Month: May 2025

Alissa Orozco

Get outside while you can! June Gloom is not too far away, and you don’t want to miss out on the warm weather and community fun. Here’s what’s going on this weekend near and far:

SANTA BARBARA – SOUTH COUNTY

Photo: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Khruangbin A La Sala Tour ~ May 21st – 22nd in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Bowl

⏰ 7:00pm

🪩 It is almost impossible to fit Khruangbin into a singe genre, you’ll have to see it to believe it. The trio’s latest album, A La Sala, blends musical inspirations from around the globe and squeezes into a singular album that somehow feels like home. Catch Khruangbin at one or both nights at the bowl! Learn more here.

Butterflies Alive! Exhibit ~ Through September 1st in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

⏰ 10:00am – 4:30pm

🪩 This community-favorite exhibit is starting up again this weekend! Walk alongside 1,000 live butterflies from more than two dozen species from Costa Rica! It’s a one of a kind experience you won’t want to miss out on this summer. Learn more here.

Climate Justice Film Series ~ Thursday, May 22nd in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Public Library – Faulkner Gallery

⏰ 4:00pm – 6:00pm

🪩 This film series gets the conversation going about climate change, social equity, and environmental justice through documentary films that highlights different facets of climate justice. The event is open to both adults and teens, and is followed by a group discussion. Learn more here.

39th Annual I Madonnari Street Painting Festival ~ May 24th – 26th in Santa Barbara

📍Old Mission Santa Barbara

⏰ 10:00am – 6:00pm

🪩 This three-day festival showcases incredible local artists, while fundraising to arts education programs in schools throughout the county. Come see artists of all ages create street paintings, enjoy live entertainment and yummy food. Learn more here.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” ~ May 24th – 25th in Santa Barbara

📍Elings Park Godric Grove Amphitheater

⏰ 3:00pm

🪩 Back by popular demand, Theatricum Botanicum will put on two performances of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Get lost in the human and fairy realms, full of comic confusions, mistaken identities, and unrequited love. Learn more here.

Memorial Day Ceremony ~ Monday, May 26th in Santa Barbara

📍Santa Barbara Cemetery

⏰ 11:00am

🪩 Take some time to remember those who have served the country this weekend. This ceremony will feature presentations and performances by the UCSB ROTC Color Guard, Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band, David Gonzales and the Santa Barbara Choral Society, The Prime Time Band, and a flyover by The Condor Squadron. Learn more here.

SANTA MARIA – NORTH COUNTY

Photo: Santa Maria Civic Theatre

Books and Bubbles in the Park ~ Friday, May 23rd in Lompoc

📍Ryon Park

⏰ 10:30am – 11:00am

🪩 Bring the kids out to the park for a bilingual storytime with Flower Queen Candidate, Maddie Koff! It’s a morning of literacy and bubble fun! Learn more here.

Rent Live ~ May 23rd – 25th in Santa Maria

📍Santa Maria Civic Theatre

⏰ Check for Showtimes

🪩 This local rendition of Rent brings Jonathan Larson’s iconic rock opera brings to life and to a stage near you! Taking place in the heart of New York City’s Lower East Side in the late 1980s, a group of young artists and musicians navigate love, loss, and the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Learn more here.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Photo: Golden State Classics Car Show

Golden State Classics Car Show ~ Saturday, May 24th in Paso Robles

📍Downtown City Park

⏰ 9:00am – 2:00pm

🪩 This local car show will have over 300 classic cars and trucks on display, ranging from antiques to modern classics. Over 50 awards will be given out in various categories. The family can partake in a kids’ model building make & take, raffles, and much more! Learn more here.

Art in the Park ~ May 24th – 26th in Morro Bay

📍Morro Bay Park

⏰ 10:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 This all-weekend event will have 100 booths showcasing 100 local artists and craftsmen. This the 71st show put on annually in the city of Morro Bay. Shop for unique finds, and grab some food and drinks while you’re at it! Learn more here.

Best of the West Antique Equipment Show ~ May 24th – 25th in Atascadero

📍Santa Margarita Ranch

⏰ 8:00am – 5:00pm

🪩 Come see the history of agriculture and transportation and see antique tractors, engines, cars, steam trains, airplanes and much more. The family can take train rides, view presentations, and view parades! Learn more here.

Circus of Horror ~ Thursday, May 24th in Templeton

📍Templeton Performing Arts Center

⏰ 6:00pm

🪩 If you’re in the mood for a spook, this show is just for you. Features daring acrobatics, dramatic lighting, sinister clowns, death-defying stunts, and a haunting atmosphere, this show is one you won’t want to miss. Especially designed for teens and adults who enjoy suspense, thrills, and a touch of the macabre. Learn more here.

Movie Night on the Rocks ~ Sunday, May 25th in Pismo Beach

📍The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

⏰ 7:45pm

🪩 It’s movie night with a view! The cliff-side hotel with be hosting a movie night featuring Moana 2! Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite lawn setup for a cozy night under the stars. Learn more here.

VENTURA COUNTY

Anime Wonder California ~ May 24th – 25th in Ventura

📍Ventura County Fairgrounds

⏰ 12:00pm

🪩 This anime and gaming convention brings together fans who love everything anime, manga, cosplay, fandom and more! Dive into the world of Asian culture with Asian cuisine, performances, art, music, and entertainment. Learn more here.

Simi Summer Days Carnival ~ May 23rd – 26th in Simi Valley

📍Simi Valley Town Center

⏰ Check for start times

🪩 It definitely feels like summer on the Central Coast, especially with Simi Valley’s annual carnival back in town! Enjoy classic carnival food, treats, games, all with free admission and parking! Save money on ride tickets by buying online. Learn more here.

Gold Coast Gem Show ~ May 24th – 25th in Ventura

📍Ventura County Fairgrounds

⏰ 10:00am – 5:00pm | 10:00am – 4:00pm

🪩 Shop and learn about various gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry from over 30 vendors. They have much to do in addition to the gems – activities for the kids, raffles, a teachers station, and much more. Learn more here.

Memorial Day Ceremony ~ Monday, May 26th in Oxnard

📍Plaza Park

⏰ 11:00am

🪩 The Oxnard community is paying their respects to those who have served in a special Memorial Day service. Coordinated with Disabled American Veterans – Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus Oxnard Council 750, Gold Star Mothers, Military Officers Association of America Ventura County Chapter, Port of Hueneme, Ben Moreell Sea Cadets Color Guard, Oxnard High School Air Force Jr. ROTC, and the Channel Islands High School Raiders Band. Learn more here.

Chris Isaak ~ Saturday, May 24th in Ojai

📍Libbey Bowl

⏰ 6:30pm

🪩 American singer and actor will be performing in Ojai this weekend performing some of his most well-known hits including, “Wicked Game” and ” Blue Hotel!” Over the course of his three-decade career, Chris Isaak has performed to sold-out crowds across the globe with his longtime band Silvertone. Learn more here.

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News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from The City of Santa Barbara regarding applications for this year’s Children’s Fiesta Parade

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for the annual Children’s Fiesta Parade (Desfile de los Niños), a cherished family-friendly event during the week-long Old Spanish Days Fiesta Celebration. The parade, now in its 93rd year, will be held on Saturday, August 2, on Cabrillo Boulevard.

The Children’s Fiesta Parade has been a tradition for many local families, with some participating for five generations. Families, friends, and youth organizations create and decorate their floats, carts, and wagons each year to join the lively foot-powered parade. Participants typically dress in colorful costumes, with music and dance performances throughout the route to add to the fun along Santa Barbara’s waterfront.

All children are welcome to be part of the parade, and there is no cost to participate. Ice cream will be provided at the end of the route for all participants.

Applications must be submitted by Sunday, July 6, 2025.

To learn more and apply, visit Children’s Fiesta Parade (SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ChildrensParade).

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KESQ

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Days after Saturday’s bombing in Palm Springs, News Channel 3 is sitting down with the father of the suspect, Richard Bartkus.

In disbelief, he says his son, Guy Edward Bartkus, was a good and smart kid.

Despite the bombing, he believes his son meant no harm to anyone.

“I know he wouldn’t kill anybody. That’s the reason I think, they want to know where he was at from 6 and 11. I know where he was at, he was checking out. Nobody else died… Guy was making sure there was no cars on Indian Canyon.”

Richard Bartkus, father

But he says looking back, there were signs something wasn’t right.

An “impressionable” kid, he said one time his son burned the family house down after learning a match trick at school. He also thinks the divorce between mom and dad impacted his son greatly, admitting it was hard and involved many arguments.

During the sit-down, a sense of guilt emerged.

“Mom was a little lenient than I was. I was strict, I kept an eye on Guy… That’s probably the reason why I haven’t talked to him in the past 10 years.”

Richard Bartkus, father

Richard says he’s been trying to get in contact with FBI officials and his daughter and ex-wife, who both lived with his son in Twentynine Palms.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Amy Weaver has taken the helm as CEO of Direct Relief, the Santa Barbara-based nonprofit known for delivering lifesaving medical aid to vulnerable communities across the globe.

Weaver brings extensive corporate and nonprofit experience to the role. She previously served as president and chief financial officer at Salesforce and was a board member for Habitat for Humanity International. She said her goal now is to apply those strategic and operational skills to maximize human impact.

“I’m going from really focusing on maximizing profits to maximizing human impact,” Weaver said. “But a lot of those skills are the same. It’s strategic focus, it’s financial responsibility, operational excellence. It is a constant focus on innovation, and above all, it’s trust.”

Weaver succeeds Thomas Tighe, who served as CEO for 24 years and led the organization through transformative growth. Under Tighe’s leadership, Direct Relief became the fifth-largest charity in the United States and one of the world’s largest providers of donated medications.

“Direct Relief has been through multiple administrations. We’ve been through a pandemic. There have been multiple civil conflicts around the world. In every case, Direct Relief has navigated them beautifully and only grown,” Weaver said. “That’s what I want to see in the future.”

Since last July, Direct Relief has distributed nearly $2 billion in medical aid, shipped nearly 4 million pounds of medicine and supplies, and delivered close to 300 million doses of medicine worldwide. The organization was recently awarded the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize for its global humanitarian contributions.

“Every pallet of medicine that we ship out, every partnership we make—it’s not just logistics, it’s a lifeline for the people that we serve,” she said. “My role now is to see how we scale that and bring it to even more people.”

Weaver said her decision to take the job amid overlapping global crises was driven by a sense of urgency and opportunity.

“I’ve had quite a few people say, ‘Aren’t you picking the worst moment in history to jump into humanitarian aid?’ But I honestly think it’s the best,” she said. “I mean, the scale, the immensity of the needs right now—and the needs are just growing every single day—but that means the opportunity to make a difference, the opportunity to actually be part of the solution, is even more meaningful.”

She recalled a recent visit from a longtime partner in Haiti that reaffirmed Direct Relief’s reputation for listening first and acting with purpose.

“He said that Direct Relief really stood out to him because we didn’t just send them what we thought they needed—we listened, and we heard what they needed,” Weaver said.

Though Direct Relief operates in more than 100 countries, Weaver emphasized the nonprofit’s deep roots in Santa Barbara, where it was founded 76 years ago.

Weaver said she was inspired by the Direct Relief mural at the Santa Barbara airport when she first visited the area and made it a priority to visit a local clinic early in her tenure. She recently met with Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics’ Chief Executive Officer Mahdi Ashrafian.

Weaver said she plans to meet with community leaders, clinic directors, and residents to build on Direct Relief’s longstanding relationship with the region.

“It’s really a joy for me to be able to bring these skills to an organization that’s just so deeply human,” she said.

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Mike Klan

FULLERTON, Calif. – Griffin Naess pitched 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball and Ryan Fenn had four hits with 2 RBI as Cal Poly beat host Cal State Fullerton 7-2 to move into the winner’s bracket at the Big West Championship.

The #2 seed Mustangs will play top-seed UC Irvine on Friday at 3 p.m. The Anteaters beat Hawai’i 7-5.

This is a double-elimination tournament with the winner getting an automatic berth into the NCAA Regionals.

The Mustangs scored 3 runs in the second inning to take a 4-0 lead highlighted by a solo home run by Casey Murray Jr.

Ryann Fenn had run-scoring single in that uprising and another RBI in the fifth inning with a double to score Zach Daudet who had 3 hits with 2 runs scored.

Cam Hoiland also had 3 hits for Cal Poly with two runs scored while Dante Vachini had 2 RBI on 2 hits.

Naess scattered 8 hits and struck out 4 for the Mustangs who improve to 38-16.

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Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. –

CIF-State Division 3 Boys Volleyball Regional Semifinal:

Clairemont 3, Santa Ynez 2

CIF-Central Section Division 3 Semifinal Softball:

Pioneer Valley 1, Kerman 0 (PV plays Wasco/Liberty winner in final on May 29)

CIF-Central Section Division 5 Semifinal Softball:

Orcutt Academy 1, Hoover 0 (Orcutt vs Dos Palos in final on May 30).

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Mike Klan

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Pirates came so close to extending this championship boys volleyball season.

But the Pirates lost a heartbreaker to Clairemont of San Diego in a home five-set CIF-State Division 3 Regional Semifinal.

The Pirates fell 20-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-19, 13-15.

Santa Ynez won the CIF-Central Section Division 2 championship last week and finishes the season 22-4.

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