Gauchos take a set off of #3 Hawai’i but fall in four

KEYT on April 19, 2025

Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The No. 18 UC Santa Barbara Men’s Volleyball team (11-15, 2-7 Big West) hosted No. 3 Hawai’i (24-4, 7-2 Big West) on Friday night in the Thunderdome, the first of two matches in consecutive nights to close out the regular season. Despite Cole Schobel’s career-high 16 digs and the Gauchos (.267) out-hitting the Rainbow Warriors (.248), the visitors won in four sets—25-22, 19-25, 25-22, 25-20.

HOW IT HAPPENEDHawai’i was without two of their starting pin hitters—Kristian Titriyski and Louis Sakanoko—but that did not stymie their offense early on. The first set flowed strongly back and forth, with Hawai’i having three 3-0 runs and Cole Schobel serving an ace in a 3-0 serving run to make the score 15-13 Rainbow Warriors into the media timeout. Shortly after, the Gauchos again rallied for three in a row, including back-to-back Owen Birg-Ethan Saint double blocks to take an 18-17 lead. Former Rainbow Warrior Jack Walmer entered the match and promptly served an ace, giving the Gauchos a 21-19 advantage. However, Hawai’i would win six of the next seven points to win the set 25-22. They hit .448 (16-3-29) in the set, their best of the match by far.

In set two, the Gauchos responded immediately, taking control from very beginning. George Bruening had four kills in the team’s first six points, and it was 10-4 Santa Barbara thanks in part to separate 4-0 and 3-0 runs. A bit later, Josh Aruya served an ace as part of another 4-0 run to increase the lead to 18-8. A Hawai’i service error made it 23-12, and it looked like the Gauchos would coast to victory. Not so fast, as the Rainbow Warriors rattled off five in a row as part of a 7-1 run before an Aruya kill ended the set with a respectable 25-19 scoreline.

Now tied at one set apiece, Hawai’i used that momentum from late in the second set to begin the third, jumping out to a 6-0 advantage thanks in part to two aces from setter Tread Rosenthal. UC Santa Barbara bounced back, though, to halve the deficit to 6-3. From there, the teams settled in, trading points until a Saint kill and block on consecutive points made it 15-13 Hawai’i. The Gauchos completed the comeback, getting to 17-17, before a huge Birg-Bruening block gave them their first lead at 22-21. Unfortunately for the hosts, similar to the first set, the Rainbow Warriors took the next four points to win the set 25-22.

In the fourth, the Gauchos used an early 4-0 run to take a 6-3 lead. The teams played the sideout game to 11-9 before Hawai’i completely flipped the score with a 7-0 run, Kainoa Wade’s serving causing problems for Santa Barbara. Now trailing 15-11, Bruening’s 17th kill of the night kept the deficit at 17-14 before a Rainbow Warrior ace capped a 3-0 run, making it 20-14. From there, the Gauchos could only get as close as four before succumbing 25-20, ending the match.

BY THE NUMBERSCole Schobel was stalwart defensively, his 16 digs smashing his previous career-high of 12 in the five-setter earlier this year at Cal Lutheran. The setter also had three block assists and an even 40 assists (10 per set).Freshman George Bruening led all players on the floor with 19 kills, also contributing three blocks and five digs. Fellow freshman pin Ethan Saint had a well-rounded night, earning 10 kills—his second career double-digit kill performance—with five total blocks and eight digs.The Gauchos’ middle blockers were solid. Josh Aruya hit .727 (8-0-11) with three blocks and an ace, and Owen Birg hit .500 (5-1-8) with a team-leading six block assists.Statistically, the teams were remarkable competitive. Both had 50 kills, the Rainbow Warriors doing so on 117 swings versus the Gauchos’ 116. Hawai’i had 10 blocks, 46 assists, and 35 digs compared to the Gauchos’ 11, 49, and 38, respectively. As mentioned, Santa Barbara actually had a higher hitting percentage on the night—.267 to .248—despite being on the losing side of the four-set match.

UP NEXTThe teams run it back for one last match of the regular season tomorrow (Saturday) night. Thus, the Gauchos will honor their seven seniors pre-match for Senior Night in the Thunderdome, scheduled for 7 p.m. Fans not attending can stream the match on ESPN+, listen live on ESPN Honolulu, and follow along with live stats at ucsbgauchos.com/MVBLiveStats.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics)

Gauchos even up series with 5-4 victory to snap Mustangs 12-game road win streak

KEYT on April 19, 2025

Mike Klan

UC SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The UC Santa Barbara Baseball team (25-12, 11-9 Big West) was on the big stage Friday night, and the Gauchos put on a show, taking down the Cal Poly (27-10, 15-2) Mustangs, 5-4 in front of a sellout crowd at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium and for a national TV audience, with the game being broadcast on ESPNU. The heart of Santa Barbara’s order provided the runs, with hitters three through six in the Gaucho lineup all recording RBIs. On the mound, AJ Krodel provided a show-stopping long relief outing, striking out seven Mustangs in 4 2/3 innings to earn the win.

FROM HEAD COACH ANDREW CHECKETTS”Fantastic effort by AJ (Krodel),” Checketts said. He’s fully capable of doing that, he’s had some bright moments but we’ve been waiting for that, so that was a big moment for him; hopefully that’s a momentum changer for his season.”

“Nice job offensively to get on base, and a couple two-out knocks there to get us the extra cushion.”

HOW IT HAPPENEDGaucho starter Calvin Proskey got off to a smooth start with a groundout and strikeout to start the first, but an error quickly put bumps in his road, with the sophomore having to throw 20 extra pitches and giving up an unearned run on an RBI single by Jack Collins before getting out of the inning. But Proskey settled down with a more comfortable second, working around a one-out single and picking up a second strikeout.

To further smooth out Proskey’s day, the Santa Barbara offense gave their starter a run in the bottom of the second, which Mendez and Kosciusko led off with back-to-back doubles to tie the game at one. After Proskey worked around a two-out walk in the top of the third, the Gauchos picked up more runs in the bottom half, doing so without the benefit of a hit. Nolan Farley led off with a walk, Xavier Esquer was hit by a pitch, and Kosciusko picked up an RBI after a dropped fly ball in left allowed Farley to score. A two-out walk to Nate Vargas loaded the bases, and another one to Jack Holman forced home Santa Barbara’s third run, giving them their first multi-score lead of the weekend at 3-1.

Proskey handled his business in the top of the fourth, stranding another two-out walk, but a double and a home run by Alejandro Garza in the top of the fifth tied the game and, after two more singles, ended the starter’s day. Krodel came in in a less-than pleasant spot, with two runners on and just one out. He struck out the first Mustang he faced, but then a wild pitch moved those two runners to second and third, ratcheting the leverage up a notch. Krodel induced a grounder to third, and Esquer made the throw to first in time to end the inning. In his first full inning of work in the top of the sixth, Krodel punched out a pair of hitters then got another groundout to strand a lead-off single.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Gauchos regained their lead with a big, two-out rally. Esquer was hit by a pitch for the second time on the night to get it started, with LeTrey McCollum smacking a single through the right side to put runners on the corners and force a pitching change. Cal Poly brought in the same pitcher who had given up a game-tying triple to Vargas on Thursday, and the Gauchos produced similar results. Kosciusko drove in his second go-ahead run of the night with a single into center field, then Mendez made it 5-3 by punching a line drive between the shortstop and shifted second baseman, both of whom were on the left side of the infield.

Krodel delivered a crucial shut-down inning in the top of the seventh, fanning two more Mustangs, then he went three up, three down again in the top of the eighth, finishing that inning by snagging a hard-hit bouncer right back at him and tossing to first.

The game was Krodel’s to finish, and he struck out the first batter he faced in the top of the ninth before a pinch-hit single, stolen base and another single put a blemish on the righty’s ledger. Still, with the tying run on first but two outs on the board, head coach Andrew Checketts stuck with Krodel. The sophomore delivered, inducing a pop-up that Holman fielded easily on the infield grass to end the game.

BY THE NUMBERSFriday’s win was Krodel’s second of the season, and he did it in remarkably similar fashion to his first. Krodel pitched 4 1/3 innings of relief on opening day, striking out eight and allowing just one run to earn the win against Campbell. On Friday, he pitched 4 2/3 innings, striking out seven while allowing just the one run.The Gauchos handed Cal Poly just its second Big West loss of the season on Friday. The Mustangs had won 12 straight road games. Santa Barbara is the first team to beat the Mustangs in a nine-inning conference game this season, as Hawai’i took 10 innings to do it last Friday.It was standing room only at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium for Friday’s marquee matchup, with an official attendance of 1,121 making Friday the Gauchos’ first sellout of the season. The last time Santa Barbara exceeded Caesar’s standard capacity of 1,000 was also against Cal Poly, back on May 25, 2019, with a crowd of 1,417. The Gauchos saw 1,537 fans in attendance at the 2024 regular-season finale, though that game featured additional seating in the outfield in preparation for the NCAA Santa Barbara Regional, where the Gauchos twice set their record attendance of 2,110.There were also eyes from all over the country on the Gauchos on Friday, as the game was broadcast nationally on ESPNU. Santa Barbara has now won five of their last six nationally televised games over the last three seasons, including all four of their regular-season primetime games.Speaking of streaks, McCollum continued his run of getting on base, extending it to 33 games with a walk and a base hit on Friday night. He scored the game-winning run on Mendez’s RBI single in the sixth.

UP NEXTThe Gauchos’ win sets up a rubber game between them and the Mustangs on Saturday, April 19, with first pitch set for 1:05 p.m. Jackson Flora is set to take the ball for Santa Barbara.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics)

RECORDS: Child bit in genitals by Belgian Malinois had stepped on its paw, owner said

KRDO on April 19, 2025

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – New records obtained by KRDO13 provide more context to a flight that had to make an emergency landing at the Colorado Springs Airport (COS) after a service dog reportedly bit a child.

On Tuesday, a SkyWest Airlines flight operating under American Airlines was on its way to Dallas, Texas from Provo, Utah when it was rerouted to COS.

Audio from air traffic control showed that a 10-year-old boy had reportedly been bitten in the genitals by the service dog.

Vaccination records submitted to the airport that were obtained by KRDO13 say that the dog was a Belgian Malinois.

The owner of the service dog told emergency responders the “child returned from the restroom and accidentally stepped on the dog’s paw, resulting in the dog biting the child,” according to an airport medical report.

The report says that the child was taken to Children’s Hospital for further evaluation. No other information about his condition is available at this time.

American Airlines released this statement concerning the flight:

“We’re aware of an incident involving a service animal on American Eagle flight 4980 on April 15 and have been in contact with the family of the injured passenger to offer support and apologize for their experience.”

American Airlines also added that its policies adhere to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Those federal regulations require that, before boarding, handlers attest that their service animal is trained to behave. Handlers must also attest that the animal is trained to perform a task that assists with a disability. The form handlers have to fill out prior to boarding can be read here.

Click here to follow the original article.

MAP: Where can you buy recreational marijuana in Colorado Springs?

KRDO on April 19, 2025

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Recreational marijuana sales have officially begun in Colorado Springs following an uphill battle for dispensaries.

Only certain medical marijuana stores can now sell retail marijuana. There are stricter regulations in place, like restrictions relating to their proximity to childcare centers.

KRDO13 has compiled a list of the stores that, as of publication, have been approved for a retail marijuana license. We have also compiled the data into a map for easier viewing, which you can find below. The information is according to the Colorado Springs’ business licensing website.

The Green Source: 318 S. 8TH St.

The Green Source: 975 W. Fillmore St.

Golden Meds: 329 E. Pikes Peak Ave

Star Buds: 510 E. Pikes Peak Ave

Elevations: 8270 Razorback Road

Kika Kush: 555 N. Circle Dr.

Fountain Organics: 5421 Rio Vista Dr.

Hightops: 2306 N. Powers Frontage Rd. #100

Hightops: 1022 S. Royer St.

Altitude Organic Cannabis: 6755 N. Academy Blvd.

The 64 Store: 502 W. Colorado Ave.

Indico Med: 2222 W. Colorado Ave.

Nuvue Pharma: 2304 E. Platte Ave.

Apothecary Farms: 414 W. Garden of the Gods Rd.

Apothecary Farms: 3049 Delta Dr.

Total Green: 1105 S. Chelton Rd.

Pure: 1905 N. Academy Blvd.

Pure: 207 W. Rockrimmon Blvd.

Pure: 8025 N. Academy Blvd.

The Healing Canna: 3292 E. Bijou St.

Magnolia Road Cannabis Co: 2489 S. Academy Blvd.

Green Pharm: 4335 N. Academy Blvd. #100

EMJ’s: 2918 Wood Ave.

Grow Life Inc: 115 E. Garden of the Gods Rd.

Native Roots Uintah: 1705 W. Uintah St.

Native Roots Tejon: 1433 S. Tejon St.

Native Roots Academy: 1003 N. Academy Blvd.

Native Roots Colorado Springs: 3660 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.

The ER: 4335 E. Platte Ave.

The ER: 1602 W. Colorado Ave.

Spark Co: 5024 N. Academy Blvd.

Silver Stem Fine Cannabis: 410 S. 8th St.

Silver Stem Fine Cannabis: 5156 Centennial Blvd.

The ER: 2712 E. Fountain Blvd.

Click here to follow the original article.

UCCS shooter sentenced in separate case for assaulting deputy

KRDO on April 19, 2025

Celeste Springer

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that Nicholas Jordan, the man who shot and killed two people at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), has pleaded guilty to additional charges.

On Wednesday, Jordan was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences after being found guilty of first-degree murder.

The district attorney’s office said that two days later, he pleaded guilty to a separate case and now faces a two-year sentence, which will run concurrently with his life sentences.

That second case stems from when Jordan was incarcerated. On March 20, 2024, Jordan assaulted an El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputy, according to court documents.

Court documents claimed Jordan punched a deputy several times before other officers could pull Jordan away. Jordan claimed that he punched the deputy because the deputy wouldn’t give him cleaning supplies or call a cleaning crew for what Jordan claims was fecal matter on the floor of the cell from his cellmate.

The district attorney’s office says Jordan pleaded guilty to second-degree assault.

Click here to follow the original article.

THE MILITARY FAMILY: First-ever Purple Star Schools in Colorado awarded

KRDO on April 19, 2025

Heather Skold

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – 27 schools in Colorado, 26 of them in Southern Colorado, just received the state’s first-ever Purple Star School Designation.

The designation sets apart schools that cater to military-connected students who have to navigate multiple location changes dictated by their parents’ service to the country.

“It’s a wonderful recognition, and we’re so excited that the state of Colorado has added this designation to the possibilities for schools,” said Principal Jamie Lester of Eagleview Middle School, where 20% of the student population is military-connected.  “For our military students, it’s heightened because some of them might only be here for a year or two, and so, we try to do everything we can to have students connect meaningfully during that time with our school and academically, but it can also be through clubs and sports.”

This is the first year schools were eligible to apply and gain the status, in the hopes of attracting more military-connected students to their campuses.  Colorado was one of the last states to approve the designation, with the passage of House Bill 24-1076.  At present, 43 states have Purple Star School laws on the books, according to the Military Child Foundation Coalition.

In order to be considered for the designation, schools were required to have a website dedicated to military students listing resources, have a student-led transition team, and implement student-driven clubs that engage the military community, among other requirements.

For 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher, Dr. Amanda Trimillos, it starts by making a study of her students. 

“I often talk about military-connected students, that we need to build their connections so they can reach the academics,” said Dr. Trimillos.  “I’ll ask the student, ‘Something’s changed. Has anything changed at home?’ And oftentimes it’s, ‘Well, we don’t have orders to move yet, but we’re expecting orders any day.’ And I’m like, okay, now I understand why their change of character — and sometimes it’s ever so slight.”

Dr. Trimillos, having taught military students at a base overseas, even co-authored the book, “Seasons of My Military Student,” geared towards equipping parents and educators about the challenges that inherently come with guiding military-connected kids.

But it’s not just about those military-connected children who sacrifice stability with schools and friends, the impact is also felt by those who stay behind.

“With 20% of our student population being military, that means 80% aren’t. And we like to remind those students that they’re still impacted when their best friend gets orders and moves,” said Dr. Trimillos.

Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 was the first district in Colorado to earn the Purple Star School Status for all its K-12 schools, which include: 

Abrams Elementary School

Aragon Elementary School

Eagleside Elementary School

Jordahl Elementary School

Mesa Elementary School

Mountainside Elementary School

Patriot Elementary School

Weikel Elementary School

Welte Education Center

Carson Middle School

Fountain Middle School

Fountain-Fort Carson High School

Other schools that attained the Purple Star Designation include:

 Academy School District 20

Douglass Valley Elementary School

Eagleview Middle School

Ranch Creek Elementary School

Aurora Public Schools

Edna and John Mosley P-8 School

Colorado Springs School District 11

Jenkins Middle School

James Irwin Elementary School – Howard

McAuliffe Elementary School

Charter School Institute

Colorado Military Academy

District 49

Bennett Ranch Elementary School

Falcon Middle School

Ellicott School District 22

Ellicott Elementary School

Harrison School District 2

James Irwin Charter Middle School

James Irwin Elementary School–Astrozon

Widefield School District 3

Grand Mountain School

Widefield High School

The Purple Star School Designation is valid for three years; additional schools can apply each year for consideration.

Click here to follow the original article.

High Country Adventures: Behind the scenes look at wildfire training in Colorado

KRDO on April 19, 2025

Julia Donovan

LONGMONT, Colo. (KRDO) – Wildfire danger is top of mind ahead of what officials are forecasting to be an unusually active season. KRDO 13’s Julia Donovan caught a ride on a military Black Hawk helicopter during wildfire training up in Northern Colorado to learn more about the efforts crews are making to prepare, and how you can help make their job a little easier.

KRDO13 Reporter Julia Donovan flying in a military Black Hawk helicopter

From massive buckets that carry upwards of one thousand gallons of water, to much-needed walkie-talkies, hundreds of firefighters and military personnel packed up and headed to the hills outside of Longmont Thursday, with the mentality that practice makes perfect.

When it comes to wildfire season in Colorado, mistakes can be costly – and not just monetarily.

It’s their job to try and keep flames from taking lives. Firefighters also need to keep track of the weather, including wind direction, to keep themselves safe.

“Weather is great right now. It’s going to be awesome for the morning,” Eric Shelton with the Colorado National Guard addressed his team early Thursday. “As stuff does start to build up and roll in, make sure we’re communicating with each other. We want to make sure that we’re making the right decision.”

Local fire officials told KRDO they’re expecting an impactful wildfire season, considering snowpack levels in the mountains are lower than normal, so grass and other fuel are likely to dry out quicker.

Local and U.S. Forest Service Firefighters team up for training in NoCo

Firefighters say you can help prevent fires by adhering to local burn bans and fire weather warnings. They also warn drone pilots not to fly when firefighting aircraft are up. And, they say if you see a helicopter filling up its bucket in a reservoir, stay away!

Click here to follow the original article.

Grandma arrested after allegedly attempting to cure 4-year-old’s autism with nicotine

KRDO on April 19, 2025

Michael Logerwell

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – A grandma is facing a child abuse charge after arrest records allege she put nicotine patches on her 4-year-old grandson in an attempt to cure his autism.

Tammy Eddings-Dion, 53, was arrested by El Paso County deputies on charges of child abuse and crimes against an at-risk juvenile.

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office arrest records obtained by KRDO13 Investigates reveal the little boy became “lethargic and started vomiting” on April 3. The boy and his mother were transported to Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs by an ambulance. Hospital staff found a nicotine patch on his leg, and the 4-year-old was treated for nicotine poisoning. The mother found another nicotine patch on the boy’s back later in the day, after the boy was discharged from the hospital.

In an interview, the boy’s mother told detectives that Eddings-Dion sent her a text informing her she had received a 30-day supply of 24-hour release nicotine patches in the mail. Arrest records say the mother responded, asking the grandmother not to use the patches on the 4-year-old boy.

Arrest records say the child has the brain development of a 2-year-old, cannot form complete sentences, and struggles with behavioral episodes.

The mother called the grandmother after the little boy was released from the hospital. According to arrest records, the grandmother apologizes in the recording and says she would never hurt her grandson, and it was not intentional.

In an interview on April 7 with detectives, Eddings-Dion “admitted to buying the nicotine patches approximately one month ago because she had researched that nicotine would help with autism.” She told authorities she never opened the patches because the boy’s mother asked her not to use them. The grandma said she didn’t even know where the patches were inside her house because she put them away and forgot about them, but she knows her grandson wouldn’t have been able to reach them. She told detectives the only “sticky” thing the 4-year-old got into that day was band-aids from the first-aid kit.

KRDO13 Investigates reached out to Eddings-Dion’s attorney, who declined to comment on Friday.

The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) categorizes nicotine patch treatment as one of several “Biomedical Non-Evidence-Based Treatments.”

ASF says, “Proponents of nicotine patch use in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) believe that the nicotine released into the body from the patch activates and upregulates receptors, and thereby reduces ASD symptoms.” However, “use of this treatment is not supported by scientific evidence,” and no clinical trials have shown nicotine patches are a safe or effective treatment for autistic spectrum disorders.

Click here to follow the original article.

Easter events around the Coachella Valley this weekend

KESQ on April 19, 2025

Cynthia White

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Easter is Sunday, April 20, and there are plenty of events around the Coachella Valley to check out – Here are some of the fun things to do this weeked:

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19 – Palm Springs Fire Foundation’s 59th annual Easter Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast – Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Rd., Palm SpringsMore than 3,000 strategically hidden eggs and a special visit from the Easter Bunny on a fire engine will kick off the Palm Springs Fire Foundation’s 59th annual Easter Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast. The hunt has long been a beloved tradition in Palm Springs and is open to all children up to age 9.In addition, the Easter Bunny will be on hand to take photos with families on a vintage fire engine. Immediately following the event, join your friendly Palm Springs firefighters for a delicious pancake breakfast in the park hosted by Denny’s. For more information, visit palmspringsca.gov.

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19 – La Quinta Easter Eggstravaganza at La Quinta Park, corner of Blackhawk Way and Adams St., La QuintaLa Quinta’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza – Families are invited to enjoy a festive morning of egg-citing fun at La Quinta Park. Guests can gather candy-filled eggs, snap photos with the Easter Bunny, and create unforgettable memories at this beloved community tradition. Admission is free.

10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19 – Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt – Coachella Crossroads Multiplex Event Center, 46-200 Harrison Pl., CoachellaEnjoy a variety of lawn games, music, and food trucks! Plus, a drawing to give away 45 bicycles with helmets for kids ages 4-12! No animals, outside food or alcohol allowed. Easter egg hunt limited to the first one thousand children. For more information, visit spotlight29.com.

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19 – The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department’s Egg-cellent Duck Dive – Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way, Palm SpringsThe Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Department invites the community to dive into an exciting spring celebration: the Egg-cellent Duck Dive! This FREE family-friendly event will feature a pool rubber duckie hunt, arts and crafts for all ages, and amazing prizes. For more information call (760) 323-8272. 

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Check-in starts at 6:45 p.m.) Saturday, April 19 – The Shops at Palm Desert Movie Night, showing HOP – 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert, at the back side of the mall along Hahn Rd., by the former theaterBring your family and friends for a cozy movie night under the stars to watch HOP, about E.B., the Easter Bunny’s teenage son who heads to Hollywood determined to become a drummer in a rock ‘n’ roll band. Bring your favorite snacks/dinner, and also your own beach chairs, pillows, blankets, and warm clothing for a cozy evening. There will be some chairs available while supplies last.The best parking is near or in the JCPenny back parking structure. The entrance to the food court is next to the event, so you can purchase your favorite food. The first 40 guests will receive a free hotdog and lemonade. It’s all free, but registration is required – visit shopsatpalmdesert.com/events/ to register.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

5:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.(first tram car up at 4:15 a.m.) Sunday, April 20 – Easter Sunrise Service and Ride ‘n’ Breakfast at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Easter Ride ‘N’ Dine at the Pines Café, 1 Tram Way, Palm SpringsCelebrate with songs of faith, hope, and joy by the Perkins Brothers and an inspirational message by Pastor Robert Sneed. Ride ‘n’ Breakfast is also being offered for an additional price. Tickets are available by visiting the Tramway’s Valley Station during normal business hours, or on Easter morning from 4:00 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. For ticket prices or more information, visit pstramway.com/experience-sunrise-service/. Easter Ride ‘N’ Dine at the Pines Cafe at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is available 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For the breakfast and lunch Easter menus, pricing and more information, visit pstramway.com/dining/.

11:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sunday, April 20 – Easter Egg Hunt at Palm Desert Aquatic Center, 73751 Magnesia Falls Dr., Palm DesertJoin in at the In-Water Easter Egg Hunt and a day filled with fun and family-friendly activities. Four exciting egg-hunt events scheduled for 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. Recreational swimming is also available in select pool areas. Admission for the event is $10 per person, with free entry for children under 2 years old. Participants can look forward to the thrill of searching for colorful eggs in the pool. In addition to the egg hunt, snacks, refreshments, and various treats will be available for purchase. For safety and enjoyment, please note that outside chairs, furniture, food, and beverages are not permitted (with the exception of bottled water in plastic containers). Participants must wear approved swim attire—no cotton or regular clothing will be allowed in the pool. For more information, visit pdpool.com/special-events/.

Click here to follow the original article.

Good Friday service was held at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara

KEYT on April 19, 2025

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Many Christians within the Central Coast and around the world attend a church service on Good Friday to pray and reflect on the day Jesus Christ was crucified.

“Friday night we come face to face with such a incredible selfless gift of love and then Sunday morning we celebrate that love like crazy,” said Tommy Schneider,  Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara Senior Pastor.

Churchgoers on Good Friday focus on forgiveness, as well as hope for humanity and the sacrifice that was made on the cross.

“Without that sacrifice for sin then there’s no hope for any of us,” said Rob Laskin, long time Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara church attendee. “And then we look from Friday to easter to when he rose and that gives us the hope of new life.”

The week leading up to Easter is known as holy week which includes Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. For Pastor Schneider, every morning the week leading up to Easter, he prays at Courthouse Sunken Gardens in Santa Barbara along with his brothers in Christ.

Friday night people were gathered at Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara for a special service instead of their normal midweek service.

Pastor Schneider shares how it feels seeing the church sanctuary full of people worshiping.

“I don’t think there’s anything better than seeing the family of God come into a place where they can truly be still and press in and remember something that is so transformative for the soul.”

If you didn’t make it to the Good Friday service, don’t worry you can still make it to the Easter Sunday service this Sunday, April 20 at 10 a.m. at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens.