New report reveals major gaps in Santa Cruz human trafficking response

KION on July 6, 2025

Briana Mathaw

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) – A new Santa Cruz County Grand Jury report is revealing serious gaps in how local officials address human trafficking.

The report points to missing data, limited prosecutions, and a lack of training for those on the front lines. Survivor-led organizations are now urging change.

“In Santa Cruz, there’s not a lot of reported cases. And I think the civil grand jury just came out with a really fantastic report that identifies that issue that a lot of people, exactly what I just explained, they don’t understand trafficking,” Carmel K. Jud said.

Jud is the founder and executive director of Rising Worldwide, a nonprofit that trains law enforcement, social workers, and students using survivor led education.

While the FBI has reported zero trafficking cases in the county over the past 10 years, some nonprofits say they see up to 200 victims per week. The discrepancy points to a problem of awareness and training.

“We will see about three youth a year will disclose they’re being trafficked. I suspect that would be actually, sadly, much higher if we were in all the classrooms,” Carmel K. Jud said.

The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office reported only two human trafficking charges in the past four years, with no convictions.

Advocates say that number doesn’t reflect the reality of what’s happening on the ground.

“Our local DA’s office has not had very many prosecutions. But one thing to consider is that it’s hard for survivors to come forward, not knowing how they’re going to be treated by law enforcement if law enforcement hasn’t had the training,” Carmel K. Jud said.

The Grand Jury report specifically recommends more survivor led training sessions for first responders and service providers.

“Law enforcement or first responders and direct service providers get training from survivors, especially survivors that have been trafficked in your specific area,” Carmel K. Jud said.

Some progress is already being made. Santa Cruz County schools are among the few institutions ahead of the curve, offering survivor-led prevention programs.

In a statement, Santa Cruz County Superintendent Faris Sabbah said, “The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides training and resources to raise awareness about human trafficking and to prevent and intervene in any potential incidents impacting the school community, including through classroom curriculum and partnerships with local organizations such as Rising Worldwide.”

But there are still areas of concern. California law requires certain businesses to post the human trafficking hotline, yet only 7 percent of the 144 businesses surveyed in the county were compliant.

“The businesses are required to post that sign. But we will say that in general, most people who are being trafficked do not understand they’re being trafficked,” Carmel K. Jud said.

County officials including the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Superintendent of Schools are required to formally respond to the Grand Jury’s findings by August 29.

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Fire crews put out 15 acre grass fire in Templeton

KEYT on July 6, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

TEMPLETON, Calif. – Fire crews helped with a 15-acre grass fire in Templeton just after 5:00 p.m. Saturday, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

Evacuation orders were put in place for Rancho and Almond Roads due to the fire and four goats are missing from the incident, according to CAL FIRE SLO.

No injuries were reported and no one was in the structure that became involved in the incident, detailed CAL FIRE SLO.

Forward progress for the fire stopped just before 7:00 p.m. and CAL FIRE SLO received help from Paso Robles Fire, Atascadero Fire, Santa Margarita Fire, and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.

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MSHP urges Mid-Missouri drivers and boaters to celebrate safely as July Fourth weekend closes

KMIZ on July 6, 2025

Keriana Gamboa

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Boone County Fire Protection District and Missouri State Highway Patrol told ABC 17 News Saturday they had already responded to multiple calls over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Boone County Fire crews responded to a structure fire late Friday night in the 300 block of North Williams Road. The fire was caused by fireworks that had been improperly disposed of, according to Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp.

Blomenkamp said the residents placed a box of used fireworks outside next to their home that later ignited and started a fire. No injuries were reported.

“People need to use caution,” Blomenkamp said. “Be careful what you do and watch out for where the fallout is, and then obviously dispose of them [fireworks] properly or leave them set overnight where they’re at on the ground. Leave them away from the house. Let them sit. Let them cool off. Pick them up tomorrow morning.”

He said BCFPD has not responded to any medical calls related to fireworks this holiday weekend.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Michael A. Turner is urging everyone to make smart choices both on the roads and on the water.

Since 6 p.m. Thursday, MSHP Troop F has reported 18 crashes. No boating incidents or drownings have been reported as of Saturday evening.

Troopers have also made 17 arrests for driving or boating while intoxicated during the Fourth of July weekend.

Sergeant Kyle Green said he hopes the numbers do not rise as the weekend comes to a close Sunday.

“We haven’t had any traffic fatalities either on the road or on the water, which is fantastic,” Green said. “And we hope it stays that way. It’s hard to predict, obviously, what will play out over the next two days as people enjoy the rest of their weekend and then start heading home.”

Officials remind people to never operate a vehicle or boat after consuming alcohol. They also warn that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a boat. All fireworks should be lit safely from shore.

Green said all available MSHP troopers will be patrolling roads and waterways through the entire holiday weekend.

In 2024, 14 people were killed and more than 500 injured in over 1,300 Missouri crashes during the Fourth of July weekend.

State troopers also reported 10 boating crashes, which resulted in seven injuries but no fatalities.

Between Thursday night and Sunday night last year, troopers made 149 arrests for driving while intoxicated and 12 arrests for boating while intoxicated.

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Safeway, Albertsons strike halts as tentative labor deal is reached

KRDO on July 6, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO (KRDO) — Workers at dozens of Colorado Safeway and Albertsons stores ended their strike Saturday, July 5, after striking a tentative new labor deal with the grocery chain’s parent company.

The announcement came in a social media post from the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 (UFCW). The union described the deal as “all gains, no concessions.”

Among the dozens of key provisions hammered out during those negotiations are higher wages, improved dental and vision benefits, a fully funded pension, and protections against union work going to gig companies such as Doordash.

The union said the parent company, Albertsons, has also agreed to terminate all temporary replacement workers.

The new contract is still subject to a ratification vote by union members, which is expected sometime over the coming week.

In the meantime, those who hit the picket lines are expected to return to the job Monday.

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Central Oregon animal shelters see increase in lost pets during July 4th holiday

KTVZ on July 6, 2025

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — While humans were enjoying the fireworks this Fourth of July, many pets had a different experience. 

Loud booms, bright lights, and sudden noise can cause many animals to panic, or even run. 

Animals shelters throughout Central Oregon tend to see at least ten times the normal amount of intakes during the Fourth of July holiday.

Nationally, the American Humane Society estimates July 5th is the busiest day of the year for shelters. 

While many pets are reunited with their families right away, others aren’t so lucky. In some cases, it can take skittish animals days to be captured.

Experts say the best way to protect your pets is to secure them indoors, create calm environments, and check that your pet’s ID tag and microchip information provides sufficient information to reach you. 

If your pet is missing, check with all local shelters (as pets can travel quite a distance when scared), and post on community pages.

Some suggest leaving some of your worn clothes outdoors or on your nearest street corner to help your pet find its way home through scent.

Though fireworks are now banned in most cities across Central Oregon and on public lands, the risk of illegal fireworks being used is still high. It is recommended you continue to secure your pets through the entirety of the holiday weekend. 

If your pet does end up at a shelter, please be sure to pick them up right away as space is especially limited in the days surround July 4th.

Here is contact information for local shelters:

Humane Society of the Ochocos – 541-447-7178

Humane Society of Central Oregon – 541-382-3537

BrightSide Animal Shelter – 541-923-0882

Below is additional information from the American Humane Society:

Tips to Keep your Pets Safe this Fourth of July 

Keep pets inside and shielded from loud noises. Keep windows closed and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light. 

Be sure that all ID tags are properly affixed to your pet’s collar.

Update your microchip registrations and pet license information. 

If loud noises upset your pets, do not leave them alone; ensure someone can stay with them. 

If you’re the one staying with them, act calm and give them reassuring pets and physical touch, pets, belly rubs, etc.; animals look to you to see how you’re reacting.  

Look into commercially available products that help to reduce stress, like species specific pheromones. 

If you think your pets might need medication to help ease their stress, consult your veterinarian well in advance. 

Contact an animal behaviorist to work with your pets on their fears. With some positive reinforcement and behavior modification training, by next Independence Day, you all may be worry-free! 

With these tips and tricks, we can keep our furry companions relaxed throughout the holiday—and make sure the Fourth of July is a joyful occasion for all.

Celebrate safely and happily this Independence Day—your pets will thank you. 

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Close call; homeowners return home after field fire near Iona

KIFI on July 6, 2025

News Team

UPDATE:

BONNEVILLE COUNTY (KIFI)- A field fire is contained on Panorama Hill east of Iona.

According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, a couple of homes were evacuated, but residents have since returned to their homes.

No structures were burned by the fire.

Crews are currently containing hot spots.

The fire is estimated to be about 10 acres.

ORIGINAL:

Local News 8 will continue to provide updates on this story as more information is released.

Local News 8 has reached out to Bonneville County dispatch for more information.

Officials have not determined a potential cause yet.

Local news 8 will provide updates when we receive more information.

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UPDATE: Colorado Springs teen found

KRDO on July 6, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — UPDATE:

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) announced that Sophia Muniz has been safely located as of 3:34 p.m. Sunday.

PREVIOUS REPORTING:

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sent out a missing person alert for a Colorado Springs teen.

Sophia Muniz, a 14-year-old Indigenous girl, was last seen on July 4 at 8 a.m. near the intersection of Shelley Ave. and S Murray Blvd. in Colorado Springs, according to CBI.

Authorities say she was last seen wearing a white top and shorts. 

If seen, CBI urges you to call 911 or the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000.

Courtesy of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

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Vegetation fire breaks out in Santa Ynez Valley

KEYT on July 5, 2025

Christer Schmidt

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. – A vegetation fire started in Santa Ynez Valley at about 3:18 pm, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

Santa Barbara County Fire stopped the forward progress of the fire at 2100 Blk Ballard Canyon Road with a final acreage of 1.3 acres.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Two ejected, one killed in Colorado Springs crash

KRDO on July 5, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — On Saturday at 2:39 a.m., the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) got a call about a crash.

The department says it was on South Circle Drive, on the bridge over Hancock. When officers arrived, they determined a pickup truck was driving southbound on Circle Drive with two passengers in the back.

Police say another car was driving south and hit the pickup truck.

Officers say that because of the crash, two people were ejected from the back of the pickup truck. CSPD said one person was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, and the other had a medical intervention but died on the scene.

Police say Chase Chason was arrested for DUI on the scene; it’s unclear which car he was driving. Officers say impairment and speed are suspected in this crash.

CSPD’s major crash team is investigating the details of the crash.

Police are urging any witnesses who observed or have dash cam footage of the incident to call the non-emergency line at 719-444-7000 to give their statement.

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Imperial County workers possibly headed towards strike

KYMA on July 5, 2025

Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Imperial County workers may be heading towards a strike after the Board of Supervisors approved only a 6% salary increase.

Negotiations for a new contract began back in April.

So far, the county has presented five different proposals.

The union is holding firm on its demand for a 10% raise spread out over two years.

The county agreed to part of the workers’ demands, approving a 6% raise with 3% coming in 2025 and the other 3% in 2026.

“This is the first time, I believe in the 1980s that was the last strike that they had, but they haven’t had any challenges since the county has always offered two and half or three percent. With all this inflation, we can’t continue at those numbers anymore,” said Ruth Duarte, negotiations agent for Teamsters Union Local 542.

We reached out to the county, but only a press release was sent to us stating that on June 24, they presented their final and best counteroffer. 

The workers contracts expired on July 1.

The union says they will be holding a meeting with county workers Wednesday.

Depending on what happens during the meeting, a strike could happen as early as next week.

A response from Imperial County can be read below:

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