrett Foundation

be solved by passing on the responsibility to other cities” while also claiming, “This is not a state v. state or city v. city problem.”

“For the good of our country and the individuals who are seeking safety in refuge, let’s work together to find a real solution,” she said, which “will never be the unilateral busing of migrants to cities like Chicago.”

In response, Gov. Abbott clarified that while Texas is on the frontlines of a catastrophe created by the Biden administration,

Please see TIPPING on A4

welcomed its first tenants of the Golden Inn & Village, an independent living facility for low-income seniors, in December 2016. Harry’s House, named after Ms. Barrett’s late father, is under construction and will serve 60 additional residents with enhanced health services.

VNA Health is known for its Community Care programs and its ownership and operation of Santa Barbara-based Serenity House, the largest nonprofit hospice in California. VNA Health also owns and operates Loan Closet, which provides free short-term loans of basic medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and bathroom safety equipment. email: dmason@newspress.com

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meltdown” caused by a winter storm and scheduling errors that left thousands of passengers stranded over the holiday season. The issue spurred a congressional hearing.

Both airlines have released statements stressing progress is happening in their respective negotiations, according to multiple media reports.

While the pilots can authorize a strike, they are limited to the decades-old law Mr. Murray mentioned. The Railway Labor Act of 1926 places several hurdles before something as disruptive as a rail operator or airline would suffer a work stoppage, disrupting interstate commerce.

The RLA forces parties to bargain in a mediated setting in good faith when Congress is in session. If the two sides fail to come to an agreement, President Biden can order a “cooling off period” that ensures operations continue. Congress can also intervene to force actions by the bargaining parties.

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influences the location decisions of individuals, potentially impacting the state’s labor supply, and higher individual income taxes increase the price of labor.”

California, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Jersey and New York are among the worst performing states by the Tax Foundation’s metrics.

“States that score poorly on this component tend to have high tax rates and very progressive bracket structures,” Ms. Fritts said. “They generally fail to index their brackets, exemptions and deductions for inflation, do not allow the deduction of foreign or other state taxes, penalize married couples filing jointly, do not include LLCs and S corporations under the individual income tax code (instead taxing them as C corporations), and may impose an alternative minimum tax (AMT).”

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to tap into those individuals.”

But overcoming Santa Barbara’s housing shortage is daunting, she said. “It is a real thing for us.”

She noted that two officers recently left the department to work in Santa Maria because the pay is competitive, they offer signing bonuses, the cost of housing is cheaper, “and they no longer have to commute.”

Two things that work in SBPD’s favor, however, are that the department has purposely created a culture “where people want to be here,” and the city’s proximity to the beach and available recreational activities.

“There’s something to be said for working where you live,” she said.

Similarly, the Santa Barbara Police Department is working hard to retain the personnel it already has, Chief Gordon said.

And again, it’s the department culture that shines in that area, she said.

“They serve with an amazing group of men and women, sworn and non-sworn, with a level of dedication and caring for and about each other,” she said. “That’s something to highlight.”

A high number of employees either has long-term ties to Santa

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his sanctuary city. Migrants also sign a voluntary consent waiver available in multiple languages upon boarding that they agree on the destination. And they were processed and released by the federal government, who dumped them in small Texas border towns.”

The current process involves adults signing waivers and agreements for themselves and

California ranks 49th in the nation, according to a new report from the Tax Foundation.

Barbara or moved here and “want to give back to Santa Barbara in a great, community way,” Chief Gordon told the council.

Her officers treat the public with a high level of respect, empathy and compassion “that we have not seen in other departments,” Chief Gordon said, noting that some of them have communications and psychology degrees.

She said the department purposely has post-academy officers spend an entire week meeting and interacting with people so they understand the community before they start field training.

Further, she said, her department reflects the same diversity as the people of Santa Barbara.

The chief’s comments followed a presentation by Barbara Andersen, senior assistant to the city manager, that reviewed a recent independent audit that gave high marks to the SBPD and its low use of force rate.

The audit was a key component of the city’s effort to create and implement a new civilian oversight system for the department.

Council members were impressed that the audit was not in response to a critical incident or a publicized case of police misconduct, but a proactive step to ensure transparency

minors under their care to be transported for free to one of four cities by Texas. None are charged for transportation, food, water or security provided to them.

“Mayor Adams, along with Mayor (Muriel) Bowser, Mayor Lightfoot,and Mayor (Jim) Kenney, were proud to tout their self-declared sanctuary city status until Texas began busing migrants to New York City; Washington, D.C.; Chicago and Philadelphia to provide relief to our overrun and overwhelmed border communities,” Mr.

of the department’s policies, processes and practices as well as accountability to the highest of standards and best practices.

“I appreciate that we did not do this in reaction to an unfortunate event, but chose to do this proactively,” Councilmember Mike Jordan said, thanking the chief and entire department “for putting us in this situation.”

The audit included 31 recommendations, of which 19 already have been implemented and eight are in process of being implemented. Other recommendations have been noted for further review.

The department already was in the process of implementing several of these improvements and refinements under the leadership of Chief Gordon.

The audit also highlighted the low number of complaints received by the Santa Barbara Police Department, as well as what is considered to be an extraordinarily limited number of use-of-force incidents.

In 2022, there were 147 useof-force incidents out of 45,111 contacts, which means that approximately 99.67% of contacts did not result in force used. The majority of these incidents are “takedowns,” where officers take resistant subjects to the ground to better control and detain them.

Mahaleris continued.

“With millions of residents, New York is only dealing with a fraction of what our small border communities deal with on a dayto-day basis,” he told The Center Square. “The real crisis isn’t in New York City – it’s on our southern border, where President Biden’s open border policies have allowed record-high levels of illegal immigrants, deadly drugs like fentanyl and weapons to surge into our state and country.”

Border Patrol agents in Texas in March alone apprehended

Continued from Page

what’s happening isn’t “a Texas problem” but is a “problem for the entire United States.”

In a letter sent to Mayor Lightfoot on Monday, he said it was “ironic” for a mayor of a self-declared sanctuary city “to complain about Chicago’s struggle to deal with a few thousand illegal immigrants, which is a fraction of the recordhigh numbers we deal with in Texas on a regular basis. Texas border towns like Eagle Pass, Brownsville and Laredo – and even bigger cities like El Paso –cannot handle the flood of illegal immigrants rushing across our southern border.”

In March, for example, Border Patrol agents in the Del Rio Sector of Texas apprehended 24,715 illegal foreign nationals and reported 11,867 gotaways – those who illegally enter primarily between ports of entry and intentionally seek to evade capture by law enforcement.

Gotaways have totaled well over 1 million since President Biden’s been in office, the majority of them have been reported in Texas, Border Patrol agents have reported to The Center Square.

The Biden administration has announced its plan to usher into the U.S. even more foreign nationals ahead of the public health authority Title 42 ending May 11. Gov. Abbott points to estimates that up to 13,000 people are expected to illegally cross the U.S.–Mexico border every single day after May 11.

“Some reports indicate that there are nearly 35,000 waiting to cross into El Paso as soon as

Title 42 expulsions are no longer in effect,” he added. “If Chicago can’t deal with 8,000 in less than a year, how are small Texas border communities supposed to manage 13,000 in just one day?” he asked.

He also pointed out that “illegal crossings will be accompanied by criminal activity, gang violence, and deadly drugs like fentanyl. These problems do not stay in border communities in Texas. They make their way all throughout the country, including to the streets of Chicago. Innocent Americans are put at risk every day by these open-border policies.”

Since Abbott launched the state’s border security mission Operation Lone Star in March 2021, Texas law enforcement officials have apprehended more than 369,000 illegal foreign nationals and made over 27,000 criminal arrests, with more than 25,000 felony charges reported. They’ve also seized more than 383 million lethal doses of fentanyl, enough to kill everyone in the U.S., according to data from the governor’s office as of April 28.

It the mayor really wanted to “work together to find a real solution,” Abbott said, she’d “call on the Biden Administration to do its job by securing our border, repelling the illegal immigrants flooding into our communities, classifying the Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and intercepting the deadly fentanyl that is endangering our country.”

He also said Texas will continue to bus people north until the president “secures the border to stop the inflow of mass migration.”

The independent auditor specifically noted that the last officer-involved shooting in the city was in 2019, and that there is a culture that supports restraints and de-escalation of conflict rather than a reliance on physically aggressive policing.

A cross-cutting theme throughout the report is the impact of low staffing levels on the ability of the department to support and promote professional development opportunities for officers, as well as exceed established training standards, which in turn impacts employee morale, retention and promotion.

“There are visible and positive changes in the department that are significant,” Ms. Andersen said, “but it will take time and resources to recruit and retain officers.”

She noted the department will enhance outside training for all its employees, managers and supervisors beyond state requirements.

“That’s one of the highest priorities,” she said.

She also praised the department’s community-based field training and relationship building, including “Coffee with a Cop” events with Santa Barbara residents.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail. com

nearly 90,000 people and reported more than 38,000 gotaways.

Mr. Mahaleris said he agreed with Mayor Adams that “the federal government should step in and provide support as the crisis is more than one city can handle,” but added that the Biden administration “should address the true crisis along the southern border and help support the small Texas border towns dealing with the direct burden of the Biden administration’s open border policies.”

TAX FOUNDATION

‘States that score poorly on this component tend to have high tax rates’

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS

An American Airlines passenger jet descends to land at Santa Barbara Airport. The union representing 15,000 American Airlines pilot says its membership voted to authorize a strike.

Life theArts

CALENDAR

Ready to rock

Minerals come to life at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

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

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

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

7:30 p.m. Movie stars Laura Dern and Diane Ladd will be speaking during a UCSB Arts and Lectures program to discuss their new book “Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life and Love.” The event will take place at UCSB Campbell Hall, where the actresses will talk with KLITE’s Catherine Remak. For more information, go to artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

MAY 6 7 p.m. The Choral Society will wrap up its 75th anniversary season with a “Mozart to Modern” concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara, 21 E. Constance Ave. Accompanied by a full orchestra, the 70-member Santa Barbara chorus will perform Mozart’s Requiem and music varying from Palestrina to Morten Lauridsen. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children. To purchase, go to sbchoral.org.

MAY 7 3 p.m. The Choral Society will wrap up its 75th anniversary season with a “Mozart to Modern” concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara, 21 E. Constance Ave. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children. To purchase, go to sbchoral. org.

MAY 13

By MARILYN MCMAHON

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has reopened its permanent mineral exhibit of astonishing rocks and crystals.

Fan favorites like the fluorescent minerals and Emerald-Citylike malachite spires have returned, accompanied by new picks from the museum’s collection.

More than 100 specimens handpicked by Dr. Jonathan Hoffman, Dibblee Curator of Earth Science, are on view in the small hall off the museum’s central courtyard.

The new permanent exhibit also features three stunning specimens donated to the museum at the close of last summer’s temporary mineral extravaganza, “Rare Earth.” All the specimens are now situated in a new interpretive and design context that puts the emphasis on their geologic origin and surprisingly lively nature.

The exhibit takes a cue from the deep time perspective of research by Dr. Robert Hazen and other prominent mineralogists. The title wall leads with the startling fact that the solar system began with only 60 minerals, whereas more than 6,000 are known on Earth today, thanks to the dynamic conditions on the planet.

The room’s new vibe leans away from the glass-case-in-a-store feeling of older mineral exhibits. Organic forms and panoramas mask the cases, evoking the fact that minerals come from the planet’s

landscapes, not jewelry stores.

Dr. Hoffman and the rest of the museum’s exhibit team hope to instill a greater appreciation not only for minerals but for the lively natural forces that generate them.

“Minerals are often beautiful, but their origin stories are just as impressive. We hope visitors will appreciate how minerals demonstrate the dynamic nature of chemistry — how minerals form, how they

change over time, how organisms interact with them and the roles they play in our society,” said Dr. Hoffman.

In the museum’s Legacy Giving Newsletter, Luke Swetland, president and CEO, offered more behind-the-scenes information about the exhibit.

“While providing information about minerals’ relevance to daily life and regional identity, the new interpretation

still keeps science — especially chemistry — at the center. This transformation was made possible by generous philanthropic support. The support came both from the collectors who contributed thousands of specimens to our Earth Science Collections over the years and from the donors who gave the funds our staff needed to work their magic.

“(The late) Charles D. Woodhouse — a major specimen donor whose gifts spanned decades and the mineralogist for whom the hall was long named — made minerals ‘come alive’ in the classroom. This is the museum’s aim in reinventing the hall which bore Woodhouse’s name for so long: to reveal minerals as changing, lively and relevant.

“The interplay between minerals and life has been a key part of this flourishing diversity. Early lifeforms pumped their waste oxygen into the atmosphere. All that oxygen reacted with existing minerals and created new minerals.

“In this context, our oxidized minerals like malachite aren’t just pretty — they take on new significance as children of life. An astonishingly colorful opal-like ammonite fossil donated by Lavinsky is the centerpiece in an appreciation of how minerals — the physical stuff of the fossil record — preserve the story of life. Several excellent specimens from the

collection donated by Ed

to this

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

MAY 14

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

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

— Dave Mason

SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY PHOTO Nir Kabaretti will conduct the Santa Barbara Symphony during its “Platinum Sounds” concert May 13 and 14 at The Granada.

large

Womack add diversity

display of biological and mineral forms.

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS COURTESY SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Dr. Jonathan Hoffmann, the Dibblee Curator of Earth Science, shows off the new look of the fl uorescent minerals display, a fan favorite, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.

At left, these tourmaline crystals from Mesa Grande in San Diego County sit atop the granite within which they originally grew. At right, sparkling malachite spires are back on display at the museum — in a new context that reveals their relationship to copper.

KENNETH SONG /NEWS-PRESS FILE PHOTO

A permanent mineral exhibit has reopened at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road.

The new exhibit invites guests to think about minerals in the contexts of science, industry, culture and history.

MINERALS

Continued from Page B1

“Exhibits designer Jenna Savage Davis designed the look and feel of the hall to avoid the glass-case-in-a-store feeling of older mineral exhibits. Organic forms and panoramas mask the cases, evoking the fact that minerals come from our planet’s landscapes, not jewelry stores.

“Highly adjustable LED lighting makes another major improvement over the old hall. The lion’s share of skilled craftsmanship was performed by exhibits tech Jimmy Friery and exhibits lead Francisco

FYI

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, has reopened its permanent mineral exhibit of rocks and crystals that is on view in the small hall off the museum’s central courtyard. The exhibit, which opened April 22, is included in museum admission. Members are always admitted free. For more information, visit sbnature. org/minerals.

Lopez, who did everything from handcrafting custom specimen supports to hooking up the neon ‘California’ sign highlighting our state’s geomorphic provinces.

Julie Christensen to perform May 13 in Ojai

OJAI — Julie Christensen, currently a New Mexican by way of East Nashville by way of Ojai by way of L.A. and her native Iowa, is headed back to her old neighborhood, playing at the Ojai Underground Exchange, 616 Pearl St. in Ojai, at 7 p.m. May 13. She will perform in a trio setting with guitarist Joe Woodard and bassist Steve Nelson.

Ms. Christensen is well-known for her work with such luminaries as Leonard Cohen, Divine Horsemen, Van Dyke Parks and many others — not to mention her formidable solo life, with many albums and legacies to boot.

She is also a Household Ink Records family member, having consented to be part of the Headless Household adventure for years (and appearing on a few albums), and releasing her albums, ”Where the Fireworks Are” and “Something Familiar,” on the Household Ink label. Her new album, “The Price we Pay for Love,” was recently released, and her Ojai show will tap that prized new addition to the discography, along with songs from assorted byways in her storied musical life.

“The team kept guest favorites, enhancing them to suit the new look. The Dreier Mine, originally added in 2008 with support from the Dreier family, is freshly painted and brighter. The neighboring fluorescent mineral display got a makeover to match.

“Longtime local museum collaborators, The Environment Makers, brought their artistic skills to this work, riffing on the naturalistic viewing portal they created for a giant geode from ‘Rare Earth.’ “

email: mmcmahon@newspress. com

Shelters seek homes for pets

Local animal shelters and their nonprofit partners are looking for homes for pets.

For more information, go to these websites:

• Animal Services-Lompoc, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc.

• Animal Shelter Assistance Program in Goleta, asapcats.org.

ASAP is kitty corner to Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter in Goleta, bunssb.org.

BUNS is based at Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Companion Animal Placement

Assistance, lompoccapa.org and facebook.com/capaoflompoc.

CAPA works regularly with Animal Services-Lompoc.

• K-9 Placement & Assistance League, k-9pals.org. K-9 PALS works regularly with Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, sbcanimalcare. org. (The foundation works regularly with the Santa Maria Animal Center.)

• Santa Barbara County Animal Services in Goleta: countyofsb.org/ phd/animal/home.sbc.

• Santa Barbara Humane (with

campuses in Goleta and Santa Maria), sbhumane.org.

• Santa Maria Animal Center, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home.

sbc. The center is part of Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society/DAWG in Buellton, syvhumane.org.

• Shadow’s Fund (a pet sanctuary in Lompoc), shadowsfund.org.

• Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals in Lompoc: vivashelter. org.

— Dave Mason

To buy tickets, which are $35, visit ojaiundergroundexchangetickets. square.site. For more information, call 805-340-7893.

— Marilyn McMahon

Nurse receives DAISY Award during surprise Lompoc ceremony

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

It came as a total surprise for Meahgan Skinner.

But those who knew Ms. Skinner realized she very much deserved the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Ms. Skinner, a Comprehensive Care Center licensed vocational nurse, was honored during a surprise ceremony Monday afternoon by the Lompoc Valley Medical Center leadership team, her co-workers and the Daisy Nomination Committee, which includes clinical and non-clinical staff. The international award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided every day to patients and families.

Ms. Skinner was nominated for the award by registered nurse Leslie Kelly, who previously was a hospice nurse working closely with Ms. Skinner at the Comprehensive Care Center.

Ms. Kelly, president of the LVMC board, praised Ms. Skinner for the care she provided for a patient who had no family who visited him and was suffering from a progressive neurological disease. The resident depended on Ms. Skinner for virtually everything while in the facility, and Ms. Kelly was his hospice nurse.

“She (Ms. Skinner) is one of the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate nurses I have ever

LVMC

COURTESY

Meahgan Skinner, a licensed vocational nurse, is surprised as she receives a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses Monday in Lompoc.

met,” Ms. Kelly said in a news release. “She was able to tell me what each grunt and facial expression of his meant. She was able to help me tailor a pain management regime that would benefit him. It was obvious that she spent an immense amount of time and effort to communicate and understand this patient that

would be so easy to overlook or dismiss.”

Because of his disease, it took about 40 minutes to feed him every meal. Caution was important because he was at high risk for choking.

“As a nurse, I cannot tell you how touched I was at the meticulous and loving care he received,” Ms. Kelly said in her nomination. “The attentiveness and commitment she showed her care was inspiring.”

Ms. Skinner has been with the CCC for about five years and is a 1999 graduate of Lompoc High School. She earned her LVN certificate about eight years ago at Santa Barbara Business College in Santa Maria.

She was surprised when she heard her name announced.

“I was blown away,” she said. “It’s really, really nice. I am very honored.”

As she spoke, a resident came near her in a wheelchair and gave a big “thumb up” sign to her.

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

For more information, see daisyfoundation.org. To nominate a nurse at LVMC, Lompoc Health or the Comprehensive Care Center, go to lompocvmc.com and click under the Resources tab and Patient Feedback link. email: dmason@newspress.com

Toot and Puddles to appear at adoption event

MONTECITO —Toot and Puddles would like to go home with you.

The two friendly dogs, who are bonded sisters, will appear during an adoption event from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at George Pet Shop at Montecito Country Mart, 1026 Coast Village Road, Montecito.

The 2-year-old dogs currently live at Shadow’s Fund — a Lompoc sanctuary for the most vulnerable shelter dogs.

Toots and Puddles are known for their playfulness and love of adventure. They’re also sociable and polite, thank you very much.

For more information, email info@shadowsfund.org or visit shadowfund.org.

— Dave Mason

Toot and Puddles are known for their love of adventure.

COURTESY PHOTO

Recruitment reception set for May 18 for SBMA docents

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is reminding the community that its docent program is a rewarding way to learn and have fun. A recruitment reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. May 18 at the museum, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Volunteer docents engage

with visitors of all ages through guided tours to make works of art accessible to everyone. An art background is not required.

Diverse applicants with an interest in learning about art, working with students and facilitating positive museum experiences for visitors are encouraged to apply.

In addition to touring, docents

enjoy an extensive program of continuing education provided by curators and local experts. The year-long training course begins each September.

For more information or to attend, visit www.sbma.net/ docent or contact education@ sbma.net.

— Marilyn McMahon

COURTESY PHOTO

Julie Christensen

PHOTO COURTESY SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Diversions

Thought for Today

“Men are more easily governed through their vices than through their virtues.” — Napoleon Bonaparte

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

ARIES — A heightened sense of idealized romance could hit you today, Aries. If you aren’t currently involved, beware!

That wonderful new person you’ve just met may have a wellhidden side. If you’re currently involved, expect a simultaneous high from romantic exhilaration and insecurity that maybe your beloved doesn’t love you anymore.

TAURUS — Something you feel you desperately need right now is missing, Taurus, and it’s very well hidden. You may search the house for it and drive yourself crazy in the process.

Do you really need it that badly?

If so, sit for a moment and try to collect your thoughts. If you can’t, leave it for now. You may find it by chance or through a sudden insight.

GEMINI — Don’t listen to gossip today, Gemini. Any rumors that are spreading are likely to be based on false assumptions and totally outside the realm of reality.

Yet someone who loves to talk is very convincing! Take anything you hear that you can’t immediately verify with a grain of salt, if not the whole shaker.

CANCER — A luxury you’ve been craving could seem very tempting today, Cancer. Make sure you’re really ready, willing, and able to spend the money to get it. Think about it carefully before whipping out your credit card. Do you really want it that much? Is the expense feasible right now? If so, go for it.

LEO — Emotional turmoil may overwhelm your usual objectivity and good sense today, Leo. Family problems could weigh on your mind, as communication between you and family members may be lacking. You might not feel in touch with what’s going on. Try to encourage them to talk to you. If they won’t, move on.

VIRGO — Your imagination should fly high today, Virgo. Whether you’re into writing, music, or dance, make the most of your creative inspiration. If you don’t, your ideas may vanish as soon as they appear. If you’re too busy, at least make time

to jot down your insights and any possibilities for developing them.

LIBRA — Doubts about a friend may plague you today, Libra. Did this person borrow money? Promise to do you a favor? Can you depend on this person? The best way to judge is by their track record. If they’ve been undependable in the past, chances are they might be again.

SCORPIO — Confusion might get in the way of anything you hope to accomplish today, Scorpio. You may feel like you’re walking around in a daze, uncertain of your actions. Try to stay focused and be your usual practical, objective self. It might not come as easily for you as it usually does, but you can do it.

SAGITTARIUS — Spiritual and metaphysical concepts may seem murky to you today, Sagittarius. Ideas that friends accept as matters of course might feel strange. Don’t get into an argument. Ask about books, websites, or magazines that you can consult for more input and, hopefully, clarity.

CAPRICORN — A strange, bothersome feeling could plague you today, Capricorn, as if you can’t remember something you need to do. Don’t drive yourself crazy over this. Chances are you haven’t forgotten anything but had a rather irritating dream. If you can’t seem to shake the idea, try asking your subconscious to pull up the dream.

AQUARIUS — Is a romantic partner having trouble communicating with family, Aquarius? If so, be prepared to hear about it today. Be a good listener. Your understanding and objectivity will be greatly appreciated. Your beloved probably isn’t seeing the real facts and needs an outside party to point this out.

PISCES — Listen carefully when you receive instructions today, Pisces. Your mind may not be as sharp as usual. If you aren’t careful, you could get on the wrong track and end up having to start all over again. Don’t be too shy or ashamed to ask questions. It’s always better to ask a question than make an unnecessary error.

DAILY BRIDGE

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

“You told me you were invited to join the Procrastinators Club,” I said to Cy the Cynic. “Did you accept?”

“I did,” Cy replied tersely.

“Well, have you been to a meeting?”

“I will,” the Cynic said, “when they get around to having one.”

They ought to make Cy an officer, if they ever elect any, since he is a pro at procrastination. In a team match, both Souths played at 3NT, and West led a spade. At one table, South won in dummy and led a low heart: three, queen, king. He won the next spade, lost a heart to East’s ace and had 10 tricks.

BETTER

When Cy was declarer, East found a better defense. When Cy led a heart from dummy at Trick Two, East rose with the ace and led the jack of diamonds. If the Cynic had finessed with the queen, he would have gone down, off three diamonds and two hearts. But Cy saw that he didn’t need an immediate finesse. He procrastinated by putting up the ace and leading another heart. When West had the king, Cy was safe for an overtrick.

The dealer, at your

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great way to test your knowledge of the English language. Every number in the codeword grid is ‘code’ for a letter of the alphabet. Thus, the number 2 may correspond to the letter L, for instance. All puzzles come with a few letters to start. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If the letter S is in the box at the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should be to find all cells numbered 2 in the grid and enter the letter S. Cross the letter S off the list at the bottom of the grid. Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

PUZZLE

left, opens one club. Your partner doubles, you respond (“advance”) one diamond, the opening bidder rebids two clubs and your partner bids two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: If your partner had a fair hand with long hearts, he would have overcalled one heart at his first turn. To double and then bid his suit, he promises a hand worth 17 or more points. Game is possible. Raise to three hearts. South dealer