Two vehicle fires flare up the Central Coast Thursday morning

KION on September 18, 2025

Jeanette Bent

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) – A 22-year-old resident has been arrested for fleeing the scene of a vehicle fire on Dimeo Lane early Thursday morning.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident happened at 3 a.m. on Highway 1 near Dimeo Lane after a Honda Civic crashed into a parked car and a home.

Both cars and the home caught fire, with fire crews extinguishing the flames. no one in the home was injured.

The driver, a 22-year-old from Soquel, was arrested at the crash site later on. They were arrested for DUI and hit-and-run.

The driver had also sustained major injuries as a result of the incident.

Two vehicle fires flare up the Central Coast Thursday morning

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) — In Santa Cruz County, firefighters from the city’s fire department, CAL FIRE CZU, and Scotts Valley Fire prevented a vehicle fire from becoming a wildland fire near Dimeo Lane and Highway 1, north of Wilder Ranch.

Crews said that an aggressive initial attack prevented the fire from spreading further.

Firefighters did say that the initial fire had spread to a nearby structure as well as a second vehicle.

“Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, additional water tenders and two engines were requested,” wrote CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit on Facebook. “Once CAL FIRE CZU engines and more resources arrived, the fire was extinguished.”

They said that a total of three CAL FIRE CZU engines, two Santa Cruz City Fire engines, and a water tender from Scotts Valley Fire District and Santa Cruz County Volunteer Fire Company 37 assisted with the operation, with CHP – Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office offering traffic control.

Over in the area of Mission Vineyard and San Juan Canyon Road in San Benito County, firefighters also battled a vehicle fire.

Aromas Engine 35 and Engine 4677 assisted Hollister Fire with the fire that involved a minivan fully engulfed.

Crews said that there was no spread to nearby vegetation thanks to quick action and strong coordination by crews on scene.

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Foley Ridge Fire grows to 482 acres; Willamette National Forest expands closure area of trailheads, campgrounds

KTVZ on September 18, 2025

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

McKENZIE BRIDGE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Foley Ridge Fire on the Willamette National Forest has grown to 468 acres, bringing the continued closure of state Highway 242 and an expanded forest closure area that includes several trailheads and campgrounds.

Here is the Thursday morning update from Foley Ridge Fire officials:

Start Date: 09/06/2025

Percent Containment: 0%

Size: 468 Acres

Cause: Lightning

Personnel: 381

Following a period of active fire on Tuesday, the Foley Ridge Fire has grown to 468 acres. Most of the activity is concentrated on the western flank, where the fire is spreading laterally down the canyon along Foley Ridge. Fire crews are currently evaluating all flanks for potential direct engagement opportunities.

Operations continue on the eastern flank, where crews are working to establish a secure anchor point. Chipping operations are advancing along Foley Ridge Road, and ground crews are actively extinguishing hot spots along the existing containment line.

The closure of Highway 242 has significantly improved access and efficiency for heavy equipment to reduce ground fuels along the northern containment boundary.

As mechanized crews advance along Foley Ridge, to the south and east of the fire, creating the shaded fuel break, ground crews are laying hose behind them.

To date, more than 30 miles of hose and 400 sprinklers have been installed to support fire suppression and structure protection objectives. An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) module will be on scene temporarily, using infrared (IR) mapping and aerial imaging to support reconnaissance and identify new operational opportunities. Please note: Willamette National Forest has expanded the closure area.

Evacuations- Lane County Sheriff has issued Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation notices for HWY 242, Yale Camp, White Branch Youth Camp, Alder Spring Campground, Scott Lake Campground, and private residences off HWY 242. For more information on evacuation status, please visit the Lane County Evacuations website.

Closures – All areas, roads, and trailheads inside the boundary of this closure area are closed, including Foley Ridge Road (Forest Service Road 2643).

Closed campgrounds include Alder Springs Campground, Scott Lake Campground, Limberlost Group Campground. Closed Trailheads include Benson/Tenas Trailhead, Hand Lake Trailhead, Linton Lake Trailhead, Obsidian Trailhead, Proxy Falls Trailhead, Scott Trailhead, Rainbow Falls Trailhead, and Separation Lake Trailhead. Inaccessible Trailheads include Foley Ridge Trailhead. For the complete Foley Ridge Fire closure order, including a map, visit our website.

Weather- Mostly sunny skies are forecast for the remainder of the week. Temperatures are consistent with the past few days, in the upper 70s, and a slight increase in relative humidity is expected. Winds will be light, 3-5 mph.

McKenzie River Highway (HWY 242)- HWY 242 is closed until further notice from HWY 126 intersection to MP 76. Please use an alternate route and expect delays. Visit Oregon Department of Transportation’s webpage for additional information https://tripcheck.com.

For more information, visit the incident website.

Per the Foley Ridge Fire Information Facebook page.

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Thunder and Lightning Puts on a Show in SLO County, No Major Impacts Reported

KEYT on September 18, 2025

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – This week’s storm to hit the Central Coast produced an unusual display of thunder and lightning on Wednesday night, but so far, has not resulted in any significant impacts in San Luis Obispo County.

“This is one of those weird storms that we get sometimes in late summer, early fall where we get kind of the side of a tropical storm and we never know what to expect,” said Anita Konopa, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Coordinator. “Sometimes we get a ton of rain and a lot of issues, and sometimes it just kind of spits out and we don’t get a whole lot. It looks like this is going to be one of those second cases where we planned for more than we’re getting.”

Large parts of San Luis Obispo County, including inland, valleys, and mountain areas had been under a flood watch by the National Weather Service (NWS), which was scheduled to last through Friday morning at 2 a.m.

However, due to the change in the storm, the NWS has now lifted those warnings across the county.

When the storm arrived early Wednesday evening, it appeared it was going to pack a big punch.

“Some parts of the county yesterday in 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. range got a bit of a show with some isolated bands of thunderstorms and rain that came through,” said Konopa.

Loud claps of thunder, along with lightning flashes, followed by a sudden downpour were reported in some areas of San Luis Obispo County, raising flags with county emergency officials.

“Dry lightning is always a risk,” said Konopa. “It’s a risk particularly this time of year when the ground is dry and fuels are dry. It was certainly something that our office was working with County CAL FIRE on just to anticipate and be prepared with staffing.”

As of Thursday morning, no fires within the county were reported due to any lightning strikes.

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Herp-O-Rama to spotlight reptiles and amphibians at Remington Nature Center

News-Press NOW on September 18, 2025

Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Families will have a chance to explore the world of reptiles and amphibians during Herp-O-Rama, hosted by the Remington Nature Center.

This Saturday at 10am, the event will feature live animals, a scavenger hunt, crafts and other activities both indoors and outside. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for youth ages 4 to 15 and free for children 3 and under.

Shelly Cox and Dr. Mark Mills will also lead a “herping adventure” beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Wyeth Hill trailhead in River Bluff Trails Park. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

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Seated Exercises Help Seniors Stay Strong, Flexible, and Independent

KEYT on September 18, 2025

Ryder Christ

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Staying active doesn’t always mean breaking a sweat at the gym. For older adults, even simple seated movements can bring big benefits like easing pain, boosting energy, and helping maintain independence.

At 86, Lillian Smith is proof of that. Just two years ago, arthritis in her knees left her nearly unable to walk. “I could barely lift my feet,” she recalled. “But look now. I had aches, but since I’m doing the exercise it’s gone. I’m very grateful for this.”

Smith participates in chair-based exercise classes designed for seniors. The routines may look simple, but they are keeping her strong, mobile, and smiling.

For 74-year-old Rachna Bali, chair-supported yoga has become a lifeline. “It helps with focus, concentration, anxiety, breathing,” she said. “I have acute asthma and it has been helping me.”

Classes like these are part of the California Department of Aging’s mission to expand evidence-based fitness opportunities. The agency partners with senior centers statewide to promote programs that prevent falls, manage chronic conditions, and strengthen community ties.

“It’s a partnership,” said Kimiko Kelly, the director of Arts, Wellness and Engagement at the Jewish Services Center in Los Angeles. “We have social services with case management, transportation, meal service, and engaging activities. All of that is connected to the Department of Aging.”

Beyond the physical results, experts say the group environment is key. Social interaction, laughter, and friendship keep participants motivated.

For Smith, the payoff is simple: she can move without pain.

“The results that I get, I’ll never stop coming.”

For more information on programs for older adults, visit the California Department of Aging.

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Head’s up for Bend drivers: westbound Butler Market Road closes next week as roundabout project begins

KTVZ on September 18, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend will begin construction next week on Butler Market Road between Brinson Boulevard and Eighth Street, closing a westbound stretch of the road as the new roundabout and safety improvements project gets underway, officials said Thursday.

To minimize traffic disruptions, eastbound traffic on Butler Market Road will remain open throughout the construction period. the city said. But starting Monday, September 22, westbound traffic will be closed from Brinson Boulevard to Eighth Street.

“Please allow extra time for travel and follow the posted westbound detour via Brinson Boulevard,” the city said in the announcement, which continues in full below:

Improving the intersection of Butler Market and Wells Acres roads has been a priority for surrounding neighborhoods for many years. A new roundabout at this location will enhance safety and efficiency for all modes of travel.

Project components include installation of a new sewer main, construction of the new roundabout, and key route bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

Together, we’re building a safer, more connected future for everyone who lives, works, and travels through this area. Continue following the progress by visiting the project website and signing up for updates at bendoregon.gov/butler-wells.

The Butler Market and Wells Acres Roundabout and Key Route Project is part of the voter approved 2020 Transportation GO Bond. Several other GO Bond Projects are also underway across Bend. More information about progress, budgets, and scheduling can be found at bendoregon.gov/gobond.

Current temporary road closures are occurring at the following locations: NE Franklin Avenue (one-way traffic closure in place), NE Olney Avenue, and NE Bear Creek Road. Improvements will result in safer routes with more options to get around Bend.

To stay up to date on road closures and detours, sign up for the City of Bend’s Weekly Road and Traffic Report at bendoregon.gov/traffic.

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Missouri fatal crashes decrease for 2025 so far

KMIZ on September 18, 2025

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Fatal crashes in Missouri decreased by 2% in 2025 compared to this time last year, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Deadly crashes are down by 8% across the nation, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 17,000 people died in a car crash between January and June 2025. This time last year, more than 18,500 people had died in a car crash.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F has reported 39 deaths on the roads so far for 2025. The agency reported 69 fatal crashes for 2024.

“We continue to encourage everyone to slow down, avoid distractions like cellphones, have a sober driver and always buckle up,” MSHP Sgt. Kyle Green wrote in a statement.

Troop F, which covers mid-Missouri, is down 15% in fatal crashes compared to this time last year.

Two men died in a crash in Cooper County, and another man died in a crash in Howard County on Wednesday. Two other people died in a crash on Tuesday in Morgan County.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reiterated much of what Green said. MODOT’s Jon Nelson, state highway safety and traffic engineer, added do the speed limit.

“Always drive the appropriate speed, sometimes that’s not the speed limit,” Nelson said.

He continued with examples of when the going the speed limit isn’t safe, like when it’s raining or the roadway is conjested.

“We would we would bring these numbers down significantly if we could just address those different problem behaviors,” said Joe Young, the media relations director for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Young and Nelson noted the same things for drivers to stay safe while on the road.

IIHS researches to find the best way to keep drivers safe on the road. The organization even does crash tests of cars to monitor how the safety system.

“Over time, we’ve added new crash test scenarios that are more challenging for vehicles and that have pushed safety even further,” Young

Young said safety features in cars can also prevent crashes.

“If anyone has purchased a vehicle recently, it might have automatic emergency braking on board that vehicle, and that’s a proven technology that helps to cut rear-end crashes,” Young said. “Things like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, are all proven technologies that are cutting crashes.”

2025 deadly crash data could change as the year goes on.

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Desert Hot Springs Animal Care & Control Facility Temporarily Closes

KESQ on September 18, 2025

City News Service

DESERT HOT SPRINGS (CNS) – Desert Hot Springs officials announced today the temporary closure of the city’s Animal Care and Control facility following a recent fire that damaged a transformer and a power pole.   

The closure will take place on Hacienda Avenue and Cholla Drive until further notice, city officials said.

Residents were advised to stay clear of the area.   

The animal shelter provides care and services to lost or abandoned animals among other services.

More information can be made by contacting Animal Care and Control at animalcontrol@dhspd.com.

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AFib Awareness Month at Dignity Health Central Coast

KEYT on September 18, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Dignity Health Central Coast is calling attention to September as A-Fib Awareness Month, raising a caution flag.

Physicians want the public to be aware of what they’re calling a hidden danger, which many may not be aware they already have.

A-Fib, or atrial fibrillation, is an irregular heartbeat, often fast, and occurs when the upper chambers of the heart–the atria–lose coordination and beat erratically, out of sync with the lower ventricles.

This can cause problems with blood flow leading to dizziness and fatigue, and increased risk of blood clotting and stroke.

“It’s a very important problem because atrial fibrillation can cause increase in risk of stroke,” says Dr. Ragesh Panikkath, a cardiac electrophysiologist at French Hospital in San Luis Obispo. “So there’s a five times increased risk of stroke, three times increased risk of heart failure, twice the risk of mortality in patients who have atrial fibrillation than who don’t have atrial fibrillation.”

Factors that can contribute to A-Fib include diabetes, obesity and thyroid conditions, as well as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and sleep apnea.

“The most common symptom is tiredness and shortness of breath, which someone could easily, think could be due to something else rather than being due to atrial fibrillation,” says Dr. Panikkath.

Doctors refer to A-Fib as a hidden danger because many who have it don’t feel anything wrong for long periods of time.

“That’s why more awareness is needed about this problem,” says Dr. Panikkath.

Research shows that between 2.5 and 6 million Americans are estimated to be directly affected by A-Fib, and the figure is only predicted to rise.

“There are more patients or people with atrial fibrillation than all the cancers combined,” says Dr. Panikkath. “It’s a huge number and many people are unaware about it in the population because they don’t feel it or they might just feel they’re getting older or have little shortness of breath because of aging. But in fact atrial fibrillation is causing it.”

There are medical and consumer grade technologies such as the Apple watch on the market and in development making early detection possible.

Physicians still advise a healthy lifestyle, regular screenings, and open communication with your doctor.

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CPUC approves SoCal Edison rate hike in 4-0 vote

KESQ on September 18, 2025

Garrett Hottle

SAN FRANSISCO, Calif. (KESQ) The California Public Utilities Commission voted 4-0 to allow Southern California Edison to raise residential power bills by nearly 10 percent starting Oct. 1.

The proposal, part of Edison’s 2025 General Rate Case, would add about $17 a month or roughly $200 a year for a typical household using 500 kilowatt hours, according to CPUC estimates.

Edison argues the increase is necessary to cover day-to-day operations and grid upgrades, including wildfire mitigation, vegetation management and preparing the system for higher electric demand. A CPUC fact sheet notes the proposed decision would authorize $9.756 billion in revenue for 2025, about $727 million less than Edison requested.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is also running for governor, urged commissioners in a letter this week to reject the proposal, calling it “an unacceptable burden on families.” He also criticized a new income-based fixed charge set to take effect in November.

“Ratepayers cannot continue to be treated as a bottomless piggy bank,” Bianco wrote.

The meeting began at 11 a.m. in San Francisco, with public comment scheduled before the vote. The agenda item could be approved, modified or delayed.

News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle is monitoring the CPUC meeting live from the Breaking News Center and will provide updates throughout the day. Tune in at Noon for the latest developments.

You can view the meeting live at this link.

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