Suicide Awareness Ride Covers 250 miles from San Diego to Santa Barbara for 5th Year

KEYT on August 28, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA,  Calif. –  Supporters on two wheels from the Central Coast are among those gathering in San Diego for a special three-day journey as part of a Suicide Awareness Ride. This is the fifth year.

Rema Raimsford-Hunt boarded a southbound Amtrak train in Santa Barbara Thursday morning at 6:50 a.m. with her bike and friend Joanna Berger from North Hollywood who also had a bike for the journey ahead this weekend.

Their next stop is San Diego to begin the official ride Friday morning with a group of about 50 riders.

“Obviously it is for suicide awareness and helping people who are struggling. I personally have had a friend commit suicide this year. I started out riding for my best friends’s niece who committed suicide,” said Raimsford-Hunt who has riden before and is now in her third year.

The ride will have two days at 100 miles each and the final day will be 50 miles.

It previously went from Santa Barbara to San Diego. This year it is the other direction.

The 3-Day SuicideAwareness Bike Ride, was founded by Victor Banales and Mike Malicdem in 2020. It was going to be a one time ride. It has created a “growing platform for survivors, supporters, and advocates to take action, build community, and speak up about mental health.”

Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. This directly supports mental health programs for veterans. These programs provide life-saving resources such as counseling, peer support, and resilience training to help service members cope with post-traumatic stress, depression, and other invisible wounds of war.

“It is grueling. It is difficult. Everyone is so positive. If you are struggling, the person next to you will motivate you and help you along,” said Raimsford-Hunt.

Joanna Berger of North Hollywood said as she departed, “I started riding because a friend of mine knew the struggles I was going through and gave me a bike.  It changed everything. I started meeting people in the community and  found out about this ride.”

A special saying is also a motivator for Berger who said, “the pain that I will feel going up these hills and mountains and three days of riding my bike is nothing compared to the pain that someone had when  they chose to unalive themselves.”

The ride will finish at the Santa Barbara Dolphin Fountain Sunday around 12:30 p.m. They hope to have many people there to celebrate the arrival from Port Hueneme to Stearns Wharf.

“There is cheering,  there’s crying sometimes.  There is a feeling pf pride and accomplishment.  I think a range of emotion that comes through,” said Berger.

Afterwards the riders are invited for a reception and a meal at Jill’s Place restaurant in Santa Barbara.

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Renovated runway and several new additions coming to the Santa Maria Airport

KEYT on August 28, 2025

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Work is now underway to rehabilitate the runway at the Santa Maria Airport (SMX) and is latest in series of improvements coming soon to the facility.

This week construction fully started on the runway project that for the next several weeks will affect some of the operations at the airport.

“We’re reconstructing our main runway,” said SMX General Manager Martin Pehl. “It’s something we’ve been working on for a while. It’s a project that probably should have been done ten years ago. We’re getting it done now and so we’re really excited.”

The project will renovate the first 3,500 feet of the runway, which Pehl said is extremely important to maintain.

“It is where aircraft lands and where it sees the most abuse if you will,” said Pehl. “It’s been needed. We’ve been having some issues with aircraft having their tires damaged. It’s really going to be a benefit to our airport and to the folks that use our facilities.”

Construction is set to last for just over a month and a half and end by Oct. 15, which will create some impact aircraft that use the airport.

“Between now and then, the main runway, we’ll have it open if everything’s going to plan and on the weekends,” said Pehl. “But during the week the main runway would be closed there. Crosswind runway (a smaller side runway) would be open, so it’ll be available for light aircraft.”

In addition to the $5 million runway project, there are other significant additions coming to the airport, including the Planes of Fame museum that broke ground earlier this year and is now under construction.

There is also the much-anticipated return of daily commercial service to SMX beginning on October 15 when American Airlines starts twice-daily flights to Phoenix.

A United States Customs Office is set to return to the airport after having been closed for many years, plus the Radisson Hotel is undergoing an extension renovation project and will be rebranded when work is complete.

Work is also happening right now in the SMX parking lot, which will soon have solar canopies installed, providing shade for cars, as well power benefits for the airport.

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Taylor Farms voluntarily recalls Honey Balsamic Salad kits

KION on August 28, 2025

Jeanette Bent

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday that Taylor Fresh Foods is voluntarily recalling its Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kit 6/8.3oz. because it may contain undeclared sesame and soy allergens.

The company says that people who may have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame and soy may have a risk of serious to life-threatening allergic reactions if the products are consumed.

According to the FDA, individual packets of dressing and toppings that were supplied by Latitude 36 Foods, LLC. and included in Taylor Farms salad kits, incorrectly included Asian Sesame Ginger dressing rather than the intended Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.

This, the FDA says, can lead to undeclared sesame and soy allergens in some Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kits.

The kits in question were recalled in 25 states — including California, according to the FDA — and include code dates starting with “TFRS” and a “Best If Used By” date up to and including September 4, 2025.

The FDA saying that the product code can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the packaging.

Consumers who have the recalled salad kit should discard it immediately and not consume the salad, according to the FDA. Refunds are available at the location of purchase.

There have been no illnesses reported to Taylor Farms in connection with the recalled product, and this recall does not apply to any other Taylor Farms products or brands.

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176 lbs of meth found hidden in vehicle at Highway 86 immigration checkpoint

KESQ on August 28, 2025

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Indio Border Patrol agents found 176 pounds of methamphetamine after searching a vehicle at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint.

The discovery was made on the morning of Aug. 22.

According to Border Patrol, during a primary inspection of a black SUV at the checkpoint, agents were “alerted to the probable presence of concealed people or drugs.” A subsequent inspection revealed numerous packages of a “crystal-like substance” wrapped in plastic hidden in vehicle compartments. 

The contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine. Authorities said the total street value of the drugs seized is an estimated $149,727.

The two women, both U.S. citizens, ages 42 and 36, were arrested.

Acting Chief Patrol Agent Joseph A. Remenar said this is the third significant drug seizure by Indio Station agents in two weeks.

“Any one of these seizures is significant on its own,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent Remenar said. “Together, they illustrate the dedication and tenacity that the men and women of the El Centro Sector display every single day. Border security is national security, and these seizures are a testament to the importance of the Border Patrol’s national security mission.”

On Aug. 12, while searching a van that emitted a pungent smell, agents discovered 238.72 pounds of packaged marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC, products and $16,265 in cash. The total street value of the drugs seized is an estimated $190,976.

In a second smuggling event on Aug. 12, agents assisted by a Border Patrol K-9 discovered 21 wrapped bundles concealed in a vehicle’s floorboards. The contents of the packages, which totaled 79.9 pounds, tested positive for methamphetamine and are worth an estimated $67, 932.

In all three events, the suspected smugglers were placed under arrest. The vehicles, drugs, and cash were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

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Bannock County Commissioners vote in 2026 budget with promises to try and restore non-profit funding

KIFI on August 28, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– Bannock County Commissioners voted unanimously to implement their controversial 2026 proposed county budget at a regular meeting on Thursday, August 28.

The budget has drawn sharp criticism from Bannock County residents and non-profit organizations for its drafted 14% raises to the Board of Commissioners and cuts to programs like the Aid for Friends homeless shelter, the Pocatello Free Clinic, and the Veterans Memorial Building.

At the commissioners’ meeting on Thursday morning, Commissioner Ken Bullock said funding cuts were made in an effort to lower taxes for residents, but admitted cutting non-profit support may not have been the best course of action.

“One of the biggest mandates we have from the county is to keep their property taxes low; that is probably the number one mandate–we try,” said Commissioner Bullock. “Sometimes in our efforts, maybe we miss, and we probably did as we got down to it. One of the areas that we probably did miss a little bit was some of the charities, some of the non-profits.”

Commissioner Bullock also said the board’s raises were drafted using funds previously allocated to a commissioner’s chief of staff’s job position (with a $75,000 annual salary), which was not filled this year, and the raises would not come from cuts to area non-profits.

Because the proposed budget has already been published, commissioners voted to pass the budget with plans to add revisions, potentially reinstating some county support to cut non-profits.

“I, like Commissioner Bullock, apologize for my narrow view and some of the incorrect information I had,” said Bannock County Board of Commissioners Chair Jeff Hough. “…I’ve been looking for ways to restore some funding to some of the nonprofits that we’ve talked about; we don’t have a solution today, but we have a path forward… I think we can find a way to do some things a little bit differently and correct the wrong.”

Commissioner Hough said budget revisions for county support of local non-profits could come in the next couple of weeks.

For more information or to view the county’s fiscal year 2026 budget, you can visit the Bannock County website.

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Eviction notice hangs on the door of Davis Mortuary

KRDO on August 28, 2025

Celeste Springer

UPDATE: Following the publication of this article, it was announced that the coroner has resigned. His resignation means that there will now be no need for a recall election.

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — A notice of eviction was posted on the doors of Davis Mortuary on Aug. 28. Pueblo County Clerk’s Office says a recall election for Coroner Brian Cotter could cost taxpayers upwards of $480,200.

The clerk’s office says residents have submitted a Notice of Intent to circulate a recall petition to oust Cotter from office. He recently came under fire after 24 bodies were allegedly found in various states of decay in a hidden room of his privately-owned mortuary.

READ MORE: Pueblo County Coroner accused of hiding bodies in secret room at his privately-owned funeral home

Last week, the sheriff’s office said no single public official could remove him from office, based on current Colorado statutes.

In a press conference on Thursday, August 22, Governor Jared Polis said there needed to be reform.

“We can agree, it needs to be reformed after this, the way that you remove a coroner from office that is subject to criminal investigation, unable to do their job. Currently, there is a petition and recall process, costly, time-wise money-wise. There needs to be some way where, in conjunction with the commissioners, the state, the governor, can act when needed to make sure that you have continuity of services for a very basic function that people rely on, during life events,” stated Gov. Polis.

KRDO13 asked the governor where he is in that process. As of Thursday afternoon, his office is working on a response. 

“By the facts that have already been stated, why would someone still be in office?” questioned Peggy Gallegos.

Gallegos is one of hundreds of past Davis Mortuary customers wondering why Brian Cotter is still in his position, and if he’s getting paid. 

“There’s no vehicle by which to remove him or her from office,” Gallegos continued, “Perhaps, you know, our other elected officials can figure that out and determine what criteria needs to take place to actually have that removal happen. Because what if he never resigns?”

On Thursday, Pueblo County confirmed to KRDO13 that Cotter is still on the county payroll. Pueblo County annual salaries show that the county coroner is raking in $131,700 a year.

Pueblo County Commissioners renewed their calls for Cotter to resign in a Board of County Commissioners meeting Thursday.

KRDO13 knocked on Brian Cotter’s door Thursday to ask if he plans to resign. Cotter did not answer the door. We also reached out to his attorney. As of Thursday afternoon, we have yet to get a response.

From here, the recall petition will need to go through a vetting process to ensure it adheres to the law.

If everything checks out, the county says petitioners will have 60 days to collect valid signatures from registered Pueblo County voters. The number of signatures required varies, but in this case, the county says they will need 16,431 verified signatures.

If all the signatures are verified, Cotter does not resign, and the recall election goes through, the county tells KRDO13 the money would come from the county’s general budget.

Statement from Governor Polis:

“I continue to call on Mr. Cotter to do the right thing, save time and taxpayer money, and resign from the Pueblo County Coroner’s office. By refusing to take responsibility for his actions, Mr. Cotter is forcing Pueblo taxpayers to waste money on this recall and delaying families from mourning their loved ones. I look forward to conversations on how we can update our laws to prevent a lapse of services for residents when elected coroners cannot fulfill their duties.”

To read more on the recall process, click here.

To read all of our reports on this case, head here.

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City pivots after Apex rescinds Rosecrans Airport lease agreement

News-Press NOW on August 28, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — It’s back to the drawing board for the city of St. Joseph after a planned agreement with one KC-based airport operator was suddenly withdrawn following claims by a local businessman of an improper selection process by city officials.

Apex Aero Center, a leading Midwest airport operator, was previously in line to become the next fixed base operator at Rosecrans Memorial Airport after an agreement for first reading was introduced at the Aug. 18 City Council meeting.

A city spokesperson and ACC confirmed separately to News-Press NOW that the agreement is now off after the company rescinded its proposal. The company declined to provide a specific reason as to why the decision was made.

Now, the bid award process remains open with the other vendors who submitted proposals. Councilmembers will decide at the next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, how to proceed.

“The city appreciates the outstanding effort put forward by Apex throughout this process,” a city spokesperson said.

The development comes after local businessman and FBO bidder Steve Craig accused the city of improperly selecting Apex during the last council meeting despite reports that the operator did not receive the highest evaluation among multiple proposals submitted, allegedly on multiple rounds of voting.

Craig’s group — which includes local partner Gary Patterson, president of Express Flight, LLC — was one of two local bidders who submitted plans to become the next FBO.

FBOs are organizations or companies granted the right to operate at an airport and provide a broad range of general aviation services for private and recreational flying, including refueling and maintenance services.

At the Aug. 18 meeting, councilmembers opted not to take up Craig’s request for an independent commission to examine the proposals, including a request to table the measure.

According to city documents, Apex was initially selected as the awardee after receiving the highest overall score in the evaluation process, consistently ranking at or near the top in qualifications, operational ability and preparedness.

The document indicates that the city’s Purchasing Department utilized a panel of outside aviation professionals to conduct an independent evaluation of the proposals. The panel included Melissa Cooper, A.A.E., Aviation Director for the City of Kansas City, Missouri; Dave Schaumburg, A.A.E., Springfield-Branson National Airport; and Joe Peska, Aviation Consultant, Woolpert.

“Collectively, these evaluators brought decades of leadership in airport management, commercial development, and aviation infrastructure, ensuring an impartial and industry-informed selection process,” the document reads.

Evaluators highlighted Apex’s proven success operating multiple FBOs in the Midwest, its readiness to begin operations at Rosecrans Memorial Airport without delay and its well-defined operational plan. Apex had also committed to making significant financial investments at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

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Three Car Collision in Santa Maria Considered Major Injury Incident

KEYT on August 28, 2025

Michael Yu

SANTA MARIA, Calif.- A three-car collision is being classified as a major injury incident by California Highway Patrol.

The incident happened around 9:00 pm Wednesday night on the U.S. 101 South ramp at Bettaravia Road in Santa Maria.

According to CHP, the vehicles involved – a Nissan and Toyota vehicle – sustained major front end and back end damage.

The extent of the injuries is currently unknown. We are working on gathering more information on the incident.

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Ventura Army Veteran Sues Federal Government After ICE Detention

KEYT on August 28, 2025

Tracy Lehr

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – A U.S. citizen and Army veteran caught up in a recent Camarillo ICE raid is now suing the federal government.

When ICE agents raided Glass House cannabis farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo on Thursday, July 10, they arrested more than 360 people, including George Retes, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen, Army veteran, and father of two from Ventura.

Retes had been working for Securitas at the guard gate. He said he figured ICE had a job to do—and he had a job to get to.

Retes is suing the government for damages under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) for unconstitutional detention.

“My goal now is to get accountability for what has happened, not only for me, but for what has continued to happen to everyone else,” said Retes. “Unfortunately it hasn’t stopped, so it’s mainly about getting accountability and bringing attention to what ICE is doing, what the government is doing—just holding those people accountable, because no one is above the law.”

He said it isn’t about the money, although he has lost wages, had to repair his car window, and missed his daughter’s third birthday while in custody.

“The entire training process taught me to stay calm under pressure, and so the entire time I knew not to fight back,” said Retes.

Despite his compliance, Retes said agents pepper sprayed him, broke his car window, and dragged him out of his vehicle. He was detained for three days without explanation or apology.

His attorney, Anya Bidwell, senior attorney at the nonprofit Institute for Justice, said this case is about principle, not payout.

“The only remedy that George can seek for a person in his position, for violation of constitutional rights, is damages,” said Bidwell. “It’s not like George is choosing to sue for damages.”

Retes said it was supposed to be his first day on the 4 p.m. shift rather than the night shift at the Glass House front gate. He intended to show up early, and when he saw the rally while driving up, he still thought he should get to work.

“I still have bills to pay, I still have kids to feed, I still need to make money, I still have a job,” Retes said. “I didn’t think it would be a problem. I didn’t do anything wrong, I wasn’t aggressive. I was just trying to let them know that I was trying to get to work. I am not here protesting, I am not trying to get in your face.”

Retes said he is not involved in partisan politics but feels wronged. He has not returned to work since the incident.

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Lithium-Ion Batteries Found at Scene of San Luis Obispo Apartment Fire

KEYT on August 28, 2025

Michael Yu

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – An apartment fire broke out early Thursday morning in San Luis Obispo, but it resulted in minimal damage and no injuries.

San Luis Obispo City firefighters were dispatched to a two-story condominium on Exposition Drive around 7:00 a.m. The first crews on scene found smoke coming from both floors, but all occupants had safely evacuated without injuries.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though lithium-ion batteries were found near the origin.

“We have investigators on site that are looking at the origin of the fire and trying to determine the cause,” said John Macdonald with San Luis Obispo City Fire. “And we have a hazmat team that is going to assess the ability to dispose of the battery. Be very careful with lithium-ion batteries in your home. Make sure that you’re not keeping those plugged into walls and charging when you’re not around them.”

The fire was quickly contained with only minimal damage to the property. Fire crews remain on scene as the investigation continues.

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