“Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs” Premieres Sunday, November 16th at First Time Film Festival in Goleta

KEYT on October 30, 2025

News Channel 3-12

Below is a press release from the city of Goleta regarding a new short film at the first-ever Wild and Free Film Festival.

GOLETA, Calif. – The City of Goleta is proud to premiere a new short film, Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs, that will be shown as part of a California Stories Shorts Block at the first-ever Wild and Free Film Festival on Sunday, November 16th at 2:00 p.m. at the Camino Real Cinemas (7040 Market Place) in Goleta. Tickets are free for this event, but seating is limited. You are encouraged to arrive by 1:30 p.m. and stay till approximately 3:30 p.m. for the Q and A panel following the showing of the short films.

Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs is the compelling story of how the Goleta community came together decades ago to protect this beautiful space and the perseverance that still exists today to steward the land for all to enjoy for generations to come. It highlights the race to protect the place thousands of monarch butterflies return to every winter. The film was created as part of Ellwood Mesa’s 20-year anniversary of when the land was saved from development and officially turned over to the City of Goleta to be preserved as open space. 

City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “We hope you enjoy this heartfelt tribute showcasing the community’s enduring passion and commitment to Ellwood Mesa. Prepare yourself to leave the theatre feeling motivated to never give up when you care about something worth fighting for.”

The film is a natural fit to be included in the first Wild and Free Film Festival, a weekend long independent film festival taking place November 14-16th at Camino Real Cinemas. The festival will feature the screening of 30 new and original films that celebrate adventurous, diverse, and environmentally conscious storytelling from around the world. To see the full festival line-up and ticket options, including an all-access pass and tickets for the opening night film and reception, go to www.wildandfreefilm.org. Sunday tickets are free for the Community Day, but all access pass holders will receive priority seating.

The City was pleased to partner with Paradigm Pictures and Ellwood Friends to put together this short film. We recognize that there are so many more historical details, stories and people not included in this short film that are a part of Ellwood Mesa’s incredible story. We want to express our sincere appreciation for each and every one of you. For a more detailed account of Ellwood Mesa’s history and stories go to ellwoodfriends.org/stories. 

We look forward to watching Ellwood Mesa: Beyond the Bluffs with you on November 16th.

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New mosque coming to Rancho Mirage, unanimous vote by planning commission

KESQ on October 30, 2025

Daniella Lake

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Rancho Mirage unanimously approved a new mosque to occupy 69640 Highway 111. It’ll be the first mosque on the western side of the Coachella Valley.

“This building was once a restaurant, but now it has a chance to serve as something even more meaningful. A place of tranquility, a place that strengthens community ties, and a place that will add to the diversity and the spirit of the city,” says Dr. Iyoob Ilyas, a surgeon at Eisenhower hospital.

Dr. Llyas and other muslim doctors from Eisenhower brought forth the idea to have a mosque in Rancho Mirage. Dr. Llyas says that he used to drive all the way to the mosque in Coachella for daily prayer before he and his colleagues started using the interfaith chapel at the hospital.

The facility will be named the Islamic Society of the Desert. According to their website, they will offer daily prayers, dedicated spaces for women and children, Arabic classes and more. Their website also says they’re hoping to raise $2 million for the mosque, right now they’re 32% of the way there. 

“I feel very strongly that the Muslim community needs to expand and feel comfortable here…I really want us to think for a moment, has any house of worship ever done anything but good for a community?,” said one passionate attendee of the planning commission meeting.

The mosque will be in between a Christian church and the Jewish Federation of the Desert. Some community members expressed concerns amid tensions between Jewish and Muslim communities due to the war in Gaza.

“We love Muslims and everybody else. That’s not the issue. The issue is what kind of problem are we creating If we put a mosque right there where they want it? Next to the [Jewish] federation in one of the busiest intersections in the valley,” said rancho mirage resident, Rick Stein.

The city hasn’t announced the plans to open the new mosque outside of the planning commission meeting. Minor updates to the building and landscaping are already underway.

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Hundreds of Kids to Enjoy Pre-Halloween Fun at PAL Program Trunk-or-Treat

KEYT on October 30, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The annual Santa Barbara Trunk-or-Treat in Santa Barbara brought out hundreds of kids Thursday for the pre-Halloween event.

It took place in the parking lot at Spencer Adams Park downtown. That’s adjacent to the Police Activities League (PAL) program headquarters on Chapala St. at the corner of Victoria.

The parking lot was full of vehicles, many from first responders, and a festive experience. Decorations were at every turn.

The event had over 1000 pieces of candy at most sites, music, a photo spot and a family friendly, safe environment for kids to get Halloween treats and also meet first responders from agencies including police and fire.

They were greeted at the entrance by Chief of Police Kelly Gordon.

NOTE: Three live reports are attached to this story. Click on the dots below the main picture.

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City unveils plan for new stage, remodel of Coleman Hawkins Park next spring

News-Press NOW on October 30, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — After much time and planning, parks officials have finalized the new vision for one of Downtown’s top venues for shows and festivals.

Shovels are set to break ground next spring on a $900,000 parks tax-funded project to remodel Coleman Hawkins Park, a process that included numerous feedback from Downtown groups, performers and community members.

“That project is now out for bid. In late November or early December, we should be ready to go to Council for their approval and then we’ll be able to get that project going by spring,” St. Joseph Parks Director Jeff Atkins said. “We’re kind of hoping for a late July, August completion date.”

Once complete, visitors will see a new-look layout, one that’s designed to maximize viewing space and enhance sound capabilities for concerts, events and other year-round activities.

Central to the renovation project is relocating and replacing the gazebo with a large new stage that faces north toward Francis Street, as opposed to facing Felix Street.

“The whole front of the stage will be wide open … a lot easier for the bands to just to be seen by the crowd. It’ll have a big cantilever roof over it,” Atkins said. “We’ve talked to everybody we can think of to gather information on what type of footprint fits best. We think we’ve got that.” 

This rendering, courtesy of the City of St. Joseph, shows the proposed layout for the new stage and seating area at Coleman Hawkins Park in Downtown St. Joseph.

Additionally, the adjacent hillside will be landscaped into new terraces to create a true seating and amphitheater-like setting with improved acoustics. The famous Coleman Hawkins statue will also be relocated south and installed next to the new stage during construction.

“The terraces are going to be great for seating and it’s going to give that view for people in the background with a little bit of elevation, it’ll absolutely beautify the space too,” said Jeff Waggoner, owner of The Den, a popular cocktail bar on Felix Street. “It’ll allow sound to travel better.”

With Downtown destinations like the new-and-improved Civic Arena and InspireU Children’s Discovery Museum driving increased foot traffic in the area — including plans for new apartments on Felix Street — Waggoner thinks the project couldn’t come at a more perfect time.

“It’s a super exciting vision, Downtown has needed a new venue for festivities and for music for quite some time,” Waggoner said. “For the city to be stepping up and supporting such a large redo of a venue, with the overall revitalization with Downtown, we’re really on this growth curve that is headed in the right direction.”

A city sign stands by Coleman Hawkins Park informing pedestrians of the upcoming renovation project next spring.

The venue is also the home for longstanding community events like the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society’s “HawkFest” and Celtic Street Faire.

Waggoner confirmed that the popular Sounds of Summer Concert Series will continue as planned next year at the venue, although disruptions are expected.

“We will still have bands. We will still have events down here. It’ll look a little bit different, but I’m convinced that people will still come down to support and enjoy what we have to offer,” said Jeff Waggoner, owner of the Den and president of the Downtown Association Board of Directors.

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Lawyer brings “Doloresaurus” to life for prehistoric Halloween

CNN on October 30, 2025


KPIX

By Itay Hod

Click here for updates on this story

    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — In a cramped garage right across from San Francisco’s Dolores Park, something prehistoric has emerged.

“It looks like it’s good to go,” Trevor Mead said, making a final check before his latest transformation.

For the past three years, Mead, a San Francisco lawyer and artist, has been working on a monster of a project. He flips a switch, steps inside, adjusts the controls — and just like that, the creature comes to life.

Meet the Doloresaurus, a seven-foot-tall, fifteen-foot-long glowing dinosaur on a mission to light up people’s lives. About once a week, he roams the neighborhood, stomping his way into people’s hearts.

“That is the best Halloween costume I’ve ever seen,” said local Stephanie Gladney.

“Only in San Francisco! Trust, only in San Francisco,” added Brendon Milan-Howells, another parkgoer.

Mead said the idea first hatched in 2023, when he saw a dinosaur art installation and wondered, “What if I made my own?” Only his version is less Jurassic Park and more Dolores Park.

“It is spreading joy at exactly the time and place we need it the most,” Mead said.

With PVC bones and skin made of foam lined with LED lights, the Doloresaurus can roam the streets for up to six hours at a time. Mead said this is just the first hatchling — he hopes to build a whole herd so others can roam their own stomping grounds.

At the end of the night, this dino headed back to his cave, a reminder that sometimes, even the craziest idea can spark a kind of joy that never goes extinct.

“When I’m done, I’m tired,” Mead said, “but it’s always satisfying, especially when nothing broke.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Lawyer brings “Doloresaurus” to life for prehistoric Halloween

CNN Newsource on October 30, 2025

By Itay Hod

Click here for updates on this story

    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — In a cramped garage right across from San Francisco’s Dolores Park, something prehistoric has emerged.

“It looks like it’s good to go,” Trevor Mead said, making a final check before his latest transformation.

For the past three years, Mead, a San Francisco lawyer and artist, has been working on a monster of a project. He flips a switch, steps inside, adjusts the controls — and just like that, the creature comes to life.

Meet the Doloresaurus, a seven-foot-tall, fifteen-foot-long glowing dinosaur on a mission to light up people’s lives. About once a week, he roams the neighborhood, stomping his way into people’s hearts.

“That is the best Halloween costume I’ve ever seen,” said local Stephanie Gladney.

“Only in San Francisco! Trust, only in San Francisco,” added Brendon Milan-Howells, another parkgoer.

Mead said the idea first hatched in 2023, when he saw a dinosaur art installation and wondered, “What if I made my own?” Only his version is less Jurassic Park and more Dolores Park.

“It is spreading joy at exactly the time and place we need it the most,” Mead said.

With PVC bones and skin made of foam lined with LED lights, the Doloresaurus can roam the streets for up to six hours at a time. Mead said this is just the first hatchling — he hopes to build a whole herd so others can roam their own stomping grounds.

At the end of the night, this dino headed back to his cave, a reminder that sometimes, even the craziest idea can spark a kind of joy that never goes extinct.

“When I’m done, I’m tired,” Mead said, “but it’s always satisfying, especially when nothing broke.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Jefferson City Salvation Army calls for food donations with SNAP deadline approaching

KMIZ on October 30, 2025

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Citing a dramatic increase in demand for food, the Jefferson City Salvation Army has issued a public call for donations to replenish its food bank.

“Community members seeking assistance with food has drastically increased over the past 2 weeks and with SNAP benefits not renewing for many neighbors next week, we expect even more visitors in the days/weeks ahead,” the organization wrote in a Facebook post Thursday morning.

The Salvation Army Food Pantry has a list that includes canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat, canned pasta, soup, Minute Rice, macaroni and cheese, pancake mix, canned milk, juice and peanut butter and jelly. Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 927 Jefferson St.

Those who need to drop off outside of that schedule can call 573-635-1975 to arrange another time. Donations can also be made online.

The Salvation Army also encouraged people to start food drives at their churches, workplaces and in their neighborhoods and bring the collected items to the pantry.

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Local Non-Profit Seeing Spike In Food Needs, Calling Farmers, Businesses, and Residents

KEYT on October 30, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (KEYT) – Veggie Rescue Of Santa Barbara County is calling on the community of farmers, food businesses, and even residents with gardens to help meet an anticipated spike in local food needs.

They’ve already observed significant reductions in food assistance programs such as SNAP.

“Santa Barbara County, over the last few years, has become the second poorest and the second most food insecure county of all counties throughout the state of California,” says Eryn Shugart, Veggie Rescue’s Executive Director. “There’s 58 counties in California, and Santa Barbara County has the second highest rate of food insecurity. And with the recent cuts, food insecurity is growing.”

They’re anticipating another significant surge of hunger county-wide in the face of the ongoing federal government shutdown and the resulting halt in supplement program payouts starting Saturday.

“This is a really concerning time,” says Shugart. “And this weekend there’s going to be further reductions in the SNAP benefits. So we’re really just hoping that community members can be part of the solution.”

In preparation for the sudden growth in need from locals, Veggie Rescue is seeking additional farm and business partners.

“Veggie Rescue has three refrigerated trucks,” says Shugart. “We are on the road, 363 days a year. And so we go to our farm, store, and restaurant donors. We retrieve the produce and other food and we take it then within no more than 24 hours and donate it to nonprofits and other organizations serving hungry community members.”

They’re also looking for what they call “gleaning locations,” properties with fruit trees or gardens where they can send volunteers to harvest any excess produce to share with other local non-profits.

“There’s a lot of people and organizations, nonprofits that focus every day on reducing food waste, and we’re proud to be one of them,” says Terry Delaney, Veggie Rescue’s founder.

Those interested in donating or coordinating gleaning efforts can find Veggie Rescue’s website by clicking here or calling them at (805)350-9154.

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Historic Santa Barbara Mission Faces New Housing Showdown

KEYT on October 30, 2025

Patricia Martellotti

SANTA BARBARA — Two towering housing projects proposed mere steps from the iconic Old Mission Santa Barbara have sparked a fierce preservation showdown, pitting urgent housing needs against historic and environmental safeguards.

“There’s no question that the proposal would lead to significant traffic and safety impacts in the case of a fire or an earthquake. It’s already jampacked,” said resident Lanny Ebenstein.

Leading the charge is SAGE (Sustainable Architecture for the Greater Environment), a new coalition fighting to protect the area’s heritage.

The plans: an eight-story, 270-unit complex directly behind the Mission and a multi-story tower on Grand Avenue in a high fire zone.

“It’s the fire area zone that’s over the entire hazardous state hill … and the concern is not only the fire but the evacuation of getting 400 automobiles out of that site,” said SAGE architect Fred Sweeney, pointing to a map.

Developers are using Builder’s Remedy to bypass zoning.

The city must process applications despite opposition.

While the application is complete, it conflicts with local rules and is under review for fire and safety risks.“Of course it’s one of our most important architectural resources … Mission Canyon and Foothill could clog fast in an emergency. That’s a problem,” said Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse.

A Sacramento cleanup bill is now raising questions about environmental exemptions.

“We must consider endangered species, tribal consultation when skipping CEQA,” said Sen. Monique Limón, who added that lawmakers are pushing for closer scrutiny of exempt projects.

SAGE insists it supports housing—just not here.

Over 400 neighbors have demanded full impact reports.

“We all back affordable housing,” said SAGE attorney Marc Chytilo. “But Builder’s Remedy lets this skirt laws protecting Santa Barbara’s safety.”

Old Mission leaders warn the towers could destroy the site’s iconic views.

“It really doesn’t have any architectural fit and could tower over the Mission,” said Father Joe Schwab.

“To propose something that would affect an historic site and its views is really remarkable that that would just be ignored.”

Both projects face public hearings soon.

City leaders warn the outcome could reshape California’s housing future.

Developers did not respond to requests for comment.

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Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, & More to Receive 2026 SBIFF Virtuosos Award

KEYT on October 30, 2025

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has announced the star-studded lineup they have in store for the 2026 Virtuosos Award.

Actors Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Amy Madigan, Wagner Moura, Renate Reinsve, Sydney Sweeney, Teyana Taylor and Jeremy Allen White will receive their Virtuosos Award at the 41st annual film festival in February.

The award recognizes a group of talent whose “exceptional work in films this year has placed them at the center of the conversation around noteworthy cinematic performances.”

The recipients will be honored for their performances in the following films:

Jacob Elordi – FRANKENSTEIN

Chase Infiniti – ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

Amy Madigan – WEAPONS

Wagner Moura – THE SECRET AGENT

Renate Reinsve – SENTIMENTAL VALUE

Sydney Sweeney – CHRISTY

Teyana Taylor – ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

Jeremy Allen White – SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE

The actors are scheduled to receive their award in-person on Sunday, February 8th during an evening moderated by by Dave Karger, Turner Classic Movies host.

“This year’s group of Virtuosos are as impressive as they are eclectic. We’ve got three international actors, two megastars from acclaimed television series, two breakouts from the latest Paul Thomas Anderson film, and even one veteran performer who earned an Oscar nomination 40 years ago. I can’t wait to return to Santa Barbara for my 16th year and chat with them all,” said Karger.

The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place from February 4th – 14th, 2026.

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