Ventura Unified Thanks Voters As Measure E Projects Transform School Facilities

KEYT on August 18, 2025

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from Ventura Unified School District regarding Facility Projects funded by Measure E

VENTURA, Calif. – Over this past summer, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) made significant progress on campus upgrades and modernizations funded by Measure E, the $434 million bond measure approved by voters in November 2022. VUSD recently welcomed students back for the 2025–26 school year, and VUSD is reflecting on the measurable impact of these projects and expressing deep gratitude to the community for its investment in public education.

“Thanks to the support of our voters, we’re making substantive and visible improvements to our campuses that will benefit generations of students,” said Dr. Antonio Castro, Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District. “From safer learning environments to modern infrastructure and long-overdue repairs, Measure E is helping us create campuses that better support the way students learn and thrive.”

Project Highlights to Date

Over the summer of 2025, dozens of projects reached completion or key milestones across the district’s 28 campuses. Highlights include:

Safety & Security

529 new security cameras installed across 14 campuses, with more underway.

Security fencing upgrades completed at Portola and scheduled at Anacapa and Cabrillo.

Fire sprinkler repairs and access ramp improvements for enhanced safety.

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

All campuses now have energy-saving LED lighting, including stadiums at Buena and Ventura High Schools.

Districtwide solar installations are underway, with projected annual savings of $2 million and the added benefit of shade structures.

Upgraded HVAC systems using high-efficiency heat pumps are under construction or in design at multiple sites, beginning with the hottest areas of the district.

Playgrounds & Outdoor Learning

New inclusive playgrounds built at 4 elementary schools, with 13 more in design or planned through 2028.

Design features include age-appropriate TK play areas, accessible equipment, and natural shade from new trees.

Facilities Modernization

Roofing replacements completed at 4 schools, with additional work scheduled through 2028.

LED, HVAC, and solar work planned for Ventura Adult & Continuing Education.

Upgrades made to learning spaces and support facilities, including a new culinary classroom at Buena High and performing arts center improvements at Ventura High.

General Improvements

Projects include pool heater and chemical system replacements, concrete ramps, structural repairs, landscaping refreshes, and electrical upgrades—improving daily functionality districtwide.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next

While summer 2025 marks a major step forward, VUSD is just getting started. Upcoming major projects include:

Athletic stadium resurfacing and fieldhouse construction at Buena and Ventura High

Restroom restorations at Cabrillo

PA system and security enhancements across all campuses

Painting, exterior, and accessibility upgrades at multiple campuses

Full pool replacements at both Buena and Ventura High Schools

To ensure taxpayer dollars go even further, VUSD is actively pursuing state matching grants.

“This is a long-term investment in our students, our teachers, and our community,” said Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Dr. Ahsan Mirza. “We are deeply thankful to the voters who made Measure E possible.”

About Measure E

Measure E was placed on the ballot in November 2022 in response to the district’s Long Range Facilities Master Plan (2020–2030), which outlined the need to modernize aging schools and bring facilities up to current health, safety, and educational standards. VUSD spans approximately 165 square miles, serving approximately 14,000 students across 28 school sites, from preschool through adult education.

While VUSD students continue to thrive academically and socially, many facilities are over 50 years old and in urgent need of repairs. Measure E funding enables the district to upgrade infrastructure, improve accessibility, increase energy efficiency, and build learning environments that support modern teaching and learning.

Learn MoreFor a full breakdown of completed and upcoming projects, visit:

Measure E Website: https://www.venturausd.org/about/measure-e

Board Presentation (June 24, 2025): Watch Here

Project Photo Gallery: View Summer 2025 Progress Photos

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Take the Reins: Texas Roadhouse hosts fundraiser for Bridle Up Hope tonight

KIFI on August 18, 2025

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Tonight, Texas Roadhouse in Pocatello is partnering with Bridle Up Hope to raise money for a great cause. From now until 10 p.m., 10% of all dinner profits will go directly to Bridle Up Hope’s scholarship fund. This money will help more women and girls in the Pocatello area access a unique program that uses horses to build confidence and resilience.

“We’re trying to build our scholarship fund so that we can offer scholarships to girls and women who want to take it, but may not be able to afford it,” said Program Director Lana Davies.

If you can’t make it tonight, Bridle Up Hope is hosting another fundraiser next month featuring champion rodeo athlete Amberley Snyder. For more information, click HERE.

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‘Sensory Safari’ exhibit brings the jungle to American Falls District Library

KIFI on August 18, 2025

Sam Ross

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The American Falls district library is playing host to a jungle’s worth of wild animals. The ‘Sensory Safari’ is making its way around southeast Idaho thanks to the local branch of the International Safari Club.

Library visitors can admire and even touch the dozens of species of exotic animals. Library leaders say the unique exhibit always draws a crowd.

People love it. And this year we did it in August, which was a great time. It’s usually a slower month at the library, and we have had all kinds of people come in. I think because they’re not in school yet. So they bring the kids in, and it’s just been great.

The ‘Sensory Safari’ will only be sticking around American Falls until tomorrow, August 19. But if you missed it, you could still get another chance nearby. The Portneuf District Library in Chubbuck will host the Safari starting Thursday.

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Portion of Sinton Trail to close until October for trail improvements

KRDO on August 18, 2025

Celeste Springer

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A section of Sinton Trail will close on Tuesday as construction begins, according to officials with the City of Colorado Springs.

According to officials, a closure from Holland Park Boulevard to North Chestnut Street will run until October.

A detour will be available via Darby Street and Ellston Street. City of Colorado Springs officials say there will be signs to direct you, and you can check out a detour map by clicking here.

According to the City of Colorado Springs, construction is set to bring new improvements, including:

Removal of degraded asphalt

Replacement of the concrete trail to enhance the trail surface

Removal of overhead hazards (abandoned utilities and waterline)

Grade and drainage improvements

Improvements to accessibility and connectivity

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Bend man admits beating, dragging his dog on NE Third Street, faces likely 15-day jail term, agrees to give up ‘Freya’

KTVZ on August 18, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man arrested on charges he beat and dragged his dog down a busy northeast Bend street entered a negotiated guilty plea Monday and faces a likely 15-day jail term. He also will be sentenced on two probation violations and agreed to give up the dog, a brown Labrador named Freya. 

Sentencing is set for Wednesday morning for Kyle Jensen Strong, 36, who police said was seen by witnesses on Saturday evening, August 9th “repeatedly hitting, grabbing and dragging the dog” on NE Third Street near Olney Avenue. 

Officers found Strong walking his bike along Third Street with the dog on a leash. He denied hitting the dog, but witnesses approached police and provided several videos and witness statements to confirm the actions, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said. 

Strong appeared by video Monday from the Deschutes County Jail, where he’s been held without bail for violating probation. 

Strong signed a petition Friday, pleading guilty to one of the three counts of second-degree animal neglect, a Class B misdemeanor. Strong said in the petition that he “did unlawfully and recklessly cause physical injury to an animal, to-wit: a canine known as Freya.” 

Freya allegedly beaten Bend dogFreya, dog allegedly beaten by Bend man, is in the care of the Humane Society of Central Oregon

As a result, prosecutors agreed to recommend that the judge impose a 15-day jail sentence, concurrent with any sanctions for violating probation in two 2023 cases. 

Circuit Judge Beth Bagley also canceled a hearing set for Tuesday on prosecutors’ petition to require that Strong forfeit the dog, after court-appointed defense attorney Dylan Potter pointed out that his client already agreed to do so, as part of the guilty plea. 

Court records show Strong pleaded guilty in Deschutes County in 2024 to DUII, hit-and-run (property damage) and resisting arrest. Six other charges were dismissed, including second-degree burglary, third-degree theft, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. His three-year probation in that case continues until early 2027, and his driver’s license was suspended for life.

Strong also pleaded not guilty in June and has a jury trial set for September in Grant County on a felony DUII charge, along with misdemeanor counts of reckless driving, hit-and-run (property damage) and driving with a suspended or revoked license. 

He also pleaded not guilty a year ago in Multnomah County to three misdemeanor charges of first- and second-degree criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. That case may go to trial next month.

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Missouri AG Bailey to take FBI job

KMIZ on August 18, 2025

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

President Donald Trump is tapping Missouri’s attorney general to be a key player in Trump’s FBI.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will be the state’s third attorney general in a row to leave for Washington, D.C., when he takes a job as FBI co-deputy director working alongside Dan Bongino, Fox reported Monday.

Fox News first reported the story.

Bailey said in a news release that he plans to resign Sept. 8 to move on to his new job. The governor will now appoint a replacement to finish his term.

Former Gov. Mike Parson appointed Bailey to be AG in November 2022, and he was sworn in the following January. He won re-election with almost 60% of the vote in November 2024.

Bailey has been a strong supporter of Trump’s policy positions, joining the administration on multiple lawsuits.

Bailey also challenged Columbia Public Schools’ COVID-19 protocols in court and, recently, demanded documents from the company that is building the Grain Belt Express wind energy line through Missouri.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

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54-year-old man accused of attempted rape near Whitewater

KESQ on August 18, 2025

Jesus Reyes

WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) – A 54-year-old man was arrested after being accused of attempted murder and attempted rape in the Whitewater area over the weekend.

The incident was first reported on Saturday at approximately 7:10 a.m. on the 60000 block of Dillon Road.

“The victim stated that a subject armed with a knife had attempted to rape her. She was able to get away and call for help,” writes the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were able to locate the suspect nearby.

The suspect is being held at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, where he remains in custody on $1 million bail. He faces charges of burglary, attempted rape, and attempted murder.

The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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County Behavioral Wellness Accepting Annual Applications for John Kovacs Scholarship Awards

KEYT on August 18, 2025

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness regarding the 2025 John Kovacs Scholarship Awards

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness is announcing the opening of the application period for its annual John Kovacs Scholarship award, designed for persons who identify as having mental health and/or substance use experience, also known as “peers.” This scholarship program was made available through a generous donation from the John Kovacs Revocable Trust which was gifted to Behavioral Wellness. To honor the memory of John Kovacs, the Department established a Memorial Scholarship that awards up to two $2,500 scholarships annually.

Applications are due by September 30th, 2025. The applications will be scored in October and the announcement of 2025 John Kovacs scholarship recipients will occur at the annual Peer celebration in the end of November or beginning of December. For Peers interested in applying, the application can be found online and completed in English here and in Spanish here.

2024 Kovacs awardee Arthur Marroquin shares, “The scholarship helped me catch up on debts, which opened the door to saving, finding stable housing, and balancing work and college.” “Being seen and supported made a difference not only in my life, but in my children’s, who proudly celebrated with me at graduation.”

“This award gave me more than financial help, it restored my faith in people,” shares 2024 awardee Vincent Saucedo. “It brought me security, shelter, and hope at a time when anger felt easier than gratitude. It renewed my hope and inspired me to pay it forward.”

Recipients, as people who embody tenacity, resiliency and overcoming of barriers are selected through a committee process. Applicants must self-identify as having lived experience in the process of recovery from mental illness, substance use disorder, or both; either as a consumer of these services or as the parent or family member of the consumer. In addition, applicants must show a demonstrated need and explain how these funds will help bridge an important gap, address an unmet necessity, or make a significant difference in helping to achieve a life changing goal.

To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit https://www.countyofsb.org/274/Behavioral-Wellness. For assistance accessing Behavioral Wellness services, call the 24/7 toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line at (888) 868-1649.

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Jesse Andrew Mendoza of Santa Barbara convicted for CHP officer assault during DUI arrest

KEYT on August 18, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA, Calif. – Jesse Andrew Mendoza, a 20-year-old Santa Barbara man, received a conviction from a Ventura County jury Monday after assaulting a California Highway Patrol officer during a DUI arrest in 2024, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

The jury found Mendoza guilty on several charges, and the man faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison upon sentencing, according to the VCDAO.

CHP officers stopped Mendoza’s car on Oct. 5, 2024, after seeing it swerve and speed through traffic on the southbound Highway 101, according to the VCDAO.

Mendoza showed signs of impairment and didn’t pass a sobriety test before his DUI arrest, according to the VCDAO.

Mendoza then slipped from his handcuffs during his transport to the CHP Ventura station. Mendoza attacked the officer driving the patrol vehicle by clawing at the officer’s face and neck, according to the VCDAO.

The officer avoided the Mendoza’s attack before the Santa Barbara man fled on foot from the patrol car, according to the VCDAO.

Officers then chased Mendoza and had to carry him back to the patrol vehicle. One of the officers had facial injuries from the attack but has since recovered, according to the VCDAO.

Patrol car video footage showed Mendoza messing with his handcuffs before the attack, according to the VCDAO.

Mendoza also had a previous conviction for assault with a deadly weapon and personally inflicting great bodily injury in Santa Barbara County five months before the DUI arrest, according to the VCDAO.

Mendoza is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 16 and remains in custody without bail under the following charges, according to the VCDAO:

Charges:

PC 245(c) – Assault upon a peace officer

PC 240 – Assault

PC 836.6(b) – Escape from arrest

PC 148(a)(1) – Resist, obstruct, delay of peace officer

VC 23152(a) – Diving while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage

VC 23152(b) – Driving with a 0.08% or higher blood alcohol

Special Allegations:

PC 667S2 – Prior strike 2

PC 1170(h)(3) – Prior serious or violent felony

PC 667(a)(1) – Serious felony prior

CRC 4.421(a)(1)

CRC 4.421(b)(4)

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Water Shut Off: McCammon Water Main project begins Tuesday, August 19

KIFI on August 18, 2025

Seth Ratliff

MCCAMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — Starting Tuesday, August 19, at 7 a.m., the city of McCammon will begin a vital upgrade to the city’s water system. To ensure safe and sanitary conditions, crews will shut off the old water main on Center Street while they connect the new line.

For Affected Residents

Residents who received a door hanger notification last week will have their water shut off for up to 12 hours. Once water service is restored, a mandatory 36-hour boil order will be in effect. For detailed instructions on what to do during a boil order, click HERE.

For All Other Residents

Residents not directly impacted are asked to conserve water to prevent additional service disruptions. Please refrain from using water unless it’s absolutely necessary. This includes no watering of yards or pastures, as the rest of the city will be supplied by only one well during this upgrade.

If your water pressure is suddenly lost, you must also follow the boil order instructions.

For updates on the water project, click HERE.

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