Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors holds First Budget Workshop for Upcoming Fiscal Year

KEYT on April 15, 2025

Mina Wahab

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch says violent crime has risen county-wide.

“Jails are expensive. I mean, the debt that is the reality. So our prosecutors, so our public defenders, everything is more expensive that we’re doing salaries go up, inflation goes up. The cost of everything from the whatever logistical supplies we need to do the job to salary, his continues to rise,” said Savrnoch.

The County says one of the biggest financial challenges when it comes to setting this year’s budget is the fact jail costs are outpacing revenue growth.

Public safety typically accounts for the largest portion of the budget.

But Defense Attorney Addison Steele says the way to address the growing need for public safety is by putting that money into social services.

“I firmly believe that money going into social services and by that I mean that are aiding addicts, that are aiding the mentally ill, that are aiding the poor, are going to save money on jail beds. You put that money into jail beds. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy because then that money is not used for those services. Those people end up cycling through the jail and now you fill the jail beds. It’s a misallocation of funds,” said Steele.

The County’s preliminary budget is $1.69 billion dollars, but the potential volatility in state and federal funds has many on edge.

Monday, different county departments, including the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, gave presentations outlining their budget, emerging issues, accomplishments, and goals.

But, the county says the public has a critical role to play in the final decision. The next budget workshop is scheduled for Wednesday. Final budget decisions will be made in June. The fiscal year runs from July 1st through June 30th.

How a Child Abuse Survivor Broke Silence in Santa Barbara

KEYT on April 15, 2025

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – On July 28th, 1980, Anthony Rodriguez’ life changed forever.

It was the day he became the victim of abuse at the hands of his uncle in Santa Barbara.

“It started when I was 5 years old until about 16 years old. Everybody says it was all my fault … well not everybody, my abuser said it was all my fault,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez grew silent.

After all, he was just a kid, and his abuser convinced him that if he spoke out, no one would believe him.

“You’re embarrassed, you feel disgusted, you feel scared, and you don’t want to hurt anybody. You’d rather take the pain, and that’s kind of how it was,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez withdrew from others.

His grades went down.

His feelings of isolation became overwhelming, leading him to gangs, drugs and even attempted of suicide.

“Because he threatened me, he always threatened me, he said he would hit my aunts or he would do something to my little cousins. So I decided to take the burden on myself,” said Rodriguez.

One day, someone at school noticed Rodriguez’ demeanor changed.

“And that person told a school employee and that’s how it got out. At first I was very angry but if it wasn’t for that person I don’t think I would be here,” said Rodriguez.

When Rodriguez met friends at a local church with a similar experiences, he decided to break his silence.

“I told my story for the first time here at church and it made me feel good that they were free. They felt free and I felt free,” said Rodriguez.

Now, Rodriguez is helping survivors with father Pedro Lopez through the Safeguard the Children Committee at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Barbara.

“And knowing how to protect and care for children and others, not only when they gather with us, but in their homes and their neighborhoods, in the schools so they would have a greater awareness know what to look out for … and how to respond to suspected abuse or if they should witness abuse,” said Father Pedro Lopez of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Father Lopez wants the support of everyone to create a safe environment for the community.

“Child abuse and Neglect impacts the development of a child’s brain, their social, emotional well-being and it impacts their ability to thrive. But the good news is that early intervention and prevention can make a huge huge difference,” said PIO and chief of strategy and community engagement Suzanne Grimmesey of the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness.

It certainly did for Rodriguez who, with the help of his church community, learned how to break his silence.

“People that abuse others don’t stop until you stop them. They won’t stop. They think it’s easy.”

For all those who are suffering, this survivor wants them to know, you are not alone.

“I believe in you … you’re worth it. It’s not your fault. It’s never your fault,” said Rodriguez.

Organizations in our community that can help include: Calm, Behavior WellnessDepartment of Social Services, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

From the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness:

As we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness joins with its partners and community in reaffirming a shared commitment: to protect the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of every child.

The trauma of abuse and neglect can have lasting impacts on a child’s development, relationships, and overall mental health. However, with early support and safe, stable environments, healing is possible—and so is prevention.

Prevention begins with connection. Each of us can make a difference by checking in on families, lending a helping hand to overwhelmed caregivers, being present for the children in our lives, and reporting concerns when something doesn’t seem right. These simple acts help build a strong safety net around our most vulnerable. 

Every member of our community can be a part of the solution—learn the signs, support local organizations working with children and families, and speak up for those who may not have a voice. Together, we can foster a culture of care, where all children are safe, valued, and have the opportunity to thrive.

The Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Crisis and Access Line can be reached by calling 888-868-1649.

Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT

PIO/Chief of Strategy and Community Engagement

Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness

Beaches covered with Velella Creatures being Blown In from the Ocean

KEYT on April 15, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Thousands of small creatures washing ashore on the Central Coast beaches, called the velalla, have been seen on many beaches in the last few days.

They are also called By-the-Wind sailors, a type of jellyfish.

They have been seen along the Ventura coast, Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara, Butterfly Beach in Montecito and on the sands of Cayocos in San Luis Obispo County.

“I never seen that  before, this is the first time I’ve seen it. I thought it was rocks and I touched them and they weren’t rocks and they were like plastic,” said resident Salvador Arraiga while walking on Leadbetter beach.  “”Yea they look like mussels but touching them I thought that was what it was but it’s not.”

In the harbor, they were in the water and by the docks.  Cyrus Salahub said, “I didn’t know what I was seeing at first.  I thought it was some oyster chips floating in the water but they were blueish.”  It caught the eye of passersby.   “People were kind of circling around pointing checking them out.”

They sometimes arrive during windy conditions after an upwelling in the ocean.

You should not touch them because they can cause a minor irritation according to marine biologists. Velella toxins are harmless to humans.

In nearshore waters,  ocean swimmers tried to avoid them but the Velella were shifting with the wind and currents.

Jan Von Yurt came out and said, “we swam out,  we tried to find a spot where there weren’t that many on the beach they have sails.  They move really  quickly.”

If you have an inquisitive dog you are advised to keep them away as consuming the velella will likely make them sick.

Kenny Loggins Hosts ‘Pickleball in the Danger Zone’ Tournament to Benefit Unity Shoppe

KEYT on April 15, 2025

Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Kenny Loggins and his wife, Lisa, are combining two of their passions — pickleball and helping others — in a new fundraiser for the Unity Shoppe.

“We thought this would be a great way to do a fundraiser for the Unity Shoppe,” said Loggins, who has supported the local nonprofit for decades, including through the annual Unity Shoppe Telethon that airs on KEYT.

“Instead of doing a concert or something like that, which I’ve done once or twice, I figured let’s play pickleball and make fun out of it,” he said. “Let’s call it ‘Pickleball in the Danger Zone.’”

The tournament will raise money to help families and individuals who were forced to relocate due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year, while also continuing to support local residents in need.

More than 400 people have signed up to participate in the sold-out, three-day tournament, which runs Friday, May 2, through Monday, May 5, at the Santa Barbara Municipal Pickleball Courts.

On Saturday, a Celebrity-Pro exhibition match will feature stars like Duane Henry, known for his role on NCIS, competing against professional pickleball players.

“I have a great time playing,” said Henry. “It’s the sneaky passion that snuck up on me, and I wasn’t expecting to be as addicted as I am!”

Participants will also have the chance to pay-to-play in matches with celebrity guests.

Loggins encouraged the community to come out and support the players but reminded spectators to consider biking or using a rideshare service.

“Parking will definitely be a challenge — there is no parking,” said Lisa Loggins.

There is a $50 entrance fee to attend the tournament. Tickets are available through the Unity Shoppe website.

Gauchos lose late lead and 6-game win streak ends at Cal Baptist

KEYT on April 15, 2025

Mike Klan

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara (24-11) and California Baptist (21-16) baseball teams went for a roller coaster ride on the baseball diamond Monday night, playing a game that included four ties and four lead changes and required all nine innings to be decided. With CBU set to join Santa Barbara in The Big West beginning in the 2027 season, if Monday’s game is anything to go on, those series will be must-watch baseball. Ultimately, the hosting Lancers walked off with a 7-6 win on this occasion, snapping the Gauchos’ six-game winning streak. Santa Barbara got home runs from Cole Kosciusko and Nate Vargas and a stellar cameo on the mound from Raymond Olivas, who will be a junior when these two teams play their first series as conference foes.

HOW IT HAPPENEDIt was a pitchers’ duel to start on Monday, with both starters facing the minimum in their halves of the first. Frank Camarillo, making his second start of the season for the Gauchos, helped himself out by starting a slick, 1-6-3 double play to erase a lead-off walk in the bottom of the first. He issued back-to-back strikeouts to strand a one-out single and walk in the bottom of the second, but gave up two runs in the third after a lead-off single, walk, error and RBI single, though he did pick up his third strikeout of the day in the process.

Donovann Jackson relieved Camarillo and ended the inning with a groundout and a strikeout. In the top of the fourth, the Gaucho offense provided some relief to their junior right-hander as well, with two big swings. Xavier Esquer led off the inning with a single, and Kosciusko’s home run off the scoreboard in right center drove him home to tie the game at two runs apiece. Two batters later, Vargas drove a solo homer to the same part of the park, giving Santa Barbara a 3-2 lead, their first of the night.

Jackson worked a one-two-three fourth with the help of some slick glove work. Nolan Farley made a diving stop and on-time throw to first from his backside at second base for the second out of the inning, and, not to be outdone, Esquer made a diving stop himself at third before firing across the diamond for the third out of the frame. In the top of the fifth, both infielders also had a hand in creating the Gauchos’ fourth run of the game as Santa Barbara extended their lead. After Ian Fernandez led off the inning with a double, Farley’s one-out single put Gauchos on the corners, and Fernandez was able to score on Esquer’s fielder’s choice groundout.

Unfortunately, it was not time to get off the ride, and Santa Barbara’s two-run lead lasted only two thirds of an inning. A single, then two one-out walks loaded the bases for CBU, and a two-out single tied the game at 4-4. The Lancers went hitless for the next 3 1/3 innings, but they were able to scratch across another run in the sixth after their lead-off man got all the way to second on an error. Two flyouts put CBU back in front, 5-4.

Again, that lead did not last long either. Fernandez hit his second double of the night to lead off the top of the seventh, then took third on a wild pitch and scored on Farley’s RBI single. The Gauchos went on to re-take the lead in the top of the eighth. Back-to-back singles from LeTrey McCollum and Kosciusko put two Gauchos on before anyone got out, but two outs later, McCollum had only managed to go 90 feet, from second to third. Rowan Kelly remedied that with a two-out single, scoring McCollum and putting Santa Barbara back on top, 6-5.

Olivas came on to start the eighth and got the only two Lancers he faced out, a strikeout and a flyout. The Gauchos took him out to get a better matchup against the next CBU hitter, though the scheduled batter was lifted for a pinch hitter. All the shuffling around ended with a hit for the Lancers, which turned into the tying run thanks to a two-out double. After another pitching change, Santa Barbara got out of the inning, but they were in for more trouble in the ninth. A one-out double put the winning run on second base, but the Gauchos got the second out of the inning without that runner going anywhere. An intentional walk was issued to get a more favorable matchup, but that matchup ended in an eight-pitch walk. The next man up also faced a full count before hitting a walk-off single down the right field line.

BY THE NUMBERSPerhaps fittingly for a man whose first collegiate hit was a double, Fernandez recorded his second multi-double game of the season on Monday. He has six total on the year, accounting for nearly half of his 13 hits. In total, more than half of his hits so far (eight) have gone for extra bases.Like Fernandez, Farley was one of four Gauchos with multiple hits on Monday night. Over the four games that Santa Barbara played in Riverside, Farley went 4-for-12 (.333) with four RBIs and zero strikeouts.McCollum was another Gaucho with multiple hits on Monday; his two singles extended his on-base streak to 31 games.

UP NEXTSanta Barbara returns home for a marquee conference series this weekend, hosting Cal Poly in the 2025 Blue-Green Rivalry, April 17 through 19. Friday’s game will be nationally televised on ESPNU and therefore starts at 6 p.m. First pitch times on Thursday and Sunday are scheduled for 4:35 p.m. and 1:05 p.m. respectively. Following the rivalry series, the Gauchos will have a shot at revenge against the Lancers as they host CBU on Monday, April 21 at 4:35 p.m.

(Article courtesy UCSB Athletics

Our Futuretrack 14-Day Planning Forecast

KTVZ on April 15, 2025

John Carroll

We have a new feature from the KTVZ weather center that we will be showcasing on the 6 pm and 10 pm newscasts each night. We call it the Futuretrack 14-Day, and it gives you a broadbrush view of the following week. This will track trends over the next week after the 7-Day, and provide a guideline to help you to make your plans.

Cal/OSHA to investigate Chachi “The Rocketman” Valencia accident at county fair

KESQ on April 15, 2025

Cynthia White

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KESQ) – Cal/OSHA is now looking into the incident that caused injury to the daredevil in a stunt at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival.

News Channel 3 was on scene when Chachi “The Rocketman” Valencia was shot out of a cannon, hitting a safety net and then bouncing out of it before hitting the pavement in his live performance.

Valencia says he sustained serious injuries, including broken ribs, a broken wrist and a lacerated liver.

Cal/OSHA is opening inspection with the Riverside County Fairgrounds and has up to six months to issue any citations related to the incident.

Valencia has been released from the hospital and is expected to fully recover.

Dozens attend funeral services for disabled teen teen shot by Pocatello Police

KIFI on April 15, 2025

Linda Larsen

UPDATE:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – On Tuesday, family, friends, and the Pocatello community said a final goodbye to Victor Perez, the disabled teen who died Saturday after being shot by Pocatello Police officers earlier this month.

Nearly 100 people, several wearing shirts reading “Justice for Victor,” attended the funeral services for the 17-year-old. Victor’s mother told the mourners that when her son was born, they knew he would be a special gift and a joy who would need attention and love.

“His legacy is gonna be…it was all the public services,” said Perez. “Everybody need(s) to know and need(s) to learn how to work, not just with the autism (autistic) kids. (But they) need to learn how to work… (with) others mental issues.”

The Victor Project

The shooting, which was captured on video by watchful neighbors, has created uproar and online controversy in the Pocatello community and beyond. Multiple protest groups have responded to the incident, many calling for a larger investigation into Pocatello PD and accusing the responding officers of “excessive use of force” and “police brutality.”

A new group organized in response to the shooting, dubbed the Victor Project, has organized an additional protest on Friday, April 19, at 3 PM at the Idaho State Capitol. The Victor Project’s mission statement says their goal is to be a catalyst for change in law enforcement practices.

“We strive to achieve this by advocating for enhanced and standardized de-escalation training for all law enforcement officers,” writes the group. “Through community engagement, legal advocacy, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to foster a culture of understanding, respect, and accountability within police forces, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. We are committed to creating a future where interactions between law enforcement and individuals, especially those with mental health challenges, are handled with compassion, expertise, and a focus on preserving life.”

For more information, click HERE.

The investigation into the April 5th shooting

The shooting is currently under investigation by the Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce, and the four responding officers have been placed on administrative leave.

The Idaho Attorney General’s Office has also agreed to review their investigative findings regarding the officer-involved shooting at the request of Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney Ian Johnson.

“As with all such matters, the Office of the Attorney General will conduct a thorough and impartial review once the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce completes its investigation,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Given the seriousness of the matter and the ongoing investigation, our office will not be making further public comment at this time.”

For more information, click HERE.

According to Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad, the city will be releasing the body camera footage of the four responding officers. For Mayor Blad’s full address, click HERE.

Local News 8 will continue to follow and update this story as the investigation develops.

ORIGINAL:

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The family of Victor Perez, the disabled teen shot by Pocatello Police officers, has announced that his funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 15.

Services will begin at 3 PM at the Cornelson Funeral Home at 431 N 15th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho 83201. Victor’s family says the funeral is open for all to attend.

The news comes after Victor’s family chose to take the 17-year-old off life support, following the heartbreaking news that he was brain dead.

For more information, click HERE.

Police continue investigation of weekend shooting at Cosmo Park

KMIZ on April 15, 2025

Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Despite a shooting over the weekend at Cosmo Park, data from the Columbia Police Dispatch log shows that despite a high volume of calls, violent incidents are down. 

Two people are hospitalized following a shooting late Saturday night at Cosmo Park, where police say a large gathering took place.

Columbia police responded to the park around 10:30 p.m. Saturday and found a man in critical condition and a woman in serious condition, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Witnesses said the gathering began as a party before escalating into a shootout.

On Monday, officers returned to the scene to continue their investigation. Police focused much of their search around a large picnic shelter and surrounding soccer fields. Investigators were seen collecting evidence, taking photographs and using a K-9 to aid in the search.

Columbia Parks and Recreation confirmed the event organizers did not reserve the shelter for Saturday night’s gathering. As the scene cleared, officers reportedly stopped and searched vehicles, causing long lines as attendees attempted to leave the park.

According to dispatch logs, Cosmo Park has been the subject of 54 police calls so far this year, with 23 of those coming in the past month-and-a-half. During the past year, there have been 236 calls to the park, but only four have resulted in police reports, including Saturday’s shooting.

Of the 236 calls to Cosmo Park, 142 have been for area checks. Other incidents of note include 16 check subject calls, which included Saturday night’s shooting, seven suspicious vehicles, six suspicious incidents and two instances of disturbing the peace, which also included Saturday night. 

This comes after the parks saw 77 during the first four months of 2023. 

While police have not released any suspect information, the investigation remains ongoing. Cosmo Park has been the site of previous shootings, including one in October 2023 during another large gathering and a fatal shooting in 2020 that left Jermain Spain dead.

Despite its history, recent data shows a decline in violent incidents at the park over the last year.

The City of Columbia currently has job postings for a Park Safety Supervisor and park security staff. Columbia Parks and Recreation said Columbia Police are responsible for overseeing park security operations.

ABC 17 News has reached out to the Columbia Police Department for comment.

City Council shows support for $60M hotel development plan

News-Press NOW on April 15, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph’s elected officials signaled their support for an incentive package to help finance two new hotels and a new conference center on Frederick Avenue.

City council members have approved a resolution of official intent to issue $60 million in industrial development revenue bonds. Bonds issued by the city would be repaid by future revenue generated from the project.

The measure was approved by a vote of 7-0-1, with Councilman Madison Davis abstaining.

As part of the agreement, in which the city will hold the title to the property, there is no liability to the city if there is a default by developer STJ Hotel Group.

St. Joseph Planning and Community Development Director Clint Thompson said that while the total project is $60 million, the actual redirection of future taxes associated with the project is about $12 million, largely for the construction of the conference center.

“As a partner, we want to make sure there’s that fine line to ensure the success of the project but also that there’s not a windfall at the expense of the taxpayers,” Thompson said.

The facilities would be located on a 7.7-acre site at the southeast corner of Woodbine Road and Frederick Avenue, which previously was occupied by the former Ramada Inn, Americas Value Inn and Applebee’s.

Steven Craig with STJ Hotel Group said the event space can accommodate a variety of functions from weddings to company and corporate events, something the city currently struggles to attract due to a lack of conference space. 

“Now they can host an event here of that type and stay in town. Keep the people who are coming from all over the country staying in the hotel, which is driving revenue for the community and just improving your tax base all the way around,” Craig said.  

The goal is to have the facilities constructed in time to accommodate visitors for the 2026 World Cup next June.

Council signs off on new police body armor/carriers

Monday’s city council agenda also included a resolution approving the purchase of 20 to 30 new body armor and external vest carriers for $29,554.  

911 Customs will be responsible for supplying the equipment for the St. Joseph Police Department. 

Parking axed on portion of Pacific Street

The council also approved a change to the city’s code of ordinances to prohibit parking on the north side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street to the Belt Highway. 

The change was recommended by the St. Joseph Traffic Commission following a request by a local resident. Parking is already prohibited on the south side of the narrow street, which often sees speeding.  

Other measures approved by City Council

— An ordinance to approve the final plat of a major subdivision entitled “Country Lane Estates†located at the intersection of Buckingham Street and Country Lane consisting of 14 lots as requested by Arium Development, LLC. 

— A resolution to purchase one 2018 Weiler Asphalt paver for $54,900 from Foley Equipment Company for the Street Maintenance Division. 

— A change order with Herzog Contracting Corporation for $369,900 for the 2025 annual asphalt street resurfacing program. 

— A change order with Mid-Continental Restoration Company, Inc. for $77,850 for the City Hall masonry project.Â