The Five-Spot: Updates on How Trump Policies Afflict SB; Last Word on New Polls

From Medicaid and Social Security recipients to foreign students at UCSB, Santa Barbara residents await with dread the next DC dictum. Here's the latest on those issues - and the price of eggs too

(Editor’s note: Newsmakers intern Shelby Appice, who will graduate from UCSB in June with a major in Communication and minor in Professional Writing, is tracking the local effects of the Trump Administration in her “Five Spot” column).

By Shelby Appice

Five ways that Santa Barbara is plagued by Trump policies right now:

1. Looming Medicaid Cuts.
   As Congress eyes $880 billion in federal budget savings — most likely through cuts to Medicaid — Santa Barbara’s low-income families, children, seniors, and disabled residents could face real consequences. With tens of thousands of residents and families of Santa Barbara County relying on Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program), any federal funding rollback or cost-shift to the state could lead to reduced coverage, provider shortages, and stress on local hospitals and clinics. Though lawmakers claim benefits will be protected, experts warn about the impacts on vulnerable communities.

2. Students Visas at UCSB.
   Over 1,500 international students across the country earlier this year had their visas cancelled by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ); the number includes more than 150 students in the UC System, with 12 students from UCSB. Last Friday, seven of the international UCSB students had their visas returned, after the DOJ, with little explanation, backtracked on the terminations. Five remain in state of suspension.

3. Social Security.
   The Administration, which has not yet attempted to cut Social Security benefits, is continuing its DOGE-led assault on administrative services amid a new report that it is planning to eliminate the entire budget of the bipartisan Social Security Advisory Board — about $3 million. It is the latest in a series of Trump moves to eliminate independent perspective on government agencies. In Santa Barbara County alone, over 78,000 residents receive benefits, a reflection of the crowd at last Thursday’s “Hands Off “Social Security Rally.

4. Whither Democrats?
   On April 22, former U.S. Transportation Secretary and 2020 presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg spoke at Arlington Theater, laying out his framework to navigate the uncertain future. He stated: “We are witnessing an energetic and so far largely successful attempt by figures in our government, not only to take full control of the levers of official policy and power in this country, but also to wield unprecedented levels of government power into the pillars of our civil society — including law, science and technology, medicine, the press and academia.” At a time when many grassroots Democrats worry about their party’s timid response to Trump, Buttigieg is among the first high-profile leaders to begin speaking out more vigorously in public. Newsmakers’ coverage of his appearance is here.

5. Grocery Prices.
   During his campaign against Kamala Harris, Trump promised the price of groceries, specifically eggs, would go down on “day one” if he was elected. Last week, he claimed prices have gone down, alleging the cost of eggs “have come down like 93, 94 percent” since he took office. As Yahoo News notes, if the claim was true, eggs would be selling for about 35 cents a dozen. Except, not.

   In March, the most recent month for which data is available, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average price for grade A white eggs was about $6.23, and other grocery prices also had increased. In Santa Barbara, a spot check at Gelson’s showed the cost for a dozen eggs ranging from $6.49 to, depending on size. Trump isn’t fooling anyone here: the new Washington Post poll of 2,464 Americans asked about prices since he became president: 62 percent of those surveyed said prices have gone up, while just 11 percent said they’ve gone down, with 27 percent saying they’re about the same.

   

Five-Spot: In Other News…

1. Restaurant Week in SB.
   From April 25-May 4, the city celebrates its 6th annual Restaurant Week, spotlighting some of the town’s most scrumptious restaurants and wineries. All participating restaurants will provide pre-fixed menus — priced from $45-75. Participating chow houses include Arnoldi’s Cafe, Finch & Fork, Goat Tree, Joe’s Cafe, Lure Fish House and Tre Lune.

2. Santa Barbara Fair & Expo.
   Taking place from April 24-May 4 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, the Santa Barbara Fair & Expo provides fun and entertainment for all ages, with numerous vendors, 30 rides and attractions, farm animals, music, dancing, artwork and crafts, and local food. The SB Trolley will be in service, off-site parking is free and limited on-site parking is available for $20.

3. Hotel Coming to the Funk Zone?
   The California Coastal Commission has approved a controversial 250-unit hotel development at 101 Garden Street, despite fears it will destroy the unique culture of the Funk Zone. The development is set to include a pool, an underground parking garage, a small public market and six affordable housing units.

4. Weekly Food Distributions.
   In partnership with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, The Mobile Food Pantries and Farmers’ Markets holds weekly food distributions. Residents can get essential foods, fresh produce and other groceries for free at a first-come first-serve basis.

• Every Monday 1-2 p.m.: Westside Neighborhood Center 423 West Victoria Ave

• Every Thursday 1-2 p.m.: Franklin Neighborhood Center 1136 E. Montecito St

5. Volunteer Gardening.
   Gardeners of all experience levels are welcome to volunteer at the Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Park staff will provide instruction. A limited supply of tools and gloves are available.

S.A.

A second look at polling.

Some readers had difficulty reading on their devices several charts in Monday’s post that aggregated recent polls on Trump’s performance. The full report may be found here, and below is a reprise on key numbers that got tangled. We regret the confusion:

Overall, the New York Times, Washington Post and CNN polls all found strikingly negative numbers for Donald Trump, with sizable majorities in each survey saying they disapproved than approved of his performance as president:

On the economy, a critical issue in Trump’s victory last November over Kamala Harris, large majorities expressed disapproval of his conduct of economic policy:

On immigration, Trump’s signature issue since getting his first days as a presidential candidate, American’s trust in his ability also is eroding.

Cartoon by Barbara Smaller for The New Yorker.

Images: Iconic sign of 5-Spot driveway in San Jose (Thomas Hawk photograph in Flikr; “Eggs-not-in-one-basket” photo essay by Hap Freund.