Demolition on De La Vina Street makes way for bridge, creek expansion

Beth Farnsworth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A demolition project on the 2700 block of De La Vina Street will likely snarl traffic as the city begins its latest bridge widening project above Mission Creek.

It is a story we’ve updated in recent years.

Remnants of the building that once housed Mishay Salon and Yellow Bird now sit behind green fencing in a pile of rubble. Wrecking crews will target the months-long vacant De La Vina Liquor store and the once popular Marty’s Pizza buildings across the street, next.

The work is part of the city’s nearly $12 million De La Vina Street Bridge Replacement Project.

Eric Goodall, Supervising Engineer for the Streets Engineering Design Team, told your News Channel last year that this is the city’s way of preparing for “25 year floods.”

Work is expected to be complete in 2027.

Meantime, businesses in the area remain open.

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Shark Activity Advisory Sign Comes Down at Gaviota State Beach

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — The Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County is often compared to the Galápagos Islands due to its biodiversity.

That’s why some people aren’t surprised to hear that a kayaker reported seeing a 14-foot white shark on Monday.

Lifeguards and a park ranger removed the warning sign 24 hours later, as part of their Level 1 protocol following a confirmed sighting.

A couple from Ojai, staying in the campground, said they may have seen the shark, too.

“We were just swimming on a normal night and we actually saw a fin pop up. We don’t know if it was a shark or a dolphin, but whatever it was, we were talking about it all last night,” said Charlie Hayworth. “It kind of gave us a little bit of a scare. We got out of the water real quick and backed up a little bit. We’re just happy we’re okay.”

Other signs remind visitors that the Santa Barbara Channel is home to more than two dozen species of whales and dolphins.

Visitors say one of the main attractions in the area is the diversity of marine life.

“It is really pretty to know there are a bunch of things out there,” said Eden Meyers.

Janet Openshaw, of Old Orcutt, didn’t know about Monday’s shark sighting until she saw lifeguards being asked about it.

“I would just tell my girls — and myself as well — just don’t go out too far, be aware of your surroundings, and yeah, have fun,” Openshaw said.

A similar sighting was reported in late May.

Despite the renewed attention from the 50th anniversary of the movie Jaws and the annual Shark Week in July on the Discovery Channel, most campers and beachgoers seem to take it in stride.

Landon Bowman and Blake Webster of San Diego said they still plan to enjoy the ocean.

Shark detection buoys used by the Cal State University Long Beach Shark Lab are strategically placed up and down the coast. They cost about $15,000 each and provide data for those on patrol.

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Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver Announces $2.1 Million in Funding and Launches Final Fundraising Phase for Park View Infrastructure

KTVZ News Partners

La Pine, OR — Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver (HFHLPS) is excited to announce the award of a $2.1 million grant from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) as part of the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Housing Program to support the launch of Park View, a new 34-home affordable housing development located in North La Pine.

“OHCS is proud to partner with community leaders to boost affordable homeownership that invests in the value and vibrancy of rural Oregon,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “No other issue, except the cost of living, hits as close to home. Through local and state partnerships, we are delivering results to strengthen communities. Housing progress is not about numbers and abstracts, nor is it about advancement on state government’s terms. Today, we are delivering progress that reflects the values of this community to make everyday life better for its residents.”

This transformative grant will fund the construction of the first 10 high-efficiency, fire-resistant townhomes and a portion of the infrastructure required to support the entire neighborhood.

Park View represents HFHLPS’s largest and most ambitious project to date—offering long-term, permanently affordable housing to hardworking families earning between 60–80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The community will be built gradually between 2025 and 2030, with infrastructure construction already started and the first homes slated for completion by Fall 2026.

“This is more than a housing development—it’s a lasting investment in families and the La Pine community,” said Scott Asla, Board Chair for HFHLPS. “With the LIFT funding and strong local support, we’re poised to make homeownership a reality for dozens of families who are ready to build equity, stability, and a future.”

The LIFT funding represents almost 50% over the overall funding needed for the first phase of Park View. In addition to the current funding in place, HFHLPS will work to raise an additional $50,000 per home. Currently, applications for qualified homebuyers are open. Prospective homeowners must meet income requirements, contribute sweat equity, and complete homeowner education as part of the selection process.

A groundbreaking for Park View will be held June 27th at 10am. To RSVP, contact info@habitatlapinesunriver.org.

For more information about Park View, homeowner qualifications, or to donate, visit: www.habitatlapinesunriver.org

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Providence Road in northern Columbia is open again after heat caused it to ‘buckle’

Keriana Gamboa

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia’s Public Works Department has completed repairs on a road buckle.

Crews worked to pave over the damaged area of North Providence Road near near Big Bear Boulevard. As of 4 p.m. Tuesday,, the road was back open and safe for drivers.

The extreme heat causes road materials to expand, which can lead to what’s known as a road buckle, a sudden rise or crack in the pavement that can pose a serious hazard to drivers. Christopher Jackson, a City of Columbia Street Department Supervisor, was working on Providence Road today.

“The heat,  this pressure builds up underneath the ground and expands it up and usually explodes the concrete…whether it’s old concrete or new concrete, it’s bound to buckle. If it gets the right ingredients that it needs, it’ll buckle if it has to, ” Jackson said.

Across Missouri, multiple road buckles have been reported in recent weeks. In Columbia, city road crews say they’ve already responded to several cases as temperatures continue to rise.

“So far, this is the first major one that we had to fix. We have one other one  over on the east side of town that we got to go fix in the neighborhood,” Jackson said.

City of Columbia Public Works Department spokesperson John Ogan said there is no way of telling where a road buckle could happen.

“There’s really no way to predict where or when a road buckle will happen. It generally happens on hot days like we’ve been having, but it could happen really on any road,” Ogan said.

City and state officials said drivers should stay alert for road buckles as they continue to appear across the area. They advise motorists to slow down, pull over safely if needed, and report any buckles as soon as possible.

The Missouri Department of Transportation warns that ongoing temperature fluctuations could lead to an increase in road buckles. Crews on the ground say they are preparing for more cases as summer temperatures continue to climb.

Those who see any possible new road buckles should call the city’s Department of Public Works. MoDOT should be called for state roads.

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Highlighting how growing wheat keeps the soil healthy

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Wheat is a rotation crop that is grown locally to break up the cycle between growing the same crop every season.

It allows for different fertizilers to be introduced to keep soil health high.

But aside from selling the product, Anthony Gallardo, a research technician at the local U of A Cooperative Extension, shares why this crop is so beneficial.

“I mean the number one thing is soil health, we won’t be able to grow our winter produce if our soil isn’t healthy so that rotation crop allows us to have that ability to keep our soil healthy,” Gallardo says.

Planting begins in January and the wheat is harvested in June.

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Riverside County Veterans Services relocating Indio office to Desert Hot Springs July 1st

Haley Meberg

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ)– Riverside County Department of Veterans Services is announcing the relocation of the Indio office as of July 1st. 

The Department says the move is necessary to help offer better services to the community, including benefit assistance, outreach and support programs.

The new local office will be at the Henry Lozano Community Center at 12800 West Arroyo Drive in Desert Hot Springs.

The Department will also have a new Hemet office on July 1st., located at 880 North State Street, Ste. B-1.

Both offices will be open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information, call 951-955-3060, or visit rivcoveterans.org.

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RootedHomes Announces New Executive Director and Deputy Director

KTVZ News Partners

RootedHomes, a leading affordable homeownership organization in Central Oregon, today announced the appointment of Nathan “Than” Clevenger as its new Executive Director and Eliza Wilson as Deputy Director. These leadership changes come as Karl Dinkelspiel steps down from his role as Interim Executive Director and Deputy Director, effective June 26, 2025. 

As the new Executive Director of RootedHomes, Than brings over two decades of extensive experience in real estate development and affordable housing across North America. 

“I am humbled to be selected to help lead an organization that is at the forefront of leveraging their experience in construction and community development to create the American dream for hard-working families in Central Oregon.” – Than Clevenger

As Deputy Director, Eliza will play a key role in expanding access to permanently affordable homeownership and supporting long-term housing stability, while also serving as Chair of Central Oregon’s Continuum of Care and a board member of the Regional Housing Council.

“My work has always been about building systems that respond to the full spectrum of housing needs—from crisis to stability. Joining RootedHomes is a natural extension of that mission, and I’m looking forward to deepening cross-sector partnerships to ensure everyone has access to a safe, affordable place to call home.” – Eliza Wilson

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Adhesive Spill Leaves Behind Sticky Mess in Montecito

Alissa Orozco

MONTECITO, Calif. – An unexpected spill left Montecito in a sticky situation.

Clean-up efforts are continuing today after a 275-gallon container of pink adhesive liquid spilled out of trailer truck Monday afternoon and left a sticky mess at Montecito Union School!

The adhesive was being used for a repair project at the school’s running track. The container was reportedly punctured by a forklift while being loaded for transport.

Montecito Fire was called out Monday around 3:00pm to find roughly 200 gallons had spilled at school site, and leaked all the way down San Ysidro Road to San Leandro Park, just before the roundabout near Hwy 101.    

Montecito Fire, the Public Works Department, a special contractor, and many others began work to clear the area yesterday, and they continued today. A clean-up crew was seen today taking the substance away in large plastic bags.

The community is asked to choose alternative routes and avoid San Ysidro Road while clean-up continues.

Firefighters were able to block the adhesive from entering local waterways with sandbags – preventing any major wildlife and environmental impacts.

Montecito Fire says the adhesive is similar to latex paint, containing a chemical “often used in cosmetics, paints or coatings to help with texture and ease of application.” It is not hazardous, and non-toxic, but made quite the mess.

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ABC-7 at 4: Miss Texas discusses her experience representing the Lone Star State and, Miss Texas Week

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—The countdown is on. In just a few days, Miss Texas will be crowned. Miss Texas 2024 Annette Addo-Yobo explains how she has advocated for autism, her experience representing the Lone Star State, and the significance of Miss Texas Week.

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Final results from the 2025 Highland Women’s Golf Tournament

Ryan Eslinger

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — After a wet morning at the St Joseph Country Club, the final results are in from the 52nd Annual Highland Classic.

Four pairs shot under par, but it was the duo of Ali Perry and Joy Vandel who took home the glory in Flight A with a score of five under par and a total gross of 67.

Perry and Vandel also won the 50th annual Highland Classic in 2023.

Tracey Wright and Michelle Meierhoffer placed second and Judy Anderson and Donna Sumpter placed third in Flight A of this year’s tournament.

Anderson and Sumpter were last year’s winners with a score of two under par and a total gross of 70.

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